Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘101 Places to Party Before You Die’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When one thinks of the city of Atlanta, out in Georgia… one thinks of the south really. A place to perhaps get some great barbecue and potentially see a television or movie star since the city is slowly becoming the new Hollywood. But you really don’t think about partying in that town. Sure, it’s known as Hotlanta because of its spicy club scene, but partying doesn’t always have to involve the club and let’s be honest… some folks just don’t care for that scene. But as it turns out, Atlanta actually is quite the party town, and if you don’t believe the words, you just read, then look no further than last night’s episode of 101 Places to Party Before You Die on truTV.

For Adam Pally and Jon Gabrus descended upon this city and it didn’t take long for them to inform us… that the bar scene in this town, is actually quite epic and worthwhile. In fact, it is so good that the duo got hammered before they even started their grand weekend tour of the town. But once they recovered from their drinking journey, they quickly resumed it for the cameras and well… we were able to spend time in some supremely amazing bars. Where the people were friendly and welcoming and where fun was to be had. Plus, you can’t go wrong with the fact that there’s a bar down there that very much resembles the world of Blade Runner.

Which is a supremely geeky thing to type, but hey… Atlanta as it turns out, is also a very geeky town. Because this is a place where there are actual sneaker shops since the sneaker game in this town is super important, to the point where the lads actually picked up some sneakers to fit in a little better and impress. And well, while that is pretty nerdy and geeky, there also happens to be some hardcore nerds that geek out heavy in this town as well. Because there are actual bars where Dungeons and Dragons is played on the regular. Alongside some good drinks, and well… the lads definitely had a good time there and this journey really proved that there is a special place for everyone to party in this town, in their own way, making it well worth our while if we too decide to visit there.

But of course, we’d be foolish to not talk about the fact that Jon and Adam were able to eat some amazing food along the way. Because everywhere they went in this town, they were treated to unique meals. Some of which were pretty freakin’ bougie in nature and some of which were just down-home and delicious, and there was one… that was just plain unique. Because who knew that you could get top-notch wings at a strip club? Not to mention, this is a town full of amazing history to learn about. Especially when it comes to music, since Atlanta has contributed so much to the music scene and how cool was it to see Adam and Jon just hang out with Big Boi, AND ruin his toilet? It really doesn’t get more epic than that.

If anything, this was just… an amazing episode through and through. One that once again opened our eyes to a city that we simply know little about. In fact, Atlanta is so geeky and outright fun, this writer is already thinking about visiting the town and seeing some family out there. But that aside, this was also just a wonderful and hilarious adventure. Where once again this duo was able to let loose and be silly and just have a great time and make us laugh in the process and well, the education we’re receiving and the fun we’re having on this journey, once again leaves us desperate for more. So, we can live vicariously through two funny guys as they continue to check off city after city on their bucket list and the joy we experienced here, is going to make the wait for next week’s episode, quite painful in nature. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 3204 of ‘Top Gear’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We are definitely living in quite the unique time when it comes to car sales. For manufacturing shortages and the weirdness of the world, are leading to new car shortages in a world where the car is king. Which in turn is upping the price of used cars like never before and pushing people to really do their research on used rides if by chance they are in need of a car and can’t get the new one they want, courtesy of the shortage. Which really does beg some important questions from a market perspective. In that, with pricing out of whack, which used cars are worthwhile right now? And for that matter, what’s the right price to pay for one? Well as it turns out, the people to best answer those questions, are the hosts of Top Gear.

For the next episode in this magnificent series saw Freddie, Paddy and Chris, work to see if by chance people could find a reliable used ride at a cheap price to help our wallets in these trying times… after they took the time to do some quick supercar reviews. Because Maserati just brought out their first car in years, the MC20. Which Chris Harris absolutely had to take for a test drive, and despite some minor complaints, he still found joy in taking a brand-new ride from an iconic company out on the road. And Freddie… well he had the chance to test drive the Rivian R1T. Something that he had reservations in doing because he didn’t understand the obsession with trucks, much less how a quality electric one could exist. But their fine ride won him over, to the point where he might buy one.

Once that was done, it was onto the grand test. Wherein the lads picked up some used cards for dirt cheap and immediately went to test them out on a military range to see if they could hold up for the money they paid and uh… they didn’t. Because all three cars struggled to complete the first leg of the course, which involved towing a tire up a massive hill and it was all downhill from there. Since the suspension test left parts of these cars behind and one last push to just get through a nasty puddle… ended with all three cars dying. Meaning that the Mini Cooper, Volvo V70, and Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI that Paddy, Freddie, and Chris drove, respectively, had to be abandoned where they lie so that the trio could restart the search for the perfect value used car.

Which also ended in disaster. Because the next… slightly more practical reliability test for the Honda Civic, Mazda 323F and Toyota Celica the lads chose, which involved racing the Stig in equally cheap used cars… saw malfunction after malfunction take place. Alongside losses of power and that led to all three cards needing to be crushed for losing the race and that in turn… hammered home an important lesson. In that, while a cheap used car may seem appealing and helpful to one’s wallet, in this market, just jumping at price isn’t the key. One needs to really find the right ride for their daily requirements and make sure the car is in the right shape to get them from Point A to Point B. Otherwise, one might find themselves stuck in the middle of nowhere or worse, losing to the Stig when he is driving a supremely underwhelming ride.

If anything, it was just wonderful to find that kind of honesty in a show about cars. Since it would be easy to manipulate an audience for entertainment purposes over anything else. But the lads aren’t about that kind of storytelling and are always eager to tell it to us straight. And now we know what we need to know, plus we still were treated to some beautiful rides, because that Rivian Truck is indeed something to behold… and there were plenty of laughs to be found as well. Because watching these guys ram each other's cars to get to the next leg of the military course… made for some side-splitting comedy, as did their responses to losing to the Stig. And well… once again, this show reminded us of its value to audiences everywhere since this had to help prospective buyers out there, and this episode definitely leaves us eager to see what other lessons and fun await us, when we return to the road with these wonderful hosts, come next week.

Please enjoy a sneak peek of the season finale of Becoming Elizabeth, which will air on STARZ on August 7, 2022.
 
If the embedded clip below doesn’t work, click here to view it.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season three finale of ‘The Orville: New Horizons’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One thing that fans of The Orville: New Horizons absolutely agree upon through and through, is that season three of this magnificent Hulu series… has been its outright finest. For not only are this year’s special effects top notch and downright cinematic, a rarity for a science fiction show… but the acting has been at its best, courtesy of powerhouse performances from every single member of the cast. But most important of all, the writing has been utterly phenomenal. For this season of storytelling has tackled some incredibly powerful topics. The kind that has ranged from socio-political to intimate in nature and these stories have been so detailed and so on point, that they have moved us to tears and left us in silence when the story ends.
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In fact, this season of storytelling has been so on point, and so flawless, and so intricate in nature… courtesy of follow-ups and progressions to prior stories… that we have been all wondering, exactly what kind of season finale Seth MacFarlane and his team had planned. Because the show could easily offer up either another follow-up or some kind of grandiose tale that managed to bring this entire season together and as it turns out… Seth opted to do both. A feat that ‘Future Unknown’ accomplished… by having another blast from the past come aboard the Orville. For Lysella from ‘Majority Rule’ came aboard the ship requesting asylum. For her world was now full of more rhetoric and fury than ever… and she wanted no part of that, and her struggles in acclimating to a new life alongside a wedding between Isaac and Claire, and a celebration of Moclan love, allowed for this series to bring this season, together in a fascinating manner.

Because let’s be honest, season three of this show, has explored in great detail… the troubles we are currently facing as a society, especially in America. Such as our divisive nature at the moment, our rhetoric, and our constant infighting over moving toward the future while holding onto the past. A reality that has so many of us on edge and worried and hoping for a quick fix so life in the United States can finally return to ‘normal’ and be peaceful in nature and well… the coda to those explorations turned out to be a bevy of commentary on how we get to that point. Which first involved a little lesson on how, there won’t be an easy or quick fix. Because we’re not ready for a miracle solution or fast change, not with the current generational divisions present. Instead, we have to find amicable solutions, and begin to heal the divides through youth, by teaching them many of the commonsense lessons we’ve learned this season

Once we’ve done that, we can start to work toward something better… the unity we’ve sought, for ages on end now. Which might seem too simple an answer, but the simplest answers have been present for a lot of the problems this series addressed in season three. Because sometimes we tend to overcomplicate the solution when the easiest answer is the way to go, and it was fascinating to see this be expressed through Kelly’s teachings to Lysella, and it was equally as incredible to see her slowly absorb the lesson and come to realize the work that goes into making great change within oneself and within a society. But what truly made this tough lesson so impactful and so worth our while, was how the show also expressed… how we get through the tough times and how we soldier on when it our hopes are constantly being dashed as they are right now.
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Which involves… taking a moment and just appreciating the beauty of the world. Because despite the rhetoric that surrounds us, and the anger and disdain… there is still beauty to be found. For there are people committing to kindness, there are enemies becoming friends, and love is still out in the world and being expressed despite what others might think or want. And celebrating that, reminds us that the human condition is more than political nonsense or old ideologies. It's about the wonder of who we are and what we can be, and the majesty we can accomplish when we let go and embrace the moment. All of which was expressed through the union of Isaac and Claire and well… that’s a wonderful way to bring together a flawless season of storytelling. Since it tasks us to soldier on and find what lifts us up as we barrel toward tomorrow.

If anything, this finale also serves as a fine reminder, as to why this show… is the best science fiction show on television right now. For the finest sci-fi stories out there, lift us up and inspire hope or show us the way forward and this show does all that and that is one big reason why it needs a season four and beyond. But it also deserves more seasons, simply because it is also the bravest show on the air. Because no one else is tackling the topics that New Horizons spotlights every season and that’s something that the world needs in this moment, to have its problems and its concerns exposed in an intelligent manner that starts conversations. Not to mention… it is fun and hilarious, because where else can we see a Moclan invoke the spirit of Elvis Presley? So hopefully, we get good news from Hulu soon regarding the future of this series. So, we can enjoy more of this genius creation, one that celebrates humanity and tasks us to be the change we seek. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two premiere of ‘Good Grief’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the Sundance Now series, Good Grief, was one of the most refreshing shows to hit the airwaves in 2021. After all, a hard comedy about a pair of sisters inheriting a funeral home, turned out to be the perfect antidote for the sourness of the past couple of years. Since it made light of our fears through that plot, and it doesn’t hurt that the first season was downright hilarious and left us hungry for more. Since we were all curious to see what would become of the Loving Tributes Funeral home with Gwen and Ellie embarking upon such vastly different paths in life at the end of season one. 

But the good news is, our wait to see what comes next for this family has finally come to an end, since season two of this show made its debut on Sundance Now today and well, it wasted little time in informing us how things were going for Gwen and Ellie. For ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’ immediately plunged us into Ellie’s daily life, wherein the funeral home was thriving. Because people were regularly making use of their services, and she and Dean had a team that worked with them akin to a mostly well-oiled machine and she even spent working to find the right partner. Signaling that Ellie was moving on in life and settling into a fine future as a mortician.

However, as this series is wont to do, because it is a comedy, it wasn’t long before this wonderful homeostasis was interrupted by the return of Gwen. Whom as it turned out, didn’t have as great of a time as a DJ as she hoped. In fact, it was a downright awful experience and being home was far more amicable. The only downside to her return, was the sheer fact that she had nowhere to live, mainly because her mom had a new live-in beau. Which meant it was either stay with Ellie or live on the street and obviously, she decided that Ellie's place was the place to be, and well… that sets the stage for some juicy conflict this season, since these two really didn’t quite resolve their differences in season one, and being under one roof will either force that or make life more difficult in general.

Yet while that was a great way to set up the brand-new season and its potential for conflict, what matters more here… is that this was a genuinely hilarious season premiere. Because the jokes were simply spot on through and through. For Gwen’s return to the parlor, was the stuff of comedic legend. Complete with the right balance of physical comedy and one-liners and of course… the bonding scene between Ellie and that unfortunately curious little girl was just… well, insert ‘Chef’s Kiss’ right there. Because that awkward moment forced this writer to hit pause on the playback to get all the laughs out regarding the ugly left turn that situation took.

In the end, it’s just… an outright joy to have this show back on the air. Because times are still tough and the days are unnerving, so what better way to lose ourselves and forget about our troubles, than by kicking back and enjoying a good old-fashioned comedy that just lets loose and makes us laugh heartily. Which makes season two of this series a worthwhile watch for certain, one that really does have our attention in the end. Because this reunion really is going to drive some great storytelling and some fine comedy and it will be quite the treat to geek out about every hilarious moment with all of you, as our return to the Loving Tributes Funeral Home, continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Everything’s Trash’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One thing that folks that are currently single can agree upon, is that the dating world is a strange and sometimes uncomfortable place. But not for the reasons that one might expect. Because while a lot of folks would love to blame online dating and the speedy nature in which it brings people together, apps are not the reason that people are struggling to find a partner in life. No instead, a lot of dating woes in the 21st Century relate to a changing of the guard for starters. Since people finally understand what they want in a partner and won’t settle as so many claim they should do, not to mention those same folks have figured out if dating is right for them or if the causal life is more pleasing to their soul and well… like it or not, raised standards and an understanding of what we want, can create chaos, as do other factors.

The kind that just so happened to be explored in the next episode of Everything’s Trash on Freeform. for ‘Catching Feelings Is Trash’ is a story that saw Phoebe and Hamilton accidentally reunite on the street and in doing so… they felt that draw that enabled them to spend so many romantic nights together. In fact, their attraction was so strong… that Hamilton posed quite the idea to Phoebe. In that, they should flat out try dating for a bit. Something that Phoebe was skeptical of at first, despite how well it went, but eventually she realized… she really liked him, and they genuinely shared a connection and perhaps the time had come to leave the casual lifestyle behind and try a regular relationship and that is precisely when this story explored some of the other factors that are making the dating world so difficult in this modern day and age.

Because not only did Phoebe get called out for continuing to keep her honest feelings for Hamilton a secret to keep their budding love away from the prying eyes of her brother and the campaign (something she did rectify), but Hamilton also just so happened to neglect to tell Phoebe that he has a child, and that he keeps his relationships a secret from his child. Despite chiding Phoebe for doing something similar. Which are acts that make it clear that the biggest problems with modern dating… is a lack of honesty and communication. A reality that comes forth from the fact that we are afraid to be hurt, afraid to be vulnerable and afraid to be open with those we care about. Because modern love is more about concepts than the work, and until we collectively realize we need to put in the hard work to make a relationship work… these are the problems we will run into, and the behaviors we will take part in.

Which made for some fascinating and poignant commentary, and some familiar and frustrating moments for certain and what is amazing is that this episode had more to offer than just engaging commentary on modern love. For this also a story that explored the broader concept of self-love, specifically to know our worth and value and express that. Which was handled by Malika. Since she came to discover, with Jessie and Michael’s help… that she and Phoebe were woefully underpaid as podcasters. A discovery that initially motivated her to just let it be and go after a bigger payday during their next contract negotiation. But kind words from those around her, made her realize that she and Phoebe do amazing work. The kind that they should celebrate on a more personal level often and be compensated properly for, and that allowed for her to push for a bump and ponder upon moving the show to get their worth.

If anything, this was just the show’s most intimate and brilliant episode to date, and that’s saying something when one considers how many incredible topics it has already explored. But this episode just let loose and went above and beyond to ponder upon some powerful subjects that we all deal with on a daily basis, and kudos to the show for offering up such a raw and powerful examination on the nature of modern love and what it takes to love and appreciate ourselves and once again… this episode leaves u hungry for more of Phoebe and Malika’s adventures. For their journey of discovery has become a journey of self-discovery for the audience, where we ponder upon the lessons here and how they relate to us and that’s something quite special, and it will be fascinating to see what part of the human condition this show is going to tackle next week, in the most entertaining ways imaginable, of course.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season one finale of ‘Moonhaven’. To revisit the precious episode, click here.
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One of the biggest worries that television fans have when it comes to supremely ambitious television shows that work to explore an important question about the human condition, is whether or not the show can find a way to answer said question. Because sometimes, writers bite off more than they can chew, and tackle a story or a concept that might be too big to solve. Or their envisioned answer to a question… might be too simple in nature and feel underwhelming to an audience and well, it is safe to say that this worry has been gnawing at the back of our minds when it comes to the AMC+ series, Moonhaven.
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Simply because, this is at its core, a story that is looking to explore what it would take for humanity to shed its darker tendencies and actually come together in the name of a better world and a better future for mankind… and that is an ambitious question to answer. Because in this volatile climate, where ideologies and political standings rule the day to the point where both sides are doubling down… it almost appears to be an impossible question to answer. For we appear to not be ready to enact great change to who we are to achieve what we wish to be. But believe it or not, the show did indeed find an answer to this query and after weeks of building toward it and building the plot of this fascinating story up, it revealed that answer… during the moon’s darkest hour.

For when we catch up with everyone in ‘The Seeker’, the situation continued to be quite grim. For IO moved the wall near the lineage tree, a move that saved Arlo’s life thankfully, but motivated great strife. For every mooner that had the opportunity came to the tree to learn about their past, violating every foundation laid down by their forefathers and that in turn would engender chaos. Since tribal notions would come back into play and old habits would be quickly resurrected and that wasn’t the only trouble present in this tale. Since Bella was able to learn… that Tom had quite the unsettling master plan, one that would reinforce the fears he created, by having people back home, murder the first wave, which did indeed leave in this tale. 

Which is what brought about the exploration of the answer to the question at hand. Because war was coming, innocents would die, and the moon was going to devolve into a tiny little Earth-like colony. One complete with the violence and destruction that has plagued mankind since its modern inception. A reality… that didn’t sit right with Bella and Paul. For this was generations of work for a better tomorrow that was about to be brought down over notions of fear and a strong belief in the old ways. Which motivated them, and their friends and families, to take part in a bold plan. One that involved getting word to smugglers on Earth who could divert the first wave vessels to save them… and to prepare the mooners that believed in more… to prepare to fight for what they were raised to do.
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Thankfully, that push to try and save centuries of work, played out quite nicely. Since the first wave made it to Earth no problem and began to settle in there while Tom was unaware of the fact that a march to war to stop him had begun and well… that plan is what brings forth the answer. In that, humanity simply must take a moment to look at our world objectively, and just say… enough. Enough to the fighting, enough to the nonsense and enough to the stonewalling and desire to maintain ideals from a past that no longer apply to the present or the future. And from that epiphany, stand up, work with others that feel the same and enact the change we seek. A move that will shock those like Tom in this world and motivate others to follow and what’s wild is that when you think about it, this really is the right answer to our ails.

One that we have in fact, made happen before. Because now and again, when the world is dark, and we are truly worried about tomorrow… we have banded together and enacted change. Which means the answer has always been in plain sight, and well… if we could get everyone on that page, imagine the true utopia we could build, and kudos to the show to not only answering the question but for pointing out the answer has been in front of us for ages now. But perhaps with the world in a tenuous place we will finally see that, and hopefully this show helps start that conversation while it enters hiatus with a cliffhanger in play. For we have reached the end of this year’s journey and the good news is, the fight ahead won’t be played out in our minds. For season two of this magnificent and brilliant, and thoughtful show is a go… and it will be fascinating to see where this story takes us next when we return to the moon, next season. Until then.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘The Terminal List’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Normally when a manhunt is featured on television or in film, it’s quite the intense and thrilling affair. Where the hero is relentless in their pursuit of evil, to the point where they will push themselves to their absolute breaking point to ensure that justice is served and that good prevails and well… the epic nature of this hunt and the adrenaline surge it provides the audience with, is why this sticks around in crime thrillers and action and adventure movies. But every once in a while, you run into a story that decides to flip the script regarding this chase. Where say… the hero becomes the hunted and has to respond accordingly, as was the case in the next episode of The Terminal List on Prime Video.

For when we catch up with Lieutenant Commander James Reece in ‘Transience’, he is in a heap of trouble. For the authorities are hot on his tail and rightfully so. For he has committed an act of domestic terrorism, and justice is to be served and well… despite his skills in the field, having this many officers of the law chase him and surround him, leads to some tough moments. The kind where his car is basically reduced to bullet hole riddled rubble from the onslaught of weapons fire it receives and sadly, James takes a bullet as well. Forcing him to flee into the woods to find first aid care and a place to hunker down for the night… wherein he can ponder upon what to do with the waves of law enforcement heading his way.

But thankfully, he gets a lengthy respite to do just that, through rain, and that in turn allows for him to decide, to do his best to scare off those that are coming his way. So, there’s no chance of inflicting harm on innocent officers and so he can reach his final destination, a nearby river that will let him wash away from this madness so he can handle the next wave of names on his Terminal List and well, once he makes that decision is when this story takes quite the turn. Because just like that, he’s being hunted by former friends in the Navy Seals, and the FBI is with them. Making this segment of the story something of a grand homage to the 1982 film First Blood. Mainly because, much like John Rambo, James Reece does everything he can to not harm his fellow soldiers and the federal enforcers alongside them.

An act he is thankfully successful at, to the point where actually manages to inflict great harm upon himself to keep others safe, putting Reece at his absolute lowest here. Where all we can do is feel for him. Because this quest for revenge has gone sideways thus far and for a time, it truly seemed as though Reece was going to be caught and answer for his crimes. But a desperate man with nothing to lose will always find a way out, and in an explosive manner, one that required another act of kindness, James Reece did just that. And he quickly found his way back to the plane and Liz and eventually Ben, to undoubtedly prepare the next phase of his plan. One that will be the most difficult leg of the journey, now that it is clear who he is up against.

In the end however, this was just… an emotional story through and through. One that used the wilderness and that grand homage, and some heartbreaking mental breakdowns… to take us on that emotional rollercoaster. Where we were shouting out in worry or holding our breath in anticipation or feeling pure pity for James and well… there is nothing wrong with that. Since sometimes you just want to kick back and enjoy a story that moves you and the best part… is that this story kept James pure. For he had every chance to just let go and cause harm and trouble. But he refused to, for the enemy is who deserves his ire and well, it will be fascinating to see how he and Ben figure out a way to advance this plan for revenge… now that it involves some of his former superiors. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say, that the majority of crime stories out there… feature specific types of characters. For instance, the hero of the story, often a lead investigator of some sort… is quite grizzled and gruff in nature. For they’ve seen it all and been through tough times, which creates that rough exterior, one that eventually gives way to a kind and gentle being. One that truly believes in the power of justice and the beauty of the world and takes tough lumps, so others don’t have to. And they are surrounded by a crackpot quirky team of investigators that each bring something special to every case and well… it makes sense as to why this character roster is more or less the standard for the modern crime story, because it is in fact… helpful to the viewer or reader.

For they make it clear to the audience what kind of world they are about to step into, to prepare their minds for the darkness that is about to hit since these stories are rarely pleasant, and this works so well and is so commonplace… that we are completely and utterly taken off guard when a book, show or movie arrives that proves that quirky characters and dark plots aren’t the only way to tell a crime story. But once that shock wears off, we celebrate the refreshing journey in front of us, because it’s always nice to see a different take or be part of a unique storytelling experience and it just so happens… that a crime story that defies that character convention and others, is about to hit the airwaves courtesy of Acorn TV. For Darby and Joan arrives on the network on Monday, August 8, 2022, and well… one of the big reasons this series is so unique and different is its premise.

For in this particular series, we are introduced to a woman named Joan Kirkhope, who is suffering through tough times when we meet her, here. For the recent death of her husband is shrouded in mystery. One so unique that she decides to travel to the Australian Outback to retrace his steps and try to learn what brought about his end, and while she is investigating his passing… she encounters a plucky and salty local named Jack Darby… who at first cannot stand her and the irritation is mutual. But it doesn’t take long for this duo to realize that they have more in common than they know, and that a special friendship is in their future. One where they will support each other in healthy and dynamic ways… and as they continue to travel together, they also come to learn, they’re quite talented at handling unique mysteries and enjoy solving them.

Which is… a supremely special way to give life to a crime story. Since it features individuals that are not part of the traditional mold. Granted, there is a law enforcement twist involved, but even that… is unconventional in nature. That in turn, leads to some unique cases and wonderfully human moments from these characters… the kind that bring us to what else makes this series so special and so unique. Because what’s fascinating is that our two main characters are supremely realistic in nature. For they are flawed and broken and eager to put the pieces back together and well, their pain and their struggles are incredibly relatable. A twist that plunges the viewer deep into this story and has you rooting for Darby and Joan to get the answers they seek, both from the engaging cases they face, and from life in general. 

If anything, all of these elements, make this new series an absolute must-see. Simply because it is so original and so different from anything on television right now, and it so incredibly accessible and charming and downright fun when the moment calls for it. Especially when it comes to the sassy banter between Jack and Joan and speaking of those characters, the actors that play them are also a fine reason to check this series out. For Emmy Winner Greta Scacchi plays Joan with a powerful honesty and rawness that draws you to her and her plight and she is wonderfully counterbalanced by Emmy Nominee Bryan Brown, who effortlessly slips into the role of Jack and brings to life a man tortured by his past, with a gravitas and vulnerability that also reels one into his journey.

But what matters most, is the best news of all. Which is that you can see that level of quality acting and experience this amazing story in just a few days. For Darby and Joan will arrive on Acorn TV on August 8, 2022, with two episodes, and we here at NTG hope you give it a look, and swing by here in the days to come. To not only geek out with us about the amazing moments present in this series… but to take part in our continued countdown to the series premiere. Since we have interviews with Greta and Bryan to share with all of you as we continue to celebrate the arrival of a brilliant and refreshing new show.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Celebrity Beef’.​

When it comes to cooking shows, the ones based on competition are always the most fun to watch. Yet, there always seems to be new and great ideas on how to make them more fun. E! Entertainment released a great new cooking competition that takes the genre to a whole new level. Two celebrity contestants face off making the same dish, for the chance to win $10,000 for the charity of their choosing. This fantastic show is hosted by comedian Joel McHale. As he says, the celebrities are real, but the beef is fake. Of course, the celebrities they have are not celebrity chefs, making for a much more entertaining ride. Each show features a different food that both celebrities will make, and hopefully it’s something not too difficult. Either way, the real winners are the charities, and that’s what matters more.

The very first episode has best friends facing off against each other. Rachael Harris and Cheryl Hines, both famous actors and comedians, and real-life besties, take to the competition, with a twist. Both ladies are playing for the same charity, so regardless of who wins and who loses, the charity in question will get the $10,000. That’s something that’s not been done before. Each celebrity has to make, frost, and decorate, cupcakes, in one hour. The rules of the game are simple, they change whenever Host Joel feels like it, and really that adds to the charm of the show. Cheryl goes out of her way to sabotage Rachel as often as she can, like stealing her cupcake liners, and hiding them. While Rachel plays pretty fair, for the most part. Cheryl chooses to do a sprinkle explosion cupcake and Rachel does the ever classic, and classy, red velvet.

As the time flies by and the beef heats up, Joel throws a curveball. Aside from being the Host, he’s also on the floor with them the entire time, and he’s the judge. He tries to add things to their counters, tries to talk them into using the oddest ingredients, and even goes as far as to rat Cheryl out for stealing Rachel’s cupcake liners. As both women get their cupcakes in the oven, Joel decides to take up some time by throwing them a side game. He has them fill and frost as many donuts as possible, in the span of two minutes. It’s a fun challenge that gets competitive quickly, and Rachel emerges victorious. This means Cheryl has to spend the rest of the time handcuffed to Joel.
 
Thankfully for her, it lasts as long as Joel is willing to be drug around before he breaks them free. With time running out and cupcakes needing to be frosted, Joel steps his game up a notch by counting down too soon on purpose. And when Cheryl isn’t quite finished, he drags the last few seconds out for her until she is. The ever-important judging isn’t just about the cupcakes, it’s also about the beef! Why are these two, supposed friends, fighting? They’re not really. Rachel is admittedly the much more assertive friend of the two while Cheryl is more on the people pleaser side. Sadly, her people pleasing, and her sprinkle filled cupcake aren’t enough, as Rachel takes the win with her assertive nature and red velvet cupcake.

So, what really sets this show apart? Aside from Joel’s dry humor, the entire half hour is filled with great jokes and good-natured teasing. There really isn’t genuine beef, no actual fighting, no passive aggressiveness, and above all, no egos or arrogance. Often these cooking competitions can hold a lot of that, add in a celebrity chef or professional head chef, and it can get worse. This show stands out as just being a fun, good natured, show. It’s not about who’s actually the better chef, but about friends playing for a charity donation. It helps spread awareness about the charities being played for, and showcases celebrities in a different, more relaxed, light. The humor and comedy are a welcome bonus and the show would likely fall flat without that particular atmosphere. It’s a seriously not serious show that, well, knows exactly what it is and what it has to offer. It’s one of the funniest shows out there, and honestly well worth the watch.