Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Mr. Throwback’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one universal truth about life that some of us do not want to face or learn… it would have to be… that there is no escaping our past, and we must face it at some point in our lives. Because not only has it defined us to some extent by forming so much of who we are, but it is always with us, and it is always waiting for resolution in some form or fashion. That could involve something as simple as letting sour memories go to something as complex as facing our traumas. But one way or another we will face the past and the universe will ensure that happens, as evidenced by the next episode of Mr. Throwback on Peacock.

For ‘The Slump’ saw Danny deal with quite the painful conundrum. Because Steph was in a slump, and simply couldn’t drop a bucket on anyone. Which put Kimberly into a panic since it meant her world and the NBA world would fall to pieces and well, since the slump was so bad, Steph made a big ask. In that, he needed Danny to find Mitch, his father, and have him express how to fix his game. Because the last time he was off, Mitch knew how to fix the issue and that… deeply conflicted Danny. For then he would have to stand toe to toe with the one person that caused him incredible pain and sent his life down the toilet, and initially he felt it best, to leave the past in the past.

But Samantha made it clear that he kind of owed Steph for all the grace he offered and for all the money he sent over in the name of a grandiose lie, and well, that prompted Danny to head to his father, whom the film crew found, to help Steph before telling him the truth. And in making this decision, Danny found his way to dear old dad and learned that Mitch was sober and in recovery and was doing his best to impart wisdom on the youth of the world to be better and well… he even apologized in his own way and let Danny know that he tried to help him financially throughout the years. All of which barely moved Danny in the slightest, because this was a lot. In fact, he struggled to be near his father because of how much unresolved trauma was in his heart but he tried his best to forge ahead for Steph.

But an extended day that was designed to revisit the past and seemingly start a dialogue between father and son, was more than Danny could bear in that moment. So, he confronted his father and made it clear how much he hurt over what Mitch did to him so long ago. Because sadly, even though the universe lets us know we have to handle our business… we have to be ready to do so… and Danny was not. Which led to confrontation, a demand to know how to fix Steph’s game, and fiery payback. All because of the fresh pain this brought forth in Danny’s soul, and while he did fix Steph’s game and end the slump, the past remained unresolved, and the lie still hung heavy. Because judging from the pain we saw… it was all that Danny had in this moment… and that may all come crashing down soon.

Simply because, at the end of this story, the lie was exposed to Charlie through Steph’s post-game presser and that… could bring forth more disaster. But while we wait to see how that revelation plays out, we can celebrate one funny, but incredibly powerful tale. Because this one, dealt with some heavy stuff, and an element of the human condition that is uncomfortable to talk about, and it deserves a round of applause for handling it right. By showcasing how we have to be ready to handle it all and that handling yesterday isn’t easy and can be quite painful. All of which made for another brilliant story from this brilliant series, and truly, this does compel us to hit play and see what fresh jokes and critical moments for Danny await us as he struggles with the pain of the past and the lies of the present. Until next time.

Please enjoy an exclusive sneak peek of Episode 204 of Kold x Windy, in advance of the show’s return tomorrow on ALLBLK!

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Bad Monkey’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular truth about murder that we are finally coming to understand in modern times… is that it is an act born out of more than cruelty and evil. Because our newfound attention to the many murder cases out there have proven that people kill for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes it involves a desire to be rich and murder, they believe, will somehow line their pockets with cash. For some it is about revenge and a need to feel whole and now and again… it is a heat of the moment act that changes lives forever. But the reason we now look toward the why behind murder is critical. Since it helps to properly paint a picture as to how a crime took place and that can help in doling out the proper penalty in court and also… to just help us understand how people can decide to take part in such an act.

If anything, the why is top of mind today, simply because it was put on display in the next episode of Bad Monkey on Apple TV+. For ‘Nothing’s Wrong With It, I Just Don’t’ Need It Anymore’ took us back in time to better understand why Nick (also known as Christopher) and Eve were so eager to harm others and well… for them it related to two things. For starters, both of them never went down the path they wanted in this life. In fact, their lives went the opposite of their hopes and dreams, marginalizing them and leaving them listless until they found one another, and discovered their toxic personalities clicked. Wherein they fed one another what they needed, and that level of loneliness and co-dependency can indeed be dangerous and it… combined with some money issues… brought forth their worst demons.
 
Because when faced with being apart and not enjoying their lifestyle, Nick put together a plan to have his arm severed and tied to the boat to get some hardcore insurance money. Which brought about the wild moments we’ve enjoyed in this series, and real concerns from Eve. Because the thought of having this plot exposed at any second, and the thought of a lifestyle change because of that… was too much to bear. So… she felt the only recourse was murder and she got Nick to think the same way and one by one… people died. Some through trust, some through cold blood but the bottom line, was that they saw it necessary to protect their needs, their wants and desires and those are fascinating reasons to kill. Ones that they have now committed to, and are to an extent, addicted to. Since they also had a hand in ending the life of Heather, who of course… does the weather, and while this storyline could have carried the episode, it still had so much more to offer.

For this is also a story that looked to Yancy’s past as well. To better understand how he went from hot shot detective with the Miami PD to food inspector at the ass end of the Keys, and that came forth via a tussle with a crooked cop. Since we learned that Mendez used to run the tip line and would feed information to folks, he knew, so they could call in the tip, get the reward and split it with Mendez. And Yancy found out about this, made Mendez’s life hell over it and said the wrong things and did the wrongs things to get tossed down in the dumps. Which let us know that Yancy’s decision making is his undoing, and it may also bring him harm in present day. Since the tail end of this episode let us know that his persistence with Caitlin might have brought him to the end since Ol’ Saint Nick showed up to crack him upside the head, leaving Yancy’s status unknown. 

But if he does pull through because Nick decided for once, to throttle back, Mendez knows Yancy was at Izzy’s place shortly after Nick put his old friend down… so he will absolutely be in trouble there. But while we wait to see what will become of detective turned food inspector Andrew Yancy, and his blooming relationship with Rosa, since that grew here… we can celebrate one intelligent tale. One that really did dive deep into what makes people kill and how it can be empowering and addicting to those involved. Since wow, this duo cannot get enough of the darkness, nor do they seem to have bounds. Since there was some implication Caitlin might come to harm as well, and that absolutely has us ready to go when it comes to next week’s episode. So, we can see what fate lies ahead for her now that she is close to a pair of killers, and we can also learn how the Dragon Queen’s brief run in with Nick ties into Neville’s journey… courtesy of a show that just feeds us one great storyline after another. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Women in Blue (Las Azules)’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.

In this day and age, law enforcement definitely has some advantages when it comes to tracking down a killer or a serial killer. After all, digital data via cameras and other tools are readily available and can help in narrowing down the location of someone that’s taken a life or taken lives. Not to mention, social media can sometimes offer clues that lead to evidence and above all, technology can easily allow now for law enforcement to put together the pieces so to speak and outright prove who was responsible for a crime. Which is why we likely don’t hear as much as we used to about fear gripping the streets as killers roam free, because at last… science and technology have made the streets safer.

Which is why it is so incredibly fascinating to watch a show like Women in Blue (Las Azules) on Apple TV+. Simply because Las Azules and the Mexico City Police Department didn’t have those kinds of tools and aids at their fingertips. They had to do it the old-fashioned way, and how that worked back in the 1970s was put on full display in the next episode of the series. For The Undresser made his presence known to the world via the papers in ‘Laura’ and that put the city back into a hard state of fear. Since now, the public knew he was on the prowl and that no woman was safe. So, Escobedo and Commander Herrera informed Gerardo he had to do whatever was necessary to bring this monster to justice and that led… to some unsavory police work.
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The kind that established why people in the world fear the police and see them as monsters instead of heroes. Because there was a time where corruption and abuse were used often by police forces, and abuse was the name of the game for Gerardo in this tale. Because he and his brothers, and a few others were tasked with bringing suspects and people to question to a hotel ballroom. Wherein savage beatings took place to get ‘information’ that wouldn’t hold up in a court of law today, and well… this was simply a fascinating bit to see in this story. Since we don’t think about how desperate police agencies used to be without information and with pressure upon them, and we don’t think about how often they crossed the line at times back then. Which is why the story involving Las Azules was so much more refreshing and enjoyable.

Because they handled police work the right way. Since a strange tip on the tip line that the senior detectives felt was unimportant and a prank… led to some shocking facts. In that, there were more victims of The Undresser than previously known, ones that helped him learn how to be a better killer and be invisible to the world, and that shockingly brought about some evidence at last. Plus, they came to learn that he has a type, specifically… single working women. Since The Undresser believed that single working women were an abomination, something he interpreted from the city’s moral code statue, that bore the number 169. Not to mention, María visited a killer in jail to try and learn about The Undresser. Because Las Azules wanted the truth and wanted to do it right and this showcased how old school policework was conducted, in a supremely compelling manner.   

But of course, this is a story that is always eager to grow the characters and speak to the era and that was present here too. Since we finally saw Ángeles take a little control in her life and decide of her own accord whom she wanted to date, and that brought her to her first date ever. Plus, we also saw María’s push to make her husband a better man, actually go places, and she even found a little agency in love by getting close to the captain. But more importantly, she was threatened with a court order to be removed from her job due to the moral code. Which did inspire the investigation she took part in, but when word got back to Alejandro, he stood up for his wife and did all the right things. Plus, it was also amazing to see María use her standing to inspire others since she stood in for dear old dad at career day. And of course, evil made progress in this story as well. Since dark forces went after Valentina’s beloved reporter.
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All of which gave rise to one amazing episode. One that paid homage to some of the classics, such as The Silence of the Lambs, and truly showcased a different era of policework. One free from enhanced city street cameras and DNA tests and cell phone towers. One where clues had to be deeply explored and where evidence wasn’t readily available thanks to a lack of forensic teams, and that was fascinating to see play out, and uncomfortable at times. Because the dirty cop stuff is gross and inappropriate and sadly still part of our world. But that aside, this was just… a classic police serial. One that truly offered up one compelling moment after another, and it will be interesting to see what the clues uncovered here bring forth as the case continues along. Until next time.

Truly, it is quite amazing what television has become in the 21st Century. For in its early days, it was looked down upon and seen as mindless entertainment. But soon, it became a staple in the household, and people could not miss the wonderful stories that it sent our way, and now… well past the turn of the century… television is essential to everyday life. Because not only is it a perfect escape, but it remains an important place to gather our daily news, and it now offers stories that move us deeply and provide meaning and enrich our lives and… it’s also an incredible tool for learning. 

For so many networks and streamers now offer educational programming that really does help children learn and can help start discussions in the home about the world, about life, and anything in-between. Making television an invaluable learning aid in this day and age and well, earlier today, National Geographic let it be known, they are doing more to help people learn, via how they consume their entertainment. For they will be adding a fourth YouTube Channel, and they’re launching four new shows. Which is amazing and will truly help learning in the home, and well, to do this news justice, here are all the details on this magnificent announcement, courtesy of National Geographic. 

'National Geographic — the largest brand on social media with more than 810 million followers across platforms — announced today an expansion in its digital offerings in a continued commitment to bring original content to audiences by meeting them where they are. The first of a series of major social strategy changes the brand is making in response to the continuously evolving YouTube industry includes the launch of its fourth YouTube Channel, Nat Geo En Espanol.
 
In addition to the new YouTube channel, the team is developing and launching a new slate of YouTube original series, beginning with AZZA AND ZOC DO EARTH, which premiered on Aug. 6 and has seen tremendous success in its first few weeks, generating over 303K views and over 23K watch hours on YouTube. The series stars Aaron “Azza” Grist (@azzagrist) and Luke “Zoc” Zocchi (@zocobodypro), both of whom were featured in the brand’s critically acclaimed Disney+ Original series “Limitless with Chris Hemsworth.” “Chris Hemsworth’s Best Mates,” as they are affectionately referred to, continue the mission Hemsworth started with their own quest to learn how to live better and longer. The playful duo travel the globe and land in Bali in search of hidden health and wellness secrets, where they immerse themselves into the local community and culture. 
 
Next, THE CRUX, which premiered the first two episodes last week and with the next two episodes launching Aug. 29, takes audiences on an exhilarating journey with some of the world’s most elite climbers and looks back at the recent 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. THE CRUX, produced with the support of the International Federation of Sport Climbing, gives viewers a raw and emotional behind-the-scenes look into the unique journey that several climbers went through as they competed for a spot at the Games, including their personal triumphs and struggles. The series is presented by The North Face and produced by ThinkLess Studio and Little Monster Films, the Oscar®- BAFTA- and multiple Emmy®-winning production company founded by Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin.  
 
Athletes featured in THE CRUX include pro-climbers and 2024 Paris Olympic qualifiers Oriane Bertone (@oriane_bertone), Toby Roberts (@toby_climbing), Janja Garnbrett (@janja_garnbret) and Campbell Harrison (campbell_harrison547), as well as top climbers Alannah Yip (alannah_yip), Jenya Kazbekova (@jenya_kazbekova), Stasa Gejo (@gejostasa), Miho Nonaka (@nonaka_miho) and Mejdi Schelck (@mejdi_schalck). 
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“As we continue to refine our digital strategy to meet our fans where they are, this is an important step in the planned enhancement of our social presence and digital offerings. So many in our fan base connect with us on social, and we are committed to bringing them unique content and stories that represent the best of Nat Geo, while expanding the type of storytelling we deliver across platforms,” said David Miller, executive vice president, National Geographic. 
 
“Growing our YouTube presence to include a dedicated Spanish-language channel is the latest example of how National Geographic as a brand is increasing engagement and visibility in the social space. Our new YouTube Originals, featuring young and diverse talent from across the globe, are also an impactful next step in this process. This launch is just the start of an exciting rollout planned throughout the remainder of the year,” said Tulani André, vice president of Social Media at National Geographic.
 
In development and slated for release in late fall is a riveting and quintessentially Nat Geo new travel show, SUPERSKILLED WITH EVA ZU BECK, which will feature Eva zu Beck, adventurer and prominent YouTube storyteller. In the four-part series, zu Beck will travel to some of the world’s most remote locations in search of people who possess extraordinary skills that push the limits of the human mind and body. She was featured in a previous Nat Geo YouTube Original series earlier this year, “Best of the World,” in which she took viewers on a trip to Iceland to explore a unique wellness spa.
 
YouTube’s Nat Geo En Español joined the core Nat Geo YouTube page (23M Subs) along with Nat Geo WILD (5M subs) and Nat Geo Kids (1M subs) as another digital offering for consumers to engage with award-winning Nat Geo content, supporting the brand’s dedication to inclusive storytelling. The new channel, which allows Spanish speakers to enjoy National Geographic’s content, will include a diverse range of content and eventually host more than 200 hours of programming featuring popular Nat Geo genres, including culture, wildlife and history content. Since its launch on July 10, the channel has organically generated 10.2M views, 3.4M watch hours and 46K subs.  
 
YOUTUBE PREMIERE SCHEDULE:
 
NOW AVAILABLE:

• ¡Hombre se Enfrenta a un Tiburón! | Epic Shark Battle: Man Takes on a Shark! (“Man vs. Shark”)
• Tiburones contra Depredadores: ¿Quién ganará? | Shark vs. Predator. Who Will Win? (“Shark vs. Predator”)
• Enfrentamiento en el Océano: Tiburones vs. Atún | Ultimate Underwater Fight: Shark vs. Tuna (“Shark vs. Tuna”)
• Ataque de Tiburón en Alcatraz: ¿Misterio Revelado? | Alcatraz Shark Attack: Mystery Unveiled? (“Sharkatraz”)
• Leoparda Lucha por la Vida de Sus Crías | Leopard Fights for the Lives of Her Cubs (“Savage Kingdom” Season One: “Leopard Rock”)
• Tutankamón: ¡Tesoro Perdido Encontrado! | Tutankhamun: Lost Treasure Discovered! (“Lost Treasures of Egypt” Season One: “Tutankhamun’s Treasures”)
• Los Tiburones Más Peligrosos del Mundo: ¡Descúbrelos! | The World’s Most Dangerous Sharks: Discover Them! (“Big Sharks Rule”)
• Perros Salvajes: Cachorros en Peligro | Wild Dogs: Puppies in Danger (“Savage Kingdom” Season One: “The Pale Pack”)
• Faraona Egipcia que Cambió el Juego | Egyptian Pharaoh Who Changed the Game (“Lost Treasures of Egypt” Season One: “Warrior Pharaoh Queen”)
• Ataques de Tiburones: ¿Tan Predecibles como el Clima? | Shark Attacks: As Predictable as the Weather? (“Forecast: Shark Attack”)
• Leonas y Cachorros: Sobreviviendo al Exilio | Lioness and Her Cubs: Survivng Exile (“Savage Kingdom” Season One: “Queen of the North”)
• Ladrones de Tumbas en el Antiguo Egipto | Tomb Raiders in Ancient Egypt: Unearthing Secrets and Curses (“Lost Treasures of Egypt” Season One: “Tomb Raiders”)

 
PREMEIRING FALL 2024:

• 9/11: Control del Cielo | 9/11 Control the Skies
• Noche de Pelea Animal | Animal Fight Night
• Tesoros Perdidos de los Maya | Lost Treasures of the Maya
• Wild Sudamérica | South American Untamed
• Alerta Aeropuerto | To Catch a Smuggler 

 
THE CRUX PREMIERE SCHEDULE:
 
Now available — EPISODE ONE: “The Ascent Begins” — The massive Bern Stadium carries the roars of 17,000 fans, setting the stage for a World Championship like no other. The voices of different climbers describe the growth of the sport they love and what winning means to them. 
 
Now available — EPISODE TWO: “The Old Guard” — Back in Switzerland, the men’s climbing event begins to take place with veterans like Jakob Schubert, who has been dominating the competition scene for years, and athletes like Toby Roberts and Mejdi Schalk, who are carrying the torch for the new generation. The competition begins, and we can feel the tension in the air.
 
Premiering Aug. 29 — EPISODE THREE: “On the Edge” — In Melbourne, Campbell Harrison stands as a beacon of hope for the LGBTQ+ community in the climbing world. Cut to Jakarta, Indonesia, where we meet Nonaka Miho, a major star in the sport who is navigating her highs, lows and overall future. 
 
Premiering Aug. 29 — EPISODE FOUR: “Breaking Point” — The climbers train together while chatting about their careers and relationships. Friends become rivals as they strive to reach their dreams.

About National Geographic 
Award-winning and critically acclaimed National Geographic Content, part of a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, creates and delivers riveting stories and experiences in natural history, science, adventure and exploration. The brand is the largest on social media with over three-quarters of a billion followers across all major platforms that generate over one billion impressions each month. Inspiring a deeper connection to the world, National Geographic Content reaches 300 million people worldwide in 180 countries and 33 languages as a digital, social and print publisher and across the global National Geographic channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO), National Geographic Documentary Films, and direct-to-consumer platforms Disney+ and Hulu. Its diverse content includes Emmy® Award-winning franchise Genius, series Life Below Zero and Secrets of the Whales, and Oscar®- and BAFTA award-winning film Free Solo. For more information, visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or follow Nat Geo on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.'

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘My Lady Jane’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous and sadly, now cancelled Prime Video series, My Lady Jane, we talked a little bit about how amazing it was, that the show was going to explore a corner of history that never came to life. Specifically, what a potentially healthy royal regime under the watchful eye of Queen Jane Grey might look like. Since her real-world counterpart was barely queen for a handful of days in a far more tumultuous time, before losing her life in the worst possible way, and well, the next episode of this delightful series postulated that her reign would be filled to the brim with a little sweet, and a little sour. 

The sweet would have accompanied the fact that she was queen. Since that title gave her mother and her sisters real joy and real comfort in this life. For they quickly slid into the royal lifestyle and all its trappings with ease and with speed. Plus, we also learned that Jane would have used her powers for good. Since she quickly set out to uncover whether or not Lord Dudley had indeed caused her beloved Edward great harm. Granted, we knew the answer, and soon so did she. Because it wasn’t long before she was able to poke holes in the story of Seymour’s witness, and that allowed for Lord Dudley to be free at last and life… seemingly settled into normal.

For now, the Queen was upon her throne, the country was whole again and well, it didn’t take long for history to course correct a bit, and bring forth the sour. Because while the Queen worked to also find a cure for Guildford and learn more about what happened to her brother, dark forces plotted against her. For Mary and Seymour wanted their own agenda to be put into play and that would never happen with Jane sitting on the throne, so they went for broke, and plotted how to best to kill her without raising suspicion. But when using an Ethian to pull the deed off failed, Mary decided to move to more drastic measures. Such as straight up poisoning the Queen at dinner. Which also failed, because let’s be honest… Mary and Seymour could screw up making tea. 

Which also implied that brighter days were ahead, and that Jane would bring peace to the land and prosperity and get all the answers she needed regarding Edward’s fate. Especially since her sisters did her a solid and snuck into Seymour’s chambers/office to grab hold of critical data that could tell her everything she wanted to know regarding that. But alas, history continued to fight this change toward a different path. Since a late-night encounter between Mary and Jane, one where Jane flat out spoke some truth, ended horribly. For that truth prompted Mary to unleash all her pent-up fury and she seemingly ended Jane’s life right there on the lawn with her bare hands.

Leaving us to indeed wonder if history righted itself in a way by giving Jane another short go at the monarchy. Not to mention, Guildford’s secret was revealed in this tale, and that made, for the first real dark/bleak tale in the series, but a quality one none the less. Because life is full of sweet and sour moments, plain and simple. So, it stands to reason that some of that ugliness, appear here, and well, at the very least… the ugly we saw on display here does motivate one to hit play as quickly as possible. To see what will come forth out of Guildford’s secret being discovered, and to learn if Jane is indeed okay and if she will get her big shot at ruling the land. Oh… and to see what comes out of that OTHER big reveal at the end of this fascinating tale. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 303 of ‘Under the Vines’. To revisit the Season Three Premiere, click here.
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One of the hardest things we will ever have to deal with in this life, is having usurpers and parasites come into our lives and try to take over or take credit for the success we’ve worked so hard to achieve. Because they are relentless in nature and rarely go away when they’re asked to do so. So, we must figure out ways to be rid of them or to keep them away, so they don’t continue to steal our thunder. But that does beg the question… how? How does one push someone away that is determined to be in our spotlight and is too bullheaded to understand otherwise? Well, it just so happens, that the next episode of Under the Vines on Acorn TV explores the answers to those questions.

For when we catch up with Louis and Daisy in ‘Best Laid Plans’, they are dealing with just that. Because William’s precious new cellar/tasting room was nearing completion and that motivated him to disappear for a bit and be a nuisance elsewhere. Which prompted Louis and Daisy to think about how best to begin to squeeze William out. Because they surmised the right series of moves to re-assert themselves as the top bosses of Oakley Wines, might prompt him to just bugger off. So, they figured out a plan. One that was quite brutal in nature. In that, they would simply finish the room up quick, get word to the press and host them for an early exhibition of Oakley’s latest tasting room. 

A move that would indeed remind everyone who mattered most at the winery, and it seemed as though the plan was going to go off without a hitch. But alas, William’s lackey let him know of the move and the old egotist showed up and tried to lie his way through the event. As though he was the expert, and he almost got away with this little power play, since Louis and Daisy had to go to the hospital since Vic and Nic’s twins were on their way. But Tippy wasn’t down with that, and by putting herself in the spotlight, and even revealing her pregnancy she taught us… that if you can’t stop the parasite or get them to stay away… you dimmish them and their light. Because that starves them, stuns them and makes them second guess what they should do next, and that worked well here.

But we would be remiss to not discuss the Vic and Nic storyline. Because it was so powerful and so moving. After all, we knew there were worries about the one twin from Doctor David, and those worries are what prompted the birthday to come so quickly in this tale. Granted, all worked out in the end and the babies will be fine, but for a moment there… this show reminded us of how well this show can lean into dramatic elements. Since you truly felt the fear from Vic and Nic, and you saw how much support meant to them since they did have everyone around them in their hour of need, and that was just powerful and beautiful to see play out. In part because it is always lovely to see people come together for the right cause, but more so because of what this moment meant for Louis and Daisy.

For that really was a fine reminder, of how far they’ve come. Because not that long ago, they were outsiders that no one paid any mind to. But now they are truly laying down roots, they’re an important part of the community and the economy and they’re respected and loved and have a family surrounding them, and that… that’s magnificent. For it shows a positive result when it comes to starting over the right way and well, hopefully they can complete that journey by being rid of William. Who is indeed going off into the world with Don to help him with his wanderlust and perhaps this will give our heroes the opportunity to properly dimmish him and reclaim their winery. Courtesy of one bold counterpunch from the always surprising Tippy. Until next time. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘The Anonymous’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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Normally when it comes to reality competition shows, big twists and changes to the competition arrive late in the season, and rightfully so. Because at that point, you have but a handful of contestants left, who have likely figured out the game and have a plan as to how secure their victory. So, there is no better time to throw a wrench in the machine and mix things up, and well… we love that. Because it does ensure that the ending isn’t stale for the audience or the folks battling it out, and we’ve grown used to this being the norm. Which is why, the new series, The Anonymous, on USA Network took all of us by surprise last night. Simply, it decided to shake the competition up… big time… in its fourth episode no less.

That is of course, after handling some unpleasant business in ‘New Handle, New Me’. After all, someone still had to go home, and someone was The Anonymous and that turned out to be Xavier. Courtesy of his plan to deflect and attack and well, that prompted him to remove Tyrenna from the board. Completing his plan and bringing the field down to eight and well, that’s when DANI started dropping all of those game-changing surprises. Simply because, with everyone starting to figure out handles, and with only eight competitors left, in the playing field… DANI deemed that a handle refresh was in order. To keep things lively, and to keep people guessing. But that wasn’t the only shocker she had up her digital sleeve for the contestants.

Because they all noticed that when the refresh was over, that twelve avatars were present and that was due to the fact, that three new contestants entered the digital ring: Bismah, Wayne, and Victoria. All of whom had dynamic backgrounds that could serve them well in this game and just like that… the addition of three new contestants, brought about all kinds of new dynamics to the game. Since all three of them quickly went to work, and started assembling alliances and executing plans, and a little romance bloomed since Victoria and Christopher quickly found one another and flirted it up, and the arrival of this new group of competitors also brought some genuine drama in the match. Because this time around, the chat was quite brutal.

In part because it got back to Dillian about how some (well, Christopher,) had concerns about Dillian’s contributions to the group and that, combined with some new strategies brought about one brutal chat session. Wherein everyone took some big swings for the fences to be the Anonymous and that led to some hard frustrations, some hard words and more unique strategies. The kind that saw some folks go up for elimination that weren’t happy about it, and some explosive drama after the chat as well. Because Dillian, was in fact, furious over what Christopher had to say. So, there was a heated confrontation and a promise that when Dillian’s time comes to be the Anonymous, Christopher’s time would be up. 

All of which made… for a jaw dropping episode. Because we really did get comfortable, and we believed that patterns were going to emerge, that the alliance was going to be strengthened. But nope. This show blew everything up and took it in a vastly different direction, and just like that, we are back in undiscovered country and well, that brought forth… one amazing episode. Because it takes guts for a show to offer up this kind of twist, four episodes in. But this one did it, because it really does want to stand out and offer something new and well, it’s established now that we should expect the unexpected with this series, and it will be interesting to see what surprises await us as season one of this dynamic new show continues along. Until next time.

The hardest feat for a comedy series to accomplish, is character growth. Because comedy shows are designed to do one thing, make the audience laugh, and while it is okay to add a little heart and little messaging into the mix… the expectation is that the laughs rule the day. So, the vast majority of comedy shows hold to that, and the characters just stay the same and sometimes… that decision leads to wasted potential for a comedy. Because some are structured just right to do more and grow the people we’ve come to laugh alongside, and it is a shame that those shows don’t explore what could be, and that is why we should cherish the ones that figure out how to grow the characters, since those are something special… such as Acapulco on Apple TV+.
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For character growth was on display in the next episode of the show. A feat that ‘All Night Long’ accomplished by way of a wild night in the town. One where three amazing storylines brought about the growth in question. For instance, this is a night that saw Sara, explore her heart’s calling. For she spent the night hanging out with Gabriela, watching Poltergeist. To simply, be near her, and see if Gabriela’s heart was what her heart craved and needed and that stolen kiss at the end night implied that was so. Which truly spoke to how this show finds ways to grow its characters since that was a huge moment forward for Sara.

Not to mention, even Memo and Don Pablo received some moments of growth in this tale. Courtesy of a disaster at Las Colinas. For the hotel did have a policy to never end a party, but now and again that came into conflict, as it did in this tale. For a wedding was rolling into the wee hours of the night, and another event was taking place at six a.m. and well, the wedding was at a standstill. For the bride and groom were already fighting and the only way to end this, was to get them back together. So… Memo and Don Pablo went out to the find the groom, and eventually did, wherein Memo was able to be more than a washer of sheets. For he showcased his skills with people and put them to use and saved the day, with an assist from Julia. Making him more at last in this place and he even got Don Pablo to open up a bit. Not much mind you, but he was more open here and growth is growth.

But the true centerpiece of the night was Chad and Maximo’s growth. For they went off into the world to get world class coffee for that morning event, because Chad forgot to order it, and while on the road. Maximo had to combat Chad’s ignorance regarding Mexican culture. In fact, it irritated Maximo so badly, that he played a hell of a prank on Chad. One that almost ruined the night and the coffee delivery. Because the prank went too far and inspired the kind of panic that would burn out the battery of an electric cart. But while they waited to figure out how to get the coffee back to the resort, they were able to talk, and Maximo was able to get Chad to show some respect for Mexican culture, and Julia and life. Thanks to an assist from a car driver, they made it back on time and Chad showed off that newfound respect, and treated Julia better, and Maximo… well he learned how to let go at last and focus his hopes and dreams for love… elsewhere.

Because he learned that he couldn’t hold out for Julia forever and had to live life and find what he wanted, and he might be close, and all of this brought forth, a magnificent episode. One that really did see a bevy of characters grow, and some cause trouble… since Hector does indeed love a bride in need. But truly, it was the growth that was magical, since it is rare in comedies and what we saw was wondrous and natural and welcome. And… this episode was still incredibly funny. Since it found ways to drop some incredible gags and magnificently quirky situations. All of which reminds of how special this show is and how much we all love it, because it’s different, it’s refreshing and funny and full of so much heart, and it will be interesting to see where this growth takes these wonderful characters as season one of this magnificent series rolls along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 406 of ‘Snowpiercer’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular question that comes up often in our modern world… is what would it take to humble the rich and the powerful? Because let’s be honest… they are indeed quite egotistical in nature and truly believe they’re better than the everyday people of the world. And they do tend to avoid accountability and consequences for their actions because of the reverence society places upon fortune and glory. So, we often ask that question in the hopes of finding a smidge of catharsis since no one has answered it to date, since it helps us to imagine how the world might be a better place if it did happen. Which is also why, this question pops up in storytelling often, to also help give us that peace and to ponder upon how it might happen, as was the case in the next episode of Snowpiercer on AMC.

For ‘Bell the Cat’ focused primarily on one Joseph Wilford. Who we learned was scooped up by the advanced technology of the International Peacekeeping Force after being cast out into the cold and brought to the bunker to heal using the many potions that Nima and others developed in this place. Which of course, should have humbled Joseph since he was given a second chance at life. But we also came to learn, that a brush with death will not ever be the catalyst for the epiphany we crave for men like Wilford. No instead… it would have to entail meeting a force as strong as they. One that would teach them their place, and in present day, Admiral Anton Milius turned out to be that force in question. A discovery that came forth courtesy of the fact that Joseph was once again, all about that fancy lifestyle. 

Because he worked as slow as possible on the tasks he was given since he thought he was above such matters. After all, he was the genius behind Snowpiercer, long may she roll, and he also gave life to Big Alice. So, reverence should be paid! But Milius saw him as another asset and another person who needed to earn his keep and Wilford was not doing that. In fact, in the Admiral’s eyes, he was becoming a nuisance, since he often needed to be the center of attention and distracted the troops from their duties. So, Milius deemed that it was time to be done with Wilford. So, he ordered Wolf and the team, take Wilford to the lower levels. Where we learned about how the scars and the need for respirators for some came into play. Since down there, one of the attempts to save the atmosphere went horribly wrong.

So, it became a place of outcasts to the public, and a source of experimentation for those in the know, and Wilford was left down there to die, and nearly did. Because Layton was tossed down there too, and he was more than happy to knock a little sense into Wilford’s skull before being set back and well… this was a move that seemingly humbled Wilford like never before. Because we finally saw fear in his eyes, we finally saw him understand how his standing no longer mattered in the new world and that now he was just a man and might need to do more than be a status symbol. So, he in fact, offered to help Layton escape and to get him near his daughter. A deal Layton took, and it was a deal that may come to fruition. Since Alex was able to save them both from Milius, who learned they were alive and was ready to just waste the whole lot and move on. 
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Which, spoke to how… the rich and powerful could be humbled, and while that process may be easier said than done, this was an answer, and catharsis, and of course… time will tell how well the lesson sticks since well, Wilford has yet to show he can truly be trusted or truly cares. But perhaps the crisis at New Eden will aid in giving him a shot at redemption if he gets the chance to be involved. For Oz found Whiggins, and his stump while searching for Roche, and through some clever work came to discover that Whiggins stood idly by as the IPF set explosive charges along the ridge. The kind that would bury and kill everyone no problem. Leaving us to wonder why and leaving us to wonder if Big Alice will arrive safely. Since Snowpiercer is now ready to return to action and Milius is eager to have that second train to bring the mission to its close at long last. 

All of which brought about, just an amazing and satisfying episode. Since we’ve waited a long time to see Wilford meet an equal, and while Milius may not be of sound mind… since we saw him struggling mentally here… he did humble the giant ego of Joseph Wilford, and we did get to see Layton finally drop a little payback on him with his fists. But alas, all good things must come to an end, and now our attention is focused upon the fate of New Eden, if its leader can stand up to snuff, whether or not Roche is okay and of course… how this story is going to end. Because if there’s one truth about this saga, it is that it reflects life in the respect that nothing ever goes according to plan, and it will be interesting to see if the chaos that Milius set in motion can be overcome in order to save humanity. Until next time.