Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘A League of Their Own’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One of the best aspects of our modern world, is the sheer fact that we can chase after any goal we want to achieve in life.  At least, when it comes to career path and dreams. Simply because there are so many options available to us now in breaking into our desired career field. It just takes a little creativity and ingenuity to make it happen and it really is quite wonderful to know that people from all walks of life can break into something special with a little gusto and determination. But what’s amazing… is that this is something we kind of take for granted. For it wasn’t always like this, in fact, not that long ago… women for instance… had little chance of garnering what they wanted in life, just because of their gender. 

For women were viewed as inferior by a vast majority of people, even during World War II, where the war effort would have failed without women working in factories or say… keeping the nation entertained with baseball. Granted, there are still challenges akin to this present for women today, but nothing as ugly as it was back in the day, and the fight to be heard and the push to have their wants fulfilled is top of mind today, because it was put on full display in the next episode of A League of Their Own on Prime Video. For when we catch up with everyone in ‘The Cut Off’, they’re eager to accomplish certain goals… that the world works to deny them. For Max, that involved getting a job at the plant, and of course… there was a grand push to not hire any Black women at the plant, keeping her far away from a chance at exercising her talent and for the Peaches… they just wanted to win a game.

Because Dove held minimal practices with the team and was pushing Lupe to pitch way more than she should. Giving rise to a last place finish and worry from the team that they were going nowhere fast and might be drummed out of the league for better players. Which in turn, motivated Carson and Max… to get creative to get what they needed out of life at a time where they were being shut down and ignored as often as possible. In Max’s case, just showing up at the right time and spending time with the right people in the plant got her one step closer to finally playing ball, but that came with a sacrifice of course. Since she wasn’t getting that much sleep and had to work to figure out how to balance two jobs. But she did her best, to chase her real dream, and she wasn’t the only one that suffered for her personal cause.

Because Carson and the team… figured out how to get practice time in. Because they learned if they went to bed crazy late and woke early to practice and improve… they had a genuine shot at honing their skills and winning a game. A thought that eventually became a reality since they did manage to get some wins on the season. But alas, the friction that Coach Porter and Lupe created with the team because he truly viewed her as his protégé, despite treating her like crap… brought consequences abound for Carson and the team. All because she dared to say something and challenge an ‘all-knowing’ man. Which was annoying to say the least, but she eventually got the right digs in and hopefully Coach Porter will finally listen since this team needs a spark and he certainly isn’t providing it.

But what matters more here, is that this was another incredible look into life in 1943, and it truly gave us a powerful understanding of how women were truly viewed back in the day and how poorly they were treated and how hard they had to work to achieve something as simple as respect much less chase a dream. When in fact, both Max and Carson helped to remind us, that women are equals and able to do what anyone else can, provided of course a measure of respect is sent their way. And kudos to the show for taking the time to point this out and show us what has and hasn’t changed once again, and for also taking a little time to address Carson’s sexuality and her need to explore it to really feel free and understand who she is. Because that’s critical in this era to put on screen since it reflects the world and well… all this brilliant episode does, is once again demand that we continue the journey post haste, to see what other stunning commentary awaits us as the season continues along. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that the Apple TV+ series, Central Park, has been quite the refreshing treat for audiences everywhere. For this dynamic and star-studded animated series, not only entertains through toe-tapping musical numbers and wonderful jokes through and through, but it also knows how to tug at our heartstrings and deeply engage us. All by offering up powerful lessons about our world and by featuring relatable moments that evoke a memory in our minds, making this a truly special show… one unlike any other on television. 
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But what matters most, is that it won’t be long now before we get to enjoy more of this magnificent series and all the wonder if has to offer. For Central Park returns to the airwaves on September 9, 2022, and to build anticipation for another epic season of storytelling, Apple TV+ earlier today, released a trailer for season three and some details on the plot and well, to build up further excitement for the return of this series… here is that trailer and that synopsis for all of you to enjoy, courtesy of Apple TV+.

‘Apple TV+ today unveiled the trailer for the Emmy and NAACP Image Award-nominated animated musical comedy “Central Park,” which will feature over 40 new original songs. Hailing from creator, writer and executive producer Loren Bouchard, Josh Gad and Nora Smith, the 13-episode third season will premiere globally on Friday, September 9 on Apple TV+ with three episodes, followed by one episode every Friday thereafter through November 18.
 
In the third season of “Central Park,” as Bitsy continues her relentless pursuit to buy the park, Owen embarks on a new promotional campaign to make more people fall in love with it, and Paige finds herself busier than ever when she lands her first book deal.
 
“Central Park” stars a renowned voice cast that includes Gad, Tituss Burgess, Daveed Diggs, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Emmy Raver-Lampman, Stanley Tucci and Kristen Bell, who will star in season three in the new role of Abby, Paige’s (Hahn) little sister. New guest stars lending their voice talents to this season include Sam Richardson, Ike Barinholtz, Ben Schwartz, Zoë Chao, Ron Funches, Jack McBrayer, Amber Ruffin, Yvette Nicole Brown, Craig Robinson, Tim Meadows, David Alan Grier and more. 
 
The first two seasons of “Central Park” are now streaming on Apple TV+. “Central Park” is written and executive produced by Bouchard, alongside Gad and Smith. Steven Davis and Kelvin Yu serve as showrunners and also executive produce. The series is produced for Apple by 20th Television Animation, a part of Disney Television Studios.
 
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut.  To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have been honored with 264 wins and 1,149 award nominations and counting, including this year’s Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
 
About Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial.’

There comes a point for every story, where all of our questions must be answered. Because to deny the audience what they need to know is both cruel and a failure in storytelling. For surprises are part of the fun and knowing the complete story of the characters and the universe they reside within, is essential to the storytelling experience. Because to leave that out makes a story feel incomplete and hollow at best and well… after doing little to explain Princess Maghra’s past and her voyage to the Alkenny tribe to focus on the surprise return of sight and the fight to keep it safe, the next episode of See, on Apple TV+, takes the time to finally fill in the blanks regarding the backstory of this supremely important character. 

For ‘Silk’ features a lot of downtime with the Princess and Tamacti Jun, allowing for her to answer his questions at the same time as ours. Such as why she would leave the throne behind and of course… what brought her to Baba Voss and the Alkenny people, and as it turned out, it was death. The death of her father to be specific. For the passing of the King led to Queen Kane’s rise to power, a move that was feared by him and feared by others. But no one was willing to challenge her until the bitter end, and that forced Maghra to find peace and happiness elsewhere and of course… that happened in the arms of Baba Voss and his people and the rest as they say… is history.

But while it was fascinating to learn Maghra’s past at last and discover that she was traveling with Jerlamarel when she left the Payan Kingdom, there was more to explore in this tale than mere answers. For this was another opportunity to see the former Queen… pay the piper for being a rotten human being. Since she was taught a few lessons regarding her attitude at the Silk Farm, and she also endured some dark moments when her true identity was revealed. Since her captor came to realize that she might fetch quite the amazing price, provided of course the army was willing to consider the offer. Which is why he cut out the royal amulet under the Queen’s skin and sent it to Tamacti Jun post haste… to announce his intention and his demands. 

Plus, there was action and adventure to be found here as well. Courtesy of a surprise betrayal by Boots. Who led Baba Voss and those left searching for Maghra, into the depths of a mountain. Wherein a group of people that no longer wished to be part of the world, took root here and functioned fine within the confines of a vast network of mining caves and sadly, that likely meant Baba and his family would be lost to time. Since no one that was 'gifted' to this colony left it once they entered its walls. But with a little help and some of Baba’s fine fighting skills… the family was eventually able to escape their underground prison and make their way to the shoreline… where a confrontation with Boots will undoubtedly take place.

But while we wait for that, we can revel in a story that offered so much. Because it was just amazing to have this story fill in the blanks regarding Maghra at last, since the show worked hard to keep her past as royalty hidden from everyone, including the audience. And it is just wonderful to know that this show provides answers at the right time and also provides satisfying moments. Because the Queen does indeed deserve this royal treatment for what she’s done and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this part of the journey, it’s best we jump into the next one post haste. For the end of season one draws near and it will be wonderful to revisit the epic discoveries that await the group one more time before the final season arrives. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episodes Five and Six of ‘Darby and Joan’. To revisit the previous two episodes, click here.
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There comes a point in our lives, when we are doing our best to avoid the truth or we are running hard from our past… where the universe forces us to make quite the decision. In that, we can either sit down and learn everything we believe we don’t want to know and/or face our sorted past… or we can continue to mire in misery. For not having the answers deeply disturbs us, more so than the truth ever will, and that lack of knowledge will haunt us for the rest of our lives if we don’t learn it, and not facing our past will doom us to repeat our mistakes or help us to hold onto dark elements we need to let go of, to be healthy and happy. If anything, it's a big day when we reach that crossroads, and it is one that we were privy to in the next set of episodes of Darby and Joan on Acorn TV.

For when we catch up with this dynamic duo, they’re back on the road and preparing to speak with Jack’s daughter Liz about what new things the police have uncovered about Ian, a.k.a. Rob and well… this was indeed Joan’s moment of truth. Because she had the chance to just let things be here and move on with her life and hang onto the false memories, he sent her way. Or she could dive into the thick of it and feel the pain that this would bring her, knowing full well that it would eventually bring forth peace and knowledge and a sense of completeness and well… Joan did the latter. Which was tough. Because it turned out that Rob left the country and assumed a new identity because he likely committed murder in the name of a cause and while this hurt Joan bad… it was the truth at last about him, and all that remained now was the truth about what brought about his end. 

As for dealing with one’s past, well that was handled by Jack in the sixth episode. Because a case involving a couple of athletes, brought him face to face with the bride he left behind. A move that of course, put him in an awkward spot through and through, because this was the kind of act that forced Jack to really face his mistake, regardless of the apology he sent her way. Because now he would have to resolve his actions in his mind and make amends and be open as to why he made such a foolish move in the first place. But eventually he did all of those things. By offering up better words to the bride he abandoned and by being honest with her daughters, who were going to be his step-kids and of course… he was finally honest with Joan about his actions. Giving Jack a chance to face his past properly and begin to resolve it and why he committed such an act, giving rise to growth for him at last.

However, while that made for some powerful and moving storytelling, the kind that was inspirational in nature, this is still a crime and mystery series and once again, our heroes were involved in some unique cases. One of which, involved a hotel on New Year’s Day, one that almost burned down for what could have been a bevy of reasons. A drug deal gone bad; an angry brother that felt slighted. But in the end, it came down to a desperate lover. Who was ready to go the extra mile to keep her beau safe and if that meant burning down the place to cover a robbery, so be it. As for the second case in this story, that involved Jack’s once future stepdaughters. For one of them was being accused of using illegal performance enhancing drugs, despite being careful and it took some serious work on Darby and Joan’s behalf to uncover that a jilted lover and her coach did her in, all in the name of revenge. 

But what’s truly amazing is that these particular tales had more surprises in store for us outside of the cases offered us. Because these are a pair of stories that hinted at the very real possibility that the healing that Jack and Joan are providing one another with, is allowing for a deeper connection to take place between the two of them. Meaning that perhaps a romance is on the books for this duo and of course… the arrival of Rebecca at the end of these two stories, is a huge game-changer. Since clearly, she is going to have to hear about her father’s past now and that might do her great harm as well, the kind that will push Joan to her limits since she is grieving and processing as well, and in the end… all of these elements will have us counting down the minutes to next week’s epic season finale. Wherein we will see if the truth awaits Joan at last and what will become of these budding feelings. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two premiere of ‘Kevin Can F**k Himself’. To revisit the season one finale, click here.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that the AMC series, Kevin Can F**k Himself, turned out to be one of the most refreshing and original television shows of 2021. For its biting commentary and satire on the tropes present within sitcoms made the show something unique and special, since no other story out there went after the embraced toxicity of that style of show. But of course, it went above and beyond with its themes and commentary. Since it gave rise to a story about a woman that took her need to escape within the world of entertainment too far. For Allison McRoberts was keen to see her husband’s awful nature as a human being as comedic and silly, akin to the characters we see on television in order to cope.
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Which in turn led to a fascinating exploration of what a true toxic relationship looks like and how for some, escaping one isn’t easy in the slightest. In fact, getting away from such a mess can be a nightmare and can bring forth dark decisions, such as potentially committing murder in order to be free and to top it all of… it left us on a cliffhanger in season one. One where Allison’s fantasy realm came crumbling down when Neil decided to exact revenge for her attempt to hurt his bestie and bro, forcing Patty to intervene and well… we were all left dying to know what would come out of that stunning moment and what would come next for Allison and Patty and everyone else that recently came to realize that life with Kevin wasn’t all that great.

Well thankfully, our long and painful wait to see the resolution to that cliffhanger, came to an end last night, since this magnificent series returned to the airwaves for its second and final season premiere and well, ‘Mrs. McRoberts Is Dead’, is a story that did not disappoint in the slightest. For the season one finale’s desire to rip away the band aid that was the sitcom for Allison, forced her to really reckon with her actions in this tale. Mainly because… Neil was conscious and eager to spill the beans to anyone that would listen regarding the attempt on Kevin’s life. Which of course… forced Patty and Allison to basically tie Neil up in the hopes of keeping him silent. A stunning move that brought forth all kinds of stress for Patty and forced her and Allison to really ponder upon who they had become.

Because this wasn’t them, and they pushed themselves to a brink that they didn’t know they were capable of. Which in turn, really allowed for these brilliant and dynamic characters to reflect upon the impact of Kevin on their lives and what his wanton abuse has done to everyone in his inner circle and well… thankfully, that reflection went far deeper when Neil was forced to go to the hospital for his wounds. Since that hammered home the reality of how quickly the plan spiraled out of control and what the aftermath of their actions might have been… something neither of them were really prepared for. It’s an epiphany that gave Patty a chance to try and separate herself from the only friend she thought she knew, and it forced Allison to rethink how on earth she can find real peace. 

Which in turn, prompted her to lean into Kevin’s nonsense for nefarious purposes and oddly, Neil’s exit from his life for the moment and subsequent coma allowed for Allison to just swoop in and try to ruin her husband’s life in a different manner. After all, he was eager to still run for city council and perhaps showing the world how she actually viewed him might be the way to have the world turn against him. Which is why she was quick to help him film a campaign video. One that painted him as the greatest dude that Worcester would ever know, the Worcester Wild Dude. A move that did actually get him kicked out of the election, giving Allison a sliver of joy and perhaps hope that this new approach would do the trick and help her out for a change.
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But a night of drinking with Auntie Diane, reminded her and all of us, that any indulgence regarding the awful behavior of men like Kevin does nothing but help them. For that does not hold them accountable for their actions and instead allows them to run free and celebrate their toxic nature, as evidenced by how the campaign ad made Kevin a local viral sensation. One that once again put him in the spotlight and made him feel akin to a God and that also left Allison beside herself. For if she couldn’t bring him down through death or humiliation, what could she do to be free? Well as it turned out, being faced with the reality that Kevin was untouchable and unreachable, prompted Allison to come up with one hell of a new plan to find peace and freedom.

In that, she is fully prepared to fake her own death. A move that would indeed give her the freedom she seeks and gives us focus for season two. But more importantly, what makes this decision so powerful and so engaging… is the sheer fact that THIS is what Allison’s life has come to. Not because she deserves it, because she most certainly does not, but because… she truly is trapped. For divorce would never be an option and Kevin’s idiocy and the reverence it creates makes any dark acts upon him impossible. Making this premiere not only a wonderful follow up to the cliffhanger season one left with, but a powerful parable on how hard it really is to escape toxic relationships for women.

Because there is no proper safety net out there, no avenue to help them in the slightest. Just the horrible belief that time and love can conquer and solve everything, and that nonsense is going to drive Allison to incredible acts, just to feel self-love and peace. Which means we are in for a powerful second and final season of this series, one that is going to explore deeper and bolder topics than season one ever touched upon, and it will be genuinely fascinating to see how and if, Allison’s new plan comes to fruition as this nightmarish season of powerful and painfully realistic storytelling continues along. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that the beginning of season one of the wildly popular Apple TV+ series, See, was quite explosive in nature. Because from the get-go, we were treated to non-stop action and adventure and epic moments that took our breath away. And even the ‘slow’ stuff moved at a pace that kept us engaged and enthralled and that’s why the next episode of this series was such a surprise. For ‘Plastic’ is a story that serves as the anthesis to all of that, by slowing everything down for a change and giving our characters an opportunity to rest and/or move into the next phase of their lives and it accomplished such a feat, by way of two key plot threads 

First… by bringing a devastating end to the Payan Kingdom. For the Queen’s decision to shut off the pumps, resulted in complete and utter disaster The kind that saw water build up within a centuries old dam, which in turn resulted in the complete destruction of the Kanzua Dam and the people beneath it, and of course… Queen Kane managed to escape because that’s how she always rolls. But alas, her horrible actions didn’t go completely unpunished this time around. For while she was out in the open, Shadow Warriors found her and kidnapped her and tossed her into the servitude of a man that makes fine clothing for people of her stature, a move that left her afraid and marginalized and facing a new chapter in her life. One where she might finally be humbled.

But that wasn’t the only slower storyline present in this tale. Because the Voss family and remnant of Alkenny were tasked with a difficult decision on their way down the river. In that, they were robbed in the middle of the night, and could either leave stuff behind and forge ahead or fight for what was theirs and well… the sheer pain that Maghra expressed over losing her items, prompted them to stay and fight and find their things, which was no easy task. For a sighted warrior named Boots had performed the robbery and he was tough to defeat. But it wasn’t impossible to do so and once he was subdued, the important items were returned, and it appeared a new friend had joined their ranks, since he was invited along to The House of Enlightenment. 

However, before the Voss family and friends were able to make their way back toward their destination, disaster arrived on the shores. For Tamacti Jun finally caught up with the family and that of course brought about bloodshed and strife and concern that perhaps the family might not live to see another day, and well… that’s when the show took quite the amazing turn and offered up another big change for an important character. For during the fight, Maghra made her way toward Tamacti Jun. Not to surrender, nor to beg for the life of her family in exchange of her own. No instead, Magrha made her way to him… to give orders. For she revealed that she was in fact, Princess Maghra of House Kane and that reveal… not only brought humility and tribute before her, but a titanic shift in the plot and the problems the family has been dealing with.

After all, being royalty means that the fight and chase from the Witchfinders will now come to an end, leading to new challenges and problems on the way to the House of Enlightenment and well, that twist and everything present here… made for one brilliant and relaxing tale. Granted the latter of that statement might be a weird thing to say when one considers that there was indeed action and adventure here. But by comparison, this was a far more low-key tale, one that really did offer up some just desserts for a rotten and murderous queen and big shifts in the story and the lives of the characters and well… all this wondrous tale does, is motivate us to continue the journey. To learn what becomes of the Queen and to come to understand just how much power the Princess can yield. Until next time.

One particular aspect of watching television that is always a genuine treat, is when a network decides to do a week of themed programming. Because not only does it mean that we are about to treated to hand-picked shows that fit the theme, but it also means we are likely building up to the premiere of something special. Either a unique episode of a show, or a series or season premiere and that is just, a true present for tuning in. One that is always worth our time and as time goes on, we are starting to see more networks resurrect this type of event. Simply because television audiences have made it clear how much they enjoy it and desire it and it just so happens that Peacock and SyFy are about to team up for one.

For it was recently announced that SyFy is about to kick off their ‘Recipe for Disaster’ Event. A six-night event that will feature all kinds of epic disaster-themed programming, designed to lead into the cable premiere of Peacock’s The End is Nye. A show hosted by Bill Nye that explores various elements regarding global disasters that keep us up at night, and well… the good news… is that we won’t be waiting all that much longer to enjoy this event. For the ‘Recipe for Disaster’ Event gets underway in a couple of days, August 25th, 2022, to be exact and well… to build more anticipation for this fun event, here is the programming schedule and a teaser for the event, courtesy of SyFy and Peacock.

Thursday, Aug. 25
·       11:40 a.m., SHARKNADO
·       1:45 p.m., SHARKNADO 2: THE SECOND ONE
·       3:50 p.m., SHARKNADO 3: OH HELL NO!
·       5:55 p.m., SHARKNADO: THE 4TH AWAKENS
·       7:59 p.m., SHARKNADO 5: GLOBAL SWARMING
·       10 p.m., THE END IS NYE (E1)

Friday, Aug. 26
·       11:30 a.m., THE MUMMY
·       2:00 p.m., THE MUMMY RETURNS
·       5 p.m., THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR
·       7:30 p.m., TWISTER
·       10 p.m., THE END IS NYE (E2)

Saturday, Aug. 27
·       1:30 p.m., VOLCANO
·       3:56 p.m., TWISTER
·       6:30 p.m., 2012
·       10 p.m., THE END IS NYE (E3)

Sunday, Aug. 28
·       1 p.m., 2012
·       4:30 p.m., THE BOOK OF ELI
·       7 p.m., APOLLO 13
·       10 p.m., THE END IS NYE (E4)

Monday, Aug. 29
·       2:29 p.m., APOLLO 13
·       5:30 p.m., ZATHURA: A SPACE ADVENTURE
·       7:45 p.m., AFTER EARTH
·       10 p.m., THE END IS NYE (E5)
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Tuesday, Aug. 30
·       8 p.m., TREMORS
·       10 p.m., THE END IS NYE (E6)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’. To revisit the season two premiere, click here.
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There are a great many reasons as to why fans of STARZ’s Power Universe fell in love with Power Book III: Raising Kanan. The obvious one of course, is the sheer fact that this show features more of the universe we love, because Power Never Ends and you cannot go wrong with more of this dynamic saga. Plus, it features all the wonderful writing and acting we’ve come to know and love from this franchise and of course, it reunites us with a dynamic character from the original show and lets us really see what drove him down the tragic path that he met when dealing with the St. Patrick drug empire. But of the many reasons we love this show so, there’s one that stands out above the rest.
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Specifically, the sheer fact that Raising Kanan is unlike anything else in the franchise. For Power, Ghost and Force are known for being high-octane stressful adventures. The kind where danger is at every turn and where the game claims lives and takes us on quite the breathtaking ride. But this chapter in the saga is something vastly different. In that, while the drug world is there and as dangerous as ever, this is a story that actually works to slow things down quite a bit and show us life in New York City in the 1990s, and all the hope and dreams of these characters and what they want outside of the cash that the drug game can bring them. 

Which really is quite amazing when you think about it, since it not only breaks the mold but goes against what this universe often stands for. But it works, because this show is all about balance and that balance is top of mind today, simply because it was on full display again during last night’s episode. Since ‘Mind Your Business’ just let Kanan live his life for a change. Which saw him spend time with Famous and try to help him out with some big problems that he brought upon himself, and it was just lovely to see Kanan be a young man and just experience life without having to worry about the game and he wasn’t the only one experiencing that here. Since Jessica made the big call to leave and swing by the West Coast to produce. 

A move that further spoke to the power of hopes and dreams and that was further explored by Lou-Lou in this tale as well. Since he was keen on signing his new star, Zisa, rules, and concerns be damned. Which might backfire since she may carry some serious baggage with her. Thanks to the super extra ‘producer’ that presented himself at signing day at the studio. Not to mention, it was fascinating to learn how he too might want to get out of the game. Since he was quick to skip out on the darker stuff in this tale, which of course… brought forth the balance in question. Because while all these tender and fascinating moments were going on, ugly stuff was brewing behind the scenes, mainly because of Scrappy. 
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Because Raq wasn’t good with the fact that Scrap spent time with the police, a fact she learned courtesy of Detective Howard, more on him in a moment. Because the potential to have her empire crumble under the power of a snitch had to be dealt with and that prompted her to have Marvin learn if this was the truth or not and sadly it was. Leading to a tragic end for Scrap, who despite years of loyalty, was viewed as a liability and dealt with as such, regardless of whether or not he kept quiet. A sad reminder of how the game goes and that it is still lurking within this story, as is some serious trouble for the family as well.

After all, Detective Howard also came to believe that now was the time to inform Kanan that he was his biological father. In fact, he even had the scientific receipts to prove it just in case, and that will only bring chaos into Raq’s plans since it will confuse and fluster Kanan further and keep him from the game that she wants him in, not to mention… dealing with a potential rat or no… there are others wanting to see this budding empire fall. Since Unique is hopping mad about where he is at the moment, and he wants revenge and that’s never good. Either way, this was just a great episode through and through. One that reminded us of the brilliance and versatility of the Power Universe and well, we should enjoy this special structure while we can. Simply because it is only a matter of time before the game consumes Kanan, giving rise to the intense world we know and love. Until next time.

One particular behavior/action that is an expectation in family life… is sacrifice. Because there comes a point where times might be tough or someone in the family is in dire need of help, and the only way to make life better or help that person in need… is to make a great sacrifice, without worry or concern. Because being there for family will be returned in kind if need be… so we do it and usually don’t think twice about it, and this is such a noble act and so ingrained that we see it featured in fiction often to reinforce its importance. But the fact of the matter is, such an expectation is somewhat unrealistic and unfeasible in nature. Because at times, the sacrifice we take part in, can cause harm to us if the price is quite high and that leads to behind-the-scenes conflict we don’t like to talk about.

Wherein the pros and cons and cost of that sacrifice are explored in great detail before a decision is made, and sometimes… sacrifice doesn’t happen because of that price, and it is quite fascinating that we don’t talk about that enough. Because while sacrifice is important, it isn’t worth devastation, and it has an impact on a person, and this is why the next episode of See on Apple TV+ is of note. Because ‘The River’ is a story that took the time to show the realistic side of sacrifice through and through and it accomplished that feat… by having Alkenny fall. For Tamacti Jun and his Witchfinder Army did indeed arrive at the sanctuary, and they were quick to wreak havoc and cause great harm, in the name of finding ‘witches’ that already managed to escape Tamacti Jun’s grasp in quite the unique manner.

For in his spare time and out of worry, Baba Voss managed to construct a wonderful boat, one that would take them to safety… after great loss came into play. Since Gether Bax was once again the fly in the ointment for this family and led the Witchfinders to the river where they killed some of the folks hoping to escape with Baba Voss. But eventually, Bax (finally) died, and they escaped and that’s when a realistic look at how sacrifice actually works in a family came to light. Because this family found themselves at a crossroads. For Paris gave the twins their final gift from their father. A letter requesting them to find him and ‘The House of Enlightenment’ post haste. Which meant that finding safety and a new home would take a backseat to getting the kids there, if everyone agreed to it and not everyone wanted this.

For Maghra just wanted a simple family life and fought to keep that, but eventually… she lost that fight and sacrificed those hopes for what her children wanted and well, this was fascinating to watch take place. Because that’s really how such matters work and it was refreshing to enjoy that here in a realistic manner and to have the story shift gears and inform us what the back half of season one is going to look like. Since clearly, the grand search for The House of Enlightenment awaits us, alongside a grand fight to escape the Witchfinder Army, and it will be fascinating to discover what challenges await the family as they work to reconcile the possibility that the kids may never return from Jerlamerel’s sanctuary, and likely deal with more suffering along the way. Since Tamacti Jun is relentless and ironically, may be in the midst of a hollow pursuit.

Because back home, life went sour… fast. For the council had serious concerns about Queen Kane’s mental state after she demanded more forces for the hunt and made plans to kill her in a simple manner, by having her embrace a poisonous spider that would promptly bite her. But she came to learn of this treachery and made plans to handle them with vengeance and that of course, led to more unrest and a wild idea from the Queen to bring ‘peace’ to her land. One that involved shutting off the flow to the dam and prompting it to creak, leaving all of us to wonder if disaster is about to strike in the Payan Kingdom or if this is another mad gambit from a mad queen. Either way, this was just… an intense and fascinating episode, one that did a great job of sucking us in and setting the stage for more and well, the only way to learn if the dam will burst and what the hunt for knowledge will look like, is to hit play on the next episode, post haste. Until next time.  

When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous Apple TV+ series, See, we talked at length about how the last episode… did an amazing job of breaking season one rules. For the story featured time jumps and stunning commentary on our modern world. Not to mention it kept implied trouble at bay and just all around, shocked the viewer from beginning to end. But alas, while it was wonderful to see this series just blaze trails and wow us at every turn, at some point a new show must follow the rules and offer us world-building and character development in season one and with Haniwa and Kofun of age, the next episode of this show opted to do just that. 
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For ‘Fresh Blood’ brought a dark moment into the Alkenny world, by way of a baby that was deformed. An unfortunate surprise that some, well… Gether Bax really, decried as a curse from Baba Voss and Maghra for going against God’s will. But common sense and a rudimentary understanding of science, prevailed over his words and forced Baba Voss to do what he did not want to… and open up the tribe to the world. So that fresh genetic lines could enter the equation and the best way to do that was through the local festival. Which allowed for the audience to finally see what future Pennsylvania looks like, and how nature has slowly worked to reclaim what man built and we were also privy to a close-up view of tribal life in this world and how festivals of the future work. 

As for character development, well that came forth via tragedy at the festival. For Slavers, individuals that steal people and sell them into servitude, found Kofun when he stepped away from a cruel ritual at the festival and he was immediately moved in line with others to be sold. Which of course, put the family on alert and on the trail of those very Slavers, to save Kofun from a horrible fate. And when they finally arrived at the final destination of the kidnapped… Baba Voss opened up about his past and the kind of man he was and the kind of man he would need to be on this day. Giving us great insight into his journey and the man he wants to become and how great a warrior and human he is. Since he ripped those Slavers to shreds in the name of family and safety. 

However, while all of that made for some fascinating and powerful moments, this is a story that still managed to parallel our modern world and set the stage for more trouble. For Haniwa’s newfound knowledge and skill set forced a humbling moment between her and her father. Where he reminded her of the importance of equality, something that this series has hammered home since day one and as for the trouble… well that came forth via the Payan Kingdom. For as Tamacti June prepared to end his own life as penance for the failure of letting Jerlamarel roam free in the world, the message in a bottle that was discovered in the last episode, made its way into the Queen’s hands. Prompting her to order her old friend back into service for one last fight. 

Which is the perfect way to set the stage for an epic fight. Since a rejuvenated Tamacti Jun will work with incredible focus and ferocity to bring the sanctuary to its end in an effort to capture the twins. But while we wait for that fight to arrive, we can celebrate one quality tale. One that informed us that this series can be quite versatile in nature, since it can easily provide us with familiar moments or something brave and bold, and well… it’s a good thing the familiar stuff was present here. Just because it really did lead to some quality world-building and some epic moments for certain, the kind that the series handled at just the right time, since the ugly stuff undoubtedly awaits us now that the Payan Kingdom’s vast army is back on the march. Until next time.