Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season finale of ‘Gangs of London.’
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While disasters and outright chaos instill a sense of fear into our hearts since they tend to outright take us by surprise and leave us wondering if our lives are about to fundamentally change; we find comfort in those moments courtesy of the safety net that is present in our modern world. For emergency services and trained medical professionals are there to help us and pick us up when the world goes sideways and that truly does give us some semblance of hope and we should definitely be grateful that we have something like that to fall back upon in times of strife. For there are parts of our world where the safety net doesn’t exist, such as the criminal underworld, and when disaster and chaos strike in that particular world, everyone suffers greatly… as evidenced by the season one finale of Gangs of London.

For this particular tale saw London’s crime syndicate in complete disarray, thanks to Sean Wallace’s latest vengeful act. Because now the police were involved in this matter and that is never good for a crime syndicate, since constant scrutiny could in fact bring forth some uncomfortable truths and that left the syndicate beside itself for a moment, which in turn allowed for chaos to reign supreme. To the point where Luan was able to exact a little revenge for having his family threatened and Lale also used the fallout of this moment to finally make Asif pay for his crimes against her, by taking the time to pose a journalist that was eager to interview Nasir regarding his big win as London’s mayor. All so that she could violently murder him in a manner that would allow for Asif to find his body and she too was successful in her revenge related endeavors. 

Which really did make it seem that everything was about to fall to pieces in this tale and that chaos would reign supreme and eventually devour every corner of this unique world. But eventually… order came to chaos. For the investors finally decided that the best course of action was to clean up their mess post haste and send a message to all that this kind of stupid and impulsive behavior was not going to be allowed in the slightest. And they accomplished this particular feat, by beginning to whack anyone that crossed them or knew a little too much about the situation. Which led to a harrowing conversation between Ed and Marian, wherein Ed (kind of) performed a little cleanup duty with a gun, and she wasn’t the only one to fall prey to this crackdown. For Jevan knew everything about what happened, and that meant he too had to die in order to preserve the future of the investors.

But of course, to truly gain control, the investors needed Sean Wallace out of the way once and for all, and to accomplish that… they recruited Elliot to their cause. Which allowed for him to finally track down Sean and put a bullet in his head when the time was right, ending the chaos at last and giving the investors hope that Alexander would continue their grand prosperity in London and that particular twist also made it seem as though… hope would not be found in this tale. Because if the investors can catch Elliot’s eye and buy him off, then this world is about as cruel as it gets. But thankfully, Elliot wasn’t totally sold on the investors, in fact, his failure to bring Sean in… combined with his discovery of their existence and reach, motivated him to take possession of all the information on them that Sean had collected on them, so he can eventually bring them down. Making him a flawed but powerful hero in the end and his actions definitely leave us hungry to see where this story will take us next.

Because in the end, the real villain here is the investor group, and bringing them down… would in fact do a lot of good for the world. Which means that a second season of this incredible show, is an outright necessity. So, we can see Elliot redeem himself and so that we can explore in great depth… what the power caste of the criminal underworld looks like and how it operates. But while we wait for that good news, we can bask in the majesty of one incredible season. One that took us on a powerfully bleak journey that was filled to the brim with dynamic characters and incredible visuals and engrossing storytelling and really the finest lesson that this season taught us in regard to this grand exploration, is that crime most certainly does not pay, and it is only a matter of time now before Elliot teaches the criminal elite that particularly cold lesson. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Blindspotting’.
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One thing that each and every one of us can agree upon in regard to stories, is that they really are the finest form of escapism out there. Because we can simply settle in with a story from any medium and lose ourselves within the world it is offering up, with minimal effort. But while that definitely helps us to just wipe our minds clear for a little while, the evolution of storytelling is changing that particular perception. For creative minds and audiences alike are starting to understand that storytelling can offer up so much more than mindless entertainment. It can capture the zeitgeist of an era or it can also teach us something about our world and the problems that plague us. Or in the case of today’s discussion… stories can capture the essence of life and help us to experience what the world is really like, in a manner that is both entertaining and artful so that the message and the gravity of what we’ve just read or seen… truly stays with us. And for proof that this is outright possible and becoming the norm, then look no further than the 2018 film, Blindspotting.
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For this unique drama/comedy used humor and poetic moments to open our eyes to what life is really like in the city, specifically Oakland in this case. Plus, it was also able to shed light on the fact that police brutality is sadly commonplace, and the fear that African Americans experience on a daily basis because of it, while also offering up an outright slice of everyday life in America. Complete with the little moments that we all share in and rarely think about and well, this motion picture was so successful at creating this perfect blend of fiction and reality and is so beloved by fans everywhere, that some questions arose in the mind of its writers, Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs. In that, would it be possible to replicate the unique structure of this film, on television? Where intense and serialized storytelling is the norm over anything else? Well, it turns out that STARZ opted to give a Rafael and Daveed a chance to expand upon their brilliant idea by way of a series that shares the same namesake as the film and well, it doesn’t take long for the viewer to understand that this experiment in capturing a slice of everyday life on the small screen is going to work like a charm.

A feat that ‘The Ordeal’ accomplishes by first making sure that this series is one hundred percent connected to the source material, so that we know what to expect, and that is precisely why this show takes place some time after the end of Colin and Miles’ wild adventures in the film. Wherein Miles is suddenly faced with some new challenges in his life. For on New Year’s Eve, Oakland PD bursts into his home to place him under arrest for possession of drugs and that unfortunate start to the new year, puts his long-time love in quite the difficult place. For now, Ashley must navigate finding a place to live while raising their son, Sean, all on her own. Which ironically makes it seem as though this series isn’t going to offer up something new and powerful and that we are instead about to be treated to a standard tale of redemption and freedom. One where Ashley emerges stronger on the other side in record time and leaves Miles behind so she can forge her own path. But instead of going that route, this is where the show opted instead to offer up a realistic path for Ashley, one that we can outright relate to.

Because rather than run or suddenly declare the man she’s been with for twelve years as nothing more than a loser… she stands by his side and opts to wait for him to get out and that’s about as powerful and as realistic as it gets. For there are people we connect with that don’t always have their life together, but we stand by them none the less because they are good people at their core and make mistakes along the way. And that is Miles to a tee, as we learned in the film, and it is simply refreshing to see a character stand by someone flawed for a change instead of going the usual ‘abandon the troublemaker’ route and the realism is further enhanced by way of the fact that Ashley must move in with Miles’ family to make ends meet. Because we’ve all relied on family during dark moments in our lives to help us up when we’ve fallen and that’s an element that simply sucks you in and leaves you rooting for Ashley to find the stability she seeks and for Miles to get another chance. 
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But while all those elements offer up an engrossing watch, we would be foolish to not point out that this chapter in the story is just as artful and poetic as the film that preceded it. Something that the show accomplishes by offering up some fourth wall moments. The kind where we can hear Ashley’s inner thoughts as she tries to navigate the stresses of her current situation, lending credence to the wild nature of tough times and how surreal they can become while also reminding us of the fact that there is beauty to be found even in the darkness when we take a moment to reflect upon it and its relevance to the future. And speaking of beauty, this premiere also does a wonderful job of capturing the wonder and majesty of life by way of exaggerated artistic moments, the kind where musical numbers break out or where a simple moment features synergy, all to remind us of the fact that life is poetic and beautiful and wonderful and that the special moments stand out above the rest in our minds, in the most unique ways imaginable.

In the end, this is simply a flawless series premiere when all is said and done. Simply because it draws you in with minimal effort and truly offers up a solid slice of everyday life. One that helps to teach and remind us that the human experience isn’t as different as we like to think, and that we share in far more than we are aware of. But of course, a story of this gravity doesn’t work in the slightest without quality acting through and through and that’s present here as well. For Jasmine Cephas Jones is simply electric as Ashley, and Rafael Casal does a wonderful job of bringing Miles back to life and Helen Hunt steals the show as his mother, Rainey. Since she brings a unique innocence and impish perspective to this story, one that speaks to a person that has lived a fulfilling life and knows that this too shall pass. And those performances and the stunning story present here, make this a meaningful and poignant beginning to a series that is undoubtedly going to take us on an incredibly journey as we watch Ashley navigate this wild ride we call life, and all the twists and turns it sends our way. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty’.
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Something that is truly fascinating about our modern world, is how science is beginning to uncover the fact that the natural world and our own, resemble one another far more than we ever expected to be the case. Which is a revelation that hammers home how much everything in this world is connected to one another and how humanity and wildlife alike, share in some of the same primal desires that mankind believes it abandoned long ago and for proof… well then look no further than some of the tasks we accomplish, the kind that we genuinely believe are unique only to humanity. Such as being able to move about when life isn’t giving us what we want. Because the internet and the freedoms we enjoy, allow for us to change our fortunes with ease.
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After all, we can job hunt from afar, find a new place to live with minimal fuss and be there in a short period of time to start over and get exactly what we need and desire. But while our innovations and technology have indeed made such acts simpler in nature, this isn’t something that is exclusive to only humanity. No instead, this is a desire that is embedded deep within the DNA of every living creature, one that relates to that fight for survival and the desire to be fruitful whilst enjoying some semblance of peace and it just so happens that last night’s episode of Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty, offered up a wonderful exploration on how the animal kingdom and the realm of mankind share in more than we know. Since the Hakuna Matata Clan and the Whiskers family… dealt with the need to change their fortunes in ‘Episode 2: Location, Location, Location’.

Because Flint came to realize that the barren area that her family was currently residing within, didn’t offer much for a future. For food was scarce, and not having enough to go round would result in trouble for her current pups and the new ones on the way. So, that motivated the family to pack up their furry belongings and head out into the world to find a new place to live, a process that was no easy task. Simply because a hungry clan, one full of unique personalities and quirks, made for a slow search. One that was sidetracked on multiple occasions by distractions and the need to for a quick meal. But eventually, a home was found, one that might not suit their needs long term since it is in fact, close to our realm, but they did it and it was quite incredible to see Meerkats parallel humanity in that manner. Since Flint really did decide, a move was needed to improve her family’s standing, as humans often do, and the parallels didn’t end there.

For Swift and the Whiskers family, decided that the time had come to leave their plentiful burrow. In part because parasites realized they could thrive alongside them, but also because… the clan was getting pretty darn big. Which meant the time had come to find a better place where everyone could spread out and that too put them on a tough journey. One that saw them encounter predators from time to time. But thankfully, their wonderful ability to work together in a seamless manner… allowed for them to evade trouble and eventually make their way to their new home, an abandoned water drum. Which at first glance seems like a supremely strange place for a Meerkat to set up a home. But the concrete above their burrow and the flawless nature of the location does indeed make this appear to be a fruitful choice, one where the family can grow and well… this is a move that is no different than what we see in our world. Since time and time again, growing families in humanity’s realm, are eager to move to accommodate the future.

If anything, all of these elements made this particular episode quite the fascinating and humbling watch. In large part because this chapter really did offer up some incredible insight into how and why the Meerkat migrate about the Kalahari and it was quite amazing to see them work together in either a loose or tight fashion to get exactly what they need. But also, because wow, was this an eerie parallel to our modern world. Because much like humanity, these little critters understood the need to prosper and grow, and that revelation does a fine job of reminding us that we share so much with the world that surrounds us. But all of that aside, this was also a supremely cute episode, since those pups are about as precious as it gets and once again, this show does a wonderful job of leaving us hungry for more. Since we are now dying to know how the little ones will thrive and prosper in their new homes and of course if their matriarchs have made the right choice for the future. Until next time. 

Please enjoy a sneak peek of Episode 2 of Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty which airs tomorrow night on BBC America at 8pm EST / 7pm CST. 

Perhaps one of the most important days in a person’s life, is the day that they decide to become a parent. Because just like that, they are now going to work to raise a human being, a life, and that will of course… be no easy task. Which is why future parents put a lot of planning into all things related to their future baby, so that their little one has every chance to grow in a nurturing and healthy environment. All so that they can enjoy a fruitful life, one filled with joy and prosperity and hopefully… they can make their parents proud by leaving a mark on modern society as well. But the word perhaps was used in regard to this all-important decision for one reason and one reason alone, because not everyone out there… sees parenthood as a priority in their lives.
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Because some folks, simply don’t want to have to kids, so the big days that they look forward to, revolve around their career choices and other goals they assembled long ago. And some folks… well they simply aren’t prepared to have children in the slightest and the forthcoming arrival of one is an outright surprise. One where they need to react on the fly to an incredible and outright difficult life change. Because there is no manual for preparing one’s mind for the arrival of a child that you never realized was coming, nor is there any proper way to handle the self-doubt and worry that will come with the tough days and mistakes that will be made once the baby arrives. But a future parent will soldier on, regardless. And that particularly difficult aspect of becoming a parent, serves as the focal point of the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

For ‘New Ground’ sees Lieutenant Worf get some surprise news from his mother when she and Alexander drop by the Enterprise for a moment. In that, she and her husband are starting to feel the age that comes with the next phase of their life and they’re unable to keep up with the young and vibrant Alexander and they have concerns about the direction of his life since he is rudderless at the moment. Which meant that the time had come for them to hand Alexander over to his father, so that he could know his dad and be raised properly by him and well, therein lie that exploration. For Worf was simply unprepared and unable to cope with becoming a parent in the slightest and he struggled mightily to figure out how to reach Alexander in any fashion and well, that motivated Worf to prepare to send Alexander away to a Klingon boarding school, since he really didn’t think, he was qualified to raise his own son.

Which is a shocking character decision to see play out at first glance, since we know that Worf is a good man through and through, one that holds tight to honor above all else and should rise to the occasion in such matters. But by the end of this tale, it becomes apparent that this behavior relates to fear. For in essence, Worf is terrified in his own special way that he cannot be a good father to his son, and that he will fail at raising him right. Fears that are alleviated when an important moment comes about, one that sees Alexander in danger when the Enterprise is forced to stop a rogue science experience. And coming to understand the fragility of his son’s life, combined with finally feeling that bond that only a father and son share… motivated Worf to keep his son aboard, regardless of the difficulties that lie ahead. Simply because they were family and family does indeed find a way.

If anything, this was quite the unique episode when all is said and done, since this is a topic that really isn’t discussed all often on television in such a frank manner. Since most scenarios that play out in this manner on T.V. are done for laughs or resolved with minimal fuss. So, this episode deserves some serious credit for showing the difficulties of becoming a surprise single parent in the raw and for putting the fears one would go through during such a tough transition time on display and for also pointing out that the best parents eventually come to understand the need for sacrifice and balance when the bond simply kicks in. Which makes this quite an intimate episode for certain, one that lets Michael Dorn shine as an actor since he does a wonderful job of exhibiting a bevy of powerful emotions under the guise of honor. Plus, this episode serves to remind us, that this series really was eager to explore topics that no other science fiction series will bother with. And now that we have come to the end of this intimate journey, another one awaits us, one that revolves our desire to do whatever it takes to avoid dealing with the pain of loss and grief. Until next time.

Something that is truly fascinating about the concept of time travel, is how it is regarded as a noble quest. For just about every story involving adventures through the time stream, features a grand push to make something right or to save countless lives from potential trouble, and even the Star Trek Universe subscribes to this notion. Because time and time again, we’ve seen crews from across the franchise, step into the past or the future and accomplish wonders because that’s just what you do when you travel through time. Which in turn begs an interesting question… is it possible to tell a story in that vein that features something nefarious? Because even when there’s a negative motive or villain involved, there’s a hero standing by to save the day.

Well as it turns out, it is in fact possible to offer up a time travel themed story that has no sense of nobility of heroism in the slightest, as evidenced by the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. For ‘A Matter of Time’ sees a time-traveler/historian from the 26th Century named Berlinghoff Rasmussen, come aboard the ship, under the guise of bearing witness to a pivotal historical moment involving the crew of the 1701-D. And his earnest joy and outright passion for the moment, really does make it seem as though this story is instead going to play out in lighter territory. The kind that reminds us that bravery and fearlessness when facing insurmountable odds is one of the many ways to be enshrined in the history books, since the crew is indeed dealing with quite the difficult mission in this tale. Since it is up to them to save a colony world from destruction after an asteroid impact and rescue mission goes terribly wrong.

But an odd moment in engineering, wherein Rasmussen snags a PADD without anyone knowing, arouses suspicion that he is not what he seems. A concern that is further exacerbated by his desire to stick to a schtick over offering anything of substance to the crew and their concerns about the mission. In fact, a powerful conversation that he shares with Picard about the nature and power of time travel is likely what really sells Picard on this man being a fraud since there is no emotion from Rasmussen or any concern about the lives at risk, indicating that this is all about him for reasons unknown and well… in the end, it is discovered that he is indeed nothing more than a con man that came into a great opportunity. For we come to learn that Rasmussen is actually from the 22nd Century and a chance encounter with a 26th Century historian allowed for him to hijack this vessel and swing by 2368 in an effort to steal 24th Century technology and take it back to his time, so he could change his fortunes as a failed inventor.

But thankfully, the crew was on to him sooner than he knew, allowing for him to be taken into custody and for his ship to be lost to the winds of time and for those important items to remain where they belong and well, this really was quite the brilliant story when all is said and done. Since it really did offer up a time travel adventure where the traveler was no hero. Just a man with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Who used his charm and people skills to vex Starfleet’s finest crew for a moment and that really does make this quite the refreshing tale for certain. Since it proves to the world that stories in this vein are viable and powerful when handled correctly, but alas… its game-changing nature and magnificent twists have yet to catch on since even the grittiest of time-travel stories now, tend to have a hero that serves as a beacon of light in the midst of all that darkness.

However, if the day ever comes that someone wants to tell a vastly different type of tale in this sub-genre, the blueprint is indeed ready and waiting for that creative mind to build upon. But while we wait for that day, we can bask in the wonder of a tale that offered up some fascinating moral discussions on the nature of time travel and featured some stellar performances as well. Since Matt Frewer does a wonderful job of playing the duality of Rasmussen and once again, Patrick Stewart outright shined here. For that impassioned speech he gives Rasmussen in his ready room really does feature some top-notch acting from this master of the craft. Plus, this episode also deserves serious credit for not trying to top or match the powerhouse Spock-centric tale that preceded it. In fact, it’s a fine palate cleanser for certain since it doesn’t require all that much thought and well, now that this standalone story has come to a close, it’s time to turn our attention to a tale that is a touch heavier… one that deals with the complex nature of parenthood. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 409 of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’.
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One thing that everyone can agree upon in regard to storytelling, is that people do indeed… love a happy ending. Especially when the story in question is about as dark as they come. Because reaching the finish line in a perky and joyful manner, serves as a reward for the audience and it is also the apex of escapism. Because sadly, we know that in real life that true Hollywood happy endings are as rare as they come and that the vast majority of real endings that accompany hard times, feature a long road to recovery. One where we must reconcile the horrors of what happened and make peace with them before we can finally step into the light and pondering upon that, isn’t exactly an uplifting or joyful mental exercise. If anything, the bittersweet ending that we tend to experience is of note today, simply because the next episode of The Handmaid’s Tale made it clear that June is going to experience just that.
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But what’s truly incredible about this week’s entry, is that at first glance… it sure didn’t seem like a tough road was going to be in the cards for June. For ‘Progress’ wasted no time in making it appear as though good things were on the horizon, period. Because she and Luke found a renewed purpose as a couple by making the decision to try and get Hannah out of Gilead through every channel available to their means. Such as calling Commander Lawrence to try and strike a deal involving trade concessions. A plan that was a long shot for certain, but worth a try and when its eventual failure came to fruition, Luke and Tuello opted to work another route and see if by chance Nick could do anything about getting Hannah out. Which in turn led to more joy and happiness for June.

For she was able to feel the flutter of raw love that Nick provides her with since they met in person for this request and it turns out, she was able to see how her daughter is doing. For Nick did her a solid and collected all kinds of information about Hannah, including her whereabouts and the odds of an easy release. And while that particular news wasn’t great… just seeing her daughter again and feeling loved without judgment or worry really did send her spirits soaring and those elements, along with Janine’s push to begin to build a coalition of trust and hope in Gilead… truly did have us believing that perhaps at long last, the happy ending was in order for everyone. Especially since it was only a matter of time before Fred Waterford went to jail for his crimes and before the eventual stranglehold on Gilead from June’s powerful testimony would help that nation to collapse.

But alas that truly was nothing more than a powerful ruse. For while June and Janine celebrated the wins in this tale, an unfortunate surprise was building behind the scenes. Because the Putnams finally received clearance to visit Fred and Serena in jail and well, their arrival brought forth all kinds of horrifying revelations for the Waterford family. In that, the government of Gilead didn’t care about the Waterfords in the slightest. In fact, this visit was designed to see if they could get Serena and the baby back into Gilead to replenish their losses whilst Fred rot away in a jail cell and well… the realization that Gilead had abandoned two of its own was more than Fred could bear. Which motivated him to cut a deal with Canada for his freedom and the news that the commander would walk in exchange for information didn’t settle well with June in the slightest and rightfully so. Since she’s endured so much at the hands of this awful man and awful nation and well, that is one powerful and controversial and conflicting way to end this tale.
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Because on the one hand, Tuello cutting a deal does indeed work to everyone’s advantage in bringing down Gilead. Since the governments of the world would now have all kinds of incredible intelligence on their enemy, the kind that could tip this fight in the right direction since they could potentially destabilize Gilead’s operations. Which is wonderful, since that’s what everyone wants in regard to this story. But on the other hand, it disregards June’s plight and her pain and the horrors she endured to bring Fred to justice and that isn’t right in the slightest. Because she and every woman suffering at the hands of this nightmarish theocracy genuinely deserve justice for the emotional and physical assault they’ve endured since Gilead’s inception and once one looks past the luster of Tuello’s deal, one absolutely must side with June, while also feeling a sense of fear for her and Canada as well.

In part because, Fred is dangerous, and letting him out to spew his godly nonsense is a terrible idea for certain. But more importantly because justice for June is no longer in the cards and the rage that will quickly consume her could motivate her to do something foolish, and while no one will judge her for taking matters into her own hands from a moral standpoint, the law might see differently and put her in a position where she doesn’t belong. Which this means this powerful and stunning tale will now have us counting down the minutes until next week’s season four finale. So that we can see if June can in fact make any sort of peace with her past and find new ways to channel her anger in the fight against Gilead… or if she will succumb to it and go after Fred with impunity and find understandable solace in revenge and it will be quite interesting to see which path she takes and what other surprises await us going forward. For if this series is able to stun us in this manner when peace has settled into June’s soul… anything can happen. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Loki’.
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‘Glorious Purpose’. Can we just take a moment to talk about how utterly brilliant this title was? Because, guys, come on, this is amazing. Alright, let’s just jump right in, shall we? Final warning for any spoilers for the new Loki show, beyond this point it is not safe!

Right, so, I will be the first to admit that I was not super hyped about this show. Don’t get me wrong, I was really excited about it, I had high hopes, but my big Marvel Show of the year had been The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. So, when I say that I was blown away by Loki, I genuinely mean I was blown away. This show is really worth the watch. Owen Wilson does an amazing job as Agent Mobius; Tom Hiddleston literally slays the role of Loki, and their comedic chemistry is utterly brilliant. Marvel has spared no expense when it comes to their shows. the cinematic quality of their set design, costumes, special effects, all of it is on par with any of their major motion pictures. The details have really paid off.

And in case anyone missed the tiny half second glance at Loki’s file, he is indeed Gender Fluid. Happy Pride Month!

We start with the bit in Endgame where Loki steals the Tesseract and bloops out of there so fast it’s not even funny. He ends up in a desert and is shortly apprehended by the TVA, the Time Variance Authority, where he is essentially processed and brought to trial. The whole thing is delightful, mostly because this is Loki from 2012, not the Loki who’s evolved and actually done a few good things. Loki actually pleads guilty at his case and more importantly, we get to learn about the Time Agency and the Time Keepers. Do I think this is leading into Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness? Yes, 100%.

​Loki doesn’t get sentenced though, well he kind of does, and then Mobius steps in. Mobius brings him to a room and basically gives Loki a Psych Eval meets Therapy session. Loki actually gets to see how some of his actions pan out. Like the time he got his mother killed by Dark Elves. The entire time, Mobius has one important question for Loki, does he like to hurt people? He asks it multiple times. We know from earlier that Mobius is hunting something big. And no, it wasn’t Mephisto either. It’s obvious that Mobius is going to enlist Loki’s help, and before he can even get there, Loki escapes. Well, kind of. It turns out that magic doesn’t work in the TVA and neither do the Infinity Stones. Yes, you read that right. Infinity. Stones. It turns out that the TVA has a lot of them just sitting in a box from multiple timelines.

Loki ends up back in the room Mobius had brought him to originally and goes through the rest of the footage, or his file, or his life essentially. He sees his mother dead, again. Sees Odin tell him and Thor he loves them, before dying. Sees the fall of Asgard. He even sees he and Thor reconnecting. By the end of it, however, he sees his death at the hand of Thanos. Now, is this the catalyst, the change Loki really needs to be good? When Mobius finally finds him, Loki answers the question he’s asked all along. No, he doesn’t enjoy hurting people, it’s just part of the illusion of power and control and he’s been doing it his whole life. Loki is a Trickster, the God of Mischief. But is this his big breakthrough? Can he really be trusted? Considering that the Variant Mobius needs help hunting down is Loki, I genuinely doubt it.

Truthfully, there are multiple timelines at play, the Loki causing Chaos and the Loki Mobius needs help from are definitely from two different Multiverses. However, I do strongly believe Loki and Loki are going to team up at some point. Because, come on, how could they not? I suppose we will have to see as the show continues. It will be interesting to see what larger themes this show plays with. WandaVision was about grief, mental health, and trauma. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was about trauma and racism. I’m wondering if Loki will be about self-love, healing, and/or confronting oneself. With just five episodes left, I can’t wait to find out!

These days, crossover events in film and television, are no big deal. In fact, they’re outright expected. Because now we want to see superheroes share the screen and we love the idea of other corners of a particular franchise coming together and that has led to some powerful and epic storytelling for certain, the kind that has satiated the imagination of fans who always wanted to see Superman and Batman team up, or watch Luke Skywalker train a new Jedi. But there was a time when the crossover was more or less taboo in television and seen as a gimmick. But they did happen from time to time, and they were quite the event for certain and one that is of note, was the moment when Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation came together in a beautiful manner.
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For ‘Unification II’ was the moment that fans had been waiting for, especially after watching the first chapter in this saga. For this was when Ambassador Spock, played brilliantly once again by Leonard Nimoy, shared screen time with Captain Jean-Luc Picard and well, before we dive into the nit and grit and importance of this episode, the epic nature of this team up has to be discussed. Because it was and remains quite amazing to see these two heroes work together to expose a dastardly plan on Commander Sela’s part to gain an Imperial foothold in the Federation. Because that’s what you want from a crossover, big stakes, action and adventure and iconic heroes working toward a cause and we get that here, and it does leave one wondering if this episode served as the blueprint for the crossovers, we enjoy today, since this episode made it clear that good writing is the true foundation to making a crossover work. 

But while watching Picard and Spock and Data save the Federation and the galaxy once again is indeed satisfying, to the point where a smile is plastered on your face throughout this entire episode, we would be foolish to not examine the significance this episode had upon the future of the franchise. For so many important moments are present in this story, such as the fact that Spock’s mention of the events of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, serves as the true birth of the Star Trek Universe. Because in that moment these two franchises were now interconnected and sharing history and it is incredible to see that moment play out during a re-watch and the impact of this particular episode on the STU doesn’t end there (spoilers from here out). After all, the seeds that Spock plants in this episode and after Picard has departed, eventually comes to fruition in Star Trek: Discovery. Since season three introduced us to Ni’Var, a reunified Vulcan and Romulan world… making this episode both beautiful and bittersweet. In part because Spock would never live to see the unity he worked for.

But it is also bittersweet, simply because… a lot of dark moments are set in motion here as well. For Picard’s interest in making peace with the Romulans would put him on their radar from now until the Empire’s end, which in many ways allows for this story to lay the groundwork for Star Trek: Nemesis and the backstory for Star Trek: Picard, since Jean-Luc would be instrumental in trying to save the Romulan people from the forthcoming Hobus supernova and of course, that same supernova would lead to Spock’s eventual deposit in the Kelvin Timeline, and well… knowing where the story is headed for those two men really does add some serious gravity to this tale. Since we now know the cost for peace in the late 24th Century will be quite high since it is a galaxy without Spock and Data and Romulus for that matter as well, and it is also a universe where Jean-Luc is but a shell of himself for part of 2399.

However, all of that aside, this is a wonderful episode through and through. Because you simply cannot go wrong with Spock getting involved in galactic affairs and doing right by the Federation, despite their worries. Plus, it is simply wonderful to see Leonard Nimoy play the role of Spock once again and as an added bonus, there’s also some quality comedy to be found in this tale. For the entire sub-plot involving a hunt for a fat Ferengi brings about perfect levity and well, in the end, this really is one of those iconic Star Trek episodes. For not only did it create the STU and feature an incredible crossover, but it also served as a fine reminder that TNG was indeed at its apex here, and respected and beloved by fans everywhere and what’s truly wild is that while one would think it would be tough to top this one or match it, season five still had some powerhouse storytelling, waiting in the wings for us. Until next time.

It is no easy feat to create a sprawling franchise. Because with so many opportunities to tell unique stories and so many dynamic characters populating that franchise, it is easy for creative minds to lose their way and send said saga in directions that can sometimes confuse the fans or cheapen the experience. Something that sadly happened in the 1980s and early 1990s with slasher films since they were supremely experimental in nature at times and that put audiences off. But assembling a rich universe that everyone loves and feels is properly connected can and does happen in Hollywood and for proof, then take a look at the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the Star Trek Universe. Since Gene Roddenberry’s simple vision of a trek through the stars has now expanded to a whopping ten unique series. Some are animated, some are live action, but all of them are beloved and connected by the principle of a better future for mankind. One where we finally put our differences aside to travel to the stars.

But what’s amazing is that for a time… that rich connective tissue didn’t exist in the STU. In fact, after borrowing heavily from The Original Series in its first season, Star Trek: The Next Generation worked hard to establish itself as its own powerhouse sequel, by backing away from concepts used in TOS. Which did in turn, bring about some powerful storytelling, the kind that is widely regarded as some of the best science fiction to ever grace television screens. But eventually, the writing staff and executive staff came to realize that to truly make this series iconic in every way imaginable, it had to properly connect to the past in some manner, and while season's four ‘Sarek’ appeared to be the moment that a connective universe was born, the door was merely opened during that episode. For it turns out… that the real moment when this grand universe was brought to life, came about in the seventh and eighth episodes of season five of TNG since ‘Unification I’ and its sequel, merged TOS and Next Gen together in a beautiful manner.

A feat that was accomplished by bringing the iconic Ambassador Spock into the fold storytelling wise. Since Captain Jean-Luc Picard was sent on a grand mission to Romulus to find out whether or not this hero of the Federation had potentially defected, putting the security of the Federation at grave risk and well, while Spock only appears in the closing moments of part one, his shadow and his past hangs heavy over this tale. Because Picard isn't convinced in the slightest, that a man of Spock's stature would ever turn his back on what he has spent a lifetime defending and that's a wonderful way to begin to create some of that connective tissue since it reminds the audience that what Spock stood for continues here and now he is officially apart of this new world, tying it right into the past. But what's amazing about this tale, is that it also takes the time to surprise the fans by making it apparent, that the time had come for the old franchise to pass the torch and prepare audiences for decades of new adventures around the galaxy. And one such way to lay down the foundation for that in this particular tale… was to bid farewell to a true staple of The Original Series, Sarek. 

For this is his final on screen appearance in the STU and he goes out in a fascinating manner for a character of his caliber. Because when Jean-Luc meets with him on Vulcan, he is at his worst here, suffering from the advances stages of his illness and while it is hard to see Sarek, the once proud Ambassador, be reduced to a shell of his former self here, Mark Lenard’s performance and the script provide the character with a powerful send off. One that informs us (or reminds us) that this rigid Vulcan hero cared for his son dearly and believed in him until the end, giving inadvertent peace their always tumultuous relationship while at the same time informing the viewer… that The Original Series and the ones to follow it, would not last forever. For times change, people fade into history and stories eventually must end that really is a poignant and powerful lesson for the fans to have endured back then… one that really did prepare everyone mentally for the changing of the guard that Undiscovered Country was about to bring forth. 

But while this particular tale did a wonderful job of providing closure for a wildly popular character whilst preparing us for life without James T. Kirk and the intrepid crew of the NCC-1701, there is also an important first for the franchise to be found here as well. Such as the fact that this is the franchise’s first up-close visit to Romulus since we actually spend time on this mysterious world, and that is huge since that is a first step toward all kinds of impactful moments in the future, which will we discuss in our recap of part two. But it is also important to note that this was the first time that the franchise acknowledged a supremely important behind the scenes change for the saga as well. For a title card here paid tribute to the passing of the saga’s creator, Gene Roddenberry, since he passed away four days before ‘The Game’ aired on television and well, that title card is both bittersweet and beautiful for certain. Since it serves to remind viewers today, that while Gene didn’t live long enough to see what Trek would grow into, he did indeed create a future where we are a better people and while it may be fictional in nature, it still inspires so many to be more and do better and that’s quite the legacy to leave behind. Until next time.