It is definitely safe to say that the SYFY series, The Ark, has been nothing short of a breath of fresh air. For this series not only offers up a realistic science fiction adventure grounded in real-world issues and concerns, and scientific concepts, but it is filled to the brim with compelling characters we relate to and cannot get enough of… and some downright incredible storytelling. The kind that features complex commentary on our modern world and our inability to work together as a species during times of crisis, and of course… it has pondered deeply upon whether or not there is hope for us. With no clear answer in sight just yet, since there are so many variables to explore. Oh, and it also doesn’t hurt that this series keeps finding new ways to surprise us via incredible twists and turns and revelations.
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But what matters most, is that all of those elements are so delightful and so compelling that audiences have been faithfully tuning in weekly to see what surprises and thoughtful storytelling await them, and well… this series is so popular and so revered… that SYFY made quite the announcement today. For SYFY renewed The Ark for a second season, allowing for this incredible adventure to continue. Wherein it can explore so much more regarding the human condition and well, to truly help us understand and celebrate just how much of a runaway hit this series has been, SYFY was kind enough to send over some hard data as to why exactly it was an easy decision to give this incredible series a second season order.

Such as… exactly how many people took the time to watch the show on all platforms available, which ended up being 6.5 million viewers. Which is incredible to say the least, and this announcement could not have come at a better time. After all, the season one finale for the series arrives on April 19, 2023, at 10 p.m. EST/PT on SYFY, and announcing this before airtime of the eleventh episode, really does give fans peace of mind. For now, they don’t have to worry about whether or not said finale will be the end of the line, nor do they have to wait with bated breath for good news. They can just enjoy the season finale as it stands, and the incredible surprises and big moments it will undoubtedly send our way.

If anything, this really is just incredible and exciting news, the kind that fans everywhere will absolutely celebrate with excitement and they are not the only ones. Since Co-Showrunners and Executive Producers Dean Devlin and Jonathan Glassner offered up the following statement regarding the news: “We couldn’t be more excited to get back into space with the crew of the Ark. SYFY continues to be an amazing partner and home for this series.” And they are not the only ones behind the scenes that are excited about the return of this series and its success, for Lisa Katz, President of Scripted Programming at NBCUniversal and Streaming had the following to say about today’s news: “The success of ‘The Ark’ is just another example of delivering on a promise to provide a wide spectrum of quality shows across our linear, cable and streaming portfolios. Heading into space with Dean and Jonathan has truly been a trip worth taking and we’re tremendously excited about how this otherworldly adventure will continues in season two.”

In the end, it really is a proud day for science fiction fans everywhere. Since they will now be able to enjoy more adventures through the stars with characters that they’ve connected to and enjoy stories that offer everything we love about the genre and truly, it will be interesting to see where Dean and Jonathan take this series in season two. And if season one and its outright boldness is any indication of what to expect… we are going to be in for quite the treat when year two of this desperate mission to save the whole of humanity gets underway.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 212 of ‘American Auto’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular mantra that rightfully permeates the business world, is that a business should know its customer base through and through. Because that is essential to sales. For offering up the wrong kind of product that no one wants or offering it to the wrong type of consumer will outright lead to all kinds of problems for the business in question. To the point where sales go nowhere, the company loses a boatload of money and of course… is no longer trusted by its customers because they appear to be all about greed over providing what their customers need. So, most companies do detailed research to make that happen, so they don’t find themselves in that position, but even then… bright ideas and ambition override that now and again, and lead to problems.
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But what’s fascinating about business, is how rarely the business world applies that mantra internally. Because it is just as important to know what the employees feel and think about the company and products to come. For they are often closer to the everyday world than some of the executives and their ‘bright’ ideas. But big business tends to ignore that, and it can sometimes lead to product disasters, as evidenced by the next episode of American Auto on NBC. For ‘Dealer Event’ featured a big moment in Katherine Hastings’ tenure as CEO of Payne Motors. Specifically, it was time for the launch of the brand-new Pika. An affordable car that was designed to easily turn around the company’s fortunes, and to celebrate its arrival, Payne dealers from around the nation arrived to check it out, and of course… place orders.

An event that had the team focused on offering up the best presentation possible. One that they poured over from a sales pitch perspective and of course, this event also featured a gimmick. Where Katherine would drive out in a Pika filled with Pikas, or rather… bunnies… since the Pika was endangered… so they could add a little flair to the whole deal. And while final preparations took place for that, Jack and Wesley took part in some hardcore schmoozing. Wherein Jack learned he was a natural in such matters. In fact, he was so good… he came to learn quite the horrifying fact. In that, the majority of the dealers came from regions where different types of vehicles were in demand. Trucks, SUVs, vehicles such as that, and since the Pika was an affordable ride for the everyday urban consumer… the dealers were planning on buying none. 

Which of course, prompted a pivot to make this car appear to fit their demographic, and that led to disaster. Since Sadie’s presentation was torn asunder and became nonsensical, and Katherine we learned… fears small animals and had to get high to be near them… and that allowed for the gimmick to fall to pieces and for this whole event to end without placing orders. All because… Payne didn’t know its employees and their needs at all. For those dealers, while affiliates, could have provided feedback on what could have come next for the company. In fact, this debacle also pointed out that Payne didn’t properly examine its customer base as well. But in true satirical and traditional fashion… the head office thought they knew best and saw the whole product line come tumbling down. Hammering home, a fine lesson and setting up a dire ending to the C-Suite’s tenure since low sales would lead to the end of the line.

But not all hope is lost. For Dori had a great idea about how to potentially market this product differently and ignore the dealer line completely. A move that sets the stage for some fine commentary on a hot button topic in our world regarding the value of a dealership and one last shot to save jobs. And all it took to get there, was one wild event from one hilarious episode. Because the jokes all worked here and the satire of how this disaster came to fruition, was simply delightful and felt in tune with what we know about Corporate America. And now that the stage is set for heck of a bold run to move the Pika, it will be interesting to see if the team’s inventive last-ditch effort to save their future will end in success, or if the struggles of Corporate America will prompt change at the highest level. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Thirteen of ‘Night Court’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We face a bevy of difficult decisions in this life. Some of which relate to our future and our career, some of which relate to our livelihood. But every single one of them, carries gravity and consequences, regardless of the call we make, so we pour over them and lament and they only get more complex when people are involved. Because if friends and family are in the mix and we know the decision in question can change their lives as well… more thought and more struggling comes into play. The kind where we must decide what course of action is beneficial for all, and sometimes the answer to that, is flawed and imperfect, as evidenced by last night’s episode of Night Court on NBC.
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For ‘Past Apps’ saw the team be surprised with quite the mind in the courtroom. For a gentleman named Brock, who was a character witness for a case… came to realize he could pitch his latest and greatest idea in front of a captive audience; a dating app that connected soulmates. Which of course, got everyone’s interest in the seats, and in the area of the bench. Because this could have been the chance of a lifetime to make bank since Brock wanted investors and well, that energized everyone, but Neil, to get involved in some form or fashion. Which for Dan meant investing, and for Gurgs that meant using this as a way to launch her own app, ChairBNB, and Olivia… just saw this a chance to live the big life as a trophy wife for a man that would be worth billions.

As for Abby… well she just saw this as business as usual, until she made a startling discovery while she was chatting with Rand back home and finishing the paperwork on the evening’s cases. In that, Brock had sealed court documents from a past case and within them were an ugly revelation. Specifically, that Brock had been taken to court for a prior app. Because he basically committed fraud and robbed his investors, and that is where Abby found herself at a difficult and painful crossroads regarding what to do about this. Because her friends, her new family of sorts… were all in on this new venture, (since Dan did drag Neil into it) but she could say nothing about it from a legal perspective. Not until the documents were unsealed and well… that left her helpless. Even more so when Dan figured out what she knew without her saying it directly because he intended to maintain the secret.

Which meant that all she could do, was influence and decide for the group what might be the right course of action, and in her mind… she needed to protect them. Which is why she sowed doubt and even showed up to Brock’s fancy investor party with Dan and his ‘Fielding Group’ and a former plaintiff in the case against Brock… to really make it clear that this might be a dangerous endeavor to take part in. Because she cared about her friends and really wanted to see them come out of this, whole. But of course, this decision had consequences. Especially when Brock’s actions were revealed when the case was unsealed and he of course… shunned the group and cost Dan a lot of potential money when the app sold to ol’ Zuckerberg to the tune of two billion… bringing forth the lesson inherent.

In that, these are the moments and decisions that are painfully difficult for us to deal with because they can in fact change the course of lives. Since this also could have cost Abby her friendships and the peace and harmony she enjoys at work. But she made the call she thought was right and she did indeed save Dan from slipping into older haunts, since younger Dan Fielding was indeed obsessed with making it rich, so this might give him perspective. If anything, all of this made for a delightful episode when all is said and done. One that truly explored the tough times that accompany making life changing decisions and it was wonderful to see how much Abby cares and how far she will go to save her friends/new family. And it will be interesting to see where this bond takes them next, and what will change now that Gurgs spilled the beans about Neil’s feelings for Abby. Until next time

It is definitely safe to say that season one of that the hit Apple TV+ series, The Afterparty, was nothing short of revolutionary. Since it more or less worked to reinvent the murder mystery through genre-fusing and injecting a great deal of comedy into its mystery… and it truly succeeded in its goals. For we were indeed treated some incredible moments and a compelling mystery that held us from the get-go and we of course… wanted more. But alas… there has been little news regarding the new season of this series, outside of its renewal. 
 
However, building a little mystery around a mystery show… is indeed the perfect way to make today’s announcement pop. Since earlier, Apple dropped the biggest clue of all as to when we can expect more of this series, by straight up announcing the release date for season two of this dynamic series, and some updated details on the show. So, since you’re dying to know more about season two of this incredible show… here is that release date and the details in question, courtesy of Apple TV+.
 
‘Apple TV+ today announced that its broadly acclaimed and global hit murder mystery comedy series, “The Afterparty,” from Academy Award-winners Chris Miller and Phil Lord, is set to return for season two on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Told through new and popular film genres, the 10-episode second season will premiere on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes, followed by one new episode every Wednesday through September 6, 2023. 
 
Created by Miller, each episode of “The Afterparty” is a genre-bending comedy that explores a different character’s account of one fateful evening, all told through the lens of popular film genres and unique visuals to match the storyteller’s perspective. Stars Tiffany Haddish, Sam Richardson and Zoë Chao return for season two, which will introduce a new case, new film genres and an expanded cast of characters played by Elizabeth Perkins, Zach Woods, Paul Walter Hauser, Poppy Liu, Anna Konkle, Jack Whitehall, Vivian Wu, John Cho and Ken Jeong.
 
In season two, a wedding is ruined when the groom is murdered and every guest is a suspect. Detective Danner (Haddish) returns to help Aniq (Richardson) and Zoë (Chao) solve whodunnit by questioning family members, star-crossed lovers and business partners, and hearing each suspect’s retelling of the weekend, each with their own unique perspective and visual style.
 
“The Afterparty” is produced for Apple by TriStar TV and Sony Pictures Television as part of Lord and Miller’s expansive five-year overall television deal. Season two is co-showrun by Miller and Tony and Emmy-nominated writer, producer and performer Anthony King, and both serve as executive producers. Miller executive produces alongside Lord through the pair’s production banner, Lord Miller. Lord Miller’s SVP of Television Aubrey Lee is a producer on the series.
 
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 348 wins and 1,436 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
 
About Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $6.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*
 
For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘The Consultant’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There is a prevailing belief in our world that evil must work and work hard to completely dominate the landscape and there is some merit to that line of thinking. After all, indoctrination is key, and when one looks at how evil rises in the world, there is work it must do to get everyone on its side and eager to take part in horrible acts that stun the rest of world but… that isn’t always the case. Because what evil does well, is know what buttons to press and what message resonates with the masses so they will quickly be on its side, so it can take over and grab hold and create the dystopia it desires and never was that more evident, than in the next episode of The Consultant on Prime Video.
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For Craig returned to work after a three-day absence in ‘Glass’, and what he walked into… was terrifying. Because suddenly, CompWare was a compliant place. One where everyone followed Patoff’s direction and suggestions to a tee and where, the game was suddenly ready to launch. Because whatever was said, had this team hungry and eager to help and save the day and that was really the first message that Patoff sent to the team to get them to fall in line and support his odd agenda. Specifically, that this was in the honor of Sang-woo, and that to do anything less than save the company, was an insult to his memory and that helped them get to the finish line. Which of course… doesn’t quite sound evil. In fact, it sounds awfully respectful, but the evil was lying beneath such acts.

Because while that was a smooth way to unify the team and get that project done and into testing, little thought was given to the product… or its goals. A reality that brought forth quite the surprise for Elaine in the final follow-up stages. In that, while the game was well-received and enjoyed by beta testers, there was a point where the game became of grave concern. For Level 316 apparently was impossible to beat, and it was so frustrating and so annoying, that people were becoming outright violent and angry playing it and harming themselves in the process. Which of course, red flagged the whole thing for Elaine, and pushed her to ask Mister Patoff to hold off on the release. But he refused. He expected Mister Sang’s Jungle Odyssey to be a hit, and to indeed… influence that violence. 

Which meant everyone was manipulated into doing evil’s bidding. Which in this case is to sow chaos and pain and violence. Something that a devil of sorts would be eager to feed upon in this world, and all of this was done so quickly and so smoothly, that it proved how easily evil takes over. For all it takes is hitting the right notes in a person’s soul, and to properly confirm that, Patti’s storyline brought it home. Since she had deep (and justified) concerns about Craig’s behavior and how he kept secrets from her. And of course, Patoff knew this, and knew Craig didn’t want to spout off theories… so Regus just quietly sowed doubt about Craig’s loyalty to her and said enough how special he thought her to be, alongside sending pictures of Craig and Elaine holding hands… to get Patti to walk away and join him at CompWare for reasons likely related to claiming another soul through sin. 

In the end, this was just… a fascinating episode. One that really did hammer home in a subtle and wonderful manner, the power that evil holds over people and how quickly it can spread when it hits the right notes to the symphony that resides within our soul, and it also… did a masterful job of setting the stage for the final two episodes. For now, battle lines are drawn, lives and peace are at stake, and it will be up to Craig and Elaine to figure out how to bring CompWare, and more, back from the brink of a genuine evil. One that has sunk its claws deep into its customers and its employees, and it will be interesting to see how this battle is going to be fought as we near the end of season one, and who… emerge the victor. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Lucky Hank’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about the fascinating nature of the mid-life crisis, courtesy of how the AMC series, Lucky Hank, is presenting it. For this is a series that is taking us through an incredibly detailed exploration of this important moment in the lives of some. To the point where we have been privy to every up and every down regarding the mid-life crisis that Hank is currently going through and thankfully, this series isn’t showing any signs of letting up when it comes to that. Simply because the next episode of this series continued to dive deep into what goes into this point in someone’s life, and some of the emotions that one feels when their time arrives to deal with it, and how hard that can be and how that can bring about further emotional outbursts.
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A feat that ‘The Goose Boxer’ accomplished by making Hank… quite vulnerable. For this is a story that saw Lily head to New York to interview for that fancy job, with gaining some leverage at work in mind, and well… that meant Hank was alone, with his neuroses and his thoughts. Which concerned Lily of course, despite Hank’s assurances that he was going to be ‘a-ok’ in her absence. But she was right to be worried. Because by being alone, by not having someone to center him… Hank began to just quietly feel his feels. Such as how there was anger and frustration in his heart over not having what he wanted, and silence helped to amplify those feelings and allow for them to quickly consume him.

To the point where he once again began to act out at work, because he couldn’t process those feelings. Which included going toe to toe with Dickie Pope, the University President. To make it clear that he was going to protect the English Department in his own way. A reality that he doubled down upon when he learned the need for the cuts. Since Dickie made a rotten deal for a new building on campus, and that was the tipping point for Hank, and he truly let loose his frustrations. By pretending to box a goose moments before the groundbreaking for that dirty building. Which in turn, got everyone’s attention, including the local news, and that attention allowed for him to just blast out his frustrations aloud regarding this issue and impress his cohorts in doing so.

A move that made Hank feel good, if only for a moment. Because expressing frustrations and anger, merely allowed for his mind to wander to other haunting concerns. During a fine night out no less, and despite finally having the respect of his department… all he could think about… was how little he had from a connection standpoint. How he had spent so many years fighting to avoid such moments and that his only real connection was Lily and even that… might have been fading. For he was worried that he had not done enough to keep her attention and her fancy, because of his perceived inadequacies and his perceived failures. And that panic let him act out again and find himself in jail, bringing his wife’s worries to life, but more so… providing us with fascinating insight on the turmoil that one experiences when they think they’ve wasted years… and what was amazing, is that this story had more to offer regarding the mid-life crisis.
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For this is a story that also made sure to follow Lily’s journey. One that seemed to be nothing more than a throwaway filler story at first. Since she did fine in the interview, hung out with an old flame and his significant other to just let… let loose and have a little fun. Because sometimes in life, you need to do that. But a surprise kiss from that flame, and the news that he and his beloved made a significant change to their relationship by ending it… had an interesting influence on Lily. In that… she realized that this was a fine chance to just get away from the quagmire at home and the difficult moments for a little self-care and to perhaps ponder upon what she wanted out of life at this particular stage of it. Since others were doing just that. Making it clear that the mid-life crisis is something for all… and is oft handled differently by folks. 

If anything, all of these elements made this a powerful episode. Simply because… Hank has yet to find his way or his focus after pondering upon tomorrow for weeks on end, and he’s not alone in wondering what tomorrow will bring and well, it was just incredible to see a duality of crises play out before our eyes and come to understand how singular moments and opportunities can influence the arrival of the crisis and how much emotion goes into it. Plus, it was wonderful to gain empathic perspective on this period in a person’s life, since we do view this as a selfish phase, when in fact, it is clearly more than that. It is a period of rebirth, of change, dependent of course on how it is viewed in the eye of the beholder, and likely… exploring the fallout of everyone’s missteps here alongside a deeper dive into these two dueling crises is where this story is headed next. And it will be fascinating to see what this story will teach us when that examination gets underway. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eighteen of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One universal truth about parenting that comes to light shortly after the baby comes home, is that parenthood is no easy task. After all, parents are tasked with not only keeping a young life safe and healthy but imparting powerful lessons upon a young human mind. The kind that they hope will give rise to a great person that accomplishes wonders in adulthood. But alas, children are their own person and go through unique phases to discover who they are, wherein they ignore those lessons, and that makes life tough for parents and leaves them wondering what it takes to be a great one and what it takes to keep their child on the right course. If anything, those concerns are top of mind today, because they were explored in the next episode of Lopez vs Lopez on NBC.
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For when we caught up with the Lopez family in ‘Lopez vs Goosey’, Mayan and Quinten were struggling with Chance’s new and aggressive behavior. Because he smacked a kid at school, and his bad behavior didn’t end there. For he was defiant at home and lying to them about being sorry and just putting his parents through the wringer and well… that prompted this duo to try and figure out the best way to reach their son and get him on the right path again. Some of which was advanced, such as using positive reinforcement and a goofy hand puppet named Goosey to try and get him to acknowledge his mistakes and their consequences with kindness, and when that didn’t work, they both turned to Mayan’s parents for advice.

Which led to some interesting suggestions. The kind that was the opposite of what Mayan wanted to do. Since they told her to take part in the negative stuff, she wanted to keep out of her household, the stuff that put her in therapy. But mom and dad insisted a little tough love and manipulation would go a long way and well… they tried it and dealt with some ugly results. Since it definitely made Chance scared and uncomfortable, and it painted them as manipulators for certain. Plus, it scared the hell out of George since they used him as a prop when going through their machinations, and that really put Mayan and Quinten in a tough place. Because they really felt as though they were failing Chance by not knowing the right method to use to raise him to be a good man. 

But thankfully, George and Rosie pointed out that they were good parents, and that this is a tough road and that really in the end… there is no right way to parent. For there are just too many variables to deal with in life, and the best that a parent can do… is make sure that they properly care and cater to their children’s needs, and keep imparting lessons upon them that matter, and put them on a pedestal where their emotional needs and wants are met. And of course… to find balance in discipline. For there have to be consequences for one’s actions. But there are ways to make that happen without being too harsh or too soft and that, simply takes time and trial and error, but the best parents will indeed figure that out and raise a magnificent child.

If anything, this was quite the powerful episode when all is said and done. Simply because… this is a topic that we don’t talk about enough in the everyday world. Sure, we reassure parents and parents to be that they got this, and all will be well. But that really is all they get. And they quite frankly, need to know that mistakes will be made and that raising a child will drive them up the wall sometimes. So, it was wonderful to see this series express all of that in an honest and frank, and funny manner. Since the gags here made the lessons impactful and digestible, and they brought about new lessons as well. Such as how we should never, ever… eat Couch Queso. But that aside, this is another episode that demonstrates how versatile this series is and how much it wants to explore regarding the human experience, and it will be fascinating to see what lessons await us next week, when we return to the Lopez household. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Grand Crew. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Ask anyone if they believe they are great with communication, and you’ll receive a resounding ‘yes’ as your answer. Simply because… so many of us believe that we are in fact, excellent communicators. Who always get our message across with our skills. But sadly, the reality of the matter… is that we tend to have an inflated perception of our abilities as a communicator. Because sometimes what comes out, is incomplete, despite the fact that the message was sound in our heads. Not to mention, sometimes we simply don’t know how to communicate with a particular person. Which then begs some questions… how do we find out if we are effectively communicating and how do we improve? Well, it just so happens that the next episode of Grand Crew on NBC explores the answers to those questions.
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A feat that ‘Wine & Roasts’ accomplished, by way of three key storylines. One of which, involved Wyatt and Sherm. Simply because Sherm came to learn that Wyatt stunk at roasting people. So, Sherm took Wyatt under his wing and taught him how to do so. Because every man should know how to roast. A move that seemed to be the right one at first until Wyatt took it too far, and ripped on people instead of just gently ribbing them, and that prompted Sherm to step in and teach him how to read the room and read reactions and know when to reel it in. All of which taught us that sometimes, we need a good friend to recognize our communication shortcomings to improve upon such matters. One that knows how to call us to the carpet in a respectful manner, so we properly learn and grow.

As for Noah, well he came to learn about the importance of being a good listener when it comes to being a great communicator and the importance of building upon the clues people sometimes send our way since everyone communicates differently. Which he learned, through an angry battle of wills. Courtesy of a customer he thought was just rotten to the core since she continually review-bombed his shop. Which prompted him to get back at her by getting her fired, only to learn… before she destroyed his shop… that she was trying to tell him something deeper. Such as how to improve his business. But since he didn’t listen or look at those cues, he missed that message. But thankfully, he fixed that on the fly and got some great ideas and a new employee in his tormentor. All because he took the time to listen.

Yet while those lessons were enriching in their own right, the most important lesson of all when it comes to communication, came forth via Nicky’s journey here. Since she was dating a man that she wanted to know more about, and she was able to discover that the best way to make that happen, was to listen to him sleep. Because he talked in his sleep, and offered clues to his likes, and she used that to her advantage to appear to be the perfect lover, and she ‘talked’ in her sleep to get the same in kind. A plan that eventually backfired simply because… it was silly. Silly to not just do the most basic thing of all… and ask the man what he wanted and express what she wanted in life and that is indeed the greatest communication lesson of all… just be honest.

But of course, the best part about these lessons… is that they were handled in a hilarious manner. Because watching Wyatt struggle as a roastmaster, then excel and then horrify, was the stuff of legend. As was watching Noah just downward spiral over bad reviews and relish in a taste of darkness by getting his rival fired from her job, before hiring her… and of course… Nicky’s story was just wildly funny. Courtesy of that spanking request that put an end to the whole thing and of course… the side story with poor Anthony and his hair? Just amazing. Which means, this was another incredible episode from an already incredible series. One that once again handled its exploration of life in a brilliant manner, to the point where the wait for next Friday’s episode is going to be quite painful. Because season two of this series is just stellar and we simply need more of everything it has to offer. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 304 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that fans of the STARZ series, Power Book II: Ghost, have been wondering as to whether or not Monet Tejada will ever come to learn that her beloved Lorenzo, was the man that murdered her beloved son, and if so… what she would do about it. Simply because Monet has understandably taken Zeke’s passing hard, and it has left her a shell of her former self. To the point where her normally cool and collect nature has faded away, and well… if she were to discover the truth… it could lead to a downward spiral for Monet. One that would likely end with her outright killing Lorenzo, as evidenced by how she handled the supposed killer of Zeke, and that would lead to chaos. 
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But thus far, the secret has been kept quite safe. But the harsh reality of life is that secrets always find their way to the surface and at long last, Monet came to learn the truth in a shocking manner. But not before ‘The Land of Opportunity’ took the time to offer up some fascinating struggles for the rest of the crew. After all, this is a story that saw Tariq deal with a new kind of pressure, professional pressure. Because the Westons wanted RSJ at their firm, and it fell to Tariq to find a way to make RSJ happy. Under the guise of losing his internship of course. But he refused to give up and came to learn that RSJ simply wanted something from him… land, specifically. Which he was able to provide and give his employer the win they needed.

Plus, the power struggle in the Tejada family continued. To the point where Dru was deeply concerned about his role and his ability to contribute. Which prompted him to take the lead on a gun run that Noma now wanted the group to take part in, to gain some respect and agency in the family. Which of course, Cane shot down. Because he wanted to oversee this on his own, with his dad and with Brayden running the guns since they were selling them to some low-down, disgusting, racist militia men. A move that seemed to pay off in spades, since the transaction went smoothly. But alas, racist scum, love to cause trouble and this eventually led to a firefight. One that Dru took part in to keep his family safe and where Lorenzo saved his son, and in doing so… father and son came to an understanding and mutual respect. Making it seem as though, business was about go on as usual, especially now that Dru had some respect of his own.

But alas, Whitman was poking around the Tejada family’s affairs once again, despite being suspended. Which put Monet into overdrive with her fury and rightfully so. For Whitman was indeed overstepping boundaries and causing more harm than good. So… Monet demanded action and information from Davis, post haste. The kind that would sideline this cop and give her a clearer picture of what he was working on behind the scenes to trap the family. Plus, she also decided that perhaps Diana could help her in this mess, and she went to her daughter and asked for an assist and seemingly found herself betrayed by her own. Since Diana was struggling in this tale with her role in the family, and she appeared to promise Whitman the world by giving him access to the Tejada house to get all the dirt he needed, so she could finally have a clean break.
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Thankfully though, that was a ruse, and Diana was merely planning to trap Whitman to get him in trouble. But a broken and frustrated Monet took this multiple steps further and outright killed Whitman. To feel… something no doubt and to keep him off of her family’s back and to keep the law away from her family as well and painting the picture of a dirty cop obsessed with her, to the point where she was ‘wounded’ by his break in before taking part in self-defense… should do the trick. Which allowed for the big moment to arrive. Because shortly after this mess ended, Davis did get the files she wanted and he got them into Monet’s hands and well, she read them carefully and came to learn that Lorzeno’s fingerprints were found at the crime scene. Immediately putting her in a tough place because well… Monet knows the value of facts, and these are facts… that will change everything.

Which made this a pivotal episode for certain. One that will undoubtedly and fundamentally change the Tejada family dynamic. For Monet will likely put an end to her husband, and if by chance she opts to spare his life, she’ll end him another way. For he betrayed her and robbed her of a relationship with her flesh and blood. And her actions will shake the foundations and trust of her children and perhaps disrupt the business as well. Since blood feuds and this business do not mix. All of which makes us eager for more of this story. Because we simply have to see the chaos that will ensue from this discovery, and that will keep us counting down the minutes once again, to see what epic storytelling from the Power Universe awaits us come next week. Until then.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season one finale of ‘Hello Tomorrow!’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to watch the wondrous Apple TV+ series, Hello Tomorrow!, we were left with quite the grand conundrum/question hanging over our minds. Specifically, what did Jack’s admission to his son mean from a growth and redemption standpoint. Simply because Jack Billings has made it clear through his actions, that he is a lost soul in this story, one that uses hope to heal and one that doesn’t seem keen on dealing with real world responsibilities. But seeing him speak to his son as a man instead of a salesman, truly changed that perspective for us and left us wondering if redemption was in the cards for Jack and if he was capable of growing into something more.
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Which is a puzzle that the season one finale of the series takes the time to explore. A feat that ‘What Could Be Better?’ accomplished… by once again making us worry about Jack and his fate. For when we caught up with him here, he seemed to not care all that much about redemption. In fact, he and Brightside were making final preparations to launch the rocket with a full complement of clients. Which was both bold and problematic since… the Brightside wasn’t completed from a lunar construction perspective. But there were no worries on his part, because the clients were happy as can be and the hope in their hearts was all he needed and he of course, forged ahead with plans to launch and he course, kept trying to make nice with Joey and oddly… caught him off guard with an honest gesture.

One that led to some powerful interactions between father and son, wherein Joey truly wanted to know what his father wanted in life and what kind of man he was. In part to decide whether or not to turn him in but also to just… learn about his father and feel the connection he never felt before, good or bad, and oddly enough… he came to have faith in dear old dad. Simply because for the first time ever, he finally saw a father in front of him. A man that wanted to not sell him on anything. But instead offer a chance at a future, at a life and a relationship they never knew. Thanks to the fact that Mister Billings revealed that he was playing a long con. The kind designed to curry the favor of investors and bring forth the dream in question, but get rich on the way, and to make that happen… no one was going to the moon. Instead, there would be an incident to keep the passengers on the ground to allow for the rocket to fly and impress those investors from afar. Which was a plan that worked, and that Joey helped execute instead of turning Jack in and in doing so, it seemed as though… karma rewarded Jack. 

Because while this plan was coming to fruition… Marie opened her eyes and went home. All the better physically but a touch battered mentally, especially regarding her memories. But the understanding that she was awake and the reality that Jack could have that second chance, prompted him to just drop everything and head home with his son and be with her and be a family at last. In fact, we were even treated to a recreation of the classic Norman Rockwell Saturday Night Post painting in the Billings home, just with robots, since the family unit looked that wholesome once reunited at the dinner table. And in many ways, it seemed as though Jack had finally come to learn that honesty… and that genuine hope could bring forth the beginning of redemption. But that is when this series brought forth more of its trademark commentary on the duality of hope and how lies have consequences. 

An exploration made possible in part, by Lester. Who finally came to learn that rules weren’t always paramount, and that Myrtle loved him, and he loved her, and his desire to be near her… allowed for everyone to board the rocket, and for sins to hide in the cargo bay. Since Eddie and Shirl plopped Big Fred’s unconscious body on that rocket, and even the neglect that Betty and Herb dealt with came back to haunt since they too were on a rocket, that was going to the moon. As to what will happen when they land… who knows?  So, there will be consequences for that messy launch, no doubt, and for Jack’s desire to rush back into family life. Since he is using hope, alongside his son, to make Marie feel loved and as though the bad times never happened. Giving rise to the reality that mistakes are being made again on Jack’s part and that the delicate and horrific dance he loves to invite people into, might begin anew.

Which is an ending that seems bittersweet in many ways, since it hints that redemption is possible for Jack Billings, but it will be no easy task. Not when the plan he has in mind for it, is the only one he sticks with regardless of the mess it makes. But while one could call that a bleak and uncertain ending, for a show about our flaws and our sometimes-desperate push to find happiness… that is the perfect ending. One that is at times hopeful in nature, since there is a chance Jack could find the right path forward. But also because it reminds us that we are works in progress and will indeed make the same mistakes twice or thrice, until we finally come to understand how real change is impacted and what real happiness looks like and that… is something that leaves us eager for more of this tale. So we can see those flaws and perhaps recognize them in ourselves and fix them, and of course… to see Jack take his next big steps toward real peace and real stability so he can properly say hello to tomorrow in a wholesome manner… one where he is full with self-worth… and a desire to do good and inspire hope, not because it is a product waiting to be scooped up, but because… it is the right thing to do.