It is definitely safe to say that anticipation for season two of the hit STARZ series, The Serpent Queen, is reaching a fever pitch. Simply because, fans have long been craving more of Queen Catherine de Medici’s story since it is so engaging and so enriching, as is her management style as a queen. And of course, the announcement that the iconic Minnie Driver will be playing Queen Elizabeth I and act alongside the equally iconic Samantha Morton in season two of the show… is just a dream come true for television fans and has left everyone just craving more of what this series has to offer.
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Which is likely why STARZ took the time to today to offer up some gifts to the eager fans of this show. Since they were kind enough to release some dazzling key art for season two of the series, along with the trailer for the show. So that now we can get an idea of what challenges await the queen and what kind of epic moments we can revel in and well, since you’re dying for more of this amazing series… here is that trailer and some updated details on season two for all of you to enjoy, courtesy of STARZ. As we count down the minutes to the Serpent Queen’s return.
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'STARZ released today the trailer and key art for season two of “The Serpent Queen'' featuring two time Academy Award® Nominee Samantha Morton returning as the nefarious Queen Mother Catherine de Medici. Academy Award® Nominee Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting, Chevalier) joins the series as Queen Elizabeth I. “The Serpent Queen'' of France has arrived and is willing to do anything to survive.
 
“The Serpent Queen” is set to debut on Friday, July 12 at midnight on the STARZ app. On linear, it will debut on STARZ at 8:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and 9:00 PM ET/PT in Canada. 
 
“The Serpent Queen” tells the story of Catherine de Medici (Morton) who, against all odds, became one of the most powerful and longest-serving rulers in French history. 

In season two, Catherine de Medici is Queen Regent of France now that her son, Charles IX has come of age. Distracted by the personal conflicts of the Valois children, a new mysterious prophet named Edith gains a loyal following who vow to challenge the current religious establishment, sparking tension across the country. Feeling threatened by the rising strain, the divided court turn to their own schemes for selfish benefit. The Guises commit unholy acts while the Bourbons turn to a familiar foreign sovereign, Queen Elizabeth I of England in hopes of personal gain.

As France falls into political and religious turmoil, Catherine struggles to maintain her power, but The Serpent Queen will do whatever she needs to regain control.  

Danny Kirrane (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, “Don’t Forget the Driver”), Ray Panthaki (“Away,” Colette), Raza Jaffrey (“Homeland,” “Code Black”), Enzo Cilenti (Free Fire, “The Last Tycoon”), Amrita Acharia (“Game of Thrones,” “The Good Karma Hospital”), Ruby Bentall (Firebrand, “Industry”), Beth Goddard (“Manhunt,” “Des”), Ludivine Sagnier (“Lupin,” “The Young Pope”), and Rupert Everett (My Best Friend’s Wedding, “Adult Material”) are to return in their previous roles.
 
As previously announced, the series also stars Angus Imrie (Emma, “Fleabag”), Emma McDonald (“Moonhaven,” Low Rider), Stanley Morgan (I Used to Be Famous, “The Sandman”), and Philippine Velge (“Station Eleven,” Summer of 85) as series regulars. Rosalie Craig (“1899,” Macbeth), Isobel Jesper Jones (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, “The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself”), Bill Milner (Son of Rambow, “The Flatshare”), Ashley Thomas (“Them,” “24: Legacy”), and Alexandre Willaume (“The Wheel of Time,” “1899”) join in recurring roles.
 
"The Serpent Queen" is based on the book Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda and is from writer and executive producer Justin Haythe (Revolutionary Road, Red Sparrow, The Lone Ranger). The series is executive produced by Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games Franchise) and Erwin Stoff (The Matrix, 13 Hours, Edge of Tomorrow). The series is produced for STARZ by Lionsgate Television and 3 Arts Entertainment.
 
Follow “The Serpent Queen” on Social:
Instagram: @STARZ // @serpentqueenstarz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Starz // www.facebook.com/theserpentqueenstarz
TikTok: @STARZ
Join the conversation with #TheSerpentQueen and #STARZ
 
About STARZ
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company.
 
About 3 Arts Entertainment
3 Arts Entertainment is a talent/literary management and production company, with 33 years of experience. We have offices in Beverly Hills and New York and have clients in the TV and Film Lit world, acting world, hosting world, branded areas, digital media and more. 3 Arts has produced hit films such as The Matrix, Austin Powers: Thy Spy Who Shagged Me, The Devil’s Advocate, Edge of Tomorrow and 13 Hours and more. We currently executive produce over 30 shows on the air. Some of our series include: “Julia,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Master of None,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “Insecure,” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”
 
About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium subscription platform to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world. The Company’s film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by a 20,000+ title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Three Finale of ‘Harry Wild’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one particular storytelling staple in crime dramas, that is rarely deviated from… it is how the case is solved. For every mystery, every murder, and every theft, involves hitting the streets for the detective or private investigator assigned to the case at hand. For that is where the clues lie, and that is where witnesses are interviewed and where action and adventure come to bear, and it makes sense as to why it is a standard for these stories. Because it adds an atmosphere and a vibe to them that makes each story special. But there was mention, that once in a great while, a story will deviate from this… with mixed results.

Simply because this staple is so flawless and works so well. But it can be deviated from, in an impactful manner if the story is right, as evidenced by the season three finale of Harry Wild on Acorn TV. For ‘Dead Man’s Trigger’ saw Harry and her family, convene at the police station to all ride over to Glenn’s wedding, only to be immediately delayed by a man with a bomb, who harbored some unique demands. In that, the man, named Trevor, expected the unsolved murder of his daughter to be handled in this moment or everyone in the police station would die. Of course, Charlie was fine with giving into his demands, but there were some restrictions in play that made everyone fear failure in the matter. Such as how they all had to work together in one room to solve the case, a request that created complications.

Because now there was no crime scene to check, no live interviews to conduct or clues to discover. Just the evidence box, Zoom calls and social media to try and piece together a year old murder that harbored nothing fresh and nothing of note. Which forced the team to get creative in figuring out that Trevor’s daughter was the unfortunate victim of a pseudo serial killer. Who harmed an innocent every year for the past four years after breaking up with the love of his life. Who was happy to step in and lay a trap for the monster so he could be caught, so Trevor could find peace and face the consequences of his own actions and that brought about justice at last, and a happy ending as well since Glenn and Petra were able to say, ‘I do.’ 

All of which brought about, such a unique and amazing way to solve this case. Since everything we expect from this genre and this show even, since Harry and Fergus hit the streets often… was gone, and our heroes were forced to think differently and work differently to solve this case and that led to one amazing episode. One that showcased that with the right care in the writing, cases can be solved all ways and… it can be done in a manner that isn’t overwhelming or heartbreaking for that matter as well. Since Paula helped to keep things light by doing her best to keep Petra’s emotions in check when she thought that Glenn was going to leave her at the altar and speaking of Glenn… he truly kept the smiles coming in this episode.

Because for a better part of it, he was doing his best to play the hero, in the most inventive way imaginable. By believing this was his John McClane/Nakatomi Plaza/Die Hard moment. Wherein he would save the day by embodying John. Which allowed for the episode to basically re-enact segments of that movie. Right down to the outfit, the glass and the vent system. Which made for a lovely tribute to that classic and some welcome comic relief and all of these elements gave rise, to a perfect season finale of this show. For it was bold, different, and lots and lots of fun and that truly reminds us of how special this series is. For it is that rare crime drama that knows how to defy convention while putting a grand smile upon our faces. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Race to Survive’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It really is quite amazing what the USA Network series, Race to Survive: New Zealand is accomplishing this year from a storytelling standpoint. For this is that rare reality competition series, that is extremely engaging. Courtesy of an intense race through incredible terrain that has already claimed two teams and pushed every single contestant to their physical limits. Not to mention, this race has forced so many to choose between food and the win. All of which really has made for an intense and compelling viewing experience unlike any other, and well, it would seem the show is showing no signs of slowing down in offering up unique and immersive moments for us to enjoy, as evidenced by this week’s episode.

For ‘Eels, Heels and Deals’ spent a great deal of its focus on Survival Camp and what really goes into surviving this competition. Mainly because, a fair number of the teams crossed the finish line quickly here, since so many were so close at the end of the last episode, and well… once Corry and Oliver won a segment of the race again, they and so many others settled into Survival Camp to rest, recoup and figure out the survival element of the competition. Because it quickly became clear to so many that skipping food was a risky gambit and calories and strength were going to be a big key to overcoming the odds and winning the day and that led… to some interesting moments.

The kind that saw some take full advantage of the items provided to them in the winner’s crate. Since our resident smokejumpers learned how to fish for eel and use an improvised smoker system… to create sustainable meals for the future. Since they caught one giant eel. In fact, Paulina and Creighton were so impressed with that catch… they committed to a trade. One that gave them some meat as well to sustain them down the line and well, all of this spoke to the reality that making the most of the landscape surrounding the competitors is indeed the key to this race. One must learn to survive and adapt and be creative to get hold of what one needs most out there, and it will be interesting to see how the teams apply those critical lessons going forward.

But of course, while that made for a very unique leg of the journey, one that gave us an up close and personal look at what really goes into the day-to-day healing and learning in Survival Camp, there were still plenty of epic moments to be found in the race itself. After all, a couple of the teams got lost on their way to the finish line and had to either double back or forge ahead, and it was neck and neck for the bottom tier teams this week. Since Kennedy and Nikola, and Ashley and Rhandi, barely saw separation for most of the final leg of the journey. Which led to some amazing tension as they waited to see if coming in last would mean a double elimination for this particular segment of the race and they were able to rest easy in the end. Since there were enough medallions for all.

In the end, this was just… an amazing episode through and through. Since so many shows in this vein, neglect those more intimate moments and the strategies that come into play, or they gloss over them with quick cuts to keep a story moving. But going this route, helped us to learn what the contestants are thinking, what they want to accomplish and what kind of competitor they will be down the line. All while the episode gave us more of the tense race itself that we love so dearly. All of which made for another compelling watch and a fine reason to continue the journey as well. Since now we know more about the people fighting for the finish line, and we are downright curious to see who will adapt and strategize their way to a half a million-dollar prize and quite the accomplishment, surviving the rough terrain of New Zealand. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 530/Season Finale of ‘Love During Lockup’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the engaging and wildly popular series, Love During Lockup, on WE tv, we talked at length about how the show was on the precipice of explosion. Because so many plot threads were building to something bigger and something disastrous. Courtesy of endless tension and concerns from the many couples we’ve come to know on this particular series and that left all of us wondering, what was going to happen during this week’s season finale. For if there was ever going to be a time for explosions to take place and ugly to happen, this would be it, and well… as it turned out… the finale was not what we expected it to be.

For instead of pure explosions and disaster, this season ended as it started. With a grand look at life and how not everything goes as we planned and how life takes us in wild directions, which for some involves dating someone in prison and well, that brought about some fascinating conclusions to these stories. Some were beautiful in nature. Take Rob and Teenie’s journey for instance. Because Rob was finally free in ‘Too Good to Let Go’ and well, he quickly reunited with his family and found joy and peace, something he’s been searching for, and now this family can heal and come together without electronic help and that was quite lovely to see. Because there was that brush with tension here, the kind that was trumped by love.

Not to mention, Joey finally made a decision regarding his relationship with Michael, and he decided… to give them a chance to grow and thrive as lovers. Because they have that chemistry and they have a connection and to let that fade would be criminal and clearly, being in one’s another presence was helpful to understanding that connection. But while there was beauty to be found, there were some bittersweet endings to be discovered here as well. Since Shonta began to understand that this might not be right for her and that something either has to change or end regarding True. And Ayonna did get out of prison and simply found herself at a crossroads, where she continued to believe that Jamahl’s love was the fix to her problems, instead of herself.

But of course, one cannot have the lovely and the middle of the road without disaster and sorrow and that was present here too. Because Rick… came to realize he did not want to be married and that he did not think this through. So, he made efforts to divorce Samantha and turned his attention to the women present in his town to try and find the connection he longs for, and we also came to learn… Andrew got played. For Candice admitted here, she texted an old love the instant she got out of jail and rekindled that and even married the guy. Which made Andrew a pawn in this, one who took back some agency by breaking the lease and repossessing the truck. 

But either way, what a devastating end to that relationship, one that already has social media in an uproar for certain. But while the fallout of Candice’s big reveal here will keep us buzzing for days, we cannot forget to celebrate one powerful episode. One that really did offer up a bevy of emotional and powerful moments that truly reflect our world and our own lives. Since so many of us have experienced our happy ending or found ourselves wondering what lie ahead and we have all been in the thick of breakup. Because whether its someone we met in person, on an app, or through a prison pen pal program, love is a universal experience that we all can relate to and that really is the lesson that this season sends our way, and it will be interesting to see what else we can learn about matters of the heart when the next chapter of this fascinating franchise, arrives. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1406 of ‘Doctor Who’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular danger that has been explored often in the world of storytelling, is the danger of losing oneself within fantasy realms, such as stories. For there are some real psychological dangers that accompany just immersing oneself in a tale that someone else created. For we begin to struggle with what is real and what is not in the world. But above all, we lose our grip on what matters most… the real world. Where there are people that love us, where we can do good and where we have responsibilities and those stories truly do hammer home the importance of finding balance in enjoying the stories that give us joy and living a life that is fulfilling and wholesome. 

If anything, getting lost in the story really is the darkest danger of all when it comes to this problem, and while it does indeed create some serious strife and some financial burdens potentially, thankfully no one is every really at risk for physical harm or worse. But in that moment, those trying to help that confused soul worry and ponder upon worst case scenarios that never come to light and are oft forgotten. Such as… what would happen if their obsession with a story became dangerous in nature? Because then we would deal with some scary scenarios and a fight to pull someone back from a strange brink and ironically… stories are where we find answers to those questions. Courtesy of shows like Doctor Who on Disney+, who dove right into this concept in ‘Rogue’.

A feat that it accomplished by having the Doctor and Ruby arrive in the 1800s, to get their own version of Bridgerton on and well, they were having a fabulous time, until… something odd caught the Doctor’s attention. In that, there was another alien present in this moment and a short while later, the Doctor came to learn that everyone was in grave danger in this out of the way mansion. For the alien that the Doctor met, was nothing more than a handsome bounty hunter, named Rogue, that had arrived here to bring down a mean and nasty shapeshifter that consumed the people it wanted to resemble. And after mistaking the Doctor for that very monster, they were able to team up and come to learn… that it was more than one shapeshifter, and they were… obsessed in an unhealthy manner.

For somehow, they had discovered our entertainment and found our world fascinating and wanted to straight up cosplay humanity and just enjoy the experience of being us. Which prompted them to jump into the lives of so many and once they were done here… they had machinations on cosplaying more powerful beings and just writing their script for the future of humanity. Which of course, brought about an epic fight to stop these monsters, and they were defeated… at the cost of Rogue’s future. All of which, took this exploration of obsession to a whole new level, where we came to learn that if one had the right resources and the wrong temperament with a story… they could do a lot of damage and harm a lot of people, and that served as a fine ‘what if?’ lesson, one that also offered up concern regarding at the modern cosplay community as well.

Since that has been quite toxic as of late, and perhaps is in its own realm of fantasy that needs grounding. But while those made for some fascinating lessons… and one entertaining tale, there was more wonder to be found in this story. After all, it was also a love story at its core. Because the Doctor and Rogue had that electric chemistry and fell in love before our eyes. Which made Rogue’s sacrifice for love, all the more powerful and moving, and it gives the Doctor something to work toward now in addition to his time with Ruby. Because that connection those two shared was deep, and undeniable and something the Doctor clearly wants more of, and it was just amazing to see the Doctor fall in love here. Since it’s something we haven’t seen for some time now.

In the end however, this was just… a delightful episode through and through. One that offered up one incredible adventure for Team TARDIS. Wherein, Ruby also got to shine since she was able to handle her own for the most part in this tale. But that aside, this one also deeply immersed itself in the spirit of fun that this show is grounded in, and the plot was indeed quite engaging and filled with the right mix of tension and laughter and well, now that this particular adventure has come to an end, it’s onto the next one. Which according to the preview… may finally answer the question as to who exactly Ruby’s mysterious neighbor is. The one that knows the TARDIS and has been appearing often in their adventures. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Four Premiere of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. To revisit the Season Three Finale, click here.
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If there is one particular question that fans of the hit STARZ series, Power Book II: Ghost, have been asking for some time now… it would have to be… what path will Tariq St. Patrick choose? For this young man has been through the wringer and truly is confused as to who and what he wants to be. Since some days, he is a loving family member that will do what must be done (honorably and dishonorably) to make sure his family is loved and nurtured. But other days, he is a ruthless drug kingpin, one that has no qualms bringing down harm upon those who do him wrong, just like his father. Which truly has put his very soul is at a crossroads as he ponders upon what comes next for him and his family with the shadow of Ghost hanging over them.

Of course, with the final season of the show upon us, there is a fair chance we will see the answer to that question come to fruition. For there were hints of that struggle present in ‘I Don’t Die Easy’, that is… after the chaos from the season three finale died down. Which took a better part of the hour to handle and rightfully so. After all, Brayden and Tariq had done some serious damage in escaping Noma’s clutches and well, that brought about some scary moments for certain. The kind that saw Cane Tejada bust into the Weston homestead and the beat the living hell out of Brayden’s brother in an effort to find out where Brayden was, and the fury from being shot at and pushed by Tariq didn’t end there.

After all, Dru and Diana wanted insurance to keep the truth out of their mother’s ears since Tariq made a promise to inform her of what was really going on in her drug empire, and that prompted them to kidnap Brayden’s sister and use her to draw out Tariq and Brayden. Who were busy early on in this story, going after Noma’s daughter, Anya. For she too would serve as leverage and hopefully stop the all-out hunt for Tariq, but that plan went to pot, as did Dru’s, leaving everyone and everything at a stalemate. One that allowed for some other poignant and powerful moments to take place in this particular tale, such as Monet’s journey here.

For she was in the midst of emergency surgery in this tale for her wounds, and while she was under, she had a fascinating brush with death, and the dead. Since Lorenzo, Mecca, and even an echo of Zeke came to visit her in that space between spaces we have heard of when people are skirting with death. Wherein she had to face her demons, face the pain she had caused others through her mistakes, and this was no easy task. Because it put her life on display and left her wondering, if she was worthy of a second chance. Which she thought she was, and she did pull through, giving her another shot at perhaps redemption, and that downtime also brought forth that unique moment of reflection from Tariq. Who really did wonder what life would be like without gunfire and drugs surrounding him. 
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A moment that really does set up the possibility that the central conflict of this season may revolve around Tariq making his choice and the difficulties that will come with choosing either life really. For bloodshed comes with a price, but so does leaving it behind. As evidenced by how Tariq brought peace around him for the time being. Since a push to get as much as cash as possible to survive, brought an assassin swarm down upon Stansfield, and brought Tariq face to face with Junior… who still wanted to finish the work the state told him he could not. Which led to a harrowing showdown where Tariq offered Noma all the evidence Junior collected, and his life in exchange for peace. Once again putting Tariq squarely in the grey where he cannot seem to escape, and his actions here, invited more trouble into his life.

For a mysterious and troubled police officer named Detective Don Carter, offered a promise to Junior’s family. In that, he would bring the person responsible for Junior’s death to bear. All of which set the stage for more incredible conflict and brought to a close, the show’s best season premiere. Because this one had it all, action, tension, the show’s trademark immersion in distrust and disdain and double crosses and some amazing acting. With Michael Rainey Jr. putting forth some of his best work here, and well, if this premiere is any indication, we are in for some epic and breathtaking storytelling in this farewell tour. The kind where no one is safe and where one way or another… Tariq St. Patrick will choose his path and seal his fate. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Outer Range’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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In a recent interview that Nerds That Geek conducted with Charles Murray, the showrunner of the acclaimed Prime Video series, Outer Range. Charles made it clear that one of the key messages present this season would be that… ‘the truth hurts’ and well… Charles is indeed a man of his word. Because as season two continues along, it really is becoming apparent just how much truth the people in Royal Abbott’s orbit have yet to learn, but absolutely need to and are absolutely going to. Because as Charles also correctly pointed out, sometimes we simply cannot avoid it and that was absolutely evident in the show’s next episode.

Because everyone had to begin to face it in ‘Everybody Hurts’ and they outright struggled with what they discovered. For instance, Autumn went on quite the search in this tale, to hopefully figure out how best to help people and find some measure of fulfillment in that. For she wanted peace, wanted healing now that she was away from the cult, and she came to learn… that particular path isn’t easy in the modern world. For we are so divided and so jaded that the mere attempt to be good is met with resistance, and she learned this from the town’s church, and her journey left her wondering what it will take to find what she wants in a world that she now knows, isn’t interested in such matters. 

Not to mention, Luke Tillerson came to learn a hard truth in this tale, one that hurt him deeply. In that, he could no longer get away with just coasting through life and doing as he pleased. For his reformed father had a new outlook on life and a new outlook on family, and if Luke didn’t take the time to abide by that, he would find himself alone and that rattled him deeply here and forced him to really reflect on the path of his life with this new truth in front of him, and he wasn’t alone in such matters. Since Rhett came to understand that family isn’t something you can escape and there are crosses to bear over that and speaking of the Abbott family, Cecilia learned the hardest truth of all.

Because she was deeply upset over the fact, that the walls came tumbling down around her in this story. After all, with Perry in the past… the family lost the farm and she came to learn that she wanted nothing more than to preserve her homelife, but that the town itself… had changed and no longer cared about tradition and a status quo. Which prompted her to also learn that sometimes… you do what must be done to preserve your family life and have what you desire, and that was why… she marched over to the Tillerson estate and had Wayne hand her the money she needed to save the farm. Provided of course, she gave him the land he so desired, and it was no easy path to get to this point. For Cecilia wrestled deeply with the truth and fought its path every step of the way. 

But alas, what’s done is done and while Royal is angry at the moment, there is little he can do. But while we wait to see what potential fallout awaits from Cecilia’s bold action, we can celebrate one epic tale. One that also made sure to explore more unique aspects of Perry’s journey into yesterday and it even featured the return of Joy. But what truly caught our attention were the lessons present here, and the fascinating responses that everyone had regarding the truth and well, all this does is leave us eager to hit play on the next episode. One, so we can see how Joy escaped the clutches of the past. But more so… to see what comes next for everyone now that they have some hard truth in hand. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘Bosch: Legacy’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one particular staple of crime dramas and mystery stories that we love and hope never goes away… it is the cat and mouse game. Because it is so engaging and fascinating to see the hero of the story and the villain go back and forth and try to figure out how to best one another. For it shows off the wonder of the hero we adore, and it also informs us just how much of a challenge the villain is going to pose, and well, this particular aspect of this genre is top of mind today… because that’s precisely what we all were able to enjoy during the next episode of Bosch: Legacy on Amazon Freevee.

For ‘I Miss Vin Scully’ saw Harry Bosch make some serious headway in the Lexi Parks case. Because he was finally coming to understand that something more had to be in play here and well, it all came back to that watch. Because it was so refined and so out of place in the Parks’ home, and that led him to an individual that informed Bosch, that Lexi had likely stumbled upon something illegal regarding this watch and just like that… the pieces involving the watch shop fell into place. But before Bosch could act and get intel there, he was brought in by the cops since they knew he was there shortly before the horrors of Ellis and Long descended upon that shop. But that moment with the police, is what kicked off the cat and mouse game present in this episode.

Because Bosch began to wonder… if he led this duo to the shop and that prompted Bosch to dig into his life and his surroundings to uncover how these two dirty cops were keeping tabs upon him. Which led to the discovery of the well-hidden tracker and that in turn motivated Bosch to learn about who he was dealing with. All to stay one step ahead and so he could begin to collect evidence that incriminated them and would help him to close the case. Which allowed for he and Mo to get their hands on a critical disc that might have some information, and it also did not hurt that a former associate of Lexi’s, dropped off a USB drive that added great context to what Lexi had discovered.

All of which gave Bosch ammo to work with, and a chance to wrap this up fast. But alas, Ellis and Long were still hovering in the background. Because they of course, did not want to be caught and well, becoming aware of the fact that Bosch was putting together the pieces, prompted them to do a few different types of counterpunches. One of which… involved Maddie. Because these two are ruthless, and eager to get information as quick as possible, while also messing with their marks. So, they dragged Maddie into a Hollywood CRU case, to bring justice about, yes, but more so… to pick her brain and hear what information Bosch had regarding them and if that wasn’t enough… they were also ready to inflict some serious pain upon Bosch.

Which gave rise to an amazing cat and mouse game episode, one that also featured some other plot surprises. Such as the whole grand jury mess, and some wraparound regarding Maddie’s mental health. But truly, it was the back and forth between hero and villains that truly kept us captivated and… began to move the case forward. Since we now know that Lexi may have been silenced in the name of keeping some illegal activities off the books. As to who else was involved and why, that will have to wait for another time, but it was nice to see that part of the case move forward and well, that lovely twist and that juicy cliffhanger, definitely leaves us hungry for more of this amazing show and the wonders it sends our way. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘American Rust: Broken Justice’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, our discussions regarding the magnificent Prime Video series, American Rust: Broken Justice, have focused heavily on the rising tension in the story and a troubling development. Specifically, how so many characters are not finding the peace they hoped to find in their new endeavors and chapters in life. For so many have been struggling and find themselves filled with questions and sorrow, instead of peace because they haven’t reconciled what’s truly eating at them or put forth a proper path to success. Which has left all of us wondering when an explosion regarding such issues will come and well, it would seem… we are closer than ever.

For the next episode of this saga, ‘Ponderosa’, saw so many reach the precipice of their problems. For instance, Grace’s belief that she was now immersed within a swanky new lifestyle of riches and innocence came crumbling down. For when her neighbors expressed concern about Landwill’s actions, she tried to get something done, only to be ignored and informed she was a pawn. Which upset her to no end. Not to mention, Lee’s attempts to be a hero and stay hidden more or less came to an end, thanks to the fact that her boss made some discoveries, all because the joy of helping others made her feel safe and protected. Not to mention, Isaac also struggled here because of his inability to set boundaries with his emotions, which is understandable since he is just now discovering who he is and what he wants.

But those… paled in comparison to the two most troubling journeys in this story. One of which involved Billy. Simply because he took his father’s advice and indulged in slow, powerful revenge. Which seemingly gave him peace and joy in his soul, but we all know… it was anything but. It was nothing more than a temporary measure to heal the pain and give him peace since revenge does little for us but poison our soul. And while we saw Billy jump about and sing on stage with his father and tell Lee how much better he felt, the question that now remains is how long that joy and that goodwill will last. For once the shine comes off of his actions, he will be faced with the reality that he has killed in cold blood and that will absolutely haunt him.

As for the other troubling journey, well that came forth via Del. Because he was scared now about who might come to harm in bringing down the Brotherhood. Especially after being told by Fisher that something big was going down, and well… he more or less fell into a deep well of fear. Wherein old ghosts and old actions haunted him to no end and left him wondering if by chance, he should even go through with this. Which of course, he decided to do so, but that didn’t stop the FBI from applying pressure in the matter. But it was fascinating to see Del in this state and frame of mind and see him collapsing over the reality that doing this level of good comes with a cost, one that may be as bad as he fears.

For the end of this tale… saw he and Angela walking into one ugly trap. One that has us wondering how the Brotherhood figured out they were under fire and of course, if Del and Angela will be okay. But while we wait to see, we can applaud one juicy and engaging story. One that methodically put our characters on the precipice of disaster in a manner that was quite realistic in nature. Because we don’t just fall off of a proverbial cliff when darkness descends. We have to walk up the that hill and take a step into the abyss and that’s what we saw here and that added to the brilliant realism that this series resides within, and now that we’ve reached the beginning of the end for these new chapters in everyone’s lives… it is time to hit play on the next episode and see what lies ahead. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘We Are Lady Parts’. To revisit the Season Two Premiere, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that season two of the hit Peacock series, We Are Lady Parts, is going to focus on quite the unique theme. In that, we are going to learn a great deal about the struggles that creative minds go through as they navigate the early days of their respective careers. Because the creative life is a tough life, one that has minimal security and minimal guarantee, and it can surprise and shock in ways none of us of remotely know. Giving rise to a unique exploration for audiences… one that will hopefully help them understand why the creative mind fights to keep going, regardless of struggles that would make others quit and wow… did the struggles come fast and furious in the show’s next episode.

Because ‘Malala Made Me Do It’ saw Lady Parts… lose their rehearsal space. Because Saira ignored a bevy of eviction warnings, out of the belief that they were related to some kind of bluff. But alas, they were legit warnings, and the landlords were indeed moving to kick people out and well, creatives are creatures of habit that rely on familiarity to create and having that removed put Saira in a dark place and left the band struggling. Because they felt lost without a safe, creative space to call their own, and that had quite the impact on the band in their everyday lives. Because some everyday tasks became mundane and painful and hard to sort, and that put the band on the hunt for a new place to rehearse and write… and that was no easy task.

For nothing felt or worked right and to compound matters further, Second Wife was still nipping at their success, and they were doing so in an impactful manner. For they had money to burn via sponsorships and that too, added to the stress of the current situation. Because with a little bread this band could likely rent some space and start the album and connect, and well that need for money prompted Taz to sign Second Wife to her label. Which of course brought up more fight and ire and left this group wondering what they needed to do to find that vibe again and reconnect and thankfully, an offer to let them use a summer home allowed for that happen and gave everyone clarity as to what needed to happen next for the band.

In that, they just needed to play. To rediscover and reconnect and while that started off a little rough, it did not take long for these powerful creatives to find their voice and find their love of the music they cherished and wanted to share with the masses. Which put the band back in a good place mentally and allowed for Taz and Saira to have a hard but frank talk. In that, there could be no more charity for this band, if they wanted to really soar, they needed to take in some money and apply it to all the right places. Which brought about compromise and a shot at some cash. Because Saira agreed but didn’t want to just take quick payouts and look like sellouts. So instead, she opted to lean into some paid gigs for the group, starting with a wedding.

All of which… served as the perfect exploration of how tough those early days can be for a budding creative. Because Lady Parts simply went through it here, and lost things that would prompt so many other bands to just throw up their arms and say enough. But those that are hungry enough and want it bad enough, will do what happened here, and pivot and fight and figure out way forward and that made for a fascinating tale. One that explored how successful bands handle adversity, while offering up the usual laughs and poignant moments this show is known for along the way and it… deserves a hearty round of applause. For showing us a side of the creative process that we don’t talk about much and for giving us compelling moments that have us rooting for Lady Parts to find the success they seek and deserve. Until next time.