Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘The Serpent Queen’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Sometimes in this life, when we are trying to put together an agenda and lead a group of people forward, something unfortunate happens. In that, those we wish to lead, outright rebel against everything we are attempting to put together. It could be because we have assembled the wrong mix of individuals, and they simply won’t work in a team setting. It could be because we haven’t been that great of a teacher and their rebellion relates to a lack of knowledge. Or it could be, because they have a grand agenda they wish to follow and have been riding our coattails in the hopes of usurping leadership at the first possible opportunity. But regardless of the core reason, this can happen, and it is a jarring moment for certain. Simply because it catches one by surprise and leaves us unsure of what to do, and there are indeed a bevy of options available to us if this happens. In that, we can acknowledge our failure, clear the room and start over from scratch. Apologize and try to find common ground, or outright quit and start over period because what’s fallen to pieces is not salvageable. All of which are reasonable options that make sense in the modern world because of how often we can reinvent ourselves. But for some folks, those are not viable options. Not when lives and fates are on the line, and that prompts them to take a different option to keep a status quo, one that is brutal in nature, as evidenced by the next episode of The Serpent Queen on STARZ. For ‘Time With the Family’ saw the delicate peace and control that Catherine de Medici has worked so hard to build, begin to fall to pieces due to outright rebellion. Primarily because the assassination attempt on Edith failed. But also, her enemies had influence, and so many others wanted agency and power, and that was indeed a perfect storm in which to bring forth quite the rebellion. The kind that saw Angelica testify before the Privy Council regarding what she was influenced to do. Which infuriated the king since he didn’t sanction assassination in the slightest and of course, set forth a divide amongst the room, and pure fury directed at Catherine. Which put her in that tough spot, wherein she had to make a quick decision and well, she made the most shocking decision possible amid such incredible tension and fury.
In that, she would step down from the council and let the King rule without her ‘mistakes.’ Which brought forth shock and more trouble behind the scenes. Some of which related to the sheer stupidity of the members of the council. Since the Cardinal somehow thought Edith’s survival was divine and that he was following the wrong faith, prompting him to be baptized as protestant. But more so because Catherine’s void on the council allowed for people to make swift moves and shore up their own agenda. Which brought the queen of England to the shores of France and saw Edith make a power play against the Bourbons. Not to mention, Elizabeth’s arrival made it clear that war was coming, and well, that was Catherine’s worst case scenario, and she truly seemed helpless since everyone else’s desire to be at the top left her abandoned.
But that was merely an attempt to showcase weakness. To give Catherine a moment to step back and observe the situation objectively and let everyone show their respective hands to give her a chance to ponder upon a solution, and what she came up with… was diabolical. For she came to understand that if a room of selfish men and selfish children weren’t going to appreciate her insight and give her what she wanted… then she would use the powers granted to her to avert war and create a status quo. Which she accomplished by first, getting Anjou on the council so that constant bickering would get nothing stupid accomplished and leave the council at a stalemate… and… she would also begin to marry off her children. For marriage always averted war in this era of history, and that led to Elizabeth tying the knot with a badly brain damaged Philip, and she also set forth a plan, to have Charles marry the queen of England. All of which was within her right. After all, in that age, a woman’s understanding of love and marriage was cherished over her mind and her understanding of the world. So, she simply leaned into her queen duties and in the process, averted all-out war., and in many ways… regained control without a single person knowing. Which brought forth, one amazing episode, one that truly lived up to the title of the show. For this was indeed a slithering and slippery maneuver that only a serpent could accomplish, and it does leave us eager to see what lies ahead. For now, Catherine has found a new path forward, one that is brilliant and brutal in unique ways, and we simply must know what kind of wonders she will accomplish with her mind and her bravery as season two continues along. Until next time. Watch ‘The Serpent Queen’
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Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Premiere of ‘Kold x Windy’. To revisit the Season One Finale, click here.
When it comes to the pursuit of our dreams, we firmly believe that achieving them will do something quite important. In that, grabbing hold of what matters most to us, will solve all of our problems, seemingly overnight, and it makes sense as to why we hold to this. After all, people that achieve their dreams appear to be as happy as can be. Because now they have it all, their dream, money, and a new path and while money may not buy happiness, it sure as hell pays off debt, and that can be a relief for folks that are struggling as they reach for the sky. But while that does drive us, it is a belief that we need to stop holding to. Simply because it is outright false. For in reality, achieving our dreams is nothing more than another page in the book of our life, and all the problems we think will go away are still there and still haunting us until we make fundamental changes to our lifestyle and who we are, and well… that truth is top of mind today, simply because it was put on display in the season two premiere of Kold x Windy on ALLBLK. For ‘Circles’ picked up seven months after the events of ‘It Is, What It Is’. Wherein Malika and Renee were in the midst of achieving their dream. For they had a record contract in hand, their first payment from their advance, and they truly believed through and through that this was it; they were on easy street and all their problems would be gone. But alas, it didn’t take long for this duo to learn first and foremost… that life goes on when we reach the top. Because GeGe was tripling down on not having any treatment for her cancer, and that made it clear to this duo… that death was still in the cards for her and that they would lose people they love as life rolled along. Not to mention, being rich and heading toward fame, didn’t quell the darkness they created in season one. Since Shelly was still out there and full of anger regarding the two people, she considered to be her nemeses and of course, Pop Off was alive and well and ready for revenge. Giving rise to real trouble on the horizon, all because nothing was done to really quell such matters in the proper manner, and their troubles didn’t end there. Because the biggest issue of all in this story, was our favorite drill artists. For Renee was still relying on substance abuse to find calm and inspiration in her day. And of course, Malika had a lot of darkness hanging over her. For her son was still in foster care, and another baby was on the way and the burden of how she got here, weighed heavy upon her. Not to mention, the duo was still running stains. Because nothing changed internally amongst them. They just thought the money would somehow heal them and push them in the right direction. But not all hope is lost for this duo. After all, they did come to understand the very lesson of this episode. Meaning there is a chance they could take it to heart at last, and really work to be better people, if they can survive the worst parts of the storm that is gathering. For Pop did take a shot or two at them at the end of this tale, and of course… the police still want their pound of flesh after their case fell to pieces against them and all of that made, for an incredible season premiere. One that perfectly plunged us back into the grey where this series thrives and reminded us of its intelligence and its gravitas. And it set the stage for quite the task for this duo, this season. In that, they finally have a chance to break the cyclical nightmare surrounding them, provided they are willing to commit to something more and the only question is, can they? For the allure of routine is strong, and it will be interesting to see if Malika and Renee can handle the work that will go into impacting change in their lives, so that they can embrace their dream and enjoy the happiness and peace they seek. Until next time. Watch ‘Kold x Windy’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
There was a time in the television landscape, where the end of a particular series, truly meant the end. No revivals, no sequels, sometimes… there was potentially a spin-off, but those barely worked. So, the end was truly that and it makes sense as to why. For at that particular time, television moved quickly and was always looking for the next great thing. So, committing a finale to history was the best way to go, and nostalgia would handle the rest via re-runs. But somewhere along the line, that particular line of thinking changed. For some began to wonder… what would it look like if certain characters we loved came back to the forefront of prime time?
A question that so many were intrigued by, that stories about the next chapter of beloved television icons came to life and well, that has given rise to some fascinating television. The kind that brings in a diverse audience. Since people that loved the classic, are eager to tune in a see what became of an old friend and there are some seeing that character for the first time and now find themselves curious about what adventures they went on before this one. Giving new life to the old stories as well. But what matters most about these new chapters to classic stories, is they have figured out how to balance paying respect to what came before, while forging new ideas and concepts that meet the creative demands of new viewers, and this is so popular now… that it has even found its way into family entertainment, and for proof… look no further than the brand-new chapter in the Yo Gabba Gabba! saga that debuted on Apple TV+ today. For season one of Yo Gabba GabbaLand! is now available to stream on the network, and it truly does accomplish everything we discussed a moment ago in a flawless and engaging manner. After all, the show feels like home, if you will. Since once again, there is a plucky host to bring Muno, Brobee, Foofa, Toodee, and Plex to life and once they’re up and about… they learn fine lessons about life and enjoy the wonder of music. Complete with musical guests whose passion for the art is limitless to say the least, and all of those elements will indeed please folks that grew up watching the show, and it will also welcome newcomers since that formula was and is, inviting and joyous and well, downright fun through and through. But it is the new stuff that really allows for this series to shine, since it does indeed take this franchise to a whole new level. For starters, the life lessons are little deeper now than they were before, which is saying something. Since they were top notch before. But it is obvious now that there is some reflection present within them, and a chance to prepare kids a little sooner for what lies ahead and that is welcome and works because it sparks discussion in the home, so that everyone can ponder upon life and its wonder. Not to mention, this iteration of the show builds upon the representation and inclusiveness that was present in the old show, by having segments that feature kids from other parts of world who get to tell stories about their lives and that’s just wondrous to see. Not to mention, there’s a dynamic new host on the series as well by way of Kammy Kam, played by Kamryn Smith, who brings a sense of innocent wonder to the show and the energy we’ve come to expect from those who plunge us into this world. All of which brings to life an incredible new chapter of the show that accomplishes so much and brings utter joy to our day. Not to mention, the musical guests, and the cameos from stars abound… speak to the impact of this franchise and how much it means to all of us. Giving rise to a special and joyous new chapter in this franchise. One that informs us that follow ups to classic stories does indeed have merit, since this franchise has only become better with age and is more fun than ever, and it will be interesting to see what future seasons look like from this revitalized franchise. Watch ‘Yo Gabba GabbaLand!’
Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 205 of The Serpent Queen, which is available to stream on the STARZ app now and will air on STARZ later tonight! THE SERPENT QUEEN EPISODE 205: Time With the Family Airdate: August 9 at 8:00pm ET/PT on STARZ Catherine relinquishes her seat on the Privy Council, but not before absolving Anjou of any responsibility in Hercule’s death and securing him a place on the Council. With religious war on the horizon and as Queen Elizabeth lands in the Netherlands, can a marriage be France’s saving grace? Written by John Edward Betancourt
There are few things in this world that captivate us more than the lives of celebrities and understandably so. Simply because they live a life that so many dream of, and they get to do amazing things and enjoy a unique life, and being able to follow their journey and learn about their lives just ignites something special within us and that’s why we follow every bit of their lives, including the darker days that befall them.
Which is something that some lament, but it is healthy and normal. Because life is ups and downs, and we take the good with the bad and learn from the latter, and we can learn a lot from the tough days that some celebrities went through, and that’s why we pour over documentaries that showcase the complete picture and soon, Peacock will be home to one about a supremely beloved celebrity: Gary Coleman. For he truly found his way into our hearts via Diff’rent Strokes, where his trademark catchphrase came to life, and that was enough for us to want to learn everything about him, and on August 29, we will. Since Gary will explore his life, his career, his ups and downs and to properly prepare for this comprehensive story about a life that ended too soon, Peacock released a trailer for what will be a powerful documentary. A trailer that we will share with you now, along with some details about it, so you can ready your mind to learn about Gary and from his life.
ABOUT GARY GARY follows the extraordinary story of Gary Coleman’s rise to international fame as the child star of Diff’rent Strokes; his struggles with fame; and the controversy surrounding his tragic death at the age of 42. For the first time, viewers will get insight into Coleman’s private world through exclusive interviews with his fellow actors, industry insiders and his estranged ex-wife and parents. ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY Premiere Date: August 29, 2024 Director: Robin Dashwood Executive Producers: Louise Norman, Tom Sheahan, Steve Boettcher, Mike Trinklein Produced by: RAW Format: Documentary, 1 x 90 mins Written by John Edward Betancourt Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Wayne Brady: The Family Remix’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. One particular flaw that the vast majority of ‘day in the life celebrity’ shows harbor, is that they tend to hold back, in every sense of that phrase. For they don’t always show us an authentic day in the life, they don’t always showcase what a celebrity is truly like and what they are actually going through in their lives. Simply because there is always that fear that being too authentic and too open will somehow be damaging to a celebrity. As though it will shatter the mythos of who they are, and well… it is a flaw… simply because it does the audience and the celebrity in question, a grand disservice. For they are and will forever be more than their persona or their mythos… they’re a person. One that has ups and downs, one that harbors fears and worries and has bad days like anyone else in the world and all should see that, and that is why the Freeform series, Wayne Brady: The Family Remix, is so important. Simply because this celebrity show has bucked that flaw and is truly presenting us with what we’ve always wanted from this kind of show and for proof… look no further than this week’s episode. For ‘NY State of Mind’ immediately followed up on last week’s tale, by showcasing a tearful Wayne, who was deeply conflicted by doing the very show we are now watching, and wondering if he should continue because of the very real fears he was experiencing regarding being so open and so raw about his truth. Which set the tone for a powerful episode, one that informed us… we were in new territory for this type of show. Because let’s be honest, we just don’t see celebrities be that vulnerable and well, that was just the tip of the iceberg. For as this episode continued along, we saw Wayne in a whole new light, one that was genuinely relatable. Because Wayne got back to work after deciding to continue the show, in part because performing and acting is what fuels Wayne and puts food on the table, but Mandie knew this push to get to work was something more. Specifically, an attempt to avoid facing the truth to come, and to also not resolve some unresolved emotions. Which she confronted him about when a grand opportunity/dream dropped into his lap, and this too was powerful and real. Because so many of us do this, and it showcased how a man as famous as Wayne, can succumb to such behaviors, and it genuinely removed the mythos of celebrity and showcased humanity over anything else. Not to mention, the core four’s collective decision to let Wayne go to New York and play the part of the Wiz in The Wiz, allowed for us to see another side of celebrities we never see. Wherein Wayne struggled behind the scenes with taking on this role, and wondered if he was right for it and if he was going to fail in offering up something authentic. Which made for a shocking end to this episode, because we saw Wayne Brady, one of the biggest stars on the planet, deal with Imposter Syndrome, and deeply worry about being good or showcasing talent when time and time again he’s made performing and acting look easy on our television screens and the silver screen and well… that made for a raw and visceral episode that was unlike anything in this genre. Because this… this was authentic. This was truth. This was a celebrity shedding persona and mythos to show us who he is and bare his fears and his soul, and that made for one incredible tale. One that simply engaged us from beginning to end by offering up a story that was so relatable and really informed us of what drives Wayne and fuels him, and what haunts him, and it truly makes us want to see more of this journey. Because now, we want Wayne to find the peace he deserves, the calm that his truth will bring him and see him overcome pain that lurks in his heart. Because of how human and beautiful this story has become, and because such a journey inspires so many and well, this episode deserves a round of applause for finally delivering what we want from a genre of storytelling that has promised so much and delivered so little, and it will be fascinating to see what lies ahead as Wayne continues to bear his soul. Until next time. Written by John Edward Betancourt
One particular decision that some people make, that continues to surprise us in an era where we have seen it all… is when someone decides to tell a gigantic lie that will somehow benefit them financially. And this continues to shock us for several reasons. One of which, is the sheer fact that this never works. Because eventually, the truth finds its way to the surface and the lie comes crumbling down and it just seems to be a terrible idea for someone to take part in a decision that always fails. Not to mention, it shocks us… because it just doesn’t make any damn sense. Like, what on earth would possess someone to want to lie like that and create such chaos in doing so, and that really is what carries the most weight when it comes to our surprise regarding such matters.
Plus, it doesn’t help that the people that do this, rightfully fade from existence after being caught and never give us insight into the why. But there are some ways we can learn and load up on knowledge on such matters, and that’s through storytelling. For stories can always ponder upon the simplest answers to our problems and our concerns, and well, it just so happens that a brand-new comedy series on Peacock, explores why someone would make that kind of decision and that makes Mr. Throwback, quite the unique and oddly poignant tale. Since we are living in an era of lies, where people double down upon them with a conviction we don’t understand and well, this series does indeed give us some fine understanding as to why. A feat that the show accomplishes by way of one grandiose and magnificent plot. Wherein we meet a man named Danny who is definitely down on his luck. For his sports memorabilia business is in trouble, because he’s made some poor and reckless financial choices. So, he decides, that the time has come to do something bold to shore up his finances and build a little nest egg for tomorrow, by way of saying hello to an old friend from the sixth grade, NBA Legend Stephen Curry. All in the hopes of getting his hands on some NBA gear to sell. But alas, that plan goes poorly and forces Danny to lean into a lie. One that is grave and huge in nature and garners Stephen’s sympathy and support. Putting Danny on that precarious path where he can either come clean and hope to salvage a renewed friendship, or continue to double down and face the inevitable consequences. Which is a story that truly does take us inside why people make that decision to lie. All by spending a ton of time with Danny in an intimate manner that allows for us to come to understand his past and its impact upon the present and how trauma, marginalization and other factors that shred a person’s self-worth… can motivate them to tell incredible lies. To feel that sense of self-worth, to matter and be someone that people notice and that makes this series a powerful character study. One that taps into some supremely powerful stuff regarding the human condition and what drives us, heals us, and makes us who we are and well, that alone is worth watching regarding this series. Since understanding Danny and the question at hand, compels us to continue the journey to see if redemption is possible for people like him, and gives us the answers we desperately seek. Yet there are more wonders to find within this story beyond its powerful commentary on why people lie in this manner and are driven to keep it alive. Because this also happens to be, a brilliant comedy through and through. One that yes, uses humor to make sure the subject matter and source of Danny’s decision is never overwhelming and sorrowful, and that in turn allows for us to see Danny as a man over anything else. But that’s stuff that you think about after you’ve watched it, and in the moment, you are treated to just some top-tier comedy. The kind that outright brings tears to your eyes and an ache to your ribs, and on some occasions, you might need to pause the show to get the laughs out. Because what plays out on screen is just so insanely funny and that all is brought to life, by some stellar writing and some stellar casting. With Adam Pally leading the charge as Danny since he sells the tortured nature of the character in a manner that is just stunningly compelling, and he is complimented by an amazing supporting cast that includes Ego Nwodim, Ayden Mayeri, and of course… Stephen Curry. Who is in fact, a revelation since we’ve never seen him featured this much in a television series before, much less a situational comedy, and he acts as well as he plays and adds gravitas to one stunningly inventive, and downright refreshing comedy series. One that features a lot of thought, a lot of heart and some great laughs and the best news of all, is that you can see Mr. Throwback today, since all six episodes are streaming on Peacock, and we hope you do. Because this really is quite the original story, one that truly looks at the human condition in a fascinating and funny light. Watch ‘Mr. Throwback’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘The Ark’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
If there is one particular question that has been haunting fans of the hit SYFY series, The Ark, over the past week… it would have to be, what happened to Lieutenant James Brice? For in the closing moments of last week’s story, ‘Anomaly’, the man just straight up disappeared in the literal blink of an eye, shortly after Ark 1 emerged from warp. Leaving all of us worried and nervous that the show might be taking another big swing here regarding the fate of a character, since we already lost Cat. Not to mention, the lack of stars and the lack of Ark 3 only added to that worry. Since it seemed as though the crew had gone from one rough situation to a worst-case scenario. Thankfully though, this week’s episode wasted little time in answering those question and assuaging our worries, courtesy of a bevy of surprise moments. One of which involved the return of Cat. For while the crew was trying to figure out why the stars were gone and where Brice went in ‘The Other You’, Cat emerged from a cyro chamber with a new accent and outright confusion. Because she did not recognize the corridors of the ship and she firmly believed that William Trust was her husband, and well… that led Trust and Alicia to ponder upon the possibility that there two Ark 1’s sharing space via quantum entanglement and since Cat died in the universe we know, and Brice died in the other one (as Cat informed us) they filled the void in either universe, and the question was… how best to bring them home. Which was the same question that Brice was asking aboard the alternate Ark 1, where he ran into a great deal of trouble. Because this iteration of the ship featured darker crewmates, and pure disbelief he even existed since he died a hero in this universe and left behind a love named Sharon Garnet. But thankfully, it featured a far kinder William Trust, who also figured out the entanglement issue and in doing so… figured out how best to reset the two universes, courtesy of a surprise attempt from Ark 1-Prime. For they tried to move their ship away, and alternate Trust came to realize that moving the ships in opposite directions would restore spacetime to its standard form and well, that idea worked and brought our heroes to their destination and returned Brice home and… let’s just get it out there now, this was a brilliant episode through and through. In large part because of the alternate universe that it presented us and Brice with. Since it allowed for the cast to have a little fun and show off their acting range. All by introducing us to a vastly different Angus and Alicia, who never came to understand their potential. Plus, it was wild to see a kind William Trust, and a very energetic and science loving Lieutenant Lane. Not to mention, Christie Burke really shined here as the alternate Sharon. Since the alternate was truly a sight to behold. For this Garnet had no confidence and was filled with a grief so great it was incredible she was even able to function. And this is just something we don’t see in science fiction outside of Star Trek, and it was welcome here and handled in a magnificent manner. As was the science for that matter. Since there were indeed some sound theories used to create this upside-down alternate universe, something this show is known for, but this… this was some next level science fiction writing for certain. The kind that really did offer up a supremely unique episode of this show. One that was able to have fun, keep us engaged and offer up some amazing concepts and of course… set the stage for potential conflict. After all, Kelly was gifted with control over her augmentations thanks to the alternate Cat and we are all now quite curious as to who exactly is docked over at Ark 3. But while we wait to see where that takes us, we can revel in one amazing tale. One that reminded us that this show can and will surprise us at its leisure, and it will be interesting to see what else this show has up its sleeve as season two continues along. Until next time. Watch ‘The Ark’
Please enjoy an exclusive sneak peek of the season two premiere of Kold x Windy, the season two trailer, and some details on season two, in advance of the show’s return tomorrow on ALLBLK!
ABOUT THIS SEASON: This season brings conflict and desire, along with new characters and betrayals. Rising hip-hop and drill star Malika “Kold” Wise (Sh’Kia Augustin, Black Lightning), who is now very pregnant with her deceased fiancé’s child, has fallen into an emotional rollercoaster of anxiety and violent fits. Although Kold x Windy have recently signed with Achieve Jamz, Malika seems to have lost her musical footing. Forced to return to committing her “stains,” she’s reverting to the life she so desperately tried to leave behind. Her trusted confidant and group member Renee “Windy” Johnson (Nijah Brenea, Rap Sh!t), is still obsessed with reppin’ Kold x Windy on the mic and in the streets. Despite her bulletproof façade, Renee is dealing with her own set of demons. New to the cast is Reginae Carter (Toya & Reginae) as Miss 290, one half of Kold & Windy’s rival rap group, K-Town. Returning cast includes Brely Evans (Ambitions) as GeGe, Kaja Brielle (Black Lightning) as Shelly Winter, Kiyanne Muhammad (Love and Hip Hop: New York) as Temperance “Temper” Davis, Solo Lucci (Love and Hip Hop: Hollywood) as Pop Off, and more. Kold x Windy is co-created and executive produced by Kenny Young, Phil James, and Vernon “Xtreme” Brown of Chalice Entertainment. Brett Dismuke, Head of Content, Nikki Love, SVP of Production and Development and Ashley McFarlin, VP Production and Development serve as executive producers for ALLBLK. Sneak Peek
Season 2 Trailer
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘My Lady Jane’. To revisit the series premiere, click here.
One particular reason that arranged marriages have gone the way of the dodo, is the sheer fact that we’ve learned… they don’t work. For love isn’t something that can be forged out of the blue between two strangers. We now know it takes chemistry to start the process to find a connection, and actual dating and time spent together to forge it, and to see if ideologies align and if that annoying yet wondrous ability that couples harbor, to work seamlessly together, can exist. Not to mention, they are simply morally wrong, because love is love and no one should be forced to marry anyone their heart doesn’t call out to loudly. But despite knowing this, such matters still exist and were once commonplace back in the day, and well… in order to better understand the horrors of such matters, our favorite ‘What if?’ series decided to explore not only the gross nature of arranged marriage, but what kinds of surprises could come forth from a learning standpoint when one doesn’t know a thing about their new partner. Which allowed for the next episode of My Lady Jane on Prime Video to offer up one wild tale in ‘Wild Thing’. Which picked up shortly after Jane collapsed at her wedding, with an ‘illness,’ to get out of tying the knot with Sir Guildford Dudley. But once she learned she would go through hell to prove she was sick, she stuck with the wedding and that exploration got underway. In a normal manner at first, since despite the deep attraction these two harbored for one another, they still were quite trepidatious in committing to matters of the heart. Because they both knew, they knew little of the other. It was just attraction and time would tell if this could work, because desire can fade. But also, because Guildford was harboring quite the stunning secret. One that Jane worked hard to uncover and rightfully so. For she was his wife, and should know the truth, but she struggled with the fact that Guildford, was an Ethian. A horse to be precise, one that could not change into human form until the night befell the land and well, that was a fine way to explore the core ugliness of arranged marriage with quite the ‘What if?’ twist. Since none of us have ever had to think about a shapeshifting partner. But all surprise aside and all fun aside, it was good to learn that part of the arrangement was to use her big brain to cure Guildford, and that her freedom from marriage would follow said cure. Since that gave Jane some agency and purpose and while this alone could have carried the episode, there were more juicy plot points to enjoy. Since King Edward VI and his own Ethian, Petunia, went on a search to uncover just who was poisoning him. Since he had to know who was plotting against the crown and well, Mary and Seymour turned out to be the culprits. Since they met often to discuss his end and to throw anyone off of their trail, they had Lord Dudley arrested for the crime of regicide, which he did not commit. Giving them license to harm once again. All of which sets the stage for an ugly fight for the crown, one that could right history as we knew it, or find unique ways to further change it. But while we wait, we can celebrate one creative tale. One that reminded us of why it’s okay to leave certain traditions in the past, since arranged marriage and the equally strange act of a bedding ceremony were just… gross, yet still managed to wow us with unique plotlines and a surprisingly charged bit of chemistry between Guildford and Jane. Since they do indeed harbor something that might go somewhere, on their own terms of course, and well, it will be interesting to see if Jane can cure her temporary hubby and whether or not the king can escape murder as season one of this unique show continues along. Until next time. Watch ‘My Lady Jane’
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