Whenever a fan falls in love with a brand-new television series, one that receives a new season renewal after its freshman year has come to an end, there is a sense of worry that settles in before season two begins. Because time and time again, fans have seen wonderful new shows go through quite the sophomore slump. One where the quality of the writing and the wonder of the story goes to the wayside, only to be replaced by characters and concepts that just don’t quite seem to fit in, and all the fans wanted… was what they enjoyed in season one. But while that happens all too often and sometimes helps to lead to the demise of a particularly unique show, now and again… there are shows that manage to buck the sophomore slump and provide their fans with something quite special and it is wonderful to inform you, that Ted Lasso is a series that falls into that particular category.
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For we here at Nerds That Geek were able to obtain a solid look at the vast majority of season two of this beloved series and well, we’d like to take a moment today and explain exactly what is going to make season two so worth your while, without spoilers, of course. Perhaps the best place to start with that, is to inform you… that year two of Ted’s time with AFC Richmond is supremely ambitious storytelling wise. Because this year’s adventures are eager to explore some incredibly intimate notions, the kind that go to places that no sports show ever has, quite frankly. And to enhance that further, this season’s episodes are also going to take the time to tackle some real-world issues that once again, the vast majority of sports shows seem eager to avoid and that makes for some cerebral episodes for certain. The kind that outright give the viewer great pause.

But while that alone would make the second season of this series impressive, there are more wonders to be found in this year’s adventures. Because this is a season of storytelling that is grounded in character growth. For everyone at AFC Richmond goes on some powerful journeys in year two, the kind that sees them reflect upon their voyage thus far and where they want to go in life, and they even ponder upon their past and how it has brought them to where they are today. Which in turn, leads to more meaningful moments, the kind that tug at our heart strings and bring us to tears because of how realistic and relatable these moments are. Which is something that adds gravity and depth to a series that was already brilliant, and those two grand elements are going to draw you in and leave you hungry for more.

However, while it is wonderful to know that season two of this series is bold and dynamic and bigger and better than year one, there is likely still one concern on everyone’s mind when it comes to this series. In that, is season two as funny and earnest and outright pure as season one and the good news, is that it absolutely is. Because Ted is still Ted and full of his delightful puns and endless optimism in the face of adversity and Roy Kent is still the same love-able gruff, he’s always been and Rebecca is still the flawed and wonderful owner that Richmond deserves and the rest of the characters are still equally as pure as they were a year ago and of course, the laughs still arrive in a fast and furious fashion. But most important of all, this series about life continues to teach us powerful lessons about the human condition and what chasing after our dreams means and does for us. 

Which means that season two of Ted Lasso is the breath of fresh air we’ve been waiting for in 2021. Because Ted’s journey in this new year of storytelling serves to remind us to never quit looking on the bright side of life, regardless of the odds and regardless of the situation. Because to do otherwise would mean that the chaos wins and that’s just a powerful and wonderful message to inject into a sports series about an average guy coaching a sport he barely understands, but it really is the message we need right now. Since it inspires us to focus on what’s pure and what genuinely drives us and the good news, is that we don’t have to wait all that much longer to believe in more, once again. For season two of Ted Lasso makes its debut on AppleTV+ this Friday, July 23rd, 2021, and we here at Nerds That Geek cannot wait for year two to get underway so we can geek out and break down, every last minute of Ted’s inspiring and moving adventures.    

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘The Real Manhunter’.
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One common misconception when it comes to police work, is that there are such things as open and shut cases. Where it is so obvious what happened when law enforcement walks through the door, that the detectives on the case can quickly put together a report and move onto the next case no problem. But in reality, every case has a great deal of facts that need to be revealed, regardless of how obvious it seems, simply because when it seems too perfect and too easy, there’s a chance something darker could be waiting in the wings. So, it is best that due diligence takes place, and the facts are brought into the light, regardless of how ugly and sorrowful they might be, and this is of importance today, simply because this kind of case and investigation is featured in the next episode of The Real Manhunter on Acorn TV.

For ‘The Murder of Clare Bernal’ is a case that brought Colin Sutton and his team to an unlikely place for a murder/suicide case. For young Clare Bernal was shot and killed at an upscale store in London known as Harvey Nichols, by a man named Michael Pech and well… having someone die in such an odd place immediately had Colin and his squad wondering… if by chance this was indeed a crime that had far more depth than it seemed. Because if Michael was this disturbed and this desperate to harm one person, he easily could have harmed others. Which in turn led the team to investigate the status of Clare’s roommates and thankfully, it appeared that no one else was harmed by Michael. But even still, the police needed to know what led to this and that brought about some unfortunate facts. 

Because it didn’t take long for the police to learn that Clare and Michael worked together at Harvey Nichols, in fact that is how they met. And the bubbly Clare, once gave Michael a chance romantically. But his poor behavior and incompatibility with Clare motivated her to break it off with him… with disastrous results. For Michael quickly became obsessed with her and what they briefly had and that motivated him to try and reconcile with her and make her see that he was worthy of her attention. But Clare was done with this and since he wouldn’t take no for an answer, she got her superiors involved and even that had little impact on Michael’s ‘love’ for her. Which in turn led to Pech’s dismissal from the store and that’s when things became far more dangerous for Clare. Because he would, of course, wait for her after her shift ended and follow her home and that left Clare with little recourse but to get the police involved.

Which should have been the end of the matter, since she was able to easily prove what kind of a threat Michael was to her and that he was absolutely making her uncomfortable and scared on a regular basis. But alas, the system failed Clare. Because despite being incarcerated for his actions, Pech was quickly back on the streets post haste and once the gravity of his situation sunk in, he made the decision that if he couldn’t have Clare… no one could, and that led to the sorrowful night in question. But while Clare Bernal’s end is sorrowful and tragic for certain, this is a case that led to some reforms in the United Kingdom. Because Michael’s actions and the failure of the system, exposed a need for laws and programs that could prevent this kind of thing from ever happening again and that’s precisely what Clare’s mother worked to make happen and believe it or not, she was successful in her endeavors.

Because the story of her daughter, brought about laws that protect victims of stalking. In fact, such crimes can put a person in jail in the U.K. for years on end, ensuring that the victim has a sense of justice and safety when someone crosses that line. But it is unfortunate that it took the end of a life to bring about those kinds of reforms, but it is wonderful that good did come out of this situation and clearly, the thorough investigation of Colin’s team undoubtedly helped with this as well. For they were truly able to paint a complete and harrowing picture of what led to Clare’s untimely end and that definitely speaks to the value of quality police work and the need to investigate the details of every crime, regardless of how obvious it is what happened, in one unfortunate moment. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Blindspotting’.
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Whenever families experience hardships and strife, it falls upon the head of the household to get everyone through the tough times that are ahead. Because the top dog knows what’s best and knows how to keep their family going through and through and while that is a noble act that we celebrate in our modern society, we simply don’t acknowledge enough how difficult that burden is for the captain of the good ship family. Simply because they aren’t allowed to express emotion when bad times arrive, they simply must stay strong and get everyone to forge ahead and worry about their feelings later and that’s not healthy in the slightest. But thankfully as modern society begins to examine our emotions and the impact of traumatic situations on the people who are everyone’s rock, we’re starting to discuss the difficulties that come with that role, and we’re pondering upon how to help the head of the household in their struggles, in our everyday lives and in popular culture.
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In fact, the next episode of Blindspotting takes the time to put the struggle that comes with being the hero of the family front and center, and that made ‘Beaches Be Trippin’’ one fulfilling and powerful episode, one that finally saw Ashley crack under the pressure of being the new head of the household. Because with Miles in prison, the future and the direction and emotional well-being of their family fell to her and despite being able to keep a strong veneer up regarding that burden, cracks were starting to form. Because she was quickly under pressure in this tale, specifically to bring Sean by San Quentin to see his father behind bars and well… that was something Ashley simply wasn’t ready to do. For she couldn’t bear the thought of exposing Sean to this unfortunate truth because she thought it would bring about a great deal of emotional consequences.

Instead, she simply opted to keep the secret rolling and she actually took the time to avoid visitation with Miles in order to not take any flak from him over keeping his status a secret to Sean, all in the hopes of getting a moment of peace to sort her thoughts out. But sadly, her plan didn’t work in the slightest. For her emotions and frustrations were beginning to bubble over and that motivated Janelle to invite her and Trish along to a ‘mind clearing’ session. One that involved a trip to the beach and a heavy dose of mind-altering drugs in the hopes that everyone might gain a little focus on what comes next in their life. A move that offered up… mixed results. Because before the shroom trip began, everyone got woefully sick because of the mix of drugs used to make this trip happen and even then, the voyage into colors didn’t exactly unlock anything they already knew.

But in the end, Ashley and her friends did find some clarity and peace, but not because of the drugs. No instead, they got what they needed because they were able to open up before getting high and doing so allowed for them to purge a lot of the negative emotions in their hearts and it helped to purge their worries, giving them focus and well, perhaps that is the answer for folks that are carrying quite the burden. Since getting it out into the open allows for a person to see their problems objectively and make a decision as to how they should proceed with their conundrum next. But while it was fascinating to get a unique perspective on something we don’t discuss enough in our modern world, it was also nice to see this segment harken back to a core theme present within this story. In that, this is just another fine example of how excessive and unnecessary incarceration in our country, can have a lasting impact on families in ways we never thought possible.
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In fact, the show used a secondary storyline in this episode to expand further upon the difficulties that come with incarceration in America. Because Earl had quite the opportunity come his way. For James found him a job opportunity at the docks and all he had to do earn the gig was show up and do decent in the interview and of course, be home by five so his ankle monitor didn’t cause him any trouble and of course… nothing went as planned. In fact, Earl had to wait so long for an interview, he eventually had to bolt out of there and run home in a desperate attempt to make it back by five and while he did get the job, the message inherent was clear. In that, folks that are trying to re-integrate into society after serving a sentence have a difficult path ahead, and they aren’t treated as though they’ve done their time and well… perhaps the time has come to change that. So, ex-cons can finally have a shot at proper redemption.

If anything, this was just another brilliant chapter in this already brilliant series. Because once again, we were privy to commentary that no show is offering up right now. Since this reviewer is hard pressed to think of another series that presents the complications of the prison system like this one, and of course, you cannot go wrong with a story that examines the difficulties that come with being upon an emotional island during a time of strife, since that too is taboo and well, now that this chapter in ‘the ordeal’ has come to a close… it should be interesting to see what comes next. For Earl is going to have to give it his all to continue to prove that he’s ‘reformed’, and this job is going to be no easy task, and of course… Ashley has quite the decision to make. Because she genuinely cannot keep the truth from Sean forever and the time might be right to finally reveal to her baby boy that her father is in a tough place, provided of course… she can find the strength to do so. Until next time.  

​It’s Ted Lasso week y’all! So, grab a biscuit and enjoy this sneak peek of the season two premiere of the show, which arrives on AppleTV+ this Friday, July 23rd, 2021.

There was a time in the television industry, where unique stories were frowned upon. Not because executives and producers were exerting some measure of control, but because audiences demanded that only certain types of stories made their way to the airwaves. For they simply were not ready for new ideas and shows that explored corners of our world that were outside of the norm. But thankfully in this era of peak television, people are now demanding that the unique be spotlighted and networks are answering the call, especially STARZ.

For this network has often made a point of putting shows on the air that explore aspects of our world and our society that no other network will go near and, in a few weeks, their new drama Heels, will be added to that tapestry of unique storytelling. For this series, one that stars Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig… will explore the world of independent professional wrestling and what it means to the people involved and the fans that stand by it and as buzz for the August 15th release of this show continues to build, STARZ is beginning to give us a better look at what we can expect from this dynamic series, by way of new key art and a brand-new extended trailer and some new details on this series. 

So, without further ado, here are those details and the trailer in question and hopefully this gets you as excited for this series as we are!

STARZ released the official extended trailer and key art today for its new original drama series “Heels,” set in the world of independent professional wrestling. The new STARZ original series will premiere worldwide on Sunday, August 15 across all STARZ platforms, including at 9 PM ET/PT on STARZ in the U.S. and Canada, and will air day and date internationally on the STARZPLAY premium streaming platform across its complete footprint in Europe, Latin America and Japan.
 
Written and created by Executive Producer Michael Waldron (“Loki,” the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) with Executive Producer Mike O’Malley (“Shameless,” “Survivor’s Remorse”) as showrunner, “Heels” stars Stephen Amell (“Arrow”) as Jack Spade, with Alexander Ludwig (The Hunger Games, “Vikings”) playing his younger brother, Ace. Peter Segal (Get Smart, 50 First Dates, Tommy Boy, “Shameless”), who directs several episodes, also serves as executive producer.
 
STARZ also announced “Heels” will be part of Comic-Con@Home 2021 on Friday, July 23 at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET with a panel featuring Waldron, O’Malley and the cast, along with a never-before-seen sneak peek. 
 
“Heels” is a story about the men and women who chase their dreams in the world of small town pro wrestling. Set in a close-knit Georgia community, it follows a family-owned wrestling promotion as two brothers and rivals war over their late father’s legacy. In the ring, somebody must play the good guy and somebody must play their nemesis, the heel. But in the real world, those characters can be hard to live up to — or hard to leave behind.
 
The drama series also stars Alison Luff as Staci Spade, Jack’s wife who learns that she has to contend with the emotional stakes her in-laws have invested in their wrestling goals and the demands it puts on her family; Mary McCormack as Willie Day, Jack’s business partner and the logistical brains behind the local wrestling organization; Kelli Berglund as Crystal Tyler, Ace’s valet and love interest; Allen Maldonado as Rooster Robbins, one of the best wrestlers in the circuit who always has something to prove and always backs it up; two-time Super Bowl champion James Harrison as Apocalypse, a been-around-the-block journeyman wrestler who’s been at it for decades and has no illusions of fame or glory; and Chris Bauer as Wild Bill Hancock, a larger-than-life former wrestling star who is now a high-level pro wrestling scout.
 
Along with Waldron, O’Malley and Segal, LBI Entertainment’s Julie Yorn (Hell or High Water, White Boy Rick, The Dirt), Christopher Donnelly and Patrick Walmsley will also serve as executive producers. “Heels” is produced by Lionsgate TV for STARZ in association with Paramount Television Studios. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Kevin Can F**K Himself’.
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When our lives are filled with chaos and it seems as though said chaos is never going to end, we find ourselves eager to obtain two key things. In that, we want to find some semblance of control over something, anything… so that we feel as if we still have some say in the direction of our lives and of course… we want a happy place. Just a quiet spot where we can decompress and cope with our situation, and well, if we cannot have those emergency aspects to our messy situation… we’re not sure what tomorrow is going to look like. And it just so happens that this particular worry is of interest today, because it served as one of the focal themes of last night’s episode of Kevin Can F**k Himself.

For ‘The Grand Victorian’ saw Allison McRoberts in quite the worrisome place. Because she and Patty made a deal with Nick to have him off Kevin at last and sealing the deal as it were, made Allison quite nervous. Because plotting and planning the end of her foul husband was something that gave her a sense of control in her normally chaotic life and being robbed of that, even if it was for all the right reasons, didn’t sit right with her. Nor did Kevin’s actions during his annual birthday bash. Because the surprise arrival of Sean Avery at the posh dinner spot where Kevin and Allison went every year to celebrate the big day, and Sean's subsequent eating challenge to the man-child that is Kevin, meant he would be spending less time with Neal and his father next door. Because… Kevin liked to split his time between two locations to keep Neal happy and constantly coming back to try and out eat Mister Avery, robbed Allison of her happy place.

Because normally during this event, she’d be able to just eat and enjoy a glass of wine and a book while he was off doing his usual shenanigans. But this change to the routine, and the arrival of Sam and his annoying wife, put Allison in an utter tailspin mentally. One that motivated her to second guess her plan to let Nick handle all of the death related duties involving her husband and also pushed her to grasp at every and all straws, because she firmly believed she was losing control. Which led to some powerful moments for certain, the kind that saw Allison fuss and fight with Patty over her worries and even have it out with Sam briefly, all because her fears were outright taking hold. But you'll note that a variation of the word ‘belief’ was used in relation to Allison’s view of her situation and that word came into play for one supremely important reason. 

For Sam actually took the time to point out that Allison was in fact, a bit of a control freak as of late, one that managed to get everything she wanted and that gave her great pause. Because she was so caught up in the moment that she lost sight of anything good she’d accomplished as of late, and didn't realize that she has indeed found the control she has desperately wanted and has even created different types of happy places and that epiphany allowed for her to finish the night without incident, and it also helped her to take charge of the situation with Nick. So that she could better oversee the end and really, it is obvious now… that this segment was designed to be friendly advice to the audience. In that, in the event we find ourselves worrying about our troubles and chaos a la Allison, we should take a moment and look objectively at our actions. Because if we do so, we might just come to find that we’re doing better than we give ourselves credit. 

However, while Allison’s powerful journey could have carried this episode on its own, it had more to explore. For instance, Kevin’s wild sitcom situation in this tale, actually managed to offer up a fascinating exploration on toxic masculinity, specifically what drives it in a great deal of men. As it turns out, a lot of it is related to outright insecurity and low self-esteem and self-worth. Take Neal for instance, who knows Kevin is his BFFL (Best Friend For Life, or ‘Biffle’, if you will) and is aware of the fact that Kev is going nowhere, and yet he still has to have his own celebration with his biffle to validate their sound friendship and that really does speak volumes to how little Neal thinks about his worth and how scared he is of being without someone he can call a close friend and that was a fascinating exploration to put on display. One that was further enhanced by Kevin’s maddening journey in this tale.
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Because his desire to show Sean Avery that he could hang with a pro hockey player in an eating contest and still ‘show’ his wife and biffle that he ‘cares’, speaks volumes to a man that has no sense of self-value. And the only way he can find that is by pushing himself to new heights and new limits, so that he feels some sense of admiration and worth and well, for the first time… the wild sitcom elements involving Kevin, humanized him for a change. But not in a positive manner. If anything, this just informed us of how little a man he truly is and how far he will go to feel as though he matters and really, all this does is engender mountains of pity for him. But all of that aside, this really was quite the fascinating twist to weave into the fabric of this story and the majesty of this episode, didn’t end with Allison and Kevin’s adventures. 

For Patty also went on quite the unique journey of discovery. Because she showed up to Tammy’s invite in an effort to keep the cops off of her back while Nick prepared to do his thing and well, that decision brought forth all kinds of life surprises for Patty. Because as it turns out, Tammy is in fact, a lesbian and she has taken up quite the romantic interest in Patty, a strong one in fact, and she made every effort to woo Patty. Which in turn, helped to reveal to Patty that some of her relationship problems might be related to the fact that she is clueless as to her own sexual identity. But a quick and passionate kiss with Tammy seems to have Patty finally wondering if she’s on the right path in life regarding her sexuality and this is a wonderful and brilliant stroke of storytelling. One that is poignant and powerful and groundbreaking since we are undoubtedly going to watch someone explore their sexual identity in a non-judgmental or cliché or gimmicky manner.

If anything, all of these elements make this, the finest episode this series has aired to date. Since it featured useful and poignant comedic sitcom related moments that worked to a tee in a bittersweet way, courtesy of how that segment of the story put Neal and Kevin’s insecurities on display. And of course, we finally saw Allison embrace her power and continue to seize upon a path for her future and most important of all, we were privy to the early beginnings of a powerful journey for Patty, one that has been sorely lacking on the television landscape and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this magnificent tale… it is safe to say that we are outright eager for more. Because not only is this series suddenly diving into topics that are rarely examined on the small screen, but Kevin’s end is now in motion, and we are all dying to know if Allison will indeed see such a heinous and life-changing act, through to its bitter end. Until next time.  

Normally, when we settle in to discuss an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, we talk at length about some supremely philosophical concepts, and it is understandable as to why. After all, TNG made the human condition and modern society a focus of its storytelling, to the point where a great deal of its episodes focused heavily on notions that stayed with us long after the story came to an end. But while that is part of this show’s charm, what’s truly impressive about TNG is that it knew how to be versatile in its storytelling and break up the potential monotony that could accompany commentary and observation, by either offering up a fun episode or in the case of today’s retro recap, one that was heavily grounded in general science fiction concepts.

Which in this instance, involves time travel and the discovery of a mysterious alien species and that made the season five finale, ‘Time’s Arrow’, quite the entertaining tale. One that opted to offer up a different kind of cliffhanger than we are used to seeing in this series as well and it accomplished all of this… by way of a surprise twist involving Data. For the U.S.S. Enterprise was recalled from active duty to Earth in order to get the crew to focus its attention on how the positronic skull of Lieutenant Commander Data ended up in with a pile of archeological finds from the 19th Century. And a deep examination of that silent and beat up android head, and the dig site, reveals evidence that aliens from a planet known as Devidia II were likely on earth back in the 1800s and well, trying to figure out why they were on our world, is what leads to the time travel in question.

For while Data is working on a bold plan to see the aliens firsthand since they are phased out of our time… he finds himself pulled through a temporal portal, one that deposits him in 19th century San Francisco. Giving life to some wonderful ‘fish out of water’ moments, since Data is ill equipped to handle himself in the 1800s initially. But once he settles in, he is able to get his hands on a bevy of funds to conduct a scientific investigation as to why the aliens are interested in this time period and it also allows for him to meet Guinan long before she ever boarded the Enterprise, and he even gets a chance to hang with author Samuel ‘Mark Twain’ Clemens. But while it is nice to see to see Data encounter a wildly popular historical figure and encounter a pre-1701-D Guinan, this is all setup stuff for 'Part II' and there’s more of that to be found in this story.

Because back in the 24th Century, the crew is working hard to figure out how to find their friend and bring him home so that their concerns about Data being caught in a temporal loop that will lead to his death, can be assuaged, and this in turn leads to some supremely sentimental moments. The kind that speaks to how much Data means to this crew and his friends and how far each and every one of them are willing to go in order to keep him safe and well, their worries helped to formulate a bold plan. One where a phase inverter would allow an away team to see what Data saw, in the hopes of giving them an idea of where he’s gone and this is so important and critical to both the crew’s emotional being and the timeline, that Captain Picard joins this away-team. For if he doesn’t, history might play out in a funny manner (according to Guinan), and his decision to join his senior officer’s planet side… is what leads to the cliffhanger in question. 

For the away team does indeed see what Data saw before he disappeared, and what they are privy to, is quite unsettling. For the aliens in question, are clearly bringing the energy equivalent of a soul back to their world and time to feed their own and that means this intrepid crew must travel through the time portal as well to save lives and well… that’s a solid way to leave us hanging for season six. But while we wait to revisit the details on the fate of Data’s positronic skull and the true intentions of the aliens, we can bask in one solid finale. One that didn’t require all that much thinking on the audience’s part since this one is all about adventure and it will be quite interesting to see how well the finale of this story arc holds up when we revisit the wonder of season six of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Central Park’.
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Occasionally, we find ourselves frustrated with the fact… that we have to interact with people on a regular basis and it makes sense as to why that happens. Because let’s be honest, at times people can be exhausting and irritating and sometimes… our dealings with them are so grating, that in that moment we would love nothing more than to escape humanity. But eventually we come to our senses and continue to spend time with our fellow man because we know this is an important part of being human. But what’s funny about our ability to bounce back from our irritations, is that it happens super quick, and we never quite ask ourselves why we are suddenly so eager to deal with people when a day or two prior we wanted nothing more than to be done with everyone.
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But what’s truly amazing about this process is that there are fundamental reasons as to why we quickly get over our frustrations with the world and reintegrate into society post-hate, and it just so happens that the AppleTV+ series, Central Park made those reasons the focus of its next episode. Which made ‘The Shadow’ quite the powerful and moving experience, simply because it offered up a fascinating exploration on this matter. One that made it clear that one of the reasons we consistently deal with the ups and down of humanity, is because it provides us with a much-needed sense of validation and this examination and the importance of said validation, was handled by way of Bitsy Brandenham’s journey in this tale.

Because a strange robbery at the Brandenham Hotel, one that hinted at the potential return of a serial robber known as ‘The Shadow’ eventually led to Bitsy confessing that she was that very thief when she was young. An admission that initially made it seem as though Bitsy has always been evil and sour and eager to cause trouble. But instead, this line of truth, helped us to understand that she isn’t quite as bad as we previously believed and that much of her actions come out of the fact that she was ignored as a child. Which is a sad reality that managed to continued into her into adult life as well. And this was just… a powerful and stunning storyline to watch play out.

Largely because it continued the humanization of Bitsy, something that has been a focus of season two’s storytelling but more so… because it really did hammer home how important validation is to our psyche. Because it hurts to feel as though we don’t matter or that we don’t exist, and that anguish can turn to anger and force us to lash out and act out in a manner similar to Bitsy and that’s quite the poignant observation to plop into a musical animated series. One that more or less asks the viewer to be better and friendlier and perhaps flash a smile or say hello to someone that isn’t sure anyone will ever notice them. Since it might change the course of their tomorrow as evidenced by how Bitsy’s attitude and demeanor changed when Hank informed her that he saw her on that fateful night.
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But while it was fascinating to look at the potential negative impact of being removed from the human experience and how one can potentially fix that, this story was also quick to point out the benefits of interacting with people, a feat that was accomplished by way of Birdie’s beautiful adventure in this tale. For his silent movie, one that involved playing the violin for an elderly and ill woman in the park… spoke volumes to the fact that being around people and being around the energies that we exude can do wonders for our soul. For it can heal us briefly when we are ailing and fill us with joy and it can inspire us to do what we love best, since having a captive audience only motivated Birdie to play harder and better… even after that sweet lady passed and this was simply… moving poetry when all is said and done. Since it said so much without the characters uttering a word and really it served to teach us that the human experience is something of great beauty and the more, we take the time to celebrate those special moments that never come again, the more we will undoubtedly find ourselves free from frustrations about the world that surrounds us.

If anything, this was simply… a stunning and beautiful episode when all is said and done. Simply because you just don’t see this kind of philosophy present within the framework of most animated shows. But this one is different, and it continues to take our breath away. For week in and week out, it continues to ponder upon the nature of life and the ties that bind us and the moments that change us and this one went to such incredible places, that it absolutely leaves you in stunned silence once it comes to an end. Because this one really does ask you ponder upon a great deal in regard to this crazy journey called life and it absolutely makes you appreciate what you have. To the point where it might not hurt to text or call your friends and family and let them know you’re thinking of them and love them. Because now we know that a little validation and love goes a long way... as does celebrating the wonder of the lives we are touched by. Until next time.     

Mankind has accomplished outright wonders during its brief time on this tiny blue planet. For not only have we conquered this world and asserted ourselves as the dominant species, but we’ve made all kinds of breakthroughs in science and technology. The kind that has made our lives easier in ways our ancestors never thought would be possible, and we’ve even reached a point where we are beginning to unlock the secrets of the universe. For we now have an incredible understanding of how life was formed on our world, which in turn might help us find it on other planets in the universe and who knows where those kinds of discoveries will take us in the years to come.

But while it is indeed wonderful to know that our science is making breakthroughs left and right, there are still some questions that we have yet to answer, many of which are philosophical in nature. Because the perfection that is the human body and the beauty that surrounds us on this world, seems too perfect at times, as though there is a rhyme and a reason for our existence and that has led a great deal of us to wonder why we were put on this Earth and what exactly is the meaning our lives and while some would venture to say that such questions are better left to philosophers or to the person asking the question, they do warrant a collective and focused answer. Because who knows what other wonders we could achieve if we banded together to truly find a purpose and a direction for our species.

If anything, such deep musings are relevant to our discussion today, simply because the meaning of life was explored in the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. A feat that ‘The Inner Light’ accomplished by having Captain Jean-Luc Picard slip into a special type of coma after the Enterprise encountered a strange probe from the void, one where he immediately awoke on another world and where his identity was different. For here he was Kamin and here he lived a simple life and while this turned out to be an elaborate ruse, one designed to teach the captain about a long-gone world that perished in stellar fire a thousand years ago… the little moments that Picard experiences courtesy of this powerful probe, are what take the time to explore that powerful question about life.

Because Picard lives quite the beautiful and fulling life on this remote world, one where he is loved and becomes a father and is highly regarded for his wisdom and his kindness. And well, what’s amazing is that the captain of the Enterprise, a man that finds fulfillment in saving the galaxy and soaring the stars… also finds fulfillment in this strange situation because of the people he has in his  alternate life and that makes sense. For the people we keep near us and the joy we experience with them, is just as important as our achievements because they offer substance and they provide us with moments of happiness and meaning and well… that’s what life is all about. Those special moments that never come again, the ones we look upon fondly with a smile because they were simply incredible through and through and the more, we collect of those moments with people that we connect with, the more fulfillment and meaning we discover and that is a shockingly simple message to find within the framework of such a philosophical tale, but it works here.

Likely because, we have spent generations trying to find that one ‘blow your mind’ answer and we’ve focused so hard on that, that the simple one eluded us, and it is one that makes sense. For our lives are indeed a collection of beautiful and moving moments that never come again, so it would definitely behoove us to live in the now and soak up everything that today has to offer because that would indeed give us meaning and wonder and an understanding of how special our existence truly is. Which in turn, makes this a supremely special episode for certain, one that deserves its status as one of the finest that TNG ever put to air. Because this is just that rare confluence of harmonious storytelling, the kind that stays with you in all the right ways, and it doesn’t hurt that Patrick Stewart is at his best here and well… now that we’ve come away with a little meaning in this tale, the time has come to close out a year of adventures once again. For the season five finale awaits us and it is quite the doozy. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Leverage: Redemption’.
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Often times, stories that involve embarrassing an unsavory individual, one that is rich and powerful, end in quite the contrite manner. With the baddie holding their head low as they ponder upon their lost humility and lost riches and that image is one that is supremely satisfying for certain. Because it means that a genuine jerk has received their sour just desserts and what’s fascinating about that moment… is that’s really as far as those stories go in regard to the villain’s journey. Which make sense, since that is precisely what the audience wants to see, and really, holding on that image… is also the peak of escapism storytelling. For we all know deep down that in the real world, slimy rich guys don’t go quietly into the night in that manner, they fight hard to keep their cash and their reputation intact and of course… their vast wealth often keeps them out of jail.

Which is another reason why Leverage: Redemption is such a refreshing and dynamic show. Because Dean Devlin and his writing team understand that the audience wants the sense of satisfaction they experience when a bad guy is embarrassed… to extend beyond one feel good moment. They want to feel a true sense of justice; they want to see this person be stripped of their power and pay for everything and everyone they’ve abused and that’s why the next chapter in this reboot/sequel is such a triumph storytelling wise. Because ‘The Panamanian Monkey Job’ accomplishes all that, by sending the team Panama way to finish the mission that started in ‘The Too Many Rembrandts Job’. For if you recall, the end of that tale saw Fletcher Maxwell post bail and flee the country to Panama, in order to grab the last of his cash so he could disappear to a non-extradition nation and live out his days in relative harmony and excessive smugness.

But the good news, is that the team had inside info as to where Maxwell’s money was being kept, thanks to Harry Wilson, and that meant they had to act quickly to steal it from Maxwell before he could get near it and that brought about one entertaining quest. For the money in question was being held in a super-secret and well-guarded vault, alongside other treasures from other unsavory individuals and that meant that a solid plan had to come into play for the team to pull this off and well… what they thought up was downright brilliant. For they were able to secure office space above the vault with a little trickery and they were able to create a false charity that would bring a famous EDM DJ to town, who could use his sick beats to confuse the seismic sensors the vault used to keep intruders out and well… initially it seemed as though this plan was going to work with minimal fuss.

Because everyone bought into the lies that the team were selling, and the group even had an extra hand in this heist by way of Hardison’s foster sibling, Breanna. But alas, greed complicated matters greatly since Maxwell didn’t want to wait any longer than he had to, and that motivated him to try and get his cash right away and that’s when all hell broke loose. For the team was exposed and had to fight tooth and nail to make Maxwell pay and thankfully, they did just that, and they swiped his bearer bonds and they also managed to cripple the operation in question by blowing up all of the treasures present in the vault and once the dust settled, and Maxwell paid the piper, another wonderful moment came about. In that, the team decided that this ‘final heist’, would serve instead as a practice run. One that prepared them to resume their work, sadly without Hardison for a bit, and that’s about as satisfying an ending as it gets. For not only is the bad guy properly broken and embarrassed and broken and destitute, but real heroes have made the decision to try and make the world a better place by standing up for the little guy once again, and that really does leave one excited for what comes next.

Since now this team can do what they do best with impunity and make us happy in the process by taking down one sleazeball after another, and well, in the end, this really was quite the special episode. Because this story makes it clear that Leverage: Redemption is eager to tell complete and fleshed out stories. For the writers could have sent the team after another big-time butthead without giving it a second thought. But instead, they made sure the group finished what they started, and rediscovered and discovered their love of sticking it to the fat cats of the world and that’s the kind of complete journey you always like to see on television and while it will indeed hurt to have Hardison fade away for a bit, the team is clearly in good hands with their two new members and now we can settle in and enjoy one satisfying wild ride. One where good will finally triumph over evil on a consistent basis, courtesy of a group of thieves with hearts of gold. Until next time.