If there is one thing, that every fan out there hopes and dreams for, it would be to spend a day inside the world of their favorite story. Which is why there’s a Harry Potter theme park available, and a Star Wars themed ride as well and it’s also why there was once a Star Trek Experience out in Las Vegas. Because those places give (or gave) fans the opportunity to live out their dream and be a part of the universe they so respect, and let’s be honest, it really is quite the rush to be able to stand in Diagon Alley, or aboard the Millennium Falcon and I can say from personal experience, that it is outright incredible to stand on the bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise. But why this is relevant to today’s discussion, is simply due to the fact that the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation decided to dive into what life would be like for fans, if we could genuinely step into our favorite fictional worlds.
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A feat that was accomplished by putting some serious stress upon Captain Jean-Luc Picard. For when we catch up with him in ‘The Big Goodbye’, he’s working hard to land a verbal greeting that he will express to a species known as the Jarada. For they are big on honor and respect and thus far, no Starfleet captain has properly landed the greeting. Which has led to decades of frosty relations between the Federation and the Jarada. And the stress of getting this right in a single shot has seemingly fried the captain’s brain, which prompts Counselor Troi to suggest that the time has come for him to try out the new Holodeck upgrade and just get away from it all for a while. Something that Picard takes to heart and well, his spirits are sent soaring when he spends a little time in a world revolving around a private investigator named Dixon Hill, and the wonder of this experience, motivates him to truly make the effort to properly immerse himself within this delightful recreation of his favorite fictional universe.

Which brings about some supremely fun moments with the crew. Since Picard is joined by Data and Crusher and a 20th Century historian named Whalen on further Dixon Hill adventures, and it is just a delight to see them soak up this digital world and engross themselves in the wonder of an era none of them understand. But while it is fun to see them basically nerd out on the holodeck, what would TNG be without a little conflict? And thanks to a quick probe from the Jarada when they get a touch impatient, the conflict in question comes into play. For Picard and his intrepid band of detectives cannot leave the Holodeck, which proves to be quite problematic when the bad guy arrives to collect an important item. But of course, the crew figures out how to get the team out of there, and Picard is able to deliver the greeting on time and in perfect pitch because he’s just awesome like that, and all’s well that ends well. 

But what matters most about this particular tale, is the sheer fact that it makes a point of focusing on the fun factor, since there is adventure and laughter to be found here. Plus, there is just something supremely special about seeing Picard fan boy like the rest of us, and cosplay to fit into his favorite universe, and it is equally as delightful to see his friends and shipmates taking part in that as well. If anything, it makes this episode feel like a love letter to the fans, one that is supremely relatable because we’ve been in Picard’s shoes and dressed up in Starfleet uniforms ourselves and it is just so wonderful to revisit an episode that truly strikes a chord with the fans and holds some weight for the future as well. For Dixon Hill adventures and other Holodeck adventures would become a staple of the series and the franchise for many years to come, helping to break up the sci-fi seriousness that Trek sometimes gets lost within.

Plus, it’s always nice to see talented actors truly unleash their skills in this setting. Since Data finds a way to transform into a 1940s everyday dude by way of Brent Spiner’s acting prowess, and of course, Patrick Stewart puts on a clinic here by offering up a wide range of emotions. And perhaps the cherry on top in regard to this particular tale; is that it also does a wonderful job of paying homage to the detective stories of old. Right down to the music and the over the top theatrics by way of that wonderful fade to black when Picard leaves the Holodeck to take care of business on the bridge. If anything, this particular tale is nothing short of a true treat. For it really does offer up a unique and fun story, one that brings the crew closer together while putting a smile on your face and really, it’s nice to reflect upon an episode that outright provided fans everywhere back in the day, with a true hint of the brilliance to come from this iconic series. Until next time.   

The truth is something that each and every one of us seek out often in our lives. Simply because the old saying about how it sets us free, rings true. For when we uncover the facts about something that is supremely important to us, we are able to see the world in a whole new light, which can motivate us to make some healthy changes to our lives. But while we celebrate the quest for the truth and what it does for our future, we often forget that its outright pursuit can be quite messy for certain. Because when someone is hiding a truth that is important and potentially devastating, uncovering it can cause a lot of collateral damage. And all of this is relevant to today’s discussion, simply because the difficulties that people face in regard to revealing the truth, served as the focal point of the next episode of The Morning Show.
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For ‘Open Waters’ took the time to expand upon two key plot points that popped up in the previous tale. Specifically, the fact that Chip was ready to go the extra mile and put Fred’s involvement in the Mitch Kessler mess on display, and of course Bradley received that cryptic message from Mister Kessler himself at the end of that tale. Prompting the both of them to dive into those matters further in this episode, with fascinating results. For dear Chip was more or less advised to exercise caution in going after Fred. Simply because Fred has been in the game for a very, very long time, and likely knows how to cover his behind. Which is why Cory instead pushed for patience and investigation, so that Chip could quietly collect solid evidence, the kind that ties Fred to the Kessler incident without any doubt. Something that doesn’t sit right with Chip at first, but he does of course go along with the suggestion because what other choice does, he have? 

As for Bradley, well her search for the truth brought her face to face with Mitch and he had quite the proposition for her. Specifically, that he was ready to offer her the biggest interview of her young career, with him, wherein he would offer up an incredible exposé of the dirty deeds going on behind the scenes at UBA. A proposition that was quite temping up front because Bradley was fully aware of what this would do for TMS and her rising star. But at the same time, the offer felt hollow. As though Mitch was doing this only for Mitch, so he could exonerate himself by playing the victim and deflecting the blame and that gave Bradley pause. To the point where she felt she needed to ponder upon whether or not this was actually worth her while, or if it would cause more harm than good. Because such a move could send the network into a tailspin, costing her peers their jobs while also ruining the bond she just created with Alex.

But while Chip and Bradley quickly came to understand how rushing toward the truth could cause all kinds of harm and chaos, an incident at work prompted them to reconsider their respectively conservative stances. Because Mia was unfortunately taking a lot of heat at UBA for her relationship with Mitch and her supposed responsibility for his termination. To the point where Chip had to fire someone on the spot for creating an unhealthy work environment. But that bold move didn’t teach everyone the lesson that was intended, which prompted Mia to just get on the microphone and tell the entire newsroom the truth about her relationship with Mitch, and what was on her mind in general in regard to the staff's garbage views of her. A move that spoke to the fact that sometimes, you have to be bold with the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it can be and no matter what kind of trouble it can cause, and that’s when Chip and Bradley changed course. 

For when Chip sat down with Maggie from The New York Times to talk about Bradley and her role on The Morning Show, he dropped a little nugget in regard to the whole mess, in the hopes of getting an intrepid reporter interested in the story. And while Maggie didn’t necessarily bite, the fact that it is out there now, in the NYT newsroom, could allow for this story to grow and grow quickly. But what matters the most, is that Bradley decided that the time had come to back up her talk about using the show as a force for good, one that can actually generate stories that engage and move an audience to action. Which meant the time had come to give Mitch an answer in regard to his offer, and her answer was yes. Provided of course that Mitch could back up his claims with a verifiable source, which motivated him to approach Hannah. Whom he believed used an intimate moment between the two of them as a way to get ahead at UBA.

Which is quite the surprise to end this particular tale with, since Hannah has always kept her nose to the grindstone in this particular story. But this revelation does fill in some gaps as to why she was rattled by seeing Yanko and Claire together, and how HR found out about their relationship. But while any questions we have about Mitch and Hannah will likely be answered down the line, what matters more is that this particular tale did a fine job of exploring how tough it is to dig for the truth sometimes. Especially when futures are on the line, and the subtle fashion in how this was explored, allowed for some fascinating and powerful moments to take place. Either way, it’s clear that now that the endgame is in sight for season one. For this particular tale set the stage for a grand showdown between Mitch and the network and it should be quite interesting to see how that particular battle is going to go and what other revelations will come to light as we barrel toward the season one finale. Until next time.    

The other day when we settled in to discuss the wonder that is the second season of The Twilight Zone, there was brief mention of the fact that the series had yet to really dive into the fantastical, something that has been a staple of the series from its inception. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing or an insult by any means, because ‘Meet In the Middle’ and ‘Downtime’ have plenty to say about our world and humanity as a whole and when the series does that properly, well, magic happens. But once in a while, it is simply nice to let loose and enjoy a story that just goes to incredible places, the kind that are truly wild in their own right and it just so happens that the next episode of this incredible series, takes the time to step away from more cerebral storytelling, in order to provide us with one incredible and fantastical ride.    
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Which is funny, since it doesn’t seem like that is going to be the case at all, at first glance. Because initially, ‘The Who of You’ appears as though it is going to offer up some supremely deep commentary. Because in this particular tale we are introduced to a man named Harry Fink, who is at quite the low point in his life. For this Julliard trained actor has fallen upon some seriously hard times in his career, and his relationship is also on the rocks. And the lack of work, combined with the fact that his beloved girlfriend is hinting at infidelity and at being ready to leave him, motivates Harry to take some extreme measures to get his life back on track, by robbing a bank. Something that makes it seem as though this might be a story where something incredible happens, that will allow him to go back and correct the mistakes in his life.

But instead, he goes through with the robbery and whilst grabbing the money he now believes he is entitled to, something quite incredible happens to Harry, he switches places with the teller he has demanded money from. Something that almost allows for him to get away with the cash, until another officer intervenes and even then, another surprise switcheroo with a police officer named Luntz allows for Harry to escape with the cash once again. Leaving him and anyone working this case stunned and confused over the fact that the Harry Pine sitting in an interrogation room keeps claiming to be someone else and well, the wonder of this story doesn’t end there. Because at no point does a lesson begin to form in the slightest, instead, we are privy to a horrific downward spiral for Harry, one that sees him embrace and relish in his newfound power. 

Because eventually, he comes to learn that all he has to do is make sustained eye contact with someone else in order to inhabit their body, allowing for him to jump at will in order to keep his precious money safe when the police get too close. But as is often the case in this universe, eventually Harry meets his match by way of a ‘psychic’ named Keith, who figures how to distract Harry long enough to get his hands on the cash. Leading to one final desperate plot on Harry’s part to strike it rich, an act that will not be easy in the slightest. Simply because the detective on this case finally has an idea of what is happening and hopes that a face to face plea will finally stop Harry before he makes a mistake that he cannot walk back from and well, in the end, without spoiling the end, this was quite the incredible episode for certain.

For this one really does take us on quite the incredible ride, one that definitely draws you in, as does the acting. Because Ethan Embry, who plays Harry, simply knocks it out of the park in this particular tale by properly transforming into the new person that is inhabiting Harry’s body. Which allows for some incredible moments to take place, even comedic ones for that matter and well, all of the elements we’ve discussed today, simply made for one delightful tale. One that entertains, one that grabs your attention and most importantly of all, one that reminds you of the sheer magic and wonder of this franchise as a whole. If anything, this was just a welcome surprise, one that did a fine job of cleaning our mental palate and hopefully there are more fantastical tales waiting for us down the line since it really is quite the treat to just get lost in a corner of The Twilight Zone, where the impossible becomes possible. Until next time.

Tradition is something that means a great deal to every family out there and with good reason. Because carrying them on year after year, regardless of how silly some of them might seem, offers up a unique connection for everyone involved. For we are in fact, keeping alive the memory of an event or our ancestors, and performing the act in question somehow brings us closer to them and helps us to understand what they were all about. But while most traditions are healthy and harmless in their own right, and special for that matter too, some don’t age all that well. For they were grounded in a different time and a different world and practicing them now just seems out of place and occasionally, wrong, and oddly enough, outdated tradition just so happens to be one of the focal points of the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
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For ‘Haven’ sees the crew of the Enterprise arrive at a paradise world that shares the namesake of the episode to get a little respite from the stresses of space travel. But alas, that break doesn’t last all that long. Simply because an important request arrives from the planet below, one that results in a beautiful messenger box being transported aboard the ship. And inside said box is an important message for Counselor Deanna Troi, in that, the marriage that was arranged for her long ago has finally come to fruition and she is to accept a bevy of precious jewels as a pre-wedding gift before the groom’s family beams aboard to begin preparations for the big day. It is of course an announcement that rattles Deanna and the man she truly loves the most, and this is where the show’s exploration of tradition gets underway.

Because arranged marriages are a time honored one on Betazed and despite her misgivings and concerns about this sudden development in her life, one that will force her to leave Starfleet, Deanna doesn’t want to rock the boat and plans to go along with it. Which leads to a hurried planning phase aboard the 1701-D as her mother Lwaxana and everyone involved in the big day try to find common ground on the ceremony and with one another. A sequence of events that actually features some fascinating storytelling as Deanna and young Wyatt, who is the groom to be, try to figure out what their life together is going to look like since they’ve never met until this blessed event. But alas, while this could have been a grandiose exploration on traditions that have outlived their welcome, since Deanna is a wonderfully independent woman who can function just fine without a man and knows what she wants in life, the story finds a way to sabotage its potential commentary.

For it instead explores a strange sub plot revolving around destiny when a mysterious ship shows up on Haven’s sensors. One that turns out to house a species of aliens known as the Tarelllans, who were thought to be extinct thanks to a biological warfare experiment gone wrong. But here they are after all these years, and the closer they get to Haven; the antsier Wyatt becomes and there is good reason for that. For aboard this ship is a woman that Wyatt has dreamt of since he was a boy, and the woman in question has suffered from the same dreamy affliction. Meaning that the souls of these two spirits were somehow connected by cosmic and psychic means that no one quite understands and that the wedding is off as well. For Wyatt and his dream woman need to be together and that frees up Deanna to marry Will Riker in Star Trek: Nemesis and it leaves the audience feeling a little hollow. 

Because that’s just a hell of a curveball to throw into this particular tale. But alas it is just more of season one being timid and inconsistent, and there’s not much that one can do about that. However, this episode was not a total loss. After all, this is the first on screen appearance of Lwaxana Troi, who became a fan favorite thanks to Majel Barrett’s wonderful portrayal of the character, and her blunt nature and severe crush on Jean-Luc Picard made her quite the delight to watch on screen. And her arrival here did allow for the story to loosen up, and her antics laid the foundation for comedy to come and it was just a real treat to see her arrive at last and it was equally as fun to see Brent Spiner and Patrick Stewart play off of her energy. But outside of that important character introduction, there’s not much else to say about this tale, other than it definitely entertains, and there’s really nothing wrong with that. Until next time.  

If there is one thing, we can all agree upon when it comes to the crazy ride that is everyday life, it would have to be, that it can be quite the grind, and sometimes escaping it sounds like a real treat. Which is why we plan vacations that take us as far away from home as possible. So, we can disconnect from email and social media and enjoy a little peace and quiet, so our minds can reset and refresh. But while that tends to fix the frustration that comes with daily life for most folks, there are some people out there who are beyond desperate for a break from their everyday lives. For the situations they face are so incredibly painful, that they would give anything to be someone else if only for a moment, so they can finally enjoy a world where they are free from the stress they are currently dealing with. But alas, that simply isn’t possible in reality and those tortured souls must continue along.
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But that certainly doesn’t stop the human mind from pondering upon such a concept when the going gets rough. Because just thinking about another life and what it might be like to live it, can be a healthy and necessary way to escape those harrowing moments of stress and it just so happens that the next episode of The Twilight Zone takes the time to dive into this concept in a supremely fascinating fashion. Because initially, ‘Downtime’ doesn’t seem as though it is going to explore this notion in the slightest. Instead, we spend a little time getting to know a woman named Michelle Weaver, who is having a wonderful day when we catch up with her. Because she’s finally being promoted to the manager position at the hotel, after years of dedicated and hard work, and this red-letter day has her spirits soaring.

However, the joy she’s experiencing comes to a screeching halt when a giant robotic eye appears in the sky, since it seizes and hypnotizes the world around her, because of something known as downtime. Which leaves her searching for answers since she is desperate to know what that means exactly and that’s when the escape twist comes into play. For eventually Michelle comes to learn that she isn’t who she thinks she is. She’s actually nothing more than an avatar for a man named Phineas Lowell, and she exists within the framework of a grandiose game that people use to get away from their everyday lives and unfortunately there is quite the complication in regard to her future. In that, Phineas is in dire straits health wise, and passed out whilst connected, meaning that Michelle needs to exit the game as quickly as possible, or risk having her, and Phineas’ consciousnesses trapped within the confines of this digital world for all eternity, once downtime comes to a close. 

But while that plot is quite delightful and fascinating and filled to the brim with unique twists and turns, what matters more here is all the underlying meaning present within this tale. For in many ways this story serves as a warning, one that reminds us that while it is okay to fantasize about a better life, there is no escape in regard to our problems and we have to tackle them if we expect them to go away. Plus, this episode makes a fine point of teaching us that if we do indeed need to make some serious changes to our lives, that we also need to be willing to put in the work to make that happen, since there are no easy paths to happiness and it was quite incredible to find such blunt yet borderline positive messaging in a story that snuck in some seriously dark moments. Such as the fact that Phineas’ corporeal body doesn’t make it to the end of this tale and that how that goes down is handled in a kind of vague manner that leaves the final determination in the audience’s hands. 

But outside of that, this really was quite the incredible episode. One that felt quite similar to the classic iteration of this series since it was fast-paced and full of fascinating twists. Plus, you cannot go wrong with the cast in this tale either since Morena Baccarin puts on an acting clinic with the range and depth she provides the viewer with, and even Colman Domingo is impactful during his limited screen time in this story. If anything, it just goes to show how quickly this show has grown in a single year, since we are getting fresh and original and timely stories that just so happen to have that classic flavor thrown in for good measure. But while these more meaningful stories are quite delightful, what season two of this series has to yet to provide us with, is a story that is grounded in the fantastical and it should be interesting to see what that will look like when it finally arrives. But in the here and the now, we can bask in another wonderful tale, one that definitely took the whole notion of ‘what if?’ to the Nth degree. Until next time.  

Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about the dynamic nature of the AppleTV+ series Central Park. Simply because this particular show keeps finding new and fascinating ways to tell its stories, all while continuing to make us laugh and while most shows would settle into a routine at this point in their first season, or at least attempt to find one, this series is showing no signs of slowing down its quest to create the most unique animated series out there and for proof, well look no further than this week’s episode. For ‘Rival Busker’ not only found a way to advance the plot in fun fashion, it also managed to offer up a supremely original plotline involving an important character that has been with us since day one; Birdie.
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Because if you recall from last week’s episode, Birdie was the one who informed Paige that Bitsy Brandenham was the one funding the illegal activities of the ‘honorable’ Mayor Whitebottom and well, that apparently got him in serious trouble with the powers that be behind the scenes. For the signing fellow that popped at the end of that particular tale was Grififn and he was to be our new narrator. Because it turns out that there is a code amongst these noble storytellers and opening up the plot to the characters is an absolute no-no. Which meant that poor Birdie had to figure out what his life was going to look like going forward, since he was no longer going to be providing the viewer with any more details, when it comes to the exploits of the Tillermans.

But as it turns out, there is a way to get back into the good graces of the story creators, in that… brave and noble deeds can engender forgiveness. Something that came to light, courtesy of Owen and Cole’s desire to keep nature healthy and happy. Because a brand-new Owl Cam was installed into Central Park, so that the entire world could enjoy the cuteness of watching these tiny birds grow, and whilst the boys were watching, they noticed that one of the tiny and cute baby owls had fallen out of the nest. Which prompted them to go and save the little cutie and while their hearts were in the right place, momma wasn’t happy with this and pinned them in the tree. Which motivated Birdie to say to hell with it and save them, an act that was rewarded by making Birdie the narrator of this tale once again.

Yet while that was wonderful storyline for certain, there was mention of the plot advancing in this tale and that was handled by way of Paige and Molly. Because Paige got a hot tip that something was going down at The Brandenham, prompting her to dip into the family savings to go undercover at the hotel for a night. Something that was a disaster at first since she couldn’t get into the private wedding being held in a secret ballroom, where Bitsy was doing her thing. But an inadvertent assist from Molly, one that helped the Bride cool down her wedding nerves, got the duo into the event without any fuss and it got Paige the story she was looking for. For while Bitsy worked hard to woo and seal the deal with Dmitry, a man with all kinds of illegal ties, Paige was snapping all kinds of photos and that forthcoming story will undoubtedly ruffle some features and hopefully help expose what Bitsy is up to.

If anything, this really was quite the incredible tale when all is said and done. Because it really went all out in breaking down the fourth wall by way of the Birdie storyline, which is always a risky storytelling venture. But the show handled it just fine by getting us to root for Birdie, and the show deserves serious credit for pulling this off in dynamic and smooth fashion. Plus, we need to take a moment and recognize the sheer hilarity of this tale as well. Because the story went into overdrive with the jokes, more than usual in fact, and every last one of them worked to a tee and the musical numbers were equally as delightful and well, this just goes to show what a sheer delight this series is week in and week out. And truly, the fun factor and the fact that Paige is closer to exposing Bitsy, leaves one hungry for more and once again… we will all be counting down the minutes until next Friday’s new tale. Until next time.  

At some point or another in our lives, we’ve all wondered what life would be like, if we had the power to control the universe. Which is something people tend to ponder upon for vastly different reasons. But one connecting thread that makes this thought a shared experience, is the outright frustration we experience somewhere along the line, over the fact that we cannot control the chaos that surrounds us. And the thought of being able to grab hold of it and bend it to our will, gives us comfort and pause and oddly helps us to cope with the situation at hand so we can heal and move on. Which is why fiction is so supremely important to all of us, since it allows for thoughts such as these to be properly explored in dynamic and relatable fashion and as fate would it have it, this exact fantasy plays out in the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

For ‘Hide and Q’ sees the return of the titular and omnipotent character that we first met in ‘Encounter at Farpoint’, at the most inopportune time of course. Because the crew of the Enterprise is racing toward a mining colony that has suffered casualties from a horrific accident. But none of that matters to Q. For he has quite the gift to offer Commander William Riker; the power of the Q. Something that Riker doesn’t seem all that interested in using at first because it doesn’t make any sense for the Q to offer up a gift that powerful, to a species that they deemed as savage not that long ago. But Q is happy to let Riker know that the crew’s handling of the Farpoint mission has the Q Continuum wondering if perhaps humanity is capable of quite more, and the only way to truly learn if that is the case, is by having Riker join the Q corps. Something that still fails to pique Will’s interest.

But leave it to Q to find new ways to motivate individuals, and in order to get Riker to take advantage of the sheer wonder of this power, he puts Will’s shipmates in quite the perilous situation, one where lives are nearly lost so that Riker will be motivated to use the power of Q in order to save them all. Which of course he does, since they are quickly becoming his surrogate family, and he’s a good man. But this act prompts Picard to ask Will to avoid using that power any further, so that it doesn’t corrupt Will’s mind in the slightest, and that promise is what brings about a sense of relatability to the story. Because once the crew arrives at the colony in question and sees the devastation and loss of life, Riker struggles with the gift he has been given. For he could have saved the dead from their unexpected fate, and having the ability to preserve life, and not being able to use it, doesn’t sit well with him. Just as it wouldn’t with any of the rest of us.

Which prompts Riker to embrace his power and express to the crew how it will be used for good going forward. An announcement that provides Captain Picard with the perfect anthesis to Q and Riker’s pride over these powers. For he encourages Will’s desire to offer wonders untold to the crew, the kind that would allow for their dreams to come true as well, and that ends in sour, sour fashion. For the gifts that Riker gives everyone are rejected at every turn, simply because they are aware, they didn’t earn it, it isn’t real, or it comes at the cost of giving Q thanks. Something that makes Riker realize that this power will bring him no joy or wonder, since the response will likely be the same everywhere he goes and that prompts will to surrender it back to Q, who now has to abide by a little wager that he and Picard made earlier in the tale. Wherein Q must now leave mankind alone… forever.

If anything, while this story is a pretty by the numbers morality tale, and fairly predictable in nature as well, it’s still a lot of fun to watch. Mostly because we get more John de Lancie as Q, who lets loose in the role as only he can, and his manic and twisted interpretation of a Demi God without the restrictions of a packed pilot episode is simply delightful, and it set the stage for more unique encounters with this alien down the line. Plus, it is rather entertaining to watch the crew face some wild scenarios, the kind that are surprisingly dark in nature since we watch Worf and Wesley ‘die’ violently in this tale. But all of that aside, this is an episode that really brings the crew together, something that is paramount to the future. Plus, their quandary here allows for everyone’s unique talents to shine, both story wise and acting wise and it really is quite lovely to see back-to-back quality episodes, and it leaves one hopeful that season one will continue this hot streak as we continue our journey through the stars, with a new crew and a new Enterprise. Until next time.

It is quite easy, to fall in love with a love story. Simply because they give an audience or a reader great joy, by way of a beautiful tale, one that sees the broken hearted or the lonely find the soulmate they have chased after for decades. Giving those looking for the same thing some semblance of hope of finding their own romantic fairy tale and solidifying the wonder of love to those who already share a life with someone special. But while love stories remain a staple of modern storytelling, they are not without their drawbacks. For they only present the fluffy stuff, when in reality, sometimes love can be quite dangerous since it can blind us and be unhealthy in nature, and it just so happens that the series two premiere of The Twilight Zone, took the time to explore the darker side of love in fascinating fashion.
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Because at first glance ‘Meet In the Middle’ seems as though it is going to be a quirky love story. One that meets the standard criteria for a romance since we are introduced to a lonely man named Phil Hayes who is desperately searching for his one and only. And what makes Phil’s plight so quirky in this particular tale, is that Phil is a perfectionist when it comes to love. For he wants his partner to be flawless in just about every single way imaginable, and he will settle for nothing less. But despite his best efforts to find that perfect woman, he simply cannot, and that’s when the story begins to take us on quite the unique journey. Because out of the blue one day, Phil begins to hear the voice of a woman named Annie Mitchell in his head and he’s none too pleased about that. 

After all, it makes him wonder if he’s losing his mind since no one should be hearing voices in the slightest. But it turns out that he and Annie share some kind of rare psychic connection and it also happens, that they share an emotional one as well. And they quickly embark on the most unique relationship imaginable, one forged in thought and silence and that connection grows as the days go by, at least… until Phil comes to discover that Annie is married and that’s when the darkness aspect starts to come into play. For Annie believes that embarking on a forbidden love, albeit silent, is a bad idea in regard to her situation, prompting her to sever all ties. Which sends Phil into an utter tailspin, reminding us that putting all of our faith into someone we barely know in such a quick manner, can be dangerous to our mental health since Phil is listless once silence fills his mind.

Which truly made it seem as though this was going to be a parable revolving around the dangers of relationships that are grounded in fantasy. Something that would be new for this series. But instead, the show had other plans in mind for us. For soon the connection was back, and Annie wanted to meet at last, only for there to be stalker-esque trouble on the day of the big meeting, the kind that saw her taken against her will. Which prompted Phil to use his connection with her to find where she was being held captive and once he did, well he exhibited pure bloodthirsty chivalry, by murdering the man that set out to harm her. But unfortunately, this was a trap all along, one where Annie orchestrated her husband’s murder by way of a psychic catfish. For she knew Phil was lonely enough to do anything for her, and now that the job was done, she was free to enjoy a new life while loverboy would forever rot in jail.

Which is a supremely dark ending to find within the confines of The Twilight Zone, but it is a brilliant one none the less since it offers several lessons to the audience about the dangers of love. Specifically, that there are people out there who are often looking to exploit its power, and we need to be cautious and cognizant of that, by remembering the fact that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Plus, this tale also takes the time to remind us that happiness isn’t always grounded in finding our ‘better half’, we also need to be happy with ourselves before we find that counterpart or we get lost in the notion in the same manner that Phil does, and in the end, this really was quite the incredible way to kick off season two. For this particular premiere offered up one engrossing tale, one that keeps you guessing and if this is what season two of this series is going to look like, then we are going to be in for one incredible ride. Until next time.

In the world of creative writing, there are a great many elements that go into creating characters that resonate with an audience. So many in fact, that we could spend days discussing the finer nuances of how one builds a dynamic, fictional human being. But while all of those elements deserve their respective day in the sun, for the sake of time and relevance, it is best we look squarely at the one that matters the most in regard to this Retro Recap of Star Trek: The Next Generation; backstory. Because learning more about a character’s past, helps us to understand what has made them the person they are when we meet them in the story, and the next episode of this dynamic series took the time to put the backstory of the Enterprise’s most important officer on display.
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For ‘The Battle’ allowed for us to learn a lot about Captain Jean-Luc Picard, in quite the unique manner. Because the Ferengi delivered unto him his former command, the U.S.S. Stargazer. A ship that participated in a fierce battle at Maxia nine years ago and was abandoned by Picard and the crew after suffering serious damage in the fight, despite winning the contest by way of a little technique known as ‘The Picard Maneuver’. But here, she is returned to the captain in serviceable shape and her return is what helped us to learn more about the captain’s past. Because his re-telling of this iconic fight, helped us to understand just how brilliant he is under fire. Since his quick thinking allowed for said maneuver to come to light, and his decision to fight back in fierce fashion, undoubtedly saved a lot of lives. 

But what matters more, is that it becomes obvious the more we dive into this story, that abandoning the Stargazer, helped Jean-Luc to understand the nuances of being a Starfleet captain. Such as making the most difficult call imaginable. Because abandoning ship is no easy decision, especially when there was a fine chance the ship could have been salvaged. But possibly at a great cost to the crew since the old gal looks rough here, meaning that people could have been hurt whilst putting out fires and fixing badly damaged systems. Which makes it quite interesting that the ship looks so good. Because there’s a grand implication that Daimon Bok spent a lot of money on restoring it, and it is her restoration that is paramount to the plot. For her return to Starfleet brings about some health problems for Captain Picard, since he begins to experience nasty headaches with the ship in tow, something that appears to be related to a touch of PTSD.

But in reality, this is nothing more than a grand scheme on Bok’s part. Because nine years ago, it was his son who lost his life in the Battle of Maxia whilst duking it out with Picard and the return of this old ship is part of a plan to exact a little revenge upon Captain Picard. Which is why the Daimon placed a mind control device within Picard’s personal effects from the Stargazer, so he could force the captain to relive that fateful day and eventually, suffer great loss by harming his crew, and this was quite the unexpected twist and one ugly scheme. But thankfully, Lieutenant Commander Data’s infinite logic and wisdom, helps him to devise a way to prevent the captain from attacking the Enterprise with his patented maneuver when Bok’s device motivates Picard to ‘reassume’ command of the Stargazer, allowing for the crew to save Jean-Luc from a difficult memory and a grand mistake.

If anything, this episode was quite the pleasant surprise. For it featured an engrossing plot, one filled with a grand mystery and fine tension and most importantly, it finally helped us to get to know our intrepid Captain. Plus, this story also gets some serious kudos for injecting a revenge parable into the Star Trek mythos. Because that’s something that this franchise always explored in light fashion, since the prevailing belief is that such matters should be eradicated by the 24th Century. But here it is on full display and it’s handled in a fascinating manner here and really, in the end, this looks like the beginning of a hot streak of quality episodes. Because this one really let the crew shine and it locks in your attention and it should be complimented nicely by the next episode in this saga since that one will feature the return of Picard’s greatest frenemy, and that adventure with Q is where we will pick up, next time. Until then.

Make no mistake about it, disaster is a harrowing experience for anyone that has to face it. Because when it strikes, it often means that lives are going to change in drastic fashion. And it is the loss and the strife that makes disaster so powerful and painful for people to experience. But what is equally incredible about this particular problem, is that in many ways, there are positives to be found within it. For this can signal a fresh start, and a chance for genuine change, because when we face destruction and devastation and survive it, we are free from any trappings of yesterday and are able to forge ahead without an ounce of worry. And oddly enough, fresh starts from the ashes of disaster just so happens to be the focus of the next episode of The Morning Show.
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For ‘The Pendulum Swings’ saw everyone at TMS dealing with disaster in some form or fashion. For some their crisis was quite intimate, since Alex received some unfortunate news. Because her husband was done with the television lifestyle and the fact that Alex often left him holding the bag, and he informed her that the time had come for them to get a divorce which put her in quite the dark place. After all, she was already on shaky ground at work as is with the whole mess surrounding The Morning Show and now to be viewed in a different light by the audience because of something such as this, could be potentially devastating to her career. And the sour feelings that came from this news, hung over head as she flew out to Los Angeles to cover the disaster that everyone else was dealing with; the wildfires in California.

Which unfortunately meant that Alex was quite vulnerable while covering this natural disaster, to the point where she was quick to snap at Bradley and others surrounding her, and she even let her emotions get the better of her on camera. Which led to an impromptu meltdown in the middle of the live broadcast and well, it simply seemed as though a greater disaster was looming since a total breakdown on her part would likely bring about all kinds of unneeded gossip and speculation. But some genuine kindness from Bradley, helped her to realize that she still mattered to someone and that perhaps she could forge a friendship with the very person she gave an incredible opportunity to, and that allowed for her to clear her mind and finish strong, and she also opened up to Bradley. If anything, it was quite wonderful to see Alex grow in this subtle manner and it should be fascinating to see how she embraces her new future.

Yet while it was incredible to see Alex handle a personal disaster amidst the backdrop of a national one, she wasn’t the only one who saw the devastation surrounding her as a chance for rebirth. Because Chip saw an opportunity to reinvent himself and his future as well, something that was already in motion thanks to the prior episode. Because despite being able to save his hide by calling Fred to the carpet on his shady acts, he still had the nagging feeling that he would become the fall guy if anything else went wrong with the show and well, that made him wonder what life might look at UBA and TMS if Fred was out of the picture. Which motivated him to seek out Cory whilst in Los Angeles and discuss the possibility of a behind the scenes coup, one that would keep Chip on the show and allow for Cory to advance to the top of the network. 
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But alas, he needed something concrete in order to get Fred in some hot water and the difficulties that come with that kind of digging and the sheer gravity of what he was attempting to do, made him back down for the time being. But a phone call from Fred, one that demanded he bury a great story that Bradley was working on, combined with her repeated requests to use the power of The Morning Show as a force for good, prompted him to change his mind on the matter. Because he was done being the mousey little producer that took marching orders without question, and he was done letting others control his career, and just like that Charlie ‘Chip’ Black was reborn in the flames of Malibu and prepared a little something to present to Cory, something that is no doubt devastating in regard to Fred’s future at UBA. 

In the end, this was simply a unique tale for certain. Because thus far this series hasn’t bothered with the kinds of visual and philosophical metaphors that you find in cinema, but they are rampant here since notions of rebirth from destruction are everywhere to be found on the silver screen and truth be told, it really works here. Because watching a few lost souls reinvent themselves in the midst of a force of nature is quite powerful for certain and truly, it is going to be exciting to see Chip and Alex forge ahead into a future they don’t quite understand yet. But while it is delightful to see some character growth play out here, it is also nice to know the show hasn’t lost sight of its bigger thematic mission. Because Mitch Kessler sending a message to Bradley is quite the big deal and it will be incredibly interesting to learn what exactly he wants to share with her and if by chance, it is related to Chip’s plan to put Fred in his place. Until next time.