Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1017 of ‘Chicago Med’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that doctors are unique in nature. After all, they make a choice to save lives, and they see stunning surprises in their day to day lives. The kind that the majority of us might not be able to handle, all because of their training, their skills and knowledge and of course… their minds. For they truly understand how to separate the moment from emotion to keep people alive, and that is unique and that is why we look at them with awe. But it does leave one to wonder, how much a doctor can carry when it comes to the emotional burdens they experience, and the emotional separation they must impart upon themselves. For they are people, unique sure, but people none the less and death and suffering has an impact upon us.

So, how then do they process that? And is there a breaking point for them when it comes to how much they can take? As it turns out, there is, as evidenced by this week’s episode of Chicago Med on NBC. For ‘The Book of Archer’ focused heavily on Dr. Dean Archer during a harrowing day in his life. For he learned right out of the gate that his ex-wife passed away due to her drinking, and an accident. Which really didn’t seem to bug him at first, since a man of his experience and stature knew how to process death, and that led him to comfort his son and head to work, on a day where the ER was short with Dr. Lenox taking some time to stay with a patient that meant something to her, and with Ripley still recovering upstairs. 

Which led to business as usual at first. Wherein the good doctor dealt with a patient that was jacked up on drugs, a couple that discovered that cancer was growing next to their baby and a child that firmly believed that his new heart was going to harm him. Because the donor wasn’t happy with him and her spirt was ready to end him. That brought forth… an understanding that doctors have a breaking point, and that they struggle to process the pain they see and when that happens… life gets rough. Since Archer was snappy with his patients and direct in a manner that was outright rude. Because he was struggling with his emotions, the emotions in the room and that left us wondering… how then do they find a way forward? Because clearly, the big issue for Dr. Archer was that he was overwhelmed by the emptiness of death.

Of how sudden and quick it can be, and how it created such voids, and doctors do indeed see it differently. For there is no thoughts of God and the afterlife in the midst of trying to restart a heart via CPR. Just the moment, just the need to save a life, and well… this episode made it clear, that doctors need to find some meaning in death. To satiate what our minds require, which is closure, and Archer found that in some unique ways as this episode moved along. Since a wonderous gesture to help that heart patient informed him of the need to find more to death than just time of, and a moving of a body, since that can offer comfort to our minds. Not to mention, a grand talk with Lenox, who spoke to how loss and an understanding of the fragility of life and the moment, drove her to be no nonsense and to preserve life, reminded him to cherish every single second we are given.

Of course, it also didn’t hurt that Hannah helped to reinforce that through some kindness. All of which seemed to give Archer a little more focus and calm and well, all of these elements made for a fascinating and thoughtful episode. One that was supremely grounded in humanity and served as a study, really. Of how we lose our way in any profession and how we need things to ground ourselves to maintain our sanity and to find meaning in what we do, and those are lessons we can all take away from this story. One that also finally solved the mystery of Lenox and gave us new perspective upon her, and also saw Dr. Frost continue to quietly deal with the fallout of his confrontation with Maggie. Who may embark on new journeys as well. But what matters most, is that this episode really did remind us that doctors eventually struggle like the rest of us do and require the same support and love to find their way, for after all… we are only human. Until next time.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 7 of Berlin ER, which is available to stream now on Apple TV+!
 
Episode 107 - End-stage - Premieres Wednesday, April 2
Zanna and Ben finally have to confront his addiction and their feelings for each other; Olivia and Olaf struggle to work together, as Dom deals with his guilt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Sixteen of ‘St. Denis Medical’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It really is quite amazing what the hit NBC series, St. Denis Medical, has accomplished in its first season. After all, this series has been able to speak to some of the quirks and conundrums of the medical health care system, through clever commentary and comedy along the way. Not to mention, it’s pondered deeply upon the many challenges doctors and nurses face in hospital work in 2025. But where it truly shines often, is through the sheer fact that the series continues to offer up a day in the life perspective. Where we get to see personal and professional struggles from the amazing individuals in this hospital, that reflect reality, and it just so happens… that was what last night’s episode of the show focused upon.

Since ‘Anything to Push Zaluva’ took the time to explore how sometimes a personal need for control can create conflict in this kind of work, along with how important it is for a medical professional to assert themselves, and how hard it is for medical professionals to make real friends professionally. Which came about via three key storylines, and it was Serena and Alex who explored that first element. Because Alex was feeling overwhelmed with so much going on at work, so Serena stepped in to help plan a baby shower, and well… Alex was worried that Serena’s plans would derail the wonder of the shower, and that only she could do it right. So, she kept poking about, influencing, and she even tried to just take it over, and that did rub Serena the wrong way. Who did a great job putting it all together and while she and Alex made up, and bonded over some mutual sass, it was clear that Alex’s need to be in charge created conflict, and hopefully Alex garnered a good lesson in letting go and trusting others.

As for the need to step up and assert oneself in this field, that was handled by way of Matt. Because sadly, he was struggle-bussing in this tale. For he continued to make mistakes, continued to crumble under pressure, and that got him a nasty nickname and for the first time, Matt himself was wondering if he was going to wash out of this job, a worry he sadly… expressed to Doctor Bruce. Who thought it best to bring him under his wing and make him a success, the Doctor Bruce way. Which entailed brutal hazing and nonsensical testing and that led to tough times for Matt. The kind that prompted him to stand up for himself. In fact, he straight up clapped back at Bruce at the baby shower and put him in his place. Which did indeed garner him some measure of respect and showcased the power and importance of standing tall in this job. Since suddenly, people saw him in a new light, and he can carry that confidence forward.

As for the final examination, that was handled through both Joyce and Doctor Ron. Because Joyce was excited to see her bestie, who was coming down for lunch, and the plan was to have some great eats and catch up. Except Ron kept pointing out… that Joyce’s pal was a pharma rep and was likely in town to push a new drug and offer up all kinds of freebies to get that drug in front of so many. Which Joyce believed wasn’t the case. But despite her best efforts to keep lunch focused on friend stuffs, she failed. For discussions about the drug took place, and Joyce and Ron were both invited to a conference on the company’s dime and that wounded Joyce. Because she wanted a real friend, someone that would come down to catch up and maybe dish a little hot gossip in the process. And that helped her learn, it’s hard to find them when your life is dedicated to the pursuit of saving others, and that perhaps… maybe the friends one seeks are closer than expected. Especially when you’re surrounded by folks you’ve been in the trenches with.

All of which made for an amazing day in the life episode. One that really did showcase some real struggles for folks in this industry that we can all relate to. Since sometimes we are like Alex, or we find ourselves in Matt’s shoes or we too, want to find real connection when we work a ton, and all that tied us to this tale in a unique manner, one that also featured some big-time laughs. Because it was funny to see Alex try and perfect that which was perfect and see Matt experience Bruce’s house of horrors and watch Joyce deflect work talk with some wild stories. But above all, it was just nice to once again see the medical world in a different light. Thanks to this magnificent series, one that truly is impressing us week in and week out, and it will be interesting to see what other amazing moments lie ahead as we inch toward the season one finale. Until next time.

Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek and synopsis of the season two premiere of Hustle Sizzle and Smoke, which debuts on aspireTV tonight at 8:30 pm EST!
 
Episode 201 | “Lamb and Pickled Vegetables?”
Chef B of Everybody Eats Grill faces off against Chef Al of Windy City Grill Gang. In today’s challenge, our competitors prepare lamb with a side of pickled vegetables. Will they be able to find the perfect balance between these distinct flavors and wow the judges?

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 314 of ‘Night Court’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Often times when we end a romantic relationship, for whatever reason, that’s that. We never speak to that person again; we close out any ties to them and we just move on. Because it didn’t work, and they were simply not the one, and we move forward to find our person. But now and again, there’s a breakup we take part in, that haunts us. It could be because… a moment of stupidity ended a love that brought us great joy, or it could be related to the fact that life and its chaos helped us to split at a time where a little TLC would have kept things going. But one way or another, for a time we wonder what could have been and if a second chance might ever come our way and we do some interesting things during that particular window.

For we might reach out to them or perhaps we will find a way to be seen, to ignite that spark. If anything, that particular act is top of mind today, simply because Judge Abby Stone took part in it in the next episode of Night Court on NBC. For we came to learn in ‘Hot to Trot’ that Abby was hanging out with Susan, Jake’s mom, on a regular basis. In fact, they were acting as though they were straight up besties. Which Abby stated was an opportunity to just hang out with someone cool, someone to give her perspective on life. But Susan’s constant desire to show off the new chest she had installed in the season three premiere, prompted Wyatt to just call Abby’s bluff and get to the heart of the matter. To which Abby acknowledged, this whole thing was to be near Jake again and know how he was doing.

Which prompted Abby… to accept an invitation to Susan’s birthday party. So that she could hopefully light that flame again. That led to a hilarious disco themed birthday bash, where Wyatt was Abby’s wingman and where she learned that Jake was with someone new. And while they exchanged pleasantries and while Susan did some wild things to try and move them back together, in that moment… while there was longing from the two of them, there was no progress toward tomorrow as one. Just the fine reminder… that sometimes we go the extra mile for love, even when we think we have let it slip through our fingertips. Because the heart wants what it wants, and when we feel that deep connection with someone and truly feel as though we left something on the table, this is that result.

But while that made for an amazing sequence, one that featured more depth we will speak to in a moment, this is also a story that took the time to offer the usual zaniness that the show is known for. Courtesy of a hilarious storyline involving the rest of the team. Wherein Julianne learned that her rich aunt passed away and that she was likely coming into life-changing money. But instead, she was gifted a horse that she gave away to Flobert. Because that meant nothing financially. Until she, and everyone else, learned that the horse had all the money she could draw from. Which led to a free-for-all nightmare for Flobert as everyone tried to get a piece of that horse’s inheritance. One that ended with him just setting the horse free… so that all could try and wrangle that stallion and that was just amazing to see play out and led to a lot of laughs.

Granted, so did Abby’s journey. Since Julia Duffy once again delivered as Susan, and brought a special brand of chaos to the character’s wants, and some beauty as well. Since she tried to reunite our lovebirds in a manner that was motherly and lovely, and that was that extra bit of depth that made this, another great episode from this series. Because this once again, had it all. Good laughs, heart, and just the joy that this series always brings us, and this episode does beg quite the questions… will Jake and Abby? Or won’t they? Only time will tell, but hopefully they do. Because there is some real magic there for them to discover. But while we wait, at least we know we will be treated to more laughs and more endearing messages from this magnificent series. Until next time.

When we think of Hawaii, we think of paradise, personified, and understandably so. After all, island life is quite surreal in all the right ways. Since there are endless views of the icy blue pacific everywhere you turn, and there’s lush hillsides and perfect temperatures, and there’s also great food and a real sense of tradition on these islands. Courtesy of Indigenous Hawaiians that share their culture in a place, that so many of us have learned of and yearned for… courtesy of television and film, and because that is our source, we tend to not know the real history of this paradise floating in the sea.
 
For before it was the 50th State of the United States of America, it was a vastly different place. One where tourism and Elvis Presley movies were unheard of. It was instead a chain of islands that were divided and sometimes mired in conflict, and it took one man to bring all of Hawai’i together, and well… the history of Hawai’I is of note today, because of the fact that a new series from Apple TV+ and megastar Jason Momoa, is coming to the network this summer that explores that unique era in the state’s history.
 
For Chief of War will drop on August 1, 2025 and this series, which stars Jason Momoa, who also serves as an executive producer, writer and co-creator of the show, chronicles how Ka’iana (played by Momoa) worked to bring the islands together in the late 18th century before Western colonization arrived and this will be… an important series. For it not only explores the history of a state we adore, but it offers representation for certain. Since it will also feature a predominantly Polynesian cast and tell a story that really… few of us know of, and to properly celebrate this news, Apple TV+ was kind enough to offer up all the details on this show, and a first look photo, all of which we will share with you now. To properly prepare you for the arrival of this significant series.
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‘Apple TV+ unveiled a first look at “Chief of War,” an epic new drama starring, executive produced and written by Jason Momoa. Set amidst the beautiful backdrop of the islands of Hawai’i, the nine-episode series based on true events, follows warrior Ka’iana, portrayed by Momoa, as he tries to unify the islands before Western colonization in the late 18th century. "Chief of War” will make its global debut on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on Friday, August 1, 2025 followed by new episodes every Friday through September 19.
 
Performed by a predominantly Polynesian cast led by Momoa, “Chief of War” follows the epic and unprecedented telling of the unification and colonization of Hawai’i at the turn of the 18th century. The ensemble cast includes Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, newcomer Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale’o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka and Te Kohe Tuhaka.
 
This series is a passion project for creators, Momoa and Sibbett, who both share native Hawaiian heritage, and is produced by FIFTH SEASON and Chernin Entertainment. Momoa directs the season finale and serves as executive producer. Doug Jung serves as showrunner and executive produces along with Sibbett, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Tracey Cook and Brian Mendoza. Justin Chon directs the first two episodes and serves as executive producer. Anders Engstrom, Jim Rowe, Molly Allen, Francis Lawrence and Tim Van Patten also serve as executive producers. “Chief of War” follows the worldwide success of Apple’s hit series “See,” starring Jason Momoa. All three chapters of “See” are now streaming globally on Apple TV+. 
 
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 559 wins and 2,589 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, Apple Vision Pro, 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 $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac 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 Nine of ‘The Hunting Party’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve basically been privy to a reinvention of the serial killer subgenre of storytelling by way of the magnificent new NBC series, The Hunting Party. For this show has taken every single concept that we love from this type of story and put a unique spin upon them. Adding newfound depth to this type of story, alongside moments that have us buzzing and well, that has left us wondering… if this will continue heading into the final two episodes of the season. After all, there are still mysteries involving the Pit to be solved and Shane’s storyline continues to grow, and well, last night’s episode of the series let us know… this wonderful aspect of the show isn’t going anywhere.

Because ‘Tom Beecher’ offered up the balance this show thrives within. After all, this is a story that saw Bex finally get her wish and meet Oliver’s contact in the flesh, in a cliffhanger fashion no less. A moment that will push the Pit plot line forward, and this story also answered some more questions regarding Shane’s story. Since he learned that Dr. Dulles spent a lot of time watching over him as a child as well. Something that Shane did not recall, which might have significance because of this episode. But more importantly, those tapes not only revealed that childhood surprise, but that his mother knew of him, saw him, during these sessions through glass, but was told she could not interact with him, for reasons that were not made clear.

Of course, in between all of that… was the case in question, and this was engaging and so compelling, simply because… it took the most important element of a serial killer story and toyed with it in a magnificent manner. For power is the end all, be all need for the monsters that kill with impunity in our world, and they thrive upon having the upper hand and controlling the narrative and the lives of their victims. But his story pondered upon what might happen, if the power dynamic between a killer, his victims, and those that were hunting him… was thrown in to disarray? Would that help the heroes? Would that give the killer a new angle to work with? Well as it turned out, the answer was not a good one when all is said and done. For chaos would be the end result, andthat would require someone to step up and take control.

Because it turned out that while Tom Beecher… was out of the Pit and going back to his old M.O. Which involved torturing twenty-something women that were brunette and truly at the start of their lives, before killing them in front of a second victim so the cycle could begin anew, something was different about his work this time. Because this time around, he made a lot of rookie mistakes, such as calling the parents of one of his victims, a true staple of patterns, from an unsecured line that allowed the team to trace the call and arrest him at a hotel and save the second victim he had lined up for his special brand of cruelty. All of which was made possible, because Dr. Dulles subjected Beecher to some weird experiments. The kind that Oliver had to use his contact to learn more about, and it turned out, the many brain surgeries he underwent, shattered his memory and left him unable to form new short-term ones.

Which meant he did not remember where he left his primary new victim, named Lily, and that left both Beecher and Bex powerless here, and well… that gave Bex a bold idea. Wherein, the team would put Beecher to sleep, because sleep would reset his shattered brain and its memories, and they would return him to his room and restore it to the way it was the day he was arrested, with cameras and sound and a planted victim. To give him the illusion he was on track with this routine, and then of course they could follow him to Lily’s location and end this. A plan that everyone agreed to, and that Morales wanted a part of, as the victim no less. For there was little data for her to decrypt thanks to the nonsense that took place in the Pit and that led to one stunning ending for this particular tale.
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One that truly… allowed for Morales to be the hero in this story. Because the plan eventually went south when Beecher came to slowly realize, this was all a setup. Since a hint of graphite left in his van clued him into the fact that someone dusted the van for prints. So, he pulled the team away and threatened Morales and paid the price. Since the team had her ready to fight back and she did, and sadly… because Beecher knew he was cornered, he took the easy way out in this story. Which left the team listless and worried they had no way to save Lily. But the fact that Beecher was humming a particular tune, something Shane pointed out, clued Morales into the fact that such a habit would be how they find their victim. Since that meant he was using the song as a code that she could decipher, and she was right.

For embedded in the conversation he had with Lily, one that he scripted, were clues to help him find Lily when he woke in the morning and that helped the team, save another life. But what mattered more here, was that… this was indeed a fresh and delightful spin on the power struggle that often happens in these kinds of stories, that we’ve seen in this series. And it was just amazing to see the killer have no power here and see our heroes be without it as well. Because that did lead to chaos and confusion and the need to figure out how gain it and that left us guessing as to what was going to happen here, and if by chance our heroes would lose out because of Beecher and Dulles’ machinations. Which brings us to the other real gem in this tale, Morales.

Because she was the hero of the story, plain and simple, and she used some of her own ties to the very town where Lily went missing as fuel to do something good, to give back when it wasn’t a place, she had the best memories of. Not to mention, she showcased her bravery, her strength and how much she can contribute to the field work in this story, and it would be amazing to see her out with the team down the line. But for now, we can celebrate, just an utterly brilliant and complex episode. Because this one was deeply detailed and stunningly engaging. All courtesy of a simple spin on the power dynamic and truly… this episode leaves us eager for next week’s finale. In part, for the answers that await Bex and Shane, but also… because clearly the writers’ room are saving their best stories for the end of the season, and that’s quite the accomplishment, when one considers the majesty, we’ve been privy to, courtesy of this refreshing new show. Until next time.