If there is one thing that has some steam in this era of peak television, it would have to be a grand sense of anticipation for new seasons of the shows we love. Not because there’s an issue with the quality of the content, but because there’s so much, we watch and so much we are engaged with, we sometimes forget that a new season is on the horizon. So, we find quick joy when we know a new season is coming up and quickly settle in and enjoy the ride. But there is something to be said for the hype train, for there is real wonder that accompanies outright counting down the minutes and days to a particular show, and thankfully… there is one that still creates that sense of stunning buzz.
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Specifically, Slow Horses on Apple TV+. For this wondrous spy series boasts an incredible cast and some of the best writing out there, and its episodes draw us in and engage us and truly leave us starving for more. Because it’s just flawless television through and through and we truly do feel a growing sense of anticipation when we know a new season is on the horizon, and that buzz is only going to grow after today’s gift from Apple TV+. For earlier, the network released something that fans of this series are hungry for, the full trailer for season four of this beloved series. Which we will share with you now, so that you can continue to feed your anticipation for one of the finest shows on television.

‘Apple TV+ today unveiled the trailer for season four of its globally celebrated, Emmy Award-nominated and BAFTA Award-winning series, “Slow Horses,” starring Academy Award winner Gary Oldman. Adapted from “Spook Street,” the fourth novel in the CWA Gold Dagger Award-winning Mick Herron spy series "Slough House,” the six-episode fourth season of “Slow Horses” will premiere globally on Wednesday, September 4 with the first episode, followed by one new episode weekly, every Wednesday through October 9, on Apple TV+.
 
“Slow Horses” is a darkly humorous espionage drama that follows a dysfunctional team of British intelligence agents who serve in a dumping ground department of MI5 known un-affectionately as Slough House. Season four opens with a bombing that detonates personal secrets, rocking the already unstable foundations of Slough House. 
 
The espionage drama continues to receive praise and accolades heading into its fourth season. “Slow Horses” season three recently scored nine Emmy Award nominations for its widely acclaimed third season, including Outstanding Drama Series and acting nominations for Gary Oldman (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series), Jack Lowden (Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series) and Jonathan Pryce (Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series). The series also earned nominations in the following categories: Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series, Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series, Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series: Saul Metzstein, Outstanding Picture Editing for a Drama Series, and Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score).
 
Oldman stars as Jackson Lamb, the brilliant but misanthropic leader of the spies, who end up in Slough House due to their career-ending mistakes as they frequently find themselves blundering around the smoke and mirrors of the espionage world. The returning ensemble cast also includes Academy Award-nominee Kristin Scott Thomas, BAFTA Scotland Award-winner Jack Lowden, Saskia Reeves, Rosalind Eleazar, Christopher Chung, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Kadiff Kirwan and Academy Award-nominee Jonathan Pryce. SAG Winner Hugo Weaving, BAFTA winner Joanna Scanlan, IFTA winner Ruth Bradley, Tom Brooke and James Callis join “Slow Horses” in season four.
 
“Slow Horses" is produced for Apple TV+ by See-Saw Films and adapted for television by Will Smith (“Veep”). Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Jane Robertson, Julian Stevens, Douglas Urbanski, Gail Mutrux, Graham Yost and Will Smith serve as executive producers on the series. Season four is directed by Adam Randall.
 
Since its premiere in 2022, “Slow Horses” has won two BAFTA Television Awards while earning nine additional nominations. The 2024 wins were for Best Editing: Fiction (Sam Williams) and Best Sound: Fiction (Sound Team), and the nominations across 2023 and 2024 included Best Drama Series, Oldman’s first for Best Lead Actor; Lowden’s for Best Supporting Actor; Best Editing: Fiction (Zsófia Tálas); Best Editing: Fiction (Katie Weiland); Best Original Music: Fiction (Daniel Pemberton and Mick Jagger); Best Sound: Fiction (Martin Jensen, Joe Beal, Duncan Price, Craig Butters, Sarah Elias and Andrew Sissons); and, Best Hair and Makeup Design (Lucy Sibbick). The series also landed the award for Best English-Language Drama Series at the 2022 C21 International Drama Awards.
 
Fans can catch up on the first three seasons of “Slow Horses,” which all hold a Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, now streaming globally on Apple TV+. Additionally, Apple TV+ previously announced a fifth season set to be adapted from the fifth novel, “London Rules.”
 
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have been honored with 500 wins and 2,285 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
 
About Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Those About to Die’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating Peacock series, Those About to Die, it really seemed as though better days were ahead for the Roman Empire, and the characters we adore. After all, Titus was about to find power untold and a chance to do things his way through his father’s passing, and of course, Tenax was on easy street at last, thanks to the government sanctioned formation of the new Gold Faction. But alas, that joy was merely fleeting, and good days were most certainly not poking about the horizon. For riots were happening in the streets and that brought about some stunning surprises for several characters in the next episode of this incredible tale.

For ‘Fool’s Bet’ picked up shortly after the passing of the former emperor and well, Titus’ first official act as the new one, was to quell the riots and try and understand what brought them forth to begin with. Which of course, was blamed upon the fifth faction. As though somehow a chance to make more money was seen as a negative amongst the people. But Titus bought it, since he needed something to work with and just like that, he stepped in and shut down the Gold Faction and brought a grand end to Tenax and Scorpus’ promising future. Not to mention, he went after his brother and locked him up in his own room, out of concern of his involvement in the riots, but more on that in a minute.

Because that grand change to Tenax’s life, brought about nothing but trouble for the man. Because he was in essence, humiliated in the racing world and forced to do lower bidding for Domitian to even have a chance to race again. But even then, those chances were slim, and the team was falling to pieces for Scorpus cared not about their time together and offered his services back to blue, with no result, and then to the highest bidder. Which he found one, at a pay cut because that’s the price he paid for being a mercenary in racing. And of course, the decision to leave Tenax’s stable and race for white shattered that friendship and left Tenax searching and hoping for a break. Only to discover that a blast from his past found him in Rome, and this mystery man made it clear… Tenax will pay in every sense of the word for doing him harm ages ago.

But there was mention of more family drama here, and that was pretty epic in its own right. Because being told no and being put under control made Domitian quite dangerous. For he loved his money, loved the good life and his freedom. So, being robbed of it, prompted him to pull strings and sow trouble in the palace. First of course, by having Tenax run dirty deeds in the city, but also… by working to drive a wedge into his brother’s marriage to sow discontent, and free Domitian so he could make money and do as he please. Which led to real humiliation for the queen, since Domitian put together a show in the stadium that murdered some of her close followers and showed her to be a joke. A move that certainly diminished her standing but may not have accomplished exactly what Domitian wanted.

But what mattered most here, is that this episode showcased, the raw chaos of Rome in this era. Of how quickly things could change in that world and how corrupt it truly was. Because a regime change should be smooth as it is in most nations. But to install a new emperor under cover of chaos and riots and demands for money, is disturbing to say the least, and likely means that Titus has inherited a grand cancer really, and his attempts to restore honor and direction will mean nothing really, for now the empire stands for greed. All of which made for an engaging and entertaining story, one that really did get its point across and set the stage for more incredible moments, as Rome continues to crumble before our eyes. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the documentary feature, ‘The Turning Point: To Be Destroyed’.
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There was a time in the United States of America, where education… was open and free. Where teachers could assemble an impactful and poignant curriculum that would reach their students and properly teach them about the world and its workings, and the end result of that, was wondrous. Since so many of us, walked out of school feeling as though we better understood the complex world ahead and we outright used those lessons in our everyday life, alongside the ones our parent’s taught us, to become the person we are today. But over the past few years, something has changed in American schools.  

Suddenly, there is this surge of concern from parents who claim, that the very lessons they went through… are harming children. That they are somehow corrupting fresh young minds and pushing them in directions that are unsavory, and that’s led to something we only read about in school, in cautionary tales no less; book banning. Oh, and their subsequent destruction in some cases as well. Which has baffled so many of us because we all thought Fahrenheit 451 was fiction. But somehow, it’s here, and we don’t understand why or how we combat it so kids can learn in peace and well, a brand-new documentary on MSNBC that debuted last night, harbors much of the answers we seek. For The Turning Point: To Be Destroyed, takes us into a unique battle that recently took place in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Wherein a newly elected schoolboard, decided that five books, were to be banned from all English classes in the district, and in addition to that ban… be pulled from the shelves and labeled and processed for destruction. A stunning move that immediately divided the town. For so many didn’t understand why knowledge had to be limited based upon the subject matter of a book, not to mention… it was difficult to understand how this was happening in a heartland school, an American school. Where the values of the Constitution, such as free speech, were expected to be honored on a regular basis. And this documentary chronicles how this came to pass, the fight to end that kind of censorship, how the right side won and how one of the banned book’s authors, Dave Eggers, who wrote, The Circle, made it a personal quest to ensure this problem was spotlighted and that those books were available to so many.

But while that story is indeed fascinating and indeed powerful, since it speaks deeply to the divide that is now present in America, it is how this happened and how it is happening around the nation that truly allows for this documentary to shine. Because it outright exposes the fact, that schools, a place made for independent thought, and the desire for one to seek out knowledge from all the sides and angles available, have become politicized. For special interest groups stepped into the Rapid City school board election and basically introduced an ultra-conservative, MAGA agenda, into the election, and used fearmongering and the like to get hold of the board and instill the changes they saw fit.

Which is… a terrifying revelation to say the least. One that speaks to how the loudest voices in the room demand their agenda and beliefs be imparted upon children and young minds and that is frightening to say the least. But thankfully, there was mention of a happy ending, one that showcased that eventually, the right school board was assembled, and that in turn… speaks to how we combat this in our own town if it comes to our city limits. In that, we must be vigilant and involved in our school systems, and really understand who is running for the board and why. So that we can perhaps quell this before it begins. And if by chance, this kind of situation takes place, we must remain steadfast, and fight hard to counter what they want.

For these kinds of individuals will use shock and awe to move swiftly and hope that compliance immediately follows because, what’s done is done. But if we speak up, push back and call these folks to the carpet, change will be inspired and that’s lovely advice that can be applied elsewhere and that makes this, a powerful documentary. One that truly explores how politics are poisonous to our schools and why our schools need all the support they can get. So, they can remain factories of thought and imagination, so that perhaps the next generation, will inspire an end to the divides as we’ve always hoped, and it is wonderful to see a documentary out there that finally exposes this mess, and how it can quickly become a scary, yet temporary problem, if we worry about the children over red vs. blue.

There exists in our modern society, a formula to success in the professional world that is passed from person to person on a daily basis. For so many are entering the workforce and are wondering how to reach the top and they are told by savvy veterans… that if they work their tail off, follow directions to a tee, and sacrifice for the job as needed, they will go far. Which so many do with glee and often find themselves… in a sour place. Usually, middle management to be exact. Because that advice, straight up sucks. For it is worker bee advice, the kind that is without risk and keeps people unnoticed. So, if someone entering the workforce really wants to be more, and rise above… they must do things differently, and shake that world up.
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If anything, that particular truth is top of mind today, simply because Maximo learned about it in the next episode of Acapulco on Apple TV+. For ‘Invisible Touch’ saw a grand opportunity drop into his lap. In that, a fashion guru known as Bronté, was coming to Las Colinas to do a photo shoot and of course, dine with his entourage and Diane and well, that had Hector and Maximo a buzz. For to be the server at that event meant a boatload of money and well, Maximo’s former experience with glassware and an epic moment in front of Diane, gave him his shot to serve at that dinner, and that left him with worry. Because this was a lot to take on and he wanted to be ready. So… he sought the advice of the one man that could make him ready, Don Pablo.

Who, as a good company man, spoke the rules needed to make this a success. Which boiled down to being invisible as the service rolled on. Rules that Maximo believed would benefit him as the learned his craft, which by the way… gave life to an amazing montage. One that showcased that we need ‘Ojo del Tigre’ to be featured more often in popular media. But that aside, when the time finally came to shine and showcase how he fit into the next stage of his career by being a good company man, something shocking happened. In that, Bronté was supremely rude and arrogant to Julia, who was at the dinner as Chad’s guest because she admired Bronté, and that didn’t sit right with Maximo at all. Because it was just disrespectful, especially considering that Bronté’s comments also tore into Diane, and well, that’s when Maximo learned the lesson at hand.

For he spoke up and let loose upon Bronté. Granted, everything he said was in Spanish and this fashion buffoon didn’t understand a lick of it. But the right ears heard and understood what he said, and he garnered respect but discipline from Diane and plenty of gratitude from Julia, despite her course correction of the moment. But what mattered more, is that he didn’t follow the rules, he stood up for what was right and stood tall in the face of someone that honesty needed that kind of talking to, and that… clearly happened to be the moment that Maximo began his path toward the top. All because he chose to be different and chose to do something forbidden and against the rules that so many cherish and so many think, will bring them to the promised land.

Which brought about… quite the wonderful episode to say the least. For it served as an origin moment for future Maximo, while also giving rise to some fine lessons on how we find a way forward in life and how we stand out from the rest when it comes to our dreams or our everyday workplace. Not to mention, the laughs were still present too, since Maximo had some wonderous moments of silliness to indulge in, and he wasn’t alone. For Memo’s desire to enjoy the finer things he didn’t in childhood after saving his boss’ life was hilarious, as was Sara’s grand push to get her mother back into a relationship. For selfish reasons of course, and well, all this episode does, is leave us eager for more. For it really is showing us a unique story with unique lessons that inspire, and you can never go wrong with that. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 404 of ‘Snowpiercer’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

It really is quite amazing what the hit AMC series, Snowpiercer is accomplishing in its final season. For not only is the series staying true to everything we love about it, but it is also putting on a masterclass on how best to wrap up a show. For it keeps finding ways to give every character we love, screen time, so they get a proper farewell, and the show keeps setting the stage for a high stakes finale that could determine the fate of all of mankind. Which is making for wondrous television to say the least, the kind that has us engaged and on the edge of our seats. If anything, this wondrous aspect of the show is top of mind today, simply because it was on full display again during last night’s episode.

For ‘North Star’ split its time between two key storylines. One of which, involved New Eden, and handled the character spotlight. Wherein Sam Roche was put to the test as the new temporary mayor of the city, and what a test he endured. Because the weather in the city was erratic, possibly confirming the worry that this pocket of warmth might be temporary, and that in turn meant the power grid was being tested to its limits and without Big Alice around, that worried Javi to no end, and worried the townsfolk as well. To the point where someone needed to lead, someone needed to enhance calm and Sam, stood tall and made that happen, and kept finding ways to keep the people united. Reminding us, what a great character he is and how much he cares about people, and what a great job Mike O’Malley does in bringing him to life, and oddly enough, there was more story to tell in New Eden.

Because Oz found something horrifying during one of his patrols, specifically… a severed and frozen human hand. Which prompted a grand investigation to understand how it appeared and why, and of course who it might belong to. Which led… to some scary revelations and quite the unique possibility. In that, Javi and Sykes came to discover that the hand belonged to someone who was at some point aboard Snowpiercer. Since they had the same implant that Javi was given aboard the train, and Roche and Oz came to discover… there is a genuine mystery in the rocky hills surrounding New Eden. Simply because, Sam saw something out there. Something that truly snagged his attention and potentially took him off the chess board for a moment. What, we simply don’t know. But we will ponder on that in just a minute, because the other plot thread here, handled raising the stakes.

For while Mayor Roche was doing his thing, Layton and his team were closing in on Snowpiercer, and refining the bold plan they created to get aboard their old home. One that meant running silent and running dark when approaching the train, so it could be quietly boarded. But before the opportunity arose to board it, Milius radioed Big Alice and offered up a friendly invitation to Layton to come aboard. A move that put Layton on edge and in a world of confusion. Because he expected something far darker to take place, and of course… he was right to think so. Since the trap was laid and well, rather than accept the invitation and risk guile from a man that operated as a dictator, Layton and Josie figured out how to get aboard and start the search for Liana, and well… that led to all kinds of surprises.
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Such as the fact that it was going to be impossible to use stealth to find Liana, since everyone aboard the train recognized Layton and Josie and asked for their help in escaping Milius’ clutches. But also, we learned a lot about the soldiers under mask in this story, such as how they are horribly scarred and have all kinds of surgical attachments to them to keep them alive, the kind that Nami exploited for his own personal safety and gain, and to also… garner trust with Layton. Since the wily doctor continued to support Milius because of the gravitas and fear the man has engendered from day one. But above all, the biggest surprise present in this segment was the fact that Liana was not on the train, and that Snowpiercer and in turn, Big Alice, made their way back toward the very bunker where Milius dropped off Melanie… all because Milius made it clear, he wanted both trains in his service, and wanted to challenge Layton and Josie.

All of which makes it clear that Milius has big plans and has done his homework and knows who he is up against at all times, and how to best them. But why? Why constantly play these games to make progress toward saving mankind, when he could just be honest? Those are of course, questions that will have to wait for another time… but they do indeed up the ante here and build toward something bigger. Not to mention… there’s correlation to be had here that the bunker, isn’t that far from New Eden. After all, Big Alice caught up to Snowpiercer quick, and Oz found a hand from someone clearly on the train at some point, and Sam went missing. Not to mention, Milius’ men disappeared real quick with Liane. Which could mean, Mayor Roche just stepped into that bunker and Liana is in there, warm and safe, as is Sam. But while we wait to see if that’s the case, we can applaud one brilliant tale. One that really did let so many shine, and truly engaged us like never before. To the point where we are counting down the minutes to next week’s tale, to see what surprises await everyone regarding that bunker. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eight of ‘Orphan Black: Echoes’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

One particular belief that society holds to regarding what we should do when a bully has us against the wall, is to fight back. Because we learn in our youth that socking a bully in the nose, is a great way to teach them a lesson and gain the upper hand. The kind that will garner respect, and anything else we want. But there is one particular problem with that belief. In that, it really only applies and works when we’re kids. Because in the adult world, bullies don’t always respond kindly to a punch. In fact, if they have the determination and the resources, it only infuriates them further and pushes them harder to exert control. But… that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t fight back. Since a good right cross can buy us time to think, as evidenced by the next episode of Orphan Black: Echoes on AMC, AMC+, and BBC America.

Because ‘The Paradox of Joyce’ was indeed a moment to breathe for the Eleanor Miller Clone Club. For Darros was indeed wounded deeply by the sucker punch the trio inflicted upon him, and that prompted them to all reunite at the facility run by Craig to figure out next moves and well… downtime prompted all three of them, to chase after answers. For they deserved to know more about how they came to exist and what lie ahead and what information would bring down Darros, so no one else would suffer such a wild fate and that meant some splitting up took place. Wherein Lucy decided to seek out her ex to try and figure out what that tiny little, Apple Watch-esque device had upon it, information wise, and that led to quite the interesting set of surprises for her.

In that, the device was basically impenetrable from a security standpoint. Because an attempt to open it brought about nothing but problems, making it clear that garnering answers there was going to be rough. But what was more important about this journey, was that Lucy found herself at a crossroads. For she struggled to find balance with keeping her love happy and moving their plans forward while saving the day for the other versions of herself and well, as Craig correctly pointed out… this has been her problem for some time now. In that, she must choose which party and cause she’s loyal to after spending years hiding away from the world, and that is no easy call. But she must choose, so in a way, downtime here allowed for clarity and truth to come to Lucy’s mind.

As for the others, well they searched for answers. To better understand how Darros was able to get a scan of Eleanor’s body at age sixteen. Since that could be used to expose him. But instead, that quest went nowhere. Because it meant spending time with an absent-minded mother, who instead offered up a terrifying glimpse for Eleanor regarding her future and that in turn, prompted her to make quite the decision. In that… perhaps the focus of what lie ahead should be split into two priorities: bringing down Darros and perfecting Kira’s neuron technology. Because once this mess was over and Darros was exposed… the sun would still rise and they would go on and all face early onset Alzheimer’s down the line, and well, Eleanor realized that perhaps… she could at least save the younger versions of herself from such a fate.
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Which was why she opened up dialogue with Kira, who, did survive that scary run in with Emily by helping her escape Darros’ grasp. Which was another blow to the little man with the big dreams, and once Kira was settled, she and Eleanor agreed to work together to solve the fundamental flaw in all of the print out’s minds to see if all three could find a future. All of which spoke to how productive downtime from a counter strike can be, in fact, it even helped Kira find focus and make amends as best she could to Felix and her son. But alas, eventually, the bully will wipe the blood form their nose and their lips and strike back, and that happened here in some wild and scary ways. In part, because Darros shut down the lab and put Kira’s future at utter risk because of the power he yields, and he of course… gave the order to re-take control of the Clone Club, and it turned out… Xander wasn’t planning on being a hero after all by leaving the complex.

No instead, he was so indoctrinated by Darros’ utter nonsense and desires, that he demanded that Jules get him high once again. So, he could try and replicate what they failed to do; remember the original’s core memories. And his desperation was so great, that he shot Craig. Which led to another juicy cliffhanger, and a bittersweet ending to a powerful episode. One that truly spoke to the gravity of what could lie ahead for a person that was indeed a full-on clone of another and that brought about some powerful moments and some amazing growth from the characters. But truly, dark clouds are indeed gathering on the horizon. For Darros is angry, and he even made a security detail change in the hopes of executing the dastardly plan he is assembling, one that will undoubtedly come to light soon… as we barrel toward the conclusion of season one of this brilliant show. Until next time.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Mammals’ (2024). To revisit the previous episode, click here.

It really is quite amazing, what mammals have accomplished since the dinosaurs went extinct. For not only did mammals thrive, but they truly took over the world, and found their way into every corner of the planet. That of course, includes humans. Because humanity truly is the apex mammal, and our collective intelligence has allowed for us to spread across the globe and live in just about biome possible and of course… we are not alone in such feats. Because for every city, or shack that serves as a home to humans, there are plenty of mammals thriving alongside us. For our fates are intertwined in that wild way and that includes finding unique ways to adapt to our respective environments.

After all, humans have shelter and technology to help them adapt to places that are normally hostile to people. Which is why we have thriving science stations in places such as Antarctica, and why we have massive cities that function and thrive in the desert. For we can keep cool through air conditioning or just get out of the heat in a home. But since mammalian wildlife is indeed versatile in that manner, and animals in our genome live alongside us, one does have to wonder… how do they handle the stifling heat that we learned how to beat? Well thankfully, the BBC America series, Mammals, takes the time to answer that very question in its next episode, and that made ‘Heat’, quite fascinating.

For we quickly came to learn that some animals… have outright evolved to live in the heat. Take the camel for instance. For the camel has a body designed to withstand incredible heat. Since it can store water and food and go ages without needing either. Which in turn has allowed for the camel to simply thrive. Since they go about their days and years like any other animal out there, complete with unique mating rituals. Or there’s the giraffe, since they harbor a unique internal cooling system that makes sure they never overheat. But alas, that’s not the case for every mammal out there in the heat, so the vast majority of them, have simply learned and adapted to make the most of life in the heat and what they’ve come up with to survive is pretty darn inventive to say the least. 

Some mammals for instance, just know what trees help keep them cool. So, they seek them out and hug them or hide within them to enjoy that temperature drop when things are too hot to bear. Not to mention, there are squirrels out there in the wild, that use the heat to their advantage survival wise. For they are fully aware that there are certain snakes that use their extreme senses to recognize heat movements. So, these little squirrels hug the ground and slow their body functions to blend in, allowing for them to thrive. And of course, some species just bide their time regarding the heat. Since there are monkeys that hang around near crocodiles to get to their eggs, and patiently wait for the croc to overheat and go for a dip, so they can get at those eggs. 
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All of which speaks to the pure versatility of mammals, and how there is little in this world to stop them from finding a place to thrive. Because they have 66 million years behind them of learning and adapting and the end result is pretty impressive, and this episode brought about, some fascinating moments. The kind that really did inform us of how well nature can escape or beat the heat and how wildlife functions in places we dare not go, where the heat just hammers the landscape. And now that we’ve reached the end of this fascinating exploration, it will be interesting to see what other unique lessons about the wonder of mammals await us, as this series comes to a close. Until next time.

It really is quite amazing how far reality television has come over the past thirty years. For when it debuted back in the 1990s, it was seen as well… trash television, really. As though it was designed to showcase manufactured drama and lifestyles that were unsavory in nature. But alas, it thrived, and it thrived because it did the impossible. For it broke down walls and showed the good and the bad of the world as it truly is and it caught on so well… that it grew and expanded into so much more. Since it became an opportunity to explore corners of the modern world that few of us know about. To the point where now, it is essential television.
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The kind that showcases life as it really is and celebrates life in a way that we never thought possible and for proof… then look no further than what AspireTV has planned this fall. Since they are going to debut a ‘Power Players’ hour of programming that celebrates pioneering black men and their wonderfully successful businesses. Once again, taking us into lives and career choices we know little of, while celebrating success and offering representation in the process. All of which speaks to the wonder of reality television and to properly pay this news the respect it deserves, here are all of the details on this upcoming programming block, courtesy of AspireTV, as we count down to a wondrous celebration of black culture, life and style.    

‘AspireTV, the network that celebrates and reflects Black culture, life and style, will premiere two new original series this fall as part of its “Power Players” hour. Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 4, Style Kings will premiere at 8 p.m. ET followed by Cut to It at 8:30 p.m. ET.  
 
Style Kings enters the world of high fashion and interior design with two successful entrepreneurs who specialize in luxurious style, Justin Q. Williams (Interior Designer) and Dedrick Thomas (Custom Clothier). Style Kings is an intimate peek into a brotherhood of two experts who have open and honest conversations, sharing how their artistic minds shape their approach to fashion and design. This show provides an in-depth look into their worlds, while inspiring viewers to define their own style and swagger. Catering to a roster of celebrity clients and high-profile projects including Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, NBA Coach Jerry Stackhouse, actress Terri J Vaughn, actor Danny Glover, Creative Director D.L. Warfield and social media influencer Jarrett Billups. Style Kings will elevate the discourse on Black men's contributions to art and culture in this 10-episode series.   
  
In Cut to It, viewers are invited into this Los Angeles celebrity hotspot as the talented team of barbers serve up fresh cuts and jokes to their celebrity clientele. The barbershop has long been a cultural safe space for Black men, and this shop is no different! Catch the lively conversations, raucous laughter, and surprise celebrity appearances including actor/writer/producer/rapper Omar Gooding, comedian/actor Tony Baker, World Champion Boxer Shawn Porter, actor/writer/producer Michael Jai White, former NBA player Marcus Williams, comedian/actor Tony Roberts, Super Bowl Champion/two-time Olympian Willie Gault and director/actor/writer/producer Bentley Kyle Evans. AspireTV has ordered eight episodes. 
 
“I am thrilled to launch our new ‘Power Players’ hour featuring the compelling and dynamic new original shows Style Kings and Cut to It,” said Angela Cannon, general manager, aspireTV. “These shows celebrate powerful, successful and talented Black men who are at the top of their game. AspireTV is intentionally filling a void by offering positive portrayals of these amazing men who represent Black excellence. Dedrick, Justin and the men of Cut to It will inspire viewers with their creative vision, business savvy and their undeniable appeal.” 
 
“All viewers will be entertained by their drive, passion, humor and, of course, their effortless charisma,” Cannon continued. “The ‘Power Players’ hour reinforces aspireTV's commitment to showcase diverse, multi-dimensional depictions of Black culture and to provide programming that celebrates Black culture, life and style.” 
 
Style Kings is produced by Picture Perfect Productions in association with Great Point Media with Willie Giles serving as executive producer. Jamie Nieto and Jeff Peterson are executive producers of Cut to It. It is produced by RAISING THE BAR ENTERTAINMENT INC and Latigo Entertainment, LLC. 
 
AspireTV recently launched an app for iOS and android phones, ensuring viewers can engage with the aspireTV brand anytime and anywhere. The aspireTV app is the go-to destination for viewers to stay current on their favorite programs, series and movies that air on the linear network dedicated to Black culture and urban lifestyle programming. App users can set reminders, use the channel finder and stay in the loop on culture related topics across categories of news, entertainment, business, sports and Black history through the Tribe Talk blog which delivers fresh content each week. 
  
To find aspireTV on cable in your area, go to https://aspire.tv/channel. AspireTV is also available nationally on DirecTV and DISH and can also be watched on DirecTV Stream, Sling or Philo. 
 
About AspireTV
AspireTV is the television network that celebrates and reflects Black life, style and culture in a way that is inspiring, authentic and entertaining. In addition to fan-favorite comedies and movies, aspireTV invites viewers to “see yourself here” with series focused on food, travel, home design and fashion, as well as the passion and pride of HBCUs. AspireTV+ is a new subscription streaming service for Black culture and urban lifestyle entertainment. From fashion and beauty to food and travel, there’s a diverse selection of original programs, movies, series, independent films, documentaries and more.  
 
For more information, visit www.aspire.tv, facebook.com/AspireTV, @TVaspire on X and @TVaspire on Instagram. ‘

Caution: This rapid recap of Episode 533 of ‘Love After Lockup’ contains spoilers.
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Please enjoy this rapid recap of Episode 533 of Love After Lockup on WE tv, along with a refresher clip!
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EPISODE 533 – “First Times & Second Chances” – Aired August 9 on We TV at 8pm ET/PT 
Zeruiah finally meets her husband for the first-time outside of prison. Shonta loses it when True goes rogue. Hope confronts Arthur about a lie. Julian and Christine rekindle their romance. Kim anxiously awaits Joey’s release. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Me’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we are young, we firmly believe that life… is going to feature a perfect status quo. The kind where our friends will be with us until the end of time, and the same goes for our parents and we will grow alongside all of them and enjoy a real bliss in doing so, and well… that’s a belief that gets shattered when we reach our teenage years. For that is when we begin to see the world change around us. For some if not all of our friends, find a new path, we may lose some loved ones along the way, and our family dynamic may change. Which is confusing and scary, but this can be more to us that a shattering of our beliefs if we take a moment to think upon what’s happening.

Which is why the next episode of Me on Apple TV+ is of note. Simply because ‘Opportunity Costs’ took the time to explore how this kind of grand change can be good for us and teach us so much, if we take an objective look at the moment, and, in many ways, this lesson has been waiting to come to the forefront of the story because change is the constant for Ben’s life right now. Since he has a new family dynamic surrounding him, has no clue who will be his friends going forward and is of course, harboring incredible powers he does not understand. But those powers took precedence for the story, but with them in hand… the time was right for the series to focus upon this lesson, and doing so offered us so much.

Since this story pondered deeply upon how change and having new people come into our lives… can be a good thing and can make us stronger and help us to grow in ways we never thought possible. Take for instance, Ben’s relationship with Phil. Because Phil saw his new relationship with his stepson as an opportunity to do wonderful things for Ben. Such as support him, nurture him and fill that void in his life, and he worked to do so in a beautiful manner. Since he took the time to really support Ben’s love of photography. In fact, he even went so far as to assemble a darkroom setup for him; to help him lean into that hobby and this was beautiful to see and hammered home the point.

Not to mention, new people can also serve as an inspiration and improve our lives. For Ben was sick of Jason’s special brand of wicked in this tale and wanted to punish him. In fact, Ben wanted to use his powers for bad and impersonate Jason and wreak havoc through harm to expose him as a bully. Especially after he put on a show for Ben’s mom. But Max, another new person in Ben’s life, made sure to inform him that there are better ways to bring down bullies and bad people and that definitely inspired Ben to use his powers for good, and he inadvertently did so, while he was stuck in the body of the bully he hates. Since Owen was inspired by Ben and his father to slug Jason at last, and while he accidently hit Ben in that skin, the choice was made, and things will change.

Because everyone saw Owen, smack Jason up and that will do some good. Which in a way, made Ben a positive influence upon dear Owen and… this was a moment that moved him closer toward being a hero. But what matters more, is that once again, this series offered up an amazing story. One that provided adults and kids alike with an important lesson regarding change while still growing the mythos of this series. Since that strange threat continues to lurk. But what matters most, is that this was just a great and engaging story, one that has us eager to hit play and move the story along… to see what other critical life lessons await us. Until next time.