Please enjoy this sneak peek of the season finale of Love During Lockup, which will air tomorrow, June 7, 2024, on WE tv!
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Written by John Edward Betancourt![]()
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
When the world is embroiled in conflict against evil, it is easy for the general public to gauge how much longer evil will survive. For news reports will speak to what’s happening and showcase the failures of the bad guys. Giving the world hope, and understanding that soon conflict will end, and this is most certainly true of how things went in World War II. Since the news informed and educated folks about the success of Operation: Overlord, commonly known as D-Day, alongside reporting how the German War Machine was faltering as the Allies gained ground. But what we rarely hear or think about in such moments… are the people in the midst of the madness. Do they know they will soon be free? And if not, how then do they gauge whether or not evil is near collapse? Well as it turns out, the next episode of The Tattooist of Auschwitz takes the time to explore the answers to those questions. For this next chapter in the story, took place during the summer and winter of 1944, wherein the Allies invaded Fortress Europe, and began their trek toward Berlin and showed incredible force at the Battle of the Bulge. But the folks inside Auschwitz, knew nothing of this. They merely went about their horrible day and placed hope in the possibility that some escaped prisoners would speak to the world and tell them of the horrors happening within the walls of Auschwitz. For… there was no news coming in, and that was all they could cling to. But they did get a sense that the end was nigh for the Third Reich while the assault on the Nazis continued far away. Because when evil begins to crumble, begins to falter, it gives off its own stench of weakness. One that motivates people to challenge it, and that certainly happened here. Since Lali was able to help one of the escapees, who sadly was brought back, by hiding their original tattoo so there would be no punishment for escaping. Something that should have been caught, but worry was the order of the day in Auschwitz for the Nazi scum in charge. In fact, there was so much worry about the Allied advance that Gita and the other women were able to protect a life. For one of the women in their complex was pregnant and eight months along. But through kindness and care, and even the sacrifice of a life, that baby made it and gave everyone hope for a better tomorrow. All of which were stunning challenges to the system, and successful because truly, things were falling to pieces high up. But while that makes it seem as though Lali and Gita’s stories were going to end in a beautiful manner, with the Reich collapsing around them, history informs us that was not the case. For the Nazis knew they were losing ground, and they resorted to desperate measures to maintain control and harbor leverage. Which meant moving prisoners into the interior of the country in the hopes of using them in that manner. That brought about a farewell to Auschwitz for Lali and Gita, and likely a farewell series wise for Stefan. Since Lali left him behind during his exit in a distressed state. For Stefan was filled with fear because he was cognizant of the horrors of his own actions. But what mattered more in this segment, is that Lali and Gita never finished their marches, for they each escaped into the world, leaving us to wonder what came next for them since Gita just keep going into the woods and Lali, made tense friends with the Russian Army. All of which made for another fascinating episode from this series. Since this story didn’t end as so many in this vein do. For there was no liberation and poignant reflection. Just more tough days, and more lack of knowledge, and a fight ahead, and outright realism. For this undoubtedly was how so many prisoners in these death camps experienced the final days of the Reich, and it was wonderful to learn that resistance was at an all-time high and that those who showed a measure of humanity received no agency or forgiveness. For their crimes and complacency far outweighed one shred of kindness, and well… now that Lali and Gita are out into the world at last, it will be interesting to see what they experienced in the final days of the Third Reich… and how they finally came together to be husband and wife. Until next time. Watch ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’
Written by John Edward Betancourt![]()
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 404 of ‘Trying’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
There was a time in the world of television, where big decisions and discoveries that characters made, were more or less forgotten quickly. For few shows abided by the serialized storytelling mantra and used those big decisions to just pack a punch and surprise audiences in that moment before writing that decision or discovery away. And while that did indeed keep audiences buzzing and boosted some ratings, the savvy viewers out there felt a measure of disappointment. Because they wanted to see what that decision would lead to, and that demand eventually pushed shows to adopt a serialized approach that explored what comes next from such big moments, and that’s brought forth far more enriching stories, as evidenced by this week’s episode of Trying on Apple TV+. For ‘Road Trip’ was a story that explored what comes next for three key decisions and discoveries made by some of the characters this season. Such as how Jason made quite the decision to finally have Tyler fit in. Because Tyler’s inability to get some play time in soccer bothered him to no end, and he just wanted his son to feel cool and special, so he was inspired to bring forth… a team of Tylers. Other foster kids that had attachment issues and were oft forgotten in sports a la Tyler. And while their play on the field was a disaster, what Jason wanted to accomplish for his son, he accomplished for all and this was just a beautiful thread regarding what parents can do to make their kids feel special when they put their minds to it, and how fulfilling that can be. All because Jason discovered he wanted more for his boy. Plus, this is a story that followed up on Scott’s big decision to cross the Atlantic via a rowboat. For an old friend returned to see how ready he was and well, Scott came to learn… he really had not given this idea the amount of thought and preparation it really required. For he discovered here that this was going to require an ungodly amount of training. The kind that would require some hard physical transformation and some rigorous learning. Since Scott explained he did not know how to swim and truly, his skills in a boat weren’t that great. But Scott’s heart was in the right place and all the advice he received here, he took seriously since he got himself into the pool to swim and started eating right and training right. Giving rise to the reality that what comes next for Scott… is hard work and newfound discipline. But while those were lovely follow ups and moments of growth from big decisions and discoveries the true centerpiece of this story revolved around Princess. Because she teamed up with Karen to take a trip to Bristol and potentially meet her mother. Which of course, ran into some issue since Nikki had some free time that day and came along, which put Princess in a tough spot. Wherein she could be honest about searching for her biological mother or just make an attempt to meet her period, and well, she chose the latter and tasted disappointment. For Kat left home ages ago and left behind more than just Princess… but also a lover, and well… this was powerful and logical follow up to Princess’ journey. One that spoke to how little Kat paid others mind and why perhaps she was better off not knowing her. In the end, this was just… a wonderful episode. One that truly did a great job of embracing serialized storytelling to give us a fulfilling tale. One where Jason found incredible fulfillment through helping his son and others, where Scott finally understood the gravity of his decision and what it will take to accomplish his goal and Princess… learned a lot about her mother and a hard lesson about people and family and how we don’t always get resolution. Which served to remind us… how this story is deeply grounded in the wonder and the folly of life, and its many hard truths and well, all this does is leave us eager for more of this reflective and innovative series, and all the lessons and wonderful moments it sends our way. Until next time. Watch ‘Trying’
Written by John Edward Betancourt![]()
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘The Acolyte’.
If there is one particular name that is perhaps synonymous with the Star Wars Universe, it would have to be… Skywalker. For Anakin, Luke, and Leia have been the core fabric of this Universe since its inception, and their decisions for better or for worse have managed to shape the course of a galaxy, far, far away for generations. Plus, they are so engrained in the fabric of that galaxy’s history, that every single visual story we’ve enjoyed relates to them somehow. For the Clone Wars relates to Anakin, Solo takes place in the midst of Vader/Anakin and the Emperor’s rule, and of course… the sequel saga revolves around the aftermath of Luke’s heroics at the Battle of Endor and the legacy of the name Skywalker and what it inspires through Leia and Rey’s journeys. If anything, it’s not a bad thing that this name has hung heavy over the franchise, since it has given rise to incredible adventures and powerful moments that are now generational in nature. Not to mention, it speaks deeply to the impact that one person, or a handful of people can make upon the world when they truly apply themselves, but this aspect of the saga has left fans wondering… if there will come a day when the visual SWU steps away from any Skywalker influenced storytelling. To truly dive into this universe a la the old school SWEU, just to see what other stories can be told and well… the answer to that question is indeed a resounding yes, as evidenced by the first tale in this saga free from the influence of the Skywalker family. For The Acolyte on Disney+, happens to be a show that is set, 100 years before Anakin Skywalker turned to the Dark Side of the Force, giving rise to a story that is unlike anything we’ve ever seen in this universe. For ‘Lost/Found’ and ‘Revenge/Justice’ introduce us to a galaxy that is filled with peace and light. Where the Jedi are everywhere, and few have any concerns about their role as peacekeepers in the galaxy. Which in turn allows for this show… to offer up a different feel and a different vibe, one that is wondrous and charming. But while it is indeed magnificent to enjoy a galaxy free from the worry we find a century later, Star Wars thrives on conflict and it is present here, courtesy of a reminder that a thirst for revenge and darkness was still present in this era. ![]()
Granted, such matters may not be grounded in thoughts of domination and infinite power, but they are present here, and they are instead grounded in the notion of revenge. For this story introduces us to Mae, a woman that is Force sensitive and trained in some measure of the Jedi and Sith arts and she wants nothing more than to make a handful of Jedi pay for crimes that involve her youth. A troubled one, that saw her separated from her sister, Osha, after Mae harmed her family and well, in these opening chapters she is quite successful in bringing down two of the Jedi that are her targets, which gives rise to an epic chase across the galaxy to save the rest and uncover the mysterious Sith-like figure who trained her and seemingly has eyes on causing disruption in the peace the galaxy now enjoys.
Which brings forth an amazing and engaging story. One that showcases how well stories in other corners and time periods in the galaxy can and will work without the Skywalker name attached to the core of the story. For you are simply on the edge of your seat during this two-episode premiere. Courtesy of visuals that absolutely enthrall you and well, that story, is refreshing and original. Since it allows for an intimate and curious conflict to come forth in a galaxy that is bustling and infinite in nature, and it is one that we can connect with since it harbors elements that are surprisingly timely through and through. Such as family divides and unrest amongst the people since clearly, not everyone in this galaxy is eager to see the status quo continue. Not to mention, it is filled to the brim with quality writing through and through. The kind that makes some shockingly bold decisions from the very beginning of the story and manages to build a grand mystery for the Jedi to solve, and it of course… is filled to the brim with amazing acting. For every single actor here truly brings their A-game to the table and uses their wondrous skill sets to help us quickly understand who these characters are, and what they stand for and well, all of these elements bring about… one of the finest Star Wars stories to ever hit the airwaves. For it truly takes us into bold new territory and captures us in the process, and it will be interesting to see how this incredible new chapter in the saga plays out, as the mystery surrounding this particular evil in the galaxy unfolds. Until next time. Watch ‘The Acolyte’
Please enjoy this Sneak Peek and Synopsis from Episode 404 of ‘Trying’, which airs on Apple TV+, tomorrow! Episode 404: Road Trip On a mission to help Tyler fit in, Jason starts a junior soccer team. Nikki, Karen, and Princess travel to Brighton—and one of them has a secret. Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek and synopsis of tomorrow’s new episode of Acapulco, which will debut on Apple TV+, tomorrow! Episode 307: Video Killed the Radio Star Memo and Maximo have a conflict over Memo’s sister. Sara, Esteban, and Nora head to the big debate competition. ABOUT “ACAPULCO” S3 In season three of “Acapulco,” the hit bilingual Apple Original comedy series starring and executive produced by Emmy and SAG-Award winner Eugenio Derbez, it’s time to reconcile past mistakes and exciting new beginnings. In the present story, older Máximo (Derbez) finds himself returning to a Las Colinas he no longer recognizes. While in 1985, younger Máximo (Enrique Arrizon) continues his climb up the ladder of success while potentially jeopardizing all the relationships he’s worked so hard to build. In addition to Derbez and Arrizon, the returning “Acapulco” ensemble cast includes Fernando Carsa, Damián Alcázar, Camila Perez, Chord Overstreet, Vanessa Bauche, Regina Reynoso,Raphael Alejandro, Jessica Collins, Rafael Cebrián, Regina Orozco and Carlos Corona, with recurring guest stars Jaime Camil (“Schmigadoon”) and Cristo Fernandez (“Ted Lasso”). Hailing from Lionsgate Television, “Acapulco” is inspired by 3Pas Studios and Pantelion Films’ box office hit “How to Be A Latin Lover,” and is produced for Apple by Lionsgate Television, 3Pas Studios, Zihuatanejo Productions and The Tannenbaum Company. In addition to starring in the series, Derbez serves as executive producer alongside Ben Odell. The series is created by Austin Winsberg, Eduardo Cisneros and Jason Shuman. Winsberg also executive produces with Sam Laybourne who serves as showrunner and executive producer. Kim and Eric Tannenbaum as well as Jaime Eliezer Karas executive produce along with Jason Wang on behalf of The Tannenbaum Company and Paul Presburger. Written by John Edward Betancourt![]()
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 305 of ‘Harry Wild’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
If there is one particular word that we can perfectly associate with the third season of the hit Acorn TV series, Harry Wild, it would have to be… reinvention. Not in the respect that the show has somehow undergone incredible changes, but such a word more so relates to what the show is doing with its stories. Because it really is taking old tropes and clichés found in crime stories and flipping them on their head. Since we’ve been privy to unique stories about revenge and crimes of passion that do not resemble anything, we’ve ever seen in the genre, courtesy of the twists and turns present and well, season three will not be letting up with this anytime soon. As evidenced by the next episode in this saga. For ‘Cleanliness Is Next to Deadliness’ injected some fascinating new twists into the age-old, murder for greed trope by having quite the unfortunate surprise fall into the lap of one of Harry’s friends. In that, Evelyn’s husband was dead, murdered on his own family property no less and well, a quick look into his life revealed that he was something of a degenerate gambler. Which likely meant, that old debts caught up to him and someone had to whack him to feel whole again, monetarily. Which of course, led Harry and Fergus, who were asked to solve the case, to every loan shark and dealer in town, in the hopes of finding something to lead to the truth, but alas, while these loan sharks were scuzzy, they weren’t murderers. Which left this duo besides themselves, because a case like this should have clues, but there were none to be found. In fact, even when they followed the money, there was nothing to indicate a real motive to bring this poor man down. But eventually this duo came to learn that the one’s we least suspect are the ones who sometimes are responsible for a crime and well, they never thought to look at Evelyn’s best friend. Because who would suspect the best friend? The one who… also had a gambling problem, knew the deceased and knew that Evelyn had money locked away and desperately wanted it to be rich at last. Which finally brought the truth to light, and finally brought justice to bear. All courtesy of a beautiful flipping of the script. Because stories such as these usually involve the exact suspect list the heroes went through here. People that have a bone to pick with the gambler and will do what they must to collect and stay out of the spotlight, or jilted lovers and spouses that finally have enough and lay down a trail of deceit to stay out of jail. So, to simply see a bigger fish in the pond go after one of its own, was a nice touch. One that really did reinvent this trope nicely and what’s amazing, is that this story had so much more to offer us than just a complex case involving a greedy monster in plain sight. For there was once again, character growth here. Since Harry toyed with love again, with Harry no less. A real, When Harry Met Harry moment, if you will. Plus, we saw Fergus struggle with the realities of being a teen and being a breadwinner, and how that stress can impact emotional maturity since he and Lola are not in the best of places and well, all of this gave rise, to another amazing episode from this series. Because it was captivating, refreshing, and outright kept us guessing, and featured some amazing moments and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this case, we must prepare for one last hurrah. For the season three finale awaits, and it will be interesting to see how this season of reinvention wraps up. Until next time. Watch ‘Harry Wild’
Written by John Edward Betancourt ![]() Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Race to Survive’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. One particular hope we all harbor when we are thrust into an unfamiliar situation in life, is that we will quickly learn what we need to, in order to handle that situation. Because no one likes feeling uncomfortable, and no one likes feeling as though they’re out of control, and quickly adapting helps to shake those feelings and it gives us great confidence. For then we feel as though we’ve got it, and that we can do anything and well, that’s relevant to our discussion today because that was more or less the hope that hung over the next episode of Race to Survive: New Zealand on USA Network. Simply because, Survival Camp allowed for everyone to reflect and learn in ‘Grit Trumps Calories’, and that put that hope into their hearts. Because these remaining eight teams were able to understand that while they had accomplished wonders they were at a loss regarding how best to handle the terrain and their circumstances. So, they used their downtime to figure out how to adapt and strategize, and that brought about, a bold search for food and attempts to trade because people were indeed adapting to the game and hoping to take advantage of every opportunity presented to them, and they of course… were all eager and ready to get back to work once the next leg of the competition got underway. Because everyone truly felt they were getting a handle on the competition and the terrain and were figuring out strategies and paths to success and well, that’s when New Zealand offered up a valuable follow up lesson. In that, just because we want and hope to adapt quickly and become the master of a new domain, doesn’t mean that we will. Because sometimes… little surprises and mistakes will set us back in our quest and frustrate us to no end. Something that Paulina and Creighton learned quickly. Because their overconfidence and desire to be seen as leaders… put them on a tough road here. One where they overshot a critical goal with Ashley and Randi at their side, and that mistake proved costly since they handed Nikola and Kennedy a lead, and speaking of them, they quickly came to learn that trying to just will their way through this was not going to work, and they had to have food going forward. All of which spoke to how hard this competition is going to be, and how hard it is to adapt and master something this grand and sweeping. Especially when it comes to the unexpected. Because you simply never know what will happen in the wild, and that was a hard lesson that Mikhail and Steffen learned in this story. Because despite going ten whole days without food and pacing themselves to get to the food cache in this tale, a simple injury prompted them to make a powerful decision. In that, they opted to put their health first and tap out of the competition, putting a tough end to a dream, but this was a brave decision none the less. Since so many will sacrifice their health when it is something we need to cherish, as they did here. But that was a fine example how a hard situation we know little of, can push us to our breaking point and what’s wild… is that this duo might not be the only ones going home. Which means those in the back end of the competition, who are struggling to adapt as quickly as they might like, might be in trouble. While others… are chugging along and barreling toward the end, but while we wait to see what the next leg of this journey looks like, we can celebrate another intense chapter in this journey. One that really did inform us that sometimes we are at the whim of the situation and likely, need to think differently to adapt instead of forcing a square peg into a round hole, and hopefully that lesson sinks in soon. Because clearly, the competition is only going to get more difficult from here on out, and it will be interesting to see who figures out how to roll with the punches that New Zealand sends their way as this incredible journey continues along. Until next time. Written by John Edward Betancourt![]()
Truly, one of the most anticipated shows of the summer season, is Snowpiercer on AMC. Simply because… this is a story that has resonated with audiences’ courtesy of its amazing commentary on the modern world, told through the lens of a global climate disaster. Allowing for this show to intelligently touch upon class warfare, politics, you name it. And all of this is delivered to us through amazing performances and amazing writing and well… knowing that more awaits on the horizon has folks excited as does the significance of those upcoming stories.
For this is the final season of the show, and that means… we get to see how this saga ends and enjoy more commentary about our world along the way, and that really has added to the excitement, the kind that AMC Networks has taken notice of, as evidenced by today’s gift. For earlier, AMC released an epic teaser and some updated details regarding season four of this dynamic show, which we will share with you now. To satisfy your curiosity, and to help you properly count down to the farewell episodes of this refreshing and magnificent show. ‘AMC Networks released the first teaser trailer for the fourth and final season of Snowpiercer, premiering Sunday, July 21 at 9pm ET/PT exclusively on AMC and AMC+. The first two seasons of the Tomorrow Studios produced thriller are now available to stream exclusively on AMC+, with Season 3 debuting on the service Saturday, June 8. Set more than seven years after the world has become a frozen wasteland, Snowpiercer centers on the remnants of humanity who inhabit a perpetually moving train, with 1001 cars, that circles the globe. Class warfare, social injustice and the politics of survival play out in this riveting television adaptation based on the graphic novel series by Jacques Lob and Jean-Marc Rochette, and the film from Oscar®-winner Bong Joon Ho (Parasite). The action-packed finale of Season 3 left a split with Melanie Cavill (Jennifer Connelly) leading the Eternal Engine and those passengers who chose to stay aboard Snowpiercer for relative safety, and Andre Layton (Daveed Diggs) leading the others on Big Alice choosing to adventure to the unknown, outside world of New Eden. Snowpiercer stars Oscar® winner Jennifer Connelly, GRAMMY® and Tony® Award-winner Daveed Diggs, Sean Bean, Rowan Blanchard, Emmy® nominee Alison Wright, Mickey Sumner, Iddo Goldberg, Katie McGuinness, Tony® Award-winner and GRAMMY® nominee Lena Hall, Sam Otto, Chelsea Harris, Mike O’Malley, Roberto Urbina and Sheila Vand. Previously announced new cast members for Season 4 include Clark Gregg (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., The Avengers, Thor) and Tony® Award-winner Michael Aronov (The Drop, The Americans, Operation Finale). Snowpiercer Season 4 is executive produced by Paul Zbyszewski (Lost, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Helstrom), Christoph Schrewe; Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements and Alissa Bachner through Tomorrow Studios; Matthew O’Connor, Ben Rosenblatt and Scott Derrickson, along with the original film’s producers Bong Joon Ho, Miky Lee, Jinnie Choi, Park Chan-wook, Lee Tae-hun and Dooho Choi. The show is produced by Tomorrow Studios (an ITV Studios partner) along with CJ Entertainment. ITV Studios distributes Snowpiercer internationally.’ Written by John Edward Betancourt![]()
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Three Premiere of ‘The Outlaws’. To revisit the Season Two Finale, click here.
Truly, one of the most refreshing and original shows to hit the airwaves in recent years, has been The Outlaws on Prime Video. Simply because this series, offers up a plot unlike any other. Wherein we the audience are able to see how everyday folks handle being caught for criminal acts, for that really has not been explored in the world of storytelling, in this manner, to date, and that’s brought about… amazing plotlines, incredible laughs and grand stakes for these Outlaws. The kind that saw them come together to bring down a drug kingpin to escape their own deep entry into the criminal world, and for their incredible efforts, season two ended on a high note. One that made it seem as though the Outlaws were indeed free, and that this story had come to its close. But the fact of the matter is, this series is so refreshing and so much fun, that that was not the appropriate place to end the story. We needed more, we needed to see this group together again so they could work their special brand of collective magic, and it just so happens… the powers that be agreed and commissioned a third season. One that debuted on Prime Video over the weekend and wasted little time in informing us… that the Outlaws were on the precipice of a fresh start. For a few of them still had a few more hours to burn off to complete their community service sentence, and when we caught up with them here, they were indeed continuing their work alongside Diane, while working to just live their lives and enter those new chapters. Which for Myrna, involved getting back into activism and possibly falling in love with an old beau. For John, that meant stepping into new business ventures to put food on the table, and for Gregory, that meant growing his practice and growing his love… while dealing with quite the free spirit roommate in Gabby, the only member of the gang who completed her service. And of course, Ben, was doing his best to rebuild his life, through his business and through the new relationship he was starting. And even the police were making efforts to move on with the Dean behind bars and that truly made it seem as though season three of this show was going to be about how people come back from making mistakes. But alas, that just wasn’t the case. After all, there was one other member of the Outlaws not present, since Rani faded into the world after the season two finale, since she was eager to just live life without rules surrounding her and well… it turned out that her decision to do so, backfired horribly. Because it put her in a tough place. One where she came to learn that the Dean knew how he went to jail and was ready to strike back and that somehow led to Rani being in possession of a dead body, and well, all those revelations meant… she needed the help of her friends. Which brought her back into the fold and back into their lives, for better or worse… mostly worse. For now, the Outlaws must contend with being accessories once again and of course… the Dean looms large once more. All of which made for a magnificent season premiere. One that kept in line with what this show stands for, which is delightful and original storytelling. The kind grounded in surprise and quality character moments and that made for a delightful watch that deserves a round of applause. For taking the time to explore those early days of what comes next for the Outlaws, since we don’t talk about those baby steps as one forges their new life post mistakes, and for finding a masterful way to bring Rani and the Dean back into the fold, and for setting the stage for possible redemption for Rani. Since she is the only member of the group without it, and that… compels us to continue the journey. To see what amazing moments of growth, await us as season three of magnificent series rolls along. Until next time. Watch ‘The Outlaws’
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