Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series finale of ‘Des’.
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When human beings take the time to put aside their differences and work together toward a common cause, we can truly achieve wonders. Because everyone is focused on that singular goal and will do whatever it takes to achieve it and that really is quite the sight to behold when it happens… simply because such a result is quite rare, unfortunately. Because more often than not, there is always that one person that decides in the midst of a group project… to take charge and make their agenda and goals the priority. Which in turn leaves everyone involved scrambling for unity so that the carefully crafted endgame doesn’t fall to pieces and well, that kind of chaos is top of mind today, simply because it served as the focus of the final episode of Des.
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For when we catch up with DCI Peter Jay and all of Scotland Yard in the series finale, they’re scrambling and scared. For Dennis ‘Des’ Nilsen’s decision to plead not guilty to every single charge of murder, turned a slam dunk case into a fight for justice. For the defense was now planning to prove that Des was indeed mentally ill when he committed his crimes, allowing for a manslaughter charge to come into play and well, that forced Jay and his team to basically re-open the case and leave no stone unturned in trying to ensure that they had solid evidence to bring about a conviction and early on it sure seemed as though they did. For they had testimony and quality physical evidence that proved pre-meditation. But the defense was smart in how they approached the case, and it wasn’t long before they poked holes in everything.

Which motivated DCI Jay to get creative in how to bring about justice and he turned to Brain Waters in order to get his hands on every letter that Des sent the author, to use as evidence. A notion the talented scribe wanted no part of, initially. But once Peter made it clear what was at stake and what Des was able to do to everyone in this case with his charm and honesty, Brian finally relented and helped out, but even that was not enough to bring forth a conviction. Which meant that Peter had to figure out how to reach a young man named Carl. Who as it turns out, was the young man that Des killed and revived and cared for and well… Peter needed him to face his memories and express them in court so that the jury could truly understand what Des was all about. And while he was indeed reluctant at first, eventually he stood tall on the witness stand and told his harrowing story and apparently… that was all the majority of the jury needed to hear.

For eventually, they brought back guilty verdicts on every single count and that in turn put Des away for life and well, that is when this series once again brought forth some disturbing moments. Simply because Des was still un-remorseful after his conviction and he even pointed out that it was likely a good thing that the jury found him guilty, despite his plea. For there was a chance that he would never have stopped killing and the number of dead would have grown to an unfathomable one and well, that was a fine reminder that Des was in fact, a true monster through and through. One that thrived on attention and admiration and thankfully had that robbed from him in the end. For Brian’s book, in which this series is based upon… ended up portraying Dennis ‘Des’ Nilsen as a preventable tragedy, diminishing the power of this monster when all is said and done.

Yet while that should have made for a satisfying ending to a horrifying tale, in the end this finale was quite sobering instead. For we came to learn in the closing moments of this tale that only 8 of the supposed 15 victims were identified and that one was even a young teenage boy. Which serves to teach us that true justice for Des’ horrendous crimes… was never truly achieved and that such an act may never come considering the damage he did to the bodies and hopefully, Brian’s wish for this story to become a warning will indeed be taken to heart when another Des appears in in this world. That way the next police department forced to deal with such crimes… takes all the time they need so that the memory and voices of the innocent, won’t rot in a cell alongside a twisted individual that has zero respect for the majesty of life.   

‘Des’ is available to stream on Sundance Now.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season one finale of ‘Big Sky’.
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Normally, the ending of a crime drama is fairly predictable for certain. For we know that this is when our hero cop is going to make a final push to capture the murderous and wicked villain, and that exact push will lead to a bevy of tense chase scenes and a powerhouse finale. One that features a final showdown between good and evil. Where good is of course triumphant and the audience is left with a genuine feeling of satisfaction that justice has finally been done. But while we all look forward to that kind of fruitful ending in regard to the crime drama… it is definitely safe to say that fans of the ABC series, Big Sky, approached the season one finale of this series with trepidation and concern.
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Because time and time again, this crime drama has defied convention and the traditional structure of this genre to do its own thing and surprise us in the process and well… considering how the series premiere went, that concern was justified. Because anyone could have died in ‘Love Is a Strange and Dangerous Thing’ and that made the opening segment of this tale quite unnerving since Ronald and his honey Scarlet could have used their twisted intellect to harm both Lindor and Jerrie. But instead, they quietly spoke to another plan and let two of our heroes bring Ronald in. Which in turn offered up a sense of genuine calm and hope that this story might finally provide the viewers with something more traditional. Especially since Scarlet is so wildly unpredictable and could have turned on her new beau. 

In fact, to hammer home the possibility that the surprise in this tale might just be a normal ending, the series even provided us with a wonderful sense of justice when it comes to the Kleinsasser storyline. Since we were able to see Sheriff Wagy be led off in handcuffs and long after everyone had left, Margaret finally dealt with her husband the only way her family knows how… with swift and cruel violence. Putting an end to Horst and his evil ways, which in turn provided Cheyenne and Margaret with a wonderful path forward of their own design. But while that was indeed satisfying and comfortable, that would be the final time that anything ‘normal’ happened in this tale. For Ronald had sins to atone for and once he was alone with Jenny, Cassie and Lindor… this story took a turn as only Big Sky can.

For the help and answers that Ronald offered to provide his captors with … was all a grand ruse. And while he was taking the time to play his own iteration of Hannibal Lecter and John Doe… Scarlet was executing the plan after all. One that involved using code words and the hard drive to bring forth emergency help. The kind that came about in the form of another Montana State Trooper. Who was quick to whisk Scarlet away and give her all kinds of goodies as part of an incredible escape plan to spring Ronald from the grip of law enforcement. And all they needed to execute that plan was time and Ronald definitely provided them with plenty of that… by dragging our heroes out to the middle of nowhere to show them what he had done to the mysterious Kelli ages ago. 
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Which in turn, put his convoy on an isolated road, where the syndicate could finally strike and strike, they did… and in the wake of their vicious attack, Lindor and Jenny were badly, badly wounded and of course, Ronald got away and was reunited with his love. Wherein they were told by another mysterious member of the syndicate to prepare for a new life in Canada, without Phoebe. News that didn’t settle well with Scarlet, and that motivated her to motivate Ronald to take charge of their situation and go and get her baby. Which means… they haven’t escaped just yet and there is hope that this dynamic duo of doom might still be captured by the authorities, provided of course Cassie can catch up with them in time and well… that’s where this episode leaves us. With damage in Ronald’s wake and Cassie on their trail and that really is the perfect way to end this particular tale.

Because it means that this storyline will end in a far more organic manner. One that isn’t rushed in the slightest to appease anyone and that makes this finale quite satisfying in own unique way. Mainly because we know resolution is coming since ABC has greenlit a second season for this unique crime drama. One that constantly keeps us on our toes and one that deserves a round of applause for this dynamic finale. Because this ending was devoid of commentary, and instead dedicated it’s time to simply thrilling us at every turn and it kept us guessing for certain and well… while there is indeed comfort that season two is on the way, that won’t make the wait for it any easier. Since every single fan of this series is now laser focused on enjoying the moment, that Ronald Pergman is put behind bars. Until next year.

It is definitely safe to say, that drug dealers portray a specific stereotype on the silver and small screen. One that makes them appear to be ruthless and disgusting individuals that only care about the money and the power and while that makes Scarface and other films in that vein, quite compelling to say the least… that particular view of the drug dealer is pretty cartoonish in nature. For in reality, drug lords and drug kingpins are human beings that have to deal with similar problems that the rest of us do. Granted yes, they also have bags of money and break the law often as well. But that doesn’t slow down worries and fears and doubts and hopeless days and that’s why stories that show that side of the drug trade, are worth our while.
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Since they offer more than kickass gun fights, they offer depth and development and humanity that we can relate to on some level and that is precisely why Breaking Bad continues to impress with every new episode we revisit. Because it consistently grounds itself with realistic moments, the kind that genuinely have us pulling for Walter and Jesse to save themselves before things get worse and well, all of this is top of mind today, simply because the next episode in this fascinating franchise, features that realistic feel once again. For when we catch up with Walter in ‘Fly’, he’s in a tough place mentally. Because all the steps he’s taken to reach easy street and all the tough choices he’s made in abandoning his former lifestyle… are staring to haunt him. Which is understandable.

For we are reflective creatures, the kind that take inventory from time to time and having a moment to breathe, brings forth those reflective moments for Walt and well… they damn near drive him mad. Because they’re keeping him up late at night, or all night for that matter and that motivates him to try and focus his attention elsewhere in this tale to clear his mind… by working hard to kill a fat fly and it’s best we just say it right now, this is a brilliant episode when all is said and done for several reasons. For starters, because the fly in and of itself stands in as a wonderful metaphor for Walter’s sub-conscious and outright conscience. Since he is trying hard to squash thoughts of a life now left behind and the moral implications of his legacy and well… he is woefully unsuccessful at that, which leads to more equally powerful moments.

The kind that helps us to understand why Walter chose this lifestyle in the first place. Since he truly thought, he was going to die and that there was nothing to lose by doing something for his family before his passing. But now that he has made it through and has committed to this path, he’s experiencing a little survivor’s remorse and regret for not trying harder to hold onto the simpler life that he once enjoyed, making this one of the most powerful and tragic moments in the history of the series. Because this is Walt in the raw, opening up for the first time ever to the only person he could trust during his darkest hour and that really does make for one engrossing tale, one that truly gives the viewer pause since it is authentically filled with all the worry and pain of a man who saw his life take one hell of a hard left turn. 

If anything, this is likely the bravest episode that season three has offered to date, because it takes guts for a writers’ room to step back from the plot in order to put together a character study of this caliber, regardless of budgetary issues. The kind that this episode did indeed run into. But writers Sam Catlin and Moira Walley-Beckett put together a wonderful and engaging script and while some disagree with that assessment, since this was a polarizing episode for the fanbase, hopefully the test of time will allow for its wonder to shine. But while it was indeed nice to break away from a tense cat and mouse game between the cartel and Hank and Walt and Mister Fring, we are likely heading back into the thick of such matters in the next episode and it will be quite interesting to see where this story is headed next, now that Hank is on the up and up and Walter and Jesse are back at work. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Blinded: Those Who Kill’.
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There are a great many reasons as to why we are enamored with serial killers and stories that explore their twisted and abhorrent actions. But out of all of them, the biggest reason we indulge in these stories; is that we are outright curious as to what drives serial killers to do what they do. Simply because… their actions are puzzling to say the least. For they make an active choice to harm other people in a powerfully meticulous manner, one that always ends in bloodshed and heartache for those left behind and that’s why stories that truly explore every facet of these fascinating and horrifying people should be celebrated when they arrive. Since they really are trying to tackle an uncomfortable and intricate topic and it just so happens that AcornTV is host to a series that qualifies for that type of celebration.

For Blinded: Those Who Kill, really is doing a phenomenal job of exploring the inner workings of the serial killer as evidenced by its next episode. For the second entry in this harrowing tale, spent a lot of time exploring why men like Peter kill. A feat it accomplished after sending a little misdirection our way, since early on it appeared as though Peter was going to get away with the brutal crime that he committed at the end of the premiere episode. Largely due to the fact that the poor, unfortunate soul he put down, didn’t fit Peter's own custom made profile. For there was minimal torture performed upon the body and the traditional heavy cutting was nowhere to be found. All because Peter was rushed to hastily end the encounter before his own life was in jeopardy. Plus, since he committed the act, he should have been satisfied with his actions and able to return to the shadows for a little while.

But the discovery that he once again took a souvenir from his victim’s home, motivated Louise and the team to dig deeper on this case and try to understand him better and that’s when the grand exploration in this tale got underway. One that revolved around what exactly drives the serial killer to kill and why they cannot be satisfied until it happens a certain way and it handled this exploration, by showing us the frustrations that Peter was going through post kill. Because he didn’t properly exert power and control over his victim. Nor did he get that man to fear him and his overall prowess and that left him in quite the twitchy and eager place. One that immediately put him back on the hunt for a victim, one that would properly give him exactly what he needed. 

Yet while that particular victim's body hasn’t quite been discovered just yet, since this one ends on a cliffhanger with the new target missing and undoubtedly dead, it was the details leading up to that moment that really hammered home the exploration in question. Because we really did see just how not being in control left Peter utterly listless and confused, as though his brain couldn’t process the fact that someone actually fought back and didn't respect the threat he posed. And it was simply fascinating to learn how badly men like Peter need that level of control and awe and outright power and how their marginalized status drives them to do terrible things. Since we now know that Peter and others like him, often believe they are worthless or inferior and playing God with a life, fixes that particular psychological inadequacy. 

If anything, this was simply a riveting episode through and through, since it took us on a powerful character study and an in-depth examination of the mind of a serial killer. One that made every single moment that Peter was on screen, terrifying to say the least, since he was constantly on the brink of snapping and could have done something terrible at any time. Which really speaks to the quality of this story since it has put utter fear into us in regard to Peter, a mere two episodes in and well, now that this powerhouse journey has come to a close… this reviewer is quite eager to start the next chapter in this journey. In order to see exactly where this case is headed next, now that Peter has a bloodlust going, and to also revel in the wonder… of a quality exploration of one of the darkest aspects of the human condition. Until next time.     

‘Blinded: Those Who Kill’ is available to stream now on AcornTV.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Bäckström’.

The most precarious moment we will ever face in regard to our careers, is when failure begins to sweep through the office. For when our lesser coworkers aren’t enjoying success in the slightest, and are in the process of chasing the top dog, they can become downright ruthless. For they want nothing more than their day in the sun and they’ll do whatever it takes to prove to management they’re as good, if not better than the golden child of the office and that should make the best of the best worry. Because this is when the wrong kind of employee will take revenge or try to cause trouble to save their hide, which means that the ace needs to be at the top of their game in order to stave off any attempts to damage their standing and sadly… this is a harsh lesson that Evert Bäckström learns a little too late in the next episode of Bäckström.

For the next episode in this fascinating series, sees failure pop up everywhere at the station. Because Ankan’s carefully planned raid, goes completely south. For the Russians knew the police were coming and cleared out their warehouse before the raid could take place. Making Ankan look like a complete and utter fool in the end. Plus, the whole matter involving Mi Mi went nowhere after all. For once Hwass and Bäckström were able to interrogate Gerhard, they came to learn that his compromosing position when the police stormed in, was all about trying to hide the truth about his broken relationship with Mi Mi and all of the various payoffs he sent her way so he could preserve the business and push forward with a new chef. Which meant that in the end, Mi Mi wasn’t dead in the slightest and the Olzzon/Olsson twins uncovered very little.

Which of course, brought about all kinds of embarrassing fallout and frustration on the behalf of Hwass and Ankan, since they genuinely thought they were about to be elevated to superstar status and well, that motivated the both of them to do some shady and underhanded things to Bäckström. Hwass for instance started to work hard on proving that Bäckström is a crooked cop by trying to find proof that he stole art, and she even delayed sharing the details of the second DNA test in an effort to buy herself some time on the matter. And as for Ankan, well she went all out in her efforts to figure out how the Russians evaded capture, by putting a wild theory into her head that Bäckström was feeding the bad guys police intel, an accusation that Bäckström unfortunately added merit to by poking about the case in a sneaky manner and sadly… all of these underhanded machinations and Bäckström's lack of concern and preparedness for such surprises, landed this intrepid detective on suspension.

A move that could not have come at a worse time of Evert. For he finally figured out that Daniel and Jaidee invited a Jadiee lookalike into their bed the night before the tsunami, as part of a long-term plan to pull off a little insurance fraud. Which would explain why there were discrepancies present in this case and why Jadiee’s body and DNA showed up back home in Sweden. But with no resources at his fingertips, Bäckström is drifting in the wind and the case remains unsolved. Plus, to make matters worse, his young and intrepid neighbor, Edvin, stumbled on some secrets involving the creepy scoutmaster, the kind that might explain exactly how Jaidee’s body made it to the island. Which could solve the case, provided of course he escapes whoever is tailing him and well… that simply means that Bäckström has his work cut out for him.

Because not only does he need to save Edvin from an awful fate, but he has to convince Toivonen to reactive him and put him back on the case and that’s a tall order on both ends since he hasn’t a clue where Edvin is and of course Toivonen has seemingly been waiting for the day when Bäckström would have to beg for his job back. All so he can finally exert control over him and really, in the end, this was simply a magnificent episode when all is said and done. Because this one moved the plot forward at light speed in a compelling and powerful manner and it genuinely leaves you starving for more. Since now, we’re all dying to know if Bäckström can get the backing of the police once again, and what will come out of the deception and maneuvering that his once trusted co-workers have sent his way. Until next time.

‘Bäckström’ is available to stream now on AcornTV.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season thirty finale of ‘Top Gear’.
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There are a great many things that science and engineering have managed to fix for mankind. For instance, a fair chunk of viruses and illnesses no longer exist because of the wondrous vaccines that have come to fruition. Plus, we’re able to soar through the skies like birds because of what we were able to discover about flight. But while we continue to solve old problems and new by way of science and engineering, there are some problems that we simply cannot fix in the slightest. Such as say… the mid-life crisis. Because it doesn’t matter if we extend lifelines or find ways to make middle age more comfortable. There are men who will always lament hitting the halfway point of their lives and panic and make foolish and superfluous purchases to preserve some sense of their youth.

Which means that all we can do at this point, is make middle-aged gents a little more comfortable and happier with the fact they’re hitting the second act of their lives and one way to do that, was explored by way of last night’s season thirty finale of Top Gear. For our intrepid hosts opted to explore what type of car might serve as the finest and most affordable vehicle to buy to help make a man’s mid-life crisis easier on his mind and his wallet and well… as is always the case, the lads made some fascinating choices. For instance, Freddie Flintoff went with the practical yet charming TVR Chimera, whereas Chris Harris thought the best possible choice for a mid-life crisis would be the well-rounded Vauxhall Monaro and of course… Paddy McGuinness decided the best way for a man struggling with his 40s and 50s to make peace with aging… is to fake an epic purchase by getting an imposter car that everyone will adore, as evidenced by his decision to pick up a modified Toyota MR2. One that was retrofitted into becoming Ferrari F355.

A choice that quite frankly, brought about serious laughs and some serious fails in this episode for certain, since it simply wasn’t suited for the challenges at hand. The kind that required our hosts to try and outrun the next generation of racers, a task that Paddy and Freddie didn’t quite accomplish since their cars needed a little something extra. Specifically, some racing experience. Which is why Chris was able to leave this metaphor in the dust and inject his own by pointing out that experience does indeed pay off with age and that should be celebrated. And once that philosophical race was completed, the lads were subjected to another cerebral competition, one that forced them to suit up as if they’d reached old age… to give them a taste of things to come and to handicap them on a course they’d normally ace. Which definitely slowed Paddy and Chris down, but did little to stop Freddie since he won this heat with flying colors, in a manner that taught us along the way that you’re only as young as you feel.

But truly, the best way to determine the best which of these rides was the finest one for a middle-aged man at a crossroads to own, was to put the driver of each of them to a hybrid physical and road test. One where they’d each ride jet skis and bicycles before doing three laps in their ride to win and boy, did Freddie dominate this one as well. Largely due to the fact that he is still in peak physical shape, which serves to remind us that keeping fit and healthy as the years pile on, will absolutely do us wonders when we think the years aren’t being kind to us. Since we’ll be ready for any of life’s physical challenges. But what mattered more here, is that his car was true winner of this competition, and its final victory brought home the financial message that this finale sought to express. In that, one can indeed recapture their youth without breaking the bank or looking silly in doing so, since the TVR looks great, performs well, and will only set its new owner back by about eight thousand.

In the end however, this was simply another unique episode of this already incredible series. Because this one actually managed to throw a little life philosophy into the mix and make us think about the years ahead and how we should handle them and that’s surprising to see here. Because this show has always been about the cars and how they excite us. But make no mistake about it, the commentary on life and getting older was quite welcome, since it was handled in such a fun and uplifting manner, and it just goes to show that this is a series that can accomplish all kinds of wonders when it applies itself. And now that season thirty has come to a close, one does have to wonder if we’ll be seeing more philosophical and thoughtful moments in future seasons. Especially now that the world is starting to return to a sense of normalcy and that will indeed make the wait for season thirty-one, a difficult one. As we wait to see if and how the best parts of this pandemic themed season, find their way into what made this series successful in the first place. Until next season.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Gangs of London’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the AMC series, Gangs of London, has provided us with a supremely refreshing take on how the criminal underworld operates in fiction. A feat that this series has accomplished by not offering up a stylized or glorified look at how this world functions. Instead, we’ve been treated to an angry universe within our own, one that doesn’t have a safety net in the slightest for the people that choose to exist within this world, nor is there any sense of rules or regulations for that matter as well. There is only money and power and a grand sense of survival of the fittest and that’s led to some powerful and intense storytelling, the kind that has left us wondering… as to whether or not any semblance of the everyday world can exist within this angrier one.
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Which is a question that the next episode in this intense franchise opted to explore, all by having us spend a little time with the now broken Wallace clan. For they are besides themselves in this tale, since their power meant nothing after all and they’re on the run when we catch up with them here, holed up in a safehouse and seemingly licking their wounds whilst they ponder upon their next move. But it doesn’t take long for this story to reveal that kicking back and waiting isn’t something this family is good with and that part of their sabbatical from the world, revolves around the fact that they have a captive in their midst. Specifically, the waitress that took a shot at Sean at the end of last week’s episode and well, dear old mom at the least… is hoping to use some old school tactics to get the waitress to talk.

The kind that involved musical and physical torture. To the point where the waitress had sliced up feet from the broken glass the family put beneath her toes and bruises and missing teeth and everything in between. And the sheer savagery of this display, motivated Sean to ponder upon if by chance, there was a better way. If civility might in fact, motivate her to talk. Which in turn, motivated him to call Elliot to help him investigate her life and her past and well, what they turned up was quite fascinating. In that, she had kids, and she kept a boatload of guns in her home and was well-trained thanks to her military past and well, learning all of this gives Sean a different kind of leverage when he returns home, since now he can use kindness and understanding and her family to try and get through to her… and eventually he manages to do just that 

Since she tells Billy Wallace the fact, that her employers explicitly asked that the hit happen before the Dumani boys arrived at the dinner, a revelation that leaves everyone unsettled and oddly hopeful. Because for a brief moment there, it appeared as though good elements from our world were indeed going to come into play in this universe. Since civility and kindness brought forth progress and answers for Sean and if it worked here, perhaps it could work elsewhere. But alas, that thin sliver of hope that this universe might have something good going for it faded the instant the waitress opted to take Billy hostage. For it once again reminded us that anything goes in this universe and that if she can get that close to taking out what was once the most powerful crime family in London, others will soon follow… a sobering fact that was hammered home in the closing moments of this tale. 

Because the knowledge that the Dumanis might have some involvement in this whole mess, prompted Sean to come out of hiding and visit Alex at the family’s headquarters and unfortunately any questions he has about Ed and Alex’s knowledge and involvement in this will have to wait. For someone swiped an important payment, one that will undoubtedly make it seem as though the Wallace family is intentionally abusing its power. Leaving one to wonder, who exactly is going to such great lengths to see them fall, since now we know Jevan is more interested in keeping the money flowing and well, all this ending does is leave us counting down the minutes until next week’s episode. So, we can hopefully see who is working to destroy the Wallace family and why they are so eager to rise to power in a world where anything goes. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘China: Nature’s Ancient Kingdom’.
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Mankind and nature find themselves at quite the precarious crossroads these days. For humanity’s beliefs that nature will provide an endless bounty for us and will always maintain homeostasis has proven to be some incorrect lines of thinking for us. Because we are now coming to learn that we simply cannot take and take from nature without causing it some level of harm and true balance, requires us to do our part as well and sadly our actions and ignorance in such matters have indeed put nature in a scary place. The kind where the climate is changing rapidly and where species are starting to struggle to survive due to our need to expand and our desire to use them as a grand resource. 
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But not all hope is lost in this matter, for we are finally beginning to see action on climate change, and we are all beginning to learn that leaving animals to their own devices to thrive and finding a way to peacefully coexist, is the proper course of action to ensure that future generations will be able to partake in the wonder that is the natural world. Which is why we are seeing all kinds of new conservation efforts and protections be afforded to the wildlife that surrounds us and oddly enough, China is a nation that is trying to put together a blueprint for what proper protection and peaceful coexistence might look like. To the point where BBC America has opted to spotlight their efforts by way of a new documentary series entitled China: Nature’s Ancient Kingdom.

Which will take the time to spotlight how China has brought about the creation of multiple national parks to create a safe space for wildlife and how the people within those very parks are ensuring that mankind and the animal kingdom live side by side in harmony and that made ‘West: A Fragile Paradise’, quite the intriguing watch. For there really are some incredible efforts being made to ensure nature’s safety in this part of China. For example, in one particular park where cranes struggle to eat in the middle of winter, there are generations of families that take the time to feed these cranes in an effort to ensure their numbers remain healthy and they’re not the only ones going the extra mile to see to the safety of animals. Since a different park is host to individuals that watch over the migration of antelopes, to the point where they will make adjustments to people’s property if it means the antelopes can reach their winter-feeding grounds with relative ease. 

If anything, it was simply beautiful and heartwarming to see people make the safety and security of the animals that surround them a priority in their day to day lives since it speaks volumes to the fact that a little effort from all of us could make a world of difference and for proof that this really could be a permanent reality… we need look no further than how Tibetan Monks live. For these fine gentlemen, have opened their doors to nature for countless generations. To the point where they even take the time to offer up their leftover food to any animals in need of a meal. Which in this instance, were nearby bears and well, watching the monks go about their day with nature inside their temple, and seeing the joy that they receive for helping the animals around them out with a bite to eat, really was quite the powerful experience for certain.

One that really does help us to realize that learning to peacefully live alongside mother nature, is a simpler process than we give it credit. For all it takes is some genuine effort on our part, and an acknowledgement that we are not the masters of the world, but tenants like everyone else. The kind that has the know-how and the resources to accomplish wonders when they are dedicated to a particular cause and hopefully this blueprint is one that we adopt in the years to come, so that we are secure in the knowledge that we are doing everything within our power to properly care for the planet that has nurtured humanity and allowed for it to thrive. But while we wait for that proud day, we can bask in the wonder of this documentary and every suggestion that is has to offer and it will be quite fascinating to learn about the other harmonious efforts that being in made in China, in the weeks to come. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘The Mosquito Coast’.

Most of the lessons that we learn in life, we take to heart and carry with us for the rest of our days. To the point where we are eager to teach them to our children and younger family members, so that they don’t make the same mistakes that we do. But sometimes in life, there are lessons that we have to learn multiple times, for different reasons. Because sometimes, the situations simply aren’t the same and the new scenario doesn’t throw up the same warning signs as the original one. Or we’re mentally and emotionally compromised because we’re under incredible duress and not thinking clearly in the slightest. Which can cause us to lower our guard and let the moment wash over us or there’s a chance that the situation is so outlandish and unique that we’re unable to process the trouble that lies in wait.

If anything, the lessons we learn time and time again and the strange scenarios that sometimes bring them forth is top of mind today… simply because the Fox family has to deal with such matters in the next episode of The Mosquito Coast. For when we catch up with Allie and his clan in ‘Bus Stop’, they find themselves in quite the cozy place. For the folks that rescued them, drop them off at a beautiful villa where food and drink and clean clothing and a chance to relax… surrounds them at every turn and well, it doesn’t take long for the family to settle in and enjoy their new digs and well… that’s when the lesson in question comes into play. Because this place seems a little too perfect, allowing for the age-old notion of ‘if it seems too good to be true’ to come to life.

Which is shocking because this family is keenly aware of their surroundings and rarely lets anything slip by. But their ability to be sucked into this world speaks volumes to how stress and anxiety can compromise us, as can hope for a break from a tough situation and well… that definitely puts them in quite the tough place. For soon they learn that the matriarch of this family has put together a long game to get Allie to surrender himself in exchange for a bounty, since he is apparently public enemy number one back home. But thankfully, this broken yet intrepid family, was able to think on the fly and put together their own counter defense to ensure their freedom and their safety, and most important of all… they know collectively, to truly question any perfect situation going forward, so they don’t find themselves in a compromised position once again. 

Yet while that made for some powerful moments, since seeing Margot brandish a gun speaks volumes to her toughness and desire to protect her family at costs, and some tense ones as well… since the dinner scene was worrisome for certain, where this episode truly shined was in its surprise commentary. Because for a better part of this tale, it seemed as though the narrative was simply going to be focused on the core theme. But a powerful confrontation at the end between Chuy and Allie, served as a wake-up call for the latter man involved in that altercation. One that hammered home the fact that he is something of a hypocrite for preaching the need to abandon American ideals, but has no problem embracing the right ones when they suit his needs and that hypocrisy will bring him trouble if he can't let go of it. And that also sums up the core commentary of this series quite nicely and it will be interesting to see if Allie heeds Chuy’s words when the family gets where they are going.

As to where that is, who knows? For when we leave them here, they’re back on their own once again in uncharted territory. But while we wait to see where they plan to settle, we can bask in one thrilling and curious tale. One that finally hinted at what Allie did, to be in this current position since he admitted to working with the NSA in some capacity and it was equally as nice to see that Margot will indeed stand up for her family when the moment is right, since she has let Allie just control the narrative and their actions to this point and well, this is another episode that leaves you hungry for more. Because now fans of this series are curious to see as to whether or not Margot’s moment of bravery here will transform into more with this family on such shaky ground and whether or not the family can stand by their father when the truth comes out since it was strongly implied here, that Allie’s twisted views, have caused irreparable damage. Until next time.
 
‘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+.