Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Premiere of ‘Men In Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham’. 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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For the most part, travel shows are anything but cinematic. Because they are at their core, a documentary of sorts. One designed to really educate the viewer about a particular location in the world, and that of course… tends to bring forth a very even keel host for these shows, so the facts take the center stage and well… that’s basically that. We watch, we learn, we think about a trip there and we move on. But that format and thought process for the travel show is thankfully changing and fast. Because creatives are coming to understand that we don’t just want to be told what’s up, we want something immersive and one way to make that happen… is through a touch of cinema… the kind that was present during the season two premiere of the hit STARZ series, Men In Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham.

For ‘Adrenaline Country’ did more than just showcase some cool spots in New Zealand in a cinematic manner, which is where season two of this magnificent show will take place, it also… told us an engaging story to reintroduce us to Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish and ease us back into travel. A feat accomplished here, by way of a wee movie if you will. For the old FADE IN here offered up a melancholy Sam. For he was missing adventures around the globe with Graham and that brought forth lamenting at his local watering hole… and a phone call to his own friend to get things rolling. Which brought about some hard laughs, courtesy of the most inventive use of the Outlander theme song to date outside of the show, and a real sense of fun. The kind that more or less made us eager for said adventures and well, once this duo met up in New Zealand, we were able to see some incredible places. 

Because for this opening chapter, Graham more or less took Sam around his new home, since New Zealand is where he settled after his work in The Hobbit saga, and this served as the perfect opportunity to explore how this country, is an adrenaline junkie’s dream. Because this is a place where ziplining over massive chasms is an everyday leisure activity and the lads definitely took part in that. Plus, they even took the time to swim with freakin’ sharks because that’s a definite thrill. Not to mention, they explored the wonder of the glaciers present in New Zealand, courtesy of a helicopter ride and a hike that took this writer’s breath away. Since it truly showcased the wonder and majesty of this country, all by providing us with beautiful visuals of rolling green hills and breathtaking ice and well… let’s be honest… it doesn’t get much more cinematic than that.

If anything, though, this serves as a titanic shift for the show, in a great way. Because it means that this show really wants to lean into the sense of adventure that accompanies a roadtrip, and what better way to do that than with two talented veterans of the silver and small screen, and top-notch storytelling, and clearly this is a move that also serves the fans well. Because it is going to out right hook people. Because they will simply want more of those stunning cinematic visuals, so they too can take in the awe and wonder of this beautiful country.  All of which makes it clear that this series is going to grow and be more and that’s always a wonderful thing. Since the best stories out there in any capacity challenge the storyteller in some form or fashion or the audience.

However, while those words seem to hint at a complete reinvention of the show, have no fear, the classic stuff is still here. Because one of the big reasons we tune into this series is to see two best friends just banter and have a laugh and that isn’t going anywhere. As evidenced by the incredible screaming that Graham sent Sam’s way as he sailed on a zip line across one hell of a chasm, and we still get the fun of watching them go back and forth in the travel van. But what matters most, is that this wondrous series is back on the air, and it once again does what it did so well in its first season. Which is take us on a fun adventure to places we’ve never been, to see the world and see different cultures, and be reminded of the gift of life that we’ve been given, and it is going to be quite the treat to see more of New Zealand and feel the rush of that reminder as Sam and Graham’s adventures continue through the Land of the Long White Cloud. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 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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There are a great many reasons that people fall in love with science fiction. For some, their love relates to the fact that such stories allow for the reader or viewer to straight up travel to the stars and see the glory of the cosmos. For others, it relates to the sense of discovery these stories provide, since the unknown awaits amongst the stars. And of course, there are some that are in this for the action and adventure these stories provide, since now and again, watching starships battle can be quite the satisfying experience. But for whatever reason people embrace this genre, there is one aspect of it above all that people truly love the most. Specifically, its ability to showcase a future where humanity finally rises above its nonsense and stupidity and becomes something special and wondrous, and sometimes… these stories go one step further, and showcase how we do that.
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Which really does make for special storytelling when that happens. The kind that gives us so much to ponder upon and it just so happens that the Apple TV+ series, Foundation, is about to dive deep into that process. For ‘The Sighted and the Seen’, the next episode in this powerful saga, brought forth conflict. And the first major conflict that will require real discord for resolution, involved the Cleons. For Brother Dusk and Brother Dawn, came to worry about Brother Day’s machinations. Specifically, whether or not he had wiped their memories and that prompted them to pull their own data-streams to see if there was a variation in data. Which there was, but not how they expected. It was more so… that every Cleon past the first has experienced a very limited life and now… this trio must figure out how come together and understand what is missing and why, to live a full life and that will be no easy task.

Speaking of Brother Day, well he too brought forth more conflict. For Queen Sareth was determined to learn everything and anything she could about Brother Day and his potential involvement with her family’s passing, and how on earth anyone was able to get to him. Which prompted extreme measures on her part, such as going so far as to have her spy grab Day’s visual records from the same vault that Dawn and Dusk made their discovery within. And she also went as far as to get into Day’s chambers and truly push the envelope to get the truth. Which led to nothing but fights and ugliness between her and her potential mate, alongside some shocking truths in the background. Since Day did admit to manipulation to Demerzel and her secret was unlocked to the queen and her entourage as well, and that is indeed some epic conflict to overcome for peace, as is the situation that Hari’s lot found themselves facing in this story.

For they finally reached their destination and came to learn that Ignis was not what they expected it to be. For it was a world where minds could be read, courtesy of people long forgotten on this world that tuned their minds the instant Empire forgot about them, and their abilities allowed for manipulation to come into play and put this trio in quite the difficult place. For there was a grand back and forth with these people, the kind that made Hari, and Gaal, and Salvor deeply ponder upon whether or not they were friend or foe. Since there was violence followed by peace and well… all that matters regarding the confusion present here is that these people… have no heart or desire to go near the future that Hari knows can exist. They want their own path, one free from a Second Foundation and that is also, quite the juicy conflict to say the least. 

Yet in many ways, all these little twists and turns seem more grounded in drama than hope for a better tomorrow… but this truly was the setup point. For we need to see the conflict brew so that we can witness how to work through differences to say… complete a quest to live a full and happy life, which is what Dawn and Dusk are eager to grab hold of. And learn how people can bring justice forth and equality when someone powerful has wronged them and others, since that is what Sareth wants regarding her family. Not to mention Hari’s journey will explore in great detail how we get on the same page for a better tomorrow, and it is wonderful that this series is setting up the conflict and putting us in the thick of it, so we can see the process in full and learn plenty and enjoy… science fiction at its finest. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 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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Over the course of the past couple of weeks, the STARZ series, Heels, has provided us with quite the exploration/discussion, regarding what comes next in the days following the achievement of our lifelong dreams, and understandably so. After all, everyone in the DWL reached the top, and that is a big moment in our lives, one that doesn’t seem quite so powerful in that exact moment… but in retrospect it will be seen as a turning point, especially after the dust settles from everything that happens in the hours following that achievement. Because the arrival of our dream really does bring forth a lot of introspection and a lot of surprises, and that all comes at us in a fast and furious fashion because… we simply haven’t been paying attention to our needs or the issues that have needed resolution.
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For the dream was the focus, and the other stuff was handled accordingly and went the wayside, and it is quickly becoming apparent that this show is pondering so deeply upon what comes next, so, the dreamers watching, are ready and prepared when the big day comes. And there is plenty more for this show to explore regarding that. For this week’s episode, ‘Discord’, spoke deeply to some of the genuinely joyous and sobering surprises we encounter as we settle into the reality that we’ve made it. One of which… is the sheer fact that sometimes reaching the top opens up new opportunities in the most unexpected ways imaginable. As evidenced by Willie Day’s journey in this tale. Because Jack needed to see his brother, so he hit the road with his mom’s phone, since she put a tracker on Ace’s phone, to find his brother and have a long overdue heart to heart with him, and that meant… Willie was in charge. 

Which ignited something powerful within Willie. Because it allowed for her to finally be part of the sport and the league she loved on an intimate level and having that in front of her… really let her turn her creative juices loose. Which brought forth some amazing scripts and she was able to fully unlock her leadership skills at last and really guide this league toward something special. And… she even found a way to pivot when the going got tough. Because her initial plans for the league were blown up by stupid men doing stupid things, as stupid men are wont to do. Prompting her to ponder upon the creation of a women’s league. So that Crystal could continue to wrestle without concern, and it would offer wrestling opportunities to other women that wanted what Crystal and Willie wanted in life and well… this was just a magnificent storyline. One that truly showcased how the sky is the limit when we reach the top, and it let Willie grow and it finally put her on the path she’s always wanted.   

However, there was mention of some sobering lessons in this tale, and that took place between Jack and Ace. For we also came to learn that Ace was okay and saved by a couple of kind women that stumbled upon his campsite and him, and they also nursed him back to health before Ace crossed a bit of a line. But that behavior, and Jack’s quest to meet him brought forth the blunt lesson in question. In that, if we ever want to find true happiness with success in our lives… then we must deal with the tough stuff. The darkness within, the pain we carry, the things we’ve done. Because none of that stuff goes away when we reach the top. It sits there and it festers and well, Jack came to understand this and that prompted him… to do something we’ve never seen before when he was finally face to face with Ace. 

In that… he put his ego aside, and the anger he tended to carry… and was honest with his brother. Honest about what their father’s death did to him, and how deeply it hurt him and made him a bitter individual. And how he turned that bitterness into the machismo that he often dumped upon his brother and others. Which was a powerful admission to hear Jack speak, and it spoke to the central lesson here because clearly… Jack committed to self-work and was working hard to be a better person and be a better brother and husband. and that led to one of the most powerful moments we’ve ever seen between these brothers. Wherein Jack Spade apologized to Ace Spade and then… took the time to listen.  So that Ace could finally be heard, and finally open up about what respect meant to him, and how quite possibly he had none of his own, and that too led to a stunning revelation.
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In that, Ace was ready to stay out in the world and find his own way and find the respect he needed, and for the first time ever, Jack obliged. In fact, he even handed him a wad of cash and expressed his love for his brother before heading back toward Duffy. But what mattered more here, is that at long last… Jack and Ace, dealt with their pain. They faced the trauma head on together and made big steps toward healing as a family, and that’s huge. Because that’s needed to happen for some time, but more so because… now they can embrace their futures free from pain and really enjoy what life has to offer, and what is amazing is that the pleasant surprises regarding this sequence didn’t end there. Because eventually, Ace realized he needed to find respect by finishing what he started in Duffy, and not running, so he came home after all and was welcomed into Jack’s home. One that was whole again since Staci found grace for Jack and opted to give this family every chance to thrive. But alas, those wondrous moments were indeed slightly sullied by one last sour lesson.

In that, sometimes… when we do whatever it takes to achieve our dream… those actions can come back to haunt. For Jack’s return to the Duffy Dome was met with an ugly surprise. In that, Charlie Gully was hanging out in the shadows, and he wanted to make nice with Jack and talk about cross promotion between Dystopia and the DWL. A move that Jack balked at and that is when consequences came into play. Because being socked in the mouth and embarrassed on his own turf, and being further embarrassed at the fair, and being ripped on by Wild Bill on Diego’s podcast, prompted him to deliver a lawsuit against Jack. One that would destroy the DWL in court and Jack’s life. Unless of course… he played nice and let the cross promotion happen. Giving rise to the hard reality that Jack went a little too far in his quest to thrust the Duffy Wrestling League into the spotlight.

But that aside, this really was quite the powerful and magnificent episode. One that really did offer up a quality examination of how much our lives change when dreams come true and how much work awaits when they do as well. And it was equally as incredible to see Willie, and Jack and Ace, who have struggled a bit over the course of this series… find peace and happiness and see that spread to others, and it could not have come at a better time. For Charlie Gully has come calling and knows that Jack is going to take that deal, and let’s be honest… we know he will too. Because the Duffy Wrestling League is finally what everyone wanted it to be, what he wanted it to be, and he won’t let go of that. But now that Jack has peace and clarity, he can handle Charlie’s machinations and potentially see how to best him again, and it will be interesting to see how Jack navigates Gully’s latest attempts to control everything and everyone as season two continues along. Until next time.

To learn more about what season two means to Actors Stephen Amell, Alexander Ludwig, Allen Maldonaldo, Robby Reyes and Trey Trucker, check out interview with them, here.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 708 of ‘Outlander’. 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 fans of the hit STARZ series, Outlander, have been in a bit of a worried state for the past couple of weeks. After all, the show went hard into the spoils of war, and pondered upon its cost, courtesy of a vivid and brutal recreation of the First Battle of Saratoga. Wherein young William Ransom faced the horrors of death and where Jamie Fraser was left… in a compromised position. Which in turn left everyone wondering if he was going to be okay or if the show was going to do something quite bold and really show us what war can cost us, and well… that prompted everyone to tune in with nerves at their highest, as we waited with bated breath to learn of Jamie’s fate and if the show was going to offer up different lessons about war. 
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Thankfully, ‘Turning Points’, wasted little time in informing us that yes, Jamie was indeed going to be okay. For Claire made her way to the Saratoga battlefield as promised and rescued her ailing but living husband from scavengers and looters and quickly did her best to nurse him and others back to health. Which in turn allowed for the show to ponder upon different spoils of war. Such as the sheer ugliness of it, since the death toll and causalities in general was a lot to bear, alongside exploring the terror that people experience when the people they care about the most march toward it. Since Claire deeply thought about what her life could have been had her husband been lost at that battle, and well… that prompted more unique explorations regarding the spoils of war. 

After all, there were two battles of Saratoga, with the second one providing the American side with a favorable end, and of course… Jamie was asked to fight that battle as well… which brought about… quite the conundrum for him. For it was made clear that General Fraser was going to be fighting for the British side at this rematch. Which would force Jamie to fight family in the heat of the moment. Not to mention, he and Claire were faced with a fascinating surprise. For Major General Benedict Arnold was part of this battle as well, and the old concern of how to handle history was before Claire and Jamie, who were quite worried about potentially overstepping their bounds and changing the course of the war. So, they treaded lightly around the Major General and when the big day came… Jamie did his best to be a good solider but also be a good family man.

Because to complicate matters further, his son was at the Second Battle of Saratoga as well, and he had to decide exactly how to fight this battle without being the one to cause harm to his family. Which was no easy task. Since he was the finest rifleman on the field of battle, so he instead… opted to fire a warning shot at dear William to spook him away from the fight, properly, and he let one of his fellow soldiers take the shot at General Fraser. Keeping his conscience clear and allowing for him to wreak havoc elsewhere so American forces could earn a grand victory, which they most certainly did. And thankfully, that victory and humility, allowed for the seeds to be sown for Arnold to betray his rank and country as history required him to. All of which kept history on track and allowed for a powerful moment to take place in the Fraser family.
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For Jamie’s cousin was indeed dying, and with the battle over and honor in place, British forces asked Jamie to be at his cousin’s side, and he certainly did that, and paid his respects as his cousin expired. And that brought forth several surprises. Such as a moment of kindness and respect between father and son, and a request for Jamie to escort his cousin’s body home. For his final wishes were to be buried in his native Scotland and Jamie was happy to oblige. For it put he and Claire back on track and they eventually made their way there, closing out this season with quite the powerful lesson regarding the Revolutionary War. In that… we don’t think or talk enough about the fact that it was quite costly from an emotional standpoint. For others undoubtedly experienced what Jamie did, where brother fought against brother under different flags, and struggled emotionally and mentally with that reality. But that was the sacrifice that some were willing to make… to bring forth the birth of the United States of America. 

But that lesson aside, it would seem we are indeed done with this part of the story and the time has come to focus on the Fraser family’s return to Scotland, alongside that unpleasant surprise involving Bug and of course… Roger and Buck’s quest to find Jem awaits us as well. Who we learned here was swiped away for a chance at the gold. But while we wait to see all that be resolved and explored in 2024, when the show returns to the airwaves, we can celebrate one magnificent and powerful tale. One that really did put our nerves at ease over a character we love deeply, while offering up another fascinating history lesson, complete with another important figure in the mix… before giving us… some powerful lessons. About how war can wreak havoc on the souls of those who love the ones who fight, and how it can in fact… tear families apart in the name of what one side hopes… is something greater. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Finale of ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’. 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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​This week’s Strange New Worlds started the season two finale in a seemingly wholesome way, and that always gets immediately turned on its head in the Star Trek Universe. The main villain for this series has turned out to be the Gorn. While there has been tentative peace with the Klingons, the Gorn have been indiscriminately killing people left and right any chance they get.
 
This episode highlights another Gorn attack on a seemingly peaceful planet, that resembles the Midwest. Captain Marie Batel and her crew are on the planet at the time of the attack. There’s very little warning, but she manages to get a distress call out to the Enterprise. Pike is not one to just sit back and let helpless people die, so he’s ready to jump into danger. Starfleet has other things to say about that.
 
The Gorn have sent a message of where their boundaries with Federation space begins and ends, and the planet the Gorn are currently attacking, just so happens to be outside of Federation space. So, Pike and his crew are ordered to stay back. The thing is, you can’t be a Captain of the Enterprise if you follow the rules. It’s an unspoken law. It’s a good thing that Pike doesn’t listen, because he assembles a small crew and they head down to the planet, with Gorn fighting weapons and they find Marie and some civilians, and they also find one Montgomery Scott.

The second-best reveal in the season is seeing Scotty join the mix. He’s as brilliant as ever and has found a way to blend in and fight the Gorn using sound and makeshift force fields. The crew of the Enterprise aren’t slouches and they came up with a way to disable the signal blockers they discovered the Gorn were using, were able to rescue Scotty, Batel, and Pike. Christine is also rescued, after thought to be dead, she survived, and upon arrival to the ship is whisked away to help Batel. Batel, in standard zombie movie fashion, got infected with Gorn eggs and didn’t tell Pike until a day later.
 
All this while more Gorn ships arrive and start attacking the Enterprise while Starfleet orders them to retreat. The Gorn have taken the rest of the Enterprise landing crew and civilians onboard one of their ships, and it’s a no-win situation. It’s a brilliant episode that ends on a painful cliffhanger, leaving us with more questions and growing anxieties as we wait an entire year to have questions answered. Are Spock and Christine ever going to talk things out? Will Batel live so she can Pike can live as happy as they can until his unfortunate accident? Will the Gorn ever be defeated? Sam thinks they can be reasoned with and understood, but Pike thinks they’re just monsters. It’s all a toss-up at the moment.
 
Hopefully season three answers those questions without much more pain. The biggest question of all, though, is when will we get to see Bones?

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart’. To revisit the Series Premiere, 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. This article also contains discussions revolving around domestic violence and child abuse, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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One of the hardest moments to live through when we’ve suffered incredible trauma through loss and potentially other means… is that odd spot shortly after the dust has settled regarding our personal disaster. For at that point, there’s just silence and then our thoughts. Wherein we wonder what comes next, and that puts us on edge. For all we’ve known is hardship, and all we feel is raw emotion and that sends our minds and hearts racing. In part because we’re still in survival mode and unsure of how to stand down, but also because… unknown paths await us. For our lives could in fact be full of joy if healing and stability awaits. Or there’s more hardships on the horizon, or both… resulting in chaos and well, those endless possibilities are top of mind because all of them were put on display in the next episode of The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart on Prime Video.
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A feat that ‘Part 2: Wattle’ accomplished in part, by opening up with joy and love. For Alice came to learn that in her new home, she wasn’t going to be judged, and there were women around her that in many ways… she was connected to. For Thornhill, the place that June brought Alice to, was a refuge of sorts. Wherein women with painful pasts were encouraged to live in harmony and focus on the beauty of life and of recovery and a second chance. Not to mention, there was real nobility to be found at Thornhill. For a great deal of the women under June’s protection, were former victims of domestic violence. Who from time to time, would face the hard reality that those who brought them harm were back on the streets and likely ready to strike again.

Which was why, June took it upon herself, to bring these weak men to their knees. By finding out where they were staying or hanging out, through her network of information, so she could meet up with them, and poke the bear and expose their true nature, and press charges and send them back where they belonged. Which is a process that while dangerous has merit and that nobility. For the system often fails to really protect women in matters such as this, and this is the kind of vigilante revenge that while risky, does make the jackass pay. And really… this act, and the kindness shown to Alice, made it seem as though, healing was about to take place and better days were ahead for Alice. But alas, that sadly was not going to be the case. For once the wonder of Thornhill wore off, we came to learn that this was a house of cards built upon shaky and fragile lies, the kind designed to cover for the foundational trauma that made Clem into the nightmare that he was. 

Which led to the ugly in this story. The kind that informed us that June was in part, taking part in such actions to more or less atone for the generational trauma she imparted upon her own family. Which removed the nobility of it because a kind act grounded in motive is nothing short of selfish and we also learned… that June lied a lot. For she kept the truth about Agnes being in this place secret from Alice. Which was the last thing that Alice needed in this moment. Because her world was upended, and she was on edge and having PTSD related panic attacks. If anything, she clearly needed care and gentleness and that was nowhere to be found here, and the push to rush her into school only added to those pressures. For all of this put Alice in an uncertain place, wherein she was surrounded by lies and surrounded by new stresses and questions. Which put her life and her recovery on the rollercoaster we mentioned earlier, and there was more ugliness that came out of this.

Because eventually, Alice came to learn about the lie, since she discovered her mother was at Thornhill, and that brought forth a newly discovered fury within Alice. One born out of lies and manipulation and all the horrible things her father did to her emotionally, and that will bring forth more trouble ahead and really… in the end… this was just a powerful slice of life tale. One that really did explore how those precious days after our darkest hour can in fact go anywhere and any place. Giving rise to a supremely realistic story for certain, one that used that realism to flesh out the rest of the story and the characters in a powerful manner. Since clearly… Clem is the product of June’s dark side, one that we’ve only seen a taste of and that goes back to the core of this story. Which is to explore the root causes of domestic abuse and generational abuse and how that impacts a life, and we are seeing it to a tee. Since Alice is in a precarious and broken place and it will be interesting to see where her life goes from here, and what will come of the revelations that she discovered at Thornhill, and the ones involving Sally Morgan and her broken affair with Clem… as this powerhouse series continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Twisted Metal’. 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 particular problem that persists with video game adaptations for film or television, is that said adaptations tend to be devoid of character development, growth, or even depth for the people we are spending hours with. It’s just the world, and cool and/or familiar characters trudge through in a manner designed to really provide fan service over anything else. But what makes this so problematic is that audiences expect there to be more than just live action moments from the game, they want to see an enriching story, one that features depth and growth for the characters and really… only a handful of video game adaptations offer that and one of them thankfully, is the on the air right now. For Twisted Metal on Peacock really is providing us with that depth as evidenced by the last couple of episodes of the show.
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Since Sweet Tooth was presented to us as more than just a maniac in an ice cream truck, but a maniac that loved theater and had aspirations to be a star, and well… he’s not the only villain this series is eager to showcase in a vastly different light. For ‘NTHLAW1’ put Agent Stone in the spotlight and really explored what made him the grade-A, A-hole, that he is in this maddening world. Which as it turned out, related to the fact that he was always a jerk, just one that had to abide by the world’s rules. Which tends to keep the worst of the worst at bay, since many of them are cowards that don’t like pushback. But the end of everything changes the rules, and lets jerkwads embrace the ugly, as was the case with Stone. For this meek yet boastful police officer transformed from an officer that constantly wanted to cross to the line, to one that did, and used the law and the concept of order to hide behind evil actions, and that made for a fascinating examination of this character, one that was peppered in through more character centric moments.

The kind that finally made it clear that John Doe is indeed suffering from deep amnesia and that despite the frenemy vibe he and Quiet share, they have more in common than they know. In that, they do want justice in this world, and they want to see people at their best, but this rotten world doesn’t often let those wishes come true, nor can they really inspire it all that often. But more on that in a moment because we also came to learn… just how tough a duo they are. Because Stuart and Mike were under orders to get John to reveal the mapmaker that he made use of often, since that map avoided all the agency checkpoints and of course, that could cause harm for Stone and his lackeys, and that brought forth the wildest torture sequence ever. One set to Aqua’s ‘Barbie Girl’, and it is one that failed miserably because of how tough John and Quiet are and it ironically… showcased more of the good in their hearts. 

Because the failed attempt to break them, allowed for this duo to get some quality time with Stu, and they were able to convert him to the right side by pointing out how awful this place was, and how Stone basically asked him to just… be the worst version of himself. Which allowed for this duo to escape, without Stu sadly, and head back out into the world. Wherein they hopefully see their power over others when it comes to the good, they inspire. Because they turned a villain away from causing harm and that’s huge in this world, and that’s real growth and a chance for more of it, if they can overcome old habits. After all, this is still a wasteland world, full of anger and pain and suffering and it still influences demons. As evidenced by what Quiet wants to do now that she is free to stew in her anger again, which is… to put Agent Stone down in the name of vengeance for her brother.

Which of course, just adds to the wonder of this tale. Because that too, is depth and potential for growth and that is just marvelous to see here. Because it demonstrates that great care went into this adaptation of this wildly popular game, and those working behind the scenes really wanted something special to come together, and it is so far, so good for certain and of course… all of this was handled via the show’s trademark humor. Because the torture scenes shouldn’t have been all that funny, but they most certainly were. Thanks to the song choice and the choices made by Agent Stone to invoke fear, and well, in the end, the potential on the table now… really does leave us eager to continue the journey. Because we simply have to know if John and Quiet can overcome their inner demons and grow into genuine heroes, the kind this broken world needs right now. Until next time.   

Please enjoy this sneak peek of the season two premiere of ‘Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham’ which arrives tomorrow, 8/11/23 on STARZ!  
 
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.

Please enjoy this sneak peak of Episode 204 of ‘Minx’.  Which arrives tomorrow, 8/11/23 on STARZ!
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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.

Please enjoy this sneak peek of Episode 203 of Heels, which arrives tomorrow, 8/11/23 on STARZ!

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.