It is definitely safe to say, that the STARZ series, Outlander, is nothing short of a global phenomenon and it makes sense as to why. For not only did it bring Diana Gabaldon’s iconic book series to life in a respectful and proper manner, but it found a way to resonate with anyone that tunes in. Courtesy of great writing that truly immerses the viewer in this rich and romantic story, and via top-notch acting that allowed for the uninitiated to the series to fall in love with Jamie and Claire and become vested in their love affair, and well, the end result as they say is history. Since the show has enjoyed a long and fulfilling run on television, one that will allow for the series to end on its own terms before a spinoff arrives.
​
But before we get to that point, one cannot forget that the series is only now entering its endgame and there is still more story to tell, and of course… its dedicated fan base is eager to see what is going to come out of that incredible cliffhanger that season six left us with, and the good news is… we don’t have to wait all that much longer to return to this universe and receive the answers we seek regarding what will become of Claire. For season seven of this storied saga makes its debut on STARZ this Friday, June 16, 2023, and well… we here at NTG thought it would be worthwhile to discuss some of what you can expect from season seven of this show, in a spoiler-free manner no less. Because some big things happen in season seven, the kind that we don’t want to ruin. But at the same time, the epic nature of season seven, is perhaps the first place to start. 

For this really is quite the epic season of storytelling, one that brings an important moment in history to the forefront of the story, which allows for that grand sense of adventure and awe that permeates this series to remain present and well… suffice to say, there are a bevy of big moments present within this season. The kind that will indeed surprise the viewer, and that of course, leads to an engaging watch for certain, one that keeps you on the edge of your seat and of course leaves you wanting as this series often does. But of course, there is more to be found in this season of storytelling beyond moments that glue your attention to the screen. For this is a year of storytelling that provides the viewer with everything they love about this franchise. 

In fact, one could say that is really what drives this season. That unbending and unyielding love between Jamie and Claire, and what it does for them and how it binds them. For that really is a big reason that so many of us tune in, and seeing that love in action again, and knowing that the world has put it to the test, are all the stakes we need to engage with this story. For it remains a story for the hopeless romantic in all of us and there are still more wonders to be found in this tale. Since all the little things we love about this show from a humanity perspective, are present here, and those also engage us and compel us to continue the journey, and of course… it doesn’t hurt that the gorgeous settings and romantic visual framing of history that the series is known for, is present here too.

If anything, season seven of this show, is a fine addition to the legacy of the series, and it… will likely serve as a wonderful way to help each and every one of us, begin to process that this is the beginning of the end and allow for us to resolve our emotions and our feelings about the fact that only one season will remain once this one comes a close. But that… as we work through our feels and start that grieving process that only a fan understands, we will indeed be deeply engaged in this season’s fantastic storytelling and all the incredible moments it is about to send our way, and truly… the countdown is on. For we are but days away from returning to this magnificent story and all the wonder and majesty it provides us with.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the ‘Duck and Goose’ special, ‘When Duck Met Goose’.
​
It really is quite amazing, how animated television for children has evolved in recent years. For it is no longer just a collection of enticing images and big songs and silly moments to make a child laugh, this is a format that so many now understand… can teach a child so much, and it can provide those lessons… while making them laugh and entertaining them every step of the way. Which makes this type of story, valuable to both the kids that watch and the parents that watch alongside them, since the heads of households can latch onto what lesson the show is sending forth and have meaningful and thoughtful conversations with their kids about what they just learned, and one network leading the way in offering up programming that is rich in this is Apple TV+.
​
For they understand the tool that is in front of parents and want the family to utilize the true wonder of this type of entertainment and that is why they are making a point to cultivate family-themed stories that are rich with positive and thoughtful messaging, and this is top of mind today, simply because a special episode from an established franchise embodied that unique learning experience. For When Duck Met Goose (A Duck and Goose special) made its debut on the network yesterday and it has plenty to say about friendship and our differences and what makes a successful friendship in this world and it of course… accomplishes such a feat by offering up a story that explored how Duck and Goose met.

Wherein we came to learn that they weren’t the best of friends that we know them to be now. They were instead, a pair of waterfowl that came from opposite sides of thinking. Since Goose truly held to his organized line of thinking, whereas Duck was all about just doing as he pleased and that led to friction and ups and downs for this duo. The kind that featured misunderstandings and fights and other such conflict until one day… this duo figured out how to respect one another and use their differences to their advantage to become the dynamic duo that charmed families everywhere and well, that really is an entertaining story that leaves anyone watching, especially kids, utterly engaged to see that process play out. But sandwiched into that origin story, one filled with song and dance and quirky moments, are the messages in question. 

Because looking to the past, is precipitated by way of a conflict for Thistle. Since a new neighbor happens to frustrate him in this tale. Prompting Bluejay to tell the tale in question and teach us along the way… how not every amazing friendship immediately begins in a perfect manner. Sometimes… two deeply polar opposites will struggle to be friends. In fact, they may clash often, and it may seem as though a friendship will never come to fruition. But with time and patience, and through making an effort to get to know one another and how a new friend operates… common ground can be reached. Bonds can be forged, and the friendship of a lifetime can come to life. Which teaches the viewer the importance of acceptance, the power of patience and the need to really understand what makes a person tick. Because understanding is how we find common ground and bond, and well… those are some powerful messages to find in this tale. 

Which makes this, a brilliant special for certain. One that really does explore the kind of lessons that are truly invaluable to children. Because as they grow older, they will indeed clash with people and run into others that don’t think much of others and knowing how to approach those situations and those more frustrating individuals in a more patient and kindhearted light, is invaluable. Which makes this essential viewing really, the kind that you can enjoy right now since it is streaming on Apple TV+, and we certainly hope you and your family give it a look. Because it really does offer up some powerful and beautiful message in a manner that isn’t overwhelming, and also because… you can never go wrong with an uplifting story that celebrates the wonder and the power of friendship.

Something that we all share in, from a pop culture standpoint, is that all of our lives have been touched in some form or fashion by an animated cartoon character. Because somewhere along the line, we watched cartoons on television or enjoyed them in the funny papers every Sunday and in there was a character that always made us laugh and always brought us joy and one that is of note, that we also share in memories of, is Snoopy the Beagle. For that loveable little pup and his wild care-free adventures with the Peanuts gang just captivated us and compelled us to hang out with him more and what’s even more amazing is that Snoopy and his friends are those rare, animated characters that have truly withstood the test of time.
​
Because some of those other characters we grew up with, just plain disappeared from our memory and the lexicon of popular culture. But the Peanuts gang remains seventy-three years later, in large part because their adventures are now generational in nature. Since so many of us learned of them and Snoopy through family viewings of the Halloween and Holiday specials that the gang is known for, and that really has helped grow the legend of Snoopy and the Peanuts gang… as has several other elements present within the franchise. For those timeless pieces of their story really do resonate with audiences and really do draw us to the wonder of the adventures of this sassy beagle and those lucky enough to be around him, and that magic is top of mind of today, simply because it is on full display in the third season of the Apple TV+ series, The Snoopy Show.

For this new year of storytelling about the world’s most famous beagle, features everything we love about him and the gang. For instance, that sense of adventure that permeates the franchise is present here, from the get-go no less. Which immediately draws you in since you’re curious where that is going to take Snoopy and the Peanuts gang and of course… one’s curiosity is satiated in an epic and wondrous and hilarious manner. Since the adventures in question lead to laughs and gags and everything in between. All of which puts a smile on your face, and takes you right down memory lane. Since all of this takes us back to the first time, we met Snoopy and his friends, and that sense of familiarity and nostalgia doesn’t just end with the overall structure of the show. 

Because this is also a season of storytelling, that is filled to the brim with the iconography of the franchise. From Charlie Brown having struggles with daily duties, to Pigpen dusting up the place, all the familiar visuals we know from this series are there… and the same goes for Snoopy. Since we see him in his pilot’s gear as one comes to expect, and he’s sleeping atop things as only this beagle can and just being able to settle back in and enjoy what we love about this saga, makes this a comfortable watching experience. One that doesn’t reinvent the wheel and still relates to us on a fundamental level. Since we’ve all been in Charlie Brown’s shoes and we’ve all dealt with the struggles on display here and well, by not doing anything different here, Apple TV+ basically keeps the wonder of the franchise alive and makes it accessible to all. 

But above all, there’s a real sense of fun to be had here. Which is perhaps the most important aspect of all when it comes to this franchise, since that is what truly engages us and keeps us watching. Because we don’t want that sense of fun to end. We want to see Snoopy do more wild things, we want to see Charlie overcome, and we get all of that here and that really does make season three, a wonderful way to pass the time and a wonderful way to find joy with one’s family. Since that sense of fun will entertain the kids as much as it does the parents of the household, and the best news of all, is that the family can enjoy Snoopy’s latest adventures right now. Since season three of The Snoopy Show is streaming on Apple TV+ and we here at NTG certainly hope you give it a look. To evoke that sense of nostalgia, but also… to carry on the Peanuts legacy by making your viewing experience a family affair.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Run the World’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
Whenever we go through some serious life changes, the kind that upend everything we are accustomed to and leave us reeling, we like to believe that we are going to have all the time to world to process what just occurred and heal from said changes, if emotional pain was involved. But alas, the world keeps on turning while we are wiping tears from our eyes or taking a moment to breathe and because of that… we tend to not have all the time we would like to properly process and heal. In fact, that usually means… at some point we have to get back to the grind of our daily lives and that is a truth that is top of mind today, because Whitney and Renee dealt with it, in the next episode of Run the World on STARZ.
​
Because both of them have been trying to heal and adjust to some big life changes, but alas… they also have to put food on the table and that brought them back to reality. For Whitney, that involved returning to the day job and getting back to it. Which was, an uncomfortable task. Since she hasn’t thought about work for weeks, and well, she definitely returned to a mountain of stuff to do, and an iciness she wasn’t prepared for. As though it was just business as usual, and her emotional pain didn’t matter. Which was tough to adjust to for certain, and Renee… well… she came to learn that she needed to get out there and start working to find new clients since no one was going to be knocking at her door for work as an upstart and it turned out that she and Whitney worked together in a unique way, to get back into the swing of things. 

Primarily through a networking mixer that Whitney was slated to attend, and Renee was able to tag along with. Which allowed for Renee to network and meet folks and get the word out that there was a new marketing agency in town ready to deliver, and well, that put her back in her element and gave her quite the contact. Specifically, a handsome man that she vibed with, perhaps giving her a new shot at a new relationship, and clearly Renee felt her old self by the end of this event. As for Whitney, being back in the thick of an event and being surrounded by her everyday life again… and spending a little time with the always direct and wise Barb, allowed for her to find agency and direction again. The kind where she was able to stand up for herself about the icy nature of the workplace and where… she was able to acknowledge she still needed to maintain balance and heal, and well… this was more than just a simple series of moments, it was designed to teach us that while life goes on whether we like or it not, sometimes, we have to go with the flow and get back into it a little bit to find what we need.

Granted, such a process is not a cure all, especially if there’s major stuff to heal from, but a little routine helps now and again and while that lesson could have carried this episode from beginning to end, this is a story that packed in a bonus lesson through Sondi. Who was trying to find agency and balance in this tale since she was the toast of the college but still Matthew’s love and that put her through a few ups and downs. Because she came to learn in this tale, forging our own path while being in a deeply committed relationship with someone that is equally as ambitious and hungry is no easy task. For it brings forth conflict and challenges. Some of which would have been easily avoided with say… being honest about keeping an apartment. But outside of that, Sondi really did struggle here to find that balance and that was quite relatable to see and a fine lesson for all of us, since this reminded us of how much work goes into finding said balance.

If anything, this was just… another incredible chapter in this tale. For it once again, found common ground with its audience since we’ve been in their shoes. After all, we’ve battled the nature of balance with a special partner like Sondi did here, we’ve fought to launch our careers or a new chapter in them a la Renee, and we too… have trudged back into work not feeling ourselves but found what we needed through a touch of routine and normalcy. All of which reminded us that this really is a series about life, and the ups and downs we go through, and it is indeed exciting and engaging to watch. Because there’s something powerful and special about learning new lessons or reaffirming old ones, since it reminds us, we are not alone. And truly… it will be fascinating to see what comes next for this powerful trio… as they continue to pick up the pieces and forge ahead with their incredible lives. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Silo’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
There is a prevailing belief in our world, that evil… will never push things too far. That somehow, someway, either good will intervene and prevent it from doing its worst, or it will come to understand that it has gone too far and needs to reel things in to properly maintain order through the specter of fear. And we hold to that belief, in part because… it is difficult at times to process the harsh reality, that evil really doesn’t really give a damn about people or what is right. It just wants absolute and corrupt power and will indeed cross every line imaginable to make it happen, and for proof… look no further than our own history or modern times for that matter.
​
Since our past and our present is rife with men that wish to divide and conquer the world and kill with impunity to enjoy the spoils of power and their vision of the world. But the fact that they are oft defeated, is what helps us to think what we think, and perhaps it is best we hold onto that to maintain peace in our minds. Because let’s be honest, if evil was given the chance to really let loose and rule, the future would be terrifying indeed as evidenced by the next episode of Silo on Apple TV+. For ‘The Flamekeepers’ is a story that finally allowed for us to see just what those in charge of the Silo and mankind’s future are capable of, and it accomplished that feat, by outright fooling us when all is said and done. 

Simply because, Juliette’s quest in this tale was no different than it has been for a while. For she was laser focused on uncovering anything and everything regarding George’s murder. To the point where she realized that the person that gave him the book, a woman named Gloria, was being held in a unique manner in medical, since she was drugged up and out of sorts, and that prompted Juliette to make her quest a priority once again. For that lead had to provide answers, and that decision put her under fire. Since Bernard wanted to meet with her regarding an issue and she basically ignored her duties as sheriff when a massive riot broke out in the mid-levels. Leaving her embarrassed and on the cusp of being replaced, despite Bernard’s desire to have her try and stand with him regarding some concerns he had about Judge Meadows. 

Which meant, if she wanted the answers she sought, she had to press hard and find them. And that brought her to Meadows to try and get her to loosen the reins on poor Gloria and when that didn’t work… she simply took matters into her own hands to get Gloria out of medical and that… is when we truly learned of evil’s capabilities and how far it will go to get what it wants. For with her father’s help, she was able to get Gloria to a safe space to clear her head in a risky manner and well… what she had to say about the history and the potential future of the Silo, was terrifying. For we came to learn that Gloria was a part of a group known as the Flamekeepers. Who took part in the prior rebellion and did everything they could to preserve the history of what life was like for humanity before it slunk into the depths of the Silo. 
​
But alas, they lost the fight, and they were in fact… persecuted and cleansed in the most twisted manner imaginable. For they were sterilized and cast into roles that made them harmless, a move designed to literally destroy lineage and ensure that no one would learn of the secrets of the world. Which was more or less… a relaxed form of genocide, one handled with a handshake and a smile and that truly spoke to evil’s potential if left unfettered. Since evil here, was willing to destroy generations of humanity to ensure secrecy and power, and that’s about as scary as it gets. Especially since evil pulled off such a feat in a smooth and silent manner, and well… that revelation and the reveal that there are shock troopers ready and willing to go in this Silo to maintain secrets, only added to the unsettling terror of this tale.

As did the ugly future that Juliette now faces. Since Sims is ready and willing to tear the Silo apart to find her and keep the truth hidden. All of which made for one incredible and intense episode. One that truly helped us to understand the nature of evil and truly fleshed out the horrors of the Silo. For those in charge are beyond desperate to keep mankind on this awful path. Why exactly, still isn’t clear, but we may not need to learn those details just yet. Because knowing that evil wants power and total genetic control in this instance is bad enough. But it likely won’t be long now before we learn everything, we’ve been curious about regarding the autocrats that run things from the shadows and their strange reasoning for their special brand of evil. For the stage is now set for a massive showdown in the Silo, and it will be interesting to see what is going to come of the events set in motion here, as we barrel toward the season finale of this incredible and powerful story. Until next time.      

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Based on a True Story’.
​
It is definitely safe to say that we harbor an interesting relationship with pop-culture and entertainment in this day and age. For what was once simple entertainment designed to pass our down time, has now transformed into something life changing. For it is full of helpful life lessons and in many ways, served as outright salvation during the pandemic. Because without entertainment and the positive nature of it and the experience it takes us upon, who knows if we would have been able to maintain our sanity during such a trying time. Not to mention, its accessibility and the sheer demand from the masses, has allowed for anyone to become a star and join the pop culture pantheon with a little bit of effort.
​
After all, there are people who now have wild followings on YouTube and a career in entertainment thanks to that accessibility and demand. Not to mention, these days the podcast market can take people in a whole different direction career wise, as evidenced by say the True Crime Podcast market. Which is giving rise to all kinds of fascinating information regarding real cases, and it is providing the world with new voices and stars and experts on such matters. And even justice for the fallen. But while all of that is cause for celebration and satisfaction since it speaks to the wonder of the world and what entertainment can do for us… it is important to be reminded that a dark side does exist to pop culture and entertainment.

Since some get lost within it and lose sight of what matters, and there are some who gain fame and abuse it or use it for nefarious purposes, and there are some… who join the world of entertainment for all the wrong reasons and cause harm to themselves and others in doing so. Especially with True Crime Podcasts since facts and evidence matter above all and well, it just so happens that a new series on Peacock is taking the time to explore that shadier side to fame and fortune in this new world of entertainment, and that makes Based on a True Story, a fascinating watch.

For its series premiere, ‘The Great American Art Form’, is a story that ponders upon… the negative reasons as to why people might want to take part in stardom, and it accomplishes that feat by introducing us to a couple that is dealing with crises on all fronts. For while Ava and Nathan Bartlett are expecting their first child… which should be cause for celebration and unity, there’s a lot wrong in their lives. Ava for example, can’t get a break at her real estate job and Nathan has basically lost his as a Tennis instructor at a posh Los Angeles country club.

Not to mention, the spark has gone out of their marriage, and they aren’t sharing in all that much these days, and of course… new bills are piling up at the worst time. Making it seem as though, disaster awaits. That is… until they find something new to share in. For a serial killer terrorizing Los Angeles has brushed up against their chaotic lives and well, since Ava loves a good True Crime podcast, she believes now is the time to strike and crack into the market with a bombshell show. One where she and her husband can not only crack the case, but where she can get airtime with the killer himself via an interview. Simply because she believes she has figured out who the killer might be, and now all she must do is use his freedom as bargaining chip to seal the deal.
​
Which is… a brilliant way to explore the dark side of entertainment and pop culture. Because it truly does explore in grand detail… what could motivate a person to want to be a celebrity for all the wrong reasons. Because for this couple, it isn’t about fulfilling a calling or a need, or even a dream of fame and fortune, well… at least for Ava… since Nathan has tasted the limelight and clearly wouldn’t mind being back in it since his pro tennis career was cut short. No instead, this is about… desperation. Because they need the money, they need to feel something positive about themselves since their lives are coasting about and they of course… need a thrill… and those are wrong and terrible reasons to get into the business. Not to mention, there’s a real danger present here.

For this story makes it clear… that the killer isn’t just some bumbling fool who could easily be caught. He’s a savvy monster. One that carefully chooses his victims and knows how to evade the police, despite a very generic clue being discovered, the one that leads Ava to think she knows the identity of the killer. But that aside, what matters more here is that she is chasing a killer, a person who doesn’t value anything but their dark desires and that could bring forth serious trouble and really, all of these elements are the perfect setup to what will be a fascinating story. One that will deeply explore this central theme and more in episodes to come in careful and fascinating detail. Since clearly, this story is all about covering every corner regarding its subject matter.

As evidenced by the deep exploration here of what drives people to want to be in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons and this premiere deserves a round of applause for going that route. For that properly introduced us to the characters and helped us to understand their plight and their decision, regardless of its foolish nature. And it also deserves marks for handling this… in a comical manner. Because that ensures that the dark subject matter is never overwhelming and digestible and well in the end, this is a magnificent and engaging premiere that definitely leaves us eager to continue the journey. To see if Ava and Nathan can indeed coax a serial killer onto a podcast and learn some valuable and dangerous lessons about fame and fortune and glory, along the way. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that Peacock’s recent announcement, that they were bringing a star studded and wild adaptation of the incredibly popular video game, Twisted Metal, to the network, garnered a lot of buzz. Simply because fans everywhere have wanted to see a live action version of this series for decades and the teaser trailer, we were gifted with, really did make it seem as though something special was on its way and left us eager to see more of what this series was going to offer. Which Peacock is fully aware of and rather than let the fans suffer and continue to wait for more of what they crave, they decided it was best to provide fans with quite the gift. 

For earlier today, Peacock released a first-look clip from the show. One that puts John Doe face to face with an iconic character from the game. As to who exactly, well… we will get to that in a minute. Because we also need to talk about the fact that this first-look clip came with a secondary gift. Specifically, a bevy of images from the show to really give us an idea of the show’s aesthetic and to help us see the cast in action at last and well, since you’re eager to learn more about this show, and eager to see who John squares off against in that clip, and see those pictures, here they are… courtesy of Peacock.

‘Twisted Metal’ premieres on Peacock on July 27, 2023.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Primo’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.

Once particular mantra we hear often regarding television these days, is that there is a great need for better representation in television, and it makes sense as to why. Because for decades upon decades, television has been dominated by Caucasian stories and faces. Which means that television rarely showcases what America actually looks like these days and that is problematic. Since the wonder of the other stories that exist in our nation are being ignored and are being hidden away, and that can help maintain much of the close-minded views that exist today because we aren’t able to properly see how people, period, struggle with problems that are shockingly similar, nor can we properly celebrate one another’s cultures.
​
Not to mention, improper representation also allows for stereotypes and negative tropes regarding the various cultures and peoples of the world to persist. Because if that is all we see, that’s a powerful narrative that persists and well, that’s why it is wonderful that we are getting more representation on television and one particular show that is excelling at this is Primo on Amazon Freevee. For each episode continues to showcase the Latinx/Latino experience in America and how it isn’t filled with stereotypes and tropes that people have come to associate with Latino culture. In fact, the next episode of this magnificent series does an incredible job of utterly shattering a long-standing stereotype and that made ‘The Cookout’ quite the special tale.

For this is a story… that finally addressed the stereotype that anyone who is Latinx, is some kind of master chef. Who carries with them generations of cooking secrets to make rich and endearing Latin foods that are savory and mind-blowing to anyone that tastes them. But that really isn’t the case. For not everyone knows how to cook, and not everyone who is Latinx can magically whip together the greatest tamale you’ve ever tasted. Like anything else, mastery of cooking takes time and practice, and oddly enough, that was explored in a fascinating and surprising manner. For the annual family cookout had arrived and Rafa was hoping that his mom would make the delicious food she was known for to impress his crush and his friends and that led to the surprise in question. Since the hermanos revealed, that Drea could not cook. She thought she could, but she couldn’t, and she continued to think that was a top-tier chef, because the hermanos stepped in and fixed her awful food when she wasn’t looking because they took the time to learn, but she did not. And they kept this way of cooking alive and a secret to spare her feelings.

Of course, that truth was revealed the day of the cookout, and that led to a tamale cookoff. Because Drea wanted to prove that her brothers were wrong about her skills, and that ended in the most hilarious manner possible. With cries of disgust over Drea’s cooking, the kind that prompted flying tamales. But that aside, the cooking stereotype was blasted out of the water in a cool and comedic manner and for that matter, another trope was busted here as well. Since there is a persisting one that celebrations in this manner from Latinx families require all kinds of iconography. Such as a full mariachi band and piñatas and the like. But again, that’s not an everyday thing in Latinx culture. Sometimes, a cookout is a cookout, and good times are had, and that is precisely what we saw here. If anything, the only lavish bit came about by way of one incredible fireworks show, one that great care and love went into.

But what mattered most here, is that this was representation at its finest. Since stereotypes were shattered and Latinx individuals were presented in such a positive and quite frankly, normal light and that’s huge and that matters. But that aside, make no mistake about it… this episode was also rip-roaringly hilarious. In fact, this writer damn near fell out of his chair during the tamale cookout because of how perfect that sequence was from a comedy standpoint. Which informs us that fun can be had while incredible lessons are being sent our way and truly, this is an episode that leaves us hungry for more (of the story, not those gross blue tamales), so we can see what other important moments and lessons and laughs await us as season one of this intelligent and thoughtful series continues on. Until next time.

​Please enjoy a sneak peek of the Duck and Goose special, When Duck Met Goose, which makes its debut on Apple TV+ tomorrow, 6/9/23.