Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Whitstable Pearl’.
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One intense and overwhelming lesson that our parents and the collective whole of humanity works to instill in our minds… is that second chances are an impossibility and it understandable as to why people think that way. Because we really have built our culture on achieving perfection the first time around, which in turn pushes us to make great first impressions and somehow not fail at chasing our chosen career fields and relationships… so we live up to that mantra… one that is wholly incorrect. Because second chances do exist, and they are a reality because failure is a genuine part of life. One that is necessary for us to learn what our mettle is made of and how badly we want what we are chasing. 

Which means that when the time is right and we are ready to pick ourselves up and give it another shot, we do so with gusto and find a way to make our dreams work and really, this notion is relevant to our discussion today… simply because the second chance and the peace and fulfillment it brings permeates the fabric of the new AcornTV series, Whitstable Pearl. For the series premiere of this dynamic new crime drama, introduces us to one Pearl Nolan… who put her dream of becoming a police officer on the back burner to start a family and a business to sustain them. And after years of raising her son and growing that business, a restaurant that shares the namesake of the series… the chance to become a quality investigator arrives when we catch up with her in 'The Free Waters'. For shortly after she opens her own PI business, it leads her to a run in with murder and that begins her journey toward a second chance and finding fulfillment.

Because despite being saddened by the loss of her friend, she has all the knowledge that the police do not, and that motivates her to forge ahead and solve this case on her own, regardless of her lack of a badge and that’s when the show’s grand exploration in regard to how we find our way into a second chance gets underway. Because this really is it, this is her chance to make a difference and use her skills to help the police and thankfully… they welcome it. For DCI Mike McGuire knows that her intimate knowledge of the town can serve him well, and he turns Pearl loose and she accomplishes wonders. For she is quickly able to piece together the who put down her dear friend, and despite the danger that comes with her search… she brings the killer to justice, giving her that second chance at last and the wonder of this two-hour premiere doesn’t end with Pearl’s pseudo-return to law enforcement.

For the second episode, ‘Random Acts’, is what hammers home the fulfilling nature of the second chance and how they don’t always go the way we might expect. Because Pearl isn’t handed a badge and a gun by the police. Instead, she quietly becomes a consultant of sorts, one that the McGuire knows he can trust through and through and for the first time in the short run of this series… we see Pearl at peace with the fact that she can do some good and that really does relax her and bring her happiness and it was nice to see the series point out in a subtle manner that our paths don't always go exactly as we plan, but we get there none the less and it still gives us exactly what we need. Plus, it was also quite delightful that she and Mike have a unique case to work as well in this second episode. Since the art thief plot line here was quite original and delightful and the show also deserves serious credit for also wasting zero time in exploring the possibility of romance between our two leads.
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Because they do indeed have some serious chemistry, the kind that they are willing to explore and their romantic journey brings us to the other reason this series is so darn enjoyable… its characters. Because they are growing before our eyes in these first two episodes, and they have depth thanks to the powerful experiences that brought them to this point and the themes aren’t limited to Pearl either. Since DCI McGuire is looking for his own second chance at both love and his career since clearly the death of his wife sent his life careening out of control and the realism that surrounds these characters and their desire to find the right path in life, allows for the viewer to instantly attach to both of them and root for them to succeed. For they are wonderful and good human beings that deserve happiness and fulfillment.

If anything, this really is quite the refreshing series when all is said and done. Because everything about this show is unconventional in nature, and that’s a good thing for a crime drama. For it is devoid of the gritty nature that permeates other shows in this vein, and instead wants to focus on the raw humanity of the characters and the crimes they investigate. Which really does provide the viewer with a down to earth and oddly hopeful show. One that really does make it seem that both Pearl and DCI McGuire will find the fulfillment and completeness they so desperately seek as they forge ahead with their second chances and it will be quite interesting to continue to watch them grow in the weeks to come, and enjoy their second act in life, as they solve more unique and dynamic cases. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eight of ‘Gangs of London’.
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For the most part, serialized television shows that have a mystery or big moment to send our way, run the risk of trying the patience of their fanbase. For if they wait too long to answer said mystery, they could tick off loyal viewers eager for resolution. Or they can also fail the audience by saving the big reveal/answer-fest until the end of the season, shoehorning in a quick and unsatisfying resolution to something that everyone was looking forward to. But while fans are often nervous as to how the story is going to be resolved, every once in a while a show comes along that actually manages to shock the audience with its outright reveal of the truth. By either dropping it at the most unexpected moment imaginable… or in the case of Gangs of London, by having us outright forget about the answer or answers we seek in the first place, so that we are stunned when they finally arrive.

Because for weeks now, we’ve been immersed in some powerhouse storytelling, the kind that has shown us the brutality of the gangster world and has focused heavily on the destructive nature of revenge. Which has in turn, allowed for us to forget about a bubbling mystery on this series, specifically… who took the time to kill Finn Wallace? Because his untimely end brought about all this chaos in the first place and well, after weeks of focusing upon other, equally as important and incredibly engrossing matters, the series finally decided that the time had come to reveal all to the audience and provide us with the answers we’ve forget we were desperate to enjoy and it accomplished this particular feat, by having everything outright fall to pieces.

For the money that Alexander noticed had gone missing during last week’s tale, brought forth all kinds of fury from Mosi. Who firmly believed that he was being cheated out of his cash and that brought him to London to slice the hands off of the bankers he believed robbed him, sending shockwaves through the underworld and leaving Luan in utter fear for his life and his family’s safety. And to make matters worse, Asif believed this was the right time to enact war against Lale, and he laid waste to her operation and her people, leaving the city’s syndicate in disarray and terror and well… that motivated Sean to take charge of the situation and demand some answers from his closest advisers, the Dumanis… when it became apparent to him, they knew more than they were leading on.

Which in turn, led to all kinds of horrible revelations. Such as the fact that his father was done with the crime lifestyle and decided he was going to take all the money he could, by way of the missing investments, in order to retire with Floriana and leave his family and everything behind. And that worried the investors, to the point where they paid top dollar to order a hit upon Finn, and the investors had other plans in mind as well. In that, they wanted the Wallace family completely away from the business in general and if that meant the end of Sean… then so be it. But one way or another, the Dumanis were going to be put in charge by the investor group and be encouraged to use their vast funds to launder their money and make them richer with real estate investments. Revelations that of course… brought about more trouble since Sean decided to part ways with the Dumani family in the most violent way possible for their betrayal, which is a devastating manner in which to end this tale.

Because just like that, the once proud Wallace family, which managed to control every facet of the city’s crime syndicate… has been reduced to nothing and is now isolated and without support. Leaving one to wonder what will become of them in the coming weeks now that the investors have made it clear how they expect the future to take shape. But while we wait to see how Sean will respond to having his family cut off in every way imaginable… we can bask in one powerfully bleak tale. One that really did a wonderful job of straight up surprising the audience with the answers we have sought for ages while also managing to raise the stakes like never before and inject a real sense of danger for the Wallace family. Because they truly have nothing to show for their years of control, and their lives are indeed on the line. Making this story a sorrowful parallel to the age old saying, that ‘crime doesn’t pay’. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the second episode of ‘China: Nature’s Ancient Kingdom’.
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Normally, when we think of the phrase ‘conservation efforts’, in regard to the environment, incredibly complex tasks come to mind. The kind that revolves around a group of people undertaking a herculean effort to save animals and their habitat and it is understandable as to why our minds drift to such imagery. After all, the natural world is indeed in danger thanks to climate change and our demands upon it and time and time again, our mistakes or the need to save wildlife on a moment’s notice has led to those kinds of epic rescue missions and now we simply believe that the only way to bring balance back to the world, is by throwing every resource we have at the problem.
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But while that wouldn’t exactly be a bad thing to see humanity do, an all-out assault on the problem isn’t always entirely necessary. Because sometimes, all we need to do in order to let nature heal and thrive once again… is to leave it to its own devices. For it has proven time and time again, that it is resilient and can bounce back with a little bit of time and for proof that this is the case, look no further than the next episode of China: Nature’s Ancient Kingdom. For ‘Central: A Balancing Act’ takes the time to show us how leaving certain paradises to function on their own, can in fact do wonders for wildlife. A feat that this nation accomplished by making three of its national parks free of human beings, an act that required some serious sacrifice and change.

For instance, cities and towns that once thrived in this part of the world, were ordered abandoned. To the point where new towns are popping up on the outskirts of these new protectorates. And other areas in these newly created parks, that were once readily accessible to the people of China, were made restricted so that nature could be left on its own to thrive as it saw fit and well, that decision has had an incredible impact for certain. For those empty cities are slowly being reclaimed by the world, and the roads that once moved people are being converted back into forested areas for the animals to use as they please and thanks to these collective efforts to leave things alone… the beautiful creatures that live here are starting to enjoy a peaceful and fruitful life. 

To the point where their population numbers are beginning to move in the right direction for a change after years of being in peril and now… we can admire them from afar and revel in the wonder of how they live, something that this documentary made a point to showcase as well. Which allowed for us to witness first-hand how panda bears raise their young, since we were privy to bamboo eating lessons. Plus, we were able to see how the snub-nosed monkeys in this part of the world go about their day as well, and how they utterly rely upon an alpha male to lead a pack of them to food and shelter and safety and well, the point of showing us such beautiful moments was clearly designed to hammer home the fact… that this world is teeming with beauty and dynamic life, the kind that deserves every chance to grow and thrive.

Which is why it is indeed important for us to make parts of the world as safe as can be for wildlife. So, it can go about its day as intended and be free of our interference and influence. And while that isn’t always possible and likely won’t be the norm everywhere, since we are indeed the masters of this planet and continue to grow, little sanctuaries such as these… alongside an edict to peacefully coexist with the animals of the world, will go a long way to healing our planet and giving it the balance that it craves. If anything, it is just wonderful to know that there are efforts being made to create oases of peace and solitude for the creatures of the world, so that nature’s beauty and majesty can be revered for generations to come. Until next time.

One question that we ponder upon at some point in our lives, is how far we would go to protect our family members and loved ones from harm. And we ponder upon that, to remind ourselves of how much we love them and how much they mean to us. But while we have thought about that scenario from time to time and discuss it with others now and again, what’s fascinating about this line of thinking is that the vast majority of us, never ask that question in regard to our own personal safety. Likely because we never quite think we will be in a scenario where we need to do whatever it takes to see another day, but it wouldn’t be a bad thing to ponder on such a notion… if only for a moment.
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In part because, you never know, but also to give us perspective in this life. Because there are some folks, that do have to ponder upon that question and execute whatever plan comes out of it and one type of person that likely has to think about this more often than they’d like, are drug dealers. Since that career field is a chaotic one at best, where anything can happen on a moment’s notice and it just so happens, that Walter White has to deal with this particular conundrum in the season three finale of Breaking Bad. For when we catch up with Walter in ‘Full Measure’, the situation is quite grim. After all, two of Gus’ drug dealing lieutenants are dead and Jesse Pinkman looks like the prime suspect to Mister Fring, even though he’s innocent here and well… that forces the real killer, Walter, to step in and try and smooth everything over.

A feat that he manages to accomplish by proving to Gus that he does indeed respect him and his role and understands his reach, and once both men come to even ground, Walter is able to land his old job back and even land a new/old lab assistant in Gale, making it seem as though… everything is going to be okay. But it doesn’t take long for Walter and the audience to realize, that Gus isn’t happy with the drama that Walter and Jesse have brought to the table and that he wants to replace Mister White the first chance that he can and that’s when Walter has to think about how far he is willing to go in order to protect his own life and well… what he comes up with to make that happen is pretty damn impressive. Because if there is no Gale in the picture, there’s no chance that Walter will be muscled out and that motivates him to put together a sneaky plan to make that happen with Jesse.

One that Walter must put into motion pretty quick when Gus decides that he has outstayed his welcome and as it turns out, Walter is fully prepared to do whatever it takes in order to ensure that he sees another tomorrow. For his plan involved having Jesse make a mad dash to Gale’s house, in order to straight up kill him, all so that both men can continue to live and collect their money and finish what they started in essence and it would seem that the plan goes off without a hitch. Because despite being nervous to do what must be done, Jesse does indeed show up at Gale’s doorstep and he does indeed fire a single shot at Gale at point blank range. But alas, the screen fades to black before we learn the final result of this incredible end around, leaving us to wonder if Jesse’s moral code kicked in at the last possible second.  

But more than likely, that was the end of Gale and this bold move on Walter and Jesse’s part will undoubtedly put them back in the lab to cook since Gus Fring will indeed be forced to use them both to make more Blue Sky. But while we wait to see if that is the case, we can bask in the wonder of one wild and tense tale. One where danger was once again hanging over every single moment, since we hadn’t a clue if Gus was going to snap and execute his plan sooner and well, in the end, you simply cannot go wrong with a finale that raises the stakes in this manner and corrupts characters in this fashion. Because all trouble aside, Walt and Jesse really did commit to the darkness here and further corrupted their souls in the process… and it will be quite interesting to see how their actions here change them for the worse, when we dive into season four of this magnificent series. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘The Me You Can’t See’.

It is definitely safe to say, that mankind has achieved incredible wonders when it comes to our physical health. Because not only have we conquered a great deal of the viruses that once plagued and ravaged humanity, but we are able to now mend badly broken bones and stop heart attacks and strokes from finishing what they started, and we can even see inside a person’s body and know exactly where an issue is hiding within. But while these advancements have greatly extended our lives and the lives of our loved ones, we surprisingly have made little progress on healing the human mind and psyche. Because sadly, we still view mental health as a minor issue, the kind that a person should be able to push past and overcome… when in fact, that particular view is wholly incorrect.
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For mental health can determine a great deal of things about how we go about our day and function and when our minds are not at their peak performance… we struggle and we stumble and what’s amazing, is that we are only now starting to have conversations about how important mental health is to maintain. But while it is nice to see people begin to recognize that the mind needs to be healed and cared for in a manner similar to our bodies, there are a lot of questions as to how exactly we properly seek the care our minds sometimes need. Thankfully though, Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, have decided to join forces with AppleTV+ in order to explore that exact path forward by way of the new documentary series, The Me You Can’t See, and as it turns out, the series premiere of this fascinating show takes the time to explore the first steps to healing one’s mind. 

For ‘Say It Out Loud’ makes it inherently clear that our first step is to do as the title says and acknowledge that there is a problem. Which means we cannot listen to stigma or what anyone else says about our mental health… we need to be honest with ourselves and announce to the face in the mirror that something is wrong and that it needs to be addressed and it doesn’t hurt to try to understand the root cause of what’s eating at us as well. Which could be related to childhood trauma such as unresolved loss and grief, or perhaps we went through some seriously traumatic experiences in our youth. Or it could relate to the fact that some of us do indeed harbor a genuine disorder, such as say OCD, and that can have an impact on how we live if it remains untreated and of course... trauma in general can lead to a great deal of problems for us, to the point where it can paralyze us and put us in a dark place until we deal with it.

But while it is indeed powerful to hear that message, in order for it to truly resonate with a viewer, this documentary presents such issues in a powerful manner, by having people who struggle or have struggled with these exact issues, explain their journey firsthand. Which allowed for us to hear from people from all walks of life and feel their raw emotion when it comes to their plight and that made for some tearful moments for certain. The kind that genuinely help us to understand that burying these problems and rolling with the stigma and the status quo causes more harm than good. But if we say aloud what’s eating at us and what’s truly putting in such a dark place… we can start the long road to recovery and find some semblance of peace and joy in our lives and well… this was quite the powerful way to get the point across.

Because when this opening chapter has come to its close, you are silent. Because this resonates with the viewer on a fundamental level, and it makes you wonder if by chance you’ve addressed some of the darker thoughts that sometimes poke about and most important of all, this episode helps you to realize that you’re not alone on those dark days. Because if the Duke of Sussex and Lada Gaga go through days where they don’t want to get out of bed or are eager to drink their troubles away… then this really is a human condition, one that can no longer be ignored. Because mental health is truly as important as physical health, and the time has come to explore how we heal and how we move forward and it will be quite interesting to see how this magnificent and dynamic series is going to showcase that in the days to come as it continues its examination of a problem that has sat in the shadows, for far too long.

‘The Me You Can’t See’ is streaming now, exclusively on AppleTV+.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The Mosquito Coast’.
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The vast majority of us, have a safety net in our lives and nine times out of ten, that particular net is our family and our closest friends. For they understand us and trust us and we reciprocate in kind and if things fall to pieces, they are able to support us financially or aid us emotionally and that is quite the gift for certain. Because sometimes a quick hand is all you need to have a fighting chance in life, and we should be thankful that such a safety net exists… because not everyone gets to enjoy that particular benefit. Because sadly, some folks don’t have family or close friends to rely upon and when they are faced with a major crisis, they are put to the test like never before… to the point where they are able to discover exactly what they are made of.

If anything, that more sour side to life is relevant to our discussion today, simply because it served as the focal theme of the next episode of The Mosquito Coast on AppleTV. For ‘Elvis, Jesus, Coca-Cola’ saw the elder Foxes deal with a fascinating crisis, one that caught the viewer by surprise since this episode fooled the audience early on. For when we catch up with the family here, they’ve arrived in Mexico City, they’re settled into a hostel and at long last it would appear they’re going to enjoy some peace and quiet for a change. After all, Allie merely needs to speak with his old buddy Calaca, and the family will be whisked away to a lovely location where the sun always shines and the good times are plentiful. But sadly, the instant Allie reaches out, things quickly go south and that is when Mr. and Mrs. Fox are put to the test. 

Because Calaca doesn’t trust them in the slightest, nor does he believe that they are alone in their search for him, a concern that is one hundred percent justified. For we also come to learn that a bounty hunter is hot on their tails, thanks to the incident at the Hacienda. Which put them on the clock to find Calaca as quickly as possible, to ensure the family’s safety and well, being pushed in this manner… helped us to learn a great deal about Allie. In that, while he is indeed hyper intelligent and crafty, he can’t handle a crisis in the slightest. Because he consistently broke down in this particular tale when the going got tough, to the point where it seemed as though failure was imminent. But thankfully, Margot kept a level head during this crisis and eventually led them to what appeared to be safety and it was quite fascinating to be reminded of the fact that she is far stronger than her husband gives her credit and also learn that she is likely the real glue keeping this family together and their ultimate fate as a unit might be tied to which way, she sways as this harrowing journey continues along.

Because at some point, she may have enough of the trouble that keeps coming their way and there was plenty of it to be found in the closing moments of this tale. For Calaca clearly doesn’t trust Allie in the slightest after a ten-year absence in discussions between the two of them, since his men straight up black bagged the couple and threw them in the back of the van and to top if off, Allie’s decision to keep his exact crime a mystery… might come back to haunt him sooner rather than later. Because Dina had a little spare time on her hands while her brother made new friends around the hostel, and that motivated her to head out into the city and spend a little time at an Internet Café and google her dad’s crimes. And what she found was fascinating to say the least… since there was an article on the web about a Clara Howard and an Alec Finn; two people who look exactly like mom and dad, and they were persons of interest in the kidnapping of a girl named Dina Milray. 

Which is quite the powerful revelation for certain, one that would explain a great deal why the authorities are hunting them and of course, this article could bring this family to its knees when Dina presents it to her father. But at the same time such a surprise could be an outright ruse. Because this specific article alerted the NSA agents we met a few weeks ago, to the Fox family's whereabouts and that could mean it is a plant. But the true threat here… is that the authorities are on their way and well, that revelation and all the surprises present in this story, make this a stellar episode when all is said and done. For it did a perfect job of pushing the plot forward in a subtle manner, all whilst developing the characters and ratcheting up the tension and well… this is another story that will have us counting down the seconds until next Friday’s episode. So, we can see exactly where these incredible twists and turns will take us next. 
 
‘The Mosquito Coast’ is streaming now on AppleTV+.

​Please enjoy a sneak peek of tomorrow’s brand-new episode of The Mosquito Coast, streaming exclusively on AppleTV+.

When one thinks of the word, justice, an intricate process comes to mind. One that involves a grand investigation when a crime has been committed, so that the authorities can arrest the right person and put them on trial with a jury of their peers so that the facts can be heard, and justice can be served. And while this system/process isn’t exactly perfect, it is the best one we have, and it does work more often than not. But most important of all, knowing that we have a system that can right a wrong and provide victims with closure, definitely helps us to sleep at night since that really is quite the structured and powerful safety net.
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But what’s truly fascinating about modern America, is that the system of justice that a great deal of us rely upon and believe in, is viewed in a vastly different manner all around the nation. For some believe (and rightfully so) that the system has failed them, and they go about their day in a unique manner, so as to never deal with it. While there are others… who cannot make use of it in the slightest. Because if they do, it will cause them more harm than good and that means they often have to dispense their own kind of justice when they are wronged and that particular plight is of note today, because it just so happens to be the focus of the next episode of Breaking Bad.

For ‘Half Measure’ is a story that sees Jesse Pinkman become fixated on the fact that Tomás and the gang members from Fring’s crew… did him wrong and need to pay for Combo’s death and that motivates him to think about enacting a taste of street justice. A move that Walter believes is a poor choice for certain since it would bring down all kinds of hell upon Jesse since Gus wouldn’t stand for that kind of internal fighting. But Jesse pays his warnings no mind and begins to put together a plan to get justice for Combo and well, that brings about quite the stunning moment. One where Mike has to get involved and drag Jesse in for a meeting with Walter and Gus and the men that Jesse is angry with in order to find peace, so the operation can continue along smoothly.

But regardless of the truce put in place in that moment, the need for justice remains strong with Jesse and it is only exacerbated further when Tomás is murdered by Gus’ thugs after orders come down to not use him anymore. Which of course, motivates Jesse to now get justice for two and well… it turns out that he is saved at the last moment by an unexpected hero, Walter. For once he gets wind of the murder… he knows what’s coming and he still believes in Jesse and cares for him, and that motivates him to put down the thugs instead and order Jesse to run and well, that is quite the incredible way to end this tale… one that is devoid of any deeper meaning since it focused heavily on the power of revenge and how justice is dispensed in the drug world.

Which made for one compelling watch since this episode was filled to the brim with incredible performances… especially when it comes to Aaron Paul. Because he really sold the rage and frustration that Jesse experienced in this tale and that led to powerful moment after powerful moment, the kind that made you feel for and cheer for Jesse. Especially when he called Gus to the carpet for using kids in his operation. But all praise aside, this was also a supremely ominous tale as well, because that ending hangs heavy over this one, especially when one considers that Gus will want swift retribution for Jesse’s actions and it will be quite interesting to see if Walter and Jesse will be able to smooth this over, or if their comfortable gig with Mister Fring is about to come to an end in a violent and horrifying manner. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 406 of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’.
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It is definitely safe to say that fans of the Hulu series, The Handmaid’s Tale, have been patiently waiting and hoping for several key plot developments to occur within the framework of this harrowing story. Such as bearing witness to the fall of Gilead, since seeing it collapse and be restored into the United States of America would bring about a great sense of satisfaction and relief since it would mean that every single man involved in its creation would finally pay the piper for their horrific crimes against humanity. But of course, in order for that happen… the other important development that everyone has been waiting for, has to happen first. Specifically, June Osborne needs to be free of Gilead’s clutches so she can fight from afar and well… it is also safe to say that fans have been wondering if that will ever happen.
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Because despite June’s best attempts to escape this nation’s iron grip, she’s often found a way or a reason to return to its disgusting fold, usually because she is compelled to not leave her daughter Hannah behind. Which is an understandable and noble reason to not leave since family is indeed important and given the circumstances, many of us would likely follow in her footsteps for the same reason. But at the same time, her decision to remain has frustrated fans… since it has subjected June to horrors untold, the kind that have quite frankly… given all of us pause and left us sitting in silence once another dark and twisted episode has come to a close. And this cycle of nearly escaping and returning and being tortured has definitely worn on all of us since we have wanted badly to see it end and see some form of healing, begin. 

If anything, June’s journey and our simmering frustration is of note today… simply because at long last, a longstanding goal for the fanbase finally came to fruition in this week’s episode. For ‘Vows’ finally saw the seemingly impossible become a reality, since June Osborne finally escaped the nightmare that is Gilead and was reunited with her husband and best friend on the shores of Canada. But before we talk about the significance of that, we need to focus on the fact that June had to earn this moment and make a powerful decision to finally enjoy her freedom. And of course, we definitely need to spotlight that getting out of Gilead was no easy task… one that took some incredible efforts on Moira’s part and well, it’s best we start there with today’s recap, since the surprise reunion between a pair of best friends is what brought about June’s difficult journey in the first place.

Because shortly after Moira found a dazed and rattled June, she brought her back to the medical tents her team set up for the survivors of the bombing run and well… what they returned to was utter chaos. For the camp was overwhelmed, and there were worries that more bombs were coming and that motivated the team (led by Moira’s girlfriend, Oona) to pull up anchor and head back to Canada with just the team. A move that didn’t sit well with Moira and after some hard pressing, she convinced June to leave and got her aboard the boat without Oona’s knowledge and well, that led to the trouble in question. For Gilead wanted to inspect the boat and ensure that none of their ‘citizens’ were smuggled out and well, knowing that the safety of the crew would be in jeopardy if they didn’t turn June over, motivated Oona to push for a prisoner hand-off at first, but eventually she opted to hide and care for June… largely because of the fact that she was a human being in need of help. 
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Which meant that eventually… June was finally free of Gilead and on her way to a new life and even then… she had second thoughts about doing so. Mainly because, Hannah was still under the watch of an evil nation and their teachings and the thought of leaving her daughter behind to continue to be immersed in that world when she could have gotten her out… was too much to bear. For it made her feel akin to a failure of a mother, one that left her baby girl to rot in a nation founded upon deceit. And it took Moira to teach her friend that she could do more for her daughter and everyone else left behind by speaking out about Gilead’s crimes and that finally allowed for June to accept what her new duty would be going forward, before reuniting with her beloved Luke so they could start the next chapter of their lives on Canadian soil.

If anything, this was hands down… the most satisfying episode of this storied series to date. Because at long last the audience was rewarded for their patience and loyalty. For June Osborne has finally escaped the Republic of Gilead and she is reunited with loved ones and likely her new daughter, Nichole and now… she can properly fight. For she can tell the world of what’s really happening in that twisted land, and she can ruin Commander Lawrence’s plans and hopefully starve the government to the point of collapse. And while that may not the be the fire and brimstone we want for this corrupt nation, an end is an end and this episode was likely the beginning of that end and well, this particular move definitely adds a new layer of excitement to this tale. Because at long last, this is it, the story is finally moving in a positive direction and that will make the wait for next week’s episode a difficult one for certain. Since we are all eager to see June stand tall and fight the Republic of Gilead with the most terrifying weapon of all… the truth. Until next time.    

It really is quite fascinating how small our world truly is. Because despite the fact that there are billions of humans spread out all over the planet, we somehow manage to encounter the ones that we know from ages ago from time to time or we run into people that somehow are connected to important moments in our lives. A surprise that truly does inform us that we are closer than we think as a species and more interconnected than we will ever know, and it happens often enough that sometimes, we wonder if a greater force is at work here. Since notions of destiny are easy to tie to such strange and unexpected encounters and surprises, the kind that sometimes lead us to unique and heartbreaking chapters in our lives since the return of a person from days gone by or the arrival of one that is tied to a powerful moment, can either open a door to new possibilities… or remind us of great heartbreak.
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If anything, this is relevant to our discussion today, simply because this notion found its way into the fabric of the next episode of Breaking Bad. For ‘Abiquiu’ saw Jesse Pinkman be reminded of how small a world we live in and how heartbreaking that can be sometimes, but it sure didn’t seem as though that was going to be the case for his journey in the slightest. For a great deal of this tale saw Jesse simply trying to sell his own personal supply of Blue Sky, with poor results. Because the plan to sell it to recovering addicts wasn’t working since a great deal of the people in his twelve-step program were actually trying to better themselves and well, that motivated Jesse to try and push a new member to the group, named Andrea, to buy and use to prove to his buddies how easy this would be if they applied themselves.

But alas, that simply didn’t work out as he expected either. Because he actually grew quite fond of Andrea, to the point where he even worked to make nice with her son in the hopes of seeing something build with her. Plus, he shielded her from the drugs after all and well, it was this gentler approach to getting to know her, that brought about the episode’s theme. For eventually, Jesse came to learn that Andrea had a little brother named Tomás, and he fell in with the wrong crowd, and eventually crossed a big line in order to join a local gang… one that involved killing Combo. A revelation that hammered home the tiny nature of our world and of course, how discovering our ties to other people can bring about trouble. For Jesse was livid over this discovery and it would seem he is going to make things right in the most violent way imaginable. Especially after learning that Tomás and his handlers are selling Jesse and Walt’s product.

Yet while that alone could have carried this entire hour, there were more unique moments present within this particular tale to celebrate. For Walt offered up his first payout to Hank and Marie and well, the fact that the check came from ‘Ice Station Zebra Associates’, made Skyler quite nervous. Because she wanted to ensure that every check that went to her family, was as legit as they come and that motivated her to get involved in the business to try to help Walter find the right way to launder his money and a meeting with Saul only emboldened her further to get Walt to perhaps… bring his harrowing journey around full circle. All by buying the car wash he used to work at instead of the laser tag facility that Saul suggested, making this quite the special segment for certain. Since it helped to further Skyler’s transition into darkness since she’s now interested in Walt’s new career field. 

In the end however, this is just another amazing episode from an outright amazing series. One that once again reminded us of the fact that the characters are king and flawed individuals in this instance, that are simply trying to get by and find the right path forward, like the rest of the us. Yet at the same time, this was quite the ominous story as well. After all, Jesse is furious at the end of this story when he discovers the truth about who killed Combo and that he and Walter’s product is being sold by the same ruthless killers. And of course, Gus is being a little odd as well since the kindness and courtesy he shows Walt in this tale has to come with a price and well, the only way to find out for certain what the boss man wants… is to continue this incredible journey and see where the revelations in this tale, take us. Until next time.