Written by John Edward Betancourt![]()
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 403 and 404 of ‘Babylon Berlin’. To revisit the Season Four Premiere, click here.
There are a great many reasons that people tune into the hit MHZ Choice series, Babylon Berlin. For some, it’s the chance to enjoy a period piece, which are rare in this day and age. For others… it’s about the historical lessons this show sends our way. Since it is also set in the era when the Nazi regime rose to power and that allows for moments of reflection regarding how they obtained said power. Plus, it also features incredible characters that we love and adore and cannot get enough of. But of the many reasons we all tune in, there is one above all that we each share in. In that, this is just a well-written show. One that tells amazing stories, and never was that more evident than during this week’s episodes. For this week’s block of stories… offered up engaging journeys that saw Rath and Charlotte deal with some fascinating moments. For Gereon that involved, working to maintain links in the SA. Because there was a power struggle taking place in its world that jeopardized Rath’s chance to continue to infiltrate the SA and report back and when he wasn’t working to save that particular case, he was stuck dealing with the strangeness of his broken brother and… handling some surprises involving the dead man that issued the gambling licenses in Berlin. Mainly because Rath came to learn that no one in the city had reason to want to kill him. Because without him, money wouldn’t flow, and gangsters couldn’t operate. Which meant that someone else stepped in to cause trouble. Which was troublesome to learn, because this person, who remained in the shadows for the entire episode, was clearly eager to sow discontent and financial problems for the underworld. In fact, we saw them in action in this story… as they skewed bets and flipped fights to their liking and the trouble inherent with such an act, relates to the reality that it could create mob wars on the streets. For men with that kind of power, don’t like having their riches toyed with and will quickly turn on each other for resolution. Which we saw hints of here, and one cannot help but wonder if this act relates to the future. Since chaos in the streets would be a lovely talking point for a future despot eager to speak to why control and law and order are so very necessary. But while it was fascinating to see Rath dig into this case and all the strangeness it brought about, there was more happening within the city. For Toni was trying to find safety and that brought her home, wherein she found more death and sorrow and worked with her siblings to try find food and money to survive another day. Which led to close calls and eventual chaos. For not only were the police looking for her, but so was the SA Youth, who eagerly wanted to impress their boss and that brought forth the death of a police officer when an attempt to give her salvation went awry, and that more or less plunged her into deeper trouble with the law. The kind that forced Charlotte to make a powerful and heartbreaking decision. Because while her sister struggled to say hidden, Charlotte worked to pay her bills. For not being part of the police department anymore meant that she had to find funding in some manner. Which brought her to a multi-day dance marathon at the club. Wherein she and other competitors would in essence, dance until they dropped. A contest that Charlotte should have won easily and for a time, it appeared she would, despite having to switch through several men as her dance partners. But she made it to the final round, and only had to beat one last dance duo, and that was when Rath and the department let her know what was happening with her sister and well, it was either the money… or family… and Charlotte chose family. Putting her finances at risk to ensure a future for her sister. Sadly, that went nowhere because Toni worked hard to say hidden, but that did speak to what Charlotte values and all of this brought together, one epic episode. For this was just filled to the brim with incredible storytelling, and moments that have us curious as to what comes next for Rath and Charlotte. Not to mention, there were all kinds of plot threads assembled for resolution here, such as the trial at hand, the jewel and the matter of the secret society of the White Hand. All of which speaks to how epic this series is and how much it packs into a single episode and that is going to make the wait for next week’s block of episodes quite difficult. Since we simply must know what great writing and great moments lie ahead. Until next time. Watch ‘Babylon Berlin’
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Written by John Edward Betancourt![]()
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Four Finale of ‘Trying’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
There is an interesting and unspoken belief in that so many hold to in our world, that comes forth when we settle in and start raising a family. In that, those years go by quick and in the midst of them, there is little change. Just the wonder of routine and where memories are made, and that real change doesn’t come forth in life until one’s children grow up and head into the world. For then we enter a new chapter in our lives where change thrives and well, it’s interesting as to why people hold to this belief. Because it’s wrong, plain and simple. For change is a constant in our lives at any phase of it, and we are growing and moving about and making incredible calls as our family thrives and for proof… look no further than the season four finale of Trying on Apple TV+. For ‘Scott of the Atlantic’ was steeped in the changes we go through in our lives regardless of family life. For instance, we can become more if we wish to during this period in our lives, as evidenced by Jason’s journey here. Because the final game of the season for his team had arrived, and as they got their butts handed to them by the presumptive champs, Jason realized… he could do more for these kids. He could in fact, be a source of inspiration for them, be a hero to them and help them realize their potential. Which he did and brought them to a draw and that happened in front of Noah who told Jason… he should train to be a social worker and help people. An idea Jason loved and embraced and talked over with Nikki, because he wanted it. He wanted to be more than a cab driver, he wanted to make an impact in the world, and just like that… Jason became more. Not to mention… middle age is indeed a time where we come to realize… we want to leave our mark. No matter the cost. Which was explored through Scott’s journey here. Because despite having the boat ready to go, with friends and family to send him off... there was still the thought Scott would not go through with it and Karen certainly did not want him to. For she loved him and was worried about his safety and thought he might not come home from this. So, she asked him to quit, to find another way to find value and for a time, Scott agreed. Until he once again saw the picture that his daughter drew of him, the one that showcased him as a hero. For that informed him, if he didn’t do this, he would forever be a failure in his daughter’s eyes and in that moment, Scott changed from meek, good guy that was just getting by… to hero and champion. For he set sail on the Atlantic and was ready to leave his mark. Plus, this story also took the time to explore how we find change in subtle ways during this period of our lives, since we saw Vic come to realize what he really enjoyed the most about life, and about dating… and how best to enjoy those things with minimal pressure. Which was refreshing to see here, because we don’t ponder enough upon what makes us happy. But of course, the biggest lesson of all regarding how we change in this life, came forth via several surprises, all of which involved what happened during last week’s tale. Because Princess still had questions about her mother and how she made zero impact in her temporary home, and well, sadly she discovered the lie and to complicate matters further, Nikki’s words to Kat about her lifestyle and choices… prompted quite the decision from the deadbeat mom. In that, she made her way to Nikki and Jason’s doorstep, and was ready to talk at last. Which signified that sometimes…we can abandon our selfish ways and be a bigger and better person when the right moment comes along and well, that made for one powerful and perfect season finale of the show. One that really spoke to how change is everywhere in life and the snapshots we think we are part of are simply our minds trying to preserve that which slips away so quickly. For life is full of moments and surprises at every turn and they have just as much merit as the phases we go through. Which just reminds us of the brilliance of this series, of how it truly captures life and truly captures the essence of what we go through and hopefully we get a season five announcement for the show soon. So, we can enjoy more lessons and little moments with this amazing family, and their amazing lives. Until next time. Watch ‘Trying’
Written by John Edward Betancourt![]()
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘The Acolyte’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
It is definitely safe to say, that the majority of fans of the Star Wars Universe, have a great deal of questions about the Dark Lords of the Sith. Simply because, the general audience’s dealings with these ancient masters of the Dark Side of the Force, have been quite limited. For they’ve only met a handful of Sith via the Skywalker Saga and they’ve only really seen how corruption works through Anakin Skywalker’s journey. Ergo, all those questions. Such as their origins, who are other Sith of note, and of course… how on earth do these ancient masters turn people that are just and good to their cause. For not everyone fears loss in the manner that Anakin once did. Well slowly but surely, the SWU is working on exploring just that, as evidenced by the next episode of The Acolyte on Disney+. Since ‘Teach / Corrupt’ spent a lot of time with Osha and Qimir on a faraway world and while there were not a ton of answers regarding the broader questions, so many have regarding the Sith… some answers were present. Some of which were related to Qimir’s past and what turned him to the Dark Side and much of that was related to a falling out with the Jedi. Since he revealed he was once a Jedi Knight himself and that his Master turned upon him and left him for dead, and feeling worthless and broken, opened his mind and his soul to the Dark Side. Which brings forth some understanding of how people turn, and Qimir’s time with Osha, also brought forth an understanding as to how the Sith bring others into the fold. Which revolves around kindness, understanding and downright openness. So, there is trust built between the Master and their future Apprentice, and open dialogue. Wherein the Sith can use what they learn to their advantage, and sow doubt through manipulation and well… that’s what Qimir did here. Since slowly but surely, Osha began to wonder about her past, her present and her future, and where exactly she belonged. To the point where she donned the Sith helmet to see what the Force, be it dark or grey, might show her. But while that made for a fascinating exploration of the Sith and how they operate when the Chosen One isn’t in their presence, there was more to explore within the framework of this episode. After all, Master Sol had an imposter aboard his ship, and he needed to check in with the Jedi. Which brought about… a cat and mouse game between Sol and Mae, wherein Sol decided to go rogue and make right all the chaos that had come forth from that fateful day long ago, and where Master Vernestra showed enough worry over what happened from Sol’s brief distress call… to handle this personally. Since she took a team to Khofar to uncover what happened there. Which oddly, brings forth more questions as well. Since there were some interesting moves made by Vernestra here, since she didn’t alert the High Council to her actions, nor did she really handle this in a calm manner. As though there’s vested interest in this. But of course, time will tell, and in the here and the now we can celebrate another thoughtful and unique chapter in this saga. For this episode really did a great job exploring the nature of the Sith and how they really function when they’re not in a place of supreme power, and that made for one engaging tale. For it was fascinating to see those interactions play out and now that we’ve reached the end of this story, it’s onto the next one. One that may finally answer what happened sixteen years ago since Master Sol seems ready to talk. Until next time. Watch ‘The Acolyte’
Please enjoy this synopsis and Super-Sized Sneak Peek of Friday's season premiere of Down in the Valley. Which will air a week early on Friday, June 28, at midnight ET on the STARZ app. On linear, ‘Diamonds of Memphis’ will air on STARZ as previously scheduled, followed immediately by episode 102, ‘Saints & Sinners’ on July 5 beginning at 9:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and 10:00 PM ET in Canada. DOWN IN THE VALLEY EPISODE 101: Diamonds of Memphis **Season Premiere** Airdate: June 28 at 9:00pm ET/PT on STARZ “Diamonds of Memphis” survived the pandemic, and now we go inside the Memphis strip club’s re-re-re-opening to learn about the lives of the women who work there. Nicco joins the OGs and the newcomers as they peel back the layers and give us a unique window into what it is to sell fantasy while living your own reality. Episode 101 Clip #1 – ‘Mad Judgment’Episode 101 Clip #2 – ‘By Myself’Episode 102 Clip #1 – ‘Delicate Space’ Episode 102 Clip #2 – ‘Bible Belt’ Written by John Edward Betancourt![]()
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 404 of ‘My Life Is Murder’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
It really is quite amazing, how the vast majority of people will go the extra mile to keep a secret safe. Simply because… the truth is always the better way to go, and the truth will always find its way into the light. So, why not just be honest and save oneself the effort of hiding it away? Especially when one considers how much effort and how much energy goes into keeping secrets. But people do it regardless and truly will battle to the bitter end to keep the truth hidden, and thankfully the majority of scenarios involving a secret just end with emotional wounding and some hard life changes. But what if… someone was willing to put people into a grave to keep a secret? Would they get away with it, and why would do they do such a thing? Well, those are all questions that the next episode of My Life Is Murder on Acorn TV, takes the time to answer. A feat that ‘One Man’s Poison’ accomplished by having Reuben get involved in a worrisome case. For a good friend of his, Terry, was under investigation for potentially killing a socialite named Louie in a shockingly incompetent manner. For Terry was a highly respected chef, and Louie died by ingesting a poison in a meal that Terry prepared and well… that didn’t sit right with Reuben because of Terry’s skill set, and it didn’t sit right with Harry or Alexa either. Because it just did not make sense that a chef of his caliber would make such an outright stupid mistake. Which meant, Madison and Reuben had to go undercover in Louie’s household to learn more about the case. Which brought about the show’s trademark misdirection. Since we learned that Louie’s fiancé, was a bit of a flirtatious doof. Who wanted to open her own herbal business but lacked the discipline to make it happen. So, she relied upon Terry’s knowledge to help move her coursework along, and she of course… had a crush on him, which could have been motive. But alas, she was… too aloof to commit murder and that led the team to Louie’s future brother-in-law, Holden. Who the team learned swindled money out of Louie’s accounts and shaved an eyebrow off of Louie because they had a sordid past. One where Holden endured years of bullying from Louie, but he too… was cleared. Because he just wanted to get under Louie’s skin, not kill the man. All of which left Alexa and her team confused as who crossed the line with Louie and that forced them to dig deeper into Louie’s past and well, what they discovered… was a dirty secret. In that the mother of the family that Louie was marrying into, Karin, once had an affair with Louie. A sordid one that featured digital receipts of their passion for one another, and well… knowing that her little girl was going to be with the man that she once lusted after, and broke the vows of her marriage with, was too much to bear. Because she believed that eventually, he would talk and reveal what she had done. So, in her mind, what better way to keep a big secret a secret… than to kill the man that could reveal it and pin it upon someone else? Which made for quite the disturbing case. Because it takes a special kind of person, one that is deeply spoiled and delusional and out of touch, to somehow think that murder would be the right way to handle a secret. But… clearly, it is possible, and it does make sense that a rich person would be the one to cross that line. Since so many of them, are indeed all of those things. But what mattered more, was that this case once again, was unconventional and kept us guessing, because that’s what season four has focused upon heavily with amazing results, and this episode was certainly something special. Courtesy of its fascinating look at how far a person would go to keep a secret, especially when they don’t believe the rules apply to them and their wants. Until next time. Watch ‘My Life Is Murder’
Written by John Edward Betancourt ![]() Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘Race to Survive: New Zealand’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. One particular aspect of game shows and competition shows that is quite popular, is how they rarely deviate from their structure or their rules. A move that gives both the audience and the contestants familiarity and comfort. Since everyone knows what lies ahead and that helps the competitors gain an edge sometimes. Since they can figure out patterns and strategies and perhaps use those to garner a big, big win. In fact, it is safe to say that even Race to Survive: New Zealand on USA Network abides by this. Since strategies to win have been forming thanks to the fact that everyone battling for $500,000 is starting to understand what the races look like week to week. Which is why this week’s episode was so incredibly surprising. Simply because, the powers that be behind this series… threw comfort and structure out of the window. To offer us a vastly different type of competition that kept everyone on their toes while shaking things up, and this is a feat that ‘Kahuranghi Coast’ accomplished, by having everyone basically move into a segment of the race that was unfamiliar and tough. For they were transported to the Kahuranghi Coast and informed that one of the most grueling races to date lie ahead and that the rules had changed. For this was an open race, one where there would be no stoppage at the twelve-hour mark and where everyone would be pushed to their physical limits like never before. Courtesy of rock climbing and scaling, and outright steep descents. Alongside long stretches of running and wading through the tide as it ebbed inland throughout the day. Plus, they had to tear through some difficult brush and do some kayaking to make it to the finish line and that… changed everything. Because the strategies that so many came up with an episode or two ago meant nothing. This was about physical endurance and quick thinking and navigation skills. For there were paths that would make life easier for competitors and well… that definitely brought about all kinds of changes and surprises to the traditional leaderboard we’ve enjoyed over the past few weeks. In part because of injuries since Bronsen was struggling with, his knee and his forearm and that slowed, he and Ryan down. In fact, it was enough to put Paulina and Creighton in third place for a change, since they were resurgent and eager to make their mark, and of course, Kennedy and Nik followed their ‘snail’ edict by just chugging along at a measurable pace, which did keep them in the mix. But truly, it was the advent of hard physical endurance that really shook this race up and changed everything. Mainly because Corry and Oliver came to learn that not eating well at the last camp, was going to be a problem. For while they were moving at a decent pace and had the lead for a while, they started to feel the wear and tear on their bodies, and fatigue, and that allowed for Tyrie and Ethan, to finally overtake them, and win this race. That really was quite the twist since that duo have dominated from day one, and it was wild to see them understand they weren’t at their best and that they had been bested and well… all of that came courtesy of change. Because this coast, and the rule changes really did level the playing field, and now it is a true race to the finish line to see who will be going home and that’s just amazing. Because you so rarely see this kind of change up in a competition series, but it really did work out well and it really did lead to one amazing episode. Because it was just epic and breathtaking to watch everyone push themselves in some form or fashion, and this episode does leave us eager for more. Since now… it really is anyone’s race, thanks to one incredible surprise. Until next time. Written by John Edward Betancourt ![]() It really is quite impressive, how the modern documentary and the modern docu-series for that matter, are so supremely cinematic in nature. Which is not a knock upon them by any means… since we are treated to stunning visuals now, and incredible editing and a story that does indeed educate from beginning to end and manages to keep us captivated as well. Courtesy of all of those elements. But while the modern documentary/docu-series are quite incredible and appealing in nature, we would be foolish to not point out that there are drawbacks to having them present stories about our world in such a slick manner. In that, they sometimes feel a little manufactured, akin to a product, and that’s problematic when the genre has always been viewed as a showcase for our world as it is, complete with commentary, and it is possible that this era of peak television has helped for some to lose sight of that… but not all. Because there has suddenly been a surge of documentaries that are eager to buck the modern trends and bring the genre back to its roots, and it just so happens that STARZ is now home to a documentary series in that vein. For Down in the Valley truly is something quite special. For this docu-series, which is in many ways an extension of the hit series, P-Valley, takes the time to explore life in the South. Which at first glance seems to be no big deal, since we know the South is steeped in tradition, good food and an aesthetic that you will not find anywhere else in these United States. Which are facts we’ve seen put on display by plenty of other documentaries. But this… this docu-series handles things differently, because it’s not about our overall collective knowledge of the South… it’s about what life in the South, REALLY looks like and what people REALLY experience day to day, and that brings forth, one brilliant documentary series. In fact, it can be said with confidence that there is nothing else like this on the airwaves. For it really is devoid of major of all the trappings we discussed a moment ago. Granted, there is a focus per episode, and a story to tell… one that host Nicco Annan sets up and guides us through. But Nicco really is just a host, and he asks poignant questions that allow for others to tell their stories and discuss their lives and explain what life is like in the South, and we learn… so much because of that. For now, we hear it from the source, and we are privy to all the emotions that come with that kind of honesty, and that allows for us to learn that life in the South, does not resemble those topical visuals. No instead, this is a corner of the nation that resembles the rest of America, with its own proclivities of course, but many of the struggles are the same. Courtesy of episodes that ponder upon our nation’s current relationship with sexuality in every arena, and explore the power of tradition and so much more. But that is the point of this story, to showcase the stories we gloss over when we think of the South, to properly point out that the American experience is far more universal than we give it credit, and that these are the stories we need to be telling in a nation that is divided and steeped in ideology over what really matters: the lives and stories on display here. That makes this show, an absolute must-see. For it is powerful, poignant and unlike any other documentary on the airwaves. Courtesy of the fact that it strips away the glamor and gloss of the genre and focuses on real people and their real stories and real struggles to present life in the valley as it truly is, and thankfully, you don’t have to wait much longer to really experience life in the South. For the first episode of Down in the Valley is available to stream on the STARZ app now, and the first two episodes will air on the network this Friday, and we here at NTG cannot wait for you see this stunning docu-series, nor we can we wait to share our interview with Showrunner Shoshana Guy and host Nicco Annan… as we count down the minutes to the full premiere of this refreshing and revolutionary documentary series. Written by John Edward Betancourt![]()
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
If there is one unfortunate and unsettling truth about the truth, it would have to be that when we are hellbent on finding it, and someone doesn’t want us to… they will go to stunning lengths to keep it a secret. Simply because, there are individuals out there, that rely upon lies to maintain control. While there are others who know that revealing the truth will bring them nothing but trouble, so they fight with every fiber of their being to keep the truth hidden. If anything, this particular truth and problem for truth seekers is top of mind today, simply because it was put on full display during last night’s episode of Orphan Black: Echoes on AMC, AMC+, and BBC America. For ‘Jules’ saw Lucy bring Jules to the place where she spent some time healing and getting on track after escaping her clone container. Not to impart harm mind you, but to garner those answers. Since Jules did indeed have the same scars that Lucy did, and that meant… their clone status had to produce some kind of truth about how two of them were in existence. But alas, the creator of Jules wanted there to be no secrets revealed. To the point where the serial number that Lucy harbored under UV light wasn’t present with Jules, and of course… she had answers regarding how her scar got there and had memories that Lucy simply did not. Leaving Lucy, no choice but to let Jules go when she orchestrated an escape and wonder if by chance… she was in fact, not well mentally and had made a horrible choice in the name of fear. Those concerns were further reinforced by the fact that Jules did indeed have quite the normal life. For she was adopted into a blended family, had an adopted sibling and anything she could want. All of which was designed to ensure that Jules was blissfully unaware of the fact that her life was indeed filled to the brim with control, and secrets, and that there were individuals that had a vested interest in her and in her not discovering the truth… that she too was a printed clone. In fact, to keep the lie, those in charge went so far as to pay an actor to be her ‘grandfather’, so he could provide her with stories that would maintain that bubble of normalcy. Leaving all of us to wonder who was behind that kind of grandiose deception. ![]()
Thankfully, the story was eager to showcase that, and revealed that it was the most diabolical agent of all, a rich guy, named Darros. Who was as eccentric and weird as billionaires come and yes, wanted her to remain a secret and was willing to put down Lucy if that secret could be kept. All of which spoke to how far people will go to keep lies from us, and how dangerous our search for the truth can be when we encounter someone who has no qualms with causing harm to keep those secrets safe, and for a time… it seemed as though the mystery would be quelled. But thankfully, Lucy’s drive and ambition did not let fear and confusion come into play, and she kept pushing toward the truth, clue by clue, to the point where she now has a lead on where Jules might have been ‘born’ and that could help her uncover so much.
But while this was a fine parable regarding the truth and how hard it is to uncover when the secret is big and damaging enough, there were still more juicy moments present within this episode, the kind that undoubtedly sent fans of the original show over the moon. For this episode also spent a lot of time with Kira Manning, whom we learned last week is Sarah’s daughter and well… her journey here was filled with lament over toying with the very concepts that gave her mother life, and in order to help her with the anxiety this created, an old family friend swung by… by the name of Felix. Yes, that’s right, Felix returned to the mix last night in the best way possible, and it was just a delight to see him back within the franchise and learn he’s still the same amazing character thirty years post Orphan Black, and it was quite fascinating to learn how much Kira is concerned over what she’s done, and that will undoubtedly be pertinent in the weeks to come. All of which brought forth, another fascinating tale, one that informed us that this series won’t be rushing to the finish line, it will take its time, explore all kinds of unique concepts along the way and that’s just fine. Because that means we are being treated to a quality story, one that world builds gently, and fleshes out all of the characters, and we truly saw that here. Since we learned about Jules and the living lie, she’s been told and how much the truth means to Lucy and how there is indeed big money keeping the truth at bay, and well… that definitely leaves us eager for more. All so we can learn about the truth that Lucy is seeking and uncover exactly why Darros wants to keep that truth out the light. Until next time. Watch ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’
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