​The further we get into the nit and grit of the final season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the quicker it is becoming apparent that this farewell tour of the series is going to be quite special for certain. Because not only is doing a phenomenal job of paying respect to the rich history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s also taking the time to have a lot of fun by giving these dynamic characters unique situations to work with. The kind that create some awkward and funny moments, and also provide the audience with the sense of outright adventure that permeated the fabric of season one of the series. And for proof that these elements are becoming a staple of year seven, then look no further than last night’s episode of the show.
 
For ‘Alien Commies From the Future!’ dropped the team just outside of Area 51 in 1955. Which is a unique setting for certain, and the need to figure out why the Chronicoms chose this particular point in time to try and destroy S.H.I.E.L.D. is what led to the fun and adventure and homages in question. Because the 50s is a perfect setting for an episode dealing with a mad dash to stop bloodthirsty aliens, and you simply cannot go wrong with having Phil Coulson and Jemma Simmons go full Blade Runner in this story by working together to evoke emotional responses from base personnel and their visitors, since that led to some rip-roaringly hilarious moments. Especially when Phil used a question from that iconic movie to make a little old lady cry on a tour bus and the wonder of this episode didn’t end there.
 
After all, this episode also featured the return of Agent Daniel Sousa, Peggy Carter’s old partner from the short-lived and outright wonderful Agent Carter, and it was quite awesome to see him on the small screen again and of course, enjoy another wonderful slice of S.H.I.E.L.D. history. But while these elements alone could have carried the episode no problem, another wonderful storytelling decision when it comes to this final season, is that the show is trying to offer up a little more depth and some genuine danger for these intrepid agents to face and the depth in this story, came about by acknowledging the fact that the 1950s and the Americana that permeated it, wasn’t all that great after all. Because this was a pretty racist time in American history, and it was brilliant of the series to call this out in appropriate fashion and remind us that we still have a long way to go in making equality an outright reality.
 
As for the danger in question, well that all came forth by way of some overdue focus on the fact that the team is isolated from the modern world. For there is no cavalry coming, no backup to call. It’s just this team, and their intelligence and their savvy and while that’s not a bad thing by any means because these agents rock, and they’re able to make miracles happen with their collective minds, in the end, there’s no rest for the weary. Which is quite dangerous for certain. Because if one or more of the team is critically injured, or if Yo-Yo and May cannot overcome their respective issues, bad things could possibly happen, the kind that allow for the bad guys and gals to win the day. And considering how they’re now running into tougher challenges both emotionally and physically, there is a fair chance that this isolation may come back to haunt them down the line.
 
But for now, the important thing is that they were able to preserve the timeline in this tale and really in the end, this was just another quality episode. Because it really did offer up a delightful story, one filled to the brim with wonderful moments and depth and it goes to show that the writers’ room is pulling out all the stops in order to provide the audience with a phenomenal final season of this storied series. One that should satisfy fans at every single turn and one that will wrap up some loose ends in the MCU as well, since the preview for next week’s tale, looks to involve the end of Agent Sousa and that should make one for powerful and gritty episode, one that will no doubt emotionally move all of us, as we inch closer and closer to the final chapter of this dynamic and phenomenal series. Until next time.  

Sometimes the best stories out there, are the ones that offer up subtle commentary. The kind that doesn’t present itself immediately and needs to be pondered upon, long after the episode has come to an end. Because stories that do that, were created with incredible care, the kind where the writer genuinely wanted to express something powerful and it just so happens that the next episode of Star Trek pulls off this particular feat in spectacular fashion. For ‘The Savage Curtain’ really does offer up some interesting and powerful commentary on mankind and where we currently are as a species and how far we need to go.
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But you wouldn’t realize that in the slightest once you dive into this episode. For this particular tale uses some phenomenal deception and misdirection to keep its thoughts hidden, by offering up quite the setting and mystery and outright surprise. For when we catch up with the crew of the Enterprise here, they’re handling a standard survey over a fiery planet that will soon be known to them as Excalbia, when the surprise in question comes their way. In that, shortly after an unexpected and deep scan of the ship, President Abraham Lincoln, magically appears on the viewscreen, and asks to come aboard. A request that Kirk is happy to grant, because well, how often does something such as this happen in the void of space? 

Yet while Kirk is fascinated by having a living legend aboard his ship, he knows full well there will be a price to pay for allowing him to tour the Enterprise and eventually Lincoln reveals that he would like Kirk and Spock to beam down to Excalbia to a specially created spot for reasons that are revealed shortly after they comply with his request. For it turns out that the Excalbians are quite curious about humanoid creatures, and notions of good and evil. And they would like Kirk and Spock to show them which notion is stronger by facing off against some of history greatest monsters, alongside Lincoln and a recreation of Vulcan’s greatest hero, Surak, and that is really where this mysterious commentary that was mentioned a moment ago gets underway.

For this episode quickly slides into violent and angry territory as our heroes face off against the monsters in question, which eventually forces a stalemate and a lack of answers for the Excalbians. Which makes it seem as though there is no commentary to be found here, because neither side proved whether good or evil is stronger, just that history and the victor, are the ones that views which is which. But in reality, the whole point of this excess violence was to hammer home the fact that the whole ‘ends justify the means’ line of thinking is incorrect, and that we need to work harder as species to make peace before war and consistently prove that good is something that can overcome any obstacle. Which is a lovely message to see injected into this story.

But while it is nice to find positive commentary in Trek at any given time, make no mistake about it, this was indeed handled in messy fashion. Because you’ll notice just from that summary we had to sift through a lot of wild and over the top moments and filler in order to get to the message. Which is unfortunately par for the course when it comes to this final stretch of the series. But at the same time, it is nice to have a wacky episode stay with you for reasons outside of disdain. Plus, one really cannot fault the show for trying to do something quite special with a story, so it does get credit for certain, for adding subtext and asking the audience to give the world their best. Because that is a message we can definitely do with right now. Until next time.

Make no mistake about it, when you are an outright expert in your field, it absolutely boosts your confidence. Because at that point in your career, all eyes are upon you, and people trust you in every sense of the word and hang upon everything that you have to say because you know what needs to be done in every situation. Which is a wonderful thing for your mental health and your ego. But speaking of ego, while it is lovely to become the top dog in what you do, it is also important that one remains humble once they’ve reached the apex. Because expertise has no room for flash and dash and when someone begins to let hype and ego take over, mistakes can and will be made.
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As it turns out, the mistakes that come with ego, just so happened to serve as the focal point of the next episode of Homecoming. Because up until this point, Alex has always delivered in regard to her job as a fixer and knowing that she is the best at what she does, gave her quite the ego boost in ‘Meters’. For she firmly believed that she could convince Walter Cruz to stand down in regard to his records request to Geist and well, she laid it on pretty thick in order to make that happen. For she posed as a representative of a charity knowns as ‘Vets 4 Vets’, a place that would offer him bail and a chance to vent, at no cost to him of course, and when presented with the chance to have his bail paid in full with no strings attached outside of beer and conversation, Walter jumped at the chance.
 
Which gave Alex the opportunity to chat with him at Skins, wherein it seemed as though she once again worked her magic. Because she was smooth and helpful every step of the way and did a fine job of selling Walter on why he should forget about Geist and move on with his life. Which is where ego and mistakes come into play. Because she really did believe she had this in the bag, to the point where she was ready to drive home and be back in time for supper. But she underestimated Walter. For while he understood what she was getting at, the truth was more important to him. Which means he was more than ready to make his request for information, in person at Geist HQ, which prompted Alex to double down and use scare tactics to motivate Walter to walk away and that’s when another critical mistake came into play.

Because Alex went into overdrive in order to sell the lie and convince Walter to stop his quest for knowledge, and while she was explaining how everything could go wrong for him by way of a made-up story about the sniper in her unit, an answer she provided to a question about said sniper, gave Walter pause. For it seemed as though she said something that was truly out of line, something that she didn’t notice in the slightest and that was the last straw for Walter. And the fight that we heard so much about in the season premiere took place and off he went into the night, leaving Alex to try and figure out what went wrong and how on earth she could complete her goal and judging from her conversation with Audrey, and the gaze she gave the roller at the end of this tale, it would seem she’s going to resort to some drastic measures in order to complete her impromptu mission.

If anything, this ended up being quite the compelling episode, simply because it really was a fine character study in ego and how it can drive us to new and unfortunate heights. Because Alex really did expect this to be a milk run of sorts, and that Walter was going to be a broken pushover. Which made it quite incredible to see her stumble and fall by underestimating Walter and his strong will and well, now that the fight has concluded and Alex seems to have a plan in place, it’s quite likely we are close to returning to present day. For it won’t be long now before Alex loses her memory and returns to Geist HQ and it should be interesting to see what brings us to the moment where Alex wakes up in the boat without her memory, and what comes next after reuniting with Audrey at the grandiose party back at the office. Until next time.   

There is nothing more difficult for a fanbase, than to watch their beloved series begin to crumble before their very eyes. For this is a story that they have dedicated countless hours to and have fawned over and celebrated at every single turn. But alas, all good things eventually come to their end and sometimes the grand farewell is an ugly and inconsistent affair, which is quite frankly what is happening with Star Trek right now. Because as we close in on the series finale, the writing is becoming far more inconsistent, and the stories are growing more outlandish and lost. But thankfully, this saga still had a little bit of life left in it, since the next episode in this final season, actually managed to offer up a little social commentary and a compelling story.
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For ‘The Cloud Minders’ is an episode that actually has relevance to modern America, since it is grounded in notions of class warfare and wealth inequality. Two topics that are on our minds often in 2020, and it accomplishes this particular feat by plunging us into a world that seems to have figured out a way for peace and harmony to exist amongst its two classes. For the Troglytes that mine raw materials beneath the planet Ardana, are supposedly happy with their role as providers for the aristocrats that float above the surface in the city of Stratos. And they in turn make sure that the Troglytes seemingly have everything they need because it is only right to care for those who care for you. But it takes an emergency on a faraway world, to prove that this is nothing more than a grand lie.

Because once the Enterprise arrives to get their hands on a precious ore known as Zenite, to save said planet from an ecological disaster, Kirk and Spock discover that there is trouble currently brewing on Ardana. For some of the Troglytes believe that they deserve a shot at a better life, instead of being stuck in the mines, and they are fighting with all their might to get someone to hear and understand their plight. Even going so far as to keep the Zenite hidden so that perhaps the Federation will step in. But this is something that the people of this proud cloud city refuse to let happen, for they believe that the Troglytes are an inferior species and need to comply with their design for the future. Which means that Captain Kirk has to go to some extreme measures to get both sides to talk, even risking his own mental and physical health at the end of this tale to make that happen.

But while all of that is quite powerful and compelling for certain, what truly allows for this episode to shine is what it has to say about class warfare and wealth inequality in general. Because rather than scold the audience and spoon feed them the obvious fact that such matters are bad, it instead tries to offer up a way forward, which is quite refreshing for certain. And It accomplishes that by taking the time to remind us that all human beings are created equal and that everyone deserves a shot at a quality education and the chance to succeed in life, and if we take the time to do that, perhaps we can accomplish wonders after all. Which is a lovely message to see injected into this series, and once again it is quite the surprise to find a message that is relevant some fifty years after this episode originally aired.

If anything, it makes this episode quite refreshing for certain since it once again reminds us why this series is so beloved. Because social commentary and offering potential solutions is what allowed for so many of us to fall in love with Trek in the first place. But seeing a brilliant story here with only three episodes to go before the five-year mission comes to an early end is also quite bittersweet. For it really does leave one wishing that the writer’s room didn’t bend to the whims of the network and pushed for this kind of content from day one of season three’s production. Because that would have resulted in more powerful and dynamic stories. But alas, one cannot change the past and all we can do now, is celebrate those brilliant final gasps from a series that transformed science fiction for decades to come. Until next time.

When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating Amazon Prime series Homecoming, we talked a lot about the structure of this particular series, and how it was a bold decision to shake things up by taking us into the past to reveal more about Alex and the fallout of season one. Because one would normally expect a second season of a story to be grounded in the future, where only echoes of the past come into play from time to time. But as it turns out, the past is something that is going to be supremely relevant to season two of this titular series. For the next episode of this saga kept us planted firmly in yesterday, in order to further explore what brought to us an awkward celebration at Geist HQ in the season two premiere.
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As it turns out, one of the reasons that a celebration was in order, was due to the fact that Geist aced their investigation by the Feds. Because ‘Soap’ reveals the fact that no one has come forth to complain about what happened to them at Homecoming. In fact, they all went their separate ways and some even returned to duty without any cause for concern. And that kind of fresh start, prompted Leonard Geist to decide that perhaps the time had come to return to the company to its roots. Because the berries were clearly dangerous in their own right, and if allowed to continue to exist, more problems could arise for the company down the line. A decision that startled Audrey since she thought now was the perfect time to move ahead with a revolutionary new product that could change the landscape of the world and she wasn’t alone in that line of thinking.

For Francine Bunda, a Department of Defense official, firmly believed that the berries and their unique properties were something that the DOD needed to be involved with, and while Leonard had no interest in dealing with the Federal Government again, Audrey was apt to listen to her pitch and offer to basically take over this project for Geist and make the company boatloads of cash in the process. Which in turn answers our questions in regard to who the new partner is that Geist is working with. But while this power play on Audrey’s part is cause for celebration between her and Alex, since this kind of promotion would make all of their dreams come true, trouble was brewing for them behind the scenes. For Walter was still eager to learn about what happened to him at Geist and he opted to take matters into his own hands.

Which means that he made the bold move to head down the VA office to obtain his medical records. For they would undoubtedly show him what kind of treatment he received after his return to the United States. But that proved to be quite difficult, since the office was only able to offer him a confirmation that he was treated at Geist and a promise to obtain the details of said treatment within 8-12 weeks. Something that he agreed to before losing his temper out of frustration, when he realized the exact info was inches away from him. A move that begins to bring us one step closer to the future. Because word of that records request gets back to Audrey and puts her in a panic, since this could jeopardize the contract with the DOD. Something that prompts Alex to take matters into her own hands and create Jackie in order to talk with Walter and that’s where we leave her in this tale.

If anything, this episode really does do a fine job of answering quite a few questions for us. For now, we know with certainty that Alex headed down that way to squash this Walter problem before it could become an issue. But what’s truly fascinating about this move; is that Geist never sanctioned it. Alex made the call, in order to protect the woman she loves and her own future for that matter as well, and that’s quite the fascinating twist for certain. One that shows us just how far some people are willing to go in order to enjoy a little comfort and security in their lives. But alas, while this fills in a great many blanks for us, there are still more mysteries hanging over this story. Such as how exactly Alex loses her memory and how exactly her meeting with Walter goes south. But considering the fact that she’s in his town and ready to bail him out, it won’t be long before we figure out what caused Alex’s plans, to fall to pieces. Until next time.   

The closer we get to the end of Star Trek, the more apparent it is becoming that season three of this titular series was incredibly inconsistent. Because at times, we’ve been treated to some powerful storytelling, the kind that explores the human condition and modern society in dynamic and relevant fashion. But we’ve also been privy to stories that try to do too much, polluting the message that it was trying to get across with odd moments and excessive plot threads. And of course, we’ve also been forced to endure some rough episodes, ones that simply don’t hold up to the franchise’s high standards and sadly, it just so happens that the next episode in this storied saga, is another one that outright disappoints.
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Which is a shame, because ‘The Way to Eden’ had the potential to be something quite special. But rather than focusing on plot points that would have fascinated the audience, it instead puts the spotlight squarely on some supremely strange characters. For in essence, the crew of the Enterprise run into space hippies in this episode, who believe that the Federation and what it stands for is a sham and that they should be free from its trappings and living on the legendary planet of Eden, which their leader is convinced exists. And the problem with having these characters in this episode, isn’t the fact that they embrace the free love mantra of the 60s; it’s that they are walking and talking stereotypes. The kind that are straight up annoying in every way imaginable.

Because these guys and gals love to use slang, in excess and they, for some reason, feel the need to break into musical numbers. Long, drawn out musical numbers that eat up a good five minutes of screen time, and the songs are terrible and silly and that just pulls you right out of the story. To the point where this reviewer may or may not have been scrolling social media on their phone while they waited for the next ‘groovy’ jam to end. But all snark aside, the episode really does focus too heavily upon the nature of the space hippie over two key elements that would have made this story brilliant and relevant. Such as the fact that there were people who rejected the utopia of the Federation. Something future stories were happy to explore, and had this episode dug deep into the why of that, it really could have challenged the crew’s ideals like never before.

As for the relevance, well that would have come forth by way of a greater focus upon the hippies’ enigmatic leader; Dr. Sevrin. For this fearless leader decided that science was no longer something he could believe in. Despite the fact that he practiced it for a fair chunk of his life. Instead he was suddenly against taking precautions related to a rare illness he was carrying, because he believed the science was wrong about his condition. Something that immediately echoes the ridiculous Anti-Vax/Anti-Science movement currently infecting America, and had the show taken the time to explore what motivates people to abandon the power of science, it could have offered some timeless commentary and been regarded as a true classic.

Instead, it attributes the good doctor’s beliefs to outright insanity before ending his life in an M. Night Shyamlan type of ending and that’s the cherry on top of a terrible sundae. Because this one is filled to the brim with eye rolling moments and quirky jokes that just don’t work, and it really is hard to say what went wrong here. Because there really is no rhyme or reason to this particular tale. It’s just a hodge podge of ideas and stupid songs and it simply reinforces the fact that the end is near for this storied franchise. Because there are only four episodes left in this pioneering series and after this one, all we can hope for, is at least one more palate cleansing tale. One that will remind us of the sheer brilliance of this series, one more time, before we bid farewell to Kirk and company. Until next time.     

At some point or another in our lives, we’ve taken the time to ponder upon what life might be like, if we were able to live forever. Because sometimes the thought of the end is overpowering and terrifying. So, taking the time to think about a future where we are still apart of the world and living our lives to the fullest is quite comforting. But while this is nothing more than a fantasy, television shows and movies have discovered ways to make this a reality and that’s led to some powerful tales involving immortals throughout the years. The kind that tend to question the dangers that come with seeing endless sunrises, since we would in fact, see everyone we love fade away from this world while we stay youthful and healthy. 
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But while that is a fascinating and powerful concept in its own right, it just so happens that the next episode of Star Trek felt the need to explore the notion of immortality in greater detail. By pondering upon the long-term mental effects of immortality, and this exploration was initiated by way of a crisis aboard the Enterprise. For a case of Rigelian Fever is working its way through the crew, prompting the ship to find a planet rich an in element known as ryetalyn so that Bones can synthesize a cure and well, what they find when they beam down to a planet that meets their needs, is quite the surprise. For a man named Flint lives on this planet, and wants the crew off of it immediately, prompting a bit of a stalemate before Kirk’s threat to end them all finally relaxes him, and this newfound peace leads to some interesting surprises.

For while Bones works to gather enough ryetalyn to synthesize the necessary medicine, Kirk and Spock spend time with Flint’s surrogate daughter Rayna and well, while Kirk puts on the moves on her because… it’s Kirk, Spock begins to notice something quite interesting about Flint’s home. Specifically, that it is filled to the brim with rare works of art from da Vinci and even music from Brahms, but there is something odd about this collection. In that, all of these works are brand new in nature, in fact, some of them have been created in the past few weeks and after a grand confrontation in a hidden portion of the house, it is finally revealed that Flint is immortal. And he just so happens to be Brahms and da Vinci, because he saw an opportunity to contribute to the arts and the betterment of mankind from time to time and was quick to fade into the background before his secret was discovered. 

But while that makes for a fascinating plot, the kind filled to the brim with fascinating surprises, it takes the grand reveal to bring us to the exploration of immorality in question. And as it turns out, the show theorizes that immortality could have quite the impact on one’s mental health by giving a person a God complex and understandably so. After all, if death cannot claim a life, and that person has experienced great loss through the years, it may prompt them to try and create an equal. Which is why Flint gave life to Rayna and used Kirk to teach her love, so that he could create the perfect mate all while enjoying the power and the thrill of creation. But alas, his plans failed, and he never once accounted for the power of emotion, leaving him alone and slowly dying on a planet far from home. Since his departure from Earth, removed his ability to live forever. 

If anything, this is quite the powerful episode when all is said and done. Because it really does question the nature of mortality, albeit in subtle fashion. Plus, it offers up a fascinating new twist on immortality stories and it engages the viewer by providing them with a grand and detailed mystery in regard to Flint’s true identity. But if there is any complaint to regard into this tale, it would have to be the Kirk/Rayna romance. Simply because, Kirk playing the role of the ladies’ man, really is getting to be a bit of a cliché in season three, and there likely could have been another way to handle Flint’s desire to activate Rayna’s human programming. But alas, what’s done is done and while that is indeed a goofy part of the story, it thankfully doesn’t overshadow a quality tale, one that reminds us of what it means to be human. Until next time.

When we last settled in to discuss the wonder that is Line of Duty, the situation was quite grim. For DI Lindsay Denton was in the custody of some crooked cops and AC-12 had uncovered the fact that DCC Dryden was involved some horrible and shady dealings, the kind that might include some unthinkable acts. Truly making it seem as though the next episode in this fascinating series was going to focus heavily on dark and dreary moments. The kind that would rob the audience of any hope for a happy or satisfying ending since it seemed impossible that Linsday was going to survive and that the odds were in Dryden’s favor, that he would find a way to quietly walk away from the charges he would soon be facing. Elements that were reinforced by the opening moments of the next episode in this tale.
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For this story immediately picked up with Lindsay and her kidnappers arriving in an abandoned parking garage. Which just so happens to be the perfect place to handle illegal business without prying eyes and once the torture got underway, it truly seemed as though there was no hope for Lindsay in the slightest, something that only help Dryden’s cause. But a little arrogance and infighting from her attackers, and perfect timing on her part, led to quite the surprise. For she was able to turn the tables on the last officer standing and garner a recorded confession from him that implicated Dryden at last and more or less cleared her name, and that brought about some happier days for DI Denton, which made for a nice break from the clouds hanging over this story.

Because her efforts to put corrupt cops away, landed her bail, and she was able to return home at last and enjoy some semblance of peace and comfort. And she clearly won over DS Arnott since he took the time to show her kindness and respect, something she hasn’t seen in quite some time. But while it was nice to see a little joy injected into the story, it was merely there to give us a moment to breathe before the heavy stuff got underway. For the survivor of Lindsay’s retribution, DS Manish Prasad, was pulling the immunity card, meaning that AC-12 was going to have to play hardball with DCC Dryden and that was a tough pill for Hastings to swallow. Because this was his chance to rise through the ranks and enjoy the benefits that come with that. But glory isn’t what drives Hastings, doing what’s right is what gets him up in the morning and that motivated him to let his team do their thing and well, that led to one powerful sequence of events.

For a search of Prasad’s vehicle revealed some incriminating and horrific photos, the kind that finally allowed for AC-12 to pull the trigger and bring Dryden in, something he refused to do peacefully. Which means a high-ranking officer was arrested and his troubles didn’t end there. Because the interrogation not only revealed that Denton was telling the truth about their affair, but also that Dryden was big on infidelity and abusing his position of power. But while that alone is nothing new from men like Dryden, nor is it horrifying in the slightest, it’s what the photos showed that truly made this an uncomfortable and disgusting sequence. Because AC-12 discovered that Mike Dryden, a middle-aged and married man, had sexual relations with fifteen-year old Carly Kirk and it would also seem that he ordered her death to keep the abuse of a child and his illegal activities quiet and that is about as awful as it gets. 

But while that scene makes one squirm in their seat, and ends this story on a dark note, there is some positivity to be found in this discovery. For the man that is responsible for Carly’s death is finally in custody, and Dryden will likely be going away for the rest of his life for this heinous crime. And at long last, Carly’s parents will find some closure as well since justice for their daughter will finally be served. If anything, this was quite the powerful tale. One that definitely provided the audience with sobering moments that stay with you long after this one has come to an end. But while it is wonderful to see some progress in this mess, the big pieces of the puzzle still remain unsolved. For all of the players in this grand conspiracy have yet to be revealed, and we still don’t know if Dryden gave the order to kill Akers and Tommy, and it should be interesting to see what other horrible truths await us down the line. Until next time.

Thus far, these season three Retro Recaps of Star Trek have focused a lot upon the deeper meaning present within year three’s episodes and there’s good reason for that. Because the writer’s room of this dynamic series was trying to do something quite special in season three, all in the hopes of generating another renewal to let the five-year mission live on. But while is indeed important to have thoughtful stories in a franchise focused upon the future of the human condition, sometimes a show like this simply needs to let loose and have a little fun and provide us with a story that’s either silly or grounded in the roots of science fiction, and it just so happens that the next log entry in the five-year mission accomplishes the latter of those options.
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For ‘The Lights of Zetar’ is a story that is devoid of social commentary and deeper meaning, so that it can instead bring us to strange new worlds and introduce us to new lifeforms as well and making that the focus surprisingly made for one entertaining tale. One that featured danger and intrigue and even a little romance, courtesy of Lieutenant Commander Montgomery Scott. Because there was a new scientist aboard named Mira Romaine and this Lieutenant was tagging along to Memory Alpha to do some work at this iconic world and of course, she caught the eye of the Enterprise’s chief engineer. In fact, he wouldn’t leave her side, even when they were on duty aboard the bridge and that would turn out to be a good thing in the end. 

But before the benefits of that connection came to fruition, there was quite the problem for the ship to deal with. For a strange cloud of energy, makes first contact with the NCC-1701, and the strange powers that this cloud of light possesses causes all kinds of trouble for the ship. For it leaves everyone but Lieutenant Romaine paralyzed momentarily, and it even goes so far as to wipe out all life and all data at Memory Alpha. Leaving everyone to wonder what the purpose of this strange phenomena is, and it turns out that the only person that might have the answers, is the new Lieutenant. For she sees what the cloud sees, plus a little more, since she was able to predict that Memory Alpha was going to be assaulted and that the cloud was going to make another pass at the Enterprise and that prompts the captain to push everything to a stalemate to figure out how to communicate with or defeat this being.

Which was a brilliant move on Captain Kirk’s part. Because it really did give Bones and Spock time to figure out that this cloud, which turned out to have living beings within its structure, were trying to merge with the Lieutenant and that perhaps such an act might lead to their defeat. For they might be vulnerable as they begin to merge with a corporeal being, but this plan was not without its risks. Because there was a strong possibility that Romaine would die in the process, but like any brave Starfleet officer, she stood tall and accepted that possible fate. And with a little effort, and Scotty’s feelings for her, the plan went off without a hitch and at long last, these strange beings from Zetar found peace and it would seem that Scotty finally found himself a lovely lass. 

If anything, it really was quite the delight to just enjoy a run of the mill science fiction story, one that forced Kirk to think on this feet and remind us of his prowess as tactician, and it was also quite nice to see the crew work together once again to figure out how to save the young Lieutenant from a horrible fate. Plus, it was equally as delightful to unravel the mystery surrounding the Zetarians because all of these elements made for an adventurous tale, the kind that felt like vintage Trek in a way, since the discovery and wonder we felt in season one was present here. Which made this story a lovely palate cleanser and with only six episodes left, it should be interesting to see if the show is going to have a little more fun with its storytelling, or if it is going to continue to dive deep on more cerebral concepts, as we barrel toward the series finale. Until next time.

When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous new Apple TV+ series Central Park, we spent a lot of time discussing the quality writing present within this series and understandably so. Because the writer’s room has indeed done a phenomenal job of assembling a rich and fascinating animated universe. One filled to the brim with colorful and dynamic characters and a plot that quite frankly is engrossing. But while it is important to recognize the power of plot and the wonder of writing, the fact of the matter is, we’re all watching this series to enjoy some serious laughs and that’s why the comedy will be the focus of today’s recap. 

Because, ‘Hat Luncheon’ takes the time to go all out with the jokes, by giving us one quirky and awesome event to let the comedy play out; an outright hat luncheon. But what matters more about this unique event, is that Owen is going to have to give a farewell speech to a coworker that’s retiring, something that he is outright terrified to do, (but manages to pull off in epic fashion) and that Bitsy Brandenham has some ideas for this event as well. In that, she is planning to make the divide between the Park League and the City even greater as she works to secure the park for her own nefarious purposes.

A plan that quite frankly, goes off without a hitch. Because Bitsy’s snarky little retorts and off comments, quickly raise the temperature in the room. To the point where the good people of the Park League and the city begin to snipe at one another, and what makes this so hilarious is the sheer fact that you’re not expecting to see city officials, in their fine regalia, and Park League personnel, in equally fine clothes and silly hats; ripping upon one another as though they’re third graders in the midst of a feud. But while that alone puts a smile on your face, it’s a gag that is amplified when the whole event devolves into a musically themed food fight when Bitsy fires off some proper fighting words.

Yet while a debonair food fight is pretty amazing in its own right, the wonder of this story doesn’t end there. Because every other side plot in this tale finds a way to come together at the luncheon in impressive fashion. For Molly’s crush comes along to witness the carnage at the promise and delivery of free ice cream, helping them to bond. Plus, Paige finally gets some unsettling confirmation that the Mayor is on this dastardly scheme as well, since her clues and the turkey leg battle royale, lead her to a little face time with the Mayor, wherein he is quick to admit that he gave the order to end the contract, which is quite the revelation when all is said and one.

Because it leaves one wondering exactly what Bitsy has promised him when her proposed sale of Central Park is complete, and how exactly the Tillermans are going to foil her plans if she’s managed to ingratiate herself down at City Hill. But those are all questions and ponderances that will have to wait for another time. Instead, we simply need to celebrate one hilarious tale. Because the laughs were everywhere to be found in this story and it just goes to show how quickly this show is coming together, since it is finding its stride quickly and truly, this one was such a blast that the wait for next week’s episode is going to be a difficult one. For this show is just pure fun and a wonderful escape and it should be interesting to see what hilarious surprises await us, come next Friday. Until then.