Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Darby and Joan’.
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What’s fascinating about modern visual entertainment, is how personal and relatable it is becoming. For there was a time where mainstream television and film, did little to address the ills of the world nor did they bother to examine our flaws. For they were truly seen as entertainment through and through and an opportunity to escape the woes of the world. But the advent of streaming and this era of peak entertainment, has forced that notion to be revisited. For so many are now discovering that audiences can and will attach to shows in ways never thought possible if some realism and humanity just so happens to be injected into a film or television series.
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Which has brought forth, waves of stories that we can all find meaning within and what’s amazing is that networks and studios are going out of their way now to provide us with the most realistic stories possible, and for proof… well then look no further than the new Acorn TV series, Darby and Joan. For this is a show that uses the wonder of the crime drama to explore the power of grief and how we heal from it, and it would appear, that it is going to accomplish that feat, by taking us through the entire grieving process. For when we catch up with Joan Kirkhope in this tale, she’s just received some awful news. In that, her beloved husband Ian has passed under mysterious circumstances far from home and having to bury him, without answers as to what he was up to, haunts Joan to no end.

To the point where she opts to take a voyage to Queensland, Australia to retrace his steps and figure out exactly what went wrong, and well, a chance encounter with a retired police officer named Jack Darby and their desire to team up to aid one another in a time of need… brings forth quite the adventure. One where Jack and Joan begin to own their respective pasts and pain and that’s where this show’s exploration on grief and to another extent, trauma… truly shine. Because we are witness to the power of grief overtaking Joan from the get-go, and it doesn’t take long for us to learn that Jack has a sorted past, and that he is doing everything he can to run from it, and presenting such matters in the raw is brilliant to say the least and important as well.

Since it means we get to feel what Joan and Jack feel and that makes for some powerful and unique television. Since few stories present grief and trauma in the raw like this, and that instantly makes these two characters relatable and realistic. Since we’ve felt what they felt, or will, or we’ve known someone in their shoes and well… being part of that invests one in the story and coming to learn these are two fine people as well, has us rooting for them and that is just the beginning of this powerful exploration. Because as the first two episodes in this series play out, we also come to learn that we are going to watch them work to heal in real time and resolve their respective demons as the series rolls along and one way to do that… is by helping others.
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Because Darby and Joan come to learn they have a penchant for solving crimes as a duo. Since they are quick to step in and handle a murder in an isolated part of the beach that Ian once visited. Plus, they take the time to handle an intimate crime of grief in the second episode. And being distracted by helping others… forces them to see their pain in an objective light and realize that it is okay to open up about it and outright face it, making each case incredibly important since they are the catalyst to the healing journey, and it is just incredible to see broken characters act in such a manner and be treated to a story that offers such wonderful commentary on the healing process.

For this series makes it clear that it isn’t easy and that the steps we all know we should take, aren’t clear to us in the moment. But it is important that we go out and work to heal by whatever means necessary and have a support network around us when we do so we can be lifted up when we need to be, and that message, alongside the captivating mysteries present here… and some shockingly great performances from Greta Scacchi (Joan) and Bryan Brown (Jack), make this a must-see series. For it is a mystery show unlike any other, one that truly grabs hold and does not let go and it will be genuinely fascinating to learn more about healing and see Darby and Joan transform for the better as season one of this dynamic and refreshing series continues along. Until next time.

To learn more about the main characters in ‘Darby and Joan’, check out our interviews the show’s stars, Greta Scacchi and Bryan Brown.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 612 of ‘Better Call Saul’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Often times in crime themed storytelling, the ‘fresh start’ is seen as nothing more than punishment for a character that once was immersed in ‘the life’, and it makes sense as to why that is the case. After all, those with dubious moral cores, thrive in the darkness of the world and of course, they make a boatload of money in doing so. Which leads to a supremely lavish and free lifestyle, one that is severely constrained by the new rules imposed upon them when say, they are forced to leave it all behind due to trouble or witness protection. Which is, one of the few crime story tropes that Better Call Saul has abided by over the course of its six-year run. After all, Jimmy McGill’s post Breaking Bad career at Cinnabon, under the assumed identity of Gene Takovic has been troublesome for the man.
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Because despite being hidden away from the world and free to live a life without worry about being spotted as Saul Goodman, Albuquerque’s ‘finest’ lawyer and money launder extraordinaire to Walter ‘Heisenberg’ White, Jimmy has been miserable. For he’s been unable to enjoy the trappings of his former life and been relegated to playing it straight and reminiscing where he can… and he has only recently rediscovered his love of the game through his little plan with Jeffy and Buddy. But since this series is always eager to dig into new territory and explore concepts that aren’t traditional in the slightest in this genre, leave it to the show’s penultimate episode to explore the reality that for some folks… the fresh start when it comes to the crime world, is everything they ever needed in life.

For ‘Waterworks’ is a story that allowed for us to catch up with Kim Wexler, who we came to learn was indeed alive and well and living in Florida. And after a heartbreaking flashback sequence, wherein Jimmy coldly handled their divorce and she had a run in with a Mister Jesse Pinkman, Kim settled into Florida and did not look back and lived… a vastly different life than we are used to seeing her live. For she immersed herself into copywriting work at Palm Coast Sprinkler and just… transformed into a person that thrived within the simple life. For she found calm in the little tasks at work, and she reveled in talking about nonsensical things with her coworkers. Plus, she had a new boyfriend that she enjoyed weekend barbecues with and well… this was indeed everything she needed to forget about the horrors of the past. 

But of course, as this series is wont to do… it wasn’t long before the past caught up with her again through that mysterious phone call that Jimmy made to her during last week’s tale. Which we now know, involved a frosty and fearful reception from Kim, who angered Jimmy by telling him to come clean. A phrase that motivated Jimmy to demand she too, do the right thing and well… those words had quite the profound impact upon her. Because Jimmy was right, she had just run like he did, and did little to resolve the pain that motivated her to run in the first place and just like that… she decided to do something that Jimmy never would and come clean to the authorities regarding what happened on that fateful night.

Which brought Kim right back to Albuquerque for the first time since she had Jimmy sign the divorce papers and well… despite the heavy memories that weighed upon her mind, she offered an affidavit to the District Attorney and then handled one more ugly matter regarding Howard’s end… informing Cheryl Hamlin of the truth. For Kim truly believed that Cheryl deserved that truth, regardless of all the hell it would bring down upon Kim. But it was the right thing to do, and it was a supremely difficult task for Kim to accomplish. To the point where she broke down on the way back home. But make no mistake about it, this was a powerful twist to inject into this story, one that flipped an old trope upside down and one that also spoke to how much Kim loved and still loves Jimmy. Since she made every point to keep the truth about him being alive, out of her statements and admissions.
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Speaking of Jimmy McGill, we’d be remiss to not take a moment and talk about his journey in this tale, since it was important and significant as well. Because his plan to rob another rich guy in the middle of the night, went sideways real fast. In part because he got greedy after getting all the necessary information about his mark. Since he took the time to steal the man’s classy watches and partake in his fine booze, and in doing so, he kept Jeffy waiting and that… was problematic for certain. Because as Jeffy was just hanging out, waiting for Jimmy to quit with his taste of the good life… the police rolled up and spooked Jeffy something awful. To the point where he basically panicked and peeled off and slammed into a car. Garnering the attention of the police, who stopped behind Jeff out of coincidence since they were hungry and ready to eat their meal… and of course… he ended up in jail while Jimmy made his way home.

Where he also patiently waited for a phone call. Because there was only one person Jeff could call in this time of dire need, and well… once the call came through and Jeff consulted off the record with one Saul Goodman, a plan to get him out of the slammer was set into motion. One where Marion would pay his bail and get him home so he could strategize with Gene/Saul/Jimmy on how to beat the burglary charge that arrived at the end of this madness, since the mark woke up and pointed the finger at the only person available. But there was… just one problem when it came to the latest twist in Jimmy’s scheme. In that, his conversation with Marion regarding her role in getting Jeffy out, flipped a switch in her mind, since he seemed to know a little too much about the ABQ and that, combined with what she’d seen late at night, prompted her to do a little unfortunate digging.

The kind that involved an internet search for the phrases ‘con man’ and ‘Albuquerque’, and of course… what turned up… was a man named Saul Goodman. Which led to a confrontation at Marion’s place, one that revealed to the authorities that Saul Goodman was alive and well and hiding in Omaha, Nebraska and well… just like that Jimmy is in real trouble once again. For his cover is blown and the clock is ticking, setting the stage for a powerhouse series finale. But while we wait to see how this story is going to end, we can revel in the majesty of one powerful penultimate tale. One that really showed us how Kim and Jimmy have grown apart since that dark day since she is clearly in a morally better headspace than Jimmy and well… one can only wonder if Kim Wexler and Jimmy McGill will cross paths one last time, before this harrowing saga and the Breaking Bad Universe as a whole, come to a close. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 209 of ‘P-Valley’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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For the most part, we just take life as it comes and rightfully so. After all, no one knows the future and worrying about what could be, can be maddening at best. So instead, we do our best to just live in the moment and deal with life’s little and big surprises as they come our way, because that is the only way to properly live and enjoy life to the fullest. But now and again, the gravity of our situation, combined with the potential for change… puts us in a different place mentally. Wherein the moment is forgotten, and we focus on the future, because we can simply feel change coming in the air and we greatly anticipate it. If anything, that particularly strange quirk of fate is top of mind today, because the entire town of Chucalissa experienced it during last night’s episode of P-Valley on STARZ.

For ‘Snow’ is a story that took place on a supremely important day in this town. For starters, Election Day was upon the city at last and with it would come sweeping changes. For it would either mean the reign of a conservative Christian woman was about to take place or a hometown hero was going to step into the light, and either winner could determine the future for so many. Plus, this particular evening featured the Grand Re-Re-Re-Reee-Opening of The Pynk and that too… had an air of change about it hanging in the air. Because this was a make-or-break evening for Uncle Clifford, and she knew this in her soul and treated this day in a vastly different manner. First, by being honest with Lil’ Murda. For she knew that the tour was his priority and that would keep them apart and being honest about that now and how much it would hurt… would allow for Clifford to process the reality that forbidden love would remain just that.

If anything, being proactive in that moment, only emboldened Clifford to be stronger on this evening. To the point where the Covid offender was tossed out, and where Big L saw his exit take place from The Pynk. Since Clifford did indeed discover the drug running that was happening under its roof and well, as this journey played out and the anticipation began to build, it became apparent that this episode was less and less about just waiting for the winds of change to arrive when we feel them kicking up, and more what we can do to feel in control before the universe is going to unleash upon us. Which as it turns out… is to control what we can control. For our circle of influence is really all we have and that’s precisely what Clifford was tapping into, and he wasn’t the only one doing just that, on this strange and unnerving night in Chucalissa. 

For Keyshawn also knew that by the end of this night, change was coming to her life, and that motivated her to put on a performance of a lifetime at The Pynk as she prepared to collect everything, she needed to in order to escape and well, what’s wild… is that the show explored so much more regarding this particular concept. For the arrival of great change in the world… also puts us in a supremely reflective place. One where we are either thankful or thoughtful of the journey we’ve been on, and there was a lot of that present here. Since a return to the Pynk as an observer put Mercedes in a reflective place, one where she really didn’t know what to expect since nothing would be the same after this night. Not to mention, so many others swung by The Pynk for similar musings and well… this really was quite the unique way to set up the season finale when all is said and done.

Simply because, most shows like to ramp up the tension before the finale hits. Because now is a chance to fire up the viewers and keep them starving for the big finish. But this isn’t a traditional show, it’s about life and all of its ups and downs and the real moments we share in, and well… that’s what made this cliffhanger so impactful. The fact that it was so low-key and realistic and familiar. For we really have been in this situation, where we keep ourselves busy as change arrives and well, that made for one magnificent story. One that still managed to draw us in since we are all now curious as to what kind of change is coming to Chucalissa, and how these dynamic characters will respond to it, for better or worse and that is going to make the wait for next week’s story, as difficult as it gets. Until next time.  

It is definitely safe to say, that The Orville: New Horizons (formerly known as The Orville) is a series that took everyone by complete and utter surprise and understandably so. After all, when the season one trailer debuted a couple of years back, it really seemed as though Seth MacFarlane and FOX had assembled a grandiose send up of the Star Trek Universe. Where big laughs would win the day amongst plots that resembled stuff, we all knew and loved and early on, some of the rapid-fire jokes and lighthearted/endearing nature of ‘Old Wounds’ seem to reinforce that reality. Because ‘we need no longer fear the banana’ was comedic gold. But once we had a few moments to reflect upon that episode, and of course… ponder upon the brilliant nature of ‘About a Boy’, it quickly became apparent that this show was something different.
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In that, it wanted to pay tribute to the science fiction that came before it, including all things Trek, but it also wanted to be something vastly different. It wanted to be a science fiction show unlike any other and it wanted to revolutionize how science fiction stories are told on television and well… it is mission accomplished for certain. For this series has indeed established its standing in the genre and driven legions of fans to hang on its every moment, and it only continues to get better with each season. But what’s amazing… is that despite how well-loved this series is and the incredibly warm critical reception of its revolutionary nature of storytelling… it has yet to receive a fourth season renewal and well, we here at NTG thought it might be worthwhile to help that cause and speak to why the world needs a fourth season of this series and many more.

One such reason… involves the fact that New Horizons is just damn good television through and through. Because in addition to the wonderful science fiction concepts it offers, it is home to incredible, top-tier writing. For the scripts are simply engaging and beautifully woven together and they also allow for the actors to shine. For every single actor in this series turns in incredible performances, the kind that brings tears of joy to the audience’s eyes or prompts us to ask who is chopping onions with sorrow. But while it is amazing to be treated to next level screenplays and Emmy-winning level performances week in and week out, that same level of quality extends beyond those elements. For everything about this series is cinematic and breathtaking and that speaks volumes to how much everyone involved in this series is eager to present its fans with nothing short of a flawless production and that’s rare, and it sets a standard for other shows in the genre and takes them to task.

But the need for this series to receive a renewal goes beyond just setting a bar, for this is a show that is also quite brave in the topics it explores. Because let’s be honest, this is a series that is tackling topics that a great deal of television shows that could say something about our modern world are avoiding. In fact, season three has been perhaps the bravest of them all since it has touched upon the insurrection at the Capitol and what motivated this push to nationalism, the need for communication at a time where rhetoric and political ideology rule the day and of course… it deserves a round of applause for tackling transgender rights in a powerful manner. Granted, there are shows out there talking about transgender rights, and those should be celebrated as well. But New Horizons is one of a handful of science fiction shows making that a focus and it is perhaps the only one of all of them that took the time to plunge us into what it means to be transgender, and the emotions and experiences that transgender individuals experience in their quest to better understand their gender identity.
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Which in turn, leads us to the final reason why this show deserves to be renewed for multiple seasons in that… it is teaching us how to have difficult conversations. Because time and time again, when someone brings up those topics in real life, there’s immediate struggle and strife to complete that conversation, if we are on opposing sides. Not to mention shows that tend to touch on topics that are sensitive in nature, are immediately derided on social media for being ‘too woke’. But that doesn’t happen with New Horizons. People watch, people learn, and they come away from this saga with a better understanding of a topic that normally might infuriate them or create conflict. Simply because this series is making it clear that such matters need to be presented to others in an objective manner, one where discussion and learning can take place and if we can perhaps do that more often, we might find the common ground we all seek.

If anything, this is simply a revolutionary show, one that is finding a way to address our problems in a wonderful manner at a time when everyone is begging for the industry to do just that. But it does so in such a smooth and endearing fashion that the observations and commentary never seem overwhelming and well, that level of care and unique storytelling needs to be celebrated and allowed to grow. And a new season of this series (and more) would allow for Seth MacFarlane and his writer’s room to accomplish wonders storytelling wise and continue to wow us on a regular basis and well… let us hope that we get some great news soon on season four of New Horizons. So, we can enjoy more incredible and moving, and downright thoughtful adventures from the most intelligent and dynamic science fiction series on the air right now.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season finale of ‘Becoming Elizabeth’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We spend a great deal of our youth… searching. Searching for meaning in this life, searching for purpose and our way forward, and of course… searching for an understanding of who we are and who we want to be. And we spend so much time on that search, simply because we know in our core that it is critical to figure that out, so we can head into adulthood with a good head on our shoulders and an understanding of how navigate life. All so, we can enjoy peace, prosperity, and a calm that we simply don’t know in our youth. Of course, we eventually get there and enjoy those very things, but what’s fascinating about the end of that journey, is that we rarely think of the moment that we finally chose our path in life. 
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Likely because of the fact, that after years of learning and observing, we simply knew in the back our minds that we were ready to walk our path and we simply made a momentary choice to do so and never looked back. But it does leave one to wonder, what it was that finally pushed us to make that decision. Because it would be nice to revisit that critical moment and reflect upon its power and its wonder. But now and again, that moment is indeed recognized, and for historical figures whose lives are poured over… it’s easier to find, since their lives and decisions mean the world to us and we can roughly pinpoint it, and really… that moment is top of mind today, because it was featured in the season one finale of Becoming Elizabeth on STARZ.

For ‘To Death We Must Stoop’ explored the exact moment when Princess Elizabeth Tudor grew into the woman that we would later see become one of the finest rulers to ever sit upon the English throne and as it turned out… that moment was born out of more chaos in Great Britain. For when we catch up with the Tudor family in this tale… King Edward VI was growing sicker by the minute. Because whatever nasty bug was raging through this system, left him weak an incommunicado and well… everyone more or less expected to hear the news soon that the King had passed into the great beyond. Which meant that another changing of the guard was on the books for this country and with Princess Mary Tudor next in the rightful line of succession for the throne, she was likely to be England’s new queen.

A reality that was posing to be a worrisome problem for John Dudley. For he came to understand to that his desire to hand the King all of his wishes on the silver platter, would come back to haunt him. For Mary had curried favor with the many Catholics in this nation and would find immediate support in bringing harm to those who brought harm to that religion. And of course, her desire to punish heathens in the name of the Lord, would make John an immediate target, one that would teach those would stand against God a powerful lesson through his undoubtedly violent passing. And that in turn… prompted him to begin to do what the men of the world did best back in this time… scheme and plot his way toward survival, regardless of the cost. 

Which of course, brought him to Princess Elizabeth Tudor. To plead his case and demand her help in perhaps maneuvering about Mary and her team so that Elizabeth could instead sit upon the throne and rule in her stead… allowing for John to enjoy a little more life in peace and comfort and well… this put Elizabeth at quite the unique crossroads. Simply because, this was her chance. For a grand push on her part to acquiesce to John’s wishes would indeed make her Queen and give her a chance to cement her legacy in this world and potentially do some wonders for the people. All it would cost her, would be a touch of morality and perhaps her conscience and well… that led to quite the powerful decision on Elizabeth’s part.
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For despite having been pushed about by people for some time now, and often seen in a negative light by her sister and others for being played like a fiddle by Thomas Seymour… taking charge of the game playing that she had seen on display for ages, left a bad taste in her mouth. Because to do so would plunge her into a never-ending cycle of madness that seemed to permeate the court and its denizens, at a time where perhaps someone could present a better path forward. One that spoke to what the court and the throne should stand for… honor, and nobility, and hope. Which led her to inform dear John that while she was indeed interested in being Queen, she didn’t want to assume that title under uncomfortable pretenses or through traditionally shady means, and in that moment, Queen Elizabeth I was born.

Because that is the line of thinking of a great ruler. One that understands the greater good and the bigger picture and what the title means to the people and what they expect, and she held to these high morals to the bitter end of this fight, one that ended… in a surprising manner. For just when it appeared as though John Dudley was heading to the chopping block at the behest of a new Queen… the King recovered. And with his fever broken and his rule restored, the former Duke of Somerset paid the price for this latest attempt at seizing power, even though such a decision was a petty act, and for a time… it appeared as though business as usual was about to return to court. But alas, being decent an indecent time means little to those who thirst for power and live in fear of losing it, and that is why… John Dudley inspired the King, as to how perhaps, power can stay out Elizabeth and Mary’s hands.

A move that nullifies any good that Elizabeth offered up in this moment and forces her to continue to play the games that await instead of end them, and it is a move that would indeed bring forth more strife from a historical standpoint. But alas, that, and the resolution of that horrible image of the King expelling blood… will have to wait for another time. For what matters more in this instant, is that Elizabeth finally found her way forward and decided upon the person she wanted to be, and that’s huge. Because that’s what we tuned in for, to see Elizabeth, become Elizabeth, and it was fascinating to watch her learn in a difficult manner what it means to be good and just and wondrous and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this first leg of the journey, all we can do is quietly hope for more. For as of press time this series has not received a second season order. But hopefully it does. For this is indeed a refreshing and human take on the Tudor saga and it deserves to be told to its completion, so we can properly bask in the wonder of the once and future Queen’s powerful and moving journey. One that formed a great leader, who left a lasting impact upon generations of mankind.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘The Terminal List’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One universal truth that we often forget in this life, is that people will show you precisely who they are when tough times arrive. Because tough times test us in ways, we never thought possible, and they will hurt us emotionally and take us to task and well, the best people out there will rise to the occasion and answer the call that is before them, and support others as needed during this tough time. Whereas rotten people, will run and hide and do whatever they must to not have to deal with the unfortunate reality surrounding them and well… what makes this particular truth quite fascinating, is the sheer fact that we never quite know how a person will respond when that happens. Because time and time again, we’ve seen people we think will be there… run hard, while those we thought might not be able to handle it… do so in an epic manner.

But truly what surprises us the most regarding this strange little quirk of life, is that sometimes… the ones who are trained to be brave and be heroic in a time of great need and strife… fold and hide when their day comes. Which should never be the case, but it happens, and we oft wonder why this happens and well… it just so happens that the why is top of mind today, simply because the next episode of The Terminal List on Prime Video explored just that. For ‘Extinction’ is a story that should have seen three men trained for bravery, stand tall in the face of adversity, but instead… they did nothing but quarrel and hide, in part because Lieutenant Commander James Reece was coming for them, and they really had no idea what they should do.

Of course, what they should have done… was the right thing and be open about the fact that they helped to deploy RD 4895 to Reece’s unit. But instead, Captain Howard opted to make plans to run, while Commander Cox gently pondered upon responding in kind when the moment arrived and of course, Admiral Pillar was defiant and willing to do whatever he had to, to be seen in the right. Which means that when men in power enjoy their power and enjoy the yielding of it, they will be the first to crumble and surprise when their power is challenged or threatened. Because their time in that position, away from seeing the impact of their decisions, and the reality of war in this instance, has made them weak and detached and well… it didn’t take long for Reece to remind them of how they should have stood tall from the get-go and held to their oath.

For he did indeed come for them, and he made them pay in powerful, powerful ways. For Commander Cox not only suffered from a broken limb at the hands of Reece, because he somehow thought he could overpower a man with nothing to lose, but he drowned horribly when Reece made him try to lift a massive log that he was tied to in the ocean as penance for his cowardice. As for Howard… well Howard was forced to handle a truly devastating act. In that, he had to strap a homemade bomb to his chest and walk into the Admiral’s office to detonate it as penance for betraying his oath. But not before giving a phone to Pillar, so that Reece could instill a taste of genuine fear into a man that felt safe often by hiding behind a comfortable desk, and well… once that act was done… the Terminal List it appeared, was finally complete. 

But alas, it was not. For while this education and act of revenge was taking place, Kelly was working with Agent Layun on the truth regarding this whole mess. For Secretary Hartley stepped in, and of course… had her people begin an investigation, sidelining Layun and the San Diego FBI office and well… by having Kelly step in and look at the files, because this interjection seemed suspicious, she uncovered the true mastermind of this whole nightmare… Secretary Hartley herself. Giving James Reece a new and final target to go after, setting the stage for a powerhouse finale. One where a Navy Seal with limited resources will take on the Secretary of Defense, which may be an impossibility. But while we wait for that showdown, we can bask in the wonder of a powerhouse tale. One that reminded us that morals and sterner stuff is what makes a noble hero, not training… and a boatload of pins. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 304 of ‘Trying’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Something that we all cherish when it comes to family life, is the unspoken bond that we share in with our family members. The kind that more or less informs our siblings and parents as to how we are feeling in that moment, which in turn allows them for them to quietly nurture the good or aid with the bad. Because family just knows family, and this strange emotional bond we all harbor with those we grew up with, never breaks, and having the comfort that accompanies that in the back of our minds, really does help us to feel as though we belong and that someone out there, always has our backs. Since we know we can just call family up and hear what we need to… from people that just know, in a time of need. But alas, while this is something so many of us share in and celebrate, not everyone has this in their lives.

For in broken families, sometimes people are on their own emotionally and only find support through friendships or strength, and for the children that are adopted or have spent time bouncing around in the system… they’re not in a foster home long enough to really create a bond of any sort with people. Which begs an important question. In that, how does one bond in a family that is assembled through adoption? And thankfully, the next episode of Trying on Apple TV+ works to explore that answer. For when we catch up with Nikki and Jason and their new family in ‘Little Steps’, a special occasion is upon them. For Tyler’s birthday was barreling toward them fast and of course, this loving couple were preparing quite the party for little Tyler… but they had concerns about the guest list. 

Because he only invited teachers and other faculty members at the school. Not to mention, they quickly came to learn that he was not good at making friends and well… that left Nikki and Jason besides themselves. In part because they hurt for him because they wanted him to have those friendships and that joy but also because… they didn't know why he was struggling in that manner. For that deep bond, the one that just tells us exactly what we need to know about a family member, wasn’t there. Which in turn motivated the two of them to invite a bevy of kids to the party, and do their best to just create a great time and see if the joy would indeed motivate Tyler to open up and have fun and make some new friends along the way and well, sadly… that particular plan didn’t quite come to fruition as they had so desperately hoped.

For Tyler hid at his party, and was clearly overwhelmed by the situation and well… when they spent a little time with him and pondered upon external advice from their adoption advisor, they came to realize that being alone on his own so much and being cast aside often, left him untrusting of making connections. After all, they were going to end anyways, at least in his mind, and that motivated this wonderful couple… to try a new approach. So rather than just try and will a fix and the bond into existence… they took the time to advise Tyler and chat with him, to better understand his feelings and worries, before slipping into full on parent mode. Wherein they were able to support him and teach him how little steps could fix his worries and get him where he needed to be, and wouldn’t you know it? This particular approach worked like a charm.

Because Tyler eventually opened up, made some friends and had a lovely time after all and more importantly… he began to bond with Nikki and Jason on that fundamental level. For now, they each had an understanding of how Tyler ticks and what makes him happy and how he handles strife, and he learned he can trust them. Making it clear that creating that bond with a person that isn’t blood… involves patience and observation and communication and baby steps and that’s a powerful lesson to find here. For it applies to more than just this situation, and once again, this lesson teaches people in Nikki and Jason’s position, their own next steps in bonding with their adopted family. Making this another critically poignant episode, and a beautiful one as well. Since it was wonderful to see this play out, and now that we’ve reached the end of this particular journey, it is safe to say that we are all eager to see what other powerful lessons on parenting await us… as season three continues along. Until next time.

We often like to believe, that once we’ve reached a particularly satisfying and joyous point in our lives, one where we’ve grown and made great progress mentally and emotionally via self-care… that we have in essence, reached the end of a journey. As though, we are complete and now we can handle whatever life throws our way without a worry in the world, and while there is some truth to be found in that… since we do come out of the other side of that experience with newfound perspective and strength, there is simply no such thing as easy street. For sometimes old habits sneak back into our lives and set us back a bit. Not to mention, the universe finds new ways to test us.
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Which means that we are a work in progress, one that is constantly evolving to meet the demands of new challenges and well, this critical lesson about life is top of mind today, simply because it served as the central theme to the season two premiere of The Outlaws on Prime Video. For when we catch up with our favorite Outlaws, a few months after season one… they’re absolutely hoping that life is about to become extremely easy and smooth, allowing for them to fall into some of those exact traps along the way. For instance, Gabriella believed that she was in a perfect place and could get back to her usual ways of partying and being a grand influencer. Despite the fact that she still hadn’t resolved some of her temper issues, or her spending issues. Since she came to learn from Greg that she was running out of cash because of her father’s decision to cut her off. But that didn’t stop her from pushing to continue to live her lavish lifestyle and push people away when they called her to the carpet for letting bad habits persist because of how old habits die hard.

As for Frank, and Myrna, and John… well they quickly came to learn that just trying to coast after experiencing growth, does one no good. Because it can open up the mind to look at other issues to work at, something Myrna discovered when she realized that guilt regarding that police officer was bubbling up steadily. And John’s belief that doing right by his employees would just magically make him beloved once again at work, proved to be his undoing. Since he neglected to think about his father’s uptight standards for him and how John’s business maneuvers would be viewed as weakness, which led to his subsequent termination. As for Frank… well he came to learn that business as usual for a con man cannot take place when he has indeed made attempts to be kind to others, in the hopes of using that goodwill to ease the pain of leaving, as evidenced by the hurt his grandson expressed over Frank’s plan to leave.

As for Rani and Ben, well they came to learn that finding true closure is a big key to moving forward in life. Because despite taking some important steps toward independence, since Ben was quick to make peace with Christian and figured out a way to keep the Dean off their backs while Rani just renounced her family and stepped away from that situation… they didn’t address the root causes of why they wanted to push forward, nor did they properly lay down a foundation for their independence. For Rani really didn’t handle the divide between her parents and just ran from it… and that kept mother hanging about, and of course, just trying to will a powerful drug dealer into forgetting about the problems one caused, because one wishes to be free… simply isn’t possible. As evidenced by the fact that the Dean came calling and has set the stage for a different kind of challenge for the Outlaws.
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But all bigger setup aside, let’s be honest… this episode was a supremely wonderful way in which to explore, how easily complacency can settle in when we are on a quest to be better people. Especially when we’ve fallen upon supremely tough times. Because all we want in the middle of the darkness is a win, and when we get one, we ride that high for as long as possible. And it was just fascinating to see that reality on display here, and brilliant as well. Since stories tend to offer up what we want in our minds, a happy ending and nothing more. Which means that season two is indeed going to focus on the work that goes into sustained happiness and vigilance, where these intrepid characters will both continue to grow and learn how to maintain their growth along the way and for proof… look no further than the important moments that reflected that here.

Since Frank did indeed, finally do the right thing by laundering his money before giving a huge chunk of it to his family to make them whole and give them financial safety and security. Not to mention, Gabby once again relented her anger and acknowledged the truth. Plus, for the first time ever, Rani did make a point to seize the day and enjoy life for a change, and she even went so far as to express her feelings for Ben by finally giving into their attraction through a night of romance that was almost storybook in nature. Okay, scratch that. It was a disaster. Because getting kidnapped after making love overshadows anything magical about the moment. But what matters more, is that at long last, this wonderfully clever and thoughtful show is back on the air and our heroes have a little further to go growth wise before their journey ends, and it will just be a real treat to witness that happen in real time as season two rolls along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Paper Girls’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we are young, the future weighs heavy on our minds and rightfully so. After all, our parents inform us early on that time will fly by and youth will quickly give way to our teenage years. Wherein college awaits us and then adulthood, where the future becomes the present. Which means we have to quickly begin to ponder upon tomorrow and what kind of career we want and what schools will suit that best, and well, we go hard regarding such important thoughts. Since so many of the nights where we think about the future, we ponder upon endless scenarios before our thoughts turn to questions regarding what kind of person we will become and what we will stand for in this life, and of course… that allows for our imagination to run wild and ponder upon that in greater detail.
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To the point where we wonder what it might be like, to traverse time and potentially meet our future selves. So, we can see how many of our goals we managed to achieve and hear what wisdom we can impart upon ourselves. But of course, we know that such an encounter simply cannot be, and we go on with our lives and hope we can live up to our own expectations. However, the potential of that meeting is so powerful and so fascinating… that it is the kind of notion that outright haunts say, creative minds. Since a writer can envision such a meeting and it just so happens, that the writer’s room of Paper Girls on Prime Video… opted to explore just that, and well, ‘Weird Al Is Dead’ poses the possibility that such an encounter might not be as wondrous as we initially hope.

For 1988 Erin and 2019 Erin, had the chance to chat and visit while the Paper Girls enjoyed a little downtime in Erin’s family home. Wherein young Erin came to learn that life had not been kind to her future self and more or less quashed any youthful ambitions. To the point where it was obvious that Future Erin had basically settled and was carrying with her a lot of trauma and well, that revelation and the eventual fight these two individuals had regarding choices made… allowed for some powerful and poignant moments to play out. The kind that reminds us that the world can be cruel and tough and our sheltered standing in our youth, doesn’t prepare for us for that or the reality that trauma will shape us and change us. But at the same time this fascinating segment of the story also takes that reality to task. By pointing out that isn’t always healthy to compromise and it’s never healthy to let trauma take control. Setting the stage for potential growth for Future Erin and her younger self.

However, while it was incredible to see that play out and explore it in such detail, there was so much more that this episode had to offer. Since it also took the time to explore the flip side of traveling to the future and the joy it might bring some. For Mac made it clear that being in 2019 was a blessing in her eyes, since she was now free of the trappings of the past and the stigma surrounding her family, and it was fascinating to see someone find pleasure in being free from their present. Plus, this story also set the stage for bigger moments down the line. Since Prioress continued the hunt for the girls, even going so far as to learn more about KJ by invading her 1988 home and interrogating her parents, and of course… 2019 Erin might be far more useful than she believes. Since she figured out how turn on the device from the far future and learn a bit about its incredible benefits.

If anything, this was just… an incredible episode when all is said and done. One that was the perfect blend of science fiction and meaningful commentary on life. Plus, it also doesn’t hurt, that there was fun to be found in this story as well, since there were some delightfully comedic moments present, with the phone store and Erin’s crush on the guy that works there leading to some great laughs. Not to mention, this episode also found a way to remind us of the innocence of our teenage years and how we could always find fun in those days, regardless of what was going on around us and well… it really is the humanity that sells this story and sucks us in and well, now that the stage is set for more trouble from the future… it will be interesting to see how everyone maintains their humanity as Prioress closes in. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 309 of ‘For All Mankind’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we’ve been treated to some intense storytelling courtesy of the Apple TV+ series, For All Mankind. For the middle and latter segments of season three of this enthralling show… have allowed for us to bear witness to an envisioning of the first Mars landing, and what life on the Red Planet might entail. Which as it turns out, is a life full of danger and unknowns since the makeup of this world is alien and bad habits found their way to Mars. But now that the dust has settled on the Martian surface and with the three crews working together at last, the next episode of this show, opted to slow things down and give us a break… so some other matters could be handled.
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For ‘Coming Home’ is a story that featured some reckonings. Since Helios stock was falling from the sky following the death of multiple astronauts and that prompted the board to finally instill some consequences upon Dev for his inability to hold himself accountable or to proper ethics. Which is why the board voted to remove him and install Karen as the new boss of Helios, shaking up the future of the company in a dynamic manner. Plus, Margo Madison is about to pay the piper for her actions in keeping Sergei safe, since Aleida showed Bill Strausser her clue board... which in turn prompted the FBI to get involved and that will indeed bring all kinds of justified trouble to Margo’s doorstep. 

Plus, this is an episode that finally saw President Ellen Wilson make quite the bold decision. Because the walls were closing in on Larry as part of a squeeze on Congress’ part to get what they wanted and well… there was no avoiding the trouble to come. Because there were recordings in the Oval Office that exposed the fact that Larry committed perjury and that a cover up had taken place. So rather than let Larry take the fall and hide behind the shield of the office of the presidency and continue to dance around to keep his and Ellen’s orientation in the dark… she instead opted to address the nation and come out. Changing the narrative while finally allowing for LGBTQ+ individuals to be seen and it will be fascinating to see where this bold move takes Ellen in the finale, since she did this during a supremely conservative time in America’s history, in any universe.

But while it was wonderful and inspiring to see Ellen come out and vow to help other LGBTQ+ individuals find equality in America… there was still some space stuff to deal with in this tale. Because the humans on Mars were working hard to prepare for the voyage home. For they had to make fuel and they had to get Kelly up to Phoenix to properly handle the birth of her child and well… those particular aspects of the story managed to generate some of the show’s trademark tension. Because they might not have enough fuel ready in time for the return trip. Plus, Kelly gave us cause for concern as well, since she passed out for no good reason… jeopardizing her life and her baby’s life… while setting the stage for a powerhouse finale.

For all of these elements are undoubtedly going to come together in next week’s season three finale and it will be amazing to see what comes of Dev, and Ellen, and Margo, and Kelly and her child… and find out whether or not the Mars mission crew makes it back home. But while we wait for those reveals, we can bask in the wonder of a magnificent tale. One that truly allowed for the audience to breathe for a little bit and process the journey and prepare themselves for the ending ahead. For this series always delivers regarding a finale and now we are sadly left counting down the minutes until next week’s tale. To see how this season’s ambitious storylines all come together and to see how the show is going to set the stage for its upcoming fourth season.