Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two premiere of ‘Dynasties’. To revisit the season one finale, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the BBC America documentary series, Dynasties, is one of the most creative nature documentaries to hit the airwaves in recent years. Simply because, it gave us an in depth look at how families and genetic lines thrive in the wild, something that we don’t think about all that often since we see animals as just… animals. And not family-oriented beings. But that documentary proved otherwise, and well, after a hiatus spanning a couple of years, this brilliant series returned to the airwaves last night and provided us with more stunning insight into how parents in the wild thrive and fight to keep their family and legacy alive. 
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In fact, the season two premiere of this show, ‘Puma’, took the time to inform us… that not all animal related family life features a patriarch and a matriarch. For sometimes, only one parent raises their young… as evidenced by the trip we took to Patagonia in this tale. Wherein we met Rupestre, a puma mother that was dealing with quite the large litter. For she gave birth to four cubs, and with that… came the challenge of raising them right and preparing them for their future. Which meant she needed to provide them with appropriate shelter and food, and she did that, by raising them near the shoreline. Wherein the cubs could play and relax while mother went off to find food to nurse them and well, for a time… this went smoothly.

For food was plentiful and the shelter was just right. But a harsh winter brought about a lot of challenges for this burgeoning family, since it made food scarce and was of course, cold, and brutal as winters in Patagonia often are. Not to mention, once winter ended… other tough challenges came mother’s way. For mating season brought forth an alpha male to her nest, a move that threatened her babies since alpha males don’t like being around cubs they didn’t father. Plus, she lost the safety of the shoreline thanks to a rival. Putting this brood on tough ground as mother fought hard to keep her babies fed and on their way to a proud future and for a time, it appeared as though things might so south since food was scarce and she was often wounded and tired. 

But eventually, everything worked out, and the cubs grew and learned how to hunt and that meant, the time had come for them to set out on their own. Which is why Rupestre left her brood. So, they could go off into the world and start their own families and lives, allowing for her dynasty to continue and… begin anew. Since it was revealed at the end of this tale that Rupestre had another four-cub blessing a year after her cubs were left to their own devices and well… that wonderful surprise and everything we witnessed in this tale, made this… quite the incredible season premiere. Since it truly hammered home just how tough it is for a family to thrive in the wild and just how far the head of the family will go to make sure their babies thrive, since Rupestre suffered mightily to make sure her cubs made it.

However, where this documentary truly shined, was in showing us… how the animal kingdom resembles our own. Because we tend to believe that single parenting is something that is exclusive to only mankind. But clearly, that’s just not the case. Since Rupestre was forced to play mother and father in this tale and make sacrifices and push herself to her limits to ensure the survival of the dynasty, as single parents do in our world… and it was just fascinating and humbling to see that play out. For it does remind us, that we are all in this together in ways we never thought possible and well, now that this majestic tale has come to its end, it is safe to say we are all counting down the minutes until next Saturday’s chapter. So, we can learn more fascinating tidbits about how the animal kingdom keeps their family lines, thriving. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘The Kids in the Hall’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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​It’s rare in this day and age for reboots and revivals to recapture the magic of what came before them. Simply because, we firmly believe that moments in time simply cannot be replicated and that anyone involved with the story has grown and evolved, which brings forth new perspectives and thoughts when they return to the world they created. But over on Prime Video, something outright incredible is indeed taking place. In that, there is a revival on the network that is doing the impossible and is actually recreating the magic of what once was, whilst improving upon the original and staying true to its roots, and that is allowing for The Kids in their Hall to once again revolutionize the sketch comedy industry and set the standard for how revivals are reboots are assembled going forward.
 
Because the next chapter in the return of this triumphant troupe, simply feels as though… we are watching a lost episode from the original series. A feat that this episode accomplishes, by providing the viewer with more of those incredible avant-garde sketches that made the series famous to begin with. Since ‘Episode 2’ opens up with a wild sketch about a man that just so happens to own the greatest hot-rod recliner in the history of ever. Something that he manages to lose because of machismo and ego, but this writer will be damned if it isn’t a flawless KITH sketch, one that is nicely bookended by an equally as off-the-wall one involving a doctor that believes mightily in his skills when it comes to delivering babies.
 
But while it is wonderful that this episode feels as though this series never left the airwaves, making it clear that you can create a revival or reboot that feels akin to a continuation through clever writing and a celebration of what made the original so great, there was mention that the show is finding ways to grow and that’s handled here, by having the series take its biting commentary and satire to new heights. As evidenced by that wild A.T.& Love sketch where self-pleasuring on a Zoom call takes place unexpectedly. Since that entire sketch speaks volumes to corporate hypocrisy and how it enables its own problems and mistakes, and having that here, at a time when corporate disdain is at all-time high, makes the show incredibly relevant and even more intelligent. Which is no small feat, considering it was already regarded as a whip-smart comedy show to begin with, and it is amazing to see it evolve in this manner.
 
However, there is another way that this show manages to grow and improve upon what came before it… all while staying true to it roots of course. In that, it is now beginning to catch up with other iconic characters not named Bellini. Which in this case, involved the return of Buddy. Who returned to his old playground to save the last glory hole from being torn down as only Buddy can, and it was just incredible to see Buddy once again after all this time, and learn that he is still as saucy and as awesome as ever. But what matters more here is that by bringing Buddy back into the fold and growing the character in all the right ways… informs us that this series is going to continue to evolve in subtle ways that make it something new and exciting without ever alienating its base and that’s comforting to know.
 
If anything, this was just… a perfect and groundbreaking episode of this series, the latter of which should come as no surprise, since the Kids have always been about pushing the envelope and finding new ways to make sketch comedy inventive and fun and revolutionary, and they did that here for certain and it is safe to say we will likely see other revivals and reboots follow the magical formula put forth here, now that the Kids have made it clear how it can be done seamlessly. But all of that and all innovation aside, this was also a hilarious episode as well, one that once again puts a smile on your face and tears in your eyes and it of course, motivates us to hit play on the next episode… so we can enjoy top notch comedy from the finest comedy troupe to ever hit the airwaves. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Troppo’.

Often times in storytelling, characters that yearn to be a hero or desire redemption in their world, do so because of a stellar moral core. One that drives them to genuinely believe that it is up to them to enact change and that their endless hope and optimism and selflessness will inspire others to follow them and making that the foundation for a hero in a story, is designed to inspire an audience through and through. Because it informs us, that if we genuinely do our best to shed our darker angels and embrace good and go the extra mile for others without giving it a second thought, we too can find the fulfillment and joy these heroes do. Which is a noble way to inspire a viewer or a reader for certain, despite how incorrect that line of thinking is.
 
Because heroism and redemption aren’t things that are reserved for people that are perfect through and through, they’re for everyone. For folks that have made grave mistakes in life that wish to become a hero or redeem themselves through positive actions, are allowed to do so if that is what they desire. And the same goes for the lost individuals of the world, the ones that believe it has done them a disservice or have witnessed its injustices. Because the only real way we ever going to make the world a better place is through a unified effort to improve it, and it shouldn’t matter how people come to the decision to want to make it just that. If anything, this particular aspect to heroism and redemption is top of mind today, simply because it servers as the focal theme of the new Amazon Freevee series, Troppo.
 
A feat that ‘A Croc & A Hard Place’ accomplishes by introducing us to a pair of characters that wouldn’t normally fit the mold for heroes or people ripe for redemption. For Amanda and Ted… are a pair of broken individuals that have seen the sour side of the world. Amanda for instance, spent years in prison for crossing the line as a teenager and taking a life, making her a pariah in her town to the point where she is basically drifting through life. As for Ted… well a horribly botched case back home in America, one that painted him in a disgusting light, left him disillusioned with the world and the American justice system. To the point where he’s drinking the days away down under in the same town as Amanda, in the hopes he can just get by and never have to deal with the nonsense of the world ever again.
 
But Amanda really does believe that she can come back from what she’s done and make the world a better place in the process. Which is why she opts to open up her own private investigation agency. So that she can show people she’s good, and so she can come to believe that as well, and that’s also why she enlists Ted’s help in her work. Since she knows he knows the ins and the outs of investigative work and together, they should accomplish wonders and she can help him heal as well. But even then, finding that peace they both crave through good deeds… is no easy task. For this story also makes it clear that emotional damage and doubt, don’t just go away overnight. And they hurt us in our future endeavors when they are good and positive in nature. Which… sets the stage for a fascinating journey. One that will be supremely intimate, and growth and healing based in its notions, and quite original for certain.
 
Because let’s be honest, this kind of redemption story really doesn’t exist in print or on television. Largely because it’s gritty and vulnerable and uncomfortable. But this writer, welcomes it and is eager to see where it will take us. Because this is shaping up to be a powerful character study, one that will resonate with people on a fundamental level, since there are aspects of both Amanda and Ted that we can outright relate to and of course… the dark place we find them in here, alongside being able to get to know them through a supremely intimate series premiere, has us rooting for them in the end. To find the redemption they seek, and it will be fascinating to see if and how they obtain it as they dig deep into a case that will test them like never before. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Night Sky’.
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Something that is truly incredible about modern mankind, is that we’ve been able to assemble a viable path to living a complete and fulfilling life. A process and act that allows for humanity to avoid one of its greatest fears. Which is of course, spending our twilight years full of regret over the possibility that we didn’t do enough to find satisfaction or to be remembered and that’s simply incredible. Because who knew that mankind, a species that sometimes is unable to pull off simple tasks and acts of kindness, would be able to set something up that should be incredibly complex and difficult in nature? But we have and so many follow the path and while that is amazing and comforting to know, this is of course a plan that still has its drawbacks.
 
Because unfortunately, we use a ‘one size fits all’ approach to the path. When in fact, not everyone fits into the mold or the plan and require some different experiences in life to find fulfillment and sometimes… the path in question, doesn’t provide people with the peace and completeness they expect to find in their twilight years. Especially when the path presents them with quite the unexpected surprise. One that informs them that sometimes following the plan and not taking certain risks along the way creates regret, and well… that particular conundrum is top of mind today, simply because it serves as one of the focal themes of the brand-new Prime Video series, Night Sky. A feat that ‘To the Stars’ accomplishes by introducing us to a happy couple in their twilight years that have come to discover that this exact problem applies to them.
 
For despite having enjoyed full careers and family life, and despite being one of those rare couples that stay married for decades on end, alongside owning their own home filled with memories of good days and bad, it is inherently obvious in this tale that Franklin and Irene York… are unfulfilled in this life. Which is stunning to realize, since they followed the path that the world has outlined for them. But a secret on their property is why they are struggling with peace in their twilight years. For buried beneath the tool shed, is an ancient transport, one that places them smack dab in an observation lounge that is conveniently built to overlook the alien landscape of another world. Where they’ve taken the time to add creature comforts of home to look into the universe and its wonders and well, it doesn’t take long for the audience to realize that this world… and what lies beyond the glass… is why they don’t feel fulfillment.
 
Because this couple is quite literally on the precipice of space exploration and could break the bonds of the life everyone else is expected to lead and see wonders untold. Or they could in fact, reveal this secret to humanity and show the world the majesty of the universe and upend the system by opening our eyes to so much more. But instead… they keep this a secret. A gift to themselves if you will, and their advancing age and the troubles that come with that… are creating the regret. Because with time not on their side, this gift from who knows what, might fade with them, and their legacy will be something boring instead of bold and to top it all off, they have never explored this place beyond the view, a choice that leaves them wondering… if they’ve ever truly lived.
 
If anything, all of these elements and concepts, set the stage for one powerful series. One that is clearly going to examine the human condition in a bold new way. By challenging whether or not the system we’ve set up, is the right way to live life in a fulfilling manner… or if by chance, we need to look at how to be bolder a species, so we can build stunning memories, the kind that inspire others. Which makes this a brilliant series premiere, one filled with beautiful performances and endearing warmth, and it also deserves kudos for exploring old age and how that isn’t as romantic as we make it out to be. But most important of all, this premiere features a genius concept, one that is fresh and original and absolutely sucks you in, since it makes you eager to continue the journey… to see where that surprise at the end of this story, and where Franklin and Irene’s desires to live an amazing life… will take us. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Ten Percent’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that mankind has quite the love/hate affair with good ol’ tough times. Because on the one hand, we fully understand that difficult days are a constant in life and that without them and the challenges they provide us with… we don’t grow and learn. But on the flip side of that, bad days are utterly annoying. Because they upend our lives and force us out of comfortable situations and of course, the lessons and perspective that they provide us with to help us grow, are painful in the moment. But regardless of the ups and downs tough times send our way, we eventually embrace their deeper meaning and find gratitude that we went through them.

If anything, the rollercoaster rides those dark days put us upon us, is top of mind today, largely because they came to the offices of Nightingale/Hart in the next episode of Ten Percent. For when we catch up with our favorite agents in this story, Kirsten has arrived from the new home office that lies across the pond and well… it takes little to no time for her to begin to enact great change around the office. Such as adding a supremely annoying assistant and expecting the team to stay late just because she does. Not to mention she’s all about doing shady things such as dumping ‘unproductive’ clients that don’t rake in the dough, and poaching big ones away from other agencies and of course… she makes it clear she expects results and that… put the team in a tizzy.

Because they were quickly afraid for their jobs and their livelihood and the arrival of this new boss and the wildly intense American way of doing business, put the group through tough times. The kind that saw Jonathan release Simon as a client to appease the boss and the kind that motivated Dan and Rebecca to poke around at the possibility of stealing Phoebe Dynevor away from her current agency. A move that was decried across the office and led to quite the surprise. But more on that in a moment. Because in the end, this rough patch gave Stella perspective. In that, this was still their turf and their office, and it was either stand up for what they believed in or acquiesce to a brat. Which of course, brought forth a powerhouse confrontation between Stella and Kirsten, one that put the brat in her place and brought peace and perspective to the rest of the office. 

But while it was lovely to see Stella push back and fascinating to see how tough times can sneak into other corners of Tinseltown… there was mention of a heck of a surprise in this tale and that came from Phoebe. Because after running into Dan and Rebecca and learning who they worked for… she asked for a meeting with Jonathan. A move that made it appear as though, the poaching would be complete, since it was revealed that Phoebe was eager to change agents. But instead, this was a wakeup call for Jonathan. Since she took the time to point out how he wrote her off back in the day and never gave her a chance and had he… he’d be sharing in her success and well… that was a fine way to remind him of how he's lost his way when it comes to his career, and how now might be the right time to refocus.

In the end, this was just a fascinating episode when all is said and done. Since it served to teach us a great deal about the characters and what this job means to them and how human and flawed, they are. Which is a brilliant stroke of storytelling for certain, since it allowed for the viewer to really connect with these agents and their plight and of course… all of these events, motivated us to count down the minutes (impatiently no less) until next week’s chapter in this wild journey. So, we can see exactly how the agents survive this season of change and the incredible stress that Kirsten and her strange way of doing business… has put upon them. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Shining Girls’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are a great many mysteries that continue to plague mankind in this age of information. Some are quite metaphysical in nature, such as what happens to us after we die? While others are more practical in nature. Such as why we cannot treat one another with kindness and respect and view one another as the equals that we are. But of the many, many questions we still ask about our world and our society… there is one that has plagued us from the very beginning. In that, what is it that motivates everyday men to become outright evil and commit disgusting acts against the people they share the Earth with? Because… such acts just don’t make sense since they require an incredible commitment to darkness. 

Which is why, there are a great deal of stories out there that try to tackle this subject, so we can finally understand and prevent evil in the world and forge a future where humanity no longer has to worry about such matters and well… bit by bit, these stories are indeed starting to help us see that men turn to evil for a bevy of reasons. Some come out of fundamental flaws to our society that have yet to be addressed, while others come as a result of years of abuse; emotional and physical and/or both. But sometimes, what drives men to be on the wrong side of history and society, is quite simple in nature and it is those simple matters that are top of mind today, since they took the center stage in the next episode of Shining Girls on Apple TV+.

For ‘Bright’ is a story that took the time to step mostly away from Kirby and Dan and their search for answers regarding Harper… to give the audience answers regarding Harper. Specifically what simple things have motivated him to become the monster he is today. Which as it turns out… is related to marginalization and loneliness. For Harper has in fact, always been a nobody. Just a guy that struggled to fight in the First World War and struggled to find his way after the war. Because no one paid him any mind and the only thing he thought he had to hold onto in this life, was Klara. An old friend that he grew up with and loved dearly, despite the fact she didn’t feel the same. But she was in his life and for a time, he tolerated that… until everything changed.

Because a desperate attempt to find some money, led him and Leo (who also fought in the war with Harper), to an old house. The one we’ve seen Harper make use of, often… with good reason. For this place is a nexus of sorts, where time means nothing and a wish can bring Harper wherever he wants and that power, made him believe that Klara could finally love him and admire him. Because that was everything he wanted. To be seen, to know the love of a woman and feel radiance and meaning and for a time… it seemed as though Harper would finally have his wish. For Klara was keen on his discovery and he was eager to invite her in so they could experience wonders and different parts of history both past and future together.
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But eventually… she rejected Harper when he made a hard push to become an item, mainly because she wasn’t interested in him, in that manner. Just the wonder of time travel, and that… was the last straw for him. Because he bet all his hedges on this, and believed his value and worth was only associated with her and that he would only have meaning through her, and not having that… sent Harper into that dark place, where he did dark things… and that in turn, brought forth the monster. A being that now travels time to search for women that catch his eye… so he can see if they will pay him mind and pay him respect and make him feel valued and pay the price when the don't. When in fact… a little soul searching, and self-care would accomplish that.

But what matters more, is that Harper’s journey into darkness… really did hammer home how fragile and lost men like Harper are… and how easily they will commit to ugly when they cannot have their way or their easy fix to their problems. An analysis that rightfully exposes Harper to be nothing more than a coward that uses violence to compensate for his unresolved disdain for himself and the void in his heart and what’s impressive, is that going this route storytelling wise… offers no catharsis or sorrow or pity. Just fury. Fury that we can’t figure out how to reach pathetic men like this and that the world lets their ilk persist. But perhaps stories like this will help us to fight back against them, since this gives us insight into what makes them tick and in the here and the now, hopefully our understanding of Harper and what Dan and Kirby are learning about him… will put an end to his reign of terror soon… so he can finally atone for the horrible things he’s done in the name of ego. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Tehran’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Something that is a standard in the spy genre, is that the heroic spy that is sent to save the world, never fails when it comes to their all-important, world-saving mission. Sure, they run into tiny roadblocks along the way. The kind that are often related to the villain, their henchmen or someone who stumbles into their orbit and is clueless about what is going on. But they always win, and they never make a mistake, nor do they struggle to accomplish important tasks that bring them all that much closer to their respective goal, and this trope exists simply because it is indeed a crowd pleaser through and through.
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Because it gives us hope that good will always prevail over evil and lends to the escapist nature of storytelling. But sadly, this is inching closer to becoming a tired cliché of sorts, since the audience knows deep down how it will all play out. Which is why it is always refreshing to encounter a spy story that works to bust those kinds of tropes and wow us with a story that offers new surprises and frustrations, with a hint of realism and missteps to go with that, and that’s precisely why Tehran on Apple TV+ is of note. Because it continues to defy convention and change up the missteps of the genre… as evidenced by this week’s tale. 

For ‘The Rich Kids’ is a story that allows for mistakes and failure to happen to a spy, and it accomplished this particular feat… by having Tamar make a grand push to get close to Peyman so he could serve as the instrument of his father’s doom and well, to make this anthesis of success worth our while, this part of the story outright fooled us. Because once Tamar got to a party hosted by Vahid, where Peyman was making an appearance… it seemed as though the plan was going to go off without a hitch. Since Tamar was able to keep her cover and keep any suspicions anyone had about her actions at bay, and she was so resourceful in the moment… that she even figured out how to stay near Peyman and his phone. So that a clone of said phone, could be completed from afar by Milad, as part of the plan to swap phones so Peyman would bring one near his father that was filled with explosives. 

Not to mention, even when trouble arose by way of Faraz’s arrival at the party, she was still able to keep her cool and stay hidden to complete the mission and once she was able to sneak her way into Peyman’s car, is where failure came into play. Because despite her best efforts to be smooth and sly in making the swap happen… Tamar utterly failed in her mission. Simply because Peyman refused to be away from his beloved phone, and this was… a stroke of genius. Largely because of the trope busting it accomplished, since Tamar failed in her mission and will now have to pivot to succeed… but also because it added realism to this tale. Since everything about this sequence felt organic and natural, as though this is something a Mossad agent would actually go through.
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However, while that would have been enough to carry this episode, there was another surprise waiting in store for us and it involved Faraz and Marjan. Because Marjan was still working hard with Nahid to help her heal and she saw a grand opportunity in doing so. In that, it was obvious that Nahid was no longer loyal to Iran’s government, and she pondered upon whether or not assassinating Faraz was the right route to go. Because if Nahid was having second thoughts about loyalty, her husband might be as well… and Marjan was right. For Faraz was struggling with the demands made of him by a man that clearly cared little about anything else but his own power grab and well… there is a chance now that perhaps Marjan can bring an old enemy over to her side.

Which is also, quite the shattered trope. Since villains rarely turn into heroes in these types of tales, much less consider switching sides. But it might be happening before our eyes and that’s incredible, and it just goes to show… that Tehran is one of the most refreshing spy dramas on the market. Because it continues to find new ways to reinvent the genre and surprise us at every turn and well… in the end, all this episode does is leave us utterly eager for more of this phenomenal tale. So, we can see how Tamar responds to this grand failure and if she can rebound from it and get the mission back on track, and to see if Marjan can turn Faraz into an asset over a problem, and also… to see what will become of Milad. Since he was arrested at the end of this tale, and all of those incredible cliffhangers are going to make the wait for next week’s episode, painful for certain. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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This week, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise are sent to Hetemit 9, a planet once filled with those known as the Illyrians. Illyrians are humanoids who just so happen to genetically modify themselves to better suit the environment in which they might encounter. This, ideally, gives them an advantage on different planets. Instead of having to terraform an entire planet, the Illyrians would adapt to the habitat instead. Thus, preventing any unnecessary harm to the planet and preserving it as is. Illyrian advancements may make them a superior species in a lot of ways, yet the unfortunate side effect of their chosen evolutionary path means they’re not welcome within Starfleet or the Federation. The Federation will not allow Illyrians into the union based solely on the fact that they’re genetically modified. It’s more than just a little racist, considering that not all Illyrians are alike. The Federation has its reasons, having had so many negative encounters with genetically modified individuals. Seems discrimination will always be a battle that must always be fought.

Hetemit 9 is abandoned and inhabitable due to the Ion storms that frequently ravage the planet’s surface. Still, the Illyrian colony was left without a proper evacuation, leaving many of its research findings, journals, and facilities intact. A small away team is sent to the surface to do their own research and see what they can find while on the planet. The Ion storm moves in a lot quicker than expected, and most of the crew make it back to the Enterprise with some difficulty. Pike and Spock get left behind, and the Enterprise is unable to beam them out as the Ion storm hits the colony head on, jamming all transporter functions and communications. At least they have shelter, for the time being, surely nothing is going to happen to them or the ship. If only things were that simple. Exploring strange new worlds has a tendency to have just a few bumps along the way. While Spock and Pike are trapped in the planet, the crew on the ship has to face a different threat.

A threat that just happens to be infecting the crew, one by one. Some mysterious disease is making the infected crave light to the point of self-harm. Whatever this is, it’s causing a severe vitamin D deficiency, to a detrimental level. Those who were on the planet initially seem to be the only ones affected, or so it seems. Una seems to be immune to whatever this is, which is very odd. At first, we think she’s the only one who is immune to this strange disease, that is until Uhura avoids infection after direct exposure. The secret with Uhura turns out to just be a brilliant discovery. While she was exposed to the same virus that seems to be hitting all the crew, she beat it by simply sleeping in the dark. That would be a quick fix, only this thing is too smart, and makes its hosts act irrationally. They’ll do anything to get the light they desperately crave.

Hemmer actually tries to beam in a piece of the planet’s core to get the light he craves. Una is quick to knock him out and then carries him to Med Bay. La’an and Dr. M’Benga have a lot of questions about that. Una has even more questions, considering it could be M’Benga’s fault for not having his section of the ship’s medical scanners and biofilters updated to look for contaminants. That gets brushed under the rug, for the time being, when Una confesses to M’Benga that she’s an Illyrian. M’Benga takes the news relatively well, considering. She offers her own blood as a way to synthesize a cure for the crew. The problem is, her metabolism destroys the virus too quickly to even make antibodies. Shortly after, M’Benga is infected and needs to be sedated. It’s just La’an and Una, the rest of the crew is either unconscious in Med Bay or quarantined.

Meanwhile the Ion storm has gotten worse, it’s starting to break down the library Pike and Spock are hiding in. To make matters weirder, there are strange beings of energy out in the storm, one tries to get into the library, and even zaps Spock in the neck before they try to completely break in. Spock and Pike can’t hold them off, and the creatures break in just as the Ion storm does. The creatures do the unexpected and shield Spock and Pike from the storm, saving their lives, before they leave with the storm. It’s then that Spock discovers a document left behind by the Illyrians. They had stopped their research and genetic modifications in hopes of being able to join the Federation. It meant more to them to be a part of the United Federation of Planets than it did to continue their ongoing genetic alterations. They even learn that the creatures that saved them were once likely Illyrians.

On the ship, La’an decides to deactivate the Warp Core’s shields, she’s been violently infected with this virus and will not be stopped. Una does her best, but La’an is strong, which makes sense considering who her ancestor is. La’an does lose, eventually, after she shares her disappointment with Una for lying to her. Una manages to knock her out and absorb the radiation from the Warp Core. Because of their close proximity, La’an was able to get some of Una’s antibodies, because reasons and radiation, and whatnot. From that, Chapel makes an antidote and saves the crew. Pike and Spock get back on board and all is well. Una even tries to resign, and Pike refuses, as he should. Illyrians are misunderstood, and Pike sees that, sees the discrimination and won’t lose a perfectly great first officer because of it. Una is left to doubt some of his intentions, but she at least makes up with La’an and helps the Doctor atone for a bittersweet mistake.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 217 of ‘Big Sky’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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The wild twists and turns continue in this episode as chaos reigns supreme. As Cassie points out in this episode, it’s impossible to predict the effects that grief will have on us. In the case of Richard Ford, the loss of his son Mason has driven him on a mad path of revenge that has now led to the Bhullars’ ranch. He’s there waiting the next morning when Jag returns from picking up Veer from the airport. Veer demands to know where Ren is, but Richard has the gun and informs them they are going for a little ride.
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Richard forces Jag at gunpoint to drive the three of them to the river. He orders the father and son to walk toward the riverbank. Richard informs them that they are going to die where his son did. Little does Richard realize that this father is not feeling particularly benevolently toward his son at this moment, as during the ride from the airport, Jag took the opportunity to confront his father about cutting the drugs and let him know that he and Ren feel his time in charge has passed as result of this.

Veer antagonizes Richard about his son as they walk, ever the bully even as a hostage. He surmises that Mason must have been weak to do drugs, and that he understands what it’s like to have a weak son. Veer then offers Richard money as repayment for the loss of Mason in which Richard has no interest. He orders Veer and Jag to keep walking.

In town at Dewell and Hoyt, Jenny gives Cassie and Denise an update on Tubb’s condition and mentions a strange man she saw in his hospital room, a man we recognize from the ambulance ride that Wolf Legarski did not survive. It appeared Jenny arrived just in time to interrupt the syndicate’s plan. She now has a guard at the door to Tubb’s room.

The women of Dewell and Hoyt agree that their priority now must be tracking down Richard Ford before anyone else is hurt. Cassie thinks the best place to look is at the Bhullars, for sooner or later Richard’s hunt will lead to them. She and Jenny arrive at the Bhullar ranch to find the front door ajar. They draw their guns and clear the first level before Jenny yells, “Police! Anyone here?” Ren calls out in reply. Jenny and Cassie find her, and Travis tied together upstairs. Ren angrily tells them that Richard took her father and brother. Almost instantly, Cassie says she knows where to find them. She and Jenny leave Ren and Travis the way that they found them.

As they near the riverbank, Jag tries a different approach with Richard, showing penance and attempting to reason with him that he’s not a killer, that he’ll regret this. Richard replies that they have made him a killer. Veer cruelly interjects that Richard should just kill Jag then. Veer lies that it was Jag who cut the drugs with poison and begins to calmly walk away. He only stops and turns back at the sound of a gunshot; Jag lies crumpled at Richard’s feet. Veer simply turns away and continues walking.
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Not long after, Jenny and Cassie find Richard standing over Jag’s body holding his gun. They order him to drop it, but he instead points the gun at himself and says he’s going to see Mason. Jenny tells him that his wife Mona needs his help. He snaps at her that she’s innocent and to leave her out of this. Jenny and Cassie exchange a look, then Jenny informs him that the drugs that killed Mason belonged to Mona. Stunned by this revelation, he denies it, repeating ‘no’ over and over. Cassie confirms the information to him, telling her Mona needs his forgiveness. This doesn’t seem to be getting through to him, so Cassie lowers her gun and takes a few steps toward Richard, imploring him not to do this to his daughter. He angrily swivels the barrel of his gun towards Cassie, but she persists. She tells him that a girl needs her father, she knows this because she just lost hers. “You don’t do this to Hayden,” she orders him. Resignedly, Richard drops to his knees and lets the gun fall to the sand. Cassie finds Jag still alive and calls for an ambulance. As Jenny takes Richard into custody, she tries to comfort him.

At the hospital, Ren confronts Jenny with Donno loyally at her side. Jenny tells Ren she’s lucky her brother made it to the ICU at all, as she stabilized him until the ambulance arrived. Ren demands to know if she’s supposed to thank Jenny for doing her job. Jenny insists Jag wouldn’t have been shot if not for his family’s dealings in drugs. They exchange threats, among which Ren reveals that she knows “Stone” is really Travis, and that he used to be a cop, but now he’s working for her. After Jenny leaves them, Donno offers to locate her father, but she asks him to stay.

Alicia has just discovered Veer soaked in sweat at the kitchen sink when Ren and Donno burst through the door. Ren announces that Jag has a bullet in his chest and with a sneer, tells her father she’s glad to see he’s fine. Veer growls that there are unavoidable costs to doing business. Ren angrily tells him not to blame Jag for his own mistakes. The carefully sown mask begins to slip from Veer’s face as he informs Ren that doesn’t blame Jag. He blames them both for plotting behind his back like rats. The look in Ren’s eyes subtly but visibly shifts, and Veer spots it too. Veer believes all of Jag’s ideas originated with Ren, and angrily assures her that his time is not over. When Ren begs her father to at least admit responsibility for Jag getting shot because he cut their drugs with poison, he drops all pretense of being anything besides a monster in sheep’s clothing. Veer demands to know how long she planned to string her brother along, knowing she’d never settle for second in charge. Ren has had enough and begins to leave as her father roars at her. “You really think you can do better than me?!” he bellows at her. A familiar look returns to Ren’s face: cold, dark, purely business focused. “I know I can.” As she strides away, a brief look of fear flickers in Veer’s eye. All the while, Alicia remains confused and now stunned by the whole exchange.

Later, Alicia approaches Veer to have him sign what she says are insurance forms for Jag. He signs at the flags she has marked without a second glance. Alicia then asks him again what happened with Jag, he brushes it off as the consequences of stepping out of line. Alicia reminds him that is the natural order of life for one generation to take over for the last. Veer insists that his children aren’t ready. Alicia counters that perhaps it is he who is not ready. Veer thought she was on his side, which she assures him she is, but she does have limits. If he chooses to fight Ren and Jag for control, he can do it without her by his side.

Jag comes to as Ren sits on his hospital bed bribing him with beard oil in exchange for his recovery. They agree to stop fighting with each other. Jag asks about their father with fear in his eyes, he’s at home Ren tells him. Jag seems surprised she doesn’t already know when Ren asks him what happened with their father out there.
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After an unsuccessful meeting with Travis’ handler, Jenny returns home to find Travis waiting inside in the dark for her. He’s come to tell her goodbye. Jenny wants him to get out, now, but he tells her it’s no longer that simple. It’s about Kate Garza and he intends to see it through to the end. Jenny asks him about their relationship, he replies he never planned on it. Jenny begs him to change course, but he has only one thing he’s there to do. As he walks out the door, Jenny threatens to stop him, she is still a cop. He scoffs that there’s no ways she’d shoot him, she loves him, and deep down, she always knew she’d have to let him go. And she does.

After barely surviving an encounter with the same hitman that the syndicate sent to take care of Tubb, Scarlet calls Cassie from a pay phone. She wants to negotiate her freedom in exchange for information related to the girls Ronald and Rick were trafficking. Cassie tells Scarlet that’s not how it’s going to work, she’s no victim of any kind, and the syndicate will never stop looking for her, no matter how long it takes. Scarlet threatens to come for Cassie, Cassie says she’ll be waiting. Scarlet tearfully tells Cassie she killed the man she loved; Cassie retorts that she’d do it again. Cassie offers Scarlet safety for Phoebe as her only good option, Scarlet disconnects the call.

The next day, things are eerily pleasant between Ren and Veer as they prepare to go get Jag. Veer is uncharacteristically gentle with Ren, apologizing for being so hard on her, complimenting her, and then telling her that he loves her. In a normal family, this would be a warm and lovely moment. But knowing what we do about Veer and the Bhullars, this sweet moment is actually very creepy and likely the calm that proceeds the storm.

The chaos continues to swirl, and losses are likely to mount as people desperately grab for power and relationships continue to splinter. The season finale should be one wild ride.

​The new series, Commit or Quit with Judge Lynn Toler makes its debut on WEtv at 10 p.m. EST, tonight, and in anticipation of its release, we’ve got a synopsis, details regarding the rest of the season and an exclusive clip from tonight’s episode to share with all of you!

COMMIT OR QUIT WITH JUDGE LYNN TOLER - "Newlyweds On Trial" Premieres Thursday,May 19 at 10PM ET 
A newlywed couple’s explosive fights leave them on the brink and only Judge Toler can decide their fate. London and Andre married 6 months ago after a whirlwind romance but everything changed after the wedding. Will they Commit or Quit?

‘Couples in crisis turn to the honorable Judge Lynn Toler for a life altering decision to get married or break up for good in the new WE tv series, “Commit or Quit with Judge Lynn Toler,” premiering Thursday, May 12 at 10pm on WE tv. In the eight, one-hour episodes, eight couples are under Judge Lynn Toler’s microscope. Secrets are exposed, core issues uncovered, and those closest to them give shocking testimony. When it’s all said and done, ultimately, it’s up to the Judge to have them…Commit or Quit! New episodes become available on popular AMC streaming service ALLBLK, every Monday following their premiere on WE tv.
 
Each couple’s home will be installed with surveillance cameras, so Judge Lynn Toler will be able to monitor their every interaction, including the disagreements and the makeups. Through a combination of life experiences, judicial wisdom, street smarts, cutting edge technology, and the sworn testimony of those closest to the couples, Judge Toler will carefully review each case (relationship) before revealing the ultimate verdict. For unhitched couples who "commit," Judge Toler marries them on the spot and for those who "quit," they break up for good. Married couples who "commit" will renew their vows, but for those who “quit,” Judge Toler will rule for divorce on the spot. She lets the couples know she is not here to play games but rather get to the bottom of each of their core issues and decide once and for all – Commit or Quit!
 
The couples who look for Judge Toler’s verdicts include:
 
London (37) and Andre (48) - Married 6 Months 
London and Andre met 7 years ago at a bar in Chicago. After a 5-year on-again, off-again love affair, the two lost touch and went years without speaking. Last year, feeling like he was getting older, Andre decided that it was time to settle down and believed London was the one. After surprising her in Las Vegas, Andre proposed, and in less than 2 weeks the two got married. Now, 6 months later, both are questioning if they made the right decision. The two can’t seem to get along long enough to fix their marriage, they’re easily annoyed with each other, and they fight over every little thing. London accuses Andre of deliberately doing/saying things to get under her skin while Andre doesn’t know how much more he can take of London’s hot-head personality. They need Judge Toler’s help NOW, before more damage is done.

Ayanna (46) and Brian (36) - Married 3 Years 
The couple met 4 years ago at a party. The two instantly hit it off and got married in a small ceremony. While they love each other very much, the two have had issues from the beginning, including: cultural differences, age gap, and lifestyle differences. They’ve also undergone fertility issues and aren’t sure if having a baby is in the picture for them. Ayanna and Brian desperately want to save their marriage, but they’re also willing to walk away for good if Judge Lynn feels like these unresolved feelings of resentment are too big to overcome.

Ashanti (25) and Christopher (37) - Dating Almost 2 Years
After snooping through each other's phone’s, a year ago, they found messages/evidence of their partner communicating with the opposite sex. After taking a break and agreeing not to date anyone, Ashanti broke the agreement as payback. Now, buried under a mountain of mistrust on both parts, Ashanti and Chris are trying to rekindle the spark they once had, rebuild their relationship, and regain each other’s trust. They need Judge Toler’s help to decided if they truly have a future together, or if it’s time to let this relationship go for good.

Antoine (36) and Kieyesia (41) – 6 Years Dating
Antoine and Kieyesia met on social media when Antoine slid into her DMs 6 years ago and the two have been together ever since. Unfortunately, the relationship has been anything but smooth. Antoine’s ex-fiancé, and mother of his child, continues to bud into their relationship. On top of all of the baby mama drama, Antoine’s social media persona is a source of contention for Kieyesia and she doesn’t like that she is completely absent from his world. He thinks she isn’t on his level and after 6 years of dating, both are starting to wonder if their relationship has a future. Unable to pull the trigger themselves, they need Judge Toler to come in and decide as neither are willing to go another 6 years stuck in the same place.    
 
“Commit or Quit with Judge Lynn Toler” is produced for WE tv by Thinkfactory Media, an ITV America company,and executive produced by Adam Reed, Adam Freeman, Tim Cohen-Laurie, Vanessa Butler and Brad Hurtado. Executive Producers for WE tv are EVP of Development and Original Programming, Lauren P. Gellert, SVP of Original Programming and Development, David Stefanou and VP of Development, Angela Molloy.
 
About Judge Lynn Toler
Judge Lynn received her bachelor’s degree in English and American Literature from Harvard University in 1981 and her Doctorate in Law from The University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1984. At 33, she was elected judge of The Cleveland Heights Municipal Court and served there for more than 8 years. Currently, Judge Lynn is a co-host on WE tv’s Marriage Bootcamp. Judge Lynn’s Audio Course, That Conversation, The Art of Communicating in Relationships lives on Himalaya.com. Judge Lynn began her television career in 2001 when she became the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Power of Attorney. In 2006, Judge Lynn became the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Divorce Court and remained there until 2020. Judge Toler is the author of several books. Judge Lynn is actively engaged in both local and national initiatives to prevent domestic violence through her work as a board member on Bloom365.org. She is also an advocate for mental health awareness and supports The Whole Brother Mission, an organization committed to providing mental health access to black men. Judge Toler has been married to Eric Mumford since April,1989. She has two sons and four stepsons.
 
About WE tv
With compelling, can’t miss unscripted shows, WE tv’s programming is fueled by personalities and relationships filled with purpose and passion. WE tv welcomes everyone and creates an inclusive experience across all platforms: on TV, online, on demand, and social media, embracing how today’s digitally savvy, socially engaged audiences connect through content, using it as a catalyst to drive conversation and build community. Further building on this mission, current WE tv originals are now available to stream on WE tv’s sister platform, ALLBLK. WE tv is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., and its sister networks include AMC, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV and streamers Acorn TV, ALLBLK, AMC+, Shudder and Sundance Now.’