Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 303 of ‘Trying’. To revisit the previous episodes, click here.
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One particular aspect of the human condition that is genuinely fascinating, is the unspoken bond we share with each and every member of our family. Because we simply feel the connection between our parents and our siblings, and we never question it or believe that it will break. Because family is indeed forever and the bond that we share through blood and the years we spend together… is quite special and powerful for certain and it oddly makes everything we do as a family, poignant and significant. For some part of our brains knows we are making special memories and taking part in moments that are influencing our future and this is why our modern world puts so much emphasis on a healthy family unit, because of what it can accomplish for the human psyche. 

But while that is wonderful to know, what we often forget, is that not everyone can take part in that experience. For some people that want to start a family, cannot for medical or other reasons. Which in turn, prompts them to turn to adoption to create a family and provide those children with the love and direction they absolutely need and well… that leaves one to wonder… how is that bond created when the magical chemistry of genetic ties simply does not exist? Because that bond is what we crave and what we want to experience and well, it just so happens that this particular question is top of mind today, because the next episode of Trying on Apple TV+ worked to answer it during this week’s brilliant episode.

A feat that ‘Capture the Flag’ accomplished, by having Nikki, Jason, Tyler, and Princess go on a weekend getaway with other families that adopted as well. In the hopes of using the wonder of nature and family activities to bond with one another to create those important formative memories that so many have in the back of their minds and well… that made for one brilliant exploration on the question at hand. Because Nikki and Jason’s desire to really form a family unit, taught them… that the only way we can create a family out of thin air so to speak… is to open our hearts to the children we bring into our home, completely and without prejudice or worry. Because unconditional love is indeed what we share with our own family and that is the foundation for a created one and well… how Jason and Nikki came to that epiphany was quite beautiful in nature.

Since they came to realize that in order to let the kids in and make them feel wanted and tied to their new parents, they simply had to see them as their own and accept their flaws and quirks and celebrate them and the person they could be and well… once that happened, the bonds began to form, and this family finally jelled and came closer together. All through that subtle and beautiful lesson, one that we can in fact, apply to more than family. Not to mention, it was also quite amazing for the story to explore something we don’t talk about enough when it comes to parenting. In that… mom and dad aren’t always going to be the perfect well-rounded parent. For each has their strengths and opportunities and it is only when mom and dad work together in tandem and play to one another’s strengths and support each other… can they smoothly raise their kids and lift them up and teach them.

But what matters more about this particular tale, is that it basically served as a manual for new parents out there in Nikki and Jason’s situation. Making this an important tale as well, one that supports a corner of our world we don’t talk about enough and it is incredible to know that this show is accomplishing that kind of feat and that… it has more lessons waiting for us as the season goes along. Since Karen was in for the quite the surprise in this tale regarding her views on kids and it will be fascinating to see where that goes in the weeks to come, and of course Freddy’s journey is shaping up to be something important as well and, in the end, everything we experienced here… is going to make the wait for next week’s episode quite difficult. Since we are now beyond eager to see Nikki and Jason continue to grow and forge the family they’ve always wanted. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Paper Girls’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that fooling or surprising a television viewer in this day and age, is quite the impossible task. For the modern television audience is supremely savvy and well versed in story structure. Not to mention, they pour over the plot and its nuances in the same manner as a professional story editor, making it darn near impossible to sneak in a particular nugget that will pay off later without anyone noticing, because a watchful eye already made note of it. In fact, audiences are so good at calling the show’s shot, that some shows out there have simply made a point of fleshing out their world a little better early on, to really inform the savvy viewer of what they’re getting into, so they can decide if this is for them or not. Which is a move that can indeed remove some of the mystique of storytelling.

But alas, these are the times we live in, and when that exposé style of world-building is done right, it can still suck a viewer in and make for an enjoyable experience. But it while appears as though surprise is beginning to exit the television landscape, now and again, you run into a show that manages to straight up, catch a viewer off guard. A feat that can still be accomplished by way of some old-school storytelling. The kind where the audience is simply immersed in that world in a manner so pleasing and so engaging that the surprises come in a swift and powerful manner, and truly captivate and leave the viewer in awe, and well… it just so happens that Prime Video is now host to a series that does indeed manage to surprise and stun the viewer, by making use of that particular ‘trick’ if you will, and that makes the series premiere of Paper Girls, quite the compelling watch.

Because at first glance, ‘Growing Pains’ is an episode that appears to be working to establish a coming-of-age story. Since we are introduced to a group of teenage girls named Mac, KJ, Tiffany, and Erin… who are trying hard to go about their business as paper girls in 1988 during a supremely difficult time of year. Because this particular evening/dawn is ‘Hell Night’, and the chaos that ensues after Halloween parties and the like is utterly annoying. Since there are still overzealous teens roaming the darkness, that are eager cause trouble and bring about harm and well… these four ladies deal with just that. Forcing them to take matters into their own hands to deal with the troublemakers. A plot that really does make it sound as though they are about to embark on a journey of self-discovery. One that will come forth through troubles and dangers untold. 

Which… is half right. Because their attempts to teach some bullies a lesson as the sun begins to crest over the horizon… plunges them into the unknown. Because just like that, the sky is purple, humanity has all but disappeared and these frightened and confused girls haven’t a clue what to do next or how to help themselves. Especially after wounds are inflicted from a gun related accident. But it doesn’t take long for the girls to discover… they have stumbled upon something they shouldn’t have. Specifically, a war of some sort. One fought with unique weapons and fascinating transport vehicles. The kind as it turns out, travel through time. Since the girls have now been transported to a year and a world, they simply don’t know… one where they are going to meet their future selves and will have to work hard to figure out what is going on and well… it doesn’t get more surprising than that. Because this is a series premiere that is light on answers and details. It is just mired in chaotic moments and just enough information to satiate a confused mind and well… it doesn’t get more brilliant than that.

Because now we are indeed plunged into a world that we are desperate to know more about. Since clearly time travel is at play and some kind of conflict awaits the world in the future, and that revelation, and that ending, absolutely compels one to continue the journey post haste. But what matters more here, is that the seemingly impossible is accomplished. In that, in this era of prediction and storytelling knowledge, this episode was able to take the viewer on quite the wild ride, one where surprise waited at every turn and where one revelation spilled into another and that undoubtedly means we are in for a unique journey. One that will defy expectation and wow us every step of the way, and it will be fascinating to see where this wild and epic story is going to take us in the days and weeks to come. Until next time.

To learn more about the show, check out our interviews with cast members, Sofia Rosinsky, Riley Lai Nelet, Camryn Jones, Fina Strazza, Adina Porter, and Jason Mantzoukas. 

One thing that we can all agree upon, is that teachers deserve our respect and should be celebrated often. For they have been tasked with quite the important mission. In that, they are the ones who will teach our children about the world and its history and all the other pertinent information they will need when they head out into the world as adults. Which is a huge deal, something that truly does deserve our awe, and while sadly… proper celebration and respect regarding teachers isn’t always there… anything that can be done to recognize their contributions should be spotlighted.
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Which is why today’s announcement from Apple TV+ is of note, since earlier they revealed the trailer for Lucy’s School, a Peanuts special that celebrates teachers and the hard work they do. Because they deserve their day in the sun, and this should hopefully help remind folks of the importance of teachers and their critical role in modern society in a manner that is both entertaining and fun, courtesy of the Peanuts gang and well… to garner an idea of how this special is going to accomplish that, here is that trailer and some details on this special, courtesy of Apple TV+.

‘Apple TV+ today revealed the trailer for "Lucy's School," a new original special celebrating educators based on the classic “Peanuts” comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, premiering Friday, August 12.
 
The Peanuts gang are anxious about starting at a new school in the Fall, inspiring Lucy to start her own school instead, but teaching isn’t as easy as it sounds. “Lucy’s School” is a love letter to teachers, and an appreciation of the impact a teacher can have on a child. It explores the fear of change, and shows how Lucy, supported by her friends, faces and overcomes her own fears.
 
Produced for Apple TV+ by Peanuts and WildBrain, the special is directed by Raymond S. Persi (“It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown”), written by Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz, and Cornelius Uliano, who also executive produce alongside Paige Braddock, Josh Scherba, Stephanie Betts, Amir Nasrabadi and Anne Loi, and is produced by James Brown and Timothy Jason Smith.
 
Also coming to Apple TV+ on Friday, August 12 through its partnership with WildBrain are new episodes of the beloved Apple Original, “The Snoopy Show” season two.
 
The  award-winning slate of original films and series for kids and families on Apple TV+ also includes the recently premiered critically-acclaimed “El Deafo,” "Best Foot Forward," “Lovely Little Farm,” “Duck & Goose,”  “Pinecone and the Pony,” “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock” and “Harriet the Spy” from The Jim Henson Company; “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show” from Jack McBrayer and Angela C. Santomero; “Wolfboy and the Everything Factory” from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Entertainment; “Get Rolling with Otis” and “Puppy Place”; Daytime Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter” and “Helpsters” from Sesame Workshop; Academy Award-nominated animated film “Wolfwalkers”; Peabody Award-winning series “Stillwater”; new series and specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including “Snoopy in Space” season two, “It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown,” and “For Auld Lang Syne”; and “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Daytime Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times best-selling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers.
 
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have earned 250 wins and 1,115 award nominations and counting, including this year’s Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 308 of ‘For All Mankind’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous Apple TV+ series, For All Mankind, we were left with quite the grim situation. For Danny Stevens’ monstrous addiction, brought forth disaster on Gagarin Ridge. For his inability to pay attention or monitor his station, led to an explosion on the drilling rig and that in turn brought down a massive landslide. One that left all of us wondering what would become of the Helios and Roscosmos crews since there was nothing but Martian dust and rock barreling down upon them in the closing moments of last week’s tale, and thankfully… the next episode of this dynamic series, wasted little time in showing us what had become of this disastrous joint mission.
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For ‘The Sands of Ares’ immediately revealed that most of the Helios equipment was buried beneath a new Martian surface. In fact, only Hab 1 survived the onslaught and the handful of survivors that managed to not have their suits damaged in the landslide, made it there, post haste and they were quickly joined by the NASA team. For this was an all hands, on deck situation, one where everyone had to work together to uncover who else had survived this madness and how best to rescue them and well, after some heavy sweeps, it turned out that the only people still left alive beyond the crew that assembled at Hab 1, were Astronaut Stevens and Admiral Baldwin.
 
Who as it turned out, managed to sneak into a heavily buried Hab 2, and well… while they waited for rescue from above… they were able to hash out some of the ugly that had grown between them. Whether or not they did that in a healthy manner, is up for debate. Because there were nasty and hurtful words thrown about and blows eventually. The kind that almost cost Ed his life since they forced him to bleed badly from his injuries further. But eventually, they found a common ground and almost shared in another big moment. Courtesy of the fact that Danny was ready to tell Ed about what happened between he and Karen long ago. But alas, what happened outside of those walls, kept that truth from getting out.
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Because while they were bickering and attempting to heal in every way imaginable, back on Earth… NASA, Helios and Roscosmos were busy at NASA HQ… hammering out how to save lives. Because Danny and Ed had a limited air supply, and conventional digging wouldn’t save them. But after Dev finally got over himself and another ‘failure’, thanks to an assist from Margo, a plan came into play. One that allowed for Ed and Danny to be saved after all, mere moments before Danny spilled the beans. Putting the mission back on track at last, but at a great cost of course. For not only were multiple astronauts dead in the landslide, but Kelly’s new beau and father of her child, died of unseen injuries after the rescue was complete.

If anything, this was just… an intense episode. One that offered a touch of levity and breakaway via Ellen’s reckoning with Pam, and Karen’s attempts to keep Danny’s wife and Jimmy in a calm mental space. But let’s be honest… those moments were overshadowed by the intensity of the rescue mission. One that is quite inspiring in retrospect. Because it did in fact, bring two nations and a for-profit corporation together to save human lives, and that has to count for something. And well, it will be interesting to see where this sense of unity leads these crews next, as life on Mars resumes in a somber and slightly empty manner… courtesy of the empty bunks now present. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘101 Places to Party Before You Die’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous and fun, new truTV series, 101 Places to Party Before You Die, we talked a little bit about how the show is doing something that no other party themed show out there is doing right now. In that, it is helping us to discover the fun in locations that we simply don’t associate with the party lifestyle. For the series premiere did a wonderful job of showcasing what wonders were hiding within the city limits of Denver, Colorado and well… that’s pertinent to our discussion today, because the show managed to pull off that feat once again during last night’s adventure.
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Courtesy of the fact that Adam and Jon ventured to the good city of Richmond, Virginia and well… let’s be honest, you just don’t think of Richmond as being a party town. After all, it’s one of the original colonies, it has a lot of history over anything else. Stuff that really isn’t synonymous with partying hearty. But leave it to this duo to prove to the world that you can go to Richmond and have an amazing time and one way that you can do that… is by getting lit while taking a Tuk-Tuk tour of the city. One that transports you to some amazing bars and even the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, where the ‘Do Not Touch’ signs might not matter, because of a lot of shots. Like, so many shots. 

But once the lads introduced us to that wonderful aspect of the city and how it definitely helps to loosen one up and set the tone for a fun weekend, their Saturday was spent just exploring the wonder of the town, and the various places one could eat. Which allowed for Adam and Jon to enjoy some amazing freakin’ barbecue and some delightfully delicious burgers. The kind that Jon believed he would be addicted to if he ever decided to move there, and they also got to take part in the local concert scene by joining a local band in the basement of a nearby home to just rock out and have a good time and crack jokes about the venue. Because the location of this mini concert was a little odd.

However, when they weren’t making up platinum songs and chowing down on incredible food, Adam and Jon were also checking out the local sights. Such as the local taxidermy shop in Richmond. Where Adam almost lost his lunch and where Jon was able to get a bat souvenir for his wife back home. Plus, they also took the time to check out Barky’s. A record shop and religious artifact shop, that defied all the odds and has been in business for well over sixty years, and it was just cool to see a local fixture in town and learn about its history, before the lads dropped by another independent restaurant to enjoy The Last Supper in a city, that turned out to be quite the party town.

Because Richmond really did have a lot to offer our intrepid hosts, and honestly, who knew there were so many awesome bars and indie restaurants in this town? Also, who knew that it was totally an acceptable thing to get obliterated in a Tuk-Tuk because of the laws out there and most important of all, it’s quite amazing that basement concerts take place on a Saturday night there. If anything, this was just another eye-opening episode, one that was a lot of fun as well. Because Adam and Jon were able to once again just let loose and riff during this episode, leading to a bevy of hilarious moments and well, now that this adventure has come to a close, we are once again counting down the minutes until next week’s tale. So, we can discover what other incredible party locations are hiding around the world, that we never knew existed. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 3203 of ‘Top Gear’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular subject of discussion that’s come up often regarding the BBC America series, Top Gear, is how great of a job the show does in celebrating all things automobile related. Because it doesn’t matter what kind of car is being spotlighted, or what kind of race or vehicular habit, somehow, someway, the lads will find a way to express the beauty of it and that really does make for one fun viewing experience. One that offers up unique insight and wonderful commentary and well, that celebration is top of mind today, simply because Freddie Flintoff, Paddy McGuinness, and Chris Harris found a way to celebrate the majesty of the automobile once again during last night’s episode.

For the lads decided that the time had come to look at a type of vehicle that really isn’t celebrated all that often but is critical to everyday life, and that people have a passion for from an aficionado and career standpoint. Specifically, the eighteen-wheeler. Because they are the backbone of commerce and they are monster vehicles that can accomplish so much and well… to properly celebrate them and the truckers that drive them, the lads opted to become truckers themselves. Which… is a quest that started off in an awkward manner. Mainly because, they didn’t know how to drive those bad boys. For their first drag race in one was a mess, and their attempts to park them was even worse. But the plus side is, they did come up with some awesome callsigns for when they were behind the wheel.

Which allowed for Chris ‘Chopper Hog’ Harris, Paddy ‘Professor Moose’ McGuinness, and Freddie ‘Admiral Fiddler’ Flintoff to have a little street cred whilst they went off to Trucker College. Because they were determined to do this right and pay proper tribute and well once they got back from school, they most certainly did. First by driving some amazing rigs. Since Chopper chose the Mercedes-Benz Actros to haul some freight. Whilst the Admiral chose the DAF XG+, and the Professor was thrilled to get behind the wheel of a Scania 770s and well… once they hit the road and executed what they learned in school, the time had come to really see how skilled they were behind the wheel of a big rig and just what these monsters could in fact, do.

Hence why they stopped at a local RAF base. To see how well and how precisely each of these rigs could haul a pair of RAF helicopters and after a few bumps and bruises to the flagpoles and cones set up for this competition, it turned out that the Professor’s rig was going to win the day and well… once that was done… the lads did indeed enjoy the open road as truckers. Allowing for them to experience the life, and the stops along the way that truckers frequent, before entering into one final competition. One that was basically a mini big rig race and well… it turned out that swinging by America and competing on a foreign land, paid off in spades here. Since Chopper Hog was fearless in this race and hung with his opponents to place third overall in the competition.

If anything, it was just amazing to see a show celebrate the truckers that haul our groceries and other goods and get an idea of what life is like on the road for them, and some of the challenges they face. Since inclement weather and other drivers make their lives interesting for certain. Plus, it was equally as great to see Chris offer up a supercar spotlight again. Since he had some wonderfully honest things to say about the Lotus Emira and the era that was now ending for it since this is the last gas-based iteration of the car and well… in the end, this was just a wonderful episode when all is said and done. One that really did find a new way to celebrate the automobile and entertained along the way and it will of course… be fascinating to see what kind of other unique celebrations await us as season thirty-two rolls along. Until next time.

Please enjoy a sneak peek of episode seven of Becoming Elizabeth, which will air on STARZ on July 31, 2022.

If the embedded clip below doesn’t work, click here to view it.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 309 of ‘The Orville: New Horizons’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Something that modern mankind has celebrated often throughout its history, is the creation of bold new weaponry. The kind that immediately give a particular culture/society a huge advantage over their enemies. For sadly, we are beings that still believe in war and conflict and when that comes to our doorstep, we are indeed willing to use science and innovation to create peace through war courtesy of those powerful weapons. But while those weapons do tend to create a stalemate of sorts and/or serve as a deterrent for those who might wish to do harm, there’s a lot of ugliness that accompanies this kind of innovation and outright celebration. For it tends to create an arms race. Where the other side wants the weapon as well, out of the fear that it might be used against them preemptively.
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Not to mention… the power of one creates enough fear to inspire unholy alliances and well, this has been the cycle for ages on end in our world. To the point where the two greatest superpowers of the world spent a half century in a cold war/nuclear arms race over the creation of the atom bomb. In addition to that, such superiority inspires more anger and hate, since there are always those who believe that new weapon could solve problems without question, regardless of the moral implication of their use. Which begs an important question. In that, how then, do we as species break this silly cycle of twisted innovation? Because clearly, it isn’t moving us forward like we’d hope and well… it just so happens that the next episode of The Orville: New Horizons, takes the time to answer that particular question in a bold and moving manner.

A feat that ‘Domino’ accomplished, by giving the Planetary Union quite the powerful weapon. One born from Isaac and Ensign Charly Burke’s unique skill set, which could destroy fleets of Kaylon ships with a single press of a button. A move that prompted chaos within the Union. Since the fear of the Kaylon inspired many to debate whether this weapon should be used to outright commit genocide, and while the Council eventually settled upon using this as a deterrent, which in turn led to a stalemate with a brutal enemy… more problems arose from the creation of this weapon. For Admiral Perry was in the genocide camp and he so vehemently disagreed with the Council’s final call, he handed the weapon off to the Krill and the Moclans, who were in the middle of forging a new alliance and they loved the idea of wiping out the Kaylon.

Which in turn, created a desperate push to stop those two cultures from committing such a horrible act. To the point where Union and Kaylon stood together in a bold plan to either retrieve or destroy the device. A move that led to one stunning action sequence for certain, one that took our breath away and saw a powerful sacrifice come into play. For when the chips were down and the odds were against the good guys, Ensign Burke sacrificed her life for the Kaylons. A move that not only inspired an alliance at last between the Union and the Kaylon… but it also brought Teleya to justice since she made the mistake of battling it out with Kelly at the weapon’s home site. Giving rise to a better tomorrow for the Union, one where security was assured with a new bold ally at their side.
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Which is an ending, that speaks volumes to how we as a people, can finally break this cycle of madness that innovation has inadvertently created. In that, it is going to take the willing and the brave… to show our enemies that this is no longer the way. That the sum of the whole and the lives of those we call our enemies, matter more than ideologies or military superiority. Where we finally understand that we are all human, and all in this together and that this constant fighting over petty concepts and insignificant beliefs, is… a waste of time over what we could accomplish. Which was a powerful message to find here, one inspired by Ensign Burke’s actions, but it is the right message for the right time, since let’s be honest… our infighting, especially in America, is at an all-time high. Of course, it is difficult to say what specific act might start to wake us up and wake up the world to our foolishness… but maybe it isn’t one bold act or gesture, but instead… a series of dominos as spoken to here.

Where a conscious decision by some to let that old nonsense go, leads to others following in that stead, and so on… until we all agree that the fighting is dumb, and that compromise and debate should return, and peace can be made. Which may seem impossible to some, or too simple an answer to the problems that plague us… but it is an inspiring and hopeful answer none the less. But that, is what great science fiction does. It inspires hope and sees the best parts of us so we can believe in ourselves and well… in the end, one simply cannot go wrong with this show offering up such a beautiful challenge for all of us, one that came at a painful cost since Ensign Burke is now gone from the show. But such is the nature of bold storytelling and well, now that peace has settled into the galaxy once again, albeit imperfect, we can turn our attention to the show’s season three finale and the powerful concepts it will undoubtedly send our way. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘101 Places to Party Before You Die’.
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When one thinks of big-time party places, specific cities come to mind. Take for instance Las Vegas, a beautiful neon oasis in the desert that is renowned for its club scene and its party atmosphere and well… if you want to get lost in Sin City, it’s easy and fun to do. Plus, there’s Miami, another place known for just letting loose and partying, and well… the list goes on and on because their reputations precede them, thanks to friends of ours that have gone all out to enjoy what they have to offer. But the fact of the matter is, there are plenty of other cities that offer incredible fun and opportunities to let loose and party and that’s why the truTV series, 101 Places to Party Before You Die is of note.

Because its intrepid hosts, Adam Pally and Jon Gabrus, spent a fair chunk of their time in the past year or so, traveling about to cities that one doesn’t always associate as places to party hard, such as Denver. Because the Mile High City is best known for its love of football and its gateway standing to the Midwest and the deserts beyond the Rockies. But believe it or not, this is a place where one can have a great time, as evidenced by the places that Jon and Adam ventured to around Denver. But not before of course, taking a moment to explain what the show is going to stand for. Because this is the series premiere and establishing how this show functions is indeed critical to the show’s success. 

But once that all-important setting of standards was out of the way, it was off to the city itself to get an idea of what kind of fun could be had. Which as it turns out, involved a fair amount of eating and drinking over the course of Friday and Saturday. To the point where Adam and Jon were able to enjoy a meal in a former mortuary and crack some jokes about that, and get some stunning wings and enjoy the many beers that Denver is now known for. Making it clear that yes, this is a party town with plenty to do and if grabbing a bite to eat isn’t your thing, no worries… the outdoors are there. Of course, this duo’s outdoor adventures didn’t exactly go all that great for Jon. Since a ski trip resulted in some hardcore pain and bruising.

But he soldiered on and continued to enjoy all the city had to offer. Including of course, the new industry now available in Denver. One that led the way for the nation. For Colorado was one of the first states to legalize marijuana and it is so engrained in the city of Denver now, that there are churches that celebrate the wonder of cannabis. Wherein Jon and Adam could clear their minds with the power of prayer and ganja and once church was no longer in session… the lads took the time to spend a little money at a local retro shop. That brought them great joy of course since they found some great stuff for themselves and their families, putting them in a wonderful mood before The Last Supper took place.

Wherein they reflected upon a trip to a town that isn’t known for partying, but it sure is now. Courtesy of these two fine gents and well… this was a great way to kick this series off. Because it really set the standard for this series and it was just a ton of fun to watch Adam and Jon riff and let loose and get hammered before our eyes and of course, this one holds a special place in this writer’s heart. Mainly because I was born and raised in Denver, and there were some familiar sights and pride present in this tale and heck NTG is based out of Denver as well… so this one, hit close to home in all the right ways and set the stage for a wonderful adventure, that picks up again later tonight. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Everything’s Trash’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We are taught from a very young age, that chasing our dreams and obtaining them, or getting settled into a career that brings us joy and helps us to thrive… will bring us great peace, and it makes sense as to why we are taught that lesson. Because people that are indeed living the dream or working hard and loving what they do, appear to be in the best place possible, mentally and financially. Because they’ve made it, they’ve reached the top and there is nothing that can bring them down because they have everything they want in life, and we should aspire to have that as well. But what’s fascinating about this lesson… is that it isn’t correct in the slightest. 

Because we are human beings, and our analytical minds and emotional souls, sometimes find themselves at odds with happiness and peace. Because it takes a lot of sacrifice and pain to reach the top and we can expect to fail more often than we succeed and that… puts one’s mind in a unique place. Where sometimes we all worry if we deserve the dream we’ve obtained or the career that takes care of us. Or if what we are doing is worthwhile and contributing to the greater good, and well… that can leave us in a tough place mentally. One where we truly feel akin to an imposter of sorts and that’s top of mind today, because it is what Phoebe experienced during this week’s episode of Everything’s Trash on Freeform.

A feat that ‘Public Image Is Trash’ accomplished by putting Phoebe in an interesting place. Because while Phoebe was going about her life and doing the show, Jessie was getting quite the odd request (in her eyes) from her mentor at the university. For he was suddenly in love with Phoebe’s show and wanted to invite her to speak to students at an upcoming event and well… that request is what put Phoebe in an odd spot. Because it required her to meet with some of the university’s personnel, who looked down upon the show and what it stood for. Which in essence, created that sense of imposter’s syndrome for Phoebe. Because while she worked hard and loved it, she was wondering if this was the worthwhile and meaningful show that others claimed it was and that worry was compounded further by a painful surprise.

In that, the professor that loved this show, so… did so for weird reasons. Because he basically had a podcast kink, and Phoebe’s voice was the medicine that he apparently needed, only hammering the reality that maybe what she was doing, wasn’t anything special and that she had basically done nothing more than create a fake public image and a vapid show. But the chance to go up on stage and speak to a packed house of eager fans, changed that for Phoebe. Because it helped her to realize, that she was indeed in the right place and offering people something they needed, making her and her show something quite special after all and that journey made for one lovely and satisfying tale when all is said and done.

Because imposter syndrome is something that a lot of folks are speaking to now and how they struggle with it. So, to see a show address what it looks like and how to overcome it, is quite wonderful for certain. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the exploration was handled in an utterly hilarious manner, because the podcast kink thing was downright amazing and the B plot with Jayden trying to be a hipper politician also worked wonders for this tale and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this journey, we are definitely left hungry for more. Because this show is touching on some wonderfully relatable topics and offering up valuable commentary and lessons, all while making us laugh… and you simply cannot go wrong with a show that is offering all of that, in these trying times. Until next time.