Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Premiere of ‘The Chelsea Detective’. To revisit the Season One Finale, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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It is definitely safe to say that season one of the Acorn TV series, The Chelsea Detective, was one of the most refreshing first-year seasons for a crime drama in ages. Simply because… this was a show that offered up fully fleshed out characters right out of the gate, and that’s rare. Since usually it takes a year or two to really come to understand what makes the characters tick. But here… we knew exactly what Detective Inspector Max Arnold was all about, and how his mind worked, and speaking of that… that too was quite refreshing. Since it allowed for us to explore neurodivergence and that’s something we don’t see on television all that often, not to mention… the sheer amount of diversity in season one was equally as compelling and powerful. Plus, the cases were simply top notch and thoughtful and wondrous, and well… the good news is that the time has come to enjoy more of this marvelous and compelling series. 
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For yesterday saw the season two premiere of the show arrive on Acorn TV and well… ‘The Blue Room’ simply did not miss a beat. Because not only was that diverse detective room back on the air, with some slight changes since it was revealed that Priya stepped away to handle family life, but her departure allowed for Detective Sergeant Layla Walsh to step in and flex her prowess regarding a supremely unique case that offered up a bevy of commentary about our world. One where an art gallery manager was found dead after a headline show with some rare and wonderful pieces, and well… that forced Max’s crew to dig deep into that world and that allowed for the story to deeply explore what money does to people. Specifically, how it can truly change people for the worse. 

Since we met an uppity socialite couple that was of course, suspect. Who did a wonderful job of projecting a sense of unity and stability regarding their marriage. Only for us to learn that they were… miserable individuals. Who were so rich and so influential, they lost touch with reality and more or less became caricatures of people. Especially when one considers the cold nature of how they treated one another in this tale. To the point where one would have let the other die rather than own up to truths or do something remotely human. All because the acquisition of money and things was their focus, and it was even poisoning those around them. For they hired a crooked cop that once worked with Layla and resigned instead of facing the music. And since he saw how much this couple had, he wanted a slice of the pie, and that prompted him to be as vapid as they to get a nice little payday that he didn’t really need. All again… because of the power of money and how it transforms us.

But what was amazing was that this story had more commentary to offer us regarding the power of cash. Because this tale also explored how it can help us to reinvent ourselves since we can in fact… buy our way into a new life and a new look, and how problematic that can be. Which was explored by way of the fallen art dealer. Who as it turned out, used his love of art to turn his life into a dream one. With a perfect husband and wealth untold, and well… his desire to be someone new and to forget about his roots is what cost him his life. For an old friend from a past life was employed to run a scam on the dealer’s very own gallery. Because he was dying of cancer and had nothing to lose by committing a little fraud, and well… arrogance and forgetting one’s roots… brought forth the end. Since that old chap couldn’t fathom how on earth someone, he called a close friend could have become so cold and so rude when an argument over who was in higher standing and how the robbery should have gone broke out.

All of which brought forth, a cerebral and powerful tale, one that really did dive deep into the horrible power of money, and of course… it offered so much more than those lessons. Since this was also a story that really did take the time to build the all-important dynamic between Layla and Max in the right manner, so they can work seamlessly together in future tales, and it also made sure to grow Max as well. Since he finally began to better communicate with his ex-wife Astrid here, and that might pay off in spades down the line. For this episode hinted that his actions might be exactly what Astrid was waiting for in their marriage in the first place. But what matters most, is that this wonderful series is back on the air. Because it really is different, it really is special and it truly does engage us with its wondrous writing and its wondrous characters and well, it will be genuinely interesting to see what amazing lessons we will take away from this refreshing series, as season two of continues along. Until next time.

Please enjoy this sneak peek of Episode 209 of ‘The Afterparty’, which debuts on Apple TV+ tomorrow, 8/30/23.

Also, this sneak peek was assembled/written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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One of the best parts of living through an era of television and pop culture where storytelling universes exist, is that we tend to enjoy shows from those universes year-round. Which keeps fans happy and allows for amazing stories to be told for a better chunk of the year, and one particular franchise that excels at this, is the Power Universe. Simply because, three times a year, we get to enjoy an iteration of Power and you don’t have to take our word for it, just look at the franchise’s 2023 schedule. After all, we opened up springtime with an incredible season of Power Book II: Ghost, and we are days away from enjoying season two of Power Book IV: Force, and early today, STARZ completed the Power 2023 scheduling cycle with a grand announcement.

In that, December 1st, 2023, will bring forth the third season of Power Book III: Raising Kanan, allowing for us to end our year, and likely start 2024, with another chapter in the tragic tale of Kanan Stark, and since fans of this franchise need as much as possible when an announcement is made, STARZ made sure to also offer up… some amazing first-look photos. To give us an idea of how high the stakes will be this season, especially when one considers how season two ended and well… since you’re eager for that early sneak peek of season three of Raising Kanan, here are those photos, and all the details available on year three of the show, courtesy of STARZ.

‘STARZ announced today the highly anticipated season three premiere for “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” set to return December 1, and revealed several first-look photos from the new season. New episodes of “Raising Kanan'' will be available weekly on Fridays at midnight ET/PT on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms and internationally on the LIONSGATE+ premium streaming platform in the U.K. and Ireland. On linear, it will debut on STARZ at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT in the U.S. and Canada.

With emotions high and the stakes even higher, we return to Southside Jamaica, Queens right where we left the Thomas family at the end of season two, with the family in turmoil and reeling from the Mob’s coordinated attack on Raquel, Marvin and Lou-Lou. The photos include a first look at new cast members Wendell Pierce and Erika Woods as “Snaps” and “Pop” Henry, as well as Grantham Coleman as “Ronnie,” whose casting was announced earlier this year. The new images also include Tony Danza reprising his role of Italian mobster Stefano Marchetti, and of course, returning series regulars including the formidable Patina Miller as “Raquel Thomas” and MeKai Curtis in the titular role of “Kanan Stark.”

Over the last two seasons of “Raising Kanan,” Kanan Stark has slowly learned the truth about not only his mother, but also himself. It has been a tortuous journey for him and everyone around him. With each new revelation, Kanan has been forced to confront his family’s seemingly never-ending web of secrets and lies. He has spent much of this time in a state of denial, but now, Kanan’s blinders are finally off, and he doesn’t like what he sees. In season three, Kanan finds himself grappling with the very notions of right and wrong. Good and evil. Fidelity and disloyalty. And he’s not alone. Every member of the Thomas family must confront an existential crisis that challenges their very identity. Whether it’s Marvin, who’s still trying to redeem himself, or Raq, who’s finally coming clean, or Lou, who’s wrestling with his own evil, or Jukebox, who’s simply trying to break free from her family’s pathology, they are all attempting to redefine and reinvent themselves. They won’t all be able to complete this intensely personal quest, but for those who do, the destination may reveal the most terrifying secret of all. There is no right and wrong or good and evil. There are no absolutes. In the end, there’s just you.

In addition to Miller, Curtis, Pierce, Woods and Danza, “Raising Kanan” stars Omar Epps as “Detective Malcolm Howard,” London Brown as “Marvin Thomas,” Malcolm Mays as “Lou-Lou Thomas,” Hailey Kilgore as “Jukebox,” Joey Bada$$ as “Unique,” Shanley Caswell as “Detective Burke” and Antonio Ortiz as “Famous.”

“Power Book III: Raising Kanan” is the second series in the expanded “Power” Universe franchise. Sascha Penn serves as showrunner and executive producer for season three. The “Power” Universe series is executive produced by the creator and showrunner of the original “Power,” Courtney A. Kemp through her production company End of Episode, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson through G-Unit Film and Television, and Mark Canton through Atmosphere Entertainment MM. Chris Selak, Kevin Fox, Santa Sierra, and Tash Grey also serve as executive producers. Lionsgate Television produces the series for STARZ.

Follow “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” on Social
Twitter: @RaisingKanan
Instagram: @RaisingKananStarz
Facebook: @RaisingKanan
Join the conversation with #RAISINGKANAN and #STARZ

About STARZ
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading global media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. In 2018, STARZ launched its international premium streaming platform STARZPLAY, now LIONSGATE+, to provide subscribers access to bold, curated storytelling. LIONSGATE+, coupled with the STARZPLAY ARABIA joint venture in MENA and Lionsgate Play in South and Southeast Asia, has a footprint that extends across the globe. STARZ and LIONSGATE+ are available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies around the world. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company. 

About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium global subscription platform to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world. The Company's film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by an 18,000-title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Black Snow’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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One prevailing belief that each and every one of us harbor regarding how crimes are solved in this world… is that justice will come forth out of a singular moment. One where an intrepid investigator quickly puts everything together and is able to narrow in and stun the perpetrator of the crime so badly… that they will be sent to jail quickly thanks to the overwhelming evidence that magnificent investigator uncovered… or they’ll simply confess. Which is a belief that we hold to because we’ve seen those very examples play out in real life, and we often hear about how each case has its own turning point. But the only problem with that belief… is that it is not one-hundred-percent true. Because while some cases do indeed go that route, there are so many more that do not. 
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Because let’s be honest… some criminals are meticulous in covering up their crime, so the evidence is not overwhelming. And of course… they rarely want to be caught. Because they know what being captured and tried in a court of law means… the end of their freedom. Or possibly the end of their life. Which means that more often than not, cases are solved in vastly different ways. Sometimes yes, there is indeed overwhelming evidence that comes into play, after an exhaustive and detailed investigation to ensure said evidence is iron clad. And sometimes, a lucky break comes into play or in the world of the Sundance Now and AMC series, Black Snow, a little time, and a lot of pressure, and fresh perspective, can begin to slowly crack an old case wide open.

For ‘Sugar Sugar’ opened up… with bittersweet news. In that, while the accident in question didn’t involve Kalana after all, it did bring forth… the end of Billy. Under strange circumstances that made it appear as though an accident had taken place, when, this smelled of a grand cover up and sadly… Billy’s end had a healthy impact upon the case. Because it allowed for James to detach from the crew of the local station house and no longer trust them implicitly, giving him the freedom, he needed to finally start focusing deeply on the case with a renewed intensity and a fresh perspective, and that paid off pretty well. Since it helped him to revisit the evidence, with Hazel, and they came to discover some extra footage that more or less informed James of where Isabel died, and that brought him one step closer to the truth.

But what mattered more here, was the pressure that Billy’s death put upon everyone else. Because his passing served as a stark and painful reminder of what everyone had lost in silence and ignorance, and since that was clearly coming back to haunt them, some opened up about mistakes that were made in the days following Isabel’s death, such as Hazel. Who admitted to being intimate with Anton shortly after Isabel’s end. Which was her secret, and she needed to be free of that pain. Whereas others… couldn’t bear to even face what they had done and worked even harder to bury the past and bury the truth. A move that will likely bring trouble forth for Chloe. Who burned some critical evidence here, the kind that likely would have brought forth answers… but that spoke to the guilt in her heart over this night and how… time and pressure will indeed lead to mistakes and rash decisions… and an uncovering of evidence.

Not necessarily from Chloe in this instance, but since Hazel and James were pouring over clues and looking for new avenues, they hadn’t thought about in the slightest… they revisited some of the simpler stuff and came to realize… that Anton might be a suspect after all. Thanks to a correlating clue that puts him near Isabel the night she died. All of which… set the stage for the finale of this series in a powerful manner. Since it speaks to a situation deteriorating for those with secrets and with guilt, since they are struggling to run and hide from that which they’ve kept at bay for decades, and that… it will likely be a mistake or a clue that someone missed that finally brings her killer to justice. The only question that remains… is who that killer actually is. Since there was plenty here to speak to multiple suspects, and it will be fascinating to learn who did it and see how this case wraps up in a realistic manner, when all is revealed in the finale. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Dark Winds’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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Often times in crime dramas, the moment the intrepid investigator and a supremely bad dude square off in the interrogation room… we are treated to some type of epic reveal. One that may in fact, reveal the motivations of the heinous crime in question since this scene serves as the perfect opportunity for the criminal to toot their own horn and relish in the chaos they caused. Or it could be the perfect time for us to learn… they’re nothing more than a cog in a wheel of chaos and suffering, wherein a bigger plot or bigger fish is presented to the hero and the audience, prompting a mad dash from the investigator in question to bring the case to a close and really serve justice. And well... this moment is something that sticks around often in this genre of storytelling, because it really is the perfect place to learn about the monster and/or up the ante for the story. 
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But now and again, you run into a crime drama that is eager to shake that up and offer something different for the audience, to add a little mystery to the monster or to up the stakes in a different manner and that is why this week’s episode of Dark Winds is of note. Because ‘Black Hole Sun’ opted to provide us with that different type of tale, even though initially, it seemed as though Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn was going to partake in that formula to a tee. After all, the Blond Man was in custody and they needed to talk, in the interrogation room no less… but that’s really as far as the story went regarding this tradition. Because the Blond Man, had no desire to talk to Joe about anything really. In fact, he continued to lie about his identity and continued to be aloof and cold about everything that happened. Which gave Joe, nothing to work with… and that was unfortunate because he was under extreme duress here.

In part, because he was still physically healing from, he and the Blond Man’s time in the snowy desert, but more so because… the Feds wanted the Blond Man. Because he was now facing federal charges for Murder One, and that meant that he was likely going to fry in an electric chair, and the Feds were ready to take him into custody. Which meant Joe had to quickly figure out how to get him to talk, to tie him to something greater and more powerful and well… he struggled there for certain. Because not even the private detective the Blond Man hired to find his mother was able to get him to talk. Which left Joe with little hope and little answers, and little closure. Something he was genuinely hoping to find, so he could start grieving properly for his son… and this silence left Joe in a holding pattern, the kind that allowed for the story to explore other plot threads.

Such the internal struggle that Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito was going through, because of the bittersweet news she received about her Border Patrol application. Because she made it into the service, and needed to figure out how to tell Joe, and that was difficult to ponder upon. Plus, we also saw Emma begin to warm up to the reporter from the Los Angeles Times, mainly because the women around her… wanted her to at least hear their stories, and Emma acquiesced to that. Plus, we saw Jim Chee come to learn that BJ Vines and the People of Darkness were not only appropriating Navajo Culture in a weird manner, but that they were in possession of something quite strange. Something that won’t be revealed to us until next week’s season two finale. Which is fine, because that allowed for the story to bring us to the shocking ‘conclusion’ of the whole mess with the Blond Man.
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But not before… we came to learn what forged this monster. Which as it turned out, related to the fact that he experienced severe trauma as a child, as a direct result of coming home to discover his family was brutally murdered by his mother. Which in turn prompted him to seemingly exact revenge and well… clearly the darkness of that day gave birth to a man that harbored no value for life, and he could potentially be looking for a mother that doesn’t exist… to find a tether to a world that he wants to be part of but cannot, because of his anger and shattered psyche, and that matters. Simply because it informed the audience of the danger this man represents, and that was hammered home… by his escape. Because he figured out how to get loose while being transported and hurt Gordo in the process, and that sets the stage for one epic season two finale.

One where secrets will be revealed, where Joe and the Blond Man will likely face off once again. But that aside, we absolutely need to celebrate one refreshing tale. One that genuinely offered up an important lesson regarding grief. In that, sometimes we don’t get the exact closure we want, or the signal we need to begin to grieve, and we need to handle it accordingly, as Emma pointed out here. And of course, this episode deserves a round of applause for offering up a different path to setting up the finale. Since there were no formulas to be found here… just good old-fashioned hints and surprises. The kind that will indeed make the wait for next week’s season two finale quite excruciating. Since we are beyond ready for answers, resolution… and justice. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the documentary, ‘Attenborough: Behind the Lens’. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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It is definitely safe to say, that there are few people in this world as well-known as David Attenborough and it makes sense as to why. Simply because David has given life to the modern nature documentary and has made so many stories about our world, and narrated them and starred in them, he is synonymous with them. To the point where we are taken aback when we watch a nature documentary that doesn’t feature his commentary or his thoughts upon the world, and well… as David’s incredible career begins to slow down and he begins to prepare for a well-deserved retirement from a genre of filmmaking he more or less shaped for the world, BBC America thought it would be worthwhile to reflect upon how he put together so many incredible stories.

Courtesy of a documentary that took the time to really examine how David’s incredible documentaries came to life and that made, Attenborough: Behind the Lens, quite the engaging watch. In large part, because it opens up to inform us… that David Attenborough, while steadfast serious on facts when he presents them to us, is nothing like that when the cameras are off. Simply because he is something of a jokester, a man that loves to entertain and have fun in between takes. Which gives rise to a fascinating perspective on this man, one that informs us that he really is someone that just enjoys what he does and finds the bright side of the moment and savors the moment and life, and it is just refreshing to see the human and fun side of a man that has taken the time to explore the ups and downs of nature. 

But that of course, speaks volume to a man that who’s passion for life reflects his passion for nature, and that allowed for the story to perfectly examine how that translates over to his work, and how the chance to tell the right kinds of stories, ones that would resonate with a new generation of thinkers, kept him out of retirement for a time. Simply because David, who fully understands the past limitations that technology harbored in creating documentaries, jumped at the chance to make new stories that capitalized on what that new technology could do. Which in turn, brought forth some of his most revolutionary work. Since David and the creative team that accompanied him around the world brought forth unprecedented footage with that new and dynamic technology and they even figured out how to make learning fun for younger children, through the use of 3D Technologies and CGI. 

However, what truly made these stories so unique and perhaps cemented David’s standing as an icon in the process… is the fact that David was front and center in so many of these stories. Because he truly opted for a hands-on approach with these dynamic tales and in doing so… really connected with audiences like never before. Because those moments with him speaking, brought forth the passion he harbors for this world and its wildlife, and it also brough forth, powerful moments and observations. The kind that forces us to think deeply on our role in the world going forward and what we can do to preserve this island Earth that we call home. But more importantly, this segment of the story reminded us precisely why David is the one-true icon for nature documentaries, and why his work lives on and is being celebrated with him easing into retirement.

All because… he simply wanted to educate the world about the world and do so in a compelling and passionate manner that made the material relatable and accessible, and well… he did so well with that, he spent sixty-plus years doing so, to the point where he will remain synonymous this type of story for generations on end, and well… this was just a heartwarming documentary. One that really showcased the man behind some of the most important documentaries to ever be created, and hopefully this charming examination of David’s life and career, will serve as inspiration for someone in the next generation of documentarians. So, they can pick up David’s mantle and showcase more of the beauty and the majesty of the stunning world we call home.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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There are a great many reasons that people hit the road to enjoy a roadtrip. For some… it’s about the chance to just get away from it all and immerse themselves in a corner of the world that they know nothing of. For others, it’s about the experience and the chance to learn, since we can in fact, immerse ourselves in the local culture that we are visiting, and soak up its wonder and take its lessons home when we must bid farewell to our destination. But of the many reasons we hit the road, there is one above all that we all share in. In that, we cannot wait to sample the local cuisine at our destination and enjoy what that has to offer. Because food is the just the best, especially the kind that is local and that we know nothing about. 
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If anything, that particularly delightful and delicious aspect of the roadtrip is top of mind today, simply because… that’s precisely what Sam and Graham took part in, in the next episode of Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham. For ‘Taste of New Zealand’ was the perfect opportunity for these Scotsmen to settle in and really see what the food of New Zealand was all about. However, while it would have been entertaining and mouthwatering to watch these two just stop by a ton of amazing restaurants and feast before our eyes, in the same manner we would… this duo opted to go a little deeper and really come to understand how the sausage is made so to speak. And the honey. And the milk, and the wine. 

For they hit the road to visit a bevy of food production facilities on the North and South Islands, and they did indeed take a little time to learn about how honey is cultivated and made in New Zealand, courtesy of a visit to an apiary. Wherein the process was laid out, and the lads also learned about the high inspection standards that honey goes through in New Zealand before hitting the shelves, and Sam was so taken aback by the wonder of the bee, that he tried to take a few home. But Graham said no of course, because they had to learn about milk, and stopped by a dairy farm to do so. Which in turn allowed for them to learn what the milking process looks like, and that brought forth some awkward and hilarious moments. And once they were done getting fresh milk, they moooooved on over to a local vineyard to learn about how the coast and the various temperatures it presented, made for amazing wines.

But while it was indeed fun to learn about these various foods and what goes into creating them, one must sample the best that a destination has to offer and that’s precisely why Sam and Graham stopped by Fleur’s Place. A renowned restaurant that offered gourmet and traditionally prepared dishes to this duo and goodness… did they eat one incredible meal. Since owner and chef, Fleur Sullivan, brought forth all kinds of stunning traditional dishes. The kind that was boiled and baked with care, and even cooked and steamed in massive kelp bag, because that is as traditional as it gets and clearly… this meal put these lads into a world of joy. Because they were simply speechless as they sampled what Fleur had to offer and well, that’s the payoff of exploring local food on a roadtrip, and well… you couldn’t ask for a better way to end this episode.

One that did a fine job of informing the viewer, that perhaps we too should take a little time and explore a little more about the local cuisine at our destination. To really understand the pride that goes into the local food that is made and to just have the complete picture of the local meals one is about to enjoy. Because that made this journey quite special for certain and of course… the trademark humor and fun this duo embraces, was on full display along the way. Courtesy of puns, an impromptu musical number and we even received some of that cinematic magic that season two has introduced and all of that made, for one delicious tale. One that undoubtedly left us hungry as well, since so much of what we saw was delectable and well… now that we’ve reached the end of this savory journey, it will be interesting to see what epic adventures lie ahead next week, as Sam and Graham bring their journey through New Zealand to a close in the season two finale. Until then.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Minx’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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One unfortunate truth about what our lives will look like when we enter a new phase, one that involves living out our greatest dreams… is that it will begin to no longer resemble what we’ve grown accustomed to. Simply because, people change, people grow and life throws curveballs at us regardless of where we are at… and that can shock us and make us uncomfortable. For we are creatures of habit and comfort, and firmly think that a status quo will forever exist, or better days will become the status quo, when that simply is not the case. if anything, the shocking moment when we begin to realize that life will continue to evolve and surprise in the next phase our lives is top of mind today, because so many of the characters in the hit STARZ series, Minx, came to learn that difficult lesson in some unique ways in the next episode of the show.
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For instance, Bambi came to learn in ‘This is our zig’ that sometimes, people we think of as family and people we consider to be close to us… will move on for fascinating reasons. For Richie made it clear to her… that he was ready to bid farewell to Minx. Simply because he felt he was no longer being challenged at the magazine and was no longer able to flex creative muscles and he needed that. So, he moved his mindset to one that was business related and started to prepare his résumé for the next chapter. But not before… Bambi took the time to properly bid farewell to someone she deeply cared about. Through a kick-ass drug binge and close friend day no less, which helped her to process this reality and sadly… her journey and understanding of this lesson was the only time we saw such matters end in an uplifting manner.

Because Doug Renetti, more or less had his heart broken in this tale, despite doing his best to be the best version of himself. Because he realized that now was his chance to put together the life, he thought he deserved when success finally arrived, and that prompted him to prepare to propose to Tina and he even made nice with her family for a change, to ensure that there would be no drama when he popped the question and tied the knot. Only for him to learn… that Tina was not the woman he met. She had grown and had deep rooted ambition now and was in fact, going to be the one to run the international division. Which shattered Doug, because he really thought a status quo was on its way in this relationship, and that his role and future were cemented at last instead of being stuck with the hustle, and that was a fine reminder of how quickly life can change when we’ve entered a new chapter, and how sometimes… our post-top-of-the-mountain plans, don’t come together in the manner we desire.

However, it was Joyce that learned the harshest version of this lesson. Because she and Shelly were headed to Vassar, Joyce’s Alma Mater, for quite the ceremony. One that was to honor Joyce and praise her for the success she now enjoyed and that of course… put Joyce on cloud nine. Because at this point in her journey, she has become used to the accolades, and enjoyed them in small and controlled doses and this was that to a tee. That is until her old professor and mentor made the moves on her sister, and pulled the spotlight away, and that prompted a fight between Shelly and Joyce. One where Shelly pointed out how selfish Joyce had become and how she needed to humble herself, because of what these events turned her into. Which were words that left Joyce in a stunned place. Because Shelly was of course right, and this kind of attitude wasn’t sustainable. And it’s hard to learn that lesson from family… and from the universe.  

For in the closing moments of this tale, the universe hammered home how important it was to be humble yet joyous, for now… all eyes were upon Joyce. For Rolling Stone’s article on her was out at last. But that aside, this was an intimate and fascinating tale. One that really did explore the complex nature of life and how success creates unique changes for everyone that partakes in it. Since so many here are growing and changing and confronting the reality that nothing will ever be the same, and truly… it will be interesting to see in the weeks to come, how Bambi navigates a shattered work family life since she cherishes that so, and how Doug handles the fact that the hustle remains despite finding success and how Joyce handles being a true public figure when she’s enjoyed control of that. Because those are powerful and complex challenges that can make us… or break us, depending upon the response. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Heels’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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Respect is something that each and every one of us believes will accompany our rise to the top of our respective career field. After all, we’re at the peak, we are the best and we are doing what we love, and the work that went into obtaining that and the work we put forth in present day… speaks to someone that has earned respect. Because that’s what the best command from the rest of us, and well… it doesn’t take long for us to learn when we’ve obtained our dream… that immediate respect isn’t universal once we’ve settled in. Simply because… there are some who aren’t happy about our rise, and they think we don’t deserve it and need to earn their respect and that means… new and unique fights awaits us.
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One where we must creatively earn the respect of some or be direct and point out why we’ve earned our keep and our spot and those particular battles are top of mind today, simply because just about everyone had to deal with them in the next episode of Heels on STARZ. For ‘Who the Hell is the Condamned?’ was a story that picked up shortly after Ace Spade revealed his new character to the world and the joy that the crowd produced over his arrival, brought forth some issues regarding respect. For the Condamned’s arrival was in fact, a Jack Spade writing masterpiece, a kayfabe for the ages, and that… combined with the state fair success should have brought about a great deal of respect from Charlie Gully and his FWD buddies. But alas, it most certainly did not.

Instead, it brought forth ire, since Gully loved to be in the spotlight, and couldn’t stand that Jack Spade figured out how to rob him of that accolade and out write and outwit him on this night, and that led… to a whole lot of disrespect. The kind that involved threats, and enough F-bombs to shock an angry and surly sailor, and the expectation that respect be paid only to Charlie Gully. A move that helped Jack to quickly learn how much the DWL’s outright and meteoric success threatened Charlie Gully and everything he had worked for and if Jack wanted this to go smooth and find a measure of respect from his foe… he would have to earn it in the most unique way imaginable, and that prompted him to start pondering on how best to make that happen. 

While Jack worked on that, other folks in the league pondered upon how best to earn respect in this life when we are due it, and it just so happened that Diego Cottonmouth made it clear that sometimes… we need to point out that we are due it in a direct and honest manner. Because Wild Bill continued to make Diego his errand boy in this episode, to the point where Diego was frustrated to no end, because he had paid his dues with Bill, shown his worth and shown that he was an equal, not a Valet. Which prompted him to be direct with Bill about this disrespect, in the only way that Bill understands… with a dash of drama. But it worked and it allowed for Diego to receive his due, hammering home how being honest and asking for what we deserve, will absolutely pay off in spades.

However, it was Crystal’s journey that pointed out that sometimes… we will genuinely need to demand respect from others. Which can be related sometimes… to being too close to someone that hasn’t objectively seen what we’ve accomplished, and that was the scenario that prompted Crystal’s demand here. Because Willie continued to snap at her and pay her accomplishments no mind, and same went for the now burgeoning women’s league and the opportunities that could bring Crystal, and that motivated Crystal to stand up for herself. Wherein she dished some tough talk back at Willie and made clear how far she had come in this journey and how she needed to maintain momentum and have every opportunity to showcase her ability in this male-dominated sport, and well… that earned her some hard respect.
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The kind that prompted Willie to come to Jack with one hell of an idea for a script. Because Gully wanted an appearance from the Condamned at the FWD/DWL cross promotion, and what better way to do that, since Ace wasn’t keen on wrestling in Gully’s ring once again, then with an epic storyline for the ages? One that allowed for Crystal Tyler to wrestle in a flagship match and show off her acting skills. Courtesy of a carefully woven script from Jack that saw her turn against the Duffy Wrestling League and sign with Florida Wrestling Dystopia in a manner so epic and so harrowing, that the Condamned had to soar into the ring to save Jack Spade. Who stepped into the ring to sell the story, and while that storyline made Gully quite happy… since he got the drama and attention he wanted, a cameo from the Condamned, and was able to slug Jack Spade in the process, it didn’t earn the DWL the respect Jack was hoping for.

Which also brough forth a powerful lesson, in that… you can’t please them all… and sometimes you won’t earn that respect. But this was also an opportunity to remind us, that hard work and being the best will garner respect, the kind that can be life-changing, as evidenced by the shocker at the end of this story. For in the House of Gully on this night, was a talent scout of sorts. A man named Brooks Rizzo, who was from a budding streamer known as Continuum, and he was there to scout FWD and see what they were all about. But Jack’s writing, Crystal’s performance and the sheer explosion that generated from the crowd, allowed for Brooks to understand the real talent in the ring, and he made contact with Willie. Out of pure respect for their craft and well, that may change everything for the Duffy Wrestling League.

For Brooks and his boss, Jen Lussier, want the next hot thing to stream. Something to build a streaming empire upon, and a down home pro wrestling league might be just that. But the endless and incredible possibilities regarding that aside, this was… another brilliant episode from an outright brilliant series. For this story once again looked at a corner of the human condition that we don’t talk about enough, and how much respect means to us and how hard it can be to grab hold of it when we deserve it. Since we confuse respect with ego and brashness, when in fact… we are owed what we are due, and there are ways to do it that aren’t so Gully-esque, and the show deserves a round of applause for offering up a magnificent life lesson, and for setting the stage for something big. For Continuum has come calling, and that might help fix some of the ugly truths Staci found in this tale and bring peace and stability to the DWL at last. Until next time

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘Foundation’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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It is definitely safe to say, that season two of the hit Apple TV+ series, Foundation, has been nothing short of a masterclass in how to build tension. Simply because… for weeks now, every small decision, and every large decision made by the characters have been met with opposite force. The kind that has kept the fate of the galaxy in the balance and teetering on the edge of disaster. Which has indeed brought forth stunning tension, courtesy of that back and forth, and that has put us on the edge of our seats in a manner that few shows can, and this incredible tension-building has also left the fans wondering deeply… when that tension is going to boil over and which direction things may go. And well… the beginnings of an answer to those questions came forth in the next episode of this magnificent series and sadly… it appears as though the peace so many are fighting for… may not be possible at this time. 
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For ‘A Necessary Death’ saw measures of peace and bold initiatives collapse in a terrifying manner. For while Brothers Constant and Poly pleaded a wonderful case to Empire regarding the need for peace between two worlds... one that included Hari’s visage… Empire had little desire in listening. Because Brother Day saw this as the perfect opportunity to flex his Imperial muscles and bring order to the potential of chaos. A belief that he doubled down upon when we learned of Hober Mallow’s mission. Which was to give the Spacers their freedom, a move that would have devastated Empire’s fleet. But their dependance upon Empire and fear of freedom, pushed them to turn him and Terminus’ technology over to Empire. Giving rise to a final decision on Day’s part… to blockade Terminus. Putting the galaxy on the brink of war, which would bring forth chaos and well… that wasn’t the only moment that seemingly set disaster in motion.

Because in between that meeting, Queen Sareth began to flex her own muscles. After all, she felt emboldened by how the wedding announcement went, so why not push a little harder and see what it might get her? So, she pressed hard and pushed back often when it came to what Demerzel demanded of her, to make it clear that a Queen would have autonomy in the palace, and that… was enough to have the ancient servant, hint at her own work in killing Sareth’s family to put the future queen in her place. Which nearly broke Sareth and pushed her to finally confront Day about such matters and confirm indeed that he gave the order to wipe her family out. Which in turn… left her in a difficult place. For to defy Empire now and back out would bring forth her own end. So, she opted to partake in revenge. The kind where she and Brother Dawn would become lovers and parents really, to ruin Day’s plans and throw further chaos into the plans to end the Genetic Dynasty and well… that too should bring forth chaos. For a Cleon not having his plans come to fruition is troublesome.

But of course, what played out on Ignis provided us with our biggest worries to date regarding the fate of the galaxy and this fight to prevent The Second Crisis. Because with Hari gone, Gaal was leaning hard into everything Tellem was selling. To the point where she was quickly slipping into that leadership role and well… that bothered Salvor to no end. Because something about the whole situation felt wrong, and that, combined with the fact that others were doing their best to block their thoughts from her… prompted her to go the extra mile to prove that something was amiss here and that the Mentalics did not have the best interests of this mother and daughter in mind. Which prompted Salvor to find some truth and dig into the secrets being kept about Hari’s exit and that led… to stunning disaster. Because Salvor found Hari’s waterlogged corpse and may become one herself. Since Tellem was waiting for her and apologized for what came next, but stated it was necessary to have dreams realized.

All of which, really did put the galaxy on the brink. For Empire is flexing its military might, chaos reigns in the palace and another hero might be gone at the hands of a broken individual that has the best intentions in mind, but their heart is poisoned and that… brought forth one stunning and tense tale. One where the tension climbed to its highest point to date, and it could truly break at any moment and will only increase in the weeks to come. Since one mistake at Terminus will lead to all-out war, the kind that could spill over to all the worlds of the galaxy. Not to mention, Cleon will soon be distracted and broken by Sareth’s actions at a critical time, since her decision will be revealed, and the possible death of Salvor will only harm Gaal further, and well… all of this is going to make the wait for next week’s episode as painful as can be. Since we are now dying to know if the pushback from good can continue and keep the madness at bay, or if this is it… and the Second Crisis is now upon all. Until next time.