Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous STARZ series, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, we talked at length about how this series has separated itself from the Power Universe pack. Simply because it will take its time when needed, to focus on the characters and their life experiences. Something we just don’t see heavily in this franchise and that has allowed for some powerful moments to take place, the kind that have in fact… helped us to understand that this series is indeed a grand tragedy playing out before our eyes. But while it was indeed wonderful to enjoy some down time and get to know Kanan Stark and his friends and family a little better last week, make no mistake about it, this is a Power series, something that last night’s episode took the time to remind us of. For ‘Sleeping Dogs’ is a story that forewent the slow burn approach to the life and time of Kanan Stark, to really let loose with some classic Power moments. For instance, this episode wasted little time in opening up… with a shocking moment for Kanan. In that, Detective Howard was waiting for him when he headed out for his day, to tell him what Raq was hoping he would not. Specifically, that he was his biological father and that was a revelation that stunned Kanan to no end and rightfully so. After all, he was asked to shoot this man without giving it a second though and well, being plunged into this surprise left Kanan out of sorts and forced him to confront his mother about the matter, and that yielded no results in the slightest. Instead, he was just forced to forge ahead and hope for time to sort out his feelings and worries, and that allowed for him to help Famous make some money by selling his album in the most creative way imaginable and of course… he also had to reconcile Scrappy’s death in this tale since that was brought to his attention, and what’s amazing is that this strange and confusing time for Kanan didn’t end there. Since he ran into Howard once more at the end of this story and was sideswiped emotionally by the revelation that the intrepid detective remembered everything and chose to stay quiet to protect his son. Because that was something Kanan was not expecting to hear nor was he ready to process such kindness and well… what makes this so Power if you will, is the sheer fact that this is another fine example of this franchise throwing its characters for a loop that genuinely shocks and surprises them.
Yet what is amazing, is that such a surprise wasn’t the only classic Power element present here. For this episode also leaned heavy into the crime aspect of the franchise that has only been touched upon early on in this season. That was accomplished by way of quite the unfortunate surprise regarding Raq’s giant cash stash. Because one quiet night, while Raq was working on expanding the business into New Jersey territory to make that paper, someone walked into the bodega and pulled a gun on Juliana and robbed the place of every last cent of the Stark empire. A move that immediately put Raq on edge and forced a citywide manhunt from her crew. Because she had to know who bothered to cross this line and bring her trouble.
As it turned out, it was a familiar face that took part in this most dangerous act. Simply because it was Unique that set this whole thing up, but not for the reasons one might think. For when Raq and her crew came face to face with their former nemesis… they came to learn that he was desperate and eager for a second chance. One where he wouldn’t be hunted or in trouble with his past in the slightest. So, he robbed Raq to get her attention and to request that she give him peace and a way out in exchange for her own money. A wish she was happy to grant if it meant she could grow her empire. But what matters more, is that this was a fine reminder that the business is always vulnerable when one doesn’t take the right precautions and hopefully Raq will be a bit more mindful after this. Either way, this was just… a classic Power tale through and through. Because just like that, the slow burn style of the first two episodes was wiped away and replaced with the intensity and worry that we know and love when it comes to this franchise. And it exposed a potential rift on the horizon between mother and son since Kanan is indeed being impacted by this stunning news and of course… now we know that the operation is quite vulnerable because of the fact that Raq thinks she is untouchable and because her family doesn’t take this seriously, as evidenced by how Lou-Lou ignored her important pages. If anything, it is safe to say that this was a setup episode, one that will see these issues grow because not a moment is wasted in this franchise, and everything comes around full circle, and it will be interesting to see where these plot points take us in the weeks to come. Until next time.
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Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 307 of ‘Trying’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
One thing that we can all agree upon, is that when we are in the midst of chasing something we desperately want in life… we will do whatever it takes to attain it. We’ll make whatever sacrifice is necessary, we’ll learn whatever lesson and put in whatever work is needed. Because we want this with every fiber of our being and we know that those difficult moments will lead to joyful ones. The kind that will send our spirits soaring when we realize, we did it, we got what we wanted. Which is why so many stories focus on this journey and show us the moment the hero has climbed the proverbial mountain, so we can be inspired and feel that joy. But what’s funny about this journey, is that every story and our discussions of what it means to chase a dream… leaves something important about the process, out. In that, there will come a point in the journey… where all we can do is sit and wait for it to either come to fruition or to see it disappear before our eyes. Because sometimes our dreams require the approval of others, and they need to ponder upon whether or not to grant us that, and that… is a difficult time for certain. Where we feel helpless and anxious and unsure of what comes next and well… that particular part of the chase is top of mind today, simply because it is where we found Nikki and Jason in the next episode of Trying on Apple TV+. For when we catch up with them in ‘What a Banker’, the mistakes recently made are out there and there’s nothing to do now but wait and see where the journey takes them. Which puts both of them, in an understandably sour place. Where they are barely speaking to one another while they process the horror of being without control for the first time ever and that seemingly creates the first real divide this couple has ever experienced, and it left us wondering if genuine trouble was coming for their love. But thankfully, a bold move on Nikki’s part to sit down with Jason and talk, really talk for the first time in a while…. allowed for both of them to realize, that they’d done their best to this point. Because all Jason was trying to do was let Nikki thrive without worrying and make nice with a potential future family member and she was just trying to do her best to maintain the impossible, which is a status quo. For life and people ebb and flow and while they come back to where they usually are, those moments in between are tough, and it was just powerful to see this moment play out and to see another bit of commentary on dreams take place. Because this is a story that saw Scott come to realize, that he was chasing the wrong dream. A reality that was brought to his attention through Karen. For when she and the family went to check out his book launch, they were appalled. Because the publisher made Scott a joke of himself and to hear his management team speak to how this was likely it for him success wise, prompted them to not only leave the launch but prompted Scott to really ponder upon whether or not becoming a writer was for him. And eventually he came to realize… that was not his path. He was a finance man through and through, and oddly Karen was the better writer, and it was okay for him to see that truth and live it and that sent a message to us as well. In that, sometimes we too chase the wrong dream and there is no shame in that, and it isn’t a waste to chase them, because it is the only way we know if it is for us, and it is the only way we find our true calling. If anything, this was just… the most human episode of this series to date. Because this story features moments that we all genuinely go through in life, and it is a wonderful thing that this episode decided to go this route. Because it just reminds us that this series is about life and the ups and down that come with it, and the mistakes we make as parents both biological and by choice, and that is something that needs to be celebrated since so many stories in this vein are fluffed or flawless in nature and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this little slice of life, we can turn our attention to the culmination of this story’s lessons. For decision day is coming for Nikki and Jason and soon they, and we, will know… if they’ve done enough after all to obtain their dream… or if it is back to the drawing board for what they want most in life. Until next time. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘The Outlaws’. To revisit a previous episode, click here.
It is definitely safe to say, that the first half of season two of The Outlaws on Prime Video, has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Simply because, we’ve been forced to watch these fine people, push themselves like never before. All because the Dean wants his money, and he expects to be paid in full or so many will pay and that’s motivated some intense sequences and unfortunate growth for the characters. The kind that has seen them slip into some serious darkness for certain. But thankfully, this is a show that never forgets its roots or its humanity, and that is precisely why the next episode in this tale took the time to slow things down and intimately focus upon the characters, so that each and every one of them could reflect upon a great deal. For instance, Frank spent a little time in this tale, finally confronting his past. Simply because Margaret thought it would be a wonderful idea for Frank to see his wife. Who was in a home and in rough shape and well, a tough visit and a tough day… allowed for Frank to finally sit down with his wife and realize what he’s done and what he’s missed and that led to a powerful moment. Wherein he apologized for being gone and for being a bad husband and father, giving rise to some powerful growth for Frank. His journey, however, was counterbalanced by John and Myrna’s. Who spent a lot of time in this tale, pondering upon the difficult road they’re on now, and how they got there and how they get out. Allowing for us to be reminded of the fact that sometimes, we feel lost in life, especially when we are in a situation we don’t want to be. Yet, while reflections were indeed an important part of this episode, it also featured some explorations regarding the need for romance and connection in our lives during dark times. Something handled by Lady Gabby and Greg. Because Gabby found out her beloved ex was still on a dating site and likely single again and she tried to reach out to her and prove that she was sober and ready to be a true partner. Only to discover that her love had moved on, putting Gabby in a dark place for a moment as she really came to realize how much she wants to someone to share life with and Greg… well he went on a mock date with Diane to try and get his dating quotient up. A sequence that provided the most laughs of the episode since it went, about as well as you’d expect it to. But most importantly, this segment of the story really did speak to how much we value having someone around that sees us in a wonderful light, and how badly we want that in a time of need. However, while it was nice to enjoy some levity in this tale, the big problems surrounding these flawed but lovely individuals were still hovering about, and those reared their head later on in this tale. Such as how Rani continues to feed off the negativity and thrill of this job to further stick it to her parents and the designs they had for her, something that is starting to concern Ben. And of course… the police are getting closer, and their base of operations is no longer a quiet place to do business. For the cops keep closing in and a close call here almost exposed that Rani and Ben are running the show right now, and a concerned citizen almost ruined the cook that John was overseeing since she called Diane and invited her down to the rec center post haste and had it not been for Greg’s bold move, they all could have been caught by Diane. If anything, it is becoming clear that everything the Outlaws have been dealing with internally and externally is starting to come to a head and really that leaves us to wonder if they can handle the incredible pressures now coming their way and if they can sustain this pace. Because there is a lot of pressure surrounding them, and they are starting to wear down and struggle and that’s never good. Because that’s when mistakes get made and well, that potential setup made for one powerful episode. One that really allowed for everyone to shine from an acting standpoint, with Christopher Walken stealing the show with that incredible monologue with Frank’s wife and of course, the actors sold the characters’ pain and compelled us further in the process, to continue this journey. So, we can see if these amazing people can escape this trouble and reconcile the darkness to enjoy a better tomorrow. Until next time. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episodes Three and Four of ‘Sprung’. To revisit the previous two episodes, clickhere.
We all went through a bevy of experiences and emotions back in 2020, when the whole surprise of a global pandemic arrived on our doorsteps. For instance, we experienced a collective fear, especially when lockdown came into play. Simply because that was indeed bold new territory, the kind where we didn’t feel safe in the slightest and where we felt as though we were living through a horror movie, courtesy of the empty streets surrounding us. Plus, we felt anger, especially at those who fought against the safety of others with every fiber of their being. But above all, we were all quite reflective during this period of time. Simply because… facing the genuine possibility of death, forced us to ponder upon life in general. Wherein we were able to really think about whether or not we’d accomplished the goals we’d set to obtain ages ago or if we were happy with our current situation. Not to mention, this moment allowed for us to ponder upon our journey so far. Prompting us to think about missed opportunities from yesterday and whether or not we’d ever get a second chance at some of them or if it was all lost and well… it is that latter aspect of our reflective time during the pandemic that is of note today, simply because it served as one of the focal themes of this week’s doubleheader of Sprung on Amazon Freevee. For when new catch up with the gang in this tale, Rooster is struggling with a missed opportunity. Specifically, his love of Wiggles. Because we came to learn here, that Rooster loved her from day one, deeply in fact. To the point where he was ready to marry Wiggles and he even went the extra mile and proposed to her in the most romantic way possible. By putting her engagement ring inside a hot dog. But alas, Barb made him choose between mother dearest or the love of his life and he of course, chose his mother. But he could no longer be without Wiggles, and decided it was high time to properly declare his love for her and uh… well that led to all kinds of trouble. Since Rooster managed to piss some drug dealers in his quest to propose to her again, by way of the ring that made its way to them during these trying times… and he also managed to piss off Melvin in the process. Motivating some ugly time between the two of them where Rooster confessed to what Marvin knew. In that, he was robbed on that night. Which meant that Rooster (and now the gang) needed some serious help. Because he had drug dealers ready to beat him down and of course, Melvin wanted the crew to do his bidding and get a cut of the robberies to come to make up for what he lost. That meant, only Jack could save the day with his infinite knowledge picked up in prison, and he did so in an epic manner. First by rolling up on those drug dealers on a freakin’ scooter before beating them and scaring them into submission, then he turned his attention to Melvin. Wherein he duped the man into thinking they were friends and future coworkers that would get along great, so he could work out Melvin’s arrest and subsequent removal from the game. All so the crew could enjoy a little peace and move toward the greatest heist of all. For that congresswoman is about to be away from the house for the weekend, giving them their shot and well… in the end, this was just a genius pair of episodes. Because it subtly spoke to how sometimes, the past is in the past and it is best we move on from it, regardless of how badly we want to reclaim it. Since it can cause trouble for us. But it also did so, in a ridiculously hilarious manner. Because everything that played out here was rip-roaringly funny… especially the whole proposal and scooter sequence and well, this show just continues to impress. For it is that rare comedy that sticks the landing with every joke and gag and it has so much heart and well, it is going to be a painful wait for next week’s episode. Since we are all dying to know how this grand heist is going to do down and if it will indeed grant everyone the freedom they so desperately want. Until next time. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘101 Places to Party Before You Die’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.
When one is planning a night out on the town to party, or perhaps a travel destination to get one’s groove on, there are places in the back of one’s mind… that are auto eliminated as a place to let loose and have fun. Simply because we have a rudimentary understanding of where you should go to party, and places that are stingy with alcohol or perhaps are in a part of the world where it just doesn’t seem feasible to bring people together to party hearty, don’t seem worth our time or effort or money. Especially when one could instead, hit up the clubs and everything a known location has to offer. But slowly and surely, we are coming to learn, thanks to the truTV series, 101 Places to Party Before You Die, that is the wrong way to look at a potential party destination. Because if one is willing to do the research and put in the work to have a good time, any destination that appears to be boring, can lead to the party of a lifetime… as evidenced by last night’s episode of the show. For Adam Pally and Jon Gabrus swung by Moab for their next party destination, a place that really isn’t normally associated with that phrase. In fact, this is a place for extreme sports and where a love of the outdoors is rewarded handsomely. But Adam and Jon figured out how to make Moab worth their while and the first step to making an outdoor destination a party place, is to bring the party to the wilderness. Which the duo accomplished by going on a special glamping trip. One complete with some kickass bourbon and food and that allowed for them to let loose by the campfire and have a great time and even bond with the crew in the morning when it was cold. Because sharing is caring when it comes to body heat cuddles. And once the cuddle fest came to a close, the lads took part in an act that truly makes every trip worthwhile and fun… they immersed themselves within the community and got to know some of their local hosts and the Utah customs and wouldn’t you know it? That led to some great times, some great food and even some indecent proposals and suspect encounters took place as well… which made for a grand party weekend. One that didn’t end with those memories. Because as part of that immersion, Adam and Jon were quick to learn about some of the sports and outdoorsy stuff that goes on in Moab. Which allowed for them to enjoy some off roading, the kind that took them to the literal edge on several occasions. Plus, they also took the time to get in touch with their inner cowboys, since they dropped by a local ranch to learn about lassoing and of course… they rode some horses. Which might have been a touch unnerving for Jon, but he did the thing, and he had a great time and that led to a supremely reflective Last Supper on Sunday evening. In large part because, the lads were exhausted from going so hard and were impressed with how much they accomplished over the course of the weekend. But these reflections took place more so… because these guys made a place where drinking is restricted, and partying is kind of frowned upon… an absolute blast to visit. Proving to the world that it doesn’t matter where you go in this world, you can make the trip as fun as you want. And if by chance that place is full of beauty and your push to have fun creates new and unique memories, then your destination truly becomes a special place, and by sharing that lesson here, Adam and Jon have made Moab a party destination for certain. If anything, this show deserves a round of applause for once again making the party experience something unique and wonderful and engaging, and it will be genuinely fascinating to see what kind of special memories this duo is going to create when we join them on the road next week… for the season one finale. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Bad Sisters’. To revisit the previous two episodes, click here.
When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous Apple TV+ series, Bad Sisters, we talked at length about how this series was setting up a grand exploration regarding what drives people to potentially murder another human being. Since there was so much mystery surrounding the death of John Paul. To the point where his own insurance adjusters were getting involved in what might have brought him down. Which in turn led to some fascinating flashbacks regarding how two of the Garvey sisters made an unsuccessful attempt on his life, simply because he was a righteous prick to both of them on a consistent basis. But is just being a rotten person and downright controlling, enough to really motivate machinations of murder? Because one cannot forget that this is an act that would stay with the killer for ages on end and might eat at their conscience and soul. Well as it turns out, the next episode in this fascinating series… opted to dive deeper into that reasoning since just dealing with a jerk that has gotten under a person’s skin too many times doesn’t seem like proper motivation. Which made ‘Chopped Liver’ quite the fascinating tale, for it revealed unto us that Ursula is another sister that had reason to bring John Paul to his literal knees, but only because the man exhibited a level of cruelty that was shocking to say the least. For we came to learn in this tale, that Ursula’s affair was something that John Paul discovered somewhere along the line, and that for some reason… really got under his skin. To the point… where he began to track Ursula’s movements when he had some spare time, which allowed for him to catch her and her lover in the act, and in turn… allowed for him to act and flex his muscles. Since he created a collision when she was trying to leave after an afternoon of passion, so he could confront her and demand that she put an end to the affair or have her dirty laundry aired out to her husband and the world. A move that rightfully stunned Ursula to no end because who the heck does that kind of a thing? Especially when… it is none of their business regardless of moral belief. It's her cross to bear. But she promised to do as he asked to placate him, not counting on the reality that he would dig further on the matter and take it to a whole new level to exert power. Since he poked around in her phone to find fresh messages from her lover and when he did, changed her lover’s number to his own to get evidence of the affair to send to her husband. A move that embarrassed her to no end thanks to the fact that he asked for a risqué picture while posing as her beau and well… the horror of being violated in that manner by her sister’s husband, and being subjected to that kind of control and cruelty, was enough to motivate her to jump into the fray and help Eva and Bibi put this righteous a-hole down for the count via a plan… that also failed spectacularly, and instead took the life of Grace’s family’s dog instead. Which in turn, keeps the mystery alive since clearly… three of the sisters were woefully unsuccessful in their actions, or were they? And it is of course that mystery that keeps us going. But as we wait for it to unfold, we can bask in the wonder… of another fascinating chapter in this tale. One that explored a new angle for the reasons why we murder. Since clearly… cruel behaviors that put everything in jeopardy, can be a license to kill and it will be genuinely fascinating to see if John Paul did more horrible things to motivate the end of his life or if something else is at play here, as season one of this fascinating murder mystery continues along. Until next time. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season three premiere of ‘See’. To revisit the season two finale, click here.
The best science fiction stories out there, are the ones that make it clear… that the human condition is something that endures the test of time. Because without that, a science fiction story becomes nothing more than a glorified and hollow adventure, one potentially surrounded by flashy technology and outlandish moments. But when that humanity is there, the story really does take on new life. The kind that gives us hope that what makes us special will never die regardless of the comforts or challenges we face, and this is top of mind today, simply because the wonder of who we are as a species was on full display in the third and final season premiere of See on Apple TV+. For when we return to this unique and broken world in ‘Heavy Hangs the Head’, months after the events of ‘Rock-A-Bye’, we find the characters here… dealing with some very human problems. For instance, Queen Maghra Kane is struggling to keep the peace in her household with Baba Voss having exited family life, alongside trying to decide how to handle the poisonous snake that is her sister. Because regardless of her crimes and demands… Sibeth is still her sister, and the only real ties to her old life, left on this Earth. Which makes ugly decisions regarding her future as difficult as they come, to the point where she pondered upon help regarding Sibeth’s ugly fate in this story. A move that truly reminds us how hard it is to handle toxic family members when we understand the importance of family. Not to mention, this is a story that dug deep into the nature of trauma and PTSD and how that impacts even the strongest of individuals. For this story also caught up with Baba Voss, who was still wandering the mountainside and staying with Ranger and Lu in the woods… because he is suffering from deep emotional wounds over fighting his brother to the death and putting his family through hell. Offering up a powerful depiction of trauma and PTSD and how difficult it can be to face and kudos to the show for touching on a topic that is slightly taboo and reminding us that it is part of who we are and that it takes time to heal and well… like it or not, Baba may have to fight it head on when he might not be ready, as is sometimes the case in real life. Because despite the wonder of watching these characters experience some relatable moments and emotions, real trouble was brewing behind the scenes in this world. For Tormada returned to the forefront of the story with Oloman to give the Trivantian army a badly needed advantage. For the war with the Ganites was going poorly in this tale and of course… Tormada wanted revenge upon Baba Voss and Paya. Which is why he was eager to reveal the new explosive devices he developed in secrecy while Greenhill Gap took place, to showcase the power of the Trivantian Army and to use it… to bring Baba Voss to his end. A mission that failed, since it would appear that Bow Lion died in his stead when Tormada came calling… but either way… it is clear by the end of this tale that dark times lie ahead. For Tormada also made it clear in this tale, that he will use this new weapon with impunity to bring Trivantes to prominence again and grow its burgeoning empire. For these explosives can and will bring city after city under the will of Trivantes and any who oppose will be blown to smithereens and well… that means hopefully our heroes will soon band together and rise against this tyranny before it spirals out of hand. To save what is left of humanity from a horrible fate under horrible leadership and the character’s worries don’t end there. Since there is also still a grand push to wipe sighted people from the face of Earth and well… that is an incredibly way to set the stage for a grand finale. Because the stakes have never been higher for these characters, and they have plenty to overcome, and that elevates this story to the pantheon of great science fiction… the kind that will have us counting down the minutes until next week’s episode. Until next time.
Please enjoy this exclusive clip and synopsis from tonight’s new episode of Super Sized Salon. Which will air on WE tv at 10:30 p.m. EST.
Written by Shae Rufe
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season three premiere of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’. To revisit the season two finale, click here.
Season 3 of Star Trek: Lower Decks has finally arrived, and this episode really hit it off in true Lower Decks fashion. With the trial of Captain Freeman fast approaching, Mariner is desperate to prove her mother’s innocence. To do that, she’s going to need the help of Boimler, Tendi, and Rutherford. Of course, if she’d just listen to her father and trust Starfleet, this would all be over smoothly and quickly. However, Mariner doesn’t do just sitting and waiting very well, so she does the exact opposite. Boimler is the first person she goes to. His family oddly owns a vineyard, but not for wine, rather raisins. Why? Nobody really knows. Boimler actually has a log of the Captain’s Logs, word for word, and that could be enough to help free Captain Freeman. First, they just have to find the Cerritos. Enter Rutherford and Tendi, who’ve totally been off sightseeing, Rutherford does know where the Cerritos is, it’s just getting there that’s the problem. When they can’t beam there, they go to Bozeman, Montana and highjack a Phoenix theme park shuttle ride to get to the Cerritos. Mariner is more than a little determined, which might explain why she explodes at Boimler when his logs also contain his own personal flare, making them a bit sillier than Mariner was originally led to believe. Boimler doesn’t care how embarrassing they are, he just wants to help free their Captain and clear her of any wrongdoing.
Captain Freeman is being charged with the bombing of Pakled Planet’s capital city. The truth is, these four would do anything for their Captain. Mariner just feels beyond helpless over the whole thing, so she’s going to be the reckless Ensign we all know and love. Eventually, she agrees to go with Boimler, Tendi, and Rutherford back to Earth and give the Logs to the court anyway. Or does she?
Tricking Tendi, Boimler, and Rutherford into a shuttle, she sets it to return to Earth on auto pilot and plans to steal the Cerritos and fly to the Klingon home world and confront them in search of evidence. Thankfully, Boimler makes the Cerritos ‘home’ and the shuttle crash lands back into the ship. The three fight Mariner in hopes of stopping her, before it’s too late, and thankfully Rutherford stops the ship and takes control. That’s when Dry Dock security shows up. Tendi scrambles to save them with the flimsy excuse of observing space jellyfish like creatures, that are currently migrating by Earth and the ship. The security team doesn’t quite believe them, until Captain Freeman shows up and vouches for them. Freeman was cleared of all charges as Starfleet had undertaken their own secret investigation into the Pakled bombing. Turns out the Pakled’s just wanted Starfleet to relocate their entire species to a better, more resourceful, planet. Freeman dismisses the others and talks to Mariner privately. This is her last chance to stay in Starfleet, and it’s now under the watchful eye of Ransom. Surely nothing bad is going to come of that… right? Written by John Edward Betancourt
There was a time when using animation to tell a straightforward story was unheard of. For so many viewed animation as nothing more than something that was designed for kids. To the point where children related entertainment should have been the only medium making use of it. But slowly and surely, creative minds proved otherwise by releasing animated stories that dealt with heavier stuff and eventually… its realized ability to tell any kind of story and accomplish visual wonders in the process… allowed for it to become a standard to telling incredible tales that captivate one’s imagination across all ages.
In fact, the versatility of this medium is so widely embraced now… that it is popping up left and right on streaming services, and one such tale in this medium, is about to make its debut on AMC+ quite soon. For September 1, 2022, will see the series premiere of the animated series, Pantheon, take place, and in anticipation of its impending arrival, earlier today AMC+ released some Key Art and a Trailer for the show. Alongside a detailed synopsis and well… here are those goodies for you to look over, courtesy of AMC+, as we all await the arrival of what is going to be a thoughtful and relevant animated series. ‘AMC+ today released the trailer and key art for its first traditionally animated series, Pantheon. The sci-fi drama based on a collection of short stories by award-winning author Ken Liu will premiere with two episodes on Thursday, September 1 on AMC+. The series will also be featured on AMC’s newly-acquired anime streaming service HIDIVE. One new episode will debut every Thursday on AMC+ and HIDIVE. The thrilling speculative drama is centered on a bullied teen, Maddie (Katie Chang), who receives mysterious help from someone online: a stranger soon revealed to be her recently deceased father, David (Daniel Dae Kim), whose consciousness has been uploaded to the Cloud following an experimental destructive brain scan. David is the first of a new kind of being – an “Uploaded Intelligence” or “UI” – but he will not be the last, as a global conspiracy unfolds that threatens to trigger a new kind of world war. Pantheon explores the outer limits of what we and our technology are capable of creating and destroying, focusing on the “uploading” of human consciousness into the cloud. It explores the theme of technology through the lens of family, focusing on both the people whose brains have been digitally uploaded, and the loved ones they’ve left behind. Ultimately, Pantheon challenges our understanding of what it means to be human. The all-star voice cast features Daniel Dae Kim (Lost, Hawaii Five-O) as David, Katie Chang (The Bling Ring) as Maddie, Paul Dano (Escape at Dannemora) as Caspian, Rosemarie DeWitt (Little Fires Everywhere) as Ellen, Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight) as Cary, Taylor Schilling (Orange Is The New Black) as Renee, Ron Livingston (A Million Little Things) as Waxman, Chris Diamantopoulos (Silicon Valley) as Pope, Raza Jaffrey (Homeland) as Chanda, and William Hurt (Black Widow, Goliath) as Stephen Holstrom. Other voice actors for the series include Scoot McNairy, Anika Noni Rose, Maude Apatow, Corey Stoll, Michael Kelly, Grey Griffin, SungWon Cho, Kevin Durand, Samuel Roukin, Krystina Alabado, Lara Pulver, Madhur Jeffrey, Heather Lind, Nyima Funk, Tunde Adebimpe, Quinn Hawking, Clyde Kusatsu, Ken Leung, Jacob Sartorius, Vincent Ventresca, Julian Lerner, Magnus McLain, Ajay Mehta, Annabella Sciorra, and Suraj Sharma. Craig Silverstein (TURN: Washington’s Spies, Nikita) is writer, creator, showrunner and executive producer. Animation is by Titmouse (Big Mouth, Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head, Star Trek: Lower Decks). Executive producers for Titmouse are Chris Prynoski, Shannon Prynoski, Antonio Canobbio, Ben Kalina and Juno Lee, who also directs. Pantheon is an AMC Studios production.’ |
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