Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Franklin’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It really is quite amazing what the Apple TV+ series, Franklin, is managing to accomplish from a storytelling standpoint. For not only is this series educating the audience on a little-known aspect of how the United States of America won the Revolutionary War against the British Empire… but it is also… steadily removing the romantic aura that surrounds this war. For it really is viewed after all these years, as some kind of beautiful and noble quest toward liberty. When in fact, it was war, it was chaotic and little about it was lovely or smooth. Including the alliance born to help America beat back the British, as evidenced by the next episode in this fascinating series.

For ‘The Natural State of Man’ took place in July, well after the alliance was signed. Wherein we came to learn… that the cozy joy that France and America’s ambassadors shared, was fading quickly. In fact, life in France was a bit ho-hum now that both sides were battling the British far and away. For now, routine settled in, combined with outright fatigue regarding the war. So, Benjamin set out to try and liven life up and secure Temple’s future by pushing him toward marriage. But alas, that brought about more conflict and questions. Such as how much longer either side would tolerate one another because of that fatigue. Especially since the marriage was off before planning even began.

Not to mention, the alliance in and of itself was a mess. Because John Adams expected the French to move faster and with a sense of intensity. So that the British would get the message. But that was not the French way. They moved slow, and in a calculated manner and that drove Adams up the wall and prompted him to grate against the government often. Wherein dear Doctor Franklin had to step in and use kindness to gain concessions and what they needed. A process that became the norm and strained the relationship between Franklin and Adams. Since they were often at odds and eager to assert their style over the other, though thankfully they harbored enough respect and desire for the same goal to maintain a status quo.

But even then, chaos continued to reign supreme in this story. In part because there was also a sense of helplessness from so many in this story. After all, they came here to accomplish a goal and really stick it to the British. But instead, there was boredom, infighting and chaos and that robbed so many of a sense of agency or purpose and that made for an explosive finale to this tale. Because Lafayette gave everyone a chance to find what they needed, to bring order to chaos by laying out a plan to attack Britain directly from the sea. Which in theory, would force British forces to pull forces away from America, giving the United States Army the edge it and well, this plan brought forth the chaos in question. Simply because this sanctioned plan inspired Temple to join the fight and feel some sense of duty beyond being a secretary to his grandfather and it also inspired a counteroffensive from evil agents that did not want to see the American side succeed, courtesy of an attempt on Franklin’s life (for history tells us that Franklin survived the incident). One that Bancroft likely helped set up, judging from the look on his face. 

That means the tension and the chaos are about to be elevated. Now that Franklin knows that someone in his inner circle is looking to bring harm to him and the cause, and of course… he will worry deeply about his grandson. All courtesy of the fact that war finally touched everyone in this story, as grand war often does. But that aside, this really was a great episode. One that truly did explore how chaotic the war effort was, and how there was little to romanticize since so many were focused on saving a young nation and earning the freedom they wanted, and how hard that process was, and well… now that Benjamin’s eyes will be opened to some hard truths, it will be interesting to see how he responds to such treachery and the tough road ahead. For it is indeed always darkest before the dawn and clearly at this point, Doctor Benjamin Franklin is watching the clock strike midnight. Until next time.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 5 of Parish. Which airs 4/28/24 on AMC and will be available to stream on AMC+ and ALLBLK!

Episode 5 – “Kumba” – Premieres Sunday, April 28 on AMC at 9pm ET/PT and available to stream on AMC+ and ALLBLK
Gray and his family face a terrible new normal and reckon with past trauma. Horse singles out the enemy within while expanding his business. He makes Gray an offer he can't refuse.

Please Enjoy this Sneak Peek and Synopsis from Episode Four of Mary and George, which airs on STARZ, later tonight, and is available to stream on the STARZ App, now!   
 
MARY & GEORGE EPISODE 104: The Wolf & The Lamb
Airdate: April 26 at 9:00pm ET/PT on STARZ
 
George faces a daunting trip to Scotland with an erratic and closed off King James. Elsewhere, Mary attempts to enforce the marriage of John and Frances, but a fired-up Lady Hatton stands in her way.

​Please enjoy this sneak peek and Synopsis of Episode 309 of ‘BMF’, which airs on STARZ, later tonight, and is available to stream on the STARZ App, now!    
 
BMF EPISODE 309: Death Trap
Airdate: April 26 at 8:00pm ET/PT on STARZ
 
Meech and Terry travel to Miami together to meet with a mechanic known as Francois to expand and to build business for BMF. Surprisingly, Glock and the MK’s are there to welcome the Flenory brothers in true Miami fashion, yet despite the interference the brothers escape determined to accomplish the American Dream.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 505 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular aspect of the human condition that we ponder upon often in this life, is what motivates people to commit acts that one could consider to be sinister or evil. Because we simply don’t understand how people that live in a mostly decent world, make the decision to impart harm and go routes that embrace darkness. So, we deeply think upon the why and what we’ve learned is both fascinating and heartbreaking. Since some do it because they fear not leaving a mark, fear being nothing… so it is better in their mind to just let loose and make the history books in the worst way possible. While others are slowly transformed into monsters through means that no one could have expected, since fate can be cruel in that manner.

All of which are indeed sorrowful and ugly reasons to harm others, but none are more heartbreaking and devastating than coming to learn that some people turn their backs on the rest, because they feel alone and abandoned. And that hurts because in this vast sea of people, it is quite the ugly accomplishment to not feel that connection and not feel as though one matters. If anything, their story feels preventable and as though their course can be corrected, and that particular reason for why people turn and why it is so devastating and painful to ponder upon, is top of mind today… simply because it was explored in the next episode of Star Trek: Discovery on Paramount+. A feat that ‘Mirrors’ accomplished in the simplest and most impactful way imaginable. 

In that, the intrepid crew of the U.S.S. Discovery, came to learn that the next clue was hidden in a strange wormhole that did not appear on standard scans, one that Moll and L’ak found their way into. Which prompted Captain Burnham to take Book with her into that void to find the clue and reason with Moll and L’ak if they were still within its confines, of which the odds were good. And once inside this strange place, they discovered that Moll and L’ak endured some tough times inside the wormhole. For their ship was badly damaged and there was a good chance they used quite the surprise for survival. In that… somehow the I.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701, from the Mirror Universe, found its way to this place at this time and since it was intact, it was logical that L’ak and Moll would be hiding within its hull.

Which was a theory that proved to be true and that led… to a few big moments. The kind that featured a love and hate relationship between our heroes and our villains. Since they were in this mess together and had to work as one to solve a few surprise problems that the Enterprise sent their way. Plus, we came to learn that this iteration of the NCC-1701 escaped the fallout of High Chancellor Spock’s passing and the fall of the Terran Empire to become a vessel of hope, much like her Prime counterpart. And of course, our heroes won the day and were able to get the clue and eventually bring the Enterprise out of the wormhole and into the potential service of Starfleet in the 32nd Century. So perhaps at long last… we will see a refitted Enterprise in an era that does not seem to have one in service, which is just fine since Starfleet always needs a Big E.
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But that aside, it is what happened in the quieter and simpler moments of this story that speaks to the central theme we discussed a moment ago. Because that is where we were able to learn about how L’ak and Moll met, and how they both felt abandoned and unimportant in this life. For Moll’s dad chose the next generation of Book over her and L’ak was Breen Royalty regaled to the lowest rungs of his family’s ladder. Which left them both filled with conflicted and angry emotions, the kind that came to life when they discovered their love for one another. Which spoke to the fact that all that takes to make the abandoned act and do horrible things a la this duo… is a spark. Something where they think they can find and feel agency, and what better way to do that, in this instance, than to give the power of creation to those who they felt wronged them and nearly robbed them of all agency. 

Which makes their story as tragic as can be and makes them… that sorrowful lost cause that clearly Captain Burnham hopes can be saved with kindness. As to whether that is the case, time will tell, so in the meantime, we can celebrate one smart tale. One that offered up a very human story, one that we deeply relate to since we’ve either known folks like L’ak and Moll or been them briefly before finding that sense of belonging and the wonder of this story didn’t end there. After all, this is also a story that finally informed us that L’ak is Breen, confirming at last what they look like, and of course, you can never go wrong with an Enterprise on screen and well, now that the clue is in hand, it’s onto the next one and another opportunity to try and repair two badly broken souls. Until next time.

Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek of tomorrow’s new episode of Love During Lockup, which airs on WE tv at 9PM ET/PT, 8PM CT.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Franklin’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous Apple TV+ series, Franklin, we were all left wondering… what Doctor Benjamin Franklin’s next move was going to be. After all, he had received amazing news across the board, he was invigorated like never before to fight back after taking a few right hooks to his ego and his pride and well… as it turns out, the next episode in this storied saga wasted little time in answering our question. For ‘Small Revenge’ immediately let it be known that the good doctor quickly disseminated his newsletter out to the masses and that, had all of Paris buzzing. For a hero came from Paris and America was bruising the nose of ol’ King George and well, this was a bold enough move… that action finally came into play.

For there was proof from a wondrous source that Britain was dealing with more than just an insurgency. They were facing a real fight for freedom and that… prompted negotiations to open up between Franklin and the French government for a full-on treaty. One that seemed to be poised to be signed by the right people in a brisk manner… until one particular fact came into play. In that, a peace treaty with the United States of America would also serve as a declaration of war against Britain. For such a treaty would not only legitimize America as a sovereign nation, something that Britain would not stand for, but it would draw the French into the fight. Ergo, all-out war… and that… slowed things down considerably from a diplomatic standpoint.

To the point where discussions had to take place internally in the French Government, and where infighting and threats from the British Empire seemed to potentially derail the whole mess. But, after much consideration and an understanding as to how such a war could be pulled off… what seemed to once be the unthinkable, came to fruition. In that, the King agreed to join the war effort and that gave Franklin, quite the win. One that was supremely personal in nature. Since we also came to learn of various humiliations that were once imparted upon him before the war was even an idea. So, he found real satisfaction and real joy in being able to sit across from the French envoy and sign documents outlining that treaty, and there was more joy to be found in the fact that it would eventually reach the British Ambassador’s desk. 

Which brought forth, nothing but joy in this tale. Something we have not seen to this point and understandably so. For the mission was the sole focus on Franklin’s mind upon his arrival here, and of course, war is ugly business. Especially when losses are mounting, and uncertainty is everywhere. So, it only made sense to let the audience partake in the joy present in France, at the building of a better future, and it allowed for us to also enjoy a history lesson. One that showed us how the King Louis XVI held court in his day and how he responded to this alliance to the newly named American Ambassador, which also allowed for us to meet the iconic Marie Antoinette, and well… this was just a glorious sequence for certain. One that truly helped us to understand how badly both sides wanted to stick it to the British.

But of course, this is a show that likes to surprise and end its stories with those surprises and that was present here too. Since Benjamin was re-introduced to another historical figure in the closing moments of this story. A big one in fact. For John Adams, the man who would become the nation’s first Vice President and then would serve as the Second President of the United States… said hello and offered up a stark truth that he was there to relive the highly successful ambassador. A revelation that will offer us more history and more big moments, after we of course, revel in one refreshing tale. One that helped us to see how France entered the war and how much that meant to a man that deeply believed in the freedom of men and the possible promise that the United States of America could offer so many. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Finale of ‘Apples Never Fall’. To revisit the show’s Penultimate Episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, our journey through the world of Apples Never Fall on Peacock, has offered up some fascinating explorations regarding the human condition. Since we’ve come to learn about the impact that a dysfunctional and toxic family life can have upon an individual for years to come, and how one heals from that particular damage and how that is no easy process. Which has made for some powerful and moving television, the kind that in a strange way… has helped the story to avoid answering the fundamental question at hand for this series. Specifically, what happened to Joy Delaney? For her going missing is what kicked off this series, and even the reveal that she was alive and well and hanging with Savannah still managed to avoid the question at hand. For it merely informed us she wasn’t dead nor was she murdered by Stan.

But there is nothing wrong with the fact that series has done everything within its power to delay the answer to that question. For it was all part of a grand design, one that came to fruition in ‘Joy’, shortly after some other core questions were answered. Since we came to learn that the fight that put Stan in jail, didn’t end in bloodshed, just bruised egos, and a scratch, and speaking of bruises… Joy had plenty of those as well. Since she fell off of her bike and endured some bumps and cuts. The kind that bled badly enough that she used her jacket to control said bleeding so she could complete her long walk home. Because the kids were still ignoring her over the truth about what she did for her son, forcing that walk, and that jacket was basically tossed aside, and buried by the neighbors’ dog after she arrived back home. Allowing for all the evidence to be laid down as it was to be discovered.

Once that was explained and explored, did we come to learn… what happened to Joy. For she felt worthless, wounded, and abandoned by her family, so she simply had enough that one tough day, and left her phone behind and called Savannah and imparted herself upon the former thief to enjoy a little payback for being used. So, she could think, sort, heal a bit and try to understand what her life looked like going forward. Which in turn allowed for us to learn that Savannah was in fact, Harry’s sister, and had a checkered past that concerned the kids so, since they were still digging, still learning. Plus, their investigation, and an admission from Savannah, made it clear that all she wanted was payback over how the Delaneyes shattered her family. Since Harry changing course, changed the course of her family’s unity, and of course, to make that happen she kept the truth and updates on world events, from Joy. Who eventually figured it all out and decided to come home and after an ugly confrontation with her near captor, she did. With Stan no less and that led… to the wraparound moment for this story.

Because Joy was finally able to explain why she left, why she hurt and her concerns about the family and its direction and in that moment… everyone came to realize… that this was a crisis of their own doing. For they had let their bitter nature and anger toward past moments consume them and drive them. When in fact, they could have found a way to talk their problems out with one another and find understanding and unity. Which gave everyone pause and provided them with some important life lessons. Such as the fact that while family isn’t something we choose and can impart great pain upon us… family is still important, and we should always work toward healing and that unity. Because we only get one and we will in fact, face regret and pain when we lose those love. Also, that, we cannot change the past and we cannot worry about tomorrow. We can only focus upon the moment and create a future based upon that. Which this family can now do with those lessons in hand.

In fact, we saw it in practice at the end of this story, after they were finally honest with one another and pushed for kindness instead of trivial battle. Which means all those lessons, all those tough moments were related to those epiphanies and were designed to help us see such truths as well. To hammer home the lessons at hand, to help us heal as much as the Delaneys, and well, that’s a great way to end this. Because those are positive lessons we need more of right now, especially in these divided and angry times. If anything, it is just lovely that a story that seemed to be ready to explore how we put the pieces back together when disaster strikes and when people fail, ended up being about how crisis can help us in ways we never imagined and that perhaps we can be better than we give ourselves credit.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Franklin’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we experience setbacks or failures regarding a quest we are on or regarding pushing forward a cause we support… we tend to find ourselves fired up. Because we want what we want and we expect to do better, so it makes sense that we use that fire to fuel us to move forward. But alas, it doesn’t always work out that way. Because sometimes, the failure dings our pride so deeply that all we can do is stew and fuss as we try to figure out how to move forward. Which is something that can happen to the best of us, and it most certainly has throughout history, as evidenced by the next episode of Franklin on Apple TV+.

For ‘Pride and Gout’ saw Doctor Benjamin Franklin in that unique mindset. Simply because, despite offering up a fiery moment to Temple at the end of the last episode, the reality of how hard his enemies were working against him in France wounded him deeply, and those wounds were aggravated further with news that Lafayette did not survive his first outing with the American Army. Making it seem as though this mission was nothing short of a fool’s errand. One made more difficult by the fact that the French still seemed disinterested in helping America in the slightest and to complicate matters further, only one boat of illegal arms made its way to the United States. All of which were indeed real downers that left Benjamin listless. 

Because he simply did not know what to do. He had never been in this kind of situation, nor had he ever faced such daunting odds and indifference. But thankfully, a heartfelt chat with Lady Brillion reminded him that he had nothing to lose on this trip and that he simply needed to find a win and find inspiration to get back and track, and he took that advice to heart, even though it wasn’t easy to find either one of those things. Because more bad news followed, in that, Philadelphia had fallen to the British, and a grand attempt to return to the city to curry favor, ended in outright embarrassment through and through. All of which just made it seem… as though this was going to be a failure of a journey. One that would cost the United States everything. 

But alas, that one win did come, and it was followed by more. Because news came back around that Lafayette had survived after all, and that the British outright surrendered at Saratoga, a huge blow to their army. And of course, the printing press was repaired and that helped Benjamin to find his fire again. Because now there was proof the war was winnable, that it was a noble cause and well, now he could use his skill set and get the word out and he started that process. Since he prepared a newsletter that would spotlight the truth and just like that, Benjamin Franklin was refocused and back and track. Courtesy of a story that properly reminded us of how we lose our way for a little while when we taste failure, and how no one is immune to that… not even one of history’s greatest men. 

However, while that made for a humbling and relatable, and inspiring tale. Since it takes quite the steel constitution to put up with what Franklin did here, we do leave this tale with some measure of worry. After all, we did come to learn in this tale that some of the failures and setbacks present here, came from Mister Bancroft. Who is playing both sides in the name of profit as he waits to see which side will come out on top, and that… is a huge deal that will cause trouble down the line. But for now, we can celebrate one healthy journey for the good doctor. One that showcased how important it is to let failure sit with us for a bit, because it can indeed give us great clarity and a desire to strike back when the moment is right. Until next time.

​Harry Eaton
“Private Charlton”
Photo Credit: We Are Lumosia
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Harry Eaton is a 20-year-old actor from Romford, Essex. He started acting in his late teens. Eaton has a very versatile repertoire and due to his youthful looks, brings maturity to roles much younger than his actual age. Eaton was recently featured in the 2023 Samsung Christmas commercial. Other credits include, “Extraordinary,” “Eastenders” and “Lockwood & Co.” Eaton also made several appearances in seasons one and two of “Heartstopper.” Eaton’s passions are photography and sports, especially football and wrestling.
 
 
About STARZ
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company. 
 
About Sony Pictures Television:
Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is one of the television industry’s leading content providers, producing, distributing and carrying programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform. In addition to managing one of the industry’s largest libraries of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, SPT is home to a thriving global content business, operating a robust portfolio of wholly-owned and joint-venture production companies across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, as well as linear and digital channels around the world. SPT is a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation.