Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Lucky Hank’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that our explorations of the mid-life crisis, via the AMC series, Lucky Hank, have been quite singular in nature. Singular in the respect that the show has only focused upon one aspect of the crisis per episode, and it makes sense as to why. For this is indeed something we don’t understand all that well. So, it is supremely helpful for a viewer to learn about this life changing event in stages and properly observe every step and every pratfall that accompanies the mid-life crisis. But while that has made for some fascinating storytelling, the kind that has indeed given us perspective, it has left us wondering what comes next for folks suffering from this event. Such as when does it end? How does one get out of it? And for that matter, why is it so supremely important to address this head on?  
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Well as it turns out, the series is inching closer to answering all of those questions as evidenced by this week’s episode of the show. For ‘The Arrival’ used the arrival of Hank’s dad in Railton to answer two of the three of those questions. A feat made possible by an impassioned plea. For mother dearest wanted Hank to talk to his father and resolve their differences and well, rather than do that and face his past and face his pain… Hank just opted to head off to an education conference with Tony to hear his friend’s speech and avoid dear old dad. Since word was, Pops was leaving on Monday if that talk didn’t happen. And while Hank was gone, the story used his absence at home to give Lily a palate cleansing storyline for us to enjoy. Where she had to step in and help Julie and Russell hammer out the stupid stuff in their marriage, and that led to some genuinely hilarious moments that did indeed keep our minds in balance regarding the heavy stuff.

Because the little vacation that Hank took… did not provide him with the escape he was hoping for. Instead, the trauma his father inflicted upon him, and his own trauma in general was heavy on his mind. Making it clear that escaping such matters was indeed impossible, despite sowing a little mischievous fun amongst other academics as the weekend rolled along. Not to mention, a point of fixation only compounded matters further. For one of the speakers at this event, who was a woman that he could not keep his eyes off of, which implied that she was perhaps part of a plan to give Lily a moment of discomfort through some flirtation on Hank’s part, turned out to be of concern for Hank… because she slept with Hank Senior. And Junior just wanted to confront that and see if his father held any value regarding his family, which added to the tragedy of Hank’s current crisis and that… set the stage to bring forth some answers to those all-important questions. 

For Hank was so unsettled by that woman and his thoughts in general that he did everything possible to just hide on the day that Tony was giving his speech, and well… he missed it… and the mistakes that Tony made, and that led to a powerful moment between these old friends. Wherein Tony laid into Hank a bit. Mainly because Hank was aloof about something that meant a lot to Tony and well, that’s when the story answered how we start to get out of our funk. Because Tony was blunt with Hank during this dressing down. Pointing out how this crisis more or less put Hank into a dead zone in every way imaginable, to the point where that which he lamented was never going to change and well… that was something Hank needed to hear from someone that was close to him. For it was good objectivity and informed him and us… to get out of a funk sometimes we need someone to call us to the carpet on our nonsense. 
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Which Hank took to heart upon his return home. Since he did the unthinkable and went to see his father post haste. To have that long-awaited talk and well… that took quite the turn. For we came to learn that the vaunted and deeply respected, and sometimes lamented, William Henry Devereaux Senior… was suffering from memory issues and potentially dementia. A sobering moment that taught Hank so many lessons. Such as the need for addressing our traumas and our crises promptly when they arrive, or once we are aware of them… since they can force us to miss out on grand opportunities when they persist. Such as say… making peace with a family member before they no longer understand such concepts. And also… this reinforced Tony’s point that Hank was standing still by burying himself in this crisis and now… Hank has a tough road ahead.

Because not only does he need to put in the work to change course, but now he has to find closure and peace regarding his father without getting it from the source. Which is no easy task, since that hint of what could be will always hang over his head and all of that sets the stage for a powerful close to the end of season one of this moving and brilliant series. One where Hank must indeed face his demons at last and decide what the future of his life is going to look like, all while figuring out how to heal, and it will be fascinating to see how he rises to the occasion, or potentially fails in the early days of this quest… since to err is human, even when healing… as we inch toward the end of this first chapter in Hank’s powerful and uncomfortable journey. Until next time. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Chasing the Rains’.
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One particular bit of knowledge that everyone is aware of in this world, is that water is essential to all life on Earth. For we are all composed of it, we all require it to survive in some form or fashion, and that is why we cherish it and consume it… without giving it a second thought really. For one of the big benefits of our modern world, is that humanity has access to plenty of fresh and clean water. And it is so plentiful and so available to us that we don’t think twice about finding it. In fact, in the modernized world, obtaining it requires minimal effort. Which has in many ways, allowed for us to forget some stunning truths about water.
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Such as the fact that not every human being on the planet has the same access to it, that those of us in the modernized world do, and sometimes struggle to get what they need. And in the untamed parts of the world, where wildlife rules the day, the relationship that animals share with water can be quite unique and harrowing. For they too understand their need to consume it to live, and that prompts them to live near it and make it a true priority in their lives. To the point where they will go where the water is plentiful and that fascinating reality, motivated BBC America to chronicle what that unique journey looks like through its new series, Chasing the Rains. Which debuted on the network last night and allowed for us to see exactly how this delicate dance with water works for wildlife. 

Which ‘The Fickle River’ presented to us via three key storylines. One involving an Elephant herd led by Anastasia, a cheetah mother named Kuleta, and a wild dog matriarch named Phoenix. All of whom live in Samburu, Naboisho and Laikipia, respectively… and live by the patterns of the water. Which in this story, was plentiful. For when we meet the creatures of this part of the world (in Africa), we came to learn that the great springtime rains set the tone for how they live for a better part of the year. For this is when water is at its most plentiful and this is when these creatures can have families and raise them in relative peace. Which really didn’t make it seem as though trouble or struggles would be on the horizon, since they had everything, they needed. 

But, as this episode chugged along, the rains were no longer falling from the sky. There was nothing but heat, slowly baking the water away. Which prompted… concern from these matriarchs. Because they needed that water to live, to help their babies thrive, and their respective cohorts as well… and that prompted them to get creative with their hunts for food and water and move about to ensure survival and well… soon it became apparent that a water crisis was in front of these intrepid animals and these mothers would have to make a powerful call. Either surrender and hope to find a new, local source of water to thrive upon, or move their families post haste by chasing the rains. To ensure they have the very substance they desperately need to survive.

Which is... a powerful way to set up a powerful journey. One that shows us how critical water is to the wildlife of the world and how their lives are determined by its plentiful nature or lack thereof. And this story deserves a hearty round of applause for not rushing the journey, and for instead helping us to get to know these fascinating animals and see how they live… before setting the stage for the crisis at hand. For that vests us in their journey and well… that makes this a masterful premiere. One that truly sets the stage for tough times ahead as we venture with these unique animals into the wilds of Africa, to see them fight hard for the water mankind takes for granted. Making this a humbling documentary for certain, one that is going to undoubtedly move us in the weeks ahead as this tough journey, continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nineteen of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One of the toughest statements to believe regarding people that have hurt us dearly in life, is that they are capable of change, and it makes sense as to why that is so difficult. Because the act they likely took part in, the one that caused us harm, was so visceral, and mean… that we believe that person is incapable of shedding that level of cruelty. So, it is simply better to see them as the villain they are and keep them away, so we don’t have to deal with those old emotions and deal with the trouble they cause. But now and again, they come back into our lives, preaching that they have changed, and we are often in quite the conundrum when they do. 
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Because we learned from their mistake and used that to make us a better person and well, keeping them at bay, could and would be counterintuitive regarding what’s right and what’s fair, meaning we have to decide if we can live with losing out on a healing experience by saying no to their request. If anything, that particular conundrum is top of mind today, simply because it is one that Mayan and the Lopez family had to deal with during this week’s episode of Lopez vs Lopez on NBC. For ‘Lopez vs The Godfather’ is a story that saw a toxic blast from George’s past return to the picture. An old friend named Don, who was a bad influence on George back in the day and he deeply hurt Mayan back then, despite being her Godfather, and well… that put the family at that crossroads.

Because Don of course claimed… he was a better man now. One that wasn’t going to hurt anyone, anymore. Which was met with skepticism and worry, until that is… Don started showering the family with gifts and kindness. The kind that netted Sofia a new coat, and snagged Chance a trust fund for college. Giving rise to the possibility that Don had indeed changed, and that they should indeed let him in. Until George made the startling discovery… that Don had not changed. For that trust fund was set up with Chance’s social security number and Don used that, to get a line of credit and some fast cash to create these gifts. Making it clear, that some people don’t change, and will continue their toxic acts when given a measure of trust, while also making this story a seemingly cautionary tale. One that was potentially going to end on a sour note. 

But that is when that story surprised us. Because it allowed for George to be the one to decide how the family would deal with this mess. And that… more or less informed us that people can change, and that sometimes it is right to let those folks back into our lives. For George could not and would not stand for an old friend betraying and hurting his grandson, and his family like that, and rather than choose a good time over his family’s love and their future… he cast Don out. Informing Mayan that her father was serious about being a better father and doing right by his family, and that she made the right call in giving him one more chance in this life, since he did indeed change and did indeed provide the family with hope for a better tomorrow. 

In the end, this was just… an amazing episode. One that really did a fine job of exploring both sides of the proverbial coin here by showing us the good and the bad in giving rough people a second chance, and how it is actions that determine whether or not a person has changed, not their words. And THAT is what we should look at when old ghosts come back asking for a second chance. But what mattered more here, was that we saw beautiful growth from George. The kind that really did inform us of how far he’s come and how genuinely serious he is about moving forward, and that was powerful to say the least and that will indeed go far with Mayan and Quinten, and Oscar, since he is now the Godfather of Chance (despite his poor choice in the movies they watch) as this family works to come together in a healthy manner once and for all. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘Grand Crew’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We like to believe that when we make a big change in life, one that will potentially uproot us and shake everything up… that our closest friends will support that change and believe in us and reinforce that we are making the right decision. Because that is what true friends do, they stand by us no matter what and indeed support us and are there for us regardless of where we are and how we live our lives (provided that our choices aren’t harmful or toxic). All so we can continue on with that change, secure in the knowledge that people have our backs, and when we have that… we do indeed feel complete and happy and genuinely at peace. But what we can never forget, is that while those we love support us, that doesn’t mean their feelings don’t matter, nor does it mean the transition to a new chapter will be easy for anyone involved.
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So how then, do we support one another, when the reality of a big change settles in? Well, it just so happens that the next episode of Grand Crew on NBC explores that in great detail and that made ‘Wine & Bachata’ quite the beautiful and bittersweet tale. Because that exact conundrum was facing the crew in this story. For Fay’s final days at the bar were upon the group and while Fay was excited… Nicky was struggling. For this was family leaving and since she still harbored some echoes of trauma over the loss of her mother… this hit her hard. To the point where she was just listless, in a quirky and sometimes silly manner, and while Fay and Anthony did indeed pull her out of her rut with some good honest talk as friends, there was more sorrow to be found over this big move. 

Because Anthony also struggled with Fay leaving, in an equally quirky manner, especially now that he truly knew how he felt for her. Granted, Nicky might have accidentally egged his worries along, but she was good enough to step in and help keep him out of a funk as well. All of which had a deep impact upon Fay. As though she was responsible for heartache and pain for her choices. Which prompted her to call off her promotion and move and stay, and well… that’s when she was reminded of the healthy relationship she had with her friends and where we received the answer to that question. In fact, that was answered throughout this segment. For it really boils down to acknowledging our feelings and feeling them and expressing them in a safe and honest manner with those we love. So, we can process them, move past them, and get to the universal support stage everyone needs in the moment. Which came about at the end of this story, where Nicky and Anthony expressed their feelings about this at last, but also expressed how selfish they would be in denying Fay a grand opportunity. Bringing about peace and a new chapter for Fay. 

However, since this series knows how to perfectly balance the bittersweet with the hilarious, Sherm, Noah and Wyatt’s storyline in this episode leaned heavier into the funny. Since Sherm came into possession of a prestigious reservation that Fay wasn’t going to use and well… since Wyatt and Noah were interested in being his plus one to this reservation… he used that to his advantage. To pit the two men against one another in a battle royale designed to declare who was worthy to eat that incredible meal. Which led to some wild moments and wild challenges, the kind that really did see Wyatt and Noah try to best one another in an epic manner before realizing… this was silly… and they quickly bowed out. And… so did Sherm. Because he couldn’t decide who to elevate here because he loved them both equally, so instead… he sold the tickets off for a going away gift for Fay and set a reservation somewhere down the line where he and his pals could eat together.

In the end however, this was just… a magnificent story. One that presented the tough realities of change and the unique ways we deal with it, be them good or bad. But what mattered more, was the show’s message on what healthy friendships look like and how our interconnected world makes maintaining them easier than ever before, even when distance divides friends, and it really is a wonderful thing that Nicky and Anthony handled this the right way, since that likely offered great solace to anyone unsure of how to find that path as they currently deal with change. And well, it will be interesting to see how the show handles Fay’s new chapter in the weeks to come and how the crew regroups without her. Because there is indeed that transition period where we figure out a new normal. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 306 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of our lives, we will endure a great many difficult days. The kind that will put us in some low places emotionally and leave us beside ourselves. For the world is tough, the world is chaos, and we never quite know when it will send hardships our way. But what is amazing, is that most of those natural moments of sorrow are the moments that fade quicker in our memories when they end. Because we expect those dark days to come, since we see others go through them and understand the nature of life. Instead, the ones that we reflect upon and truly hold value for… are the man-made ones. The mistakes we made that brought us to a tough place since we could have done things differently… or the pain that others imparted upon us.
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Specifically, from those we love and call family. Because there is simply something devastating about having those, we care about, that we invited into our hearts… turn their backs upon us for reasons that just don’t make sense. And that… can put us in a supremely dark place. Where sometimes… the damage done cannot be repaired and where our life changes drastically and well, that is top of mind today, simply because Tariq St. Patrick had to deal with that particular experience in the next episode of Power Book II: Ghost on STARZ. For ‘Land of Lies’ is a story that picked up shortly after Tariq met with Lauren for the first time in ages and well… at first… he was struggling to process what he learned and was doing his best to not believe it. Out of the hope that this was all some kind of misunderstanding. 

But it didn’t take long for the truth to sink into his brain and realize that Brayden, a man he considered a brother, and Effie, the woman he loved deeply… had betrayed him. Had lied to him and deeply wounded him in the process. Which led to some dark moments for Tariq. Where he turned on Brayden and beat him hard and of course… turned his fury to Effie. To the point where he took her to the very place where she tried to kill Lauren. Not to bring harm, oh no, this kind of pain was too much to demand a spilling of blood, but to get her to be honest. So that he could hear it from her mouth and know for a fact that she made this choice to betray him, and once he had the truth in hand… that is when revenge came into play.

Which was a simple act to say the least… since he just… cut them out of the business without giving it a second thought. Which indeed brought forth tough times for the duo. But what mattered more here… is that for the first time in a very long time… we saw a truly wounded and deeply hurt Tariq. For he thought he was finally building a new life with the right people in it and around him, only to have it shatter from greed and lies… and well, the pain that comes with that was expressed here in a powerful manner and it did… seem to open Tariq’s eyes up to the fact that the life, and the game, might not be for him. And that the time had come to step out. Giving rise to a new direction for Tariq, one where he seems ready to go straight and ready… to get out from Noma’s rule in a swift and brutal manner by using her daughter as leverage.
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But while it was fascinating to see Tariq go through it and see Michael Rainey Jr. just slay as an actor in the process… there was more to explore in this tale than the power of betrayal. For this was a story that also saw a family grieve the loss of a father. For the Tejadas were indeed aching from losing Lorenzo, and well… that brought forth a great deal of trouble in this story. Such as how his passing created a power struggle and a powerful gambit on Monet’s part to quietly nudge revenge upon the Russians. For someone had to take the fall for Lorzeno’s death, and who better than a nameless enemy that the family could pour their sorrows into. Which led to a lot of violence and some scary moments, and they are likely only the beginning. Because secrets like this, never stay buried. They always claw their way to the surface, and well… it really is only a matter of time before things fall apart and the children learn of their mother’s choice.

All of which made this episode, a powerful transitional tale. One that is clearly setting the stage for the future of season three. Wherein everyone must decide what their future looks like and who they will have around them when the dust settles from all the ugly drama present here, and that setup was handled in a brilliant manner. Because it let the characters shine and once again used consequences and follow up to build the story and well, this is another episode that truly leaves us hungry for more. Because we simply must know if brothers by choice can ever reconcile and if the Tejada family is destined to a fate filled with internal conflict and fury, and that is going to make the wait for next week’s episode quite painful for certain. For we simply must know what comes next for Tariq and the Tejada family, now that the darkness around them is shattering the foundations of their lives. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Blindspotting’. To revisit the Season Two Premiere, click here.

​There are certain aspects of parenting that we as a society believe, are universal in nature. Such as tolerating the terrible twos and the tough talks that parents eventually have to have with their children. The kind that explains the birds and the bees and why bad things happen in the world and there is merit to this line of thinking. For it is the job of a parent to teach their child in order to help them grow and understand the world and understand what is right and wrong within it, and parents do indeed have to take part in such talks along the way. But while there is indeed truth to the understanding that we go through a great deal of similar moments as parents and have similar talks… we do need to acknowledge the hard fact that parenting and the talks had in households, do differ depending upon the color of one’s skin. 
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For in a Caucasian household, there are no discussions regarding how one has to handle themselves when dealing with the police, or why a child will be treated differently because of the color of their skin. For that is white privilege at its finest and it is the accepted mantra of the land and well, we all know that needs to change, and perhaps, showcasing those different conversations and helping people understand that stunning reality about life in Modern America, would help with that. So, folks can understand that the goal we think we’ve achieved still requires some work, and that is why this week’s episode of Blindspotting on STARZ is of note. For ‘N*ggaz and Jesus’ is a story that showcased that and so much more, in a supremely unique manner.

Because this episode, featured the big weekend that Ashley and Sean had been waiting for. Wherein they were headed to San Quentin to spend the weekend in family housing with Miles. Giving all of them much needed family time and well… at one point during their first evening there… Sean felt the need to use the N word and that’s when this powerful exploration got underway. Because this was a chance for Miles and Ashley to explain in detail, all the issues with using that word and why a duality exists for its use and that led to a powerful sequence for certain. One where a mixed family came together to discuss the rich and unfortunate history of Race Relations in the United States of America. Giving Sean incredible perspective and giving us an understanding of how such discussions have to take place because equality hasn’t become the standard yet. 

Which made this a powerful episode for certain, one that finally put that kind of discussion on display and gave the viewer pause in doing so, as did how the rest of the weekend went. Because… this story also explored how hard, time behind bars can be. Because Miles made it clear, in his own way and through a measure of panic… that he was hurting in this place. Hurting without being near his wife and his son and hurting because he could not make memories with them. All he had was routine and hope for moments such as this, and not getting as many precious moments as possible, was clearly banging up his psyche and this too was important to put on display. Because society, tends to treat those behind bars as out of sight, out of mind. But we cannot and should not. Party because… good folks are in there because of a broken system, and they don’t need to be subjected to that life but also because… they are people. People who are working toward reform and a second chance and forgetting them… and their emotional and mental health needs is wrong.

Speaking of those struggles, they weren’t just explored by Miles and Ashley in this tale. For Rainey also found herself pondering upon her son’s situation and she too was scared and frustrated and angry over how things were going. In part because… she knows the clock is ticking on her diagnosis and soon… she may not remember much about her son and she may not recognize him when he gets out, which helped us to understand why she has been so adamant to see Miles during family weekend as well. But also, because… her son wasn’t home. He was locked up on some ridiculous charges and robbed from precious years with her and the next generation of this family, and there’s no easy way for a person to square that, and that’s why she expressed her helplessness and fear over the situation in this tale and well… all of this made for one of the show’s finest episodes to date.

Because this one went hard and dug deep into some real-life stuff that we don’t talk about often if at all. Because those are conversations that have to happen in everyday homes around America, and that shouldn’t be the case in 2023, but it is. Not to mention, there are good men suffering in prison over the dumbest charges imaginable and their families suffer too, and well… this is the kind of slice of real modern Americana we need to see more of in television and film. To start conversations, to encourage reform and to finally have this country start working toward the actual dream it preaches is available to all, and this show deserves a round of applause for making all of this known and truly, it leaves us eager for the next chapter in The Ordeal. So, we can experience more brilliant commentary, and visual poetry, since that visual representation of Black history in America was stunning, from this utterly brilliant series. Until next time.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis from the series premiere of ‘Drops of God’, which you can see on Apple TV+.
 
Apple TV+ is thrilled to share a sneak peek clip from the new multilingual drama series, “Drops of God,” set in the world of gastronomy and fine wines, debuting globally with the first two episodes on Friday, April 21 on Apple TV+, followed by new episodes premiering weekly every Friday through June 2, 2023.  Filmed in French, Japanese and English, “Drops of God” from Legendary Entertainment stars Fleur Geffrier (“Das Boat,” “Elle”) and Tomohisa Yamashita (“The Head,” “Tokyo Vice,” “Alice in Borderland”) and was adapted from the New York Times bestselling Japanese manga series of the same name. 
 
In the series, Frenchman Alexandre Léger, creator of the famous Léger Wine Guide and emblematic figure in oenology, has just passed away at his home in Tokyo at the age of 60. He leaves behind a daughter, Camille (Geffrier), who lives in Paris and hasn’t seen her father since her parents separated when she was nine years old. When Camille flies to Tokyo and Léger’s will is read, she discovers that her father has left her an extraordinary wine collection – the greatest collection in the world according to the experts. But, to claim the inheritance, Camille must compete with a brilliant young oenologist, Issei Tomine (Yamashita). Biological daughter versus spiritual son: the duel is about to begin. There are three tests to break the tie, all related to wine tasting. The winner will take ownership of Léger's empire, the loser will leave empty handed. But how could Camille win such a duel? She knows nothing about wine, and worse: she has never drunk a single drop. 
 
In the series premiere episode, titled “A Father,” Camille heads to Tokyo after receiving an unexpected call from her estranged father. In episode two, “Sky, Earth, Humans,” despite her physical aversion to wine, Camille accepts her father’s challenge. Issei’s family complicates the test for him. 
 
Written by series creator Quoc Dang Tran (“Marianne,” “Parallels”), executive produced by Klaus Zimmermann (“Borgia,” “Trapped”), and directed by Oded Ruskin (“No Man’s Land,” “Absentia”), the series is also produced by Les Productions Dynamic in association with 22H22 and Adline Entertainment. The series is presented in partnership with France Télévisions and Hulu Japan. "Drops of God" is inspired by the New York Times bestselling Japanese manga series created and written by award-winning Tadashi Agi, with artwork by Shu Okimoto and published by Kodansha.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Mrs. Davis’. Which consists of the following episodes: ‘Mother of Mercy: The Call of the Horse’, ‘Zwei Sie Piel mit Seitung Sie Wirtschaftung’, ‘A Baby with Wings, A Sad Boy with Wings and a Great Helmet’, and ‘Beautiful Things That Come with Madness’.
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We live in quite the interesting time when it comes to the concept of faith. In fact, it is safe to say we are having a crisis when it comes to faith. For there are some that believe that faith is everything the world needs in this moment to cure its current ails, and that it should take precedent over everything and guide our principles and our government. While there are others who believe that faith has run its course, and that it should be abandoned, and mankind should turn its attention… or its faith… to other elements that can benefit us. Such as technology and science and everything that has kept the human race rolling and safe for quite some time now.
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But of course, neither side is making any progress when it comes to their side winning over the majority and that’s brought forth… the crisis in question. Since it is just constant back and forth between both sides, with no end in sight and it has everyone feeling stuck and wondering what tomorrow is going to look like and well… perhaps the time has come for us to think less about this battle and more about where each side is coming from. Because at this point, they are both likely losing sight of what they actually want to accomplish, and may not even understand what they are actually putting their faith in. Which means perhaps the time has come to stop the nonsense and pause and really ponder upon the nature of faith and what it really means to us and what we want faith in a higher being or technology to accomplish for us outside of domination from one side or the other. Which is why a brand-new series on Peacock is of note.

For Mrs. Davis is a show that made its debut yesterday, that examines our relationship with faith. Not to sway folks to one side or the other… but to really understand it, to understand why people flock to one side or the other of the argument and dig in. So that perhaps we can finally find common ground and forge a way forward that makes sense for everyone, and this show accomplishes such an exploration, through its incredibly original plot. For in this tale, we are introduced to a nun named Simone. Who wants nothing more than the purity of faith after living a life that has seen impurity surrounding her. But that is no easy task, for the world she lives in, is controlled by a powerful artificial intelligence algorithm known as Mrs. Davis, and the faith people put in this machine bothers Simone to no end. To the point where she is tasked with bringing it down and well, that takes her and the audience on a powerful journey… regarding the nature of faith.

In fact, the four-episode premiere of this show… does an amazing job of explaining, what brings people to have faith in science and technology or to have faith in a Lord above and what we learn about this is fascinating. Because… in many ways, our drive to believe in something more is mired in similar wants and needs. For people flock to technology because they want it to make their lives easier and offer them a peace of mind regarding their daily duties and their health, or whatever technology and science are offering. Whereas those who follow a deity, are looking for the head honcho above to guide them and make their lives easier through that guidance and give them peace of mind regarding what is to come in their lives. Which is a fascinating parallel to see come to life here through Simone and Wiley’s respective journeys, since it gives us incredible perspective on faith, and the wonder of this examination doesn’t end there.
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Since this epic, super-sized premiere takes the time to also explore… the problems that accompany following both sides. Since Mrs. Davis is clearly too powerful for her own good and has indeed made humanity lose some of its luster and its magic by making everyone so comfortable and so joyous and religion, as we already know, comes with a lot of baggage. The kind that forces folks to do some strange things in the name of the Lord Almighty, to the point where history is mired with poor decisions made by people in the hopes of pleasing God. Which means, that this story at its core, has a bigger question to ask. In that, if common ground cannot be found and both sides are supremely imperfect and cause as much harm as they do good… what then should we put our faith into? Is it nature? Commerce? Perhaps Excalibattle?

Well therein lies the true brilliance in this four-episode premiere. In that, it doesn’t answer that question. Instead, it carefully sets up that exploration by diving deep into what makes these characters tick and what drove them to faith. For we cannot understand what we should put our faith in without understanding what drives people to what could be considered… the wrong kind of faith. Which makes for four engaging stories, the kind that leave us eager to gain the answers to those burning questions… and make us smile along the way. Because there is a lot of comedy to be found in this tale, so that the depth is never overwhelming and so this story is engaging and truly… it will be interesting to see what other big moments and grand explorations await us, as we continue to answer the call that Mrs. Davis has put forth. Until next time.

Please enjoy this exclusive clip from tonight’s new episode of Life After Lockup on WE tv.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Finale of ‘Star Trek: Picard’. To revisit the show’s penultimate episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that Star Trek: The Next Generation remains one of the most iconic television shows in the history of the medium. An accolade it earned through its revolutionary special effects, magnificent acting and of course… its bold storytelling. For this is a show that more or less introduced the modern end-of-year cliffhanger to the industry in its third season, and of course, its stories were ahead of their time, and while not always perfect… they started conversations and left us thinking and the show’s impact upon the pop-culture landscape didn’t end there. For the movie era for this crew brought forth big moments and controversial ones, such as how the films handled the end of the line for Captain James T. Kirk and featured the untimely destruction of the NCC-1701-D and of course… there was much ire surrounding the fate of Lieutenant Commander Data.
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In fact, the fans were so rattled by the end of Nemesis and how that sour note was the final one for the crew of The Next Generation, that they all dreamed of a better ending for the crew of the Enterprise-D and E. One that they never thought they would see come to fruition. But thanks to a bold set of decisions from Star Trek: Picard showrunner, Terry Matalas… that dream finally came to fruition this week. For the series finale of Picard, ‘The Last Generation’, featured one final mission for this intrepid crew. One where they needed to save the Federation from the return of the Borg and well, how Terry and his talented writing staff stuck the landing of this ending, is something that will be fawned over for ages on end. Simply because… this was a masterful finale, one that gave the fans everything they wanted and more. 

Such as grandiose action and adventure. A feat partly accomplished through the battle of Earth. Wherein Commander Seven of Nine and anyone not assimilated by the dastardly plot from the Borg Queen… were able to re-take the Titan and fight the fleet. Which brought forth incredible and harrowing visuals as we watched the entire Starfleet rip Spacedock to shreds with weapons meant to defend, and the epic nature of this final fight didn’t end there. Since the Enterprise’s arrival at Jupiter led to one last fight between the Borg and Picard’s crew… one that finally allowed for the Galaxy-class to shine on screen. For she flew in the days before CGI, and the advent of that technology being applied here, allowed for us to really see what this ship was capable of from a combat standpoint. Which did not disappoint as she taught the Borg hybrid vessel quite the lesson, and all of these moments were just perfect and satisfying and raised the stakes and the wonder of this finale didn’t end there.

Because it also featured the showdown we’ve wanted between Admiral Jean-Luc Picard and the Borg Queen. Because this time, Jean-Luc wasn’t stepping into her lair out of anger or regret over letting the Borg get the best of him. This was about settling scores for the right reasons, to save humanity and more importantly… his son. Which is why it was so incredible to see Jean-Luc return to the collective to see Jack and to talk to him and show him what really awaited him outside of the collective. For it brought forth a beautiful and touching moment between father and son and showed the Borg Queen what she and her species lost sight of, and what really makes life worth living… and that… was her true weakness and allowed at long last for Jean-Luc and his intrepid crew to finally defeat the Borg threat once and for all. And oddly… Jack’s salvation in that moment brought forth the finest message imaginable.

​For that spoke to the fact… that the human adventure is about the bonds we share. With the people that are blood and those that we invite into our world and trust, and that is what makes us and our future worth fighting for. For when we look away from the evil in the world, and the isolated morons that spew rhetoric and lies, and focus on those that matter and what we accomplish through trust, lifting one another up and finding compromise… life is something quite special. For the possibilities are endless and those bonds melt away all worries or fear. For we know that the good ones have our back and seeing that play out here and over the course of the past thirty-six with this fine crew… inspires us and gives us hope for tomorrow that we can forge this kind of future. If we’re willing to forge more of those bonds. Making this finale, the perfect resetting of the message that Gene Roddenberry put forth when James T. Kirk and the crew of the NCC-1701 set out upon their five-year mission.

Speaking of the future, that’s another reason this finale was so satisfying. For it was a passing of the torch, one that informed us that a new era awaits. Courtesy of Jack Crusher’s entry into Starfleet as a command division ensign and the beautiful closing moments of this tale where Seven of Nine finally found herself adding a fourth pip to uniform to take command… of the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-G. For that informed us that a new generation is ready to explore the stars while these seasoned heroes can finally enjoy a little peace, safe in the knowledge that bloodlines have the galaxy in hand, multiple ones in fact. Since it is pretty awesome that another LaForge is starting out their career at the helm of the most storied ship in the fleet’s history and that too… leads us to another reason this finale works so well and leaves us so happy. 

Because it features the right level of nostalgia. For the little moments such as that, and the throwbacks to the rest of the franchise’s proud history, such as The Voyage Home, and The Undiscovered Country and even TNG’s own storied past with the shoutouts to Majel Barrett Roddenberry’s passing, Generations, and even Admiral McCoy’s own words about how treating the Enterprise like a lady will reward the crews that serve aboard her… are supremely satisfying indeed. As was the return of Walter Koenig to play the presidential son of Pavel Chekov, complete with the lovely tip of the cap to the late Anton Yelchin and his contributions to the franchise, and well… all of those elements come together to truly stick the landing and provide us with one of the finest series finales in the history of television. One that will be damn near impossible for other Trek shows to top, but that’s okay. For it sets the standard. 

But on a more personal note, what truly makes this finale so special… is that for those of us from the time before streaming… where we had to rush home on a Saturday evening to watch TNG live because we forgot to set the timer on our VCR or didn’t have one, this really is the culmination of a lifelong journey. One that started when I was nothing but a child, and to know that their collective story has ended on the right note is powerful, and all this writer can offer… is his thanks. To Terry Matalas and his talented writer’s room for giving the crew of the Enterprise their proper due and thanks to this intrepid crew for igniting the imagination of this nerdy kid and taking me and so many others on a wild emotional ride, one that I will look fondly upon for the rest of my life. Courtesy of the powerful lessons and challenges it sent our way, the kind that asked us to dream and be at our absolute best and above all… helped so much of us feel as though… we all could finally belong.