Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Mary & George’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

One particular surprise that none of us are prepared for when we make every push to have our dreams or goals come to fruition… is that there will be push back. Because sadly, not everyone in this life wants to see us rise to the top or see us complete our goals… for a bevy of unique reasons. For some, it’s all about the fact that they believe they deserve what we are about to obtain and will sabotage out of the belief it will somehow fall to them. Whereas others are simply jealous and bitter and want others to fail to satiate their own twisted sense of justice. While others, know that our ascension to the top or our outright success… will mean they will be replaced, and they simply cannot have that.

If anything, this unfortunate truth is top of mind today, simply because… it served as the focus of the next episode of Mary & George on STARZ. A feat that ‘Not So Much By Love As By Awe’ accomplished, by having George and Mary, deal with some difficult times. Because despite the fact that George had been intimate with the King on several occasions and was deeply desired by him… he was suddenly removed from being close to his lover. In fact, he was oft assigned to the worst duties a knight could possibly be assigned to, and he was even forced to sit idly by and play instruments while the King enjoyed the company of other lovers, sometimes in a group setting. All because, one man was pissed.

For Somerset was livid over the fact that George was near the man he desired, and livid at the possibility that the King would choose someone else to be at his side. So, he put forth machinations to ensure that George would be humiliated and devastated and hopefully leave the King’s court and of course, since Somerset was a giant weasel, he also figured out how to get ahead of Mary as well. For his wife jumped in on the game and humiliated Mary and left her without a leg to stand on. Giving rise to the reality that this family’s desire to be near the King and share in his power, was going to be no easy task. Largely because of the fact that Somerset loved his standing and for a time… it seemed failure was in the cards. Especially when George contracted a case of ‘The Pox’ after a one-night stand to satisfy his own needs. 

But Mary… wanted that power, at any cost, and that prompted her… to fight back and push harder. By crafting with George, a grandiose plan to use the very murder of Sir David that Mary engendered, to pull Somerset from power. Which she executed in a brisk and faithful manner. One so swift and decisive that the King turned his back on Somerset. To the point where Somerset desperately made love to George in an attempt to curry his favor so they could share the King. But that was just part of the ploy to mess with the man’s mind while the case was built against him and in the end, Mary and George won the day and saw Somerset pulled from court and embarrassed for all time. Whereas George had his status as the King’s favored lover, resorted.

All of which offered up a fascinating yet brutal tale. One that spoke to the games once played in royal court long ago, all over the power and majesty of standing. Giving us fascinating insight into how little has changed in our world since battles happen often now in politics and everyday life to curry favor and enjoy power and standing. But more importantly, it did remind us, that not everyone will be pleased when we fight for what we want, and so we must be ready to counterpunch and fend off those attacks. Or see our dreams derailed. Granted, we likely don’t have to go as hard as Mary did here, but we will indeed need to fight back, to reach the top as this duo did here, and now… it will be interesting to see what spoils await them, now that they are so, so close to King James. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 308 of ‘BMF’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous STARZ series, BMF, we talked at length about how the series explored a concept that we don’t talk about enough in life. In that, when we fail, and we will fail… the only way back to the top or to finding agency… is to take baby steps and enjoy little victories. Because we need to rebuild our confidence and we need to learn how to be objective, so we do not fail once more and going slow and working our way back to the top does just that. For it truly does let us approach things with a keen eye, where we are playing chess instead of checkers and we can make better decisions because of that, as evidenced by the next episode in this series. 

For ‘Code Red’ saw both Terry and Meech begin to make big moves that didn’t feel large in the slightest. Simply because both men now had understanding and perspective and were able to quickly see several steps ahead. Terry for instance, came to understand that the only way to destroy Henri and keep her away from the business… was to break her completely and utterly. Which meant destroying her business and that would in turn destroy her psyche and well, Terry had a great plan to make that happen. For he opened lines of communication with the people running her ailing distribution network and promised them better product, at better prices. All they had to do was stop working with her, for all time, and riches were theirs. Which they agreed to. Putting a cold end to Henri’s empire thanks to foresight and calm. 

As for Meech, well he returned to Atlanta to discover the infighting he left behind got worse. Which helped him to calmly understand… that this infighting was downright stupid. Because the real problem at hand, wasn’t one another, it was the Red Dogs. Who were constantly going after product and dealers. So, Meech tried to broker peace and broker unity, to no avail. But that would have been nothing more than a bonus. For what was really needed, was a way to move product without the Red Dogs knowing, since they were aces at finding it. So Meech set out to find the perfect cover from the perfect mechanic, with minimal luck. But oddly, his foresight and some of that infighting gave him what he needed to prepare to secure BMF’s future in Atlanta. 

Because despite ending on sour terms, Angel threw a warning Meech’s way. One that let him know that Glock wanted him out of the picture as soon as possible, a warning that came to fruition, and that he escaped. But thankfully, other words from Angel and an understanding that Glock was perhaps the only dealer moving product through Miami inspired him to get ahead of the competition by doing something bold and daring. In that, they would never expect Meech and Terry to go behind enemy lines to secure what they needed, so the plan was set in motion to head to Miami and find the right mechanic to save the growing BMF empire. All thanks to the fact that Meech kept his mind on a swivel and thought three steps ahead and assessed every situation, because he learned deeply from his failure.

All of which made for a fascinating episode to say the least, one that also featured some follow-up on other critical plotlines. Since Jin and Bryant made progress in their unsanctioned case, despite their struggles from a depression standpoint. Plus, Charles may have finally made some inroads with his love since Lucille was impressed with what Charles sent her way. Plus, it would seem the whole third wheel problem involving Officer Vince was laid to rest, thanks to Markisha and Terry putting a full court press on him to disappear. But what mattered most here, is that we are seeing Terry and Meech come into their own at last and understand the importance of logic and business savvy over bloodshed and it will be interesting to see how well their new skill set serves them on their trip behind enemy lines. Until next time.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 4 of Parish. Which airs tonight on AMC/AMC+ and ALLBLK!

Episode 4 – “Impimpi” – Premieres Sunday, April 21 on AMC at 9pm ET/PT and available to stream on AMC+ and ALLBLK
When Anton, an old colleague, learns Gray is working with the Tongais, he forces Gray to choose: his family or The Horse. Rose and Makayla work together to survive. The Horse searches for a traitor.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 523 of ‘Love During Lockup’.

​There are a fair number of people, who truly despise reality television and everything it stands for. For they see it as theater, where the people involved are putting on one heck of a show for the camera via some convincing performances. But those folks, are wrong. For while reality television does have television elements, a lot of what you see is what you get, and it is giving us what it advertises. In that, this is a view into the unique lives of other individuals, the kind that can teach us a great deal about the human condition and that is why the WE tv franchise, Love After, is of note. For this is that perfect saga that explores matters of the heart we do not understand.

If anything, that franchise and the power of reality television are top of mind today, simply because last night saw the return of Love During Lockup on the network, and ‘The Watcher & The Dancer’ offered up a bevy of fascinating lessons about love and what it pushes us to do in its name. Since this episode reminded us that when we feel it, we will do anything and everything to make it work. Which is why dear Andrew went the extra mile in this tale, to ensure that Candace was going to be comfortable when she left prison. By getting her an apartment set up, and by looking into his finances to make sure he could be a provider for her. Because he loved her, and his heart told him this was the right path, and he wasn’t alone in thinking like that.

Since Tennie did something quite unique to make Michael feel comfortable and help him prepare to live with her. By allowing for him to set up cameras in the house, the kind that caught everything and allowed for Michael and everyone in the household to interact, during vulnerable moments no less. Plus, Joey was ready willing and able to do whatever he needed to, to help his Michael have a smooth time in prison, and to make sure their love would grow. For he was deeply thinking upon offering up a fake photo of he and his love to gain visitation rights. All of which spoke deeply about love’s power and how it drives us, and we were able to see that in action through people that deeply want to be near those they love behind bars.

But of course, what always makes episodes of this franchise worth our while, is that they also teach us that while the heart wants what it wants and that there are people willing to sacrifice and go the extra mile for a love that is behind bars… it is no easy life or easy task. After all, Tennie had a lot of worry hanging over her head since her Michael spoke to a secret he kept at bay at every turn. Not to mention, Andrew may go broke caring for his love, when she’s willing to rebuild her life with help instead of dependance, which led to a fight. Plus, Joey was deeply worried about crossing moral lines and our bonus story, involving Ayonna, just spoke to how hard life can be. Since Ayonna made a lot of mistakes before settling in on what she wanted and had to mentally prepare to spend time in jail for them.

All of which, gave us an hour of storytelling, that truly did showcase life as it is, because this is stuff happening right now, and it doesn’t make these folks less or weird, it’s just their journey. One we do not understand… but can. Provided we watch this with an open mind and with an earnest heart. Because these are powerful stories playing out here, the kind that will teach us and those involved plenty about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. While yes, dropping a little drama and serving some hot tea along the way. But that’s part of the human condition too, and it’s something that also fascinates us and truly… it will be interesting to see how these relationships grow, fail, or endure… as new episodes of this fascinating series, continue along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Sugar’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One unfortunate truth that most investigators are aware of, is that a fair number of crimes in this world, revolve around people who know one another. That means, that far too often, an unfortunate truth or a powerful disagreement, brings forth violence or concerning decisions that lead to someone being hurt in a multitude of ways. Where pieces must be put together when the dust settles, often times by family members, and well… that unfortunate truth is top of mind today, simply because, it was put on full display in the next episode of Sugar on Apple TV+. A feat that ‘Starry-Eyed’ accomplished by first offering the audience a touch of peace regarding several concerning matters that have been hanging over the show for a bit.

One of which is the fact that John Sugar has exhibited some strange physical behavior. The kind that has us wondering if he can function and if something is horribly wrong. But a visit to the doctor first thing, more or less revealed that John basically pushes himself too hard and is now suffering some fatigue related consequences and may have some psychosomatic symptoms plaguing him. But all he wanted to hear was that physically he was fine and once he got that, he got back on the road and came to discover that Davy’s desire to uncover the truth about him, went nowhere, as planned. For ‘Momma Sugar’ was nothing more than an actor who threw Davy off the track and with those matters resolved in John’s mind, he was eager to get back to work and that’s when that truth came to fruition.

Because Melanie came to see John, with concerns about a friend that Olivia spoke with ages ago. Simply because there was pain in that conversation, enough to raise concern and well, that allowed for more of that magical noir to come into play. For Melanie and John hit the streets to see if they could find anyone that recognized the mystery person that Olivia was talking to, and it turned out… that Melanie’s sheer presence brought them to the right person. Wherein the duo came to learn, that Olivia’s distressed friend, Taylor, called out Olivia for her activism against assault, because there was a monster in the family’s midst. For Taylor and Davy hooked up long ago and he used that against her, to demand she be with him again, and that of course… allowed for John to learn about Davy’s indiscretions and consistent abuse of women.

Which of course, prompted John to talk to Jonathan Siegel post haste. To get ahead of this and understand the rot present within the Siegel family. But that was no easy task, because Jonathan and his family were attending a special screening of an old Siegel film. Giving rise to star-studded moments for John as he waited patiently for a chat that did not take place. For in the midst of Jonathan’s Q&A, the news broke that little Davy, was an abusive scumbag and had problems reaching far and wide. Which prompted a heart attack for Jonathan and the reveal… that family was likely involved in this madness. Since Stallings had some harsh words for Davy on his way out of town, and the reveal of a specific trinket in his home, and a locked door… strongly indicated that Davy had Olivia kidnapped and that she’s hidden away in a gross and dingy basement.

All of which, sticks in line with that truth. For if Olivia was indeed aware of what Davy had done, she would not have stood idly by and let him continue, to cause harm. Especially since she was willing to kill in self-defense against individuals that took their own fury against women too far. Which sets the stage for a dark back half of the season. One where poor John Sugar will have to unravel the many ugly layers surrounding this family, the kind that extend to Melanie since she still has ties to Bernie. But while we wait to see what John uncovers, we can celebrate one amazing tale. One that really did offer up an old-school noir vibe, via the hunt for answers and via the little surprises along the way, and truly, it will be interesting to see what lies ahead now that John has some answers regarding what he is actually up against. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Finale of ‘Manhunt’. To revisit the show’s Penultimate Episode, click here.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that the Apple TV+ series, Manhunt, has provided us with stunning context regarding the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. For not everyone that tuned in, understood all that much about that moment and now we know, that his death came forth during a tenuous time in American history, wherein the Confederacy was still active and still had strong supporters floating about. Plus, we came to learn that hunting down John Wilkes Booth was no easy task and ended in a manner so unceremonious that it is no wonder this segment of history isn’t dug into all that much more. Well, that and the fact that America continued to build long after this harrowing moment passed.

But how did that happen? Because in many ways, what we’ve seen here should have brought forth another Civil War, or at the least… greater conflict. Because the country was on shaky ground and harbored a new president who was about worthless as they come and catered to the whims of arrogant morons. Well as it turns out, it took a few actions on the part of one Edwin Stanton to keep the nation from plunging into more chaos and more suffering… as showcased during the series finale of the show. For ‘The Final Act’ made it clear that one big reason the country began to heal and began to move forward, was the sheer fact that there was actual accountability following Booth’s death. For Stanton assembled his military tribunal and brought forth a bevy of quality witnesses to testify and speak against the conspirators that worked to kill the president. 

However, while the testimony in question was compelling and led to convictions and an understanding that this kind of behavior would lead to accountability if repeated in the future, as evidenced by those convicted for their actions on January 6, it was what happened on the road to guilty that truly spoke to how America healed from this conflict. For in the midst of this madness, we saw Americans from all walks of life, work together, encourage one another and be brave in the face of adversity to ensure that justice was served. And that unity, really did help in such matters. For it brought forth stunning honesty and admissions, the kind that truly exposed the crimes committed here and it also showcased what the American experiment, and the War itself was trying to accomplish. In that, it was working to create a country where all are one. Where all, are free.

If anything, it was just wonderful to see that message arrive here and see people come together in a common and just cause and that laid the groundwork for a better tomorrow, as did the events of the coda of this tale. Wherein we came to learn that Edwin Stanton, a man that did his duty, and did it well, and even tried to resign from his post near the end of the War, stood fast when Johnson tried to remove him and never left public service. In fact, he was ready to serve on the Supreme Court before his passing from his asthma. But his desire to carry on the message of President Lincoln and demand we be better, paid off in spades. Since the three phases of reconstruction were indeed completed and a nation finally moved foward. One that remains flawed yes, and teetering now a manner akin to the war, but is still a beacon and a promise of a better life. 

Which means that in the end, this was a story that Showrunner Monica Beletsky chose to bring to bear, with Apple’s help… to remind us. Remind us that sometimes the wrong voices become too loud and harbor too much influence. But when we take a moment to say no to their voices, to their actions, and do so in a unified voice… we silence them. We push them back into their dark little corner to huff and puff until the next generation is called upon to silence them again. And that is how it goes and will go, for freedom requires a fight, and this experiment requires protection so that all can be free, and that makes this a poignant and powerful series. One that arrives at the right time and is as wondrous as it is intelligent thanks to its talented cast and crew, and well… now that we’ve reached the end of this infamous manhunt and powerful history lesson… the time has come to do as Stanton asked… to ensure the promise of the United States of America, is fulfilled.

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

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 504 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular bit of advice that tends to go the wayside for us, is that it is important to take a moment and reflect upon our journey. And we tend to forget about that… because we’re in the middle of the journey, where there is so much for us to do on a regular basis. After all, there are chores to perform and meals to make. Work to conduct and breaks to take, and if you have kids, they need to be cared for and entertained because that is life and that is how it goes. But truly, we should not let that advice ever go the wayside, because it really is important to reflect upon what brought us to this point in our lives.

All so we can properly appreciate what we’ve learned, how far we’ve come and find that sense of appreciation and wonder that accompanies such reflection. For it will give us peace in our soul and joy in our heart and well… the importance of this is top of mind today, simply because it served as the central exploration of the next episode of Star Trek: Discovery on Paramount+. A feat that ‘Face the Strange’ accomplished by having the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery find a touch of frustration with their mission. Simply because the next clue offered little direction or guidance. Just empty space and curiosity and a touch of infighting between Commander Rayner and the crew, which prompted a talking to from the captain.

Wherein, a strange occurrence happened once the talk was interrupted by a message regarding power fluctuations. For Burnham and Rayner found themselves suddenly jumping through time. Which of course left this duo curious as to how this happened and thankfully, it didn’t take long for Rayner to figure out that the tiny little bug that Moll put on Adira’s uniform, was a creature known as a Time Bug. Which could infiltrate a ship’s technology and send it into a time loop, incapacitating the ship until someone either came looking for the paralyzed vessel or until someone within it, understood that trouble had come. Which meant that this duo had to work fast to be free of the Time Bug so that Moll and L’ak wouldn’t jump ahead of them in the search.

Which brought about a wild adventure through time, one that took us to the laying down of Discovery’s keel in the 23rd Century to moments related to recent history. Which brought about cameos, reflection, and the theme at hand. But we’ll get to that in a moment, simply because… it is important to point out that our heroes did escape the chaos of the Time Bug, thanks to the fact that Stamets was aware of the situation because of his Tardigrade DNA, and with everyone working together on this little problem project, they were able to neutralize the Time Bug and get life back to normal, just in time to see that L’ak and Moll were indeed nearby, giving rise to a renewed chase and a chance to prevent a dark future.
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But truly, what made this episode so unique, was the fact that Captain Burnham, Commander Rayner. and Commander Stamets did indeed have to take a moment and look at their respective journeys. The highs, the lows, how much they’ve grown as people and as leaders in Starfleet and that made… for a powerful tale. One that really showcased how much value we find in taking that moment to look back. For this trio really did find some special peace and some special perspective and that will serve them well in the fight ahead now they are once again in striking distance of their foe, and let’s be honest… it was very special to see the Burnham of old as part of the process, to really hammer home how quickly we grow and change in life.

In the end however, this was just… a lovely story. One that made sure to put forth one of the big tenets of Star Trek, specifically… the human condition and the wonders it harbors. While at the same time, offering up a pseudo-retrospective of the series. Since we did see a lot of history regarding this ship and were treated to a bevy of big moments from her past, and we also got to see old friends that we’ve lost along the way, and it was quite amazing to have a little reunion aboard the bridge of this ship and enjoy a greatest hits recap. For that most certainly helps us to process the end and say goodbye, and now is the time to do that. For there are only a handful of episodes left for this glorious series, and undoubtedly, the search for the Progenitor’s technology will soon become the sole focus. Until next time.   

Please Enjoy this Sneak Peek and Synopsis from Episode Three of Mary and George, which airs on STARZ, later tonight, and is available to stream on the STARZ App, now!   
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MARY & GEORGE EPISODE 103: Not So Much By Love As By Awe
Airdate: April 19 at 9:00pm ET/PT on STARZ
 
With Somerset keeping George on the backfoot, Mary must find a way to make allies fast and overcome the Somersets or risk losing everything. Meanwhile, Francis Bacon senses an opportunity to influence George.

​Please enjoy this sneak peek and Synopsis of Episode 308 of ‘BMF’, which airs on STARZ, later tonight, and is available to stream on the STARZ App, now!    
 
BMF EPISODE 308: Code Red
Airdate: April 19 at 8:00pm ET/PT on STARZ
 
Meech returns from St. Louis to Atlanta to learn that the city and his love now belong to Glock. He is determined to build there, and to take the city from his competitors, yet he learns to do this in a smart manner with all eyes watching the city and his next move.