Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Ted Lasso’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that fans of pop culture from every medium, understand that conflict is central to quality storytelling. Because without it, the story is nothing more than a series of events, the kind that really offer little to the viewer and while we often claim that we tune into stories to escape, the fact of the matter is, we thrive on the experiences that characters go through. So, if there is something they can overcome either externally or internally, we find ourselves satisfied with what we are watching on a fundamental level, and this is so important to storytelling and has become such a constant; that it is downright shocking if by chance we stumble upon a story that doesn’t have a conflict present within its framework.
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Which is why there have been some concerns on social media surrounding the Apple TV series, Ted Lasso. Because in essence, Coach Lasso has overcome his central conflict to the story. For he is still the manager of AFC Richmond, he has the trust of his owner and even managed to convince her that there is a better way forward instead of revenge. Plus, when we catch up with him in ‘The Signal’, the team is enjoying a hot streak thanks to the addition of Coach Kent. Making it appear as though this story is now becoming nothing more than a collection of super sweet and uplifting events and well, as it turns out… going this route was always part of a greater plan. One that involved lulling us into a false sense of security before dropping a grand conflict out of the blue, so that we would be genuinely surprised by it and curious to its meaning and it just so happens, that the next episode of this cheery saga served as the perfect moment to make that happen.

But in order to keep the surprise genuine and powerful, the story had to continue to misdirect us. Which is why this episode is filled to the brim with other fascinating plot lines. Such as the one that took the time to remind us that we cannot help people who do not want to be helped. Since both Rebecca’s mother and Coach Beard knew they were embroiled in sour romances that didn’t provide them what they needed emotionally. But they chose to go this route and won’t deviate from their respective affairs until they finally realize said romance isn’t healthy for them. Which really was a fine reminder that all we can do in that instance is support the person we care about as best we can and hope they reach their epiphany sooner rather than later, so they can find the partner they so deserve.
 
Plus, there was also a heartwarming pair of storylines involving Roy and Nate. The kind that helped them to grow professionally in this tale. A feat that this segment of the story accomplished by allowing for Roy and Jamie to finally have it out in a healthy manner and find common ground to work with. Something that Ted orchestrated and well that paid off in spades. Because the team was involved a major tournament in this tale, one where Coach Kent realized that if the team used the right game plan for Jamie and let him indulge in his darker side when appropriate, he could accomplish wonders on the pitch and well… he was one hundred percent right. Since Jamie came through huge in this game because he was utilized properly, showing us that Roy can indeed coach anyone and that the friction between he and Jamie was downright silly to say the least. 

As for Nate, well an emergency that forced Coach Lasso to exit the game, is what allowed for him to grow upon his experiences from last week. Since he took charge in the closing moments of the match and asserted a bold strategy that won AFC Richmond this pivotal game and it was just wonderful to see Nate continue to grow in this manner, and it also doesn’t hurt… that the aftermath of this match also offered up quite the reveal in regard to the Bantr subplot involving Rebecca. Because at long last, we finally found out the identity of the person that she’s texting and flirting hard with, and wouldn’t you know it? It’s Sam. Yup. That’s right. The very player that brought Bantr in as a sponsor because of his decision to stand against Dubai Air is the man that has captivated Rebecca and vice versa and while that is a cool and charming reveal… that’s not the big one in question.
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In fact, it is that emergency that brought about the conflict in question. Because while the public line from the team and the press, was that Coach Lasso had a bad fish dinner and needed to leave the pitch to deal with that… the reality of the situation is so much more. For our beloved coach had something akin to a panic attack on the pitch, and oddly enough, Jamie seemed to trigger it. Since Coach Lasso was reminded of the sour moments that Jamie and his dad shared in last year’s finale, and the attack that came from this was so powerful and so overwhelming, that the man that knows how to calm everyone down and make them feel special and hopeful, had to hide within the stadium. Within Sharon’s office to be exact, and the only reason we know this, is because she stumbled upon him, curled up in the fetal position and in such a bad state mentally, that he outright asked for an appointment and well, this was just stunning.

Simply because, it is obvious now, that Ted has some deeply unresolved issues hiding within and all those strange little moments from earlier this season and in this episode… such as when he shivered a bit at being alone at Christmas and became a little shaky over his son’s status back home, speaks volumes to the fact that there is something big eating at Ted and it has been for some time. Because that kind of panic attack and need to hide, is the direct result of an internal monster finally winning a long and winding battle to escape the shadows, and now Ted is going to be forced to face it head on and that is undoubtedly going to be the central conflict we’ve been waiting for. Because overcoming our demons or what eats at us is always a powerful struggle and a genuinely moving journey and this really was a game changing moment for certain.

For it more it less speaks to the fact that this has always been the plan, for Ted to face whatever it is that is chewing at his soul, and that is going to make for some powerful and brave television. Because sports stories never focus on this kind of stuff, in fact, they propagate the stereotype that sports players and coaches just have to power through their emotions and let the glory of the sport work out the rest. But as we are now learning, that’s a terrible mantra and unsustainable through and through and that means the journey we are about to go on will be revolutionary in nature and will engage us like never before. Because Ted Lasso is a good man, one that we now know is as flawed as the rest of us, and he deserves the same mental peace as we do, and we will undoubtedly be rooting for him in the weeks to come as he begins the greatest fight of all… facing one’s demons. Until next time.

One of the most difficult tasks that the creative team behind a television show will ever face, is providing every character on the series with proper growth and screen time. And this challenge exists simply because of how television is designed. For there is a limited window in which to tell a story and grow the characters and because of that, some side characters in some shows go the wayside in an effort to develop the main characters in a thorough manner. But what’s fascinating about this somewhat unfortunate aspect to the world of T.V., is that some shows actually manage to figure out how to give everyone their day in the sun and one series that excelled at this was Breaking Bad. Because everyone in this ensemble series, managed to receive a complete and fleshed out arc.
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A feat that the series accomplished by outright choosing to set episodes aside that would allow for a side character to stand in the spotlight and grow accordingly by way of developmental moments or by outright showcasing their backstory, and most important of all… the series would pull this off in an organic manner. And it just so happens, that the next episode of this storied series, did just that. For ‘Hermanos’ put the mysterious and furious Gustavo Fring in the spotlight at last and the easiest way to help us learn about what makes him tick… was to have the DEA and the Albuquerque Police Department interrogate Gus regarding the appearance of his fingerprints in Gale’s apartment and to ask him about his relationship to the deceased. 

An act that helped us to learn just how cunning and intelligent Gus truly is and how prepared he is for any situation. Because every attempt by the ABQ PD and Hank for that matter as well, to get him to slip up or crack under the pressure, outright failed. In fact, Gus was able to offer law enforcement a wonderful cover story, one that made him look like an utter hero and that left the investigation at a standstill.  So much in fact, that Hank turned up the heat on his own, by bringing Walter into this, to help in planting a tracking device on Mister Fring’s ride. All in the hopes of gathering some kind of dirt on Gus. But even then, Gus was still prepared for this possibility and even encouraged Walt to help out in the matter, to not arouse suspicion and because he knew how to avoid the tracker at every turn and keep the heat off of his back. 

But while that definitely gave us great insight into Gus’ current mental state and skill set, someone doesn’t become that cunning overnight. It takes years of practice and developmental moments to be able to look that far ahead and thankfully, the story took the time to show us how Gus came to acquire those skills and unfortunately, he came to learn them in the most painful way imaginable. For back in the day, when he and Max were getting their empire started, they were invited to a meeting with Don Eladio and Hector Salamanca and despite their best efforts to impress, Eladio dropped the hammer on Gus and had Max killed at Hector’s hands. All in the hopes of teaching Gus a lesson to never cross the boss and to learn his place and well, Gus most certainly did. Since that formative moment taught him to work from the shadows and observe and calculate and execute accordingly.

If anything, this was nothing more than a powerful character study, one that gave us just enough in regard to Gus… since it did keep his past life in Chile a secret to keep an air of mystery surrounding him. But what we learned was powerful and impactful and it made it clear that Walt and Jesse are indeed in over their heads since this man has seen it and done it all and knows their every move and the only way, they can defeat him… is through unity and planning. But while we wait to see if that is going to be the case, we can celebrate another amazing episode from this series. Because this particular tale was also incredibly compelling and engaging and it really did help us to understand that Gus is incredibly ambitious and dangerous and will stop at nothing to get what he wants and that’s bad news for Walter… since he wants what Gus has and that likely means the forthcoming showdown between these two men will be bloody and ugly since it never goes well when an immovable object slams into an unstoppable force. Until next time.   

Please enjoy this sneak peek of tomorrow’s season two premiere of See, streaming exclusively on AppleTV+!

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the midseason finale of ‘Leverage: Redemption’.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that we are living in some uncertain times. Because everywhere we turn these days, the world is full of unpleasant surprises, the kind that fill us dread and at times leave us a touch hopeless and lost. And all we want right now, is to see a little light at the end of the tunnel and that’s why we turn to entertainment now more than ever. For within the framework of stories, are people that are eager to stand up and keep hope alive and their brave and fearless actions do indeed give us what we need… if only for a little while. Because sadly, we know deep down these are nothing more than stories and we also come to believe, that the heroes we see on the silver and small screen will never be a part of our everyday world. 

But that is in fact, the wrong way to think about the state and the future of our world. Because the right moment and the right circumstances can in fact, give life to heroes. The kind that are as brave and as fearless as the ones we see in theaters and in shows, and what elevates a genuine everyday person to a hero’s standing is top of mind today, because it served as the focal theme of the midseason finale of Leverage: Redemption. A feat that ‘The Mastermind Job’ accomplishes, in a supremely sneaky manner. For early on in this tale, the story seems focused on exposing a writer that has made Team Leverage quite uncomfortable. For this so-called ‘Mastermind’ has put together a novel of the team’s exploits, complete with frightening details (such as Eliot’s impeccable hair flips) and well, no one should know these stories but the team.

Which motivates them to intercept the author to figure out how exactly he learned of their exploits and to inform him of the dangers of revealing their secrets. But alas, before they can properly interrogate and teach the Mastermind a lesson, he and Harry are whisked away to France by a former despot in the hopes of using the Mastermind’s ‘skills’ to obtain what he needs for a coup. Which in turn motivates the team to help the Mastermind out in this quest… to prevent this jerk from ever completing his coup, and of course… they are successful because they’re Team Leverage. But what matters more here, is the Mastermind’s journey. Because it turns out that said Mastermind, whose real name is Milton, was nothing more than an everyday dude who found his life to be incredibly boring. To the point where the only excitement he ever enjoyed, was hearing about Nate and the team’s exploits in a bar and the thought of living vicariously through them gave him the spark he so desperately needed.

But what made his journey so worthwhile and so important, is that Milton became a hero right before our eyes. Because he did indeed live the life of a Leverage team member and in doing so discovered he could be a hero just like they are and well, therein lies the exploration in question. Since Milton’s wild adventure here makes it clear that each and every one of us… can in fact be heroes. Especially if the circumstances are right and our skill set can be put to use. But the genesis of a real-life hero goes beyond right place and right time. It also takes guts and an active decision to put oneself in harm’s way and if one can do that and utilize the moment, wonderful things can happen and we can be just like Milton and well, it’s wonderful to see this series point out that if we want hope in the world and heroes to rise, sometimes it is up us to make that happen and well… that’s a wonderful way to wrap up the first half of this amazing season.

Because few shows out there are brave enough to challenge the audience to be the change we want in the world, and what is incredible, is that the wonder of this tale doesn’t end there. Because this is also a grand love letter to Nate in many ways, since the events that take place here happen at the same time as the anniversary of Sophie and Nate’s first meeting and the majesty and importance of that is not lost on the central theme of this episode either. Since an everyday insurance adjuster once asked himself if he could be more in the world, and he in turn influenced others to answer that call and without that one question, these heroes wouldn’t be where they are right now and it was just wonderful to have that bookend present here and in the end, all of these wonderful themes, really does leave one to wonder… what other kind of impressive messages await us when the midseason premiere of this brilliant series arrives on IMDBtv on October 8. Until next time.  

Please enjoy a sneak peek of tomorrow’s brand-new episode of Ted Lasso, streaming exclusively on AppleTV+.

Over the course of the past few days, we’ve talked at length about the dangers that can come forth when someone that needs recognition is deprived of it and well, what’ve learned on the matter is quite unsettling to say the least. For Breaking Bad has made it clear that continued marginalization of an individual, especially one that has committed to a darker lifestyle, can lead to some serious trouble. The kind that will see them begin to act out in ways they never have before to obtain the recognition they so desperately crave. As evidenced by Walter White’s off the wall and desperate actions over the past couple of episodes. Ones that have escalated as the stories have progressed, leaving one to wonder if the next chapter in this tragedy was going to see him take his frustrations to a whole new level.

As it turns out, that particular concern is well-warranted, since ‘Problem Dog’ is a story that sees Walter indeed begin to further escalate his desire to be recognized. Simply because, when we catch up with him here, he’s so hungry to be noticed and respected, that he’s starting to lose hope that it will ever come and that motivates him to really lash out in unsettling ways. For instance, since his wonderful gift to his son was rebuffed, he destroyed it rather than deal with the hassle of returning it. Because to return it would be a powerful slap in the face, one that would once again remind him that he was still insignificant to the world and what’s scary, is that it only got worse from there. Because that hopelessness also led Walt to believe that he was a marked man and that it was only a matter of time before Gus decided to slaughter him as he has so many, and that paranoia, motivated him to create more Ricin and motivate Jesse to plant said Ricin in Gus’ food or drink, giving us a grand idea of how far Walter is willing to go at this point, to be seen as a mastermind.

However, rather than simply focus on this painful downward spiral for Mister White, the writers’ room also saw a grand opportunity to dive into another aspect of recognition and its importance to us. Specifically, how sometimes we need someone to recognize where our life is currently at so we can confirm what we already know and act accordingly, and that was handled by Jesse in this tale. Because gaining more trust from Gus and being asked to kill him at the same time, left him wondering if he was too far gone and could no longer be redeemed. But in order to confirm that and potentially make peace with it, he needed objective eyes, and that led him back to the twelve step program. Where he laid it all on the line in a unique manner… and got the negative recognition he needed and this was simply heartbreaking and powerful to watch since it made it clear that unlike Walt, Jesse is still hoping for a way out and a better life.

Yet while those two examinations on recognition could have carried this episode from beginning to end, there was another important plot thread present within its framework. For Hank started to work his magic in this tale and took a little time to swing by Los Pollos Hermanos in a relaxed manner to pull off quite the feat. In that, he managed to get his hands on Gustavo Fring's fingerprints in the smoothest manner imaginable and in doing so, he was able to get a meeting with Gomey and Merkert and present some compelling information to them. The kind that made it clear that Gus Fring is involved in some bad, bad things and that the DEA would be smart to look into his affairs and his potential involvement with the meth trade in the ABQ. Since his ties to Gale ran deep, to the point where his fingerprints were in Gale’s apartment, and well… that’s where this episode leaves us, with Gus finally in the sights of the DEA.

But while we wait to see if Hank’s fine work will go anywhere, considering how Gustavo has operated without impunity or suspicion for a supremely long time, we can bask in the wonder of one powerful tale. One that really did demonstrate that Gus is wearing both Hank and Jesse down in a terrible manner, the kind that is outright breaking their spirits and manipulating them in ways they never thought possible and more and more, one has to wonder if this little game that Gus is playing is going to boil over and soon. Because both men are being deprived of what they need and that never goes well and they are quickly becoming ticking time bombs and well… the ending of this one is so damn good, that this reviewer needs to log off of here and watch the next one post haste… to see where this powerful setup, takes us next.

When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous AMC series, Breaking Bad, we talked a little bit about how Walter White was struggling with being a ghost in the world of the drug trade. Because he really was struggling with being marginalized by both Gus Fring and those around him since he genuinely wanted to be admired and revered for his work in putting together the purest meth ever known to man. Which at the time, seemed to be nothing more than a one-off plot twist, one that was designed to bring about Hank’s revival since Walter’s ego fueled him to take a closer look at Gale’s murder. But as it turns out, that frustration and that anger, was the bare beginning of something greater. A firestorm of frustration for Walter, really, one that merely sparked in that tale so it could burn brightly in the next episode.
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For ‘Cornered’ opened up the morning after Walter decided to open his big mouth and rather than move on from a drunken moment of foolishness, Skyler decided to press her husband on his behavior and express her fears for the future and well… that was a poor choice really. Because in doing so, she made Walter feel weak and unimportant yet again, despite her best intentions and well… her continued pressing of Walter, helped to stoke his fire. Because he simply exploded in front of her and made it clear that he was a strong and powerful drug lord, one that pulled the strings of his own destiny by way of a powerful and rousing and downright terrifying speech. One that signified how much he’d grown in a negative manner and how ready he was to command respect through fear, and the fury and pleasure he exhibited in that moment, extended well beyond his sour words.

Because this episode also featured the official handing over of the car wash, and despite once again appearing to be meek in the face of Bodgan’s insults, Walter was able to humiliate the man to no end and force him to step out of the car wash in shame. A feat that brought him utter power over someone that once contributed to his meek nature and that brought him great joy, and this really was quite the powerful transformation to watch play out on screen. Since it truly signified that Walter is genuinely the heavy now and has little desire to return to his former life and what’s ironic about Walter’s journey here, is that he was also eager to flex his muscles in a positive manner as well. Since he took the time to buy his son one hell of a car, just because he could, and while a supremely troubled Skyler eventually demanded it be returned, effectively ending this power trip… the proverbial genie was already out of his bottle.

For Walt was genuinely empowered in this tale and is clearly ready to become something more than a full-time meth cook… he wants an empire and will begin to topple people to get it. But while that made for a fascinating and frightening episode through and through, this story also made a point to follow up on quite the important plot point. Specifically, what Gus is up to in regard to Jesse and Walt and well, it turns out… he is trying to divide them so that they will turn upon one another and it would seem, his plan his working. For Jesse keeps getting big time gigs from Gus, the kind that make him feel valuable to the organization, to the point where he is beginning to take Walter’s words with a grain of salt, even after Walter pointed out Gus’ sneaky little plan and it will be quite interesting to see if the divide that Gus is beginning to create between the two of them can be repaired.

But while we wait to see how that plays out, we can bask in one wild character study. One that did a phenomenal job of expanding upon how continued marginalization can only embolden bad people to take their sour acts to new heights, since Walter is truly surging with fury at the world for forgetting about him and his accomplishments and that really did make for one compelling tale. One that leaves the viewer wondering if Walter is going to snap and do something he regrets, or if a plan is formulating in his mind, the kind that will involve an even greater power play on his part so he can finally be admired and revered and well, the only way to find out what comes next for Walter White, is to continue the journey and see where his twisted tragedy is going to take us next.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘What If…?’
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Last weeks’ episode of What If…? asked the question, what if Yondu took T’Challa instead of Peter Quill? Well, the results have fans across the internet in a great debate over who the better Star-Lord is. It’s hard to say, because they’re both so different. The story takes a completely different turn than the last one. Small changes have the ability to be massive changes, and none are bigger than the ones we see here. T’Challa is more of a Robin Hood figure in this alternate universe. He steals from the rich and gives to the poor. In this case, he’s so well known that his name is revered and not scoffed at. He still takes the Power Stone, but this time he leaves with Korath as well. The once henchman of Ronin the Destroyer is more than just a fan of T’Challa’s work and is all too happy to join the Ravagers. It seems in this universe; T’Challa’s good will, and kind heart is enough to sway even the likes of Yondu into helping restructure the power imbalances throughout the galaxy.
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Apparently T’Challa is even able to talk the Mad Titan into adopting other ways to help the people of the universe, ones that don’t involve genocide. The show actually makes an ongoing joke about Thanos’ original plan to wipe out half the entire galaxy. So, without Thanos or Ronin as our antagonists, who is there to fight against? Well, oddly enough Ronin isn’t out of the counting, he just remains off screen and not a part of the plot for the remainder of the episode. The Collector, however, steps up and somehow becomes the ruling force they need to fight against. In this case, Nebula involves T’Challa, Korath, and Yondu’s crew to steal from The Collector. It is a little strange seeing Nebula as not a cyborg, but this whole episode is an alternate reality. Of course, there’s a giant hitch in the plan and T’Challa needs to escape.

T’Challa then finds a Wakandan ship in the Collector’s things… and then he learns about the message his father sent out. See, the episode itself started with T’Challa wanting to open Wakanda to the world and T’Chaka saying no. Later Yondu’s men are sent to Earth to bring Peter back, only they took T’Challa instead, because all Earthlings look the same to them, and really, T’Challa seemed to be much calmer of a kid than Peter, so I accept this completely.

T’Chaka knew that T’Challa was taken by a spaceship, so he sent a ship of his own into space with a plea. Yondu, on the other hand, had lied saying T’Challa’s homeland was destroyed, and he could never go back. Oddly, T’Challa gets over that betrayal a lot quicker than most. They pull off the mission, defeat the Collector, and then they go back to Earth as one big happy family. The reunion is even a grand affair. One that finally connects Earth and Wakanda to the communities of the universe, and where T’Chaka learns that everything he taught his son is being used to make the galaxy a better place.

In the end, this episode was a wonderful glimpse into how life in the universe could have been different through a case of mistaken identity. Sadly, without Gamora, Rocket, and especially Groot, the Guardians just aren’t the same. But Drax had his family, and Gamora got to grow up with hers, so maybe it all worked out for the better. Also, Howard the Duck is probably the second-best addition to the MCU, and it was great to see him here. But the first will always be Alligator Loki, and we all know it, and now we are all left wondering… what will happen this week?

In our everyday world, redemption is something that is easy to find. Because if we’ve done something we regret and it involves someone we know, an apology and a peace offering can redeem us in their eyes. Plus, if we did something boneheaded to a stranger we will never see again, a random act of kindness or a donation to charity, can also redeem us on a more personal level. Since we are injecting a little positivity into the karmic coffer of the universe. But while the majority of us know an easy way out in regard to foolish acts, one does have to wonder how redemption works in a world where the everyday rules don’t apply. Such as say, the drug trade. For mistakes in that world aren’t taken lightly. To the point where sometimes redemption isn’t possible since a screw up can cost a dealer or a kingpin their life.

But it might be possible to find redemption in a criminal world, and it just so happens that the next episode of Breaking Bad takes the time to explore what redemption might look like in the drug trade in a fascinating manner. Because ‘Shotgun’ initially offers up a harrowing journey for Mister Jesse Pinkman. For when we catch up with him here, he’s still on the road with Mike and running around the entire state to handle cash drops and what makes this so harrowing… is that Jesse doesn’t know the point of this little road trip. Because he’s persona non grata with Gus, and there’s a risk that a cool and collected killer like Mike, could be waiting for the right opportunity to put him down and this went on for so long… that it actually seemed as though there was going to be no exploration of what redemption might look like in this business.

As it turns out however, lulling us into a sense of worry and concern was all part of the plan, so that the moment when it seemed as though some rival drug dealers arrived to rob Jesse and Mike had maximum gravity. Since it informed us, that Jesse still wants to live and that doing something good like this and receiving Mike and Gus’ approval, gave him the redemption he needed. Which means it is possible to obtain such a notion in the world of the drug trade, but it is in no way, as wholesome as it is in the real world. Since we eventually came to learn, this whole thing was staged and planned by Gus himself. In order to make Jesse productive once again and that does indeed make this part of the story quite hollow and horrifying in nature, since it is clear now that Gus is seizing control and asserting authority in a twisted manner, to the point where he’s even getting under Walter White’s skin.

For Walt spent a great deal of this tale, struggling to find purpose and value. Because he truly does want to be viewed as an outright genius, one that deserves awe for his creation and without having that wondrous feedback and reverence in his life, he was simply adrift. As evidenced by how he tried desperately to be seen by Gus in this particular tale… and of course, how he handled dinner at the Schrader abode speaks volumes to his need to be seen in an admired light. Because it takes a man that is starving for compliments to bring heat back down upon him, since he basically reopened the case by injecting his ego into the situation and well, in the end… it will be quite interesting to see what comes out of that pivotal moment, since Hank took notice of the fact that a vegan criminal mastermind has ties to fried chicken.

But while we wait to see how that all comes together down the line, we can once again revel in the majesty of a wonderfully twisted exploration of how the drug trade might work. Since this episode made it clear that everything that happens in this specific world, is a game of chess, one that Gus is a master at playing since he knows exactly what moves to make with his various pawns and knights and that made for one engrossing tale, one that really does leave the viewer worried for the future of Walt and Jesse this season. Because they really are at the whims of a criminal mastermind and haven’t a clue that they are in fact, being played like fiddles and it does leave one to wonder, how they will both respond if they ever discover that’s the case. Since both of these men, don’t like being trifled with in that manner and that realization really does compel one to continue to the journey to see how this part of the tragedy plays out. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Heels’.
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Stories that focus on the power of consequences, tend to be supremely subdued and intimate in nature and it makes sense as to why. Because focusing the story on a singular poor choice on the main character’s part, allows for a unique exploration to take place. One that dives into the emotional fallout that comes forth when we don’t take a moment to think before we act, and while this is indeed an intimate way to explore causality, since we get an up close and personal look at the matter… it does come with some powerful drawbacks. In that, more often than not, only looking at one specific consequence to one specific act… teaches us to stay away from that one particular misstep. Which doesn’t really resonate with the audience on a more fundamental level since they realize they’re learning a lesson that might never apply to them.

Which is why stories that hold nothing back in regard to such an exploration and really do explore the genuine fallout of poor decisions should be celebrated, since they truly offer up a thoughtful and poignant experience for their audience. The kind that absolutely stays with them and gives them great insight, and that is precisely why this week’s episode of the STARZ series, Heels, is of note. Because ‘Dusty Finish’ offered up a comprehensive and powerful look at how many people we can touch in a negative manner when we make a genuinely boneheaded decision. A feat it accomplished, by showing us the collateral damage that came about from Jack’s angry decision to teach his baby brother one hell of a lesson in the ring, and it turns out that Jack managed to tick off and hurt a lot of people through his selfish machinations. 

For instance, his own team was left stunned by his actions, since the vicious nature of that moment was top of mind for Diego and Apocalypse and Rooster. To the point where Rooster began to question his role with the DWL and whether or not it was a good decision to stay. Granted, his quest for the belt likely aided that disdain, but throwing more fuel on the fire was quite problematic none the less. Plus, the professional fallout of his actions extended beyond his own team’s concerns. Since fans online were livid over the thirty second match and took to their blogs to express their distaste for what happened on that fateful night and this just went to show… that a decision that dumb and that bold, will anger a great deal of people and we will have to work hard to come back from that and what’s wild… is that the fallout of this moment actually emboldened an enemy.

Because Charlie Gully saw this whole mess as a titanic failure on Jack’s part and that it also exposed his flaws as a leader. Which in turn made the DWL ripe for purchase in his mind, and that’s precisely why Charlie took the time to swing by Duffy and have a little sit down with Willie, in the hopes of making an offer on the dome and the league to potentially expand his empire. A move that eventually managed to blow up in his face. Because despite pondering upon the offer briefly, Jack opted to keep the league in family hands and continue the course. Which meant he had to figure out how to make things right, and that was going to be no easy task. Because in order to make that happen, he had to smooth things over with the biggest consequence of all when it comes to his actions.
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Because Ace was in fact, a mess over how this whole thing went down and became outright despondent over being humiliated by his brother and by seeing his supposed one-shot at happiness fade away. Since Wild Bill made it clear that the powers that be at the big leagues, weren’t quite as interested in Ace as they were a few days ago. But alas, Ace was the key to putting all of this back together and before Jack could figure out the right way to broach the subject and move forward, Ace forced his hand on the matter… by way of a boatload of liquor. Because he simply went on a drunken tear through the town, one that eventually saw him embarrass himself in public further and he also got into quite the bar fight. Because this really was a rock bottom moment for him, since he’s been seen as a town hero for so long. Which meant that it was up to Jack and Crystal to step in and cool him off and figure out how to keep Ace's fury from circling back around again, later on.

Which is why Jack finally lowered his guard and his ego and was honest and earnest with his baby brother. So he wouldn't fly off the handle again and so he peace could be made and a future could be forged, since Ace was invited back to the ring, and well, in the end… this was simply a powerful exploration into the far-reaching consequences that can come about when we act foolishly and in anger and well, this made for some moving and relatable television. Because we have been or will be in Jack’s shoes, where something dumb is said or done and we will or have felt like the scum of the earth for doing so, because of how clueless we are to the fact that our words or our actions can indeed hurt people badly. And that’s the kind of impactful lessons stories such as these have long been lacking and what’s truly amazing about this episode, is that it still found a way to further explore the central theme to this series, specifically… the power of our dreams and what motivates us to chase them with fervor.

Something that was examined by way of how Jack and Ace live outside the ring. For they are outright miserable without wrestling since Jack works a soulless day job selling lawnmowers for a little weasel that treats him as though he’s a fool and a nobody and of course, Ace is basically directionless in his everyday life. But the ring really does afford them something more. Because when they’re in the ring, they’re the center of the world and everyone in that audience is hanging on their every word and well, what this examination makes clear… is that our dreams ignite something special within us, and they give us meaning we don’t find anywhere else and once that infects our minds and our souls, there is no cure and we will stop at nothing to get our hands on what we want. 
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In the end however, this really was quite the brilliant episode when all is said and done, since it genuinely offered up an impactful and worthwhile lesson on thinking before we leap. The kind that will indeed hang with viewers for days on end since it left no stone unturned in regard to its fascinating and visceral examination on the matter. Plus, you cannot go wrong with a story that is eager to really explore the raw power of dreams and how they fuel us in ways we honestly don't think about. Since they can in fact, drive us to get out of bed in the morning on days where we want to give up on everything, and to top it all off… this particular chapter set the stage for more big moments.

Since Crystal clearly wants in the ring and might finally have an in by helping Jack here and having Crystal join the crew would make this series even more realistic since women wrestlers are indeed part of professional wrestling now and of course, the friction between Staci and Jack is growing and will only get worse if Jack continues to be absent. Plus, this episode doesn’t quite answer the question as to whether or not Ace will be okay returning to the ring, since one bad night messed with his mind and soul badly and well, all this does… is leave us eager to continue to the journey. To see what will become of those all-important setups and of course… to bask in the wonder of a story that really has captured the essence of the human condition. Until next time.