Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘The Ark’. To revisit the Season Two Premiere, click here.
​
If there is one fundamental question that has hung heavy over the hit SYFY series, The Ark, it would have to be… how do we find our way forward as a unified species? Simply because we live in a divided world and we are desperate to see the division end and find peace and unity, and we often turn to science fiction to find those answers, and this show is one that has broached that question. Granted, it hasn’t outright answered it, and rightfully so. Because there is no easy, simple answer to doing this or we would have done it already. Instead. the show has correctly pointed out, some of the elements that will go into answering that question, and that’s top of mind today, because another piece of the puzzle was laid out during last night’s episode.

For ‘Kill or Be Killed’ saw some newfound tension and division arise over Captain Sharon Garnet’s decision to bring members of Ark Fifteen aboard Ark One. For so many saw the attack that took place against the ship and Ark Three, as a sign that sabotage and more bloodshed would arrive aboard the ship. So naturally, anyone from Evelyn’s vessel was greeted with disdain and distrust, especially Kelly, since her legend spread far and wide through the corridors of the ship and well… just like that… we were back to square one. Aboard a vessel without trust and full of division and that allowed for the perfect moment to explore how… it is up to the leaders of the world to demand grace, and patience, and understanding so we can find common ground and move forward when division is sown. 

Which Garnet was able to do by way of some fascinating decisions. First and foremost, by disarming the concerns of her nervous crew. Because she pointed out, how no one that came aboard from Evelyn’s ship of doom… was someone in command or anyone that might have an agenda. It was the scientists, the engineers and doctors, and one from security with a conscience. A move designed to point out that not everyone was on the same page and others didn’t always have the influence to be free of tyranny. So that the crew of Ark One would have an understanding of the situation for the other half and offer them grace. Which they did, with some oversight of course, but that line of thinking is something that would go a long way in moving forward as a nation and as a species since it would help to stop with the us versus them mentality. 

But there was still more work to be done as the ship underwent emergency repairs to get back to Ark Three so they could strip it and complete their repairs. For the Kelly situation kept disdain and concern alive and well, that prompted Captain Garnet to order a trial to decide Kelly’s fate. Wherein we all came to learn that she was nothing short of a blunt instrument, one designed to do her mother’s bidding and she did so with regret and sorrow. Granted, she still committed crimes, but she was not the tireless monster that others painted her out to be. She was an unwilling solider and deserved a little more than hatred and fear. She deserved a chance to rehabilitate and earn her keep. So, she was given a chance to do so through a brig sentence. But what mattered more, is that once again, understanding came into play to diffuse fears and that did indeed bring peace aboard the ship.

Of course, that won’t be the end of issues aboard the ship, since trust does take time to come together, and there’s that weird matter of that bolt of energy that snuck its way into the ship during its rocky FTL trip to Ark Three. But for now, we can celebrate a thoughtful episode. One that spoke to how rhetoric and anger, two orders of the day right now, are causing more harm than good, and that we need to do what happened here to find a little peace. Of course, easier said than done, but it is nice that this show is offering us answers in these trying times and now that we’ve reached the end of this particular struggle, it is onto the next one. For Ark One has a stowaway to deal with and is still in need of major repairs to make the voyage forward toward a second chance for all of mankind. Until next time.

To learn more about season two of ‘The Ark’, check out our interview with the actors who play Angus and Alicia, Ryan Adams and Stacey Read.

One thing we have done often here at Nerds That Geek, is consistently sing praises for Apple TV+, and rightfully so. For they continue to be one of the premier streamers around, simply because they believe in telling great stories and that is reflected by the incredible shows that populate their lineup, and how original those shows are as well. Because where else will you enjoy a story about an alternate timeline where America loses the space race? Or a show about a football coach with a heart of gold that changes the world while learning how to coach soccer? The list just goes on and on and well, our praise for Apple TV+ won’t be ending anytime soon, as evidenced by today’s gift.
​
For earlier today, Apple TV+ released the trailer for its highly anticipated comedy series, Bad Monkey. Which stars Vince Vaughn and is executive produced by him and comedy legend Bill Lawrence and well, this project is of note… because once again… it works outside the norms of standard television. Since it features a unique quest for redemption, one that will absolutely leave us in stitches and well, since you’re eager to see what this new show is going to look like, here is that all-important trailer and all the details we have upon this show. As we begin to the countdown to another refreshing series from a network that celebrates storytelling through and through. 

‘Today, Apple TV+ unveiled the trailer for “Bad Monkey,” the highly anticipated comedy from award-winning executive producer Bill Lawrence (“Ted Lasso,” “Shrinking”) and starring acclaimed actor, producer and screenwriter Vince Vaughn, who also serves as an executive producer. The 10-episode series will premiere globally on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on August 14, 2024 followed by new episodes every Wednesday through October 9.
 
Based on Carl Hiaasen’s New York Times bestselling novel and enduring cult favorite, “Bad Monkey” tells the story of Andrew Yancy (Vaughn), who has been bounced from the Miami Police Department and is now a health inspector in the Keys. But after stumbling upon a case that begins with a human arm fished up by tourists, he realizes that if he can prove murder, he’ll be back in. He just needs to get past a trove of Floridian oddballs and one bad monkey.
 
The ensemble cast also includes L. Scott Caldwell (“The Fugitive”), Rob Delaney (“Catastrophe”), Meredith Hagner (“Search Party”), Natalie Martinez (“La Promesa del Retorno”), Alex Moffat (“Saturday Night Live,” “Holidate”), Michelle Monaghan (“Gone Baby Gone”), Ronald Peet (“First Reformed”), Jodie Turner-Smith (“Queen & Slim”), with special guest star John Ortiz (“American Fiction) and guest stars Zach Braff (“Scrubs”), Ashley Nicole Black (“Ted Lasso”), Scott Glenn (“The Leftovers”) and Charlotte Lawrence in her television debut.
 
Hailing from Warner Bros. Television, “Bad Monkey” is developed by executive producer and showrunner Bill Lawrence through his Doozer Productions. Jeff Ingold, Matt Tarses (“Scrubs”), Marcos Siega, Vaughn and Liza Katzer are also executive producers.
 
“Bad Monkey” marks the most recent collaboration between Bill Lawrence and Warner Bros. Television for Apple TV+, following Emmy-nominated global hit series “Shrinking” and global phenomenon “Ted Lasso.”
 
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have been honored with 499 wins and 2,262 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
 
About Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $9.99 per month with a seven-day trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episodes 409 and 410 of ‘Babylon Berlin’. To revisit the previous episodes, click here.
​
There are a great many elements that go into creating a quality television show in this day and age. For starters, it needs to feature a plot that truly engages an audience. For they have endless options available to watch, but a great plot can definitely keep an audience around. Plus, it needs to harbor amazing characters that we genuinely care about, who grow before our eyes. But of the many elements that go into making an amazing television series, there is one above all that matters most: quality writing. For we need the plot to chug along and threads to wrap up so we can move onto other things and well, it is that latter reason why so many of us tune into Babylon Berlin on MHz Choice.

Granted, those other reasons apply as well, since you’ll find all that in the show. But truly, it always moves the plot along and wraps up plotlines and introduces new ones and never was that more evident than during the next block of episodes. For so many stories were pushed forward and wrapped up, likely to prepare us for new angles for those stories or more. After all, there are going to be consequences that come into play for so many of them. Since the diamond storyline featured bloodshed in these tales. Since Goldstein opted to put down Nyssen’s mother when she lied about the real status of the diamond. Giving rise to real sorrow for Nyssen despite having his Helga back, who escaped at last… and left dear old mum behind. But this has gravity and there will be hell to pay for that death, undoubtedly.  

Not to mention, the whole mess with the Russians took quite the turn. Since Marie-Luise may not survive the season. For the precious document she worked so hard to steal was stolen, keeping Katelbach and Heymann in prison, and to make matters worse, Völker wanted to sow some real chaos. For she wanted Wendt to die, a move that really would have caused all kinds of problems and she wanted Marie-Luise to be the one to march him to his death. Which she tried to comply with but could not. For she cared, and she knew the hell it would bring down. So, she took the bullet intended for Wendt, and was in bad shape for it, and only time will tell if Wendt’s rescue of her in that moment will save her. But make no mistake about it… this did indeed escalate this plot thread for certain.

However, not all of the plot threads here, were left open ended. For the matter of the White Glove was handled here in quite the epic manner. After all, Charlotte was able to learn about this organization and what they do behind the shadows, since she snuck into the complex and saw first-hand one of their weird little trials, and well… that prompted her to take action. So that real justice could be served, and so that these men could pay for their crimes. So, she teamed up with her sister and her friend, to accomplish wonders. Wherein Charlotte and Toni locked the White Glove in place while Renate called Rath. Who of course, brought the entire police force with him… while Charlotte… tapped into a side of her psyche she never knew existed. One that was violent and forceful and well, that part of her helped bring so many to justice and it got her sister out of juvie.  

But that was the only storyline that wrapped up neatly, and it, and the rest, paled in comparison to the centerpiece plot thread here. Because this episode finally featured the grand meeting between all of the gangsters in Berlin. One that ended, in outright disaster. Because despite Rath’s team disarming every last member of these gangsters before getting them into the most secure spot possible at Police HQ, they all managed to die. Because Böhm’s need for money allowed for him to be compromised in this situation by the Armenian. All so the Armenian could hide from sight just long enough to surprise them all and end them all. But not before staging the crime scene to make it look as though something got through. A move that consolidated power for this old villain and left Rath in a strange place. Since he will either be heralded a hero for letting the underworld rip itself to shreds or be tossed off the force for letting such violence take place inside headquarters no less.

But what matters most about these episodes, is that they did indeed offer up progress on all fronts. Because we are now barreling toward resolution on the diamond matter, things with the Russians are clearly coming to some kind of head and the fallout from the underworld massacre awaits, and there is likely good reason why all of this seems to be coming to a head. For what awaits is the season four finale of this beloved show, and getting this stuff ready to wrap up allows for the show to make way for something big for the finale. Something that will undoubtedly take our breath away, which this series is so incredibly good at in its finales and well, that is going to make the wait for next week’s end to season four… as painful as it gets. Since we simply must know… what struggles and victories lie ahead. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Time Bandits’. 
​
There remains in the world of entertainment, a grand debate regarding the value and necessity of reboots and the reimagining of classic stories. For there are purists that deeply believe such acts violate a sacred trust in this world, that art should remain as it was, preserved for all time regardless of its limitations when it was created. While there are others, who firmly believe an update is a good thing for stories that are woefully out of date or problematic with some of their content. Not to mention, it’s a chance to bring a story to its full potential because of limitations from days gone by from a special effects and budgetary standpoint.  

If anything, the debate will continue to rage on, because both sides of the equation have merit, and while that debate continues to take place… remakes and reboots will continue to be made and hopefully, the ones that lie ahead, showcase something that we don’t talk about enough when it comes to this type of story. In that, they have value. For they truly can be an enhancement to what came before, and they can keep old stories alive. Since a top-notch re-telling can motivate folks to check out the source material and enjoy both iterations of the story, and well... it just so happens that as of today, Apple TV+ is now home to a remake/reimagining of a classic wild story, that is indeed of high caliber and high quality. For the new version of Time Bandits is simply sublime through and through.

For ‘Kevin Haddock’ and ‘Mayan’ are a pair of stories that accomplish so much. For instance, they both pay great tribute to the world that Terry Gilliam brought to life with the 1981 original film of the same name. Since the plot of this new series resembles much of the old. For in this tale we meet young Kevin Haddock, a bright and kind boy who tends to be something of an outsider, who finds himself in the midst of the adventure of a lifetime. Courtesy of the Time Bandits, a group of brilliant and quirky individuals that work for a being known as the Supreme Being, and they have stolen a powerful map from him, that can help them traverse through time and well, Kevin joins forces with these wacky bandits to find a cure for his now ailing parents. Because sadly, there is a Pure Evil that wants that powerful map for his own nefarious purposes, and he causes harm in an effort to get it.  

Which really is, a grand retelling of the plot that Terry put forth, which allows for purists to enjoy something familiar while introducing a new generation to something unique and well… once we get past the plot, that is where this new version shines and enhances so much. For instance, with Taika Waititi and Jermaine Clement at the helm as producers, and writers alongside Iain Morris… the story takes on new comedic life. Which is also enhanced by the performances of the cast, which includes Lisa Kudrow, and Mister Waititi and Mister Clement. And this is critically important because that allows for the story to feel a bit more accessible to audiences, something that cannot be said of the original. For the original is a work of fantastical avant-garde art, and at times that can still be off-putting and awkward after all these years. Whereas this story, is fun and accessible and encourages the audience to really come along for a wild ride through time.
​
Speaking of that voyage through the minutes of yesterday, that’s where this story finds a way to stand out from its predecessor and really do its own thing. Because there are little bitty history lessons thrown into the story, and that allows for smooth learning to take place in a manner that is equally as fun as the jokes present here. Not to mention, the story also takes the time to point out some flaws in how we study history. Specifically, how it is written by the victors, and that means that bias and angles come into play, and that when we think upon history… we should do so with an objective mind. To really understand how it played out and what faults may lie in actions taken and that makes… for a fascinating twist as well. For few stories ever take the time to point that out, but it is welcome and honest here and well, all of these elements come together to give life to an amazing story that is an absolute must-see.  

Simply because, this is that rare remake that gets everything right. For it truly does pay tribute to what came before, and it also works hard to stand on its own and offer something new and exciting. Not to mention, it doesn’t hurt that the special effects have been upgraded significantly here, giving rise to environments that do not feel constrained by the limitations budget and era, and that matters. Because a grand and sweeping story about time travel should feel big, and boisterous and look as though the travelers are indeed in that era, and that’s just another win from a series that just plain gets it. And truly… it will be interesting to see what other surprises and familiar moments await us, as young Kevin and the Time Bandits continue to trek through days gone by, in an effort to stay a step ahead of the Supreme Being and the nature of Pure Evil. Until next time. 

Please enjoy this super-sized sneak peek and synopsis of the series premiere of Time Bandits, which debuts on Apple TV+, tomorrow! 

Episode 1: “Kevin Haddock”: 
A boy struggles to make the most of everyday life—until a bumbling gang of thieves lands in his bedroom. 
 
Episode 2: “Mayan”:
On a whirlwind journey to ancient Mexico, Kevin and the Bandits take part in a feast. Pure Evil sends huntress Fianna on a quest.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Four Finale of ‘My Life Is Murder’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
For the most part, crime dramas tend to move on quickly from key formative moments in a gumshoe’s life during the course of their journey, and with good reason. Because crime dramas don’t linger. They move forward and solve crimes and put bad people away and let the investigator grow and heal through that process. Which does lead to a satisfying arc overall, since we do see a hero deal with their struggles in real time and become someone more before our very eyes. But now and again, you run into a crime drama that opts to inject a little twist when it comes to the hero’s journey, the kind that forces incredible growth from the main character in a manner that no one expected, and that can lead to some amazing storytelling.

In fact, that’s top of mind today because that’s precisely what My Life Is Murder on Acorn TV did regarding Alexa in its season four finale. A feat that ‘The Widows’ Club’ accomplished by plunging Alexa into quite the case. For a well-to-do gentleman died at the local country club under suspicious circumstances. Which of course, meant that Alexa and her team, and even her brother, were forced to step in and solve this case, which was quite the doozy. In fact, it was so ugly, that Alexa found herself under suspicion of murder before she finally put two and two together. In that, the death that took place here, and the one that followed, were related to a lonely widow at the club who wanted attention and a life and crossed every line because loneliness shattered her. 

But while that made for a fascinating case, let’s be honest… it is Alexa’s journey that matters more here. Because the reason she was under suspicion of murder herself, was because she came face to face with quite the shocking surprise during this case. In that, the man that killed her husband, was a member of the club. Which put Alexa in a tough spot mentally. Because she never thought the day would come when she crossed paths with the source of her trauma, and that brought forth a wealth of emotions and some fury as well. After all, he got to live, while her husband was cold in the ground and that really did allow for us to see how on earth a gumshoe whose life changed because of the death of a loved one, would handle that kind of surprise encounter.

Thankfully, Alexa handled it well in the end. Since she didn’t kill the guy, the widow did. But she did confront him, and made sure he understood the damage he caused her, and that made for a powerful journey for Alexa. One that really did force her to face the past and grow, and it informed us… that when the character is truly good and truly just… they will take the high road. But they will also… experience what so many of us would. That gamut of emotions and memories and outright pain that are indeed hard to reconcile but must be. Because we go on when we lose a loved one, whether we like it or not, and that is what Alexa had to reconcile in silence and that was just incredible to watch play out, in large part because it let Lucy Lawless shine as an actor here. 

But what mattered most, is that this series broke with convention and forced Alexa to return to yesterday at a time when she is riding high in life. For she has spent four years healing and has spent four years accomplishing wonders. But going this route added real depth and genuine realism to this story because that is how grief really works in life, and we must indeed face our pain and resolve it and find closure and that makes this finale quite special to say the least. Since it signaled the end of a long and painful chapter for Alexa and well, that means she can now move on and live differently and hopefully we get to see that play out in a fifth season of this refreshing and magnificent crime drama. Until next time. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Finale of ‘Race to Survive: New Zealand’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
It is definitely safe to say that fans of Race to Survive: New Zealand on USA Network, were eagerly awaiting last night’s episode of the show. Simply because, the competition was mired in a three way tie, with Kennedy and Nik, Ethan and Tyrie, and Paulina and Creighton all vying for a chance to win that $500,000 prize they set out for some ten weeks ago, and well… the fact that three teams made it to the finish line, spoke deeply to how badly all three wanted it and that meant for us at home, we would be treated to a competition for the ages. One that would see this trio leave their all out there in New Zealand and ‘The Golden Medallion’ did not disappoint in the slightest.

In part because… the final three teams were plunged into one wild and amazing final race. One that started with a brutal creek run for them to traverse, followed by an epic cavern to explore, and after that an eleven-mile trek awaited the trio of competitors before they would scale a rock face known as ‘The Dome.’ And once that was done, the final push awaited and well, all of these challenges gave rise to one intense battle royale for the grand prize. The kind that saw lead changes take place often. For there were setbacks and mistakes, that allowed for others to surge ahead and make that run for the Summit and a win that was truly up in the air, early on. 

All of which showcased exactly why each and every team deserved to be here. Because there was no quit in any of them, there was only fight and determination and that was both inspiring and incredible to watch play out. Because this final course really did test the teams like never before and the final leg of the journey did indeed begin to showcase how difficult this final race was. For this was when we really saw the teams begin to struggle and have to dig deep in unique ways. For Nik and Kennedy, that involved heading for the food cache that every other team opted to skip. To find that boost and hopefully get enough juice to cross the finish line, first. But alas, after forty days of battling… Nik simply hit that wall and did his best to finish alongside Kennedy, who he saw grow into a leader before his eyes and well… they made it to the end, but sadly arrived in third place. 

As for Paulina and Creighton, well their dig deep moment involved being there for one another. For they too were spent, but more so mentally. Which was why both of them pushed one another with encouragement and positivity and that helped a great deal to keep them moving and to get them to the finish line as well. But alas, they were just a little bit behind and that meant a second-place finish for this driven duo. Which meant that the true champions of this race, were Ethan and Tyrie. Who went from a delay in the caves to rushing past everyone. In fact, it is safe to say their dig deep moment was the cave, because that prompted them to push like never before and use every ounce of energy to climb to the top of the Summit and get that Golden Medallion and that prize money and well, they earned their win.  

Because the relentless nature of these smokejumpers did the trick and netted them an epic and satisfying win. One that brings to a close an amazing season for certain. One that surprised us at every turn and introduced us to some fascinating and lovely competitors that truly gave their all to win. Not to mention, explored unique reasons as to why each of them wanted to cross that finish line, since it became more than about money by the end of this journey. And well… Mondays will definitely be a little strange without this show on the air. Because it really did capture our attention and draw us into the adventure and well, to properly bid farewell to this season of adventure stay tuned to Nerds That Geek today, as we share our interviews with Nik, Paulina, Creighton and Tyrie, to hear their thoughts on the final race and an incredible journey through New Zealand. 

Truly, trailers are an important part of the pop culture landscape. Because despite some complaints about them being too revealing and that there are too many of them, they still serve as that perfect sizzle reel. That minute to two-minute window of wonder and majesty and they still build excitement for what’s to come and truly leave us eager for more and never was that more evident than by way of today’s trailer release from Apple TV+. For they dropped the trailer to their highly anticipated family series, Yo Gabba Gabbaland! and it serves as that fine reminder of the power of the trailer.
​
For not only did the trailer bring about notes of nostalgia but it truly did build excitement for what is to come. By showcasing some of the guest stars we cannot wait to see, alongside informing us of how much learning will take place for the kids that tune in, and well, you don’t just have to take our word for it. Because Apple TV+ was kind enough to share that trailer with us so we can share it with all of you. So, without further ado, here is your exciting first glimpse at the next chapter in the Yo Gabbai franchise, and some updated details on the show, as we inch toward the release of this magnificent new series.

‘Apple TV+ today debuted the trailer for the highly anticipated kids and family series “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!,” inspired by the hit, Emmy Award-nominated cultural phenomenon “Yo Gabba Gabba!,” which has delighted kids and parents alike worldwide with its blend of supremely singable music, colorful characters and captivating animation. Premiering globally with all 10-episodes on Friday, August 9, “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!” invites audiences to explore a magical world of endless possibilities and promise, with friends both familiar and new, in a reimagining that brings to life an expansive Yo Gabba GabbaLand!. 
 
Hosted by rising star Kamryn Smith as Kammy Kam, the new series sees the return of original “Yo Gabba Gabba!" cast members Erin Pearce as Toodee, Emma Penrose as Foofa, Adam Deibert as Muno, Amos Watene as Brobee and Christian Jacobs as Plex. Visiting guests across the season include Reggie Watts (“Tuca & Bertie,” “The Late Late Show with James Corden”), Emmy Award winner Sam Richardson (”The Afterparty”), Critics Choice Award nominee Gillian Jacobs (“Community”), Utkarsh Ambudkar (“Ghosts”), SAG Award winner Lauren Lapkus (“Orange is the New Black”), SAG Award nominee Chelsea Peretti (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Grammy Award winner Flea and Big Daddy Kane, alongside Academy Award winner Paul Williams and many more. 
 
Viewers can also expect vibrant musical performances and original music from Super Music Friends including Grammy Award-winning artists Anderson .Paak, Portugal. The Man and Thundercat, along with Betty Who, The Linda Lindas, Miyavi, Cory Wong & Antwaun Stanley, Kurt Vile, The Drums and The Interrupters. These critically acclaimed artists will perform songs that tie back to the themes of each episode, including creativity, growth, friendship and more. Filled with optimism, amusement and entertainment, kids and families are taught life lessons through song and dance that create a co-viewing experience for all to learn, laugh and grow together.
 
Created by Emmy Award-nominated Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz (co-creators of “Yo Gabba Gabba!”), “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!” is produced in partnership and collaboration with WildBrain and Yo Gabba Gabba, LLC, co-owners of the brand. Jacobs and Schultz also serve as executive producers on the series for Yo Gabba Gabba, LLC, alongside Josh Scherba and Stephanie Betts for WildBrain.
 
“Yo Gabba GabbaLand!” joins an exciting slate of new offerings for kids and families on Apple TV+ this summer featuring the second season of beloved animated series “Frog and Toad,” based on the Caldecott and Newbery Honor-winning books; animated adventure trilogy “WondLa,” based on the New York Times bestselling book series “The Search for WondLa” by Tony DiTerlizzi; new original Peanuts series “Camp Snoopy” featuring an adventure-filled summer outdoors; the first-ever television adaptation of the cult classic film, “Me,” an elevated cinematic coming-of-age story from Barry L. Levy (“Vantage Point”) and “Time Bandits,” starring Lisa Kudrow (“The Comeback”), premiering July 24. 
 
Award-winning all-age offerings now streaming globally on Apple TV+ include celebrated live action animated hybrid special, “The Velveteen Rabbit”; the Academy Award and BAFTA Award-winning animated short film “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”; Oscar and BAFTA Award-winning animated film “Wolfwalkers”; the BAFTA Award and Humanitas Prize-winning “El Deafo,” BAFTA Award-winning “Lovely Little Farm,” “Duck & Goose,” “Get Rolling With Otis,” Spin Master Entertainment’s “Sago Mini Friends,” GLAAD Media Award-nominated “Pinecone & Pony,” “Frog and Toad,” The Jim Henson Company’s Emmy Award-winning “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock,” “Harriet the Spy” and “Slumberkins,” Sesame Workshop’s “Helpsters,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Entertainment’s “Wolfboy and the Everything Factory,” Jack McBrayer and Angela C. Santomero’s Emmy Award-nominated “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show,” Peanuts and WildBrain’s Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy in Space,” “The Snoopy Show,” Scholastic’s “Eva the Owlet” and Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series “Stillwater.” Live-action offerings include Bonnie Hunt’s DGA and WGA Award-nominated “Amber Brown,” DGA Award-winning “Best Foot Forward,” “Surfside Girls,” WGA Award-winning “Life By Ella,” Sesame Workshop and Sinking Ship’s Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter,” Emmy Award and Environmental Media Association Award winning “Jane,” and Scholastic’s “Puppy Place.”
 
Also included are “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times bestselling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers, and specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown,” “Snoopy Presents: Lucy’s School,” Humanitas and Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), With Love,” “Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie,” “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” Emmy Award-winning “Snoopy Presents: Who Are You, Charlie Brown?” and “Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne.”
 
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 499 wins and 2262 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
 
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*
 
For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.
 
*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until canceled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visit apple.com/promo for more information.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Four Premiere of ‘Snowpiercer’.
​
There are a great many reasons that people are often eager to take part in new beginnings. Simply because, there comes a point in our lives now and again where our situation just stinks. Where the job we’re in is not fulfilling, where the people we are surrounded by no longer vibe with what we want out of life and where perhaps… we’re just not getting what we want and need, period. So… we go for that new beginning, and we truly hope that hitting the reset button in an aggressive and epic manner, will give us the chance to finally find happiness and joy, and the fulfillment we seek in our very souls.

But alas, it doesn’t take long for us to learn… that starting over and trying to garner that fresh start, doesn’t give us what we want immediately. For new beginnings involve rebuilding and that is no easy task for an individual, or a group of people that want a reset in life and that is why… the season four premiere of Snowpiercer on AMC is of note. Because ‘Snakes in the Garden’ did a wonderful job of exploring the challenges that would accompany a new beginning for a community of individuals, alongside some of the benefits of starting over to keep this exploration fair, and it accomplished such feats, by plunging us into the heart of the New Eden community, long after they left the Snowpiercer behind. 

Wherein, the benefits of a fresh start were explored first. Because at last… everyone in New Eden was free from the horrors of life aboard Snowpiercer and were able to just… live. Which allowed for Layton and Josie to forge a relationship, and for them to sit upon a Council that was dedicated to good. To the rebuilding of civilization in a manner that wasn’t subject to awful and draconian ideals. Not to mention, there was food, and peace and a growing community with infrastructure to be found here. Giving rise to a vastly different dynamic for these good people, one that hammered home that yes, a fresh start can indeed offer some measure of peace and freedom from what we wanted so desperately to leave behind.

But of course, it made sure to showcase the work that goes into it, and how a reset doesn’t mean joy for all. After all, there was real work to be done in New Eden, and that required hard decisions, and this also served as the perfect time to showcase how freedom and a fresh start sometimes brings forth fracturing. After all, while Alex was part of that council, she was rarely present for meetings and was working on her own scientific agenda and that divide brought about a little ache. Not to mention, Oz showcased how downtime and new perspective can prompt someone to look upon the past and find sorrow there and worry. For he thought often upon yesterday, and that brought him to drown his sorrows in alcohol while he wallowed in sorrow, and isolation, and he harbored some other worries as well, the kind that made themselves present in the back half of the show.
​
Because perhaps the greatest lesson that accompanies a fresh start, is that sometimes… there will be forces that work against you as you try to find your peace. Sometimes it arrives in the form of the unresolved past one left behind, because that must be resolved before one can move forward, or there are those who don’t want to see us succeed. Who see us as a threat and act accordingly, and both of those issues came into play for the good people of New Eden. For mysterious forces were working against the community, to the point where fear reigned and where lives were lost. All because… something sinister boarded the Snowpiercer nine months prior, in the form of an elite military force run by a man named Milius and clearly, they have an agenda.

One that has awakened notions of revenge in Layton for this force’s desire to take Liana away, but while we wait to see what comes of that and learn more about what happened aboard Snowpiercer, and how this force used it to find New Eden, we can celebrate, one amazing premiere. For this episode did an amazing job of showcasing an important lesson, and how it would still be applicable in unique ways at the end of the world, as mankind attempts to reboot, what once was. All of which made for a fascinating and compelling story, that truly kept us on the edge of our seats, thanks to the mystery that is Milius, and well… just like that, we are back in the majesty of this world and this story, one last time. And if this final premiere is any indicator, the final season of this show is going to be a real treat and unlike society in this world, go out with a bang over a whimper. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
We like to believe that grief is something that will not impact us on a deep and life-changing level. Which is a belief that we insert into our minds, by watching others suffer through it. Because it is a profound moment when we see our parents cry over the loss of someone we knew as grandma or grandpa, and it is equally as profound to see someone we know collapse emotionally and mentally over the loss of a loved one. So, we make that little pact with ourselves that such devastation simply won’t happen to us, only for us to learn that such beliefs are nothing more than pipe dreams and little lies that we tell ourselves.

For grief is a powerful experience, one that can and will hit hard, and it will absolutely put us upon an emotional roller coaster where we do things we wouldn’t normally do under rational thinking, and that applies to everyone out there and for proof… well then look no further than what this week’s episode of Orphan Black: Echoes on AMC, AMC+, and BBC American put on display. For ‘Do I Know You?’ focused squarely on the past, as Dr. Kira Manning explained to Lucy how she came to exist and well… much to Lucy’s shock and surprise, she came to life because of the power of grief. For Lucy was indeed a printed clone of one Eleanor Miller, who thirty years ago, met Kira Manning in college and the two… fell into an incredible love affair.

The kind so strong, that at first, they both denied one another the draw and the need that their hearts beat hard for. But when the moment was right, they answered that call and all that remained was happiness and joy. For they had the love affair that so many dream of. Wherein there was flawless communication, and support and eventually a happy marriage and the birth of a family. Followed by more support, success and just love and happiness and truly, Kira was happy and fulfilled, and of course… she began to change the world. Because that printed organ system she invented was helping so many people and giving them a chance at life, and well… that’s when hers took a turn for the sorrowful and the tragic. Because Eleanor, began to exhibit signs of dementia.

Which were inherited from her mother’s own genetic code, and just like that… Kira had to watch her love slip away from a cognitive standpoint, along with the incredible memories and moments they forged together. Prompting Kira to try a risky gambit with the technology she invented, that seemingly worked… until it took Eleanor’s life. Which of course, shattered Kira to no end and left her in a destitute place emotionally. Wherein she could not reconcile that the bedrock of her life, the woman that inspired her and loved her and gave her so much joy, could be gone in such a cruel manner and well… that pushed her to break every ethical and moral code, and bring Eleanor back to life, as Lucy. In the hopes of getting a second chance at love, and in the hopes of fixing the problem ahead of time.

All of which made, for a powerful, powerful episode. One that deeply spoke to how and why grief hits us so hard, and what we learned here were lessons for the ages. Since we came to discover that it is the joys of life that give grief its power. Since it feels cruel that the universe robs of us and those we love of more and only leaves us with echoes when that special person goes, and that truly does transform us for a while, for the worse, and leaves us with scars that run deep, and that we’re not bad people because of that. But we do need to own our actions during grief. Which it seems Kira is doing now, and that was quite the journey we accompanied her on, one that also spoke to the beauty of life, and why those moments mean so much to us because they do offer us so much when we find our partner and our purpose.

Which means that in many ways, this was a bittersweet tale about life, and about how no matter how technologically advanced we become as a society, we will never escape the core tenets of the human condition and that such a complex relationship may in fact, complicate life further. But all lessons aside, this was a great episode, and everyone involved in this tale simply deserves a round of applause. For they turned in stunning work from a writing and acting perspective, and newcomer to the show, Rya Kihlstedt, who played the next iteration of Eleanor, was simply sublime and felt as a perfect extension of what Amanda Fix, and Krysten Ritter are doing here and all of this makes it easy to declare this episode, the show’s best to date. Because it established the real difference between this chapter of the story and the one that came before, and added amazing depth, and unique meaning to this journey and of course… raised the stakes. For all emotional gravity aside, real trouble is brewing since we now know… the existence of Jules relates to something more, something that undoubtedly relates to Darros and his nonsense notion of ‘scientific exploration’. Until next time.

To learn more about how Actor Rya Kihlstedt brought her version of Eleanor Miller to life, check out our interview with her, here.