Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘What If…?’
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Alright, so the last two episodes of Marvel’s What If…? Series were super fun, cute, and somewhat fluffy. The darkest thing we dealt with happened in the last episode when there were jokes about Thanos’ plan being genocide. Beyond that, the series has been lighthearted. Sure, we know Marvel Zombies are coming, we saw that in the trailer, but little did we know how dark it really could get. And then Episode Three happened and I am really trying to cope with the heartbreak. It’s an alternate reality, but it’s a reality, nonetheless. With that, we really got a truly shocking end to that episode and even more so after processing the events that led up to it. The whole thing takes place over Fury’s Big Week, which has the events of The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, and Thor happening all at the same time. It’s a pretty big week, to say the least, and the Avengers are not a thing, yet. The concept is there, and really that’s what matters the most. Natasha and Fury tackle Tony, which is great until he dies.

It gets worse, because shortly after dealing with that and helping Natasha escape, Fury has to deal with Thor. Which quickly turns from bad to worse when Clint fires his arrow and actually kills Thor. He swears he didn’t do it and he doesn’t make mistakes, not that anyone listens, and they still detain him. Also, as long as I live, I really wish we could have gotten the comic version of Clint. Something about him being the dad and family man character just doesn’t sit right with me. It’s very strange. But in this universe, we don’t have to worry much about it because Clint suddenly dies shortly after Thor. What about Bruce and Natasha? Don’t worry, whoever is killing the Avengers candidates is not about to leave them out.
 
I didn’t think it was possible to kill the Hulk, although it has happened in the comics. It’s actually the catalyst to the second Civil War, but that’s neither here nor there. Whoever is attacking them has found a way to take them all out, and that includes exploding the Hulk. Literally. Not figuratively. Natasha figures everything out just before she’s taken out and she’s able to get a hint to Fury before it’s too late. Still, she is not able to make it out alive, and with that, all five of the founding Avengers are down. Steve has yet to be found, so he gets a pass from the murder spree.

If that wasn’t bad enough, Fury has to deal with Loki showing up with an Asgardian army to get revenge for Thor’s subsequent murder, because for some reason he cares that Thor is dead. Well, he cares that he wasn’t the one who got to kill him. I guess this also means that Loki knew he was a Frost Giant and adopted and was fine with it? I mean… he showed up with Thor’s friends so, I’m not entirely sure which events did and did not take place in this instance. Either way, Fury strikes a deal with Loki, promising his brother’s killer in exchange for leaving Earth. I’ll admit, I didn’t see them doing down this dark of a path, because finding out who killed everyone was a big shock. Hank Pym was not who I was expecting, even though that does make sense. He’s not the most stand-up guy in the comics. 
 
He’s actually an abusive jerk, really, although I thought murder was a beyond his reach; especially with the MCU version of Hank. In this universe, Hope joined S.H.I.E.L.D. and was killed. Hank lost his mind and decided to take it out on the Avengers before they could become Avengers. He justifies it by blaming Fury for everything. It wasn’t Fury’s fault; possible death comes with the job. Hank is arrested by Loki and then Loki takes over Earth, because of course he does. Fury finds Steve and calls Carol home, and a new Avengers team is starting to come together.

Now, the darker part? I think I know how Hope died. Come with me on a crazy fun fan theory! In Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Natasha explains to Steve that she had a run in with the Winter Solider before and lives to tell the tale. She was on mission protecting a target when the Soldier attacked. Natasha left with a lovely bullet wound, and the Winter Soldier killed his target and moved on. It’s mentioned in episode 3 of What If…? that Hope died on a mission. In Odessa. Is it possible she took Natasha’s place on the mission and ran into the Winter Soldier? We will never know… it’s still fun to think about though.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two premiere of ‘My Life Is Murder’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the cozy crime drama is getting a little too… cozy. Because this type of story really has found a groove in popular media, to the point where one can easily figure out what to expect from a new show in this vein. In that, it will involve a detective with a sorted past that has come to some place comfortable to either finish out their career in relative peace or enjoy a new life free from the badge. All before they are quickly plunged into complex case after complex case. The kind that either challenges their past or puts up roadblocks because they no longer have a badge and well, it makes sense as to why these common formulas pop up often in this particular genre. Simply because, people adore them and their comforting and inviting nature. 

But while it is indeed wonderful to enjoy the same old, same old, this formula is problematic. Largely due to the fact that audiences like to be challenged on a regular basis and they do want to see something new and exciting that pushes the envelope of any given genre and that is why it is a wonderful thing that the Acorn TV series, My Life Is Murder is back on the airwaves. Because this is a cozy mystery that does indeed challenge the tropes of the genre by offering up a different kind of detective, since Alexa Crowe is as tough as nails and doesn’t let the past control her nor does she have to worry about rules, and those game-changing concepts are of note today, simply because they were once again put on full display in the two-hour, season two premiere of this show.  

But in classic storytelling fashion, it sure doesn’t seem as though we are going to see those concepts come into play early on in ‘Call of the Wild’. For when we catch up with Alexa here, she’s back home in Auckland, and baking bread and seemingly disinterested in further dealing with impossible crimes. But when Detective Harry Henare presents her with a juicy murder case, one where the mountain of evidence pointing to a particular suspect, doesn’t make sense… since there is no real motive for the murder in question… it doesn’t take long for Alexa to reactivate her instincts and her desire for justice and that leads to a wonderful pair of investigations. Since ‘Oceans Apart’ also sees Alexa look beyond the veil of lies and manufactured evidence to bring the true killers to justice and that process is what allows for those bold concepts to come into play. 

For there are no tough discussions about how she is overstepping her bounds or how procedure is going to hold her back or whether or not she can even talk with a suspect because of protocol. She’s basically deputized here and by going that route, she’s confident in what she is doing, and she can work without a net and truly get down to the truth and that is so delightful to see play out here. Because you want to see the hero bask in the majesty of trust and she gets that here from Harry and that really does allow for all the conflict in this tale to take place via the case itself as she peels back the lies and as for the whole matter of the past not bothering her, well that was handled in the second episode of this mystery doubleheader. 
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For there was a chance in this surfing themed case for her to really struggle with it, since Alexa’s surfing days and championship runs were sullied by her father’s lies. For we came to learn that he used timing and observation to get his family into a summer beach home that belonged to others and eventually saw that act catch up to him. But rather than let that cloud her judgment emotionally and hamper her ability to solve the case, Alexa opted to keep the past in the past and only speak of it when it was relevant and that was supremely refreshing to see play out. In large part because it did indeed help her keep focus and bring the right criminal to justice, but more so because it helped her character to exhibit great strength and express to the audience that we are not our past and we can move beyond those tougher memories.

In the end however, this really was a wonderful way to kick off season two of this series. In large part because of everything we’ve just discussed but also because… these were just honest and earnest and raw mysteries for Alexa to solve. The kind that spoke to our flaws and our strengths and that’s genuinely what audiences want out of a murder mystery, a human element. Something  we can latch onto and relate to and properly understand, and it doesn’t hurt that these episodes are also filled to the brim with fine performances to sell all of that… with Lucy Lawless leading the way of course, since she is as comfortable in Alexa’s skin as ever and well, now that these cases have come to a close, this reviewer cannot wait to see what other genre-bending, honest tales await us as season two continues along. Until next time. 

There are of course, a great many reasons to love and enjoy the iconic AMC series, Breaking Bad. So many in fact, that we would spend years exploring every last one of them in digital print, and how they appeal to audiences. But for the sake of today’s discussion, it is best we focus upon one particular reason that has shown up on a more consistent basis throughout season four, specifically… how this series offered up a masterclass in examining how everyday moments that we take for granted, carry extra weight and consequences in the drug world. Such as say, our response to being backed into a corner or determining what our legacy might look like… since those very notions were explored in great detail in the next episode in this storied franchise, ‘Salud’.

In fact, all of those notions were explored by a bevy of different characters with Walter White handling the concerns about legacy. For his wounds both physical and emotional following his fight with Jesse Pinkman, motivated him to just disappear from the world for a bit and not worry about anything… including his son’s sixteenth birthday. An omission that motivated Junior to drop by his dad’s apartment to check on him, only to find that dear old dad was a drunken, drugged out mess and well… once Walt slept it off, he was able to express to his son the importance of forgetting that moment so that he would forever be remembered as more than a mess to his boy. And his desperate efforts here to cover the truth and still find a way to be revered by his son, speaks volumes to how difficult it is for a drug kingpin to establish an honest legacy with their family and this poignant moment is one that serves a harbinger of doom as well… since we know that this story ends in tragedy and that Walt will be remembered in no positive manner.

However, there was mention that this story also examined what could occur when someone involved in this trade is backed into a tough corner and oddly enough… Skyler got in on this part of the examination. Because in an effort to keep the IRS off of her tail and her finances, she worked out a special plan to get Ted the money he needed to pay his back taxes. One that involved having Saul surprise Ted with an ‘inheritance’ or rather, money from Walt's stash, and well… it didn’t’ take long for this plan to outright backfire. Because Ted is in fact, a total clueless idiot and rather than see this as a blessing to pay off his debts and start fresh, he instead viewed this as an opportunity to get his mojo back. Which is why he leased a Mercedes-Benz and started to work on bringing his business back to life and that in turn, put Skyler right in the corner and left her with no option but to take matters into her own hands and explain to Ted where the money came from and why it needed to go to the IRS.

Which was a supremely low-key examination of what could happen when a non-violent individual is forced into a corner in this business, one that stood in stark contrast to Gustavo Fring’s response. For it turns out that his plans to show the cartel how to cook Blue Sky and sign over his business… were nothing more than the longest con ever. One designed to get him face to face with Don Eladio once again, so he could gently poison the Don and his various henchmen and himself. In a desperate gambit to make them pay for putting Fring’s back against the wall, and of course… for Max, and in the end, Gustavo was quite successful in his plans. For Eladio died in that damn pool, and Gus enjoyed his revenge and if he can survive the small dose of poison he ingested and if Mike can overcome his injury, then the Los Pollos Hermanos Empire can rule the drug trade without a care in the world. 

If anything, this was just another brilliant episode through and through. Simply because it featured one engrossing plot after another, ones that helped us to gain some insight into how Skyler and Walter are eager to find a hybrid lifestyle here and will likely fail in their mission, since they continue to bury themselves deeper and deeper into the underworld. Plus, this one really did inform us just how dangerous Gus really is and how he truly does see the long game in everything he does and that’s downright scary. Because all that is left for him to deal with now is Walter, and if he’s willing to bring down an entire cartel to avenge a close friend, heaven only knows what he will do to a chemist that got the better of him and well, the only way to find out… is to continue the journey to see what comes next for Walter and Gus as they barrel toward an epic showdown. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Heels’.
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Redemption is a concept that carries great weight with modern man and understandably so. For we have finally come to understand, that we are flawed creatures. The kind that outright make mistakes on a fairly consistent basis and we genuinely love the idea that in this day and age, that we can come back from those mistakes and atone for them and move beyond them and enjoy redemption through and through. Which is why we celebrate the comeback as often as possible in our everyday world and that is also why we tend to gravitate to stories that feature redemption… since they inspire us to do whatever it takes to reclaim what we’ve lost and make things right.

But while it is indeed wonderful to enjoy uplifting stories where the fallen find their way back into the light through acts of attrition and kindness, those stories unfortunately don’t cover the entire spectrum when it comes to redemption. For in reality, the act of redeeming ourselves, sometimes isn’t pretty or simple. Nor does it quite go the way we expect it to, making it less celebratory in nature. But thankfully, there are stories out there that are eager to show us exactly what redemption genuinely looks like in the world… such as the new STARZ series, Heels. For this raw examination of the wrestling world and dreams and small-town life, took the time to examine the true nature of redemption during last night’s episode and that made ‘Cheap Heat’ quite the powerful tale for certain. 

For it served to remind us that sometimes, redemption comes forth in a manner that isn’t satisfying in the slightest, but we accept it because it puts us back on a path we desperately want to walk in life and it explored that concept, by way of Ace Spade’s journey in this tale. Because when we catch up with him here, he’s ready to go face the people of Duffy, from the ring of course, and atone for his tears and show them that he’s a great guy that’s ready to win the belt and be the people’s champion once again. But that of course… doesn’t quite go as planned. Because the crowd has zero chill once he steps into the ring. In fact, they mock him mercilessly and toss tissues his way, leaving him to wonder exactly what it will take to get the crowd to bathe him in energy and redeem him as a star. 

Which meant Ace needed to genuinely realize that his time in the ring as a Face had come to a close and the only way the crowd would provide him with the energy and attention, he so desired, was to accept the advice he was given about leaving the world of the Face behind and embracing the life of the Heel and he did just that in a harrowing manner. By beating the tar out of Bobby Pin in the ring and getting the win in a sour fashion and well… that did indeed redeem Ace Space as a star. For the crowd was booing and jeering and was completely and utterly into the match and his actions, and that really did serve as a fine lesson as to how sometimes, redemption doesn’t play out the way we would quite like or expect.

Yet what was truly fascinating about this particular story arc, is that it offered up another unique perspective on redemption. Specifically… how sometimes it can potentially come about after we’ve left this life, provided of course there is someone out there willing to be our champion for it and that was explored by way of Jack Spade's journey in this tale. Because it turns out, that Jack is actually trying to redeem his father’s legacy and rightfully so. Since this episode made it clear that Tom ‘King’ Spade was remembered poorly by a great deal of people. in part because of how he treated his wrestlers and his business and also because of how he died. Since he simply made the swift and painful decision to take his own life on the porch of his home while Ace was inside and that clearly has impacted both brothers in ways they have yet to address. 

But by doing whatever it takes to bring the Duffy Wrestling League to glory and putting forth better writing and making the tough calls, Jack really is hoping to redeem his father and his sour legacy and hopefully help this town see him as the hero that brought forth a league that makes dreams come true and pleases audiences through and through and in turn, Jack will hopefully be seen as a hero as well, for building on the King’s dream and making it into so much more. As to whether or not that will be the case, is yet to be seen, since Jack is in fact, pissing people off at every turn with his bold actions and that could lead to his own need for redemption down the line. But all of that aside, this particular exploration was indeed quite powerful and poignant and a fine way to hammer home how diverse the notion of redemption can be. 

However, as this series is wont to do, it had so much more to offer than philosophical musings. For this is another episode that took the time to pay proper tribute to the world of wrestling in the most dynamic ways imaginable. In part by once again giving us a powerful behind the scenes look at how these shows come together by way of the conversations and moments that happened behind the scenes, but also by straight up paying tribute to the modern era of the sport. A feat the story accomplished by having a current legend play a role in this episode, since that was former WWE Champion CM Punk playing the part of Ricky Rabies in this tale and it was just incredible to see this series include a big wrestling star in this manner and it speaks volumes to how this show really is a love letter to the sport, alongside being a powerful character drama about family and dreams.
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Plus, this episode also took a moment to set the stage for the future. Such as how there is genuine trouble on the horizon for Staci and Jack. Largely because her embarrassment amongst her friends over her husband’s career choice, and her outright admission that she wants more of out of life than going to church and the dome, informed us as to how she isn’t getting what she needs in her marriage or her life and if Jack doesn’t respond to that soon, that frustration is going to boil over. Speaking of boiling over, we need to be concerned about Rooster as well, since his desire to get a shot at the belt is motivating him to create friction and hopefully, he and Jack can find common ground before Rooster finally snaps. Also, clearly it would seem that Wild Bill is about to make his presence known in Duffy once again, courtesy of his embarrassing act aboard an airplane and it should be quite interesting to see where that mistake takes us in the weeks to come and if his journey will be an extension of this week’s overall theme.

However, while we wait to see where those juicy plot-lines take us, we can genuinely bask in the majesty of one powerful tale. Because this really was an intimate and stunning examination of redemption and its power and our desire to obtain it and what sold it so well, were the performances. Because Alexander Ludwig really helped us to understand how much it means to us through Ace's pain and Stephen Amell… well he genuinely sold how difficult it is to carry a tainted legacy and how deeply Jack is burying himself in the league to not deal with the circumstances and pain of his father’s passing, as evidenced by the incredible closing moments of this tale and well, in the end, all this episode does is leave us hungry for more of this dynamic series. Since we are now eager to see where this bold new direction in storytelling is going to take Ace and whether or not the DWL can move beyond its current strife and if Jack and Ace can find the peace and happiness that they so desperately crave. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the finale of ‘Eden: Untamed Planet’.
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Over the course of the past six weeks, our journey through the various paradises around the world… via the BBC America series, Eden: Untamed Planet, has provided us with an incredible learning experience. For we have now come to learn that some of the oases that nature enjoys around the globe are a direct result of the planet’s physical evolution. Since tectonic plate movements have given rise to isolated utopias such as Patagonia and the Galapagos Islands. Plus, nature’s ability to adapt in tough environments has also proven to be quite helpful in creating an Eden since the creatures that live in the Namib Desert have figured out how to hunt and how to avoid the heat in order to thrive in a climate where nothing should survive.
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But while it has been downright incredible to learn how the world works in this manner, what we haven’t learned in this series, is whether it is possible for a true oasis to exist close to major population centers. Because while most of these highlighted biospheres are near humanity, our population is so low in those areas, that mankind has either figured out how to live in harmony with nature or we steer clear of the area. Leaving one to wonder if it is possible to find a true oasis in mankind’s backyard and well… as it turns out, the finale of this series opted to answer that question with a resounding yes. For in the northwest corner of North America, miles away from the bustling United States of America and Canada… lies a true oasis, one that is just as independent as the rest and ‘Alaska: Last American Frontier’ took the time to show us how the Alaskan frontier thrives despite being so close to millions of humans. 

A feat that this part of the world accomplishes, by being difficult to navigate for humanity. For the forests and coasts here are somewhat isolated and also protected by law and that perfect combination allows for a yearlong cycle of independence to take place. One where the bears of this beautiful place make their way down from their nests in the spring to feed, and they’re not alone in coming to life as the ice thaws. Since so many varying species go about their day with the temperature warming up and their movements and habits, help to add nutrients to a part of the world that ironically, doesn’t have that present in great quantities in the soil. Adding credence to the fact that nature always figures out a way to thrive and survive and judging from the raw beauty this environment presents us with, clearly that unique plan for this part of the world is working to a tee.

But while that revelation was quite fascinating, there were more important teaching moments waiting for us in this documentary. Such as how later in the year, the Alaskan Wilderness becomes quite the bountiful place for animals from around the world. Since whales take the time to swing by the nutrient rich and bountiful waters to feed and of course… the age-old iconic image of bears eating salmon from the rivers takes place on an annual basis when the salmon begin their quest upriver and really, seeing it here in different context added some serious gravity to something we’ve all watched take place in other documentaries. Because this time around, it really helped to hammer home the importance of places like this and how they need to remain untouched and preserved.

Simply because, balance and autonomy are what nature is all about and to deny of its everyday goals is cruel since these habits are all these animals know and that is why we must double our efforts to control the climate and to preserve these sanctuaries. So that creatures that don’t under commerce or manifest destiny, can continue to function as they have for generations before us and truly, it is wonderful to see nature in the raw in this manner so that we can be reminded of what our true role is on this planet. Which is not to conquer it, but to help it and nurture it and thrive alongside it and clearly we can and well, now that this powerful documentary has come to a close… hopefully it has provided us with enough lessons and majesty to go out and do our part to reduce our carbon footprint and speak up when preserved areas are at risk… so this kind of beauty never fades from the face of our world.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two premiere of ‘See’.
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It is definitely safe to say that the first season of the AppleTV+ series, See, was quite the ambitious and risky endeavor. Because there was a genuine risk that a story revolving around a future where mankind was devastated by a lethal virus and unable to collectively use their vision of because of said virus… could have easily slid into offensive and uncomfortable territory. The kind that could have potentially mocked people with visual impairments. But thankfully, that didn’t turn out to be the case. Instead, season one of this series managed to showcase a world where mankind would indeed survive and thrive despite losing the use of sight, and that twist even managed to bring about some fascinating commentary as well.
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For the notion that sight was the root of this world’s evil, and those gifted with it were the 23rd century equivalent of witches, speaks to the many prejudices that disabled individuals suffer through in the modern world and putting that on display here in a unique, upside-down manner… definitely gives the viewer pause and made this a worthwhile watch. As did the engrossing season one plot. One that saw heroes rise and acceptance come into play while the arrogant and unjust came to learn some valuable lessons in regard to how they treat others and well, after a long, pandemic related hiatus… this fascinating series has returned to the airwaves to follow up on the all-important plot threads put forth in the season one finale, and when we catch up with Baba Voss and Queen Kane in ‘Brothers and Sisters’, some big changes have come to both of their lives.

In the case of the Queen, well at first it didn’t appear as though she learned much of anything, since she was eager to reclaim the good and comfortable life that comes with her title and her crown. As evidenced by how quickly she repurposed a home for her own needs and quickly assembled a staff to cater to her whims. But a rousing and wildly unexpected speech later on in this episode, one where the Queen declared equality was a necessity between the everyday population and those with sight… and the potential salvation of humankind through a baby with sight that she would give birth to, did indeed inform us that she is transformed. For she now understands there might be a better way and that’s quite the epic change for her character for certain.

As for Baba, well this particular tale made it clear that he’s grown into an even bigger hero than he was in season one, and that’s no small feat. But the fact that he risked life and limb to sneak into the city of Trivantes (which appears to be the remnant of Pittsburgh), to rescue Haniwa, speaks volumes to his bravery. And while he wasn’t successful in his mission, since the army here did indeed capture him, you really have to applaud the effort and one does indeed have to hope that this level of bravery will sustain him in the tough days ahead. Because this is a story that also reunited Baba with his angry brother Edo, who was quite displeased to speak his with brother again after all these years. Because of all the sorrow Baba has apparently caused, and it will be quite interesting to see what comes next for Baba, now that he is captured behind enemy lines.

If anything, this was just a solid season premiere through and through. One that did a wonderful job of easing us back into this unique future by way of solid storytelling. Plus, this premiere also deserves some serious credit for setting the stage for important moments later this season. Since the Queen might once again find herself at the center of a revolt if her new followers don’t agree with her desire to end centuries of prejudice and hopefully, the impending arrival of Kofun will help Kane in her cause and of course… everything happening with Baba has unsettling implications for his future as well. Since Edo is filled with fury over the past and well, all of these hanging threads are going to make the wait for next Friday’s new episode a difficult but worthwhile one for certain. Because this series has proven time and time again that it always delivers on the big moments it sets up and it will be quite amazing to see where these bold twists take us in the weeks to come. Until next time.

Something we don’t acknowledge enough in our everyday world, is that bidding farewell to a close friend is a heartbreaking experience. And we don’t really acknowledge that fact, because we are taught from an early age that friends are a dime a dozen and if we don’t have enough, we can easily go out there and make them no problem. But that is the wrong way to view friendships, especially close ones. Because friends are the family that we do indeed outright choose and losing one that we have let in completely, is a great loss, one that will haunt us and leave us pondering upon exactly what went wrong because they did indeed mean the world to us. If anything, the difficulties that come about in regard to the end of a close friendship are top of mind today… simply because it served as one of the focal themes of the next episode of Breaking Bad.
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For ‘Bug’ saw Walter White and Jesse Pinkman’s friendship reach a breaking point of sorts, thanks to Gus Fring’s machinations and that should come as no surprise. Because for some time now, he has indeed been working toward creating a divide between the two of them in the hopes of shattering their close ties and he pushed that plan to a whole new level in this tale. Since he more or less made Jesse a confidant and trusted lieutenant, to the point where he even invited Jesse over for dinner to enjoy the same meal that Walter once did in the Fring abode and well… it turns out that his plans to make Jesse something more and appeal to his sense of worth to further pull him away from Walt, worked like a charm. Because he passed up on a perfect opportunity to poison Gus to hear the sales pitch instead and well, that laid the foundation down for the end of a grand friendship.

But before that could take place, this episode made a point to focus on a new problem brewing for Walt. In that… his corruption on a fundamental level is staring to spread to other members of his household. Because Skyler is starting to understand the power of money and knows that Walt makes so much cash that she can potentially use it to influence her own future. And that epiphany came about simply because Ted dropped by to inform her of the fact that IRS was finally coming after him and her fear of being caught and implicated, since that could in turn expose the White Empire, motivated her to step in and do whatever was necessary to get Ted off the hook. But alas, since he doesn’t have the money to settle, Skyler is clearly thinking about handing over some of that drug cash to clear his name and well… it will be quite interesting to see what comes out of Skyler’s power trip in this tale.

However, what’s wild, is that with a little bit of communication with Walter, the birth of that potential mess could have been avoided. But Walter was occupied otherwise. Since he needed to keep Hank off of the trail and of course, he needed to prove that Jesse was betraying him. Which is why he took the time to plant a tracker on Jesse’s car to see if all the discussions about not meeting Gus were true, and well… that decision led to the breaking point in question. Because once the truth was out about the tracker and the reality that Jesse didn’t take down Gus… these close friends traded blows and eventually it was made clear that they no longer needed to speak to one another. Making it obvious that Gus won the day, and this was heartbreaking to say the least.

Simply because it could have been avoided with communication and care and some semblance of trust. But in the end, what’s done is done and good friends are no more and that will undoubtedly lead to some tension and awkward moments at the plant and who knows where the story is going to go from here. Because Gus is truly in charge here and he’s winning this game of chess with every single move and that really is a bold direction to take this season in. For this was always supposed to be Walter’s journey toward the top and his subsequent fall, and there really is no clear way for that to happen right now and that really does compel one to continue to the journey. So, we can see how Walter claims his throne and whether or not a close friendship can be repaired. Until next time.

​Please enjoy this clip from the finale of Eden: Untamed Planet, which airs tomorrow on BBC America at 8pm EST/9pm Central.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’.
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One thing that Star Trek fans everywhere can agree upon, is that Star Trek: Lower Decks, is a fine celebration of everything that makes the franchise so great. For its weekly and wild and downright hilarious adventures spotlights the elements that allowed for us to fall in love with this saga in the first place and that’s allowed for fans to enjoy a genuine sense of wondrous nostalgia while they partake in new missions with the intrepid and slightly incompetent crew of the U.S.S. Cerritos. And since this week’s entry in this new series just so happened to be the 800th overall episode in the Star Trek Universe, it only seems fitting that it took the time to celebrate a more low-key aspect of the franchise that we don’t talk about enough.
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Specifically, how great a job the STU does in building its characters and helping them to grow and become family and ‘We’ll Always Have Tom Paris’, accomplished this particular feat by mostly splitting the team up so they could learn a little more about themselves and one another. In fact, let’s talk about that latter aspect, first, since it led to some incredibly important moments between Tendi and Mariner. Because Tendi thought now would be the perfect time to go on a Girls Trip with Mariner since the good Doctor asked Tendi to swing by a remote world to retrieve a family heirloom. And as we all know, a road/space trip is always the best way to really get to know your friends and well… her decision to do so really did pay off in spades.

Because Mariner and Tendi really did get to bond and lower their guards for a change and that in turn allowed for the audience to learn that they both are somewhat ashamed of their pasts and fearful of letting others in because they come and go and it was quite wonderful to see both of these characters be so open and vulnerable and watch them bond in real time, and of course… it is equally as awesome that Mariner openly admitted that she’s pansexual in this tale, since that reminds us of the inclusive nature of this franchise. But while that makes it seem as though this entire segment was more dramatic and subdued in nature, that simply wasn’t the case. Because come on, they were asked to retrieve a sex doll for the ship’s doctor, and they had to kick some Orion butt and that definitely led to some hilarious moments for certain. 

However, while it was great to see Mariner and Tendi bond and strengthen their friendship, there was mention of some more intimate journeys in this tale and Rutherford was the one to handle that. Since he came to learn that Shaxs was alive and well aboard the ship and that motivated him to learn exactly how he came back from the dead. Not because the scientific side of his mind needed to know, but because he needed closure and peace from that incident. For he genuinely blamed himself for the Lieutenant’s passing and the only way he was going to reconcile that was through confrontation and thankfully… he got his closure and more than he bargained for. Since Shaxs explained the sheer horror that comes about for characters that return from the void. 

But while all of those wonderful and beautiful storylines could have carried this episode no problem, what would an episode of Lower Decks be without some over the top shenanigans and Easter Eggs? And it just so happens that Bradward Boimler handled that part of the story, since he struggled to get the ship to recognize him at a crucial time aboard the ship. For Lieutenant Tom Paris from Star Trek: Voyager was coming aboard the ship in this tale and one way or another, Boilmer was going to get his commemorative Tom Paris plate signed by the Lieutenant from Voy. But alas, nothing went right in this quest. In fact, it actually led to Boims getting his butt kicked by the legendary helmsman since Brad’s messy journey through the bowels of the ship triggered a little Kazon related PTSD for Tom. But hey, at least Bradward got drinks from Mister Paris as penance. 

In the end however, this is a story that really celebrated the true core of what makes Star Trek so great: the characters. Because without their depth and quest to be more… this franchise simply wouldn’t work. Which is why every single moment here worked like a charm and it was simply wonderful to see everyone grow right before our eyes since Mariner and Tendi learned it is okay to trust, and Rutherford figured out that healing involves facing what hurt us in the first place and Boims… well he learned to just bite the bullet and have your damn codes and ID re-uploaded to the ship’s computer. Either way, this really was the perfect way to celebrate the franchise’s 800th episode and this writer has no doubt that we are in store for 800 more, since this is a saga that really does celebrate the best parts of who we are and that is something that will never become stale. Until next time.  

Please enjoy this clip from Episode 3 of Heels, which will air on STARZ on August 29, 2021, at 9 p.m. EST. If the clip below doesn't play, use this link.