Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven and the series finale of ‘Night Sky’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There was a time, where experimental and bold television shows, ran the risk of quickly disappearing from the airwaves. For there were only so many time slots available on so many networks, and if the show didn’t hit the right notes in the ratings, well that was that. But the streaming era changed a great deal of that, since it has allowed for shows that might not normally thrive in the market, to grow and find their voice, and that in turn… has spoiled television fans a bit. Since the expectation now, is that anything new will get all the time it needs to find its groove and tell its story. Which is why it is so surprising when we hear that a show in that vein is cancelled out of the blue, since we just don’t expect that to happen anymore.

But it does and that is why this recap of Night Sky on Prime Video is already far different in tone. For this experimental and intimate science fiction series, won’t be getting a second season on the network, for reasons that currently aren’t known to us. Which is a move that will bring about frustrations for the fans of this series, since its final two episodes brought forth all kinds of surprises. After all, we came to learn that Jude’s father was indeed out there in ‘Lake Diving’. Plus, ‘Compensation’ only deepened the mystery of the Guardians and revealed to both Franklin and Irene the world they watched from afar was in fact habitable and featured its own colony. One that might harbor Byron, and well, not having any further answers or explorations regarding those revelations, would bring about the frustrations in question.

But alas, little can be done about resolving those plot threads since the end is indeed nigh. Which means that it is best we simply take a moment to properly bid farewell to this series today and celebrate everything it accomplished and featured. Such as the fact that it was host to quality performances from top to bottom. The kind that sold every big moment in this particular show and made the characters quite believable. But of course, while it was wonderful to be introduced to such dynamic characters played by dynamic actors, there are two actors in this series that truly stood above the rest and deserve extra recognition. Specifically, J.K. Simmons and Sissy Spacek. Because their performances as Franklin and Irene York were simply stunning from beginning to end and helped to really add gravity to what made this series so great.

In that, it touched upon some powerful themes. For this was a story that dug deep on the power of the past and how it paralyzes us and can make our lives quite difficult for certain. As evidenced by where the York family resided mentally for a better part of this story. Since all of them were nervous and cautious about living life since they were afraid that doing so, would introduce fresh pain into lives, despite the fact that such a decision made them stagnant in life. To the point where even an intergalactic gateway wouldn’t allow for them to really live life and enjoy it. Which is why it was powerful to see this story point out… that we cannot live in that manner and that while the past does indeed hurt us and can influence us to hide, we simply cannot let it do so.

Since it really does restrict us and stunt us and watching these characters slowly realize that and grow and heal before our eyes, made for a satisfying experience. One that in many ways, does offer the closure we seek regarding this series. Because in the end, we leave Franklin and Irene in a better place than where we found them. Since they made peace with their pain and took risks in the end and found a way to live life at last, and that is a beautiful ending of sorts. One bookended nicely by Stella and Toni’s growth as well, and Jude’s decision to be brave and Denise’s desire to just experience life over playing it safe and that’s what we need to hold onto when it comes to this series. For that is how it ends and focusing on that really does allow for the viewer to find some semblance of satisfaction and closure regarding a series that gave us its very best..

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season one finale of ‘Troppo’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One of the hardest lessons to learn when we are searching for the truth, is that sometimes the answers we seek are far simpler than we expect, and what makes this so difficult for us to fathom, is our imaginations and expectations really. For there is a part of our brain that really does believe that the world and our problems can be woefully complex, to the point where a search for answers will uncover revelations and realities that will stun us and shock us. So, when we come to learn how simple the answer truly was in our quest, we are shocked and left in a stunned and confused place where we work to process that all important lesson with mixed results. Because sometimes… we just want there to be more. If anything, that lesson is top of mind today, simply because it is one that Ted, and Amanda were reminded of during the season one finale of Troppo on Amazon Freevee.

For when we catch up with them in ‘Unmasked’, shortly after Amanda is released from police custody since they have nothing on her… Ted poses the possibility that they may have overcomplicated Jong Min’s death. For his parent corporation was trying desperately to ingratiate itself with the local community and murdering an employee wouldn’t help that in the slightest. Not to mention, the locals turning on him would ruin lives… so it had to be someone else that did him in and after pondering hard on the simplicity of the matter, the strained relationship dynamic present in Jong Min’s world prompted Ted to look there and well, as it turned out… that led to the truth. For he and Amanda came to learn that Jong Min was terrified of the backlash to come when he exposed his employer's actions, and was pushing harder and harder upon his family out of fear, and in doing so, he alienated Ah Rah to the point where she struck back one fateful night… killing her father. 

Which brought Ah Rah and Charlie to justice, since Charlie was part of the cover up, and with that simple truth under his belt… Ted turned his attention to another lingering case, specifically… Amanda’s. Because the police response regarding the whole mess with Bryce, made him wonder if Amanda really did snap with no prior history of mental illness or such acts, or if something simpler was at work here and well, his hunch paid off again. For a recheck of the blood sample used in evidence to convict Amanda, quickly proved that Amanda had been setup by Damford, and he clearly went the extra mile to make sure that she suffered greatly, but why? Which in turn brought forth more simple answers. In that, Damford was in a relationship with Lauren back in the day and was there the night that she died and knew about the fact that Brooke and Lauren drugged Amanda, an act that created wild hallucinations that brought about Lauren's end.

But what matters more, is that Damford’s cowardice in the moment when he could have saved Lauren, combined with his guilt for pressing to have her help the very girl she drugged, which led to that violent end… broke Damford. To the point where he believed the only way to make his mistakes right was to make Amanda pay the price in a court of law. Which is why he pressed for the maximum sentence and why he made her life hell when she did get out of prison and sadly, the discovery of this truth… took Damford to his lowest. To the point where he nearly shot Amanda out of some twisted form of retribution. But thankfully, Ted was there to stop Damford with a bullet, before teaching him a valuable lesson in bravery. Courtesy of how hard both Amanda and Ted raced to save his life and well… just like that, Amanda faced a bold new future.

One where she would no longer have to live under the specter that she was a monster of sorts, and that is quite the incredible way to end this season. Since it provided Amanda with peace at last and it also gave Ted peace as well. Because just like that, he was a fine investigator again, and did a lot of good in finding his groove and well… hopefully this isn’t the end of Ted and Amanda’s journey. Because it would be a true delight to see where they go from here with freedom in their hearts and souls and see how this private investigation business grows. So hopefully, we get news regarding a second season soon, so we can enjoy more of this fascinating duo and show. For they really are brilliant investigators through and through and you can never go wrong with a crime drama that is full of quality cases grounded in realism, and incredible characters filled with depth and a capacity to grow.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘The Terminal List’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we’ve pondered at length about the genuine possibly that Lieutenant Commander James Reece, the main character of The Terminal List on Prime Video… might be a broken hero. For the first two episodes of this dynamic and engaging series, have provided clues to the very real possibility that Reece is mentally ill and sliding into darkness and that he may have hurt his family and done worse acts as a result of that guilt. While at the same time toying with us and leaving us wondering if that actually is the case, since there have been hints of something sinister here. A move that has definitely kept us engaged in the hopes of garnering the definitive truth as to whether or not this is going to be a sorrowful story about a lost and broken hero or a story of redemption where said hero brings down an ugly conspiracy.

Well, after toying with us for two entire episodes, the writers’ room of this dynamic show decided the time had come to provide us with the truth. For ‘Consolidation’ revealed unto us quite a bit of stunning knowledge about what’s really going on with James, but not before messing with us just a little bit more. For when we catch up with Reece in this tale, he has scheduled a meeting with Kelly to discuss all the incredible discoveries he has made after that harrowing ending to last week’s tale. Such as how he has concerns about a man named Saul Agnon, who just so happens to work for a company known as Capstone Industries and how he and this company tied into all of this. Making it appear as though he was slipping deeper into madness, a possibility reaffirmed by the revelation that he has a brain tumor that could be impacting his memory and his emotions. 

But the arrival of an assassin, made it clear that at long last, that James Reece isn’t losing his mind. He is legitimately being hunted by Capstone Industries and that reality, changed the nature of this story completely and engaged us at a whole new level. Especially when one considers that we were able to meet Saul and experience his fear over James coming to learn about his name and his existence and being able to see inside Capstone Industries and also be introduced to Saul’s boss, Steven Horn, truly made it apparent that something sinister is indeed happening on American soil and that James is just scratching the surface of his concerns. Shifting the tone of this story into a grand mystery of sorts, one that wasted little time in expanding upon said mystery through Saul. 

For he was right to fear James. For Reece sent Ben to spy on Saul and track his every movement and that of course, brought forth an impromptu meeting between Reece and Saul in the middle of the night. One where Saul suffered greatly, so that James could finally get some answers. Such as the fact that assassins from south of the border were hired to kill his family and that yes, Steven Horn was the mastermind of all of this and that a strange compound known as RD4895 might somehow play into the horrible events that have recently plagued Reece and well… those revelations put him at quite the crossroads. In that, he could either go right to the source and demand some answers or he could take the other half of that information and find justice for his family by making the assassins and their handler pay and well, for now at least… this mystery will persist.

Because the men that crossed that ugly line are about to pay and pay dearly and it will be fascinating to see how long it will take James to find justice for his family before resuming the search for answers. But while we wait to see how that pans out, we can celebrate one incredible episode. For this one really did lean hard into our worries about James and his mental state before outright surprising us in a stunning manner. For no one saw that conspiracy twist coming, nor were we prepared to learn how deep this might go since clearly, Capstone has a lot of secrets and a lot of people working to keep them that way and well, in the end, that incredible twist really does compel one to continue the journey. To see if revenge will bring Reece, peace, and to learn everything there is to know about this fascinating conspiracy. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 306 of ‘For All Mankind’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

Over the course of its three-year run, the Apple TV+ series, For All Mankind, has posed some fascinating questions about the human condition. Such as what it takes to truly motivate us to be more and be better and what it might take for humanity to make space travel a focus in our world. But above all, there is one particular question that the series has hotly debated during its time on the air. Specifically, would space travel actually manage to unify us as we believe and hope? Because we simply don’t know if interstellar travel would indeed provide us enough awe and epiphany to forge the peace and harmony we crave and well, that question is of note, because it once again made an appearance during this week’s fascinating episode.
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For ‘New Eden’ is a story that saw a dream come true for our modern world. In that, humanity had landed upon Mars and was working toward establishing Martian colonies at last. And that process allowed for old enemies to come together under one roof in the name of science and it motivated a for-profit company to do the right thing for a change, since Phoenix was officially open to house the American and Russian crews for the long ride home since the engines on Sojourner 1 were critically damaged. Which really made it seem as though unity was on its way, the kind that would inspire everyone back home. But a pair of important moments, changed that and informed us that perhaps it will take something greater to finally bring unity and harmony to all of mankind.

For Mister Tyler, was so touched by the awe he experienced by landing on Mars, that he opted to come out to the entire world. A moment that would be celebrated today, but since this was the conservative 1990s… it was met with disdain back home and brought forth a bevy of old and tired prejudices onto the airwaves. Which created so much rhetoric and distraction and pain for Tyler, that President Wilson had to create the alternate version of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ to end all that. And to complicate matters further… Helios and the Russians assembled a joint mission to get their hands on a large water reserve discovered on the planet, giving rise to major divisions again since no one was genuinely working together anymore, which was unfortunate, and sadly… that wasn’t the end of this disappointing exploration into the human condition.

For a big problem began to brew aboard Phoenix. In that, Danny Stevens was furious to learn that the whole reason Helios didn’t land on Mars first, was because Ed was worried about Danny being hurt. For he saw himself as Danny’s surrogate dad, and that… was more than Danny could bear. For he genuinely thought he was ready for this and, through his resumé, had managed to stand out from under his father’s shadow, and he saw this as disrespectful and that… combined with his unresolved addiction and trauma over losing his father… put Danny down a dark and scary path. One where his seething anger might cause trouble on this two-year mission because the reality of the matter, is that he was rushed into service and wasn’t ready for the pressures of deep space travel in the slightest.

If anything, this was a shockingly bleak episode when all is said and done, but going this route was the right decision storytelling wise. Because it reminded us that we are indeed a flawed species, one that doesn’t know how to work together in the slightest, nor are we ready to do so. In fact, in order to get the unity, we want, there are fundamental changes we as a society have to agree upon and work on in order to get what we want. Which means that just the act of interstellar travel, might not be the answer we are hoping it will be. But that doesn’t mean that such an act is devoid of hope and the potential for great change. Because despite the petty nonsense happening on Mars, they only have each other on this barren rock, and if they can figure that out and truly rely upon one another, then perhaps they’ll figure out how to create the fundamental change needed to finally do the impossible and unify all of mankind. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Thirty-Two Premiere of ‘Top Gear’. To revisit the Season Thirty-One Finale, click here.
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One particular aspect of the BBC America series, Top Gear, that makes it such a worthwhile watch, is that its hosts are no joke. For Paddy, Freddie and Chris aren’t just enthusiasts/fan boys or gents that are eager to be in front of the camera. They love cars, they the love the road and they will do whatever it takes to really educate the audience on the wonder of automobiles, and they have extensive experience with cars and car competitions, as part of knowing how to properly test them, to the point where they all boast racing licenses now. But what’s wild about that… is that despite loving cars to no end and having professional racing licenses under their belts, the lads have in fact… struggled often in professional races and major events that aren’t specifically designed to test a vehicle.

A reality that has frustrated these intrepid hosts to no end because they know passion and experience should bring about more for the viewer than lower place finishes or just so-so results. Which is why for the season thirty-two premiere… the hosts decided to do something quite unique. In that, they convinced the producers that they needed to do something inventive to snag a few victories and that allowed for them to swing by Florida to try out some new types of races. The kind that would hopefully give our racing heroes (and the audience as well) some wins at last and well, that led to one unique road trip for certain. One that offered up competitions so rare and so special, that likely only regional locals were aware of them before this episode aired,

For instance, their first stop on their tour, was to a Donk Racing facility. Where tricked out cars get a chance to drag race and well… it didn’t take long for the lads to discover that such a race was not easy. For there were spinouts that took place and a jumping of the gun to win a heat as well. Leaving the lads with so-so results again and a lingering worry that perhaps this journey across the pond was going to end with disappointment. A possibility that seemed to be growing into a reality when the lads got stuck and required a tow on the way to their second stop, since that just seemed to be a genuine harbinger of doom. But it was stop number two… where their luck suddenly began to change for the better.

Because the swamp-buggy race they attended, wherein the participants race across a swamp (one that did harbor a crocodile… by the way), was just so wacky and outlandish that the lads quickly decided to just have fun over anything else and despite a tough start, where Freddie’s ride died, and where Chris’ never got into gear… the lads finally managed to place high in a race. For Paddy McGuinness just went for it and had a great time doing so… and that landed Team Top Gear, a second-place finish and a lovely trophy and some renewed confidence. For that win really did inform them that they could do it, they could place high and that motivated them to step up their game a notch racing wise and rush toward to an epic finale. One that pushed Chris Harris to his physical limits.

For he did endure a frisbee injury along the way to the final competition. But the chance to race in Cletus McFarland’s ‘anything goes’ racetrack in a Crown Victoria in a thirty lap battle royale, entitled ‘The Dirty Thirty’, put any injury out of mind. Because this was a chance to really place well in a more traditional race and the determination that came out of that chance, led to one epic race. One where Freddie and Paddy gave their all regardless of their lack of experience in this kind of race, and where Chris Harris put himself in the zone and hung the whole way. To the point where once again, Team Top Gear placed second overall, and that’s huge. Because it showed the lads, they’re fully capable of winning a race and they should win more down the line now that tinges of doubt are removed from their minds. 

In the end however, this was just an epic way to kick off season thirty-two. In part because that was one heck of a road trip. One that was filled to the brim with some hilarious moments for certain. Such as when the lads revealed their Miami Vice themed apparel, and when they played their painful version of cards. But above all, what made this episode so great, was Paddy, and Freddie, and Chris’ outright desire, to step up their game and be better on the track. Because that requires a touch of humility and it was just cool to see them rise to the occasion and well, it’s going to be a treat to see them race again, and of course… continue to share their passion for cars as season thirty-two continues along. Until next time.

Please enjoy a sneak peek of episode six of Becoming Elizabeth, which will air on STARZ on July 17, 2022.
 
If the embedded clip below doesn’t work, click here to view it.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 307 of ‘The Orville: New Horizons’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular constant found these days in science fiction stories, is social commentary, and it makes sense as to why this is now commonplace. For writers that work within the genre have come to discover how easily these tales can put a magnifying glass up to burning issues in our world, but this is also present in storytelling because… we are currently searching for all kinds of answers regarding the human condition. For we live in precarious times, where it seems as though everything is on the brink of disaster. So, if by chance, we can find answers regarding one of the many problems and issues we are facing, perhaps we can begin to solve them all and put mankind back on the path toward a better tomorrow.

But while that is indeed leading to some of incredible storytelling through and through, the kind that is thoughtful and observant and compelling… what’s fascinating about science fiction… is that it doesn’t always have to work to solve our problems and guide us. For sometimes, the finest science fiction stories out there are just observant in nature and present to us the human condition in the raw, in all of its glory and its folly. And in doing so, that too can be just as compelling and just as powerful since that kind of objective and sweeping look at who we are can teach us individual lessons about humanity and influence change in different ways and that’s why the next episode of The Orville: New Horizons on Hulu is of note. For ‘From Unknown Graves’ is a story that offered up very little in the way of focused commentary to instead just examine the human experience as a whole. 

A feat that it accomplished by offering up a bevy of storylines. Such as one involving a peace keeping gambit on Ed and Kelly’s part, where the crew flipped roles to put the women of the Orville in charge to please a race of aliens where women were the dominant species, to try and secure a new ally. And while that was happening, John and Talla were struggling to find balance in their imbalanced relationship, and behind the scenes of all of that… was a storyline involving a rogue Kaylon that was given the gift of emotions. Allowing for him to offer apologies for the actions of his people and provide context of what drove them to their desire to commit genocide across the stars. And of course, if this were any other sci-fi show on the market, that many storylines at once would make this episode feel akin to a filler/transitional tale… one easily forgotten about by next week.

But all of these fascinating storylines, several of which offered a touch of the classic comedic relief this show is known for, really were a grand look at the human experience as a whole. Take the romance angle for instance, since that spoke to how love is love, and it doesn’t matter who we meet and where they’re from, when the heart knows and wants, it draws us to that person like a moth to a flame. As for the treaty plot line, well that was a touch more somber of a storyline. Since it did speak to our ongoing fight for equality and how we tend to take more steps back than we should regarding it, when it really is a far simpler matter than we give it credit. For equality is equality and there should be no debate regarding that, and it was fascinating to see this storyline play out. 
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However, while those storylines were powerful in their own right and fascinating for certain, they were greatly overshadowed by the Kaylon plot line present here. Since that story looked hard at our capacity for evil, and how we sometimes tend to treat others that are different than us, as subservient in nature. Something that is wrought in American history via genocide and slavery and seeing that on display here, definitely provided this writer and others undoubtedly with pause. Since it was a very raw look at the darker parts of our history and the unfortunate reality of where we are at and how somehow… we need to find a way to learn from one another again, so that our prejudices are replaced with understanding. So that perhaps we can finally find common ground in the same manner that Charly and Isaac did. 

Speaking of Isaac, we’d also be remiss to not talk about Mark Jackson’s excellent performance here, since he was given so much to work with regarding the emotional programming storyline and that resulted in some genuinely beautiful and moving scenes. The kind that served as the perfection exclamation point to a perfect reflection upon the human condition. One that put us on display for better or worse… all while reminding us, what we can become when we try… and that made this episode a special one for certain. One that just, celebrated humanity and offered up some tender moments and laughs along the way and it was done in such a compelling manner, that we were undoubtedly glued to our screens and well, now that this wonderful little surprise has come to a close… we sadly must impatiently wait again for a brand-new episode from a brilliant series that always knows how to surprise. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 305 of ‘The Split’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particularly healthy act that each and every one of us should take part in, is getting away from it all for a little while now and again. Simply because to do so allows for our minds and souls to detach from the chaos that life sometime sends our way. So, we can relax and rest, which in turn allows for us to see life and our problems… objectively. Which can then allow for us to deal with them accordingly and enjoy a little peace once again. But that is of course, easier said than done, since life requires so much of us. But it really is something we all need to take part in, and it is top of mind today, because Hannah and those that mean the world to her, took the time to get away from it all, in the next episode of The Split.
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For this particular tale featured the grand camping trip that everyone was talking about in the last episode and well… being out and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowed for everyone to begin to clear their heads from the chaos surrounding them… and focus and think and reconcile. Rose for instance, used this time to heal from the loss of her beloved and start to heal the pain that’s been keeping her down for some time now and Hannah and Nathan, well… this allowed for them to reconnect a bit and not have the specter of divorce hanging over them. Something that oddly enough, seemed to elicit a spark at last. But more on that in a moment. Because it didn’t take long for life and its chaos to creep back into one person’s life. But thankfully, this time away allowed for the majority of this grand family to be focused enough to support Nina, and the tough times she was was about to face.

Because she finally came to learn that her beloved Tyler was nothing more than a scoundrel. One that did indeed rob her of every last penny and that broke her and rightfully so. For that was an epic betrayal, one that few can recover from. But having her clear-headed family around… allowed for her to have support and kind words and it even helped her to get her backside back into work. Because her family wasn’t going to let her stew and not face the music for her actions, nor could she just quit her job. Because all of that would only send her into a downward spiral. So, she went back to the office and dealt with the fury that Zander rightfully had for her on his way out of the door for an extended leave to spend time with his dying sister… and went back to her life, with lessons learned for certain. 

Thankfully, once that settled down, the story was able to refocus its attention on Hannah and Nathan, and the clear second thoughts they were beginning to have about their divorce. Because that spark was strong, and it reminded them of the great times they once had as husband and wife and the family they built off of that spark. Which is likely why Nathan was so painfully honest with Kate about his feelings for Hannah, because to deny them would cause him more mental strife and likely why, Hannah… turned down another night with Christie. Because she felt something deep and was having second thoughts, just as Nathan was and well… that’s a powerful way to set the stage for the end of this series.

Because that kind of hesitation to truly end a long-term relationship, means that the finale might be a grand exploration, regarding how sometimes we might not be able to let go of certain loves and that stepping away from that for a bit, just as one might do with life… can give us focus and reason to try again. Or… the story could surprise and end this budding attempt at a return to glory and explore what comes next for this emotionally struggling duo. Either way, the end is indeed nigh and kudos to this story for using a simple twist to set up a fond farewell to a brilliant series. One that continues to explore the ups and downs of love in a dynamic manner and whichever way in which the saga ends… will be powerful and compelling, and it is definitely safe to say, that we will all be counting down the minutes until next week’s tale… to see how this three-year journey comes to a close. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the finale of ‘This Is Going to Hurt’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the AMC+ series, This Is Going to Hurt, has been one of 2022’s most fascinating and engaging television shows. Simply because it really has presented the medical world in a new light, since we’ve learned a lot about the kind of pressures that doctors face when they’re working in their respective wards, the kind that push them to their breaking point in every way imaginable. Since their personal lives suffer greatly since the needs of the wounded are a priority and of course, it also takes quite the emotional toll upon them as well. To the point where depression runs rampant and suicide is considered a viable out, due to the lack of mental health care for medical professionals. In fact, that revelation was so powerful and so stunning… that it set the stage for the finale of this fascinating saga.
 
For the final chapter in Adam’s journey, was influenced heavily by Shruti’s decision to take her own life. To the point where Adam is a changed man when we catch up with him in this tale. To the point where his demeanor had changed at work. For gone was the salty young hotshot we met in the premiere, replaced instead by a level-headed doctor that understood humility and the power of the moment and he also learned, to treat all of his coworkers with a newfound respect. So, they didn’t feel ostracized and incompetent so that the darkness that consumed Shruti wouldn’t consume them. Plus, he also learned the importance of setting boundaries with his workplace and in his life and setting up that kind of stress-free environment put Adam at quite the crossroads in this tale.
 
One where he came to realize… that he really needed to take the time and evaluate if this was the career field for him. Because despite finding balance now, there was always the chance said balance wouldn’t last. For promotions and bigger responsibilities down the line… could bring that stress and that ugliness back and well, before he could commit to pondering upon just that, he had to survive his complaint hearing first and well… that brought about quite the beautiful moment. Wherein Adam found a way to honor Shruti and apologize at last, by pointing out that his mistake and everything that happened that day, was a result of the fatigue and pressures that doctor’s face, and that the board needed to recognize that and respect that for a change and that allowed for him to win his case and focus his attention once again on that all-important question.
 
Which in turn, led to some powerful and poignant moments for certain. The kind that allowed for us to watch a brilliant doctor, slowly come to the realization that he had chosen the wrong field all along. Which is revolutionary to see in storytelling, since the zeitgeist of the world when it comes to the career field, we’ve chosen… is to stick with it through thick and thin and find a way to make it work. When in reality, we need to start being honest about how… sometimes what we choose, isn’t for us in the slightest. Because there are a great many elements that go into living a fulfilling life and being married to a job, especially one that brings us strife and stress, isn’t one of those elements. And while Adam didn’t make the decision to part ways here with his gig, the foundation was laid down.
 
For he came to realize that he wanted a fulfilling relationship, and time to reflect and time to pursue endeavors that didn’t involve blood and guts and the rush of panic. All of which sadly came forth from having to see a great person and a great doctor… decide that there was no hope in life but to remove themselves from it. Which is a harrowing way to learn that lesson, but he learned it none the less and eventually went on to leave the NHS behind and write the very story we enjoyed and well, now that we’ve come to the end of this journey… all we can do is offer Adam Kay our thanks. For taking the time to share his intimate and powerful journey with us and for teaching all of us, to choose the right path in life, so that we can enjoy the wonder that it has to offer and find the career that truly provides us with a sense of worth and joy.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Everything’s Trash’.
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We are taught from a very early age, to be ourselves at all times. Because life is short and conforming to norms can be boring. So just be you and embrace every aspect of what makes you special and we do our best to do that… until we come to learn that there are nuances to that lesson. In that, being ourselves doesn’t always vibe with other people and that can bring about unexpected and uncomfortable conflict and sometimes… being ourselves can cause others trouble. Because the irony of this lesson is that it prompts everyone to walk unique paths and that can bring about some serious clashes, especially when our dynamic personality collides with the polarizing one of someone we deeply care about.

Which in turn teaches us some other valuable lessons. The kind that revolves around learning how and when to be who we are, and when to blend in and go with the flow to keep life running smooth and keep feelings from being hurt. A move that is no easy task when we understand who we are and what we are about and are comfortable in our own skin. If anything, this particular struggle is top of mind today, simply because it is explored in great detail in the series premiere of the new Freeform series, Everything’s Trash. A feat that ‘Choosing Between Peen & Politics Is Trash’ accomplished by plunging us into the midst of this kind of conflict.

For in this premiere, we are introduced to a podcaster named Phoebe Hill, who just so happens to be quite comfortable in her own skin. Because she knows what she wants out of life and she wants to enjoy every single second of it, and that means being herself whenever possible and indulging in what makes her happy. Which on occasion, involves a night of passion with whomever catches her eye. An act that often helps to keep her audience engaged, since she's happy to share those stories. But her brother Jayden’s decision to run for public office in their hometown, puts Phoebe at a crossroads. Since politics and being oneself don’t exactly mix, a reality that will indeed force Phoebe to find that balance.

Which in turn, leads to a fascinating premiere. One that is both raw and honest about what modern dating and modern women are like in the real world. Since Phoebe embraces her sexual needs and has no qualms with expressing them with the world and of course, embraces the mantra of being true to oneself and it is just wonderful to see an honest character like this, on the small screen. One that is progressive, and part of a diverse cast and the wonder of this story doesn’t end with its casting and characterization. Because the conflict she experiences here, is supremely real world. Since there is a divide in America where a woman being herself is both looked down upon and celebrated and where some still struggle with sexual honesty and the freedom that women have regarding their sexuality.

But this is how the real world looks and this show really deserves a round of applause for presenting people in the raw and for pointing out that we still sadly live in a world where we have to find balance over fully being who we wish to be because of prejudice and taboo-based judgment. Which means that this is going to be a season of storytelling that not only shines a spotlight on real life, but truly explores the difficulties of navigating the two worlds that some folks have to reside within, in a comedic manner of course. For there is a lot of comedy to be found here, the kind that is sold by Phoebe Robinson’s performance as… Phoebe Hill. Which makes this slice of life tale, quite enjoyable, and it will be fascinating to see where this refreshing and dynamic story is going to take us… in the weeks to come. Until next time.