Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘The Terminal List’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that we tend to glorify the notion of revenge in popular media. Especially when it comes to stories involving a solider or someone that is trained to kill, that feels a need to exact it. For we seem to believe that when one signs up to serve their country or when one immerses themselves in the darker aspects of life… that one becomes immune to the dangers of revenge. Which in turn makes it easy for them to right wrongs in the world or in their lives with a simple decision to go for broke and shed blood no matter the cost to them or the villain and we do of course… eat that up. Because it leads to powerful stories that take us on a visceral and angry ride, one that provides catharsis and escapism. 

But as popular media continues to evolve and audiences demand a little depth from their stories, even the age-old concept of enjoyable revenge is starting to evolve. Where it is in fact, being presented as a last resort and a difficult one at that. One that comes with a lasting impact, as evidenced by the next episode of The Terminal List on Prime Video. For when we catch up with Lieutenant Commander James Reece in ‘Detachment’, he’s started his revenge tour against the men that hurt his family, and after quickly taking out the money man that arranged for the actual assassins to come after his family, he quickly finds his way back to Mexico, to prepare for the next phase in this vengeful mission.

However, as he waited for intelligence through the network down there… he was presented with a bevy of questions regarding his quest. For those that care about him the most were gravely concerned not only about his health, since the truth about his tumor was revealed… but also because of what he had planned. Because everyone knew that James was badly broken by the death of his family and committing to revenge here, might harm his fragile mental state further. Which is why just about everyone worked to talk him out of this and also tried to convince him to perhaps let someone else handle such matters. Since they understood, this would only re-open old wounds and haunt a good man and it was both powerful and wonderful to see this show ponder upon the negative impact of revenge, rather than just let James immediately go to town.

But despite everyone’s best efforts to get Reece to stand down and save himself from pain, he wanted this, and he wanted it bad and committed to the mission. Which led to a brutal and visceral sequence of events. Wherein Reece and his team brutally assaulted the compound their target was hiding within and well, once James found him… he went the extra mile to punish him. Even going so far as to wound him just badly enough to keep him conscious and alive so he could truly make him pay. All by gently removing his intestines and making use of them to inflict maximum pain and maximum terror before he died. An act that served to remind us… that revenge is indeed a dark act that requires the worst of us, while hinting that a great deal might change for us when we commit to it through and through.

That is most certainly going to be the case for James in the moments following this act. For he is no longer welcome in Mexico after going this route since it showed those closest to him a level of cruelty, they didn’t think he was capable of and he will likely be a changed man as well, having used his skills to inflict harm when he was taught to use them for honor. Either way this was just… a powerful land intense tale for certain, one that went to some supremely dark and ugly places and well… it deserves praise for that. Since it truly did add a spin to the revenge trope that permeates this type of story and set the stage for a crossroads for James. Wherein he can let the darkness consume him or where he might find value in living without his loves, and it will be fascinating to see where this story takes us next now that only Steve Horn is the last name left on Reece’s terminal list. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season three premiere of ‘Trying’.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that everyone out there… has a dream of some kind. Some want to be the best football player to ever take the field. While others want to be a pillar of the community through government or perhaps want to do something quite creative. Such as say become the next big painter or artist in general or become the next Stephen King. Because each of us want to be more in this life and stand out from the crowd, and following a dream and achieving it, is one big way to do that, and that is why we work hard to find our calling and chase it. So we can find the happiness we know it will bring us, and the peace we’ve always wanted within our soul.
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But what we often forget when it comes to discussions about dreams or even stories about chasing them, is that not everyone’s endgame goal is grandiose in nature. In fact, sometimes the dreams that people seek are more intimate and personal in nature and don’t involve bags of money or seeing oneself up on marquees or on a screen. Sometimes… people just dream of having a life partner that they can share in memories with and enjoy the wonder of love with on a daily basis, and some folks… outright dream of having a family. Because they love the idea of caring for little ones and raising them right and that is why the Apple TV+ series, Trying, is such a beautiful and powerful show.
 
Because it is one of the few shows out there that actually takes the time to explore what that dream and the pursuit of having a family, looks like. Since it is everything that Nikki and Jason want in life, and they have spent the past two seasons fighting as hard as someone wanting to get into Hollywood, to obtain their dream. Since they’ve gone through treatments and set themselves up for a better future to invite adoptees into their home and well, after two seasons of struggling and fighting with every fiber of their being to have their dream, the season three premiere of this series rewards them at last. For when we catch up with Nikki and Jason in ‘Home’ and ‘The Circle’, their dream has seemingly come true after all this time, since Princess and Tyler are home.

Which in turn allows for this two-episode premiere to explore… what it means for one’s dream to come true when one’s dream is to be a parent. Which in turn, leads to some beautiful moments. Because Nikki and Jason understand they finally have what they want and embrace it to the fullest. All by being there for Tyler and Princess in both big and small ways. Since they’re up early to make sure they’re ready for school and by making moves to ensure they have financial security and safety, and they even do whatever it takes to teach them important life lessons and to lift them up. To the point where Jason even created a beautiful little story and moment, regarding Tyler’s pet rock, to ensure he wasn’t bullied in class in the slightest. If anything, those sequences hammer home why we chase the dream, and all of that was indeed powerful and inspiring to watch.

But of course, this is a series that is always grounded in realism and contrast and well, for every perfect moment found here, there were trying ones as well. Such as the fact that social services nearly pulled Tyler out of the house because that’s their job, unfortunately, and that means that Nikki and Jason will have to fight hard to keep their family and the universe won’t make that easy in the slightest. Since there are work pressures for Nikki that come with her new title and Jason is making incredible moves to keep the home in their hands now that it is up for sale. Which are moments that just serve to remind us that life goes on when we achieve our dreams and sometimes obtaining it, means we still have to fight to keep it.

If anything, all of these ups and downs just serve to remind us of how honest and raw this particular series is, and it also reminds us of its wonder. Because there’s something to be said about finding a way to present the world in the raw and keep it lighthearted and inspiring. Of course the humor here helps, since the jokes are as spot on always in this show, and well… in the end, it’s just wonderful to be back in this beautiful universe. One filled with amazing performances and heartfelt moments and a reminder of what we’re fighting for when we chase a dream, and it will be genuinely fascinating to see what comes next for Nikki and Jason, now that they have the family they’ve always wanted, under their roof. Until next time.

To learn more about Season 3 of ‘Trying’, check out our interview with the show’s stars, Esther Smith and Rafe Spall.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 307 of ‘For All Mankind’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are a great many reasons to love the Apple TV+ series, For All Mankind. After all, it offers up quite the fascinating look regarding what our world might have looked like had the space race been won by the Soviet Union, and how that might have motivated a technology based Cold War. One that benefitted all of mankind in the end. Not to mention, it features powerful and relatable characters that we have all latched onto, and oddly enough, it is that relatability that leads to the biggest reason that this show is so beloved. In that, despite it being a reimagining of our history… it feels real at all times. A feat that this series accomplishes by way of two key storytelling elements.

First and foremost, by offering up consequences for the characters and their various decisions and actions, and that’s important because that’s how real-life works. Not to mention, these characters are flawed and have their own struggles that they deal with, and that too… matches the dynamics of our world and our lives and well… all of this is top of mind today, simply because it was all on display in the next episode of this incredible series. For ‘Bring It Down’ featured a great deal of consequences for the actions that took place in prior episodes. Such as Margo’s decision to hand over the engine designs to the Russians. 

Because after years of doing her best to keep that act a secret, the chickens finally came home to roost. For Aleida was still obsessed with who possibly leaked that kind of critical information and well… after noodling upon this mess with others and once again finding herself shut down when she thought she found the source… the real source dawned upon her. Meaning that a reckoning is coming for Margo, and that is quite the serious consequence for the woman that has driven NASA to new heights. Not to mention… both Ellen and Larry faced some consequences for their push to keep their sexuality a secret. In part because of the heat that came down from the Hill over Larry’s affair and from the fact that Ellen lost out on true love because of her ambition and unfortunate need to appear straight. A reality that forced both of them to really ponder upon the emotional toll of such acts, regardless of the world’s perceptions of LGBTQ+ individuals in the 1990s, that motivated the president to do something quite bold and visit with the one that got away.

But what’s amazing about this episode, is that such elements were also explored in the depths of space. For Danny Stevens was struggling mightily with his addiction in this tale, to the point where his behavior was starting to scare the crew and where Ed finally recognized that Danny had a problem. And well, the consequence to be found here relates to Danny's flaws. Because Danny’s need for real help regarding his addiction and trauma, and Ed’s desire to bring out the best in him worked in tandem to create an outright disaster. For on the day that Roscosmos and Helios worked to drill into the surface to retrieve water from the Martian crust, Danny was high at his post and abandoned his duties. Which led to a bad injury for Ed, and a landslide. One that may have caused great harm to those caught in the falling rock.

Which is quite the bleak ending to quite the bleak tale. One that was genuinely grounded in the darker and more unpleasant aspects of the human condition. For flaws were on full display here and people paid the piper for their mistakes and bleak or no… it all made for a brilliant episode. One that reminded us that the people that fly the skies are human beings and that their best is tough to achieve at times and well, now that we’ve been able to enjoy another realistic tale set in an alternate universe, our attention turns to the worrisome situation now developing on Mars. And sadly… we are going to have to impatiently wait a week to see… just how badly the fallout is going to be from Ed’s mistake and Danny’s illness. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 3202 of ‘Top Gear’. To revisit the season thirty-two premiere, click here.

One thing that we can all agree upon, is that classic cop shows really are an absolute and iconic treat. Because every single last cop on those vintage shows were simply larger than life, and they carried with them a screen presence and gravitas that made their adventures must-see viewing. But what’s wild about those shows, is that those big-time detectives were often given big-time iconic cars to go with their personality and smarts. Allowing for each of them to drive a vehicle that was just as epic as they were and what’s wild… is that once that golden age of the police serial came to a close… larger than life officers and their amazing rides, simply vanished from the airwaves.

Instead, they were replaced by more realistic police serials. The kind that featured the types of cars that local governments actually purchase for law enforcement to use, and while that has given rise to some gritty and engaging tales, one cannot help but wonder what television would look like with modern big-time detectives driving around in cars that fit their persona and the times a little better. In fact, this concept is so engaging and so fascinating that the hosts of Top Gear have pondered upon it as well. To the point where they realized they could use their powers to envision that very idea. That is why our intrepid hosts created their own modern television police personas during last night’s episode. So, they could create a new iconic cop for a new era of television, one that drove a car that fit that character to a tee, allowing for them to determine who created the best character and chose the most iconic car for them to drive.

Which in turn, led to one wild and hilarious and fun episode. Since we were able watch Freddie Flintoff transform into The Preston Ranger, a tough as nails ranger that drove a mean Ford F-150 Raptor that could off road and teach criminals a lesson. Whereas Paddy McGuinness transformed into the Dirty Cobra, a slick cop that dressed as cool as his name and slithered about the city in a Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody, and he was balanced out nicely by Dave Tall, a failed race-car driver turned cop. One that drove an Audi RS 3 Hot Hatch and was played by Chris Harris and well… after we were treated to their characters intros, it was time to determine who created the most iconic police officer of the future and who chose the best car for fighting crime in this modern TV environment, and despite a strong showing from the Ranger, it was Dave Tall and the Hot Hatch that won the day and put the bad guys behind bars.

But while it was indeed a treat to see the lads play around and bring the iconic/hardboiled police officer back to life, and revisit some of the iconic cars of that era of television, there was quite the important moment present within this episode as well. In that, Freddie and Chris decided to pay tribute to Sir Clive Sinclair. A man that was ahead of his time since he invented a vehicle called the Sinclair C5, that was designed to revolutionize the industry and be green long before Tesla or Rivian, or any other electric or hybrid hit the market. But alas, his creation wasn’t exactly street practical since so little work went into finishing the ride. So, Freddie decided, the time had come to find the right purpose for it and pay tribute to the man that brought it to life, by finding a way to help the C5 reach its potential, and with a little help from some bobsled experts, Freddie made that happen.

Which was… quite the beautiful moment to share in, one that closed out, an incredible episode when all is said and done. Because when these guys dig in and pay homage to someone from the industry, they really do it in in style and with passion, and that always leads to a beautiful and honest tribute. Not to mention, they had so much fun in this tale and that means we in turn, had all kinds of fun as well. And it was just awesome to see the guys let loose like this and really celebrate the wonder of cars on television and see them get to step into some iconic rides. Because it’s always wonderful to venture down memory lane and there’s something sweeter about it when the memory is tied to the wonder of the automobile and well, now that we’ve reach the end of this magnificent episode, the time has come to impatiently wait for next week’s adventure and all the wonder it will send our way. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘101 Places to Party Before You Die’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the truTV series, 101 Places to Party Before You Die, is one of the most refreshing reality television shows to hit the airwaves in years. Because it is a show that is free from gimmicks and tricks. It’s just an honest, down-home show about two guys living their best lives as they work to complete a bucket list of sorts, and that allows for a delightful experience to take place. One filled to the brim with quality laughs and wonderful memories to share in with our intrepid hosts, Adam Pally and Jon Gabrus, as they travel about and offer exactly what’s advertised here. And speaking of delivering what’s expected… after conquering the city of Denver in the series premiere, Adam and Jon wasted no time in turning their sights to one of the most epic party cities in the world during last night’s episode… Miami.
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A place that is well known for its night club scene of course, but what made their adventure to this wonderful city so honest and engaging is that Adam and Jon didn’t go anywhere near the clubs. Instead, they started their trip on Friday with some top-notch Cuban coffee and some Cubanos before settling in to enjoy a hilarious dinner with Adam’s family. Wherein we came to learn that Adam’s grandmother might have helped to give him his sense of humor. Courtesy of her incredible sass, and this was… quite the awesome way to start this trip. Since you so rarely see these kinds of moments in reality television and the wonder of this trip didn’t end with a lovely family dinner filled with ribbing and memories. For the city was theirs for the taking and they were happy to check out spots that we honestly don’t think of all that often from a party perspective. 

For instance, they took the time to take part in some of the local sports that are present in Miami, with mixed results of course since Jai-Alai requires years of dedication and skill, but they tried their hand at it none the less and that is quite important because it’s the memories that matter. Not to mention, they ate some incredible food and visited some unique places in the process, and they even got to do a little crossover event. Because they dropped by Jeremy Ford’s Miami restaurant, allowing for a Fast Foodies reunion to take place. Plus, they made sure to hit the water for a chunk of the day and skate near the beaches because that’s what you do in Miami, and they also made sure to spend a little money again by picking up some bling at a local pawn shop, before wrapping up Saturday with beers and pizza. 

But of course, all good things must come to an end, and after a morning IV cocktail to replenish and refresh them from a wild and busy day… the lads settled in for the Last Supper once again. Wherein they reflected upon the highlights of visiting another party city on their list and ate some stunning food while they reminisced and told some incredible jokes, of course. Not to mention, Adam ate off a freakin’ sword and if that’s not high living, this writer doesn’t know what is. But what matters more here, is that this moment once more reminded us of the wonder of creating memories and living life to the fullest. Since there was so much for these two to discuss regarding their trip and a great deal of joy for them to pour over as well. Because they had a great time, plain and simple, and they let us come along for one honest and refreshing ride.

If anything, it was great to finally see a show about Miami… not focus on the club scene and all the excessive party destinations present in this town and just enjoy destinations of the host’s choosing. Because that’s how you really party and that’s how you forge great memories, by meeting the locals and going to places that will stand out in your mind forever and it is just great that this series embraces that mantra and takes us along for the ride. One that puts a smile on our faces and quite frankly, leaves us ready to experience more adventures with Adam and Jon. Because this series, is just plain fun through and through, and the laughs just keep coming and it will be quite the treat to reunite with these gentlemen come next Thursday, and party hearty vicariously through them as they continue to check out all the places where we need to party before we die. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 308 of ‘The Orville: New Horizons’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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The game of 'what if?' is played often in fiction for one reason and one reason alone… to offer the reader or the viewer a warning of sorts. The kind that informs them what our world could potentially look like if we let certain types of evil persist and asking that question in fiction has brought about some powerful stories throughout the years, and it has helped to postulate some frightening possibilities. Since Fahrenheit 451 truly informed us of how easily the world can slip into censorship and of course, 1984, warned us of how easily we might surrender our freedoms under the promise of safety and protection. Not to mention, The Handmaid’s Tale is a powerful warning about how having the wrong people in the right positions in government, can easily lead to a horrific future for a free nation.

But what is truly fascinating about this aspect of storytelling, is that it offers no easy answers regarding how we stop such matters. It simply informs us that this is where we can go if there is no vigilance and awareness to the threats ahead. But now and again you run into stories that actually do offer answers and suggestions regarding how these potential outcomes could be avoided and that’s why The Orville: New Horizons on Hulu, is such a revolutionary science fiction story. Because it does just that, and often for that matter, making it a brave and bold series for certain. One that truly gives us pause with the topics and answers it presents us with and well… its ability to pull this off is top of mind today, because this wonderful aspect of the show, was once again front and center during this week’s stunning episode.

A feat that ‘Midnight Blue’ accomplished by having Commander Grayson and Lieutenant Commander Bortus swing by the all-female Moclan colony that was introduced in ‘Sanctuary’ to conduct the annual inspection that was part of the agreement made with the Moclan people to keep the women in this place from being forcibly removed and returned to Moclus. Which was a mission that was seemingly innocuous in nature. To the point where Topa came along to meet her hero, Heveena. But it didn’t take long for this mission to become something so much more, since Heveena asked Topa to help her break the treaty and smuggle female Moclans to the Sanctuary and her agreeing to that… prompted her kidnapping and torture at the hands of elite Moclan soldiers. Which then prompted a stunning rescue from Kelly and Bortus and the expulsion of the Moclus people from the Union, when their crimes against an innocent woman were revealed.

Which is a story that serves as a powerful warning for the potential future ahead. Since Heveena’s network of smuggling could be viewed as an allegory for the worries now present regarding the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the potential of things to come from that for women that have no options regarding their bodies or their choices. Not to mention the attitudes of the Moclans toward women, feel a touch too eerie and real here, as though we’re just watching some entitled dude bros or old school politicians say the loud part quiet when it comes to what they think of women. All of which makes this episode iconic in its own right and in the pantheon of classic science fiction for certain, and had the writer’s room left it at this, the story still would have stood upon its own. But it is the answers present here about what should come next regarding this kind of assault on human rights that elevates this episode to a whole new level.
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In that, the story poses the very real possibility that perhaps the time for discourse and civility has passed. Which of course, is not an endorsement for violence in the slightest, but that the time has come to quit accepting of the old and outdated views that people spew and expect to be in place when it comes to women. For it is 2022 after all, and women are indeed equals. So perhaps there should be less engaging or listening on such matters, and more calling to the carpet as Gordon did here and a turning of our backs on those who won’t listen or change. Because we’ve heard their nonsense and given it far too much power and well… all they are doing is impeding progress and holding the world back, so maybe it is time to leave them in their frozen little slice of history and let them stew while the rest of us move forward and forge a far better world where underground networks for basic human rights don’t ever have to exist.

Which is commentary that makes this, a powerfully poignant episode. One that really features a lot of incredible thoughts for us to ponder upon and it also takes us to task. And that is of course what great science fiction does from beginning to end and once again, all we can do is applaud this series for being so ambitious and intelligent, and for always taking the time to hold a mirror up to the world and demand that we see the problems plaguing us whether we want to or not. Because they’re not going away, not until we acknowledge and solve them. If anything, this is the kind of story that will be fawned over and dissected for years to come and rightfully so, since The Orville: New Horizons continues to lead the way in creating stories that demand analysis and attention, and all this episode does is leave us desperate for more of this brilliant saga and all the wondrous musings (and cameos, because let’s be honest, Dolly Parton popping up here was amazing) it is going to send our way. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series finale of ‘The Split’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past six weeks, we’ve talked at length about relationships and the ups and downs that accompany them, and how difficult it can be to see them end abruptly or slowly. All because the third and final season of The Split on Sundance Now, has done a phenomenal job of exploring those elements through its characters. Since each and every one of them have dealt with situations that put those topics front and center and that has brought forth some powerful storytelling and some supremely poignant moments. The kind that are relatable and give us great pause. But while it has been fascinating to experience this moving journey, all good things must come to an end.
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Which means that the only logical place for any exploration to go, is to shift the focus to one burning question that all the characters must answer. In that, what comes next when we’ve had time to process the end of a relationship and our romantic woes? And well, it turns out that the series finale of this saga was the perfect place to explore that particular question. For the end of the line is indeed the right place to look ahead, but in order to get there, one important journey had to come to a head. For Hannah and Nathan have spent most of this season playing a game of back and forth when it comes to their love. Since at times they want to be with one another, while at others they cannot stand each other.

That meant… the time had come for them, to really ask one another what they wanted here and if reconciliation was possible and that powerful conversation helped them to learn that it was over. That they were different people now with different wants and desires and the best thing to do now, was to act like adults and forge a path forward. Which for them, involved cutting out their lawyers and civilly dividing up their belongings for their divorce, and acknowledge the reality that they could be friends and parents to their children and be part of one another’s lives. They just had to hold to the reality that the spark was gone, and their bond had changed, and it was wonderful to see them understand all of that. Since it informed us that what comes next in this instance… is growth and moving on.

However, they weren’t the only ones to learn and grow at last. For Rose finally came to realize that she couldn’t hang onto her pain with James forever, and that she needed to start to heal and live again. A feat she accomplished by visiting the man who received James’ heart, giving her closure and a sense of wonder that the man she loved… was doing good long after death. Plus, the chance to love again, gave her hope as well. Making it clear that eventually we do find our way forward when we lose a loved one and when we do, what comes next… is living life with newfound meaning. Plus, we’d be foolish to not mention… that Ruth’s beautiful wedding at the end of this tale informs us… that sometimes what comes next when one love ends, is more love. For we are creatures that can always begin again.

But what matters most… is that all of these storylines made it clear that regardless of what kind of heartbreak we endure or how our relationships end… what truly awaits us, is more life. Sure, the pain is there, and it will indeed hurt for a while. But it too shall pass, and we will find wonder in the world again, and it is best that we live life to the fullest and soak up its majesty, because we never know what beauty will find us when our heads are held high again. And that… is the perfect way to bring this series to a close. For it is a hopeful and beautiful way to close out a few tough years for these characters and well… that’s really all there is to say about this saga. For we have indeed reached the end of an incredible journey. One that taught us so much about life and love and that will allow for us to look fondly upon this show, and the incredible lessons it sent our way.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Showtrial’.
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The best crime dramas out there… are the ones that take us on a powerful journey. The kind that finds a way to attach us to the characters and their fates and of course, presents unto us… a case that resonates and draws us in and well… this is not an easy task. Because it requires great balance from a writer or a writer’s room and depending on what they have in mind, balance can quickly go the wayside. But now and again, you run into a crime drama that has indeed figured out the balance and knows how to pull all those important feats off and it just so happens that Sundance Now is now home to a crime drama that fits that particular bill.

For Showtrial is a story that knows exactly how to draw us in and make us care about a missing person’s case, in part by having that kind of case unfold organically. For shortly after we are plunged into Bristol in ‘Praying for Her’, we come to learn that a woman named Hannah Ellis has gone missing and that’s of serious concern. Because she isn’t anyone that causes trouble, nor does she do much outside of study and work. So, for her to just fade away, out of the blue, is an act that is genuinely out of character, and well, it doesn’t take long for us to experience the sheer panic and fear that her mother goes through with her daughter gone missing… and it takes even less time for the police to be able to do something about this particular problem. 

Because they are able to uncover some suspicious and threatening text messages between Hannah and a fellow classmate named Talitha Campbell. The kind that implies that Hannah was about to undergo harm at Talitha’s hands and that of course, drives Detective Inspector Paula Cassidy to bring Talitha in for questioning and well… that’s where this series engages us further. Because Talitha is the ultimate spoiled brat, one that cares little about consequences of actions and has no desire to be behind bars and will make sure that everyone knows about her discomfort. Which draws us into this tale, through suspicion. For Talitha harbors incredible disdain for Hannah and is often eager to speak to that disdain in an unsettling and twisted manner, leaving one to wonder… if she by chance did something horrible to her.

A possibility that becomes a quasi-reality by the end of this tale, when it is discovered that Hannah was strangled by an article of clothing that Talitha is seen wearing on various camera footage from a recent event. A revelation that not only puts Talitha back in jail for longer and seemingly exposes a potential issue with her sanity, but also introduces us to a bevy of other important characters. Such as Cleo Roberts, a former rising star in world of the law that has transitioned to public defender work for reasons that aren’t clear just yet. But she’s critical to this case because she obviously knows how to help Talitha navigate the tough road ahead… if she can get her to listen to reason for a change and drop the brat attitude. Not because she wants to win cases and improve her standing, but because… she wants to get to the truth.

That is what truly compels us to continue this fascinating journey. For we too want the truth, and we must know if Talitha is indeed a sociopathic murderer that decided that Hannah needed to face her wrath with the help of others and well, all of these elements are a wonderful way to set the stage for this series ahead. Because this story really does a fine job of sucking us in and it really does offer up compelling and dynamic characters that we care about or despise and most important of all, there’s balance to be found here, and a compelling mystery through and through. One that we have to know every detail about, and it will indeed be fascinating to see what truths unfold as this investigation continues along. Until next time.

​Please enjoy this exclusive clip from episode two of 101 Place to Party Before You Die, which will air on truTV tonight (7/21/22) at 10:30 p.m. EST.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Everything’s Trash’. To revisit the precious episode, click here.
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One particularly surprising aspect about American society that has recently come to light, is that Americans know very little about how elections, and politics in general, work. As evidenced by how many people and wannabe pundits have incorrectly spoken to how elections and the political system function, which is… gravely concerning. For that is something we should all have a grand understanding of, since it is something that touches all of our lives and well… as concern about this persists, it would seem that this lack of knowledge is starting to serve as a call to action for popular media to step in and help educate others.

Because popular media is an easy way to teach people in a simple and impactful manner and it just so happens that political education is top of mind today, because it served as the focal theme of this week’s episode of Everything’s Trash on Freeform. For ‘Canvassing Is Trash’ is a story that saw Phoebe hustling to Jayden’s campaign HQ (after another romantic encounter with Hamilton) in order to fulfill a promise to him. In that, he needed a few more signatures from the public, in order to be placed upon this year’s ballot, and Phoebe was going to help him get those signatures, and well… that led to a lot of learning through fun. Something that has become an outright trademark of this magnificent show. 

Because the various shenanigans and epic push that Phoebe made to help her brother out, alongside his own struggles as the day rolled along, helped us to learn that the political system is quite complex, and a great deal of work will accompany running for office. Which some could say is a sign of a broken system, but let’s be honest, this is the kind of stuff that is designed to ensure that someone is really committed to public service and all the hard work it is going to entail. And despite the delays and setbacks that Phoebe and Jayden ran into throughout their quest, eventually Jayden got what he needed signature wise and will be on the ballot for the election. 

Which was, a fascinating way to educate us on the process of how one gets elected to office and how much work goes into that. Which might not be an earth-shattering lesson, but it is essential learning none the less and hopefully motivates folks to dig deeper regarding the system, and what’s amazing, is that this episode had so much more to offer than a fascinating look at our political machine. For this is a story that also focused on gentrification in big cities and how that is transforming communities, and of course, it built upon the Hamilton/Phoebe romance and the troubles that are coming with that, and… it had one last lesson in store for us.

In that, if you’re going to enjoy the kindness of strangers, as Phoebe did here… don’t use their bathtub. It’s just going to lead to awkward moments and potentially some struggles in using the word Bergamot. Either way, this was just… another amazing episode from an extremely refreshing show. One that continues to surprise us with unique lessons and quality shenanigans along the way and once again, we are left hungry for more. Because we simply have to know what surprises are going to be in store for us come next week, when Phobe once again heads out into the world to experience all its wonder and generate some laughs along the way. Until next time.