Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Blindspotting’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that mankind tends to look upon the past with sorrow and regret and it is understandable as to why. After all, yesterday is often filled with sour memories, the kind that remind us of some of the scariest moments in our lives and some of the most painful. For it is in our memories that we recall the hurt we experienced when our parents informed us, they no longer loved one another or how hard it was to say goodbye to someone we love or a relationship we thought would last forever. As for the regret, well that comes forth by way of memories of all the paths not taken and all the wrong choices made in the moment and while these are solid reasons to want to shed the past, in the end it is something that we should in fact… embrace and celebrate at every turn.
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For those tough moments brought us to the point we are today and well, it’s not all bad in there. Because for every weeping memory, there are ten more wonderful ones waiting in the wings for us, making the past nothing more than a bittersweet symphony. One that moves us in magical ways and deserves our awe when the time is right and really, yesterday is important to our conversation today, simply because last night’s episode of Blindspotting took the time to examine the power of the past and why it is in fact important to celebrate its wonder. And ‘The Four Hustlateers’ accomplished this particular feat by slowing things down a bit storytelling wise, since this fascinating trip down memory lane took place on a quiet evening for Ashley and Rainey.

Because Trish basically disappeared from home after getting her third and final smack from The Rule of Three and Sean was off enjoying a fun night of watching Reservoir Dogs, because Ashley somehow thought that it was a kid’s movie, so what better time than to kick back and have a few drinks and partake and stroll down memory lane. Which is precisely what they did and in doing so, both Ashley and Rainey were able to really focus upon the wonder of the journey that is life and how that can in fact lift us up when the going gets tough since it helps us to remind us of what is important to us and why we need to hold onto it. Which in this case, is Ashley and Miles’ love affair since their bond is crazy strong and knowing that a lifetime of memories awaits them when this tough time ends, did indeed help Ashley cope with the overbearing nature of her situation.

But a series that keeps it this 100, also knows exactly when to add a little honesty into the mix and it accomplished that by way of Janelle and Earl’s journey in this tale. For they too had a little downtime on this night and that allowed for them to reflect upon what’s brought them to this point in their lives and that didn’t exactly leave them in a great mood. Since neither of them are where they want to be because of their choices. But taking the time to be honest with ourselves about that and pondering upon what brought us to where we are, good or bad, is a healthy thing to do as well. Since it hopefully teaches us how to not make the same mistakes twice and motivates us to be better than yesterday so we can finally find ourselves on the path we’ve always wanted to walk.
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However, while all of those lessons were earnest and powerful, they both paled in comparison to Rainey’s journey in this tale. For it was revealed that Rainey is suffering from a form of cognitive decline to the point where she keeps labeled photos in her closet to remind her daily of who she is dealing with and who is that foggy form in the recesses of her mind and well, this particular twist worked to teach us… that the past can also heal us. Because by having all of those memories handy, she can replace the missing ones in her brains and hang onto the wonder of yesterday, just a little bit longer and while that may not last… there is a real beauty to be found in what Rainey is doing. Since her push to hold onto every bit of yesterday, outright makes it clear that she refuses to let go of what has defined her and shaped her and that’s quite the powerful message to be found in a painful revelation. 

If anything, all of these elements make this a supremely beautiful and moving episode. One that truly resonates with the viewer on a powerful level by hammering home the fact that our lives are nothing more than a collection of moments that will never come again, and that it is supremely important that we cherish every last one because of that and it really is quite stunning to find that kind of commentary about life in a television dramedy. Simply because television usually leaves that kind of philosophy to the literary world. But Blindspotting is clearly working to change that, by way of episodes that are filled with incredible depth and truly, it will be quite amazing to see what unique exploration of the human condition awaits us, when we settle in to watch this phenomenal series once again, come next Sunday. Until then.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Kevin Can F**k Himself’.
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There is a prevailing belief in modern America, that if we aren’t happy with our current situation, it is up to us to quickly change it and there is some merit behind that line of thinking. Because this is indeed the land of the free, a place where job opportunities are endless, and if that’s what is eating at you, shifting gears and changing gigs shouldn’t be a problem. And of course, if we’re in an unhealthy toxic relationship and/or friendship, it shouldn’t be all that hard to finally bid that person farewell for the sake of our mental health. But what we truly need to keep in mind, in regard to this notion, is that all of these scenarios and decisions are driven by the belief that everyone is completely cognizant of their current situation and that’s really where this line of thinking is faulty. Because for some folks, it’s not about being clueless, it is that sticking in a bad situation is part of survival.

For where they live, the job market isn’t what they’d hoped and they’re scraping by paycheck to paycheck and leaving a garbage job would cause them more harm than good and in the case of rotten relationships… sometimes escape just isn’t possible. For if the situation is abusive and supremely toxic, leaving might mean great physical harm or in some cases… they simply have nowhere to go. For if they have no savings or friends or family to rely upon, they’re stuck in a stupid relationship that eats at their soul and this is the worrisome and unhealthy part when it comes to our ‘change it quick’ mentality. Because these are the folks that become so desperate to just snap a finger and be in a new place, that they will go to extremes to make that happen. All because they can handle it no more and that unfortunate scenario and how it comes to fruition, is of note today… since it served as the focal point of last night’s episode of Kevin Can F**K Himself.

For ‘Live Free or Die’ finally gave us an idea of how desperate and eager Allison McRoberts is to escape her marriage with Kevin and how few options she has in doing so, and it accomplished this particular feat, by taking us on the road for a special adventure. One where Patty drove Alison north to meet with Patty’s super supplier so that Patty could get her hands on the last Oxy, she’d ever need as a dealer and so that Allison could get her hands on the pills that she now claimed were to save her life from a fictional stalker. And once they finally hit the open road and conducted their search for the drugs, is when the show finally helped us to understand just how toxic her relationship with Kevin truly is. Because Kevin was basically calling her every five minutes to cater to his whims and have her solve simple tasks, he could have accomplished had he bothered to look around the house.

Which is a reality that took Patty by surprise and led to a touch of positive encouragement for Allison to turn her phone off so she could focus on the mission at hand and have a touch of clarity. A request she complied with, which in fact allowed for her and Patty to bond and it also helped Allison to take advantage of a key moment. Wherein she was able to get what she desired long after this road trip ended in failure and that’s really when this episode hammered home the desperation factor and how broken Allison truly is at this juncture in her life. Because her beloved husband, actually called the cops and claimed his car, the one the ladies were driving on this day because he happily loaned it to them; was stolen. All in a gambit to get Allison to finally call him and check in with her proverbial warden and this revelation was simply powerful and heartbreaking.
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Since it truly helped us to understand the hold that Kevin has upon her, and how hard it would be for her to just walk away since she has no one to turn to, and no money with which to escape, and that is why she thinks that murder is the only real solution available to her and well… this sad reality changes the tone of this series going further. Because now we know… exactly where Allison is at mentally and that’s scary, simply because she is hell bent to have her freedom and all we can hope for now, is some kind of twist or beautiful moment that will allow for her to have just that without resorting to murder. All so she can enjoy a Kevin-free future without guilt or consequence for crossing the reddest line imaginable. But while we wait to see where this episode takes us next in regard to that, we can bask in one powerful tale.

Because this one, truly made it clear why people turn to dark acts to escape a bad situation and the importance of having good friends and a real support network in our lives. So, we don’t turn to those kinds of options and now one has to wonder, if Patty is going to become that particular support line or if she won't be able to, since she too is about to deal with some dark times of her own since the police have questions about the bust at the pharmacy. But what matters more, is that this really was a raw look at something we don’t discuss enough, and it did a fine job of reminding us to never judge a person or push them to follow quick lines of thinking, since we simply don’t know what they’re truly going through. Either way, it is obvious now that Allison is quickly reaching a point of no return in her wild quest and hopefully, she gets the support she needs to keep her from crossing it. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty’.
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There are a great many reasons to celebrate the BBC America series, Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty. Such as the fact that this is one of the most entertaining documentary series out there, thanks to its high-level production values and the downright creativity that goes into exploring the lives of three of the meerkat families that are populating the Kalahari. Since we are often treated to fascinating stories that parallel nature’s world and our own, that also give life and personality to these incredibly cute little critters. But of all the reasons to love this series, the biggest one of all… is that this endearing saga manages to educate us whilst it entertains by giving us an unprecedented look into the life of the meerkat and that was never more apparent than it was during last night’s episode.

For ‘Episode 5: Sister, Sister’ was a tale that was… mostly devoid of the dramatic moments that we’ve become accustomed to in order to show us a powerful look at the day in the life of a meerkat and well, what we learned about their daily lives was fascinating to say the least. For instance, we came to learn that everyday attempts at romance can be quite the risky affair for the meerkat. Because ‘Randy’ Shandy decided to swing by the Ubuntu Tribe’s new home to flirt about with the ladies and well, while they were open and receptive to the flirt fest and encouraged it and participated within it… danger came with making googly meerkat eyes. For the men of the family came to realize that an intruder was in their midst, and made every effort to chase Shandy off and it would have been worse had they caught him. But that sure didn’t stop Shandy from doing his best to show the ladies of the tribe that he was single and ready to mingle. 

Which really was quite the incredible segment to watch since it helped us to learn exactly how the meerkat attracts a mate and the wonder of this tale didn’t end with an in-depth look at the mating rituals of the meerkat. For this episode also took the time to show us that sometimes, young meerkats are pressed into family service far sooner than they might expect. For young Laker and Fly were asked by Swift to keep an eye on the little ones in the family whilst everyone else went out to forage for food and well, as it turns out, being asked to take part in such a big task at such a young age… can be quite daunting for a meerkat. Because while Laker and Fly did a respectable job of watching over their little brothers… they did struggle mightily with properly handling their own needs and were impulsive in doing so. Which could have brought great harm to the new members of the family, but thankfully didn’t. But this just goes to show that it isn’t easy being pressed into babysitter status if you’re a young meerkat, but it will likely happen and hopefully these two learned some valuable lessons.

But while a lot of these moments made for cute viewing and taught us plenty about how meerkats fall in love and raise their young… the final segment in this tale, served as a fine reminder that while supremely cute, the meerkat is an animal, one that will fiercely protect its territory and its young when needed. As evidenced by the harrowing story involving the Hakuna Matata Clan. For Flint was simply on the warpath in this tale, largely because her hormones were surging since she was so close to bearing her young and those very hormones brought about all kinds of red flags in her mind. For her sisters were nearly ready to bear children of their own and that meant there was the potential that one of those sisters could vie for control of the clan if they became pregnant, to the point where they might hurt Flint’s pups. Which in turn pushed Flint to do something drastic and exile Sencha from the family, to make it clear that she was in charge, and that if anyone challenged that… they would pay the price.

Which was a stunning turn of events to say the least, since we’ve seen all of these families work hard to stay together and find unity, despite a few sour moments and hiccups along the way. But that just goes to show, that the meerkat will go to any length to preserve the future of the family line and well, all of these elements made for one engrossing adventure. Since we were genuinely privy to all of the good and the bad that takes place during a day in the life of the meerkat and well, now that this fascinating chapter in the journey has come to its end, it is definitely safe to say that we are all nervously counting down the minutes until next week’s midseason finale. Since we are all dying to know if Sencha is going to be okay after being exiled from her home and the only family that she’s ever known. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Central Park’.
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Something that people don’t take the time to think about all that much, is our impact upon others and it makes sense as to why that is the case. For the world is indeed packed to the brim with people we will only meet once and never again and we would rather focus our energies on having a positive impact on our family and the close friends that we bring into our lives along the way. But while that is a logical and meaningful course of action, we honestly should be a touch more cognizant of our impact upon others. Because sometimes, our words or our attitude in a single moment, can have a profound impact upon someone… for the rest of their lives in some cases, and if by chance we were mindful of our emotions and our words in that moment, we could bring about positive influence.
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If anything, this particular concept is paramount to our discussion today, simply because that fascinating truth was put on full display in the next episode of Central Park on AppleTV. Because ‘Of Course You Realize This Means Ward’, took the time to inform us of why exactly Owen is so big on preserving nature in the park and it relates to a singular, life changing moment. For when he was a boy, he had the chance to hear about the world from the supremely optimistic Dr. Ward Whitlinger, who spoke to the majesty of our planet and the need to protect it and that in turn motivated Owen to become the man he is today and fret over the possibility of meeting his hero one more time. Because he needed a speaker to talk about nature at a big field trip happening within the park and he wasn't sure if Ward would do it and well, surprisingly he got his wish and came to learn… that time has not been kind to his hero.

For Ward was now disillusioned with the world and its current state and rather than give an uplifting speech, he decided to warn the kids and that’s when this commentary came into play. Because Owen knew that hearing such a sour speech would have a negative long-term impact on these kids and turn them away from nature and potentially doing something good for the future of the world and that allowed for him to step in and do his own speech and song and dance number, one complete with our beloved busker Birdie, to give them the same hope that Ward gave him so long ago. And it was just amazing to see Owen be cognizant of the impact of words and the importance of keeping a good message alive, and thankfully, his speech saved the day and even helped Ward to realize that he didn’t fight hard enough and needed to hold to his own advice.

Yet while that plot thread alone could have carried this episode for the entire hour, there was another fascinating bit of commentary to be found in this tale, one that piggybacked off the main one. For Bitsy felt that the time had come to finish her memoirs and well… her efforts to finish them became a race with her brother. Simply because he was working on his own, and that’s how they roll. But also, because… this plot thread made it inherently clear that deep down Bitsy is now concerned about her legacy and what she leaves behind and it was quite fascinating to see someone who is so supremely sour in nature worry about such matters. Leaving one to wonder if maybe Bitsy is slowing changing for the better. But more importantly, this plot thread makes it clear that legacy is more important to us than we give it credit and that when people realize they might be leaving a negative one behind... they might be inclined to change the narrative, and it will be quite interesting to see where this epiphany takes Bitsy in the weeks to come.
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But of course, what would an episode of this series be without some supremely lighthearted fun and that came about by way of the kids. For Molly and Cole swung by Brendan Brandenham’s big kite dancing competition... and yes, you read that right, kite dancing competition. Which entails a flying a kite indoors whilst dancing to a choreographed routine to accentuate the moment and well, that immediately engaged Molly and Cole like never before and they opted to try and improve Brendan’s routine and take it a new level for several reasons. Such as sharing in the experience together and to hopefully help Brendan dominate the field. But eventually they came to learn that sometimes the best way to help those we care about, is to cheer them on and enjoy the moment. Especially when they’re a kite dancer. Because it is definitely safe to say that only a kite dancer knows how to properly handle their business.

In the end however, this was just another heartwarming story for certain. One that really did allow for us to get to know our main characters on a whole new level. Since we now know what drives Owen daily and that Bitsy is starting to think about tomorrow and what she’s leaving behind and well, all of the concepts present here just serve to remind us of this show’s incredible intelligence. Because you just don’t see animated shows teaching kids and adults alike, about the importance of the words we choose in the moment and the power of legacy. But this one is all about life lessons and it deserves a round of applause for that. For this is a brave route to go for an animated show since the unspoken rule of shows in that vein is to entertain above all else. But most important of all, seeing this on display once again helps to reinforce the fact that this really is a special series. One that wants to have a profound impact on its viewers when all is said and done, by prompting us to think about how to better the world and our lives. Until next time.

We worry about a great deal of things in this life. Such as whether or not we’re a good person, and whether or not we’re making a difference in this world. Plus, there are some who worry about if they are a good parent or not and of course, everyone worries about living a fulfilling life. One where their dreams come true, and where they make their mark on this world. But what’s funny, is that we do whatever we can to not think about or concern ourselves with something that is supremely important. Specifically, the end of our life, and it makes sense as to why we avoid thinking about that. After all, who wants to ponder upon leaving this world behind and how we might make our exit from it, since those are supremely unpleasant and morbid thoughts. The kind we will happily stave off for as long as possible.

But truth be told, it is something we need to talk about and ponder upon, because death is our natural end, and we need to be prepared for it as best we can. But since such a topic is taboo and uncomfortable in every sense of those words, we continue to push toward avoidance but some are starting to bring forth important and unsettling debates on the matter. Such as when is it acceptable to start planning for our eventual exit and for that matter, is it acceptable to leave this life on our own terms if we learn that our end is going to be painful and nightmarish and downright awful to say the least. The latter of which is only now being addressed after decades of debate and well, that particular aspect of the end is relevant to our discussion today… simply because it is the focal point of the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

For ‘Ethics’ sees Lieutenant Worf be faced with a difficult decision about his future. Because he is badly injured in this tale by a falling container, to the point where Doctor Crusher firmly believes that he is never going to walk again. Which prompts Worf to invoke a Klingon suicide ritual, since he is now worthless in the eyes of his people. A decision that mortifies the crew since they are simply not used to the thought of someone not wanting to live in the slightest and well, while this ends happy with a subplot involving a hot dog doctor that is able to clone a new spine for Worf… the message and concern buried in this plot is clear. In that, this story demands that the viewer ponder upon their end and the lack of invincibility that humanity has in this life and to truly think about what that exit would look like if the end in question is going to be horrifying and well, that leaves the viewer with a lot to chew upon.

In fact, those questions are so intimate in nature that we won't be discussing much more regarding them. Because euthanasia is indeed up to the individual and pondering upon anything beyond that does us no good. Instead, it’s best we focus upon the bravery of this episode since it took guts to bring up an issue that was quite frankly a hot bed in the nation back in 1992, when this episode hit the airwaves. For the news world was a buzz about Jack ‘Dr. Death’ Kevorkian and his push to make euthanasia a thing in an era where America wasn’t even ready to have that conversation in the slightest. But what truly makes this episode so incredibly worth our while, is the sheer fact that it examines this topic in an open and honest light and presents the pros and cons of euthanasia in an objective light.

If anything, it just means that this particular story is Star Trek at its finest. Because this franchise always manages to wow us when it has something relevant and timely to say and it doesn’t get timelier than this, since states are still debating the ethics of euthanasia. But while the commentary in this episode is powerful for certain, we would be foolish to not point out that quality acting is what sells this kind of subject matter and well, the cast does a phenomenal job here as well. Since Michael Dorn and Jonathan Frakes and Gates McFadden and Marina Sirtis, turn in some powerhouse performances here. The kind that genuinely move the viewer for certain and well, this episode really does deserve a second look and a round of applause for handling some incredible subject matter in a smooth manner and now that this cerebral journey has ended, we’re off to another hot topic. One that frustrates not because of the subject matter, but because the series missed the mark in regard to its analysis. Until next time.

I… I have so much to say and so many thoughts and I’m not entirely sure how to really process this episode. First and foremost, if you did not catch the post credit scene, please go back and watch it. Otherwise… wow this episode just… I’m still in shock as I write this to be completely honest. Poor John literally got all of my freak out texts while watching this episode. I feel half bad about it, but he actually watched it before me, so, you know, turnabout is fair play.

So, spoilers ahead! I am going to do my best here to reign in my chaotic brain and try to stop reeling long enough to write this, we’re now down to only two episodes left and it looks like they are going to be big ones. The bombshells in this episode are a lot to take in and a lot to handle.

Right, well, as I was trying to say, this episode had a lot going on. We learned that Sylvie was taken by the TVA as a child, though she managed to escape. She grew up in apocalypses… this whole time. That’s why Sylvie’s mother was a faint memory and that is why she is, so hell bent on bringing down the TVA. Sadly, she and Loki are stranded on a dying planet with only moments to live. However, if a Loki is good at one thing, it’s not dying. Luck is on their side because Loki and Sylvie create a Nexus event. Unfortunately, the TVA shows up and takes them both into custody, separating them.

Now, the anxiety attack I had for the rest of this episode was well worth it but also not. Like I had a bad feeling from the very start of this episode, and I cannot even begin to tell you how my heart would not stop pounding the entire time. I knew something bad was going to happen. There was zero satisfaction in being right today, you all need to know that. So, yes, bad happens. Mostly, Mobius is really mean for a hot second. Good news, though. Loki does admit to needing attention, and also like same on that front, I’m just saying, that scene with Syf literally broke my heart in half, only because Loki does deserve love, but like also same on those feels. Mobius plays the meanest trick of saying Sylvie is dead and Loki literally just shuts down. I have to be honest, I’m not really sure how I feel about the Loki and Sylvie romance… I don’t hate it? But…  also… I don’t love it. Is falling in love with an alternate version of yourself a true mark of a narcissist or is it just having impeccable taste?

​Sylvie obviously isn’t dead; however, she is exposing the truth about the TVA one agent at a time. Mobius might not completely believe Loki or Sylvie, yet B-15 does. B-15 actually takes Sylvie back to where she enchanted her and asks her to do it again; wanting to see the truth and have the veil of lies lifted. The seed of doubt was placed in Mobius enough that he swaps his TemPad with Rovanna’s and takes a look for himself about the death of C-20. Loki and Sylvie were telling the truth. Well, this discovery doesn’t go well. Rovanna finds out, Mobius dies while freeing Loki and it’s a not good time. I was genuinely sad when Mobius died… like… I’m still not okay. Rovanna takes Sylvie and Loki to see the Time Keepers. Did anyone else get some mad Wizard of Oz vibes? You really should have, because it turns out that they are indeed robots. Oh no. Whoever could have seen that coming? Me.

Now. When I say I yelled at Loki being killed, I yelled. My poor dog… Luna was not having a good time, you guys. But I did. I yelled, and spazz texted John and literally lost it. Sylvie does live and she is demanding Rovanna tell her everything. Will she? Probably not.

Will Loki and Sylvie get together? Also, probably not. I don’t have the feeling that she… really… I don’t know. But this is where that end credit scene was really important. Remember, Loki’s are good at cheating death and ours did, once again. Only… there’s a planet of other Loki’s? Maybe a Thor-Loki? A Lor? A Thoki? Is Mobius still alive? That was for sure a Kid Loki and an old school Comic Loki! Lizard Loki is probably my favorite though.

Well, with only two episodes left, I’m not sure how to feel.