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Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 4 of ‘Kin’.
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For the vast majority of us out there, revenge is nothing more than a simple act. Because in the everyday world, taking part in it involves petty actions. The kind that tends to put our mark in their place and the only penalties that tend to come out of this for us, is a guilty conscience or outright embarrassment, if it is revealed that we are the one who initiated the vendetta in question. Because the rules of the everyday world, prevent all of us from taking part in something worse and it really is a good thing that those rules are in place. Because the genuine fallout of true, unfettered revenge involves consequences untold and endless fear and one bad turn after another and we know this to be the case, simply because there is a world where that kind of terrifying chaos exists.

Specifically… the criminal world. For that universe doesn’t abide by the rules of our own and being free from the rules allows for one to operate with impunity and well, it just so happens that unfettered revenge and the horrors that accompany it, were put on full display in the next episode of Kin. For this particular tale caught up with the Kinsella family shortly after Eamon Cunnhingham declared war upon them and what we learned about revenge without borders was fascinating to say the least. For instance, this episode teaches us that when we know it is coming, we will be forced to live in utter fear. Because we simply don’t know when the vengeful will strike and teach us a lesson of their own and that made for tense moments for certain. 

Ones that allowed for us to see first-hand the fear surging through the family since they wore body armor outside of their own four walls and gingerly peeked out windows, wondering if by chance Cunningham’s boys were waiting outside for them. But thankfully, there was some quiet to be found for the family since the police kept an eye on them in the hopes of keeping of the peace, giving them a safe space for certain. But alas, that’s not something that would stop Cunningham from making them pay and boy did he ever. For he cut the family off from their supply lines, starving their business of much needed funds and he even went so far as to kill off their dealers when possible and made it clear to any one in town that doing business with the Kinsellas would result in bad times for them. 

Which really put the family in a dark and dreary place. One where they almost gave in to desperation and danger to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads. But there was mention that an act of revenge can lead to more retaliation and this dire situation inspired the family to partake in just that. Because if Eamon wasn’t going to supply them any further and more or less considered them to be a dead entity, then why not go for broke and get what they need… and make him pay in the process? A feat that would be accomplished… by raiding the Cunningham drug warehouse and cleaning it out before Eamon knew what hit him. Which would in turn give them everything they need and if done right, potentially produce a stalemate while Cunningham tried his best to track the ghosts that robbed him. But of course, there is great risk involved in such an act, but the family seems un-phased by that since they need this to live.

But what was truly wild about this episode is that the real consequences of the act of revenge that brought the family to this point, might not involve the Cunningham Empire in the slightest. Since it was revealed in the closing moments of this tale, that the police are ready to dig deep into the Kinsella family business now that they are certain that Viking’s car was involved in this mess. Which means that Amanda and the family will be fighting a war on two fronts and that could lead to mistakes and disaster and well, all this episode does is leave us starving for more. In large part because this story isn’t done in the slightest with this powerful and fascinating examination on the nature of revenge, but also because we simply have to know what comes next and that undoubtedly means we will be counting down the seconds until next week’s entry in this harrowing and engaging journey.

​Please enjoy a sneak peek of tomorrow’s brand-new episode of The Morning Show, streaming exclusively on AppleTV+.

​Please enjoy a sneak peek of tomorrow’s brand-new episode of Ted Lasso, streaming exclusively on AppleTV+.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Ultra City Smiths’.

For the most part, crime dramas and crime related stories, tend to keep their focus on the hero and the villain and it makes sense as to why. After all, we dive into these particular tales to ponder upon the nature of good versus evil and watch a battle between those elements take place, and the best way to do that, is to have the story focus heavily on the two characters that embody those elements through and through and this works so well, that you rarely see crime stories deviate from that formula. But once in a while, a creative mind figures out a way to shake things up and provide the reader or viewer with a supremely unique and dynamic crime story that defies said formula and for proof, then look no further than the next episode of Ultra City Smiths.

For ‘The Little Baby Hand Pinky Grip Thing’ is a story that takes the time to put the engrossing case that Mills, and Nico are working on, on the back burner. All so that the story could focus on the support characters in this town in a manner that allowed for us to better get to know some of the reasoning for their actions and what drives a person to crime and that led to some fascinating vignettes. Such as the one involving Trish McSapphire, since her time in this tale allowed for us to understand exactly why she wasn’t upset with the fact that Christopher K. Smith abandoned her as a child after she learned from him, that he was her father. Mainly because she understood what it takes for a parent to bid a child farewell and how that severed connection is easier than one might give it credit, giving way to a poignant and powerful segment, one that explored an aspect of our world we simply don’t talk about all that often. 

But while that was indeed fascinating and unique, there was mention of an examination of what drives people to a life of crime and in some cases, it’s about doing what must be done to handle a desperate situation. Such as say, paying an impossible medical bill. Since Street Hustler Boy found out that a neck reduction surgery might save his beloved 34th Street Chuck, and that motivated him to collect some old and rusted guns and assemble a crew to rob a bank. In the hopes of getting the money he needs for his love and really, what made this segment so worthwhile and of note, is the sheer fact that this vignette… opens one’s eyes to the world. Because it hammers home the fact that not all crime is committed in the name of malice. Sometimes it is indeed about changing fortunes when some have no other options in life and that is a lesson that will definitely stay with all of us for some time.

However, this is still a crime drama and all comedic moments and unique explorations aside, once the opportunity was there for the story to put the big case back in the spotlight it sure did, in an epic manner no less. For Nico and Mills’ ability to move the case along and start to narrow down the owner of the gun… made the brass nervous. To the point where the police chief and the more unsavory folks in Ultra City decided that something needed to be done about the case, now that Nico was focused, and the facts were about to present themselves. Which is why a mysterious assassin made a point to put a bullet in Nico when he and Mills almost uncovered something big, to slow the whole thing down or get the chief to call it off and that really is a powerful twist to inject into this fascinating tale.

One that really did a fine job of exploring crime and its dynamics in a manner that few shows ever bother to. Since they truly stand by the age-old formula over anything else, which made this examination of the greyer nature of crime quite refreshing. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that we finally spent a little time with the quirky characters that populate this world in an intimate manner and that the comedy was also top notch in this tale. Since the jokes in this story really do keep this plot light and engaging and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this wonderful episode, we’re back to waiting impatiently for the next chapter of the story. One that will hopefully see Nico survive his injuries so he can finish his redemption arc and of course, help Mills to solve the incredible case before them so that Ultra City can finally understand a taste of what justice is like. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Finding Alice’.
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Funerals and burials exist for one reason and one reason alone. In that, they are in theory, supposed to offer us closure. For being able to say our goodbyes to the person we lost, should allow for us to prepare for a life without them and watching them go into the ground, closes the chapter on that part of our lives. But while that is a series of concepts that make sense and accomplish their goals for some… for others; grieving doesn’t end when the dirt hits the coffin. No, instead, the burial of a loved on merely signals a new and more difficult chapter for those left behind, in that… now they have to figure out what their life looks like without the person that meant the absolute world to them.
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If anything, that uncomfortable chapter of the grieving process is top of mind today, simply because it served as the focus of the next episode of Finding Alice. For ‘Inquest’ picked up shortly after the funeral and burial of Harry and well… Alice was struggling with this new normal. Because she felt alone and abandoned and was unsure of how to heal her wounds. Which motivated her to take part in some wild behaviors, such as trying to sit in on Charlotte’s therapy sessions so she could feel needed and wanted and be near someone that mattered to her. But what matters most when it comes to this aspect of the story, is that it made sure to point out that there is no easy fix for this part of the grieving process, since everyone handles it differently. Which means that time and patience and a desire to heal, combined with a distraction… are likely the best ways to combat this rough part of the healing process.

Thankfully, there was indeed a distraction present here to help Alice. For another unique aspect that can arise when we lose a loved one… is dealing with legal ramifications of the passing of those we love, which in this case… was the dreaded inquest that Alice feared. Because she was genuinely worried that this was somehow going to go south and cause more strife for herself and her family and that motivated her to work hard to ensure that it went as smooth as possible. Which involved working with George to come clean about the fact that he was the mysterious man standing in the doorway on CCTV, since Alice was able to put two and two together regarding that and thankfully, she was able to get him to testify, allowing for everyone to be cleared in Harry’s passing so that a new course could be forged for the family. But even then, there were still other legal hurdles that needed to be dealt with in regard to George. Since he stood to inherit a great deal of what was left.

But as it turns out, he wanted nothing more than to meet his biological family and figure out a way forward with them and despite a few road bumps in getting his own mother in on that process, he is going to get his wish and that wonderful resolution and joyous uniting of the family, made it seem for a brief moment that happy days were upon the family at last. But alas, the universe never quite works that way and when we are down, it will challenge us to no end, and sadly, money motivated an ugly decision that may or may not have some serious consequences for Alice and Charlotte. For Gerry received a bid on the house, one that was well worth his while and that could mean Alice and Charlotte will be out on their own soon, and Harry’s final resting place might change… unless of course, Alice’s pleas to Harry’s business partner came through.

For Alice did ask if by chance she could help in securing their new home and if that’s the case, well that definitely gives them a safe space for the time being. The only downside is they might be in hock to someone that they haven’t a clue is trustworthy or not. But while we wait to see what comes from this, we can once again bask in the wonder of one amazing tale. Because this one, really deserves a round of applause for taking the show’s grand exploration of the grieving process to a whole new level. Since it dove into everything that accompanies the loss of a loved one in such incredible detail and in such a compelling manner and that’s important. Since it adds depth to a topic that we gloss over far too often in both popular media and everyday life and truly, this really does compel one to continue this stunning journey, so that we can continue to learn more about the grieving process and see what will become of Alice and Charlotte, when the dust settles. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘My Life Is Murder’.
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It is definitely safe to say that something each and every one of fears in life, is change. Because we are at our core, creatures of habit and comfort and having those elements in our lives, brings forth a sense of security, one that we are supremely unwilling to let go of. Which is in many ways, ironic, since we are also beings that are fully aware that change is necessary for growth in life. But all duality of man aside, what is truly troubling about our fear of change, is the sheer fact that some people love it so much and believe they need it in everything they do, that they are willing to do whatever it takes to keep the status quo going, regardless of the risk or the consequences. If anything, that particular problem is of note today, since it served as the focal theme of this week’s episode of My Life Is Murder.

A feat that ‘Sleep No More’ accomplished, by once again outright fooling us with a complex case that seemed to be heading in a different direction. For this go round, Alexa was sent to a beautiful resort where the death of the resort’s owner, Tony, seemed oddly suspicious to Harry. Because despite the fact that Tony was locked in his freezer overnight, making it seem as though an accident occurred, the sleeping pills in Tony's system just seemed supremely suspicious, as did some of the injuries he endured on his body as well. Which is why Alexa was happy to take the case and the instant she dug into the doings at this facility, she quickly came to discover that Tony’s death might be money related. Because Tony was actually trying to sell the resort and a botched deal or illegal things behind the scenes, could have contributed to his passing.   

But that’s when this episode shifted gears and explored our fears of change. Because the more time Alexa spent at the resort and with Tony’s family… who helped him run the place, the more she realized that money wasn’t the reason that a good man died. Instead, his passing came about because of that very fear. Because Tony's son, Ivan, thought for a moment that dear old dad was selling the place because it was a chance to line his pockets and get away from it all, a thought that terrified Ivan since the resort had been in the family for ages and he wanted nothing more than to raise his little girl in the very place where he grew up. But in the end, since he chose to give into that fear over communicating with his dad about why the sale was happening, Ivan was headed to jail for murdering the man that raised him and well… that hammered a horrifying reality about what our fear of change can do to us when we refuse to see its benefits and refuse to forge our own path.

However, while that made for a straightforward examination of the theme in question, it only seemed right to show us a healthier example of how a lack of change can hold us back in life. Since not everyone will turn to murder in the event, they want their world to say the same, and that was explored by way of Alexa’s brother, Will. Because he was up for parole and eager to start over, but what troubled Alexa about this particular act… was that Will clearly learned nothing from his crimes. He simply believed he would do his time and remain his old self and never change his wicked ways and well, that motivated Alexa to do something quite bold, and work to get his parole revoked. Simply because she knew a lack of change on his part, would bring about more strife and likely put him back in jail and well, that lesson also makes it clear than we refuse change, it can make us quite stagnant and leave us on a path we find no joy in. 

In the end however, this really was quite the cerebral tale since it truly examined a poignant topic in a unique and fascinating light. To the point where the audience definitely learned a little something about the nature of change and its power and well, kudos to this series for once again finding a way to look at our world in a unique manner and for offering up another case filled with surprises and engaging twists. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that sci-fi legend William Shatner popped up in this one as the real estate magnate eager to buy the resort, since Shatner always lights up the screen and delights fans everywhere with his enthusiastic nature and he delivers here as always and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this fascinating case, the time has come to play the waiting game once again for next week’s adventure. One that will undoubtedly dive deep into more complex and fascinating topics.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘What If…?’
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I really was not expecting this episode to be as fun as it was. On a very genuine level, with how everything else had been going, I legit was expecting this to be darker than the last, following the preset pattern. I was beyond wrong. This episode was light and fun and everything I needed lately. Thankfully John watched it first this time and warned me of its awesomeness. I was half expecting him to be getting me back over the lies I texted him about Lower Decks, but he isn’t the vengeful type. This episode was a light warm welcome after the last few. I have to say, Thor will always be my favorite Himbo of all Himbo’s. As it is, you can tell Chris Hemsworth had a blast with this episode and it really shows through. The thing is, Loki brought a balance to Thor that we never truly understood until now. All those faked deaths really helped to mature Thor in a way we didn’t appreciate until now.

I guess Thor being an only child also means that Hela never existed, and I guess that’s alright? Either way, can we talk about the fact that Frigga apparently had a sister? She just bounces the second Odin is in his Odin Sleep phase of things. I really do hope Frigga’s sister is the crazy aunt we all need in our lives. Like that is my personal life goal, to be the crazy aunt my nephew didn’t know he needed. Well, Thor probably needs a crazy aunt because he just blows off his duties as crown prince and hops off to Earth for a massive bender. Which is fair, because nobody seems to party like we do. Especially if our chosen sports team wins the chosen sports team trophy ring… you can tell I don’t sports team very well. Thor hits up Vegas first and invites all of the galaxy it seems.
 
Enter Jane Foster and Darcy Lewis. Listen, Darcy is the literal best part of both Thor movies and WandaVision, and she’s wife goals. Apparently, Howard the Duck also thinks so, because during Darcy and Jane’s attempt to find out what Thor and his groupies really want, they just party down with them instead. Yes, Darcy and Howard get drunk and married in Vegas and it’s literally the wedding I didn’t know I needed at the time. Am I jealous of Howard? For sure. I’d fight a Duck. Jane and Thor get matching tattoos and it just all around is a wild night.

Which ends in a hotel room and S.H.I.E.L.D. banging on the door. It’s a rude awakening but Jane cooperates, even if it’s to save her space not-quite-boyfriend. Maria Hill is Acting Director and has decided that Thor and whoever he brought with him is a threat to the planet. Even though the lovable Himbo is just there to party and blow off his responsibilities. It’s Rumlow and Coulson we see most of, and they bring in the secret weapon of all secret weapons. I never really thought about who would win in a fight, Thor or Captain Marvel, but now I know. Carol comes when she’s called, and she has no problem breaking up the party. The problem is, she’s holding back. She doesn’t defeat Thor, in fact he kicks her ass, kind of. The party resumes, and Loki shows up. That’s right, Loki was given back to his people and raised as a Frost Giant… and apparently, he and Thor are best friends. So, the only way they can have a genuinely good relationship is if Loki isn’t his sibling, or if Loki knows he’s adopted. Either way. The planet gets more trashed as the party rages on. Maria suggests Carol take Thor somewhere remote to properly deal with him, and then also arms a few Nukes because she doesn’t trust Carol can do the job.

Jane has a much different idea. With Darcy’s help, she calls out to Heimdall, who listens and brings her to him, and then promptly sends her to Frigga. Jane explains that Thor is in trouble. He’s been partying on earth and S.H.I.E.L.D. is about to off him if they can. So, Frigga does what any mother would do and she ‘calls’ her son. Right in the midst of Carol and Thor fighting it out for a second time. Thor panics and says he’s on an educational exchange with Midgard. Carol leaves because of course she does, and Thor has to rush to clean the mess he and his friends have made, because Frigga is on her way. It doesn’t go well at first until he pulls out his God Voice and demands help.
 
Frigga shows up just in time to see Thor teaching a class of Midgardians and Carol even pops in with a tablet full of information to really sell the lie. Turns out Frigga knows exactly who Carol is. Thor, of course, gets caught. But it ends with him bringing Jane flowers and asking her on a date. Ah, young love. A wonderful note to end on… and yet it makes me more nervous for the next episode.

It is definitely safe to say, that the vast majority of us are quite well versed in our family’s history. For our parents are happy to discuss it when the time is right, and we are eager to learn about it. For we know little outside of our immediate world and hearing more about where we come from and how we reached this point, is simply fascinating and oddly fulfilling. Primarily because, that knowledge gives us a powerful sense of belonging and purpose for that matter as well. Since it reminds us to do our best to add to our rich lineage. But you’ll note that this particular observation was not one hundred percent inclusive and there is good reason for that. Because not everyone knows their family’s backstory inside and out.

That could be because there are some dark periods in the family’s past, the kind that bring about embarrassment when they are spoken to. Or… someone simply doesn’t know it in the slightest. Because it was never discussed or because they never knew their family well enough to gather that history and when that happens, the party that is without knowledge… has quite the decision to make at some point in their lives. In that, they can stick with what they know and forge their own legacy and never once worry about the past… or they can dig hard and learn everything there is to know about their family and endure the risk of pain if they uncover something ugly and well, it is that choice that is central to the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

A feat that ‘True Q’ accomplishes by introducing us to a woman named Amanda Rogers who is forging her own path in the galaxy in quite the positive manner. For she is extremely intelligent and eager to learn and execute every theory that science has to offer, and that keen mind and her powerful observations and contributions to the scientific community, has brought her to the Enterprise for an opportunity to learn and grow out there in the void. But there is also a sorrowful side to Amanda, for her parents died when she was extremely young, and she knows nothing about them or the history of her family. But a few odd surprises on board the ship, are going to make her face the choice in question. For it turns out that Amanda has some odd abilities, the kind that allow for her to shape the universe as she sees fit and there is good reason for that. 

Because it turns out, that she is a member of the Q Continuum, and so were her parents and their inability to keep their powers in check, motivated the Q to end their lives and spare hers and see what she would do when the time arrived for her powers to blossom. Which means our favorite Q returns to the Enterprise to ask her to face her past and learn it and all the risks that come with being a Q and well, that leads to a powerful journey. One where Amanda really does take the time to weigh the wonder and the horror of being a Q and that allows for her to make quite the powerful decision. In that, she decides in the end to embrace her past and what the Continuum stands for. Not because she believes it to be a better life, since she’s seen wonders untold in the corporeal universe, but because she realizes that her powers and her strength can cause harm when human emotion comes into play.

If anything, this was just a fascinating episode when all is said and done, one that really did a fine job of digging into the grey areas that accompany exploring one’s history. Because the truth is, there is a lot of struggle and strife that can come with that when we don’t know it, and fear too, since the unknown hangs over us when we head out into this journey and well… it is the realism of this story that makes it work so well, alongside a very nuanced performance from John de Lancie as Q. Since here, he is quite curious about Amanda and restrained since he understands her power and her abilities and it really was quite amazing to see that side of Q and see him grow and really dive into a story that reminds us how hard it is to find our way, when we don’t know where we’ve come from. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Ten of ‘Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty’.
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For the most part, documentary shows tend to gloss over mating season and its aftermath and understandably so. After all, documentaries tend to have a bevy of other topics and moments to share with their audience, so pointing out the fact that animal’s mate and have babies in a matter-of-fact manner, allows for the show to cover the life cycle quickly to maximize its running time. But there is one slight drawback in regard to that particular decision. In that, we truly don’t get the full picture of what the life cycle really looks for a particular species and that’s unfortunate since there are so many other habits and nuances and cycles that happen in between the moment they choose to take a mate and that is why we can be supremely thankful for shows such as Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty.

Because this particular show leaves nothing out and we are privy to every single moment of the meerkat life cycle and for proof, then look no further than last night’s tale. For ‘Chapter 10: Homecomings’ took us into the period of time after the meerkat opts to mate in a detailed fashion, by first informing us of the fact that shortly after the season ends… a different sense of renewal begins. For the rains hit around that time and make the world lush and lovely and that in turn allowed for several families to relocate and enjoy the bounties of the Kalahari and take on new responsibilities as well. Since Swift was forced to put on a bevy of hats to raise her new little ones, thanks to the fact that she kicked all of her help out at the height of her pregnancy. But with a little effort and care and help from Brea, she was able to keep things going with the family and thrive as they always do.

But starting over with young ones isn’t the only thing that meerkats take part in during this time of year. For this is also a season where meerkats that didn’t form a new family, are forced to return home for their own safety and survival and that tends to come with mixed results. Because sometimes, a meerkat is quickly welcomed home, like Gerk was. Since everyone greeted him warmly and had no problem with him going off to try and find romance and start his own family. But others, simply aren’t so lucky. The Native for instance, had concerns and worries about returning to the Ubuntu family… largely because she was aware of how pregnant Daisy was and how matriarchs respond to potential threats to their pups, and she was right to be concerned. Because despite her best efforts to sneak in and just blend back in with the family, Daisy wasn’t cool with her return and cast her out without giving it a second thought.

However, while all of those elements were intimate and fascinating, they paled in comparison to the most unique journey present in this tale. For we also caught up with Belphegor in this story and came to learn that he too was making the long journey home after his attempts at starting a family outright evaporated. But along the way, he ran into another lonesome meerkat named Pixie and well, it turns out that the kindred spirits they shared in failure, motivated them to become road brothers. The kind that watched one another’s backs and where they did as they pleased, and they were so enamored by their unexpected freedom… that they decided this was the life for them and they could enjoy the bounties of the world until the time came to forge a family and they simply headed off into the Kalahari to live their lives as they pleased.

Which really was quite the incredible surprise, since everything we’ve seen so far has indicated that meerkats hate living alone. Something that was reinforced here by The Native’s bold plan to get back in the burrow. But apparently, from time to time, a meerkat or two will enjoy living on the road and that really was quite amazing to learn, as was everything else in this tale. Since we really did get a quality follow up on what life is like in the Kalahari when mating season comes to a close and really, who knew that there was so much activity during this particular time of year? But thanks to this wonderful series, we are now fully aware of that and that in turn, will make the wait for next week’s episode quite difficult. Since we are once again, eager to see what other incredible moments we will be privy to, in the heart of the Kalahari. Until next time.