Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘A League of Their Own’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that sports themed stories tend to focus on supremely broad and inspiring concepts. For instance, they’re big on showcasing what it takes to achieve one’s dream. Since we see the athlete in question, fight against the odds and do whatever it takes to play the sport they love. A move that of course sends our spirits soaring since it reminds us to never give up and chase what we want with a stunning desire. Or they speak to the historical significance of moments in sports, the kind that remind us of achievements we’ve made along the way and sometimes… they take the time to celebrate the glory of the sport to evoke a feeling from fans or introduce the wonder of it to the uninitiated. 
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But while those types of concepts do indeed make for entertaining and uplifting tales, the kind that do engage and have us rooting for the underdog or surging with joy over memories… they do tend to be devoid of some elements that all audiences need to properly connect with a story: humanity, and intimacy. Because the world of sports is quite frankly, something few of us will ever take part in. For we are but observers from the stands or from the comfort of our couches, and no matter how up close and personal these stories get… without something to connect to, something we can understand and relate to… they will always be stories about a world we admire, rather than one we can experience. But thankfully, there are folks out there… hoping to change that.

In fact, Prime Video is now host to a sports story that not only serves as a reimagining of a classic but works to create a more realistic sports story. One that speaks to people on a fundamental level and that makes the series premiere of A League of Their Own, quite the powerful experience. One that quite frankly, surprises the viewer. Because ‘Batter Up’ is a story that at first glance, appears to be a retelling of the 1992 film. Since we are introduced to Carson Shaw, a woman that is eager to join the newly formed All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and she of course, meets new friends along the way as she tries out in Chicago with so many other hopefuls, and eventually garners the good news that she is going to be a member of the Rockford Peaches. In a manner that evokes imagery and concepts from that original film.

But as the hour progresses along it quickly becomes clear that this is about so much more than baseball and being able to achieve something historic. In that, this story in and of itself IS historic. For we come to learn that the AAGBPL is home to LGBTQ+ individuals in 1943, including Carson. Meaning that we are about to embark on a powerful journey, one about individuals that believed themselves to be outsiders in every way imaginable. Making this relatable and powerful, while of course, teaching the viewer about a journey of self-discovery that not everyone understands. Which really does make this show quite the big deal, since there are few stories that truly immerse us in life in this manner, and you’re compelled to continue the journey, so you can see Carson find herself and understand who she is as a person, and find the peace she clearly craves when it comes to her sexual identity. 

However, while that journey alone could have carried this pilot, and the other episodes, it has so much more to explore about this era and offers up a far more engaging plot regarding what it means to chase one’s dream. For we are also introduced to pitcher Max Chapman. An African American woman that truly does have a powerful arm but of course, is denied entry into the league in this tale, because of the color of her skin. Giving rise to an incredible decision on her part, in that… she expects to play in this league and will find a way to do so. Providing all of us with a far more relatable journey regarding obtaining one’s dream while also allowing for representation and education to take place. Since we will undoubtedly garner better understanding of the experiences that African Americans went through during that era and undoubtedly still deal with now. 

Yet what is amazing, is that there is still more wonder to be found in this opening chapter. Because the whole matter of the AAGBPL is still quite the big deal, since it was indeed a chance for women to be professional ballplayers at a time where their place was (incorrectly) in the kitchen and being seen and not heard, and seeing that on display here… is still incredible and dynamic and well, what we saw here regarding the league is likely the tip of the iceberg regarding what this show wishes to explore about it. Because it is inherently clear that this series wishes to celebrate so much. Which means we are in for one incredible ride, one that will finally do what few sports stories have done and reach us on a fundamental level while celebrating history and the sport, and it will be simply incredible to see what the rest of this season has in store for us and the members of the Rockford Peaches. Until next time.

​With some television shows, it is supremely easy to pinpoint the best episodes that show has to offer. For they often saved their best for last or they figured out a way to surprise the viewers at least once a season with some kind of event tale that just blew people away through and through. And these are episodes that aren’t up for debate, and few would even try to do so, since to speak against the best of the best, would be sacrilegious. But there are some shows… that are so good at what they do from a storytelling standpoint, and an acting standpoint for that matter as well, that finding the cream of the crop is quite the daunting task and well, this writer is learning that lesson as we continue this farewell retrospective through the majestic AMC series, Better Call Saul.
 
Because let’s be honest… there are no lackluster or ‘bad’ episodes of this show. There’s no one tale that divides the fans and if even if one manages to do so, the logic and intelligence of why the story went a certain way removes that stigma and shuts down that conversation. Making it near impossible to really find flawless episodes to discuss when every single week was filled to the brim with amazing acting and writing and compelling moments that either haunt us or stay with us. But believe it or not, there are some that stand out above the rest, such as the ones that set the stage for things to come. Because it requires masterful writing work to set up the future in a genuinely subtle and dynamic manner and well, season two features that kind of episode.
 
Which is why ‘Cobbler’ is in this writer’s mind, the best that season two of this series has to offer. Mainly because… this is an episode that really does explore a great deal of what drove Jimmy McGill to break bad and become Saul Goodman. For instance, every single moment present, at Davis and Main, speaks volumes to how badly Jimmy wants to be accepted as a lawyer, and how his brother has done everything within his power to deprive Jimmy of that, and it is downright heartbreaking to watch Jimmy work for meager ‘attaboys’ through Cliff and find little solace in them since he’s searching for something far deeper and that’s powerful stuff to say the least. The kind of subtext that explores how vulnerable and easily influenced a man like him can be and the show also makes sure to explore that as well.

Since Chuck’s return to the office and the air that he carried about himself, combined with that hint of disdain he always has for Jimmy… immediately helped us to learn how marginalization and a sense of disrespect can send Jimmy into a special kind of fury. One where his only path to peace, involves doing something shady and/or sticking it to the man and that’s precisely why he was quick to help Mike out with his little problem. Since it was a chance to game the system and get away with it. Something that Jimmy has always craved and enjoyed, and those elements really do set the stage for his eventual downfall at the hands of Heisenberg and potentially at the end of this story when one considers where the penultimate episode of this series leaves us.
 
However, while this was a fascinating character study through and through, it also knew how to have a little fun along the way. Because the whole ordeal with Mister Wormald was just hilarious through and through. Because the guy is just clueless, any way you slice it. But were it not for his foolishness, we would not have been treated to the Cobbler moment that the title speaks to. A moment that allowed for Saul Goodman to shine, since that’s the kind of lame brain, wild, and topsy turvy stuff he was known for in the sequel series. Plus, that whole sequence is just a laugh a minute and well, it’s best to enjoy those laughs once again since this series does get far darker as the story continues along, and rightfully so. Since this is a tragedy through and through.
 
But what matters more, is that this is truly a keystone episode. One that really does begin to outline what breaks Jimmy and what kind of factors go into making him the man he will someday become. Which means… we’d be remiss to not talk about Kim in this tale. Since her obvious deep love of Jimmy and inadvertent enabling is also a foundational moment. Making this a critical story for certain, one that truly does stand out when it comes to season two and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this journey… the time has come to turn our attention to the best that season three has to offer. Specifically... an episode that is a powerfully heartbreaking. Courtesy of its incredible exploration regarding mental illness and its impact upon people. Until next time.  

It is definitely safe to say that the Acorn TV series, Harry Wild, took all of us by surprise. Because at first glance, it really did appear as though it was going to be a traditional murder mystery series. One that saw a brilliant, retired professor find her groove as a private investigator, and while some of that was present… the way that Harry handled her cases and how she grew her business, made this a murder mystery unlike any other. Simply because every case was unconventional and featured some kind of deeper meaning.

In fact, these cases were so unique and Harry’s methods so unlike any other, that we’ve all been hoping for a second season of this wonderful series. So, we can enjoy more refreshing adventures with this dynamic gumshoe and her trusty assistant, and well… the good news is, we’re getting one! For recently, Acorn TV announced that Harry Wild is indeed getting renewed for a second season. One that is set to premiere in 2023 and well, here are all the details on this wondrous news, courtesy of Acorn TV.

‘Acorn TV, AMC Networks’ acclaimed and fast-growing streaming service devoted to British and international mystery and dramas, announced (8/10) that it has renewed its hit series Harry Wild, starring and executive produced by Jane Seymour, for a second season to arrive on the platform next year. Harry Wild delivered the most successful premiere week in the history of Acorn TV when it debuted in early April, and has gone on to be the most successful series launch and most-watched season of any series on Acorn TV in 2022. More than 40 percent of Acorn TV viewers have sampled Harry Wild’s first season.
 
"I'm so thankful to the Acorn TV audience, the press, and my incredible fans for making season one of Harry Wild such a success,” said Jane Seymour, series star and executive producer. “I was thrilled when I heard how well the show performed. I absolutely love playing Harry. I can't wait to get back into production and bring everyone eight more Harry and Fergus-filled episodes!"
 
“We knew this series was special from the beginning and could not be more thrilled by the response of Acorn TV viewers to this first season of Harry Wild and to see the remarkable Jane Seymour leading and producing a thrilling murder mystery on our platform,” said Matt Graham, general manager of Acorn TV. “This series had the most successful premiere week in our history and is already our most-watched single season for 2022, just three months after it arrived. We could not be more excited by the prospect of a second season from Jane and this talented creative team.” 
 
Like season one, the second season of Harry Wild will consist of eight episodes.
 
Star and co-executive producer Jane Seymour (The Kominsky Method, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, B Positive) stars as Harriet “Harry” Wild, a retiring university literature professor who is finding herself at one of life’s crossroads. In season one, jolted from a mugging, Harry reluctantly agrees to recover in the home of her son, Charlie, played by Kevin Ryan (Guilt, Copper), a senior police detective. Charlie’s family does their best to tolerate Harry’s inscrutable ways, but Harry speaks her mind. Despite Charlie’s strong objections and warnings, Harry starts to interfere in her son’s particularly baffling murder case when she notices the murderer has followed a pattern from an obscure Elizabethan play. 
 
When she successfully catches the killer by putting herself at great risk in the process, she finds a new lust for life. Harry and her protégé, Fergus, played by Rohan Nedd (Whitstable Pearl), the aforementioned mugger and a troubled teen in whom Harry sees great potential where others see only a criminal, quickly find new mysteries to solve. Harry’s expertise at her new passion brings her into direct conflict with Charlie, who needs nothing less than his mother causing trouble at work! The cast includes Stuart Graham (The Fall, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and Amy Huberman (Finding Joy, Striking Out).
 
A Dynamic Television Production, Harry Wild is executive produced by Jane Seymour, Daniel March, Klaus Zimmermann, James Gibb, Morgan O’Sullivan and James Flynn. Acorn Media Enterprises, the company’s London-based development division, co-produces. Created and written by David Logan.’

One thing that fans of television can agree upon, is that the AMC Networks series, Cooper’s Bar, was one of the most refreshing shows to pop up in the past year. In part because of its unique structure, since it is comprised of short vignettes. But mostly because, it featured some wonderful comedy and some wonderful performances from Rhea Seehorn and Louis Mustillo. But while we all enjoyed those lovely little shorts, and the most epic wing eating contest in the history of wing eating contests… the future of this series was left hanging.

Because we simply didn’t know if this was a one and done series or if more was on the way and well… as it turns out, everyone wanted more of this delightful down to earth comedy. Which is why AMC recently announced, that season two of this series is a go and well, here are all the details on what we can expect from year two of Cooper’s Bar, along with a promo video… courtesy of AMC Networks. 

'AMC Networks announced (on 8/10)  that the Emmy-nominated original series Cooper’s Bar has been renewed for a second season, premiering next year. The first season of the short-form digital series premiered this spring and has already generated nearly four million views on a variety of platforms including AMC+, AMC.com, video on demand and the company’s Facebook, Instagram and YouTube feeds. The series is nominated for a 2022 Emmy Award for Rhea Seehorn in the “Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series” category.
 
Produced by Content Room, the company’s internal creative group dedicated to short-form digital content and storytelling, Cooper’s Bar was one in a growing number of original productions leveraging the talent from AMC Networks’ series content to reach fans of its marquee programming in new and original ways. Cooper’s Bar was one of three series developed to serve fans of Better Call Saul during its final season and joined other popular Content Room originals like Bottomless Brunch at Colman’s, featuring Colman Domingo of Fear the Walking Dead. Bacardi was the presenting sponsor of season one of Cooper’s Bar.
 
Originally developed and pitched by Seehorn and Louis Mustillo (Mike & Molly), season one followed Cooper (Mustillo) as he took his last shot as a struggling actor to pitch his Tiki Bar TV show concept to notorious Hollywood executive, Kris Latimer (Seehorn). Mustillo owns a Tiki Bar in his actual Los Angeles home, which served as inspiration for the series.
 
Season two will pick up where season one left off, with a freshly signed contract to develop the “authentic” Tiki Bar TV series featuring Cooper and his gang of misfits as they navigate the many trials of first-time Hollywood professionals in a series of meta-comedic episodes. Seehorn will also return in her co-starring role.
 
“This series really struck a chord with our digital and streaming fanbase in ways we hadn’t seen before, and not just in the Buffalo metropolitan area. We knew we had to follow the story of this crew of has-beens, never-was’s and maybe-could-be’s into a second season,” said Kevin Dreyfuss, senior vice president of Content Room digital originals. “Shows like Cooper’s Bar are great creative playgrounds for our AMCN talent and a way to serve the fans something fresh. It was great to collaborate with Rhea and everyone else associated with the show on both sides of the camera for season one and we are looking forward to a fantastic season two.”
 
Said Seehorn: “We are so excited that our first six episodes were received so well and couldn’t be more thrilled that AMC would like us to continue Cooper’s story! It has been a wonderful collaboration!”
 
Said Mustillo: “I’m very excited and happy to be doing a second season with my Cooper’s Bar family! I love Cooper -- he is a survivor with a heart of gold and it’s so much fun to fight his fight. Rhea, Hannah, David, Nick, Alfredo and Evan are a great combo and I adore them all, along with the cast of great actors and the amazing crew. Tip a glass to Cooper and his pals! See you soon…”
 
In addition to distribution on the company’s owned digital platforms, Cooper’s Bar season one is being added this month to two of AMC Networks’ FAST channels carried by third-party platforms, and recently appeared on the IFC linear network. All Content Room digital originals are powered by AMC Networks’ TEAL, one-stop destination for partners to creatively enhance their campaigns with a comprehensive suite of advertising products.’

Please enjoy this exclusive clip from Lucy’s School, an all-new Peanuts Special which will debut on Apple TV+ on August 12, 2022.

Please enjoy this exclusive clip and synopsis from tonight’s season finale of Brat Loves Judy!
 
Brat Loves Judy​ - Thursday, August 11 at 9 PM ET/8 PM CT
Brat and Judy await new fertility results. Brat shares new music and Judy has a sit down with Deja.
 
Brat and Judy plan a wedding of the century, but the rush towards the date 2-22-22 unveils unresolved relationship issues. The power couple faces major hurdles from having a baby to exploding their careers as they navigate married life.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Everything’s Trash’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that family has a huge impact upon our lives. For some, that sadly involves a negative impact. Since their family isn’t exactly the spitting image of a Norman Rockwell painting and the subsequent troubles that come out of that, can leave some lasting damage or inspiration, depending upon how the person dealing with a nasty family, handles such matters. But for others… well family is something that is cherished and beloved. For a healthy family environment can indeed have quite the positive impact, one where a person feels as though they belong and can accomplish anything because of the lessons they learn within their home. 

But while positive impact is what every family out there hopes to achieve when the time comes to start a family, it doesn’t mean that everything will be rosy all of the time. Because a family is composed of vastly different individuals, the kind that have their own hopes, dreams, and desires. Which of course… brings about conflicts and fights, some of which can last for quite a while. Which then begs an important question. In that, how do we recover and keep what we have going with our family when ugly fights arise? Well, it just so happens that this week’s episode of Everything’s Trash, takes the time to explore the answer to that question in a supremely endearing and realistic manner. 

For when we catch up with Phoebe in ‘Family Is Trash’, she’s dealing with quite the feud with her brother. Because despite breaking up with Hammy-Ham for the lies he told and being honest with Jayden about that to cool his concerns, he was still livid about everything and that of course, led to a fight. One complete with vintage 1990s ‘Suck It’ blasts and the decision to engage in some good old fashioned silent treatment as well. The kind that immediately made life harder for Michael and Malika, and Jessie for that matter. Because despite being in a feud, Phoebe and Jayden complimented one another well and needed one another and not taking part in that… meant they were unleashed on everyone else, and well… that sucked.

Which brought everyone together to force this duo to talk and hash out their differences and therein came the lesson. In that, family is forever and when you have something good with your family… tossing that aside and being petty isn’t helpful and it can stunt our growth as a person. So, it is best to find common ground and remember how important family is and the joy it can bring over the small stuff and well, thanks to their being shoved into an escape room with a chill actor, they found that common ground and learned to listen and help one another again. Bringing this family back together and providing all of us, with a wonderfully happy and satisfying ending. 

Because you cannot go wrong with a story that focuses on the wonder of family in a realistic light. For we do fight, and we do have moments like this, and sometimes yeah… we don’t want to talk to them for quite a while, and it was refreshing to see that honesty here and be reminded of why we come back to family when we’ve cooled down and had time to think. But what matters more, is that once again, this magnificent series figured out a way to explore important corners of life that we don’t see spotlighted on television all that often, but that’s just what this show does and truly, it will be fascinating to see what other life lessons await us as season one continues along. Until next time.

​One thing that we can all agree upon, is that reaching the end of a genuinely wonderful story… can be quite the emotional experience. Because nobody likes to say goodbye and endings to anything in this life are hard, even when it comes to stories. Since they provide us with so much. Such as life lessons and powerful emotional moments and it is definitely safe to say that fans of Better Call Saul are going through it emotionally right now. Because Jimmy McGill’s grand tragedy of a life story has been quite the powerful journey. One that has allowed for us to bear witness to what makes a decent man become indecent through the power of trauma and loss and the ills of the world and well… we are now reaching the end of the road for this storied saga.
 
For Monday, August 15, 2022 will bring about the final chapter in Jimmy McGill’s adventures through the criminal underworld and well… as we prepare to bid farewell to Jimmy and the Breaking Bad Universe as well, since this will likely signal the end of its existence for some time… we here at NTG thought it would be best to reflect upon some of our favorite moments from the past few years regarding this show. Simply by spotlighting the best episodes that this series sent our way, to reflect upon the majesty of the journey and to help us process the void that will indeed come about when the series fades to black one last time and well… in the opinion of this writer, the absolute best episode that season one provided fans with, was the series premiere. 
 
Because ‘Uno’ was a premiere unlike any other. In large part because it outright surprised us through and through. For so many of us believed that Saul Goodman was long the man that we saw in Breaking Bad, since it takes decades of practice of achieve that level of impishness, and twisted-ness. So, to meet James McGill here at a time in his life where he was a believer in the law and trying to start an honest practice and rack up the clients… was shocking to say the least. Because we were being presented with the man, not the caricature he turned out to be and that… immediately sucked us in and demanded our attention. For we simply had to know, what it was that was going to make this somewhat meek and somewhat frustrated man, turn into something so gaudy, and so fiery… and so… morally gray.

​Which meant that we were all curious and had to know more and what’s amazing… is that this episode was happy to provide us with more. Since it also took the time to lightly explore some of the genesis points of Saul Goodman's creation. For the introduction of Charles McGill, and the extreme manner in which he treats Jimmy, since he is so harsh on him and there is a tinge of disdain over the fact that he isn't perfect, spoke volumes to the heartbreak ahead. The kind that hinted that any break in this relationship could push Jimmy to some dark places. Not to mention, Jimmy's time at Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill in this story also introduced us to a pair of critical characters that would also play a part in bringing Saul to the surface of Jimmy's world, since this was the first appearance of Howard Hamlin and Kim Wexler and well... all of that just informed us that this series was ready to take us on a unique ride. One that was going to savor the moment and treat us to every little step in Jimmy's journey toward darkness and well... let's be honest, that hooked us.
 
As did… the amount of time we spent with Jimmy in this tale. Because we truly got to know him in this story and learn how conflicted he was at this point in his life. For half of him really did want to do the right thing and be a great lawyer, while the other half of him was eager to indulge in those twisted acts that bring about the special satisfaction that accompanies thumbing your nose at a system that frustrates and seeing that duality here… was just intoxicating. In part because it showed us how brilliant Jimmy is as a lawyer and just how low he can sink, as evidenced by the opening case where he just blows the jury away for a brief moment and of course… by planning to teach Betsy Kettleman a lesson through his newfound con man contacts. 
 
Which in turn, also offered up some delightful fan service via the appearance of Tuco Salamanca and well, all of these elements really did make for a powerhouse series premiere, and it truly stood out as the finest episode that season one had to offer. Simply because it set the stage in a masterful manner and engaged us in ways, we didn’t know a show could engage. Plus, it was bold and brave in the direction it took this franchise since a character study wasn’t quite what anyone was expecting. But we all loved it, and this is an episode that truly withstands the test of time and wows after all these years, and now that we’ve reached the end of this grand and sweeping opening chapter, it’s time to spotlight the next great episode from this franchise. One that involves a strange and uncomfortable use of pie. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season finale of ‘The Terminal List’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Often times, stories that revolve around revenge… slip into some pretty standard territory when the time comes for our hero to exact their vendetta upon their target. In that, action and violence rule the day as the hero rips the last vestiges of the villain’s forces to shreds as they push to finally face the person or persons that hurt them, and properly make them pay for inflicting such pain and well… that formula if you will, is the standard for one simple reason. For it is incredibly impactful and crowd-pleasing. Since it gives the audience what they want and wows those same viewers/readers every step of the way. But now and again, you run into an action story that looks to shake up how the revenge plot plays out, often times with fascinating results.

Since a re-jigging of the formula allows for fascinating elements to be explored and it just so happens that for its season finale, The Terminal List on Prime Video… did just that. For this is a story that should have ended with Lieutenant Commander James Reece blasting away at Secretary of Defense Lorraine Hartley. But instead ‘Reclamation’ took the final showdown between Reece and Hartley in a vastly different direction, one that allowed for the viewer to come to understand SECDEF’s line of thinking. A feat that this story accomplished by having Kelly join Hartley at her island getaway, where she could tell her side of the story and help everyone to understand that she wasn’t the villain, but a genuine hero here that made some tough and unfortunate calls.

For she really did believe that she was trying to do Reece and his men a favor by wiping away bad memories that haunted them for ages on end. When in fact, she was giving them a death sentence. Which motivated Kelly, to really find a way to point out to the Secretary of Defense that she was in the wrong and help her to understand the hell she unleashed upon the world, and through some clever writing… she was able to do just that, and really… this was quite the inventive sequence for certain. Since it added a level of humanity to a plot that could have leaned into something hollow, for it reminded us that sometimes the villain really does think they are the hero and are simply misguided over evil. But before Hartley really could ponder on her actions and atone for them, James Reece came calling.

Because he was indeed hell bent on finishing the mission, and his arrival more or less brought forth some more traditional elements. Since he and Ben unleashed hell with their weapons and laid waste to Hartley’s private detail before another pair of twists came into play. Such as the fact that Secretary Hartley, when faced with the horror of her actions… took her own life rather than let Reece have another dark end on his hands, ending the fight for a time and seemingly giving Reece the closure, he has been searching for. But sometime after the dust settled from this fight, and the accountability was coming into play… one last secret was revealed to James. In that, Ben was the other mystery benefactor of this drug trial, and fought alongside Reece to heal his conscience over his actions. Which meant… that James had one last person on his list, and followed his own edict to a tee, leaving him alone and at sea and facing a future unknown. Since we don’t know if he received treatment for his tumor.

But what matters more, is that in Reece’s mind, the work is now done, and it truly was quite the pyrrhic victory for him. Because Reece lost everything in his quest for revenge and that made for one bleak ending. One where only the hero found satisfaction in getting what he wanted and well… the show deserves a round of applause for giving us such a raw and visceral ending to this quest. Because normally there is some kind of catharsis for the audience, but having Hartley opt out for realizing she’s the villain and having Ben hide his lies… leaves one unfilled but that is of course, the point. For revenge offers us nothing in the end but scorched earth and emptiness, and that’s precisely what Reece found at the end of his quest to honor the wife and child that greed and misguided thinking, deprived him of.