Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Tehran’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the dynamic and incredible Apple TV+ spy series, Tehran, we talked at length about how the show was once again blazing trails and shattering tropes, by having Tamar basically fail in her mission to bring down Mohammadi. Since failure isn’t something that spies do in these stories and it is important to revisit that all-important surprise and shift in tone for the genre, simply because it turns out that such a move… was to signal that this series was about to execute a grand takedown of as many of the stereotypes and clichés and tropes we often find within spy stories, that it can highlight before the season finale. Because the next episode in this fascinating saga, takes the time to go after another big one. 
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Because when you think about spy stories, and the heroes that populate them… you think of cold heroes. People that basically enjoy death for breakfast and will let death and suffering take place if it means they can continue along in their mission and complete it. Which while powerful in its own right, is indeed icy and inhuman in many ways. Because we are creatures that feel and have empathy and have to make a choice to ignore such matters, and one would think that we wouldn’t be capable of that kind of apathy when lives are indeed on the line, and that’s why it was so refreshing and shocking, and downright dangerous to see Tamar display humanity and empathy in ‘Double Fault’. Because when we catch up with her, here, the mission is quite frankly the last thing on her mind.

Instead, it’s Milad that she is worried about and rightfully so. Because she loves him, and he’s in trouble in this tale since the Guard has him locked up and out of sight and the Mossad… seemed ready to end his life to protect the mission, and all of that… put Tamar at a crossroads. Which of course, was easy for her to sort out. In that, she wanted Milad to live, and she wanted him by her side for as long as humanly possible, and that’s why, she quickly went off script and called Vahid. So that he could find out where her love was being held and so she could use Vahid’s ties to break him out of prison. A decision that of course, jeopardized well… everything. Because in essence, Tamar was putting her life on the line here, since she was a wanted criminal in this land, and showing up at a jail to see her love could lead to her own arrest and end, and of course… the mission itself was now at risk.

Because this would likely prevent her from making it to the country club to poison Peyman’s father. Putting her in squarely in an ocean of hot water. But make no mistake about it… this was a brilliant decision storytelling wise. For it truly humanized Tamar like never before and informed us of what she really values in this life, and how her role within the Mossad is nothing more than a job to her. Making her one of the most unique spies to ever appear on the screen and what’s truly amazing… is that she was able to get Milad out of jail after all and teach Vahid a lesson in humility in the process. Since it was revealed to her and Milad, he was the mastermind of this arrest and as an added bonus… getting her love out in a timely manner allowed for her to return to the mission post haste.
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Largely because, completing said mission… would be the only way to get exactly what she wanted. Since a full abandoning of the mission would leave her to own devices. But thankfully, with a creative assist from Marjan… since she went the extra mile to freeze Faraz in his tracks when he attempted to dig deeper into the whole mess revolving around Vahid and Peyman, and some intelligent thinking on Tamar’s part… it turned out that this mission might actually be completed. Because Tamar was able to get the poison on the general’s tennis racket after all, and Faraz, didn’t interfere. Which also means, he might be the asset that Marjan hoped he would be and if so… he would be instrumental in bringing down an incredible threat. 

But while we wait to see what Faraz’s decision will be on such matters, we can bask in the wonder of an outright incredible tale. Because this one… really did a wonderful job of humanizing a genre of storytelling that is often cold in nature and focused on action and adventure over humanity, and the realities of what the spy business brings to the table. So, we have to tip our cap to the writer’s room and the cast and crew of this show for their biggest shake up of the genre to date. Not to mention, this episode does an incredible job of leaving us on the edge of seat and wanting. Because the stakes are now at their highest and the cliffhangers here were just sublime and well, once again, we can all agree… that we will all be impatiently counting down the minutes to next week’s tale, to see where this incredible story is going to take us. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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The Enterprise has a very simple mission this time, deliver a machine that helps make the air breathable for a colony. Not too hard, right? Nothing is ever simple, and when the Enterprise is unable to hail the planet, so they send down an away team. It’s La’An who has a sneaking suspicion as to what happened when they find a devastated colony. The away team is beamed back to the Enterprise when another ship approaches and ignores their attempted hail. Finally, the ship hails them. They’re the survivors of the planet. They’d been attacked but they didn’t know by what or whom. La’An knows. As they’re manually boarding the refugees from their ship to the Enterprise, they’re attacked by rogue ship. It’s the Gorn.

La’An and Una are both on the tethering tube leading to the refugee ship when they’re attacked. La’An is scraped but fine, Una on the other hand, is worse with multiple abdominal wounds. The attack also has Uhura, and Hemmer trapped in the main cargo bay. Uhura was spending the day with the Chief Engineer, not expecting to be trapped in a dire situation. Hemmer’s hand is broken, and the machine they were taking with them, is damaged and they have to fight to keep it from exploding. Thankfully, Uhura treats the problem she’s handed, with the same determination she does everything, and with Hemmer’s help, they’re able to fix the problem, for the time being.

On the bridge, La’An informs Pike of who is attacking them. She survived being captured by the Gorn as a child, and she knows how they work. They don’t give up. Neither does Pike. The ship is close enough to a brown dwarf for them to hide in, which works for a short time. Unfortunately, most of the ship’s sensor functions have been disabled by the attack and the gas giant they’re hiding in. Several of the lower decks start to crumple under the pressure without their proper shielding, and they only have one photon torpedo left aboard. Turns out, a Gorn ship had followed them into the gas giant, but they have lost their ability to use sensors as well. Pike is anything if not clever, and he angles the ship just so, releasing the torpedo in such a way that it’s pulled down onto the Gorn ship with gravity. That was not the only ship, however, several small and large Gorn ships appear, now knowing where the Enterprise is, forcing the ship down further into the gas giant. The Enterprise is holding but barely. The pressure is going to get them. That or the black hole that’s currently eating the gas giant.

Ortegas does her best to keep the ship steady, but if the Gorn find them, they’re dead. So La’An and Spock take a singular shuttle to see where the Gorn ships are and to get a better idea of how to attack them. La’An is still living with the trauma of surviving them before, but she needs to get a better grip on her thoughts and memories. She suggests a mind meld, and Spock agrees only because their other options are so limited. In a memory, La’An and her brother are running from the Gorn on one of their breeding planets. He hands her a small cluster of notes and tells her to go. In the notes, he discovered that the Gorn use light to communicate with each other. In the same memory, La’An gets some of Spock’s, specifically him saying goodbye to Michael. It’s a sweet bonding moment since they’ve both lost a sibling. La’An uses lights to transmit a misleading signal to the bigger ship, making it look as though it comes from the small one. She tells the big ship that the little one has been boarded by humans. They watch as the big ship destroys the big ship without remorse. La’An believes they are pure evil that can never be reconciled or empathized with.

The big ship is still out there and the Enterprise needs repairs in a bad way and they’re struggling to keep the ship from being crushed. La’An and Pike decide the best course of action is to fly close to the black holes event horizon, empty the main cargo bay with the broken device they were supposed to deliver. Uhura had it stable for the time being, but it’s still about to explode. It’s a good plan, the only problem is Uhura, and Hemmer are still trapped down there. The good news is they have space suits they can put on and they can tether to the cargo bay floor, which is what they do. The maneuver is tricky, as are most.

Enterprise does everything with drama and flair and escaping the Gorn is no different. They also have the best pilot around, who is able to swing them just so, while dropping the device into the black hole, where it explodes. Giving the Gorn good reason to fly off since it seems their prey is gone, while the Enterprise escapes to live another day. They lose 7 crew members however, in a twist of irony. It is Remembrance Day, a day in which Starfleet remembers their fallen, wearing special pins with their badges. To lose 7 people on this day… puts a heavy burden on Captain Christopher Pike. At least Una is okay!

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two finale of ‘Big Sky’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.      

This season of Big Sky wraps up with the arrival of Tubb’s replacement as sheriff, Beau Arlen, to town. He gets off to a rocky start with Cassie, who describes him to Jenny as very Texas. Jenny seems surprised Tubb’s replacement has already arrived. Jenny tells Cassie that Travis has ghosted her, and she’s worried he’s going to kill Veer. Cassie wisely suggests arresting Veer to take away Travis’ target, an idea which Jenny loves.
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Poppernak has already endeared himself to the new sheriff in town by the time Jenny arrives to the station. She asks to speak with Beau privately and finds that Tubb has already filled him in about the Bhullars and the situation with Travis. Jenny informs him she needs to stop Travis, and Beau is game for her plan, though he makes it clear that she’s not doing this alone.

When Jenny and Beau arrive with the warrant to arrest Veer, he’s already on a ride into the woods with Travis. Ren had earlier put him into the passenger seat of Travis’ truck outside the hospital after he refused to admit blame for getting Jag shot. As Travis points a gun at Veer, Ren tells him, “I love you, Daddy,” and shuts the truck door. The phrase has never sounded so ominous, as the look of dread that comes over Veer’s face can attest.

Ren briefly tries playing coy over her father’s location, but reconsiders after Beau throat punches Donno when he tries to make them leave and threatens to throw Ren in jail with the least savory characters he can muster. To everyone’s surprise, Ren hands over the location of her father, saying he wouldn’t hesitate to do the same to her. Armed with this information, Jenny and Beau take off after Travis and Veer.

Cassie is startled when she returns home to find the door ajar. She draws her gun and immediately begins checking room by room. She finds Phoebe seated at the table with a box a cereal and a frightened look on her face. No sooner does Cassie ask Phoebe where her mom is than her phone rings. It’s Scarlet, she tells Cassie she was right about Phoebe deserving more out of life. Scarlet wants Cassie to get in touch with an aunt who will take care of Phoebe, her name is in Phoebe’s iPad. Scarlet makes Cassie promise that Phoebe will end up in the right hands, then tells her to check Phoebe’s backpack, smashes her phone and drives off. In the backpack, Cassie finds the hard drive of information about the syndicate that Scarlet had had hidden.

Travis is in the process of beating Veer to death over the disappearance of Kate Garza when Jenny and Beau find him. Veer didn’t help matters by telling Travis that anything that happened to Kate was his own fault for making her his informant. Travis demands to know where her body is, to which Veer responds that she is still alive. This only briefly gives Travis pause before he continues pummeling Veer until Jenny fires off a warning shot. Warning him she won’t miss again, she handcuffs Travis while Beau checks on Veer, who is barely still alive.

Back at the Bhullars’, things are looking grim for Alicia when Donno arrives gleefully with his tools for killing. Ren informs Alicia that she’s taking over and wants Alicia to tell her everything about the financial side of things. Well aware that things might go this way, Alicia has taken the initiative to ensure her own survival. Those insurance papers Alicia had Veer sign were actually to give her power of attorney over him, and she had put in place financial contingencies is case she was to end up dead. Alicia lays bare for Ren her options: partner up or buy her out. As Ren is not keen to work together, she will have to buy her out.
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Jenny must turn Travis over to his handler at state, who have a litany of charges for him to face. Beau offers to accompany Jenny to transport him, but she declines his offer. As they drive, Travis tells Jenny that Veer told him Kate was still alive. He doesn’t know if he should believe it, but it is obvious he wants it to be true. Against her better judgment, Jenny pulls to the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, un-cuffs Travis and lets him go. Travis asks her what’s the catch? Jenny tells him to turn himself in after he finds Kate. She tells him to get out before she changes her mind and drives away leaving him in the road.

Jag is still in his hospital gown when he goes into Veer’s hospital room. Jag leans down over his father who whispers, “My son” before Jag yanks the pillow from beneath his head and deliberately smothers him. Ren slips into the room and escorts Jag out.

Jag is dressed in his own clothes when Ren wheels him into the lobby before insisting that he can walk the rest of the way out. Ren tells him not to, but Jag still embraces her and tells her he loves her. For a brief moment she softens into his hug, then pushes him away. They part ways.

Jenny finds Cassie, Lindor and Denise looking over the encrypted information, on the hard drive that Scarlet had given them on a computer at Dewell and Hoyt. Lindor suggests Cassie and Jenny go get a beer and have a girls’ night, which they find adorable.

Jenny and Cassie are surprised to find themselves able to enjoy a beer in the unparalleled ambience that is the Boot Heel after the way their respective days began. Beau arrives and, with the offer of tequila, is invited to join them. Beau is neither surprised by Jenny’s choice to let Travis go, nor is he particularly worried about it. It seems that Beau Arlen is going to get along here just fine. Until next season, dear reader.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 3 of ‘The Kids in the Hall’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that the Prime Video revival of The Kids in the Hall, has been nothing short of brilliant. For not only has the return of this incredible comedy troupe schooled the industry on how to do a revival/reboot that feels akin to a straight continuation of what came before it, but they also haven’t missed a beat comedy wise. For the jokes in this triumphant return are incredibly funny and what’s amazing, is that the Kids are still finding new ways to take this latest chapter in their comedic adventures to absolute new heights as well.
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For the next episode in the 2022 season, features a bevy of sketches that quite frankly, push the envelope for this troupe and take full advantage of the fact that they’re on a streamer now and can do whatever the heck they want to entertain and that… pays off in spades here. Because it treats the audience to sketches that are just plain wild. Since this episode features a little vignette revolving around a verbal misunderstanding that puts a grandpa at risk… thanks to an unfortunate name for a comedy performance duo. Plus, it features a nutty and twisted sketch revolving around the resurrection of Shakespeare in a unique way. Both of which leave one in stitches with their off-the-wall and bold execution and thankfully, the wonder and bravery of this episode doesn’t end there.

Because the biting satire that this troupe is known for, is present in several other progressive and intelligent and hilarious sketches, such as the one revolving around an inventive Gut Spigot. Which is a sketch that straight up parodies America’s love affair with fad diets and over the top solutions to simple problems and the return of one Mister Danny Husk, takes a heck of shot at cultural appropriation and how little thought people give to it. By way of a sketch involving clogs and clown shows and the blissful ignorance that Danny and the head of A.T. & Love exhibit over wearing such attire when it offends Bingo the Clown and other employees at the company. A move that definitely serves to remind us to just… take a moment and think before we dive into such matters.

But truly, the centerpiece sketch of this episode, is the one involving a DJ desperately trying to spread joy in the apocalypse, by playing the same record over, and over, and over again whilst broadcasting out into the void. And what makes this sketch so genius and so worthwhile, in large part is Dave Foley’s portrayal of the DJ in question. Since he exudes the horror and joy of man desperate for purpose and desperate to not deal with the reality that everything has come to an end. Which just works so well here and pairs nicely with the dark humor present in this tale and well… let’s be honest, this is a sketch that just sums up the last few years of emotions for all of us in a twisted and hilarious, and downright brilliant manner and it stays with you longer after this episode ends with its intelligence and gravity and flawless timing.

If anything, this episode just reminds us of the fact that the Kids in the Hall are just the most brilliant comedy troupe out there. Since they are still able to keep everything fresh, and nutty, and fun, and raunchy, if need be, after all this time and they’re still trying to challenge themselves and find new ways to make their comedy as relevant as can be. Plus, they still keep finding ways to include the old guard of characters in this revival and really, all this episode does is compel us to hit play on the next episode as soon as possible. So, we can see what other hilarious and intelligent, and outright bold wonders await us in the next chapter of this brilliant and rip-roaringly hilarious revival. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘The Ipcress File’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating new AMC+ series, The Ipcress File, we talked at length about how the series premiere of this show… did an incredible job of creating a majestic sense of nostalgia for the viewer when it comes to the spy genre. For its 1960s setting and focus on the world of high stakes espionage at the height of the Cold War, truly did a fine job of harkening back to that classic era of storytelling. In fact, it did such a good job… that at times it seemed as though, we weren’t watching a series made in the 21st century, and this was nothing more than a recently discovered spy classic. But all wonder aside, it is important and critical to point out how great of a job this series is doing in recreating this era and this feel.
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Because that opening chapter, and the next one in this fascinating story, are making it clear to the audience… that this series is going to be a hardcore love letter to the spy genre. One that truly celebrates every aspect of what makes this genre so great and so beloved, and it turns out… that ‘Episode 2’ of this series, takes the time to celebrate the cat and mouse aspect of the spy story. Because that really is something that the fans enjoy and it is what truly keeps us engaged, and it brought that homage to life, by having the hunt for Professor Dawson accelerate. For it was revealed that a double was used in the harrowing finale of last week’s tale, and that meant the doctor was out there somewhere and the only way to find out for sure where he might be… was to play that nasty little game with the players involved with this mess.

Which in turn, motivated the team to put a little squeeze on the Russians (because who else would kidnap a nuclear scientist?) by working to enlist the help of a woman named Natalie. Who was the other woman to a Russian agent named Gregor and well, thanks to the authenticity of this series, regarding how women were viewed and used as material objects in this era of storytelling… that attempt at intelligence went as well as one might expect, and ended with a heartbreaking reminder for the need for reproductive rights. And once Natalie was mourned by Jean, she and Harry worked to see if Dawson’s associates knew anything more regarding this kidnapping and that too, ended with little results. But what matters more here, is that this led to a fantastic cat and mouse filled with danger and intrigue and it truly harkened back to that classic era and all the thrills it produces to this day.

However, while it was wonderful to be immersed in a delightful fact-finding mission with these intrepid spies and come to learn that something quite sinister is brewing behind the scenes, something that might involve a touch of brain washing, where this episode really shined, was that it still found a way to add little wrinkles and folds to this story that update it ever so slightly. A feat that it accomplished, by having our intrepid spies, basically fail in their mission to retrieve the professor. Which is rare to find in spy stories. Because while setbacks happen, outright stalls and cold trails just don’t happen in these tales. But it did here and that added a fascinating sense of realism to this story, as did the commentary regarding abortion right in this story and that just helps to remind us that this particular story, is something quite special. 

Because it has found a way to become relevant and timely, giving it gravity and staying power in an era where tributes sometimes get lost. But all of that aside, make no mistake about it, this was one engaging episode. One that did an utterly phenomenal job of paying tribute to the cat and mouse game that is a true staple of this genre and as an added bonus, it also impressed by setting the stage for the remainder of the story ahead. Since now we know, some dark things are happening in this part of the world, the kind that offer echoes of MK-Ultra and the like, and it will be fascinating to see where that storyline takes us and what other beautiful homages await us, and this incredible journey through the world of espionage, continues along. Until next time.    

Please enjoy this exclusive clip from episode seven of Rat in the Kitchen, which will air on TBS later tonight!

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘The Wilds’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular question we ask ourselves during times of boredom, or during random conversations with friends… is what we would bring with us, if by chance we ever found ourselves stranded on a deserted island. Which is a question that is designed, to help us to understand our mental strength, because deep down we know that at some point, being stranded away from humanity on an island, would pressure us and put us in a tough spot mentally. So, whatever items we bring, should in fact prevent that. But while that answer brings us comfort and a greater understanding of what brings us joy… that is quite the loaded question, one that deserves a follow-up exploration.

Because it does leave one to wonder, what would we become if by chance… those items weren’t available? Would that tough mental state allow for us to lose complete control of our mental faculties without our favorite book or song present in isolation to soothe us? Or would we find a new way to pass the time and focus our minds, so we don’t feel ourselves slipping into some kind of darkness and/or madness. If anything, those particular concerns and questions are top of mind today, simply because the next episode of The Wilds on Prime Video explores both sides of the equation... and that makes ‘Day 42/15’ quite the fascinating and thoughtful tale when all is said and done.

Since it really wastes little time in answering the question, that the majority of people… would likely do their best to focus on other endeavors in order to keep their mind off of their situation and the madness that could stem from being stranded. As evidenced by how both camps handled their business in this tale. The girls for instance, poured all of their resources and time into throwing Dot a grand birthday party. To bring joy to the island and happiness to their hearts and it was fascinating to see how something uplifting could motivate everyone to come together in this manner. As for the boys, well they were keen to focus all of their efforts and energies on trapping the jaguar to keep their food and selves, safe and that too… was helpful and productive since they were unified and successful in bringing that cat down. 

Which are two plot threads that really appear to have no room to explore anything darker, since a pair of wins should have kept everyone happy. But instead, these two plot threads spoke volumes to the importance of keeping our minds occupied during serious times of strife and what could happen without that stimulation. Because the instant the joy wore off at the birthday party, Rachel’s mind drifted back to the sorrow that’s been eating at the back of her mind. To the point where Shelby had to step in and help and… well… things got really ugly in the boys’ camp. Because the pressures of being isolated and unable to escape the male toxicity present within this group… pushed Seth in some twisted mental territory and motivated him to conduct a genuinely disgusting act. One that will undoubtedly have serious and justified repercussions.

In fact, it is definitely safe to say that everyone watching, and all of the boys, should now have serious concerns about Seth and his mental state. Since what he did, is about as disgusting as it gets. But while we wait to see what comes out of his despicable actions, in the meantime, this particular episode deserves praise. Because this was a brave and bold tale… one that really took the time to dive deep into the human condition by exploring what we become when tough times and incredible circumstances push us and truly, it will be both heartbreaking and disturbing to see where this story takes us next. Because more tough challenges await these groups, since Gretchen has already spoken to how many days it took… to break them all completely, and we are nearing those all-important and unfortunate dates. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Bosch: Legacy’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are, a great many elements that go into making a quality crime drama. For starters, it needs top-notch dynamic characters. The kind that people can relate to on some level and who grow as the story progresses along. Plus, it needs to feature a little bit of tension and danger for the characters, so there’s something at stake for the viewer or reader that loves them so. But above all else, it requires a juicy plot. One that features a quality and unique mystery that of course, demands attention and progresses at the right pace. Because if it goes too slow, you lose the audience and if it goes too fast, there’s nothing left for people to hang onto and well, that’s precisely why Bosch: Legacy continues to impress in its inaugural run.

Because it continues to do all of those positive things, as evidenced by its next episode. For ‘Horseshoes and Hand Grenades’ features growth for Maddie and Honey in this tale. Since Maddie continued to come to understand the harsh realities that accompany wearing a badge and how hard it is to navigate the emotional side of the job, since that assault continued to haunt her and it was supremely human to find that here, since so many crime dramas gloss over the impact the real world has upon people. As for Honey, well she continued to work to find her way back from the darkness  she’s been dealing with for some time now. Which in this instance, involved getting the charges dropped against a man that was wrongfully accused of a crime and it is fascinating to know that Honey’s path to healing is through these kinds of victories, and it was powerful to see these characters grow before our eyes.

As for progress and engagement regarding the mysteries present in this story, well that was all handled by Mister Harry Bosch. Because he took the time to meet with Dominick’s adopted sister, to learn what kind of man he was, as Whitney Vance asked him to do and not only did, he come to discover that he was kind and giving, but… that he might have fathered a child. For some old negatives spoke to the possibility that there was a wife and child in his life, but sadly there was not enough information to hammer that down fore certain. But that was major progress on the case, and it did rattle the people eager to get their hands on Vance’s fortune, since they popped up at Dominick’s adopted sister’s house to make her a sneaky cash offer, and even Vance’s lackey tried to pull information out of Harry.

But while that plot thread likely could have advanced further in this tale, we cannot forget that Bosch is working two cases at the moment and is also trying to bring down the ever-scuzzy Carl Rogers and it just so happens, that he made progress there as well. Because they needed some idea of what illegal acts he was up to in order to build a case against him, and thanks to the return of some of Harry’s old friends, they managed to get that intel. In that, Rogers is basically working to steal gas in the hopes of selling it off in order to obtain the profits he needs to save his skin from the Russian Mafia. Making it clear that Rogers knows no boundaries and will do whatever it takes to survive another day and well, both of these plot lines were just a perfect way to keep us engaged with this amazing series.

Because we are getting answers, and we are getting just enough additional mystery to keep us hungry for more. Plus, we’re getting cliffhangers too, since Bosch was staring down the barrel of a gun at the end of this tale since security discovered his presence after he discovered the oil, and that definitely compels us to continue the journey. But what matters more, is that Bosch: Legacy really is doing an incredible job with its storytelling, and the cast continues to deliver fine performances and well, that likely means we are in for quite the powerhouse season for certain. One that will undoubtedly wow us with more quality moments as these two important and dynamic cases come to a head in the weeks to come. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 607 of ‘Better Call Saul’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past six years, fans of the AMC series, Better Call Saul, have been eagerly waiting for one… singular… incredibly important moment. Wherein we watch James Morgan McGill, abandon everything that makes him good and moral and kind so that he will embrace the dark persona he created, Saul Goodman. And we’ve waited for that moment with such enthusiasm because it will signal the beginning of a powerful journey. One that will take Saul on an incredible and dangerous, and heartbreaking ride, once he allies with the iconic Walter White. But what’s incredible, is that this series has yet to deliver that moment… in the slightest.
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Sure, it’s given us the moment Jimmy chose the name, and when he even picked out his future place of business. But we’ve never seen… the moment. And there is good reason for that, and that reason is what makes this show so special and powerful. For this is a series that has taken the time to educate and inform us that a fall from grace, like Jimmy is about to experience, doesn’t have a singular moment of transformation. Where he will magically become Saul Goodman and just decide that skirting the law is the way to go. No instead, this show has proven time and time again, that a journey into darkness comes to fruition by way of a series of poor choices, the kind that dig the hole deeper and deeper, and are bookended by dark moments that transform us fundamentally and well, it just so happens that the final mid-season finale of this powerful series, hammered that point home again in the most unique manner possible.

Because ‘Plan and Execution’ is a story, that appeared as though it was going to go in a vastly different direction, tonally. Because despite coming to learn that the mediating judge had a broken arm and time was running out to pull their plan together, Jimmy and Kim pooled their resources and gave it their all and accomplished wonders. By reassembling their creative team and their actor to snap photographs of ‘the judge’ as he appeared to take one hell of a bribe from Jimmy McGill. Photographs that revealed that Howard’s prized private investigator, was in fact, working with Jimmy and Kim and of course… he was able to sell the conspiracy and even help our dynamic duo to drug Howard briefly with the agent Jimmy and Kim were checking out at the vet’s office. 

Which meant, all the pieces were in play and once everyone was assembled for the mediation, this incredible long con came together in a stunning and powerful manner. For once the judge sat down, and the drug took hold… Howard Hamlin basically lost control. For he accused the judge of taking a bribe from Jimmy, and of course went off about who was taking the time to sabotage this and why, and when he tried to produce evidence of his accusations… well… he was instead presented with photographs that showed that Jimmy was involved in acts of kindness in the park. Making Howard look quite the fool, with everyone that was important to this case in the room no less, and well… that led to the biggest win that Jimmy and Kim have ever experienced in their lives. 

Because shortly after that debacle… Richard Schweikart made on behalf of Sandpiper, a quick and final offer. One born out of the embarrassment of Howard’s blow-up, and if Cliff and HH & M didn’t agree to take it, the offer would drop precipitously overnight. Which meant… that Cliff not only had to have a little chat with Howard about his behavior, but he had to take control of the case and the settlement, which the group was forced to take. And just like that, Howard Hamlin, the revered and cocky lawyer that made life hell for Kim Wexler and Jimmy McGill… suffered the biggest loss of his professional career and made Jimmy and Kim… rich beyond their wildest dreams.
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Which is what made this story so unique. Because this was in essence, a happy ending. For Jimmy and Kim won and could finally enjoy life with a little financial security behind them and they could of course… feel good in the knowledge that the greatest villain they had ever known, was defeated at last. A move that made it appear that the true origin of Jimmy and the reveal of where Kim is at in Breaking Bad would relate to other matters down the line, possibly a rematch. Since Howard did show up to their doorstep, drunk, to express to them he knew of their plans and was going to spend years if necessary, bringing them to justice for the scam they pulled on him today. But alas, that’s really when this show took the time to remind us of the theme at hand and that it will be several dark mitigating factors that brings Jimmy and Kim’s fate to light.

Such as say… wanton murder from a man with nothing to lose. For Lalo Salamanca returned to Albuquerque in this tale and found himself in a tough place when he accidentally alerted Gus to his presence. And that brought him to the McGill/Wexler homestead to have a little chat and to end Howard’s life. Simply because he wanted the complete attention of the room and to establish that he was playing for keeps this time around and any nonsense that kept him from his goal of revenge would end in a similar manner. A silent statement that leaves us worried for the fate of Kim and of course, the mental state of Jimmy McGill. Worries that won’t be resolved until the show returns for the second half of season six.

But what matters more, is that this was a masterful way to show us how… baby steps are what leads us to Saul’s arrival. Because every mistake he’s made, every bad choice he’s ever put forth… are beginning to pile up and sour his soul and darken him. As are the losses that are beginning to line up in front of him, since Howard is now added to the litany of the dead that have impacted Jimmy’s mental state, and this too, just brings him one step closer to the formation of Saul Goodman. Since this horrible moment hammers home the reality that the choice to be a friend of the cartel, regardless of how lucrative… came with a price. One that will help Saul to exist and exude the ruthless and icy nature he has when working with Walter White and it will be fascinating to see if his development toward his new persona accelerates after this horrible incident, when Better Call Saul returns to the airwaves for six final episodes on July 11. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘61st Street’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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These days, conversations revolving around corruption and concern regarding the American Justice System focus squarely upon law enforcement and understandably so. For the past few years have exposed to everyone, the wanton corruption and systemic racism present within police precincts around the nation and of course… the actions of the worst the police force has to offer, has led to mass protests and news stories that work to expose these injustices through and through. But it isn’t enough to look at just the enforcement arm of the justice system and place all the blame upon it for corruption and the issues that we now face, when it comes to how the system treats Black people in America.
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For the courts are also part of the problem, since they hand out tough sentences to African Americans with impunity, making it clear that Black people are seen as a problem in the court’s eyes, and it doesn’t help that, lawyers, play games with people’s lives in an attempt to be seen as the next great leader of a city or a hotshot attorney, when they should be focused upon the truth. And it is our laser focus elsewhere that allows for this to persist and that is precisely why last night’s episode of 61st Street on AMC and ALLBLK is such an important story. Because ‘The Two Trials’ is a tale that squarely focused upon these problems to further shed light on the injustices that Black people face in America, and to start the conversation that needs to be had, revolving around reform of the justice system.

Which are feats this tale accomplished, by getting the trial of Moses Johnson underway. Wherein we saw those injustices firsthand. Since the District Attorney’s office, played up every stereotype imaginable, to paint Moses as some kind of bloodthirsty cop-killer, one motivated by wanton rage and a fury that made no sense. But Franklin was quick to go after that particular trope with impunity and spoke to a need to really look at the truth over theatrics and well, lies, and sticking to that mantra… not only exposed the shortcoming of the courts and the theater that it allows to persist, courtesy of lawyers that have their win and loss record, and polls and future in mind above anything else. But it actually helped him to begin to win this case. Since he made Lieutenant Brannigan look to be the racist fool he is and helped the jury to understand the games that were being played here.

But alas, easily shifting the scales of justice in Moses’ favor would indeed make this story a fantasy outright, and that’s why a pair of big problems presented themselves in this tale.  In that, Brannigan and his stooges, one of which is dating Moses’ mother, went to great lengths to suppress the bullet evidence… by switching out Detective Logan’s gun in court to put Franklin’s team on their heels, and to complicate matters further… Franklin’s push to keep the truth out there at all costs, might bring his marriage to an end. Since the recording implicating Brannigan arrived on his doorstep in the middle of the night and Martha knew that if that recording is used to win the day, the trouble it will create will hurt a great deal of people, and she cannot stand for that, leaving Franklin at a crossroads. 

However, what matters more, is that this series once again offered up deep and powerful observations about our modern world and the problems plaguing our justice system and it once again handled it in such a brilliant and direct and outright powerful manner… that the audience was undoubtedly left speechless by the end of this tale. Since this story made it clear that reforms to the system are required for problems that run deep and that so many innocent men or minor offenders have been sent to prison because of the color of their skin and the stupid stereotypes we allow to persist and well, that definitely gets a conversation going and it also leaves us wondering… how this trial is going to come to a close. Because Moses’ future now hangs in the balance of two vastly different scales, one weighed down by prejudice and lies and a painfully difficult decision. Until next time.