Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particularly powerful lesson that we have gleaned from the phenomenal AMC Networks series, Orphan Black: Echoes, is that grief as a direct result of loss… can drive us to do things we never thought we were capable of, in a negative manner. Since we came to learn that the entire mess that our printed clones are mired within, came as a result of the grief that Doctor Kira Manning suffered by losing her beloved Eleanor Miller. Which is a powerful way to express that message, one that clearly happens to be cautionary in nature for the audience and one… that the show was not done exploring believe it or not. For the season one finale of this magnificent series pondered upon something we’ve never seen tackled in storytelling before.

In that, what would happen, if someone with incredible power and equally as incredible resources… was suffering from the power of grief through loss? Well, it explored that… after some housekeeping came into order. For ‘We Will Come Again’ opened up with unsettling resolution regarding the whole matter with Charlie. Because ol’ Tom made it clear to Lucy that he wanted one thing and one thing alone in exchange for Charlie’s safety while meeting with her. In that, he wanted Jules. He wanted to turn her into the boss to curry favor at last, and well… Lucy was not good with that. For she wanted all versions of herself to be free, and as she expressed that desire to Jack, in earshot of Jules no less… Jules decided to offer herself up to save Charlie.

Which did indeed bring her back into the fold at the Darros compound and allowed for Charlie and Jack to say goodbye and head off to a new future, away from Lucy. Who opted to work with Eleanor, Kira and Xander to find a way to bring Jules home. Which they realized would involve, sneaking into the complex. A feat that would be possible since Darros was about to speak at a conference related to innovation/ego. So, while Darros made every and all preparations to take the stage, Xander returned home, apologized to Darros before he left, and brought Lucy into the complex. Wherein she freed Jules and escaped with her into the bowels of the Darros compound while Xander worked to break the printing machine once and for all, at Kira’s request… and that… is where the core exploration came into play.

For while Lucy and Jules worked to be free, Eleanor worked to uncover the identities behind those critical scans, and as Darros spoke, that was revealed. In that, Darros had taken the scans of the twelve most influential minds of the past generation and printed new versions of them and placed them within safe and secure foster homes. Simply because, Darros believed that the greatest minds in this life, went through too much sorrow, too much loss, too much pain before forging their magnificent path, and he wanted them… to be free of those matters and be allowed to just explore their minds and their greatness. So that perhaps they could solve mankind’s biggest woes. All because Darros lost so much and suffered so much to get to where he was at, and while that alone would have been a perfect examination of what grief could become in the hands of someone this powerful… the show had more to showcase.
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In that, there is a fair chance that a man like Darros would obsess over their plan to heal themselves through such actions, and become ruthless to have what he wanted. Especially if death had zero consequences. A truth that Jules and Lucy discovered when he returned home and found them. For they stayed longer than expected to find out how best to help the new Clone Club escape their path and forge their own. And well, Darros made it clear it was going to be his way or the highway, since he was quick to kill Jules without giving it a second thought to give rise to Jules 2.0. In other another attempt to push forth brilliance upon the world since Eleanor Miller was no slouch in her field. Hammering home, the lesson, while setting the stage for a powerhouse second season.

One that would potentially explore a grand question we ask often. Who would we become if we lived under vastly different circumstances? Since we often wonder just how much the moment defines us, and we hope this series gets that second season renewal. To explore that powerhouse concept and see these amazing characters grow. But while we wait to see what lie ahead, we can celebrate one brilliant finale. One that showcased the cascading power of grief, and how it does drive us to dark places, in a manner that was stunningly compelling and impactful, and it simply speaks to the wonder of this series. For this one has tapped into some powerful corners of the human condition that we don’t explore enough, and hopefully it starts up some incredible discussions about grief in our everyday lives… so we can fight the ugly instincts it inspires in us when it finds us at last, or again.

Caution: This rapid recap of Episode 535 of ‘Love After Lockup’ contains spoilers.
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Please enjoy this rapid recap of Episode 534 of Love After Lockup on WE tv, along with a refresher clip!

EPISODE 535 – “True or False?” – Airs August 23rd on We TV at 8pm ET/PT
Shonta’s shocking breakdown. Kim tracks Joey when he sneaks off. Zeruiah is stunned when Troy’s mom brings up his ex. Hope loses it when Arthur goes rogue. Christine is triggered.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘The Serpent Queen’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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A single moment. That is what so many people believe brings about great change in a person’s life, and it makes sense as to why. Because truly, the winds of fate can change a person’s life in a singular moment. Because tragedy can strike just like that, and our lives are forever altered or the simple decision to buy a lotto ticket on our lunch break could bring about great fortune and positive change. But while there is a touch of merit to that line of thinking, we need to hold to it less and less. Simply because, those moments are rare and the vast majority of the time… great change comes forth in our life through a series of progressive moments. The kind that culminates with a singular moment that inspires us to move toward great change.

If anything, this aspect of change is top of mind today… simply because we were able to see it in action, in the next episode of The Serpent Queen on STARZ. For ‘A House Divided’ saw the court basically fall to pieces in this tale. After all, news came forth that the King was in fact, dying. For he had consumption, which ran in the family, and it was only a matter of time now, and forces were indeed working against Catherine de Medici to further loosen her already shaky grip on power. For the church was making moves to seize power through marriage, and Edith was becoming quite the influential leader amongst the people. To the point where she could easily convert folks with a simple, threatening glare.

Not to mention, Rahima and Alessandro began to consummate their relationship, only adding to the divide in court and well… that left Catherine lost and unsure of what lie ahead. Because she was out of ideas and exhausted, and at her lowest because all those years of planning to seize power seemed wasted. Not to mention, she had cast off the one person that cared about her future. Making it seem as though… the Serpent Queen was nothing more than an ironic moniker. One wasted upon a downfall. But there was in fact, a singular moment that motivated Catherine de Medici, to take all the anger and pain, and conniving potential she had barely tapped into… and unleash it upon the world, and it came forth by way of the last person one would think would motivate such horrors. But Queen Elizabeth I turned out to be quite useful in such matters.

Because shortly after Anjou exposed his sexual appetites to a pair of Queens, after a last-ditch effort from Catherine to marry him off to find peace, the Queen of England decided it was high time to leave. For she had accomplished her personal mission, and chaos was all she wanted, and that led to a moment of respectful confrontation between them. Wherein Catherine was reminded of her potential and that if she wanted to maintain power, the only thing holding her back, was herself. For she was the Queen Regent, the smartest and most cunning person in the land, and she didn’t reach this role by being seen and not heard. She earned it, fought for it, and that epiphany… helped Catherine to find focus at last and put in the work to live up to her incredible and unsettling nickname.
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So, the first move in becoming the Serpent Queen, was to of course… instill terror into the hearts of the Bourbon family, which happened fast since they ran to Edith the instant, they realized they’d been played by Elizabeth and exposed. Since she did supply the signed trade agreement to Catherine, and once that was done… a quick visit to Ruggieri helped her think about how best to get her house in order and bring power back into her hands, and then she launched… a bold plan. One that saw her make nice with Anjou and demand he be himself at last, to be free of the plan, before letting Charles be baptized as a protestant. For she planted seeds regarding that, all of which were grounded in notions about how he could bring peace and appear to be a great leader in his waning days. All so she could get close to Edith and entice her with power untold and the voice she’s so badly wanted. All to play her enemies akin to a fiddle.

Thankfully, these were moves that worked in her favor. Giving rise to the birth of the Serpent Queen and in the end, what an amazing episode this turned out to be. Since it truly did explore how a single moment brings about that final push that shoves someone in the direction they’ve wanted to go all along, all while giving us a juicy and engaging story to enjoy. One that featured more incredible work from Samantha Morton, who put every emotion on display in this tale that exists, sometimes in a single moment, because of the emotional wringer Catherine went through in this tale. All of which, has us eager for next week’s season two finale. To see how Catherine will bring this dastardly plan together and make so many pay for underestimating her, before taking full control at last. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Me’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about how the wondrous Apple TV+ series, Me, has done some phenomenal storytelling work, and rightfully so. Simply because series creator/showrunner, Barry L. Levy, has crafted a masterful tale that properly explores the troubles we encounter when we grow into adulthood in a manner that is refreshing, intelligent and downright inventive. All by gifting young Ben with everything we ever wanted as kids, superpowers. Which has indeed given rise to amazing lessons, and a slowly building mythos regarding those powers.

In fact, it should be noted that the story hasn’t spent much time looking at that mythos, as though that will always be on the backburner so the story can instead bring forth those lessons. But that changed with the next episode in the series. As though Barry and his magnificent team of writers understood that eventually, the audience is going to want to see some superhero stuff and see that mythos come to bear and that is precisely what ‘The Lighthouse’ sent our way. For lessons really weren’t present in this story. Instead, this was all about Max and Ben moving about town to find answers to well… everything.

Because they both understood answers to what happened during that fateful day in town, would lead to answers regarding why Ben had these gifts. Which brought them to Detective Kennedy. Because he had information they needed, so this duo used a two-pronged attack to snoop and get him to answer questions, with Ben in disguise of course, and that did indeed give them some baseline information, and a new name to investigate… Morgan. For she was the woman in the picture that showed up under Max’s pillow, and she was also the person hovering in the photograph that kept everyone’s attention and meeting her… finally offered up some answers.

In that, it would seem that Ben’s abilities are genetic in nature, and common enough… that Carter’s mother set up a school for people with these abilities. To teach them how to use them, harness them, and more, and that the trouble that befell this town, came from that very school. For the man we saw argue in anger in the last episode, who we learned harbors the name, Yates Skurk, turned dark and caused great harm and that forced the action in question and well, it would seem the arrival of a new person in town with powers, has awakened Skurk and prompted him to potentially use our heroes as pawns. Since it was strongly implied that they are leading him to targets. 

Which is troublesome, as was the side story here with Phil confronting Ben in the manner that he did, leaving us to wonder where that will take us in weeks to come. But what matters more here, is that we were treated to answers at last. In that, Ben was born this way, that superpowers exist and some use them for good and others use them nefarious reasons and that sets the stage for a fascinating back half of the season. Wherein that mythos will grow as Ben works to discover himself and that is going to make for more amazing storytelling. The kind that will properly explore how we grow in life, and become the hero we are meant to be, and that’s definitely worth finishing the journey. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Kold x Windy’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

Each of us are taught from a very young age, that the only way to handle tough times… is to be equally as tough. There should be no tears, no reflection. You simply lower your head and forge ahead and everything will work out in the end because time and a busy mind, heals all things, and we cherish this advice so dearly that it has become generational in nature, and that’s a problem. Simply because, we also learn when we grow, that such advice is pure nonsense. For we cannot escape our pain and our troubles no matter how hard we push and that the only way to really deal with our problems… is to face them head on and resolve them. Or else they will tear our lives to pieces. But of course, to even get to that point, we have to acknowledge that something is wrong.
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If anything, that lesson, but more so that epiphany, is top of mind today, simply because Malika and Renee learned it during this week’s episode of Kold x Windy on ALLBLK. For their troubles were mounting in ‘Coming Home’. Renee for instance, continued to try and live life easy and breezy and just enjoy the day. But there were strange echoes in her mind, the kind that were in essence, good old fashioned PTSD flashbacks of her supremely troubled youth, and those memories gave her pause and helped her to understand that something dark was lurking beneath her soul and that… it had to be dealt with. Granted, she fought handling it, but she at least acknowledged in some capacity that something was haunting her, and that is the first step.

As for Malika, well… her journey was a little more harrowing, and unique, regarding such matters. Because there was just stress surrounding her at every turn. Since Pop was still around and taunting her left and right, and of course… she still had made minimal progress on her bills and her struggles with getting her son home and that brought about, a near mental break. To the point where she lashed out often and she even went so far as to pull a gun on Pop when she ran into him a local diner. Which prompted GeGe to step in and speak some truth. In that, she knew that Malika was suffering, grieving and hadn’t dealt with that pain. But she had to, because it was poisoning her soul and thankfully… Malika agreed.

Which brought about some real positivity in this story, as did Gege announcing she was ready to undergo treatment. And positivity is something this show doesn’t always harbor and rightfully so. For this is about a tough life for two people, who are eager to leave that tough life behind but are battling to do so. But it was nice to see a little progress here, and it was also nice to see this duo start to find their groove as professionals, since they cleaned house and sent Ricky packing for working with their rivals before laying down some fire tracks. The kind that made the record company happy. But of course, while this was nice, make no mistake about it… certain things need to happen for this duo to heal, to properly find peace in this forthcoming stage in their lives. Such as, they need to actually do the work and learn to balance trouble ahead.

Which will be no easy task. Since Pop is indeed out there causing trouble and taking charge of the void now left by Shelly, who ran home after being exposed. And of course… there may be cracks forming in the foundation of the band. Since Malika heard THAT track and has a lot of questions. Not to mention, this duo has embraced their pain and followed the world’s advice on such matters to be strong and to fight, and that’s so difficult to let go of. All of which, leaves us eager for more of this brilliant series. To see if Malika and Renee are capable of letting go of what they think defines them to grow, and if they can in fact, do the work and heal from grief, and sorrow, and dark moments to be the stars they so desperately want to be. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that a lot of buzz surrounds the upcoming detective drama, Ellis, on Acorn TV. In large part because Acorn TV always delivers when it comes to crime stories, since they’ve provided us with so many amazing crime dramas and cozy mysteries and everything in between. But this series, boasts an incredible cast, with Sharon D. Clarke leading the way as DCI Ellis, and that alone means the material has to be top notch for an actor of her caliber, and that’s kept everyone intrigued on what to expect regarding this series, and had us on pins and needles for news. But alas, it’s been a bit since we’ve heard all that much about this series.
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But that’s simply because the cast and crew have been working hard to assemble this series, and well, the time has come for us to finally get a taste of how great it is going to be. For earlier, Acorn TV released some first-look photos and a teaser trailer for the show, and some updated details on the series. Which we will share with you now, since you’ve been patiently waiting for such gifts, and this will also help you count down the days to the forthcoming release of what should be one of Acorn TV’s biggest releases and finest shows to date.

‘Today, Acorn TV unveiled a first-look of three-time Olivier Award-winner and Tony Award-nominee Sharon D Clarke (Showtrial, Lost Boys & Fairies, Rocketman) starring in the chilling and highly anticipated feature-length detective drama, Ellis. Set to premiere this November on Acorn TV, the riveting three-part series follows DCI Ellis (Clarke), a tenacious cop who is parachuted into failing investigations.

Each two-hour episode will see Ellis, accompanied by her right-hand man DS Harper, played by Andrew Gower (The Winter King, Carnival Row, Outlander), arrive at a different local police station, where she will have to win over the local detectives and immerse herself in the cases she’s come to solve. As a Black female cop, Ellis is used to being dismissed and overlooked, but remains focused on her work as a first-class murder detective, fueled by a determination for justice and a deep well of compassion for those who need it.

From Company Pictures, in association with Northern Ireland Screen, Ellis (3 x 120’) was commissioned for Acorn TV by Catherine Mackin, Managing Director of Acorn Media Enterprises (AME), who also executive produces alongside Bea Tammer, AME’s Director of Development. The series was ordered for Channel 5 by Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, Paramount UK and Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5 and Paramount+. Executive producers for Company Pictures are Michele Buck and Lucy Raffety with producer Chris Martin and writers Paul Logue and Sian Ejiwunmi-Le Berre. International distribution will be handled by All3 Media International.

About Acorn TV
AMC Networks’ Acorn TV is North America’s largest streaming service specializing in premium British and international television. Acorn TV adds exclusive programming every week to a deep library of revered mysteries, dramas, and comedies – all commercial-free. Acorn TV’s recent slate is comprised of critically acclaimed commissioned and original series including popular New Zealand detective series My Life Is Murder (Lucy Lawless), acclaimed Irish crime thriller Bloodlands (James Nesbitt, co-executive produced by Jed Mercurio), British crime drama Whitstable Pearl (Kerry Godliman), Kiwi romantic comedy Under the Vines and British detective drama Dalgliesh (Bertie Carvel), to name a few. Current and upcoming Acorn TV Original Series include UK detective drama Harry Wild (Jane Seymour), Signora Volpe (Emilia Fox), The Chelsea Detective (Adrian Scarborough) and many more. The above add to a growing catalog of popular bingeable dramas including Jack Irish (Guy Pearce), Doc Martin (Martin Clunes), Deadwater Fell (David Tennant, Cush Jumbo), all 24 seasons of fan-favorite Midsomer Murders and highly-rated drama The Nest, among others.
 
“glorious streaming service… an essential must-have” – The Hollywood Reporter
“Netflix for the Anglophile” – NPR
 
Acorn TV is available for $7.99/month or $79.99/year. Facebook: OfficialAcornTV – Twitter: @AcornTV – Instagram: @Acorn_tv’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Wayne Brady: The Family Remix’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one particular question that each and every one of us will ask when the moment arrives for us to deal with the serious stuff weighing upon our soul… it would have to be… how do, we do it? Because there is no instruction manual for life, and sadly… we don’t discuss trauma, and grief, and the many things that put us in a tough spot and hold us back in life, enough. So, we simply haven’t a clue what to do. Which is why we turn to the advice of valued friends, and people who’ve healed. Or a medical professional or believe it or not… celebrities. Mainly because they are sometimes the only positive force we have in our life and those who have gone through the wringer and come out okay, are indeed an inspiration and a guide.

Which is why this week’s episode of Wayne Brady: The Family Remix on Freeform is of note. Because ‘Keep Ya Head Up’ saw Wayne… start the healing process and he informed anyone out there asking that question right now… that it starts with confronting that which brings us hurt. Because we need to see it, recognize it and feel it. So, we can in fact, conquer it and embrace joy and well, this story also informed us, that’s no easy task. Because while Wayne said he was ready to go to Orlando and bury his past and confront his pain, he did everything to stave that off. By working with Maile on her project, running errands and performing because that gave him peace and distraction, and well… that is relatable because we all do that. Because facing the big stuff, is hard and scary.

But eventually, we must do it. We have no choice in fact. Because to do otherwise, brings about more stagnation and suffering… so… Wayne did the seemingly impossible and flew out to Orlando with Mandie. Wherein he ramped himself up for the day ahead by taking the time to talk with family. To reminisce positively, because that can help mitigate the nerves. But also, to speak more truth and help people understand who he is and why it is so important for him to speak that truth. But one can only stave off the inevitable for so long and after that lovely and fun dinner, the moment arrived. Wherein he and Mandie stepped into his mother’s old home and where we all wondered, what would become of Wayne emotionally in that moment. Since that’s a hard task, and a lot of memories were waiting for him in that house.

However, Wayne handled the matter like an outright champion. Sure, there were tears, sure there was sorrow… but there was strength to be found in the walls of his childhood home as well. Since he was able to reminisce about his youth, and how that became the formative place for the Wayne Brady we and his family know today. Because what’s funny about facing our fears, is that it isn’t quite as terrifying as we build it up to be. Because confrontation is what we need. For it brings catharsis and closure, and well… focus. Focus on tomorrow because a weight is lifted and that’s exactly what Wayne found here. For once he walked out of that house and got back to Los Angeles, he was focused and ready… to speak his truth.

All of which made for a beautiful and inspiring episode. One that showcased to all of us, what needs to happen to move forward, how it won’t be as terrifying as we are led to believe and often believe because we know of the pain the past brings us in silence. And of course, anyone in need of that lesson, found it through Wayne and that’s amazing. Because it made this episode useful, and Wayne deserves applause for showcasing this powerful moment. Plus, we’d be remiss to not point out that this episode did a great job of breaking up the heavy here by having us spend time with Maile. Since she housesat for Wayne and let us into her life with her friends. But truly, the highlight, was Wayne’s journey here, and it was incredible, and now that Wayne has some peace, he can enter the next chapter of healing and we… get the honor of seeing it play out. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Mr. Throwback’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.

It is quickly becoming apparent, that the wondrous Peacock comedy series, Mr. Throwback, is going to explore every single reason as to why people lie for incredible self-benefit. For the series opened up with a powerhouse exploration as to how lies are something we learn, and how when someone we trust uses them enough, we see that as acceptable behavior. Not to mention, unresolved trauma and a diminished sense of self-worth from it can also contribute to such matters. All of which was explored via Danny Grossman in the series premiere. Since we learned that his checkered past and pain pushed him to tell one whopping lie about his daughter to obtain personal gain.

One that his ex-wife, Samantha, was made aware of, and that knowledge allowed for the next examination regarding lies to take place. Because what’s also amazing about those big lies, is that other people know about them, a la Samantha, and yet… nothing happens. No one really tells or pushes the liar to stand down, and well, ‘Charlie World’, explained why. But it sure didn’t seem as though that would be the case early on. Simply because Samantha was hammering Danny to tell Steph about the lie and end this before it got out of hand, and believe it or not, Danny almost did a couple of times. But Mister Curry’s desire to have Danny set up the charity game, and the fact that he gave Danny a credit card and planes to use… made that hard.

Because how does one turn that down? A bottomless credit card and cars, and planes from an NBA Superstar? But that wasn’t the only thing that kept the lie going. Because sometimes, as it turns out, when a lie grows, it can bring about benefits for all involved in it, and that can motivate someone to enjoy those spoils and well, an ugly moment between Samantha and Charlie, and the mom that Samantha hated to no end, brought that forth. Because that mom was quick to rub her daughter’s big shindig in Charlie’s face. Which prompted Danny to mention it to Steph, who as part of his competitive nature, demanded that Charlie outshine that girl. So, he bought the club where the annoying/rival party was going to take place and shut that down… then he had Kimberly build a party for the ages.

So, once Samantha had a chance to see what Steph was investing into Charlie’s party, she was on board with letting it happen. At first to just give Charlie some joy, since she expected Danny to expose the lie after the confetti settled on the dance floor. But in the moment, when she was pressed by that annoying mom once again… she spilled out the lie and exerted a bit of emotional power in that moment. The kind that gave her a rush and helped her to understand what the lie could do for her, and her daughter as well. Allowing for it to live and showcasing to all of us, how these lies persist when others know about them. Because others find value in them, or perhaps they are made promises for its endgame. The kind that makes it easy to just go along… and let the lie be.

All of which made, for another amazing episode of this show. One that once again blended together that beautiful examination regarding lies, with outstanding comedy. Simply because, the jokes once again were just on fire here, and a lot of them came courtesy of Stephen Curry. Since the situations he was in, in this story, were wild and outlandish enough to work, and his competitive edge, and dropping ‘Night-Night’ on a teenage girl, is the stuff of comedy legend. Plus, Adam Pally and Ayden Mayeri lit it up here with their comedic chemistry. Not to mention, Ayden outright slayed by showcasing how the lie gets buried into someone’s soul, and well, just like that… Danny and Samantha are in deep, and it will be interesting to see if they can step away from the power of the lie, before Steph finds out, and drops ‘Night-Night’ on their future. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘The Ark’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular element of storytelling that is difficult for a writer to learn and master, is balance. Simply because, ideas excite a writer and that can push them to just blast that idea out on paper in a frenzied hurry sometimes and that can lead… to imbalance. Where the story can go too hard, push the envelope when it doesn’t need to, or perhaps it will go a little too dark for too long. Because balance is what keeps those surprises from happening, and it takes a lot of practice and a lot of discipline to eventually find the happy medium. Thankfully though, when that moment arrives, we are treated to stories from writers that perfectly captivate and provide us with what we need, and one particular show that offers up a masterclass in balance is The Ark on SYFY.

For Dean Devlin and Jonathan Glassner, and their crack team of writers have mastered balance and that was evident during ‘Pretty Big Deal’. Because this story, could go too hard and hammer the audience further with dark stories. But this tale served as the much needed break the audience, and the crew of Ark 1, have needed from a powerhouse season of storytelling. One that has seen the crew struggle amid their fight for survival. So, to balance things out, this story featured all kinds of wins. For starters, after weeks of living in low light and sparking consoles, Ark 1 was made whole again. Complete with a command module that functioned, new bunks for the crew, and the now desolate Ark 3 also provided them with badly needed upgrades and parts for the ship. Allowing for this weather worn gal to look as though she just left Earth, and the joyous moments didn’t end there.

After all, Captain Sharon Garnet was able to finally sit in the captain’s chair. A move that cemented her standing as the true master of this vessel and this level of peace and comfort… allowed for heroism to take place. For while they were on the way to their destination, this good crew received a distress call from Ark 8 and were quick to respond. Which allowed for some old school sci-fi to come into play, wherein this crew explored a strange new world and ran into some serious surprises. The kind where they encountered a planet full of clones, one of which was a clone of Lieutenant Lane. Which rocked his world and left him in a tough place mentally, where Garnet was able to support him, and this was quite the epic sci-fi twist. The kind that opened up a new storyline for Lane, which only added to the uniquely refreshing nature of this episode, and it still continued from there.

For Kelly finally had the explosive in her brain removed and found some ties with Trust at last. Plus, Angus and Alicia finally got together at last, and lives were saved. Since the clones were brought aboard the ship. All of which, spoke to balance. Since we got a break from the darkness, and the intensity of this journey through space. But of course, balance also means that the ugly stuff doesn’t stay away forever and there are some ominous clouds gathering on the horizon. Because Kimi and her alliance have their concerns about Brice and Eva, and whether they might be Eastern Federation spies aboard the ship. Plus, Eva is in a dark place and fighting to mentally survive, and somehow, the FTL drive on Ark 8 detonated. Ending the lives of mentally broken, yet innocent clone lives and answers must come to bear on that matter.

But while we wait for the storm clouds to arrive, we really can relish in a delightful, palate cleansing tale. One that allowed for us to get to know a little more about the characters as well, something we always cherish, and now we know that Brice can pay the guitar and that Lane, and his clone are big on mentally stimulating games such as chess. But what matters most, is that this episode informs us, that this show will always lean into balance and provide us with a beautifully crafted story. One that knows exactly when to drop the right surprises, such as Lane’s dilemma here, and when to take its foot off the gas pedal, so that everyone at home and aboard Ark 1 can process the gravity of this fight to keep humanity alive. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the docuseries, ‘Face to Face with Scott Peterson’.
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There was a time, where murder cases captivated the eyes of the nation, for a brief period of time. For once the verdict was served and the criminal was either set free or sent to jail, that was that. The system did its job, and the faith everyone had in it was utterly justified. But at the end of the 20th Century and at the start of the 21st, that all changed. People began to scrutinize the justice system and had their own opinions upon verdicts, the kind that were divisive in nature, and this all started because of three key cases. First, was the Rodney King Trial since a grave injustice motivated riots that lasted for days and that gave rise to a tense O.J. Simpson Trial.

One that once again divided the nation and captivated it as well, courtesy of its non-stop, wall-to-wall coverage on the daily and nightly news and in the early aughts, the Scott Peterson Trial was another one that captivated us to no end and has stayed with us for two decades now, for reasons that are explored in the new Peacock docuseries, Face to Face with Scott Peterson. A comprehensive story that truly does look at every corner of this case in a fascinating new light. To explore why the case captivated us in the first place. Which in large part relates to the savagery of the crime. Since the death of Laci Peterson went beyond her own, but also… the seeming icy nature of Scott Peterson, who was eventually tried and found guilty of her murder… under more wall-to-wall coverage, created a villain on the national stage that people could not turn away from.

In fact, this documentary points out how much news and information we consumed regarding the case and how that constant coverage made careers for some people since Scott was their business, and business was good. But what truly allows for this documentary to shine and offer more… is the sheer fact that it focuses upon something that wasn’t discussed enough during the trial because of the glamour and glitz surrounding it. In that, there were concerns regarding inconsistencies with the evidence and there were possibilities that were never explored properly and that has led… to the divisive nature of this case. For there are now people who firmly believe that Scott was not guilty of this crime and that the supporting evidence they see, they believe should exonerate him and set him free.

Of course, in order to keep this story fair and objective, that evidence is examined, and it does indeed motivate some questions. The kind that leaves one wondering why those leads were briefly touched upon and why silence surrounds so much of these questions. Not to mention, this documentary outright showcases a judge, in 2024, doing little to have DNA tests performed that can in fact prove whether or not Scott did this. All of which, does indeed engender doubt in the quality and sanctity of the judicial system, which has only grown over recent years, and doubt in the verdict, and that makes… for a compelling and fascinating documentary. One that does what few do, and revisits the case in stellar detail, before presenting all sides of the story. Something that is rare with documentaries in this day and age.

Simply because, so many have an agenda. But this one, just wants to explore why we continue to be captivated by this crime story, and why it is gaining in steam in curiosity once again, and it just wants to be fair. Which it does accomplish, even going so far as to have Scott Peterson speak about the matter for the first time in decades as well, and that makes this… a fascinating story. One that delivers on its goals and serves as both a definitive reflection upon the case that everyone locked into back in the day, and a preview of things to come. Of a long fight for those who believe in Scott’s innocence, to see if by chance, justice was actually served, or if the scrutiny and concern regarding the system… is deserved.