It is definitely safe to say, that the guest star is an important part of the television experience. Because the right ones, really do enhance the viewing experience by adding depth and gravity and top tier acting to the show they’re dropping by, and they can also help us to understand, just how good a particular show really is. Because when guest stars are flocking to a particular show en masse, it is obvious that they want in on something good and fun and well… that particularly wonderful twist is relevant to our discussion today, because it is the good problem that the Acorn TV series, My Life is Murder, is dealing with.

For earlier today Acorn TV and AMC Networks announced the slate of guest stars that will be appearing on season two of this delightful crime drama when it returns to the airwaves on August 30th, and well… this show is going to be adding some wonderful star power to year two of Alexa Crowe’s criminal adventures. The kind that really do speak to how much big names want to be involved in a series that is quickly taking the world by storm, and here are all the details on who is dropping by year two, per Acorn TV and AMC Networks.

AMC Networks’ Acorn TV is thrilled to announce a host of exciting new guest stars in the upcoming season of its original New Zealand mystery series My Life Is Murder, starring award-winning Kiwi actress Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess, Spartacus). Returning to streaming service Acorn TV on August 30, Season 2 will reunite Lucy with several former castmates from her most iconic series, including Anna Hutchison (Spartacus), Graham Vincent (Spartacus), Jay Ryan (Beauty and The Beast, It: Chapter Two,  Mary Kills People) and Bruce Hopkins (Lord of the Rings, Xena: Warrior Princess), as well as an array of acclaimed actors in guest star roles including the beloved William Shatner (Star Trek, Haven), Martin Henderson (Grey’s Anatomy, The Gloaming), Michelle Ang (Fear The Walking Dead, Triple 9), Sara Wiseman (A Place to Call Home, Rake), Bill Bailey (Black Books, Ralph Spaced), Matt Whelan (Narcos: Mexico, The Sounds), popular drag performers Kita Mean and Amanduh La Hor, among several other guest stars to be announced.

Building on the warmth, intrigue, and humor of its acclaimed Australian series, My Life Is Murder moves to Auckland, New Zealand for its new 10-episode season.

Alexa finds herself back in her home country for the first time in years, and can’t help herself when she is asked to look into a bizarre unsolved murder. Joined again by her partner-in-crime-solving, Madison Feliciano (Ebony Vagulans) as well as series newcomers, the charismatic detective Harry, Rawiri Jobe, and café owner Reuben, Joe Naufahu (Game of Thrones), she quickly finds herself investigating other murder mysteries in surprising, glamorous worlds filled with intriguing characters who are hiding dangerous and deadly secrets.

“I am in love with the city of my birth and I’m thrilled to be showing her off to the world as the stunning backdrop to our stories. We are joined by some of NZ’s finest acting talent, headed by Rawiri Jobe and Joe Naufahu,” says Lucy Lawless.

This new season of the ratings-hit crime drama was greenlit by a consortium consisting of AMC Networks’ streaming service Acorn TV, which will take a package of English-speaking rights (North America, the UK and Australia premiere rights with secondary rights for NZ), DCD Rights for rest of world and producer Greenstone TV, with New Zealand broadcaster TVNZ and Network 10 in Australia also on board. TVNZ 1 has the global premiere of the series earlier in August.

So, as you can see, this really is quickly shaping up to be a wonderful season of storytelling and this announcement definitely leaves one curious, exactly how these incredible guest stars are going to fit into the fabric of this dynamic series and well, we will just have to tune in come August 30th, in order to find out.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the finale of ‘Blinded: Those Who Kill’.

When it comes to crime dramas, everyone’s favorite part of the story, is the finale. For this is when the tension is ramped up to eleven as the hero detective and the twisted villain play a grand cat and mouse game. One that features a grand showdown before the hero is victorious and evil pays the price for turning its back upon humanity. But sometimes, what makes the ending so exciting, is the sheer fact that the story in question… has opted to offer up a different kind of crime story. One that is unconventional and shocking and filled to the brim with unexpected moments. Which in turn keeps the audience guessing as to how it might end since this the kind of ending where bad might triumph over good and it is definitely safe to say that Blinded: Those Who Kill on AcornTV is a series that meets those particular criteria.

For this series has done a wonderful job of moving us away from all the tropes that surround crime dramas so that we can enjoy one powerful and surprising story and well, as it turns out, this particular finale offered up some fascinating twists and turns on its way to providing the viewer with a satisfying ending. But of course, in order to get to a finale that pleases, the characters do have to go through utter hell and that was made possible in this tale, by way of the fact that Peter Vinge was still on the loose and roaming about Funen. All because the police were slow to get a tracker on his phone and well, that downtime allowed for Louise to suffer greatly. For Karina came to discover that Louise did indeed lie to her about her fling with Peter, and that got her sent home at a critical time and that put her in a bad place mentally and she wasn’t the only one going through tough times.

For Johannes struggled mightily with the fact that his father clearly did something wrong and despite Karina’s best efforts to give him peace… she was unable to and of course, his mother perhaps suffered the worst. Because once Peter realized that the jig was up and that the police were hot on his trail, he decided to take his panic and anger over being revealed to the world out upon his wife. Which led him to Masja’s hotel, wherein he was quick to push her and elicit a touch of anger from her so he could mercilessly beat her and find that rush once again. And once he knocked out the mother of his child, the time had come to deal with the one person that ruined the life he had worked so hard to create… and that brought him to Louise’s flat, wherein he patiently waited for her to awaken. 

Which in turn, brought about a vastly different kind of showdown between hero and villain, since Peter was shockingly gentle with Louise and demanded that she explain his actions as part of a twisted game to decide her fate. For the wrong answers would lead to her death and the right ones, would save her and thankfully… she was able to keep herself and Masja safe. All by exposing every fear and every ounce of anger that led Peter to kill with impunity and when faced with the reality of what he had become, he opted to run. Not so that he could survive and fight another day. No instead, Peter ran because he knew what kind of monster he had become and rather than subject himself to any further truth about his actions… he opted to jump in front of a truck and end it all. Putting an end to his reign of terror, and thankfully… giving his son a chance at a normal life.

Which is indeed a satisfying way to bring this tale to a close, since Peter finally faced the harsh reality of his actions and while he might not be rotting in a jail cell until the end of time, there is a poetic justice to be found in his throwing himself in front of a truck. For he was a coward through and through and that kind of end is the coward’s way and well… in the end, this really was quite the powerhouse series. One that genuinely shocked us and surprised us at every turn and offered up a different kind of serial killer, one that was void of the usual slick cliché and stylized nature they usually have surrounding them and well in a way, it is a bit of a shame that this case is closed. Because every single second of this series sucked us in and held our attention and it is a little tough that the we’ve reached the end of the line because great shows, with great characters that feature quality writing every week are never easy to find and well, perhaps this one might merit a rewatch. In order to properly bid it goodbye and to tide us over while we wait and see if a new investiation with Louise will come to fruition. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘The Real Manhunter’.
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When we take the time to ponder upon the illustrious career of someone that is the best in their field, we always look at their greatest accomplishments and understandably so. After all, those are the moments that defined them and made them the person we admire in their field, so it is best to celebrate those huge wins and the legacy they created. But while there is nothing wrong with reflecting upon the big moments for our heroes, it is equally as important to recognize the smaller victories, the kind that happened during the start of their illustrious journey. Simply because, more often than not, the greatness we know through and through, started early in their career and that’s relevant to our discussion today, due to the fact that the early victory is spotlighted in the next episode of The Real Manhunter on AcornTV.

For ‘The Murder of Bridie Skehan’ takes us back to Detective Chief Inspector Colin Sutton’s first day as the top investigator with the Metropolitan Police. Where he was outright getting his feet wet and meeting his team and pondering upon how to run a unit full of detectives when a simple call came in. One that brought Colin and a handful of others down a well-to-do condo where other tenants were concerned about the well-being of Bridie Skehan. For she basically disappeared at Christmastime from her flat without a trace and well, it didn’t take long for Colin’s team and other to become suspicious of that disappearance. In fact, a missing key ring to a nearby shed, led the team to explore said shed in the hopes of finding some kind of clue as to Bridie’s whereabouts and well, that’s when the case took quite the turn.

Because instead of finding more clues and potential leads, they straight up found Bridie’s body and once it became clear that someone ended her life in a violent fashion, Colin’s new unit went to work and that’s when the win in question came into play. Because this team wasted no time in getting down to exploring every possible association that Bridie had in the building, since someone had to know something about who might have harmed this ninety-two-year-old woman and well, it didn’t take long for that line of questioning to reveal that she sublet her home, to a pair of suspicious folks named Ahmed Al-Haddad and Nimpha Ong. And what made them so suspicious, is that they often had disagreements with Bridie about the rules of her house and they too weren’t around all that much all of a sudden and that motivated Colin to have his team intercept Al-Haddad’s brother to try and find Ahmed.

A move that paid off in spades, because he was staying with his brother and it didn’t take long for the police to bring in Nimpha either and just like that, they had their key suspects and thanks to more detailed work from the team… they were able to figure out that this couple took the time to murder Bridie in a silly attempt to rob her of her fortune. Thankfully though they went to jail for their crimes… not for as long as they should have, but they did, and this first case is of note… because it set the tone for Colin’s career. For he would go on to regularly investigate cases with the same sense of urgency that was present here, and his expectations that every lead and clue be exhausted and investigated to a tee, brought about plenty more justice throughout his career and he saved a great deal of lives in the process from nastier killers that were unable and unwilling to stop and that really is worth celebrating.

Because it speaks to the fact that Colin was genuinely dedicated to his work and the craft of detection and for his efforts, he earned his place as a legendary DCI. One that could crack any case and could bring any monster to justice, and it was quite amazing to go back and see how quickly Colin established himself as an elite investigator and how quickly he came to realize he could make a powerful difference as an SIO. And now that this amazing episode has ended, it should be quite interesting to see what other chapters in his Colin’s illustrious career this series is going to spotlight, so we can be privy to every type of case he faced during his time with the Metropolitan Police and learn exactly how he managed to bring down more crafty killers and criminals that thought they were somehow ahead of a talented detective. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries’.
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While it is a wonderful thing that the crime drama is enjoying unprecedented success on television right now, since these shows are drawing in top-tier talent at every turn and engrossing and engaging audiences with powerful storytelling… there are some drawbacks to its runaway popularity. In that, this surge has stylized and sterilized crime for prime time. Because now, every criminal that pops up on television is some kind of super genius, one that is calculated in their actions and eager to teach the world a grand lesson through their heinous acts and well… that’s problematic for certain. Since such a storytelling decision removes the humanity and the gravity of crime and that’s just not good for the overall health of the genre.
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For this particular style of story is designed to teach us about the nature of crime so that we don’t repeat the common mistakes that lead to it. Which is why we need to celebrate the handful of shows that are still taking the time to point out to the world, that such acts aren’t always slick and carefully crafted and that sometimes… they happen in the moment or are related to desperation and hurt on a level that we don’t understand, and this is why the AcornTV series, Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries, is of note. Because this is a series that explores just that, since week in and week out, it showcases the real impact of crime and what brings it to fruition and perhaps the finest example of how well this series does that, came about during this week’s episode.

A feat that ‘Death Alley’ accomplished, by having a brutal murder take place while James was enjoying a little down time with Sally and his boss and well… that hammered home the sheer randomness and savagery of crime. Since a bowling alley is the last place, one would expect to find a severed head rolling about. But it happened and it immediately put James and Peregrine on the case, and it quickly became clear that this was a crime of passion. One that initially appeared to be related to a love triangle between two gang members and the young woman of their interest. But once Peregrine dug deeper into the facts and little details surrounding this case, it became apparent that passion was only part of what brought about this heinous act.

For it turns out, that the gang member that died, a young man named Rex, and the owner of this bowling alley, an older man named Don… were actually in love and their sorted and secret love affair was tearing Don’s wife, Christine, to pieces emotionally… and when the opportunity arose… she chose to end Rex’s life out of jealousy and really is the perfect to get the point across that crime and murder aren’t stylized and slick in the slightest. For this was brutal and grounded in emotion and the moment and it was also realistic and poignant. Since crimes of passion happen in this manner often and this plot deserves a round of applause for also pointing out how homosexual men were viewed and stigmatized in the 1960s since Don and Rex had to keep their love a secret because of societal norms and that definitely has relevancy today since some of those stigmas still exist, despite the progress we’ve made.
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Speaking of relevancy, we would be foolish to not point out that this episode made a point to take a little dig at the current state of affairs when it comes to police brutality and explore the fact, that it is nothing new. Since Chief Inspector Sparrow made a point to cross the line to keep these ‘punks’ in line, and of course, he used his power to ensure that no accountability came his way and well… while this is indeed fiction, these are behaviors we know have persisted in law enforcement for a good long time. So, Sparrow’s actions definitely served as a fine reminder that some police officers have no qualms with their status and their power and will abuse it and use it to their advantage when it suits them, and this too speaks to how far we need to go in regard to reforms.

If anything, all of these elements made this a brilliant episode when all is said and done. Because it really did offer up a lot of modern world commentary, despite being set in 1964 and it really is wonderful to see that this series is eager to present crime in the raw and not stylize it in the slightest and that it has something to say about our world and it doesn’t hurt… that the series is continuing to build some underlying plot threads as season two rolls along. Because Birdie’s little side romance and spying routine is fascinating to say the least and of course, the dynamic between James and Peregrine continues to intrigue, since they are still trying to decide what they want from one another and well, all this does is make us eager to enjoy more from this series. All so we can see where those plot threads are going to take us and to also see, what other dynamic and realistic investigations await us. Until next time.  

While every Star Trek fan out there can agree upon the fact that The Original Series was indeed a game changing endeavor. Since it made science fiction mainstream on a level that no other series before it ever accomplished… not everyone likes to talk about the fact that TOS had its flaws. Because despite offering up a vision of a better tomorrow for all of mankind, at times it still held to the zeitgeist of the times, allowing for misogynistic and downright inappropriate stories to hit the airwaves and to make matters worse, some of its adventures through the stars, didn’t exactly stick the landing. Plus, the show was seemingly obsessed with aliens that could make magic happen out of thin air, and it also tried hard to make us believe that encounters with ghosts and supernatural beings were a normal occurrence in the future.

But thankfully, the arrival of Star Trek: The Next Generation helped to remove some of the bad stigma that surrounded those dubious storytelling decisions. For TNG worked hard to provide logic to some of the concepts that its predecessor put forth, for instance making omnipotent beings logical species, a la Q, and it was often grounded in science through and through. But the word ‘some’ applies to this conversation, simply because the show wasn’t flawless in its endeavors to make a perfect Trek series, one that was free of the mistakes of the past. For it too had its missteps with episodes that were a touch insensitive and as it turns out… it also, unfortunately, grew extremely curious about ghosts and entities that we cannot explain as evidenced by the next episode in this dynamic and iconic series.

Because ‘Power Play’ is a story that featured some nasty and angry ghosts, the kind that were eager to escape their harrowing situation in the most unique way possible, by possessing Lieutenant Commander Deanna Troi, Lieutenant Miles O’Brien and Lieutenant Commander Data. All so they could get the Enterprise to swing by the southern pole of their desolate world, allowing for them to take over multiple members of the crew so they could live again and well, that’s basically all we are going to talk about plot wise today… because that is all there is to it. So, rather than try and break down a wafer-thin plot, let’s talk about the fact that this is an unfortunate decision on the writers’ room part because this is uh… this is not a good episode. Because once again, it harkens back to the ugly side of Trek, where someone just thought a ghost story in space would somehow be entertaining and well… it isn’t.

Because going this route is just plain filler storytelling wise. The kind that does nothing to advance the characters or offer anything special to the audience and to make matters worse, a lot of what happens here… makes zero sense. For example, how the heck is a spirit or transformed corporeal being, able to possess an android? That’s just silly and really, this is just a tired and cliché plot when all is said and done, and the overall episode is boring because of that. For we know it is only a matter of time before the crew is saved and that there is no real danger present here and well, that means the only real highlight in this particular tale, is the acting. Because it does let Marina Sirtis and Brent Spiner and Colm Meaney play darker versions of themselves and they do indeed handle that in an entertaining and earnest manner.

But outside of that, this really is quite the forgettable tale, one that is filled with action and adventure, sure, since the entities that possess our heroes are nasty villains/convicts that love to throw down… but all of that is gratuitous at best and would have been better served in another tale. One that wasn’t poorly written and full of unoriginal plot threads that didn’t work decades before when Roddenberry and company tried them out at NBC with Kirk’s crew, and that’s disappointing to say the least. Since the series was on a hot streak storytelling wise, and what’s worse… is that this isn’t the worst ghost story that this series had to offer. But that, is a mess we’ll cover in season seven. So, in the meantime, it’s best we simply do our best to forget this particular mess and move on to far better tales. Such as the next episode, which takes the time to deal with a supremely philosophical matter that we are still grappling with, today. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Blindspotting’.
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It is definitely safe to say that parenthood in general, can be quite the worrisome affair. After all, this is a human life that is being brought into the world, and the thought of failing a creation of one’s own flesh and blood… is a terrifying prospect. Which is why so many prospective parents take the time to study up on how to properly raise a child… so that they can give their little one the proper chance to grow into a functional and wonderful member of everyday society. But even then, there are no guarantees that the parent in question will get it right and that’s why more worrying and concern comes forth as the child grows. Since good parents really do want to get it right and well, that mental struggle is paramount to our discussion today, simply because it served as one of the focal themes of this week’s episode of Blindspotting.
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For ‘The Rule of Three’ saw Sean begin to act up a touch without his father laying down the rules and well… that led Ashely to worry hard about her son’s future. Because not only did he need a father figure in his life, but he needed guidance that she wasn’t sure she could provide him with, and since it was now up to her to be the sole parent in the relationship for the next five years… she came to realize that like it or not… she was going to have to play the father figure and disciplinarian to her baby boy and that scared her to her core. Because deep down she knew that such an act likely meant having to show anger around her son, something she swore she’d never do because it simply wouldn’t be right in her eyes and well, that led her to seek out advice from Rainey and others… with mixed results.

Because the prevailing theme that everyone offered her, was to provide her son with a little physical punishment, the kind that would quickly put him in his place and help him to understand that non-compliance would in fact… lead to a healthy ass-whipping and well, that just didn’t jibe with her. Because she was convinced there had to be another way and while she fretted, Janelle and Earl figured out that path. In that, in the case of Sean, helping him to understand his mistake on a fundamental level was the key to getting his buy in on a particular lesson, and if Ashley reinforced all of that, the lesson would stick and this really was a fascinating segment on the struggles parents go through in life and how much uncertainty surrounds their role and the wonder of this slice of life examination, didn’t end with Ashley’s parental journey.

For we also got to know Trish a little better in this particular tale. For while Ashley lamented over how to be a better mother, Trish was eager to make her mark on the world by swinging by the bank to secure a loan for her strip club, one that she would run the right way and well… that meeting didn’t go as well as she hoped. In fact, it was an outright disaster. one that ended with her ejection from the bank and ridicule from her co-workers at the club. For they all pointed out that Trish has a temper, one that is rarely under control when she feels disrespected, and that word is one that is paramount to Trish’s journey. For an odd encounter with her sleaze of a boss, made it clear that Trish doesn’t feel as though she amounts to all that much and projects to look tough and feel tough. 
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But in reality, she is a lost individual. Not because she works in the sex industry and wants to dominate it in every sense of the word. No instead, she’s lost because this episode made it clear that she wants to be respected and wants to feel as though she matters in a world where she isn’t seen and that is quite the powerful revelation to learn about this character. Because her struggle is one that a great deal of us share in and an it just goes to show… that Blindspotting is a universe of storytelling that is all about the struggles of life and how difficult it can be to find our way in a world where chaos surrounds us at every turn and where uncertainty and worry permeates our mind on a daily basis and well, that makes this particular episode downright brilliant when all is said and done. Because there is no other series out there, capturing life in the manner that this one does.

Because seeing a mother fret over how to raise her son and seeing a young and intelligent woman struggle to find her path forward, is about as real as it gets. For it is happening as we discuss this tale, and that’s powerful and poignant and refreshing as well. Since it means, this series is always going to find new ways to surprise by way of commentary or moments that give us pause since we will or have experienced what the characters are going through and well, that really does make this series special and worthwhile for certain. And now that this particular adventure through the human condition has come to an end, all we can do is wait excitedly and impatiently to see what kind of powerful journey awaits us when we return to the bay next week. Until then.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Kevin Can F**k Himself’.
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When we are growing up and a rough patch of life is eating at us, our parents make a grand effort to remind us… that this too shall pass. In part, to help our young minds understand that tough times never last, but also to gently prepare us for the future. For tougher times will await us in adulthood, and if we can remember that they are temporary, we will be able to find our own little slices of happiness to hold onto until those ugly moments disappear with the wind. But what our parents don’t prepare us for, is what we are supposed to do when dark times hang over us in a seemingly endless manner and it just so happens, that particular conundrum is what the next episode of Kevin Can F**k Himself takes the time to ponder upon.

For when we catch up with Allison McRoberts in ‘We’re Selling Washing Machines’, she quickly comes to discover that her plans to bring Kevin to his end will take a little longer than expected. Which means her long-standing misery is only going to continue and that the only way to survive such madness is to find something to cling to that will offer her some semblance of happiness and as it turns out… one way that we can find some kind of bright spot in the midst of never-ending madness… is to ponder upon the wonder of days gone by, and recreate joyful moments from yesterday if at all possible. Which is why Allison once again found herself spending time with Sam since their past relationship brought her great happiness ages ago, so why not have him around to help in recreating the joy of what they once shared.

In fact, she was so eager to ride this potential wave of merriment, that she even took the time to help Sam celebrate his sobriety by coming to his AA Meeting with him, allowing for her to finally feel some kind of connection with a person that matters to her. But alas, despite this giving her a sliver of happiness, it simply wasn’t meant to last, since the arrival of Sam’s wife helped to remind her of her current situation and its inescapability and that in turn, motivated Allison to instead try uglier ways to put a smile upon her face. Which in this case, involved exacting a measure of revenge upon Marcus. Because she was still rightfully upset over his attempts to pimp her out, and well… calling the cops on him and making him appear to be a drug dealer after he took the time to antagonize her once again, definitely made her feel better, if only for a moment.

But before we discuss the significance of that, it is also best that we take a moment and explore the fact that Allison wasn’t the only one grasping at straws of happiness in this particular tale. Because it turns out that Patty is in a similar boat as Allison, since her only purpose in this sitcom world is to become Neal’s keeper when he hurts himself doing something stupid for and/or with Kevin. And that’s led to a lonely and vapid existence for Patty, one that has motivated her to enter into hollow relationships in an effort to feel something and of course, it has also led her to deal drugs on the side. In part to make a little cash but also, to give her some kind of purpose and meaning. Which means that her slice of happiness, is to give others mere moments of doped up joy and sadly, that bitter attempt at mental harmony came to an end in this tale.

Because Allison’s push to give Marcus a taste of his own medicine, led the cops to Marcus as planned and that in turn, led the police to Patty’s supplier and a subsequent arrest and well, that left Patty and Allison beside themselves in the end. Since it served to remind them that dark times were still surrounding them, leaving them to wonder what will come next… now that all hope is seemingly gone. If anything, this was quite the fascinating episode when all is said and done, since it made it clear that in times of great strife, we will do just about anything to find a shred of happiness regardless of the consequences or the danger. And seeing what Allison and Patty did here to quell their pain, really does give us an idea of how desperate they are to escape their situation and it does leave one to wonder, just how far they’re willing to go to be free of their problems.

But while we wait to see what this inadvertent dynamic duo decides upon when it comes to their future, we can bask in the wonder of a bold and brave story. One that put this kind of desperation on display in a frank and unique manner and the show deserves a round of applause for going that route storytelling wise and for never allowing the episode to get too bleak by interspersing some of Kevin and Neal’s shenanigans into the story as well. Since the sitcom elements of this series do a fine job of breaking up the darkness and well, now that this particular chapter has come to its close, it is definitely safe to say that we are all likely counting down the seconds until next week’s new episode. All so that we can continue to explore this fascinating and unique world further and see what other darker aspects of the human condition it is going to take the time to examine.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty’.

When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous BBC America series, Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty, we talked at length about a grave concern. In that, little Swift was bitten by a snake and in a bad place health wise, leaving the audience wondering exactly what was going to become of this proud descendant of Flower. For there was a chance that she would suffer the same fate as her ancestor and succumb to the bite, leaving the Whiskers family in a broken place, one where the family might face new and difficult challenges without their beloved matriarch leading them to continued prosperity. But while that definitely left the family and the audience in a troubled and worried place, the good news is… we didn’t have to wait that long to uncover Swift’s fate. 
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For last night’s episode, ‘Episode 4: Winter of Discontent’, wasted zero time in giving us the news we all wanted to hear. In that, Swift survived the bite after all and continued to go forth and lead her family… if only for a little while. Because the title of this particular tale, reflects the fact that the Whiskers family entered some dire straits once winter settled into the Kalahari, and the lack of food and water that accompanied this season, motivated some of Swift’s children to rise up against their mother and wound her and take command of the clan… if only for a little while. For they struggled to lead the family to prosperity and well, once Swift healed from her wounds, she was quick to reassert herself and decided that the only way the family would remain as a single unit and fed, was to move them to a dangerous yet bountiful place nearby. 

Which brought the Whiskers family to a nearby cattle farm, where food and water would be easily found thanks to watering troughs and bugs feeding off the waste of the cattle. And all they had to do to enjoy this little slice of weird paradise, was to keep a low profile and hope that they didn’t offend the giant cattle surrounding them and wouldn’t you know it? That plan worked. For they timed their water runs just right and never once made their presence known to the true masters of this oasis and for their efforts, they had everything they needed. Including new burrows with which to thrive from and enough safety and security that Swift was able to have a few more pups along the way, and really this segment and the others we are about to discuss, more or less signaled the fact that for now… the tough times appeared to be over in the Kalahari. 

Because even Flint figured out how to keep her family fed during the winter, and all it took to make that happen… was to enact a bold plan of her own. One that saw her family swing by the very road they abandoned in last week’s episode, all because she realized that there was a fair chance that the fences surrounding this road, kept a great deal of natural predators out. But since they were so teeny (and so cute) they could sneak through the latticing and feast on all the bugs hanging out on the side of the road and well, this plan was so fruitful that the Hakuna Matata clan ate their weight and more in bugs and lizards, and enjoyed some peace and quiet for a change and the good times didn’t end with our two primary families. Since this story also took the time to inform us that the Ubuntu family managed to snag a new home, by outright taking one from another. 

If anything, this was just a fascinating episode when all is said and done. Largely due to the fact that it put some of the more aggressive traits of the meerkat on display by way of the power play that Swift’s daughters enacted. And it was simply incredible to learn that these little cuties will resort to mutiny when they’re hungry and thirsty but at the same time, that should come as no surprise. For this is nature we are talking about here, and animals will do what they must to survive and that is perhaps the true theme of this episode. Since all of the families present in this tale, went the extra mile to ensure that they will make it to tomorrow and see their lines thrive and well, now that the tough times are apparently out of the way, at least for a little while, we can turn our attention to new adventures and new challenges when next week’s episode of this magnificent series gets underway. Until then.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episodes 202 and 203 of ‘Central Park’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that when we settle in to enjoy an animated series, we are expecting something that is supremely lighthearted and silly and hilarious. Because our understanding of shows in this vein is that they are going to be comedies at heart and indulge themselves in goofy moments because that is just what cartoons do from beginning to end and well, that’s why Central Park on AppleTV+ is a series of note. Simply because, it is obvious that this particular animated series is eager to buck the trend of being known for its goofiness since it offers so much more to the audience. Because it continues to examine the wonder of everyday life and the magic of how people communicate through song and other methods and well, it would seem that it is prepared to take these explorations to a whole new level in season two.
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Because the next two episodes in this magnificent series take the time to examine all kinds of storytelling elements that you just don’t find all that often in an animated show. For instance, the importance of caring for oneself the right way. Because all too often, we come to believe that we have to step out of our comfort zone or go to extravagant heights to find peace within our minds and well, this episode points out that such feats aren’t always necessary to take care of our mind. An exploration that ‘Mother’s Daze’ pulled off by having us spend a self-care day with Helen. For she managed to get the day off from the Brandenham and well, it quickly became apparent that what is paramount to her mental health isn’t mud baths and massages at a day spa, it is putting Bitsy in her place and making a difference with a staff she cares about and it was quite wonderful to see an animated show take the time to point out that the best way to heal a mind is by doing what makes us happy. 

But while that examination alone could have carried this second episode from beginning to end, it also took the time to explore how important it is to use similar logic in caring for others. Because how we make others feel special is important as well and sometimes, going the extra mile or taking them out of their comfort zone to make them feel they matter can be detrimental. Which is why Owen and the kids opted to go above and beyond in all the right ways for Paige on Mother’s Day, by offering up a mystery for her to solve since her reporter’s mind loves nothing more than the thrill of putting together a story and by offering up homemade gifts. Because she is all about gifts that have meaning and this made for some supremely sweet sequences for certain, the kind that definitely hammered home such a wonderful message. 

However, what truly made this week’s three-episode season two premiere of note, is the sheer fact that its in-depth exploration of mental health didn’t end with Mother’s Day delights. Because ‘Fista Puffs Mets Out Justice’ is a story that really wanted to dive deep into an important message about how we handle adversity. For this particularly unique journey saw Molly struggling to deal with a bad day at school. To the point where she opted to just hide in her room and draw some Fista Puffs comics, so she didn’t have to reconcile the fact that she was seen as weird on this particular day and wasn’t able to entertain the kids like she normally does. And the point of going this route storytelling wise, was to teach audiences of all ages that hiding from our problems… never really does us any good. Because it just leaves us in a sour place. 
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Which is a lesson that Molly of course comes to learn by the end of the episode, and that in turn allows her to face her day and everything about it that upset her. But what truly makes this story of note, is the sheer fact that it teaches its audience this all-important lesson in a supremely unique manner. For Molly’s discoveries are made on the page, and she uses Fista Puffs’ inner dialogue and an animated version of herself to reach them. Which is perhaps, one of the most creative ways to gently inform the viewer that it is actually okay to lose ourselves for a quick minute when the going gets tough. But never lose sight of the fact that our problems don’t solve themselves and we eventually need to deal with them when the time is right… and that it is also okay to do so in a manner that suits us best, as long as we make peace with whatever is bothering us.

If anything, all of these elements make these two episodes, incredibly refreshing and incredibly progressive. Simply because you just don’t see animated shows, or television shows in general, work to speak to mental health in a manner this positive and this encouraging. But that’s just how this particular series rolls, and it really does deserve a round of applause for offering up such an uplifting exploration of how to treat ourselves and others in a way that makes all parties feel good. Because that’s honestly the kind of messaging the world needs right now as we begin to slowly emerge from a lengthy quarantine that was tough on or minds and souls and well, this kind of positive storytelling really does leave one hungry for more of this incredible series. All so that we can quickly see, what other powerful lessons Central Park has in store for us in its sophomore season. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two premiere of ‘Central Park’.
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We live in an era of storytelling, especially in regard to television, where creative minds are eager to one up everything they’ve done, and it makes sense as to why. For audiences now expect their entertainment to wow them at every single turn and they want the stakes to be bigger and for the characters to explore new challenges every season… or they might just tune out and find a show that will do just that, and that isn’t an insult or a judging statement in the slightest. It is simply the way of things, and it persists because shows have proven now that they can in fact, provide viewers with this high level of entertainment and that has led to some powerful storytelling in this era of peak television. 
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But what’s fascinating about the modern T.V. market, is that not every single show is subscribing to this mantra. Instead, there are some shows out there that are eager to prove that with the right setting and quality writing… a television series can thrive without having to be bigger every single season and one such series that has made a grand effort to lead the charge on proving to the world that a laid-back formula can work… is Central Park on AppleTV+. Because season one of this incredible and downright fun series made a point to focus upon stories that celebrated the wonder of living in the big city, alongside featuring some fascinating commentary on gentrification and how big money is eager to shape the world in a sanitized image and how regular people can stand tall against that when they choose to. 

Which are elements that make this a supremely relatable and human series, one that also features some wonderful musical numbers that you can tap your toe to and well, it is wonderful to see that the series isn’t going to divert from this formula in the slightest. Because the season two premiere of this magnificent saga, ‘Central Dark’, continued this proud tradition of relaxed storytelling, the kind that is complete with quality commentary, by reuniting us with Bitsy Brandenham and the Tillerman family, sometime after Bitsy’s plan to buy Central Park exploded in her face to show us… that life has gone on for both parties. For Bitsy is back to running her hotel and being the usual sassy and lushy lass that she has always been, and Central Park is running just fine with Owen at the helm and well, that allowed for a low-key and extremely intelligent season two premiere to take place.

One that allowed for us to experience a summertime problem that sometimes impacts life in the Big Apple, blackouts. Which in turn allowed for a little social commentary to take place, the kind that explored how much we rely upon our televisions and our electronic devices to get us through our day since the power going out put the Tillerman family's plans for the night in a strange place. Because they were ready to enjoy their favorite show and nothing more on this eve. But instead, no power led to a tense board game night, one where everyone got a touch testy with one another because they weren’t able to escape into television or their devices and while everything turned out okay in the end, the minor verbal scuffle the family got into served as a fine reminder... that sometimes we do need to put those devices down and make an effort to connect and communicate with those we love. 
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Yet while watching the Tillerman family learn that lesson could have kept our attention for the entire half hour, this show still had more interesting commentary to offer its audience. Specifically, it wanted to explore how sometimes a lack of power in both the literal and figurative sense can bring egotistical people down to earth for a moment. A feat that this story accomplished by having Bitsy Brandenham be hunted by her fellow socialites. Because she happened to flaunt her new money-making scheme in front of all of them at a local gathering and well, since they are of the same moral fiber as she is… they were quick to try and rob her of her plans once the power went out. All so they could reap the benefits of said plans, and while she of course survived thanks to the wonder that is Helen, it was quite nice to see Bitsy be brought down from her ivory tower if only for a moment and it should be interesting to see if she did indeed learn something from this little incident… since there were flashes of kindness from Bitsy.

In the end however, this was simply a wonderful re-introduction to this magical world. One that really was low-key in nature since it didn’t feature any grand schemes or setups. It was just another day in the life of folks in Central Park and Weehawken, New Jersey and it was as compelling as could be since we are invested in the lives of these wonderful characters and episodes like these, help us to get to know them and relate to them. Plus, you can never go wrong with some quality commentary, and it doesn’t hurt that the musical numbers in this episode slap hard for sure, especially the Weehawken song and well, this was just the perfect way to ease us back into this wonderful series and it will be quite delightful to just kick back and get lost in this story once again as season two continues along. Until next time.