When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous series that is Star Trek: The Next Generation, we talked at length about the show’s versatility from a storytelling standpoint. Specifically, how it was able to sometimes shift away from heavier themes to provide its fans with a good old fashioned science fiction story. One that merely captivates and entertains and that was relevant and important to our discussion then simply because the show exercised that flexibility and that really did allow for quite the refreshing season finale to take place. One that saw Lieutenant Commander Data get lost in the strange majesty of the 19th Century, thanks to a little time travel surprise involving some strange aliens who seemed to have ill intentions for the good people of that era.
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But what matters more, is that both of those elements are still important and relevant. Largely because the season six premiere of this series, expands on all of those elements. For ‘Time’s Arrow, Part II’ wastes zero time in plunging us back into this adventure by informing us of the fact that Captain Picard and his away team have settled into 19th Century San Francisco, so that they can investigate what’s going on with these aliens and hopefully find Data as well and their journey leads to a bevy of fun moments for certain. Since we also come to learn that Picard cannot pay the rent and has to resort to extreme measures to keep his landlord at bay and their journey also brings about some answers in regard to the aliens in question. 

In that, these strange aliens are big fans of the past, because they can use the cholera epidemic of the 19th Century as cover to steal neural energy to feed their own kind. Which of course, clued the crew into the fact that they had to do something drastic and quick in order to stop them from feeding with impunity. But to do that, they needed to find Data and thankfully, a dust up with the aliens and San Francisco’s finest, allowed for everyone to reunite and put together a century spanning plan to defeat the aliens. Because a surprise counter punch on the hungry aliens’ part, severs Data from his head, as history foretold, and in the chaos of that fight, Picard and Guinan were left behind while the away team and Samuel Clemens made their way to the 24th Century.

Which in turn led to a delightful sequence aboard the Enterprise where Clemens learned the value of his work and his vision, since he was privy to a future where mankind did survive its worst devices and forged a galaxy where everyone was treated equally and where malice and greed no longer existed and being surrounded by that, motivated quite the change in Mister Clemens. One where he did his part to bring Captain Jean-Luc Picard home, so that this future could indeed be preserved and thanks to his efforts and Picard’s quick thinking, eventually Data got his head back on straight and the aliens were defeated and most important of all, history played out as it was supposed to, making this quite the satisfying episode when all said and done.

Because you can never go wrong with a self-contained Star Trek arc that wraps everything up in a beautiful and fun manner, and that’s precisely what this one does. It just takes us on a fun adventure through time and space and allows for Mark Twain himself to appreciate the wonder of dreams and striving for a better tomorrow and speaking of Twain/Clemens, a round of applause needs to happen for actor Jerry Hardin, who played this titular icon with a zest and glee that really helps to sell the time travel aspect. Plus, bonus points to this show for the whole Jack London twist and well, now that this mission has come to a close, it is time to turn our attention to the rest of season six, and all the incredible moments and missions that it has to offer. Until next time.

​Please enjoy a sneak peek of the series premiere of Kin, which makes its debut on AMC+ tomorrow, September 9, 2021.

It is definitely safe to say that crime dramas that revolve around the machinations of a crime family, are filled to the brim with familiar formulas and tropes. For instance, the family in question is often quite comfortable with a life of crime since it has afforded them with a comfortable life, one free from the shackles of the everyday world and when we catch up with them in their particular tale… they’re usually in a dark place and ready to fight. For some external force is preparing to shatter their world and we are going to witness their desire to protect it at any and all costs. Making their story a grand tragedy through and through, one that reminds us that crime does not pay and those who indulge in it are soulless and lost to the world.

However, while that makes for an engaging story, there are some serious drawbacks that accompany that particular formula and design. In that, this is a trope that has become quite stale as the years continue along and it is in many ways, unrealistic. For these stories tend to portray criminals as caricatures of sorts, with their humanity completely removed and these common issues are so engrained within the sub-genre, that it is downright shocking when one runs into a story that bucks this particular grain. But that kind of surprise should be celebrated through and through, since it means, someone has finally decided to present this type of world in a refreshing light and that is precisely why the new AMC+ series, Kin is of note.

For this family-themed crime drama, one that features a stellar cast that includes Charlie Cox of Daredevil fame, does a phenomenal job of shattering all the tropes and formulas that normally populate this sub-genre of storytelling. A feat that it accomplishes by offering up supremely human characters. The kind complete with hopes and dreams and worries for the future and where they consider their illegal work to be just that, work. Work that they are good at and does indeed afford them with all kinds of luxuries, but it is work none the less, and that really does make for a refreshing twist in this type of series since it allows for more intimate moments to take place with these characters and oddly enough their views on this type of life is what leads to the other fascinating aspect of this brand-new series.

In that, the Kinsella family is not bloodthirsty in the slightest, nor are they constantly scheming to create drama and strife, which makes them the anthesis of what we normally find in this sub-genre. Since they simply are dealing with the hand their family has been dealt and are enjoying the benefits that can come with it. To the point where they even work to keep the peace when this volatile world bubbles around them. As to whether or not they maintain that peace is something we won’t reveal here, simply because this is a series that you need to experience first-hand and that’s precisely why we’ve kept this preview supremely spoiler-free, so you can do just that and trust us when we say… you’ll be glad we did.

Because there really is so much more to this series than those respective surprises. For it is filled to the brim with powerful moments and equally as dynamic performances from a cast of veterans and newcomers alike. But what matters most, is that this series really does offer up a fresh take on a tired sub-genre and in doing so, creates an engaging and worthwhile experience. One where you genuinely care about the characters and hope that they achieve their goals in life and well, if we’ve done enough to entice you in regard to this series… the good news is that you won’t have to wait long to check it out. For Kin arrives on AMC+ this Thursday, September 9, 2021, and we look forward to geeking out about this dynamic new series with all of you in the days and weeks to come.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘My Life Is Murder’.
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One particularly tender behavior that each and every one of us take part in, is protecting our loved ones and closest friends from harm, in any capacity. Because we genuinely care about them through and through and that is why we do our best to shield them from pain, so that they can go about their day in a safe and secure and happy manner. But while that is a wonderful and noble act to take part in, it does come with some drawbacks. In that, we cannot be there 24/7 to protect those we love from harm, and it is important for all of us to go through strife so that we grow and learn as individuals. Which means that while it pains us so to see them suffer when life throws a curveball their way, they need go through it and learn the lesson the universe is attempting to teach them and to do anything outside of offer support, could stunt their emotional growth… or worse.

If anything, that particular concept and the trouble that can potentially come about from protecting those we love is top of mind today, largely because it served as the focal theme of the next episode of My Life Is Murder on Acorn TV. For ‘All That Glitters’ explored those dangers in great detail, after outright fooling the audience into thinking they were about to enjoy an investigation grounded in a crime of passion. For Alexa was assigned to a case involving drag performers, wherein the world-famous duo of Ginger Snaps and Needa found themselves rattled by the death of Needa, whose real name was David, and it was up to Alexa to figure out if David’s untimely passing was indeed a sorrowful accident or outright murder and at first all signs pointed to that crime of passion. 

One where a potentially heated argument between David and his manager, Kathleen, boiled over and ended in death. Since Kathleen was preparing to dump David from the act and go with a younger performer. But the more that Alexa and Madison dug into the matter, the more they realized that foul play wasn’t what brought about David’s end. And once Alexa noticed that Felix (aka Ginger Snaps) was in possession of David’s glasses and was supremely distraught and despondent over David’s passing, she began to put together in the pieces. In that, Felix went to outright extremes to protect David from the reality that Needa’s time on stage was coming to an end and set up an accident to keep David out of the show. A decision that ended in fatal disaster of course and well, therein lie that all-important lesson.

For if Felix had taken the time to be honest and open with David about the future, instead of going to the extreme to protect… David would still be alive and likely processing a new chapter in life, and that really was quite the powerful and unique lesson to find within a crime drama, one that also took the time to grow Alexa as well. For this episode also revealed another big reason that she is home. In that, her brother Will is in prison and in need of some familial support and surprisingly, Alexa is willing to offer that. An act that makes it clear that she is home to resolve her past and move forward with it as an ally instead of as a hindrance and spending time with her convicted brother is indeed a bold way to do that, and this show deserves a serious round of applause for going this route with Alexa's development, since it really does put Alexa’s strength and resolve on display. 

After all, so many crime dramas treat the past as an obstacle or something to fear for the investigator in question. So, to see her face it head on is both inspiring and bold and well, in the end, this was just another quality chapter in Alexa’s far reaching story. Because it really did feature another intimate and powerful case for her to work on, one that was supremely tragic in nature and served as a fine reminder that good intentions can only take us so far. Plus, it was great to see a story in this manner offer proper respect to the drag scene, since it truly is art through and through and deserves to be treated and seen as such and well, in the end, this particular episode just goes to show that My Life Is Murder is one of the most unique crime dramas out there, and it will be quite interesting to see what kind of dynamic and intimate case awaits Alexa and Madison, come next week.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘What If…?’
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Is it just me or does every episode of this series get progressively darker? I was almost expecting a happier episode after the last one, and that is not remotely what I got. As it turns out, this show can get darker, and it so did. I don’t know what turn I was expecting it to take with Doctor Strange and I am so happy with this episode. I genuinely loved seeing Stephen Strange as the villain. Much like many of the possible timelines, this one has changed quite a bit from the original story. Christine joins Stephen for the infamous gala where Stephen crashes his car and breaks his hands.
 
However, the car accident has a different outcome; in this version Christine dies and that’s what pushes Stephen to become the Sorcerer we know and love.  Still, Stephen has seen the power of the Time Stone, and let’s not forget that in this universe Stephen studied the mystic arts to find a way to save Christine. What happens when he’s given the opportunity to go back in time? Well, he experiments in every which way to save Christine. No matter what he does, though, Christine always dies.

The event is so damaging to the timeline that the Ancient One comes back from the dead, so to speak, in order to warn Strange not to push. There’s nothing he can do to save Christine; her death is a fixed point in time. Without it, Stephen never becomes a Sorcerer. She warns Stephen to drop it before he breaks the timeline. If only Strange listened. Instead, he seeks the answers to the question he’s dead set on; can anything break a fixed point in time? Good news for Stephen, he can, it just requires powerful magic and that can only be found in inter dimensional creatures, such as the Hive. Well, he learns how to absorb their energy. And so, he does. Over and over, for centuries. Eventually Stephen deems himself strong enough to finally break time and save Christine. There’s just one little catch. The Ancient One split Stephen in half. One went on and sought power while the other went and had tea with Wong.

How one single moment changes an entire universe.

Strange finds out he was split into two and faces off against his counterpart in a true good versus evil fight that will determine the fate of their world. Sadly, good Stephen does not stand a chance. We live in a world where good almost always wins, especially in the MCU. Even when they lost at the end of Infinity War, they won at the end of Endgame. Sure, winning comes at a cost, in the lives of Natasha and Tony, respectively. In this case, even when Stephen wins, he loses. While he does become whole again and brings Christine back to life, he damns his entire universe into oblivion. In the end, Stephen is able to save a tiny part of it, a small barrier around himself and Christine. It’s not enough. He begs, pleads with the Watcher, who’s he’s noticed all along. But nothing can stop what happens. Christine fades away, and Stephen Strange is left alone. It’s remarkably sad, this particular episode. What lengths we might go to in order to save those we love from the grips of death. Just because one can doesn’t mean one should. Yet, if faced with the same scenario, how many of us would let death happen to those we love?

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Heels’.
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When the going gets tough in life and the world is simply bearing down upon our shoulders, to the point where it seems as though everything is about to fall apart… each and every one of us fall back on a certain behavior to clear our heads and give us perspective, so we can pull ourselves out of our respective quagmire. For some, getting away from home and exploring the world is a way to make that happen, while others are keen to immerse themselves in hobbies that soothe their ailing minds. But regardless of how you handle your business when your world is on fire, there is one particular behavior that each of us partake in when life is a bear, that we don’t talk about enough. Which is odd, simply because it is quite the healthy and wonderful way to heal and figure out a way forward. Specifically… returning home to spend time with our family and closest friends.

Because no knows us better than them and being around them in any capacity can quickly give us everything we need to forge ahead in a healthy and clear manner and well, that voyage home and its importance are top of mind today… simply because it serves as the focal theme of the next episode of Heels. For when we catch up with Jack Spade in ‘Cutting Promos’, his world is seemingly falling apart. Because the squirrels that weren’t dealt with in time, managed to chew through some of the wiring in the house, sparking a fire and forcing the family to move in with grandma while repairs were made. Plus, Jack wasn’t getting what he needed from his sponsor, Earl, in regard to growing the business and of course, Staci was rightfully brazen with Jack about his priorities and their struggles and all of that weighing down upon his shoulders, made it clear that he needed his family now more than ever.

Granted, his voyage home is far easier than a majority of ours, but once he was surrounded by family once again and opened up to his closest friends, Jack started to garner the perspective he needed on what should come next for his immediate family and the future of the DWL. For Willie made it clear to him, that he can’t mix emotion with business, or make it personal in the slightest, because that will lead to disaster and if he just kept his head down and did the work, the league would come out okay on the other side. Plus, a little downtime at home with his baby brother, helped the both of them to bond and refresh their love of wrestling and that oddly allowed for Jack to lower his guard for a change and let Ace offer up some fresh ideas in regard to how to put the league on the map. 

In fact, he was so impressed with what Ace had to offer idea wise, that he basically handed over the promotional reins to him so that he could put together a poppin’ promo that would suck people into the wonder of the DWL and well, Ace definitely delivered on that front. Because his promo was bold and fun and entertaining and it will indeed make waves and garner attention and all of this was made possible by the fact that Jack returned to his roots when the world brought too much heat upon him and being surrounded by people that knew him best really did give him the clarity he outright needed and it was wonderful to see a more tender side of Jack in this tale and get a better understanding of how badly he wants the DWL in the spotlight.

However, as this series is wont to do, it had to more to explore in regard to this concept. Specifically, how going home isn’t always a joyous occasion. Because sometimes we have to return home because we’ve failed in life and have nowhere else to go and sometimes going home for all the right reasons, opens up a great deal of old wounds as evidenced by how Carol, Jack and Ace’s mother, handled having everyone home. Because it reminded her of the unhappiness that she endured during her marriage with Tom, and it also reminded her of the pain and sorrow in her heart over losing him. But thankfully, Staci was there to offer kind words and support when the dust settled from the explosion that Carol experienced when that pain overwhelmed her, once again reminding us of the positive side to having family around.

As for how a homecoming can be an embarrassing experience, well that was handled in this tale by ‘Wild Bill’ Hancock. Because this episode filled us in on why on earth Bill was standing in Willie’s driveway at the end of last week’s tale and why everyone was so keen on watching a video of him and it all relates to the fact that Bill let his ego and his anger and his belief that being a Heel at all times is a way of life, get the better of him. Which in turn motivated him to get stinking drunk on a flight and dress in the new championship belt and little else and having Will Bill’s ‘libido’ go viral on the internet, more or less forced him to return home and lay low for a bit and reflect upon his life and where he’s been and where he is going and well, that didn’t quite sit right with him.

Mainly because all of his past deeds and transgressions came back to haunt him in Duffy, so much in fact that eventually it got him kicked out of Willie’s house when he felt the need to put a Heel-style spin on his actions and the past. Giving him a fine lesson in how being a Heel all the time doesn’t pay off in the manner he thinks it does and most important of all, his return home really helped Bill to understand, just how lost in life he is right now, especially since the league fired him for his stupidity and it will be quite interesting to see what comes next for Bill. Since he has no job and no prospects, and wrestling is all he’s ever known and to complicate his life further, he really has no one to turn to right now. Which really did hammer home the reality that a return to our roots can be as sour as they come when it forces us to face our shortcomings and in the end, this rough patch will either be Wild Bill’s finest hour… or it will lead to his downfall.

If anything, this was just a beautiful… slice of life episode. One that really did put something we do on automatic on display in a compelling and thoughtful manner. Which just goes to show that Heels is a series that is unlike any other on the airwaves right now, since it takes the time to examine aspects of everyday life that other shows ignore for being too mundane. But this show teaches us, that when you really look at life and everything we do in an objective manner, something as innocuous and boring as say, two friends getting ice cream… and assembling a wrestling identity (as Crystal and Bobby did in this tale) can be as compelling as anything else. Which means that every moment of life is vibrant and powerful and engaging, when we choose to view them in that manner and now that we’ve reached the end of this adventure, and learned that beautiful lesson... we’re left eagerly awaiting next week’s episode. So, we can see what Wild Bill does with his new chapter in life and what that spicy promo does for the DWL. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the ‘The Making of Eden: Untamed Planet’.
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Something that we often forget when we are watching a nature documentary, is that it takes a village to bring an educational tale to life, and it is understandable as to why we just so happen to lose sight of that. Largely because, the visuals that the people that assemble these documentaries, capture… are nothing short of breathtaking and once we immerse ourselves within their beauty and hear what the narrator has to offer about this part of our world, that’s it. We’re lost to the moment and cognizant of nothing more. But it is important to take a moment and recognize the work that goes into creating these beautiful shows and thankfully, BBC America is aware of that, as evidenced by the wondrous special that aired last night.
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For it turns out that Eden: Untamed Planet had one more episode waiting in the wings, specifically… one that explored how this series came to life and well, what we learned about the assembly of this series in ‘The Making of Eden: Untamed Planet’ was fascinating and inspiring to say the least. Because this documentary wasted little time in informing us that the crews that traveled to the six remote locations that this documentary chronicled, were not only passionate about the job and what it in entails, but they were also incredibly patient. Because they had to spend months and sometimes a year away from their families, nestled in some of the harshest environments known to man in order to get the shots they needed, and in addition to great patience, their plight also took bravery and guts and a dedication that few of us will ever understand.

Because these fine folks were tested like never before. Because the elements made their quest to capture those incredible images quite difficult at times. But that didn’t stop them in the slightest. Because they pushed ahead and found a way to get their vehicles unstuck or themselves for that matter as well when nature decided to stand them pat, in order to get the shot, and the tests they endured didn’t end there. For this brave crew also got to see some of the devastation of climate change firsthand, which is something that had to be incredibly difficult, and they also found themselves in danger at times. For animals can of course be unpredictable and will charge or attack if they feel threatened. But none of these issues deterred this crew in the slightest because they were beyond dedicated to assembling this documentary.

Of course, they accomplished their mission, as evidenced by the incredible six-week journey, we just embarked upon with them and what also makes this special of note, is that it also took the time to show us how they captured some of the breathtaking imagery we were treated to. As it turns out, state of the art technology played a big part in that. Since there were special lenses used here that managed to capture animals that have never been properly photographed before, and they also used drones to help film their subjects and track them when they decided to move about the countryside. Plus, sometimes all it took to get these shots was a little ingenuity, as evidenced by the camera that basically hung from a tree in a special sling in Borneo, so it could snag some breathtaking imagery of the orangutans that live there.

In the end, this was simply a wondrous tribute to all the hard work that goes into creating the documentaries we know, and love and BBC America deserves a round of applause for bringing this special to life. Because we really don’t see the struggles and dangers that go into creating some of the incredible imagery that we tweet about and fawn over and hopefully this special gives everyone a newfound appreciation of what goes into these types of stories, and it also hopefully inspires the audience to do more to help save the environment and lessen our carbon footprint. Because if these folks are willing to risk life and limb to show us what a rare rhino looks like, we can make a little more effort in our day to recycle and go as green as possible. All so that these kinds of images can continue to be captured by the brave souls that truly appreciate the majesty and chaos of this tiny little world, we call home.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the midseason premiere of ‘Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty’.
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One would think that nature shows would be woefully unsuccessful at putting together a powerhouse cliffhanger. Simply because nature documentaries tend to avoid telling stories in that manner, since they are designed to educate us over anything else. But believe it or not, powerful cliffhangers are possible in regard to this type of series and for proof… then look no further than the BBC America series, Meerkat Manor: Rise of the Dynasty. For the colorful and dynamic little cuties that populate the Kalahari, engage in dramatic moments for certain, the kind that entertain and engage us whilst teaching us and those moments harbor the potential to create an intense cliffhanger, as evidenced by the midseason finale of this particular show.  
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For in that episode, young Sencha had been tossed from the Hakuna Matata Clan and left to her own devices and well, her fate was left hanging in the air, leaving all of us eager to learn what would become of her and the other families that populate this phenomenal series and thankfully, the wait to learn about their fates has finally come to an end. For last night’s midseason premiere of the series, ‘Episode 7: Hard Times’, wasted little time informing us that times were indeed tough in the Kalahari, mostly thanks to the heat that was bearing down upon all of our endearing meerkats. In fact, it was so hot that Brea found himself confused and managed to get separated from the Whiskers family on a food run, leaving him vulnerable and lightly frightened, until he eventually found his way back home… much to the relief of his wondrous family. 

But that was the lighthearted and easy struggle in this particular tale, because the genuine hard times in this story fell to Hakuna Matata Clan. Because we came to learn that Flint tossed more of her sisters out of the family in the hopes of protecting pups that sadly, never came. For a miscarriage and second failed pregnancy left the clan in smaller numbers than expected, but thankfully it seemed hope for growth was finally on the horizon. For Flint was once again ready to deliver a litter of pups unto the world. But before she could do that peacefully, great trouble arrived. For Daisy and the Ubuntu Tribe decided that the time had come to reclaim the territory that they once fought for and lost to the Hakuna Matata Family and well, that left Flint with a difficult decision.

In, that she could either fight and risk losing more of her clan and her pups, or she could surrender the territory and try to find a new burrow to thrive within and well, after a hard-fought attempt to keep what was hers… Flint came to realize that there would be no hope in holding onto her home and the time had come to start over anew. Which thankfully, the clan was able to do once they discovered an abandoned burrow but even then, the hard times present in their journey… didn’t end there. For this story ended on another shocking cliffhanger, one where the fate of Flint’s new pups remains up in the air and where Sencha’s fate was revealed. For in the closing moments of this story, Sencha found that very burrow… leaving one to wonder if she had encountered the family once again and was welcomed home and was helping with the new pups or if she was about take revenge upon her sister for casting her out.

Which is, a shockingly heavy way to end a story about cute little meerkats, but a fitting one none the less. For these little cuties are in fact, wild animals through and through and will do what they must to obtain territory and survive, as evidenced by Daisy and Flint’s actions and sadly… we will have to wait to uncover the truth about Sencha’s intentions and return. But while we wait to learn those facts, we can bask in the wonder of one fascinating and engaging tale. One that really did hammer home how this particular documentary is unlike any other since there is a story that unfolds in the Kalahari, one that writers Caroline Hawkins and Hayley Smith have genuinely tapped into and well, it will be fascinating to see where the second half of this incredible season takes us in the weeks to come as we plunge ourselves back into the struggles and the triumphs of the meerkat of the Kalahari. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘See’.

Sometimes when a show goes on an extended hiatus for various reasons, audiences struggle to get back into said show. Simply because we get used to a rhythm with a series, and the short break between seasons is a big part of that rhythm and if by chance, the distance between two seasons is too long and the series takes its time in sucking us back in… we feel out of place in watching it and sometimes, that can cost a show its viewers. But some shows, well they know exactly how to pull us right back into the world its created and give us exactly what we need, regardless of how long they were gone for and one such series that is managing to pull off this particular feat, after its own extended hiatus, is See on Apple TV. Simply because the next chapter in this harrowing voyage into the future, wasted zero time in reminding us of what this world is all about.
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Because season one of this series did a fine job of establishing how angry the 2200s are in this universe, since there was so much backstabbing and violence and outright jockeying for power in the first season and when we catch up with Queen Kane in ‘Forever’, she is back to doing… all of that. For she is eager to start her grand war with Trivantes and when she doesn’t get her way, she’s quick to chide and threaten and she even makes things awkward with Maghra. For in order to get what she wants, she more or less offers her sister up to Lord Harlan as a war dowry and her twisted acts didn’t end there. Since she also killed the midwife that told her she lost her baby, and she killed her sighted lover, and all of those actions really did a fine job of reminding us of the twisted nature of this world.

But as this series is wont to do, it opted to expand upon that darkness, to truly hammer home the lost world we venture into when we tune in and it accomplished that, by catching up with Baba Voss. For in this particular tale, he was beaten savagely on a consistent basis and even after his torture sessions, he endured more physical pain. All because Edo Voss had nothing but hate in his heart for his brother and planned to stop at nothing to harm him and his children. For he also revealed his plans for Haniwa in this story. In that, he wanted her to become a breeding vessel of sighed children. So that he could use those kids to lead his armies to victory and make Trivantes the most powerful kingdom on the planet and this really was quite the dark and desolate plot line, one that genuinely unsettled the viewer and left us with zero doubt that we were back in a world where mankind lost its way.

However, while all of that made for one harrowing tale, this episode wasn’t a total reintroduction and immersion into gloom and doom. For Haniwa and Wren came to find love in one another’s arms when they took the time to explore the remains of Pittsburgh and all of the beauty locked away within the city’s rotting towers. And that love was so strong that Wren helped Haniwa be free of Edo’s plans, and she even rescued Baba and Tamacti Jun from the depths of Trivantes’ chilly prison in order to reunite father and daughter so they could go and find Maghra and well, that wonderful escape sequence really did serve to remind us that not all is lost in this world and perhaps there is a hope for a better tomorrow for humanity. 

One that may very well involve the power of sight and not necessarily in the sense that one might think. For Edo did make a great point in this episode, that whoever brings it back to the forefront of mankind’s genetic standing, would indeed rule the world and one has to wonder if the fight we saw here and the worry that Edo undoubtedly put into Haniwa’s mind… will lead her to bring together others to try and bring order to chaos. But while we wait to see if that is going to be the case, we can relish in one quality tale. One that truly did plunge us back into the darkness of this world nicely and told an engaging story along the way, and well, now that this adventure has come to a close, we are once again relegated to a painful wait for next week’s episode. Because it is definitely safe to say, that we are all eager to learn what will become of Baba and Haniwa, now that they are free of Edo’s clutches. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’.
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Do you ever love a show so much you outright steal the reviews for it from your best friend, because that’s just how you roll? Me too! While John will forever be the Boimler to my Mariner, the Tendi to my Rutherford… I totally stole this show review from him. I’m half sorry. Realistically, this is all John’s fault. He sat me down and binged the first season with me and now I’m hopelessly addicted. I’ve always loved Star Trek and this show is probably my absolute favorite out of the entire franchise. Okay, The Original Series will always hold a special place in my heart, but Lower Decks is just such a good time.

Can I start by saying that Mariner is life goals? At least for me. If I ever got the chance to join Starfleet I would probably end up in just as much trouble as she is. Her mischievous nature seems to be catching up to her in this latest episode. A simple rumor could unravel more than just her friendships, but her entire façade. Rutherford and Boimler are playing ‘Diplomats’, a game to strengthen their skills and a foreshadowing for just how awesome they are in their own right, when Mariner shows up and promptly dismisses their invite to join them. That’s when the Bartender lets it slip to the boys that Mariner is not what she might seem. Is it possible the captain’s daughter and Infamous Trouble Maker of the Cerritos is actually a part of Section 31? A highly trained super spy for the Federation does sound like an amazing job, but not for our Mariner, right? While she is amazing on all the levels, she wouldn’t lie to her best friends about who she really is.
 
But the seed of doubt is already planted, and Rutherford looks up her file; suspicious how half the crew of the Atlantis went missing and Mariner ended up on the Cerritos, after that. That news is enough to make Rutherford and Boimler a bit jumpier around Mariner, well that and she is freakishly good at martial arts. Things only seem to get more suspicious when they land for their mission and have to face the Ferengi and their trapped Mugatos. In the chaos Boimler and Rutherford see Mariner seemingly attack Shaxs and bite/stab him. They run off when they see her covered in Shaxs’ blood only to have their own mishaps. Which includes accidentally finding two Mugatos that end up mating… and that is traumatic. They keep going and end up running back into Mariner, who has a perfect explanation for everything. Mariner might have started the rumor about being in Section 31 herself, to add more mystery to her persona. Which, can relate. Boimler and Rutherford admit to feeling inadequate and Mariner admits that they’re her best friends. It’s a wonderful moment.

Until she gets captured by the Ferengi. Boimler and Rutherford save her and Shaxs and everyone else the only way they know how. With math! It’s a great ending to how the show started. Compromise that leaves neither party completely happy, but the Ferengi end up making a Mugato sanctuary. Of course, they market it, and they completely expand their profit margins, so I guess the Ferengi did win the most. And that’s a loss for everyone. Meanwhile, Tendi stayed on the ship and took on the greatest task of all; getting physical scans of the crew members who bailed on their annual physicals. Which she does with the perfection we expect from Tendi. The last crew member is elusive, literally just a serial number in the system. Turns out it was Dr. T’Ana who ignored her own physical. Tendi has to chase her down in a hilarious and over the top manner. T’Ana is crafty though, and she has the advantage, especially in the vents where they end up. Tendi falls and appears to break her arm, a tactic that works to get T’Ana to come to her aid, except that Tendi actually did break her arm pretty bad. In the end she gets the scan on T’Ana, who finally admits that it wasn’t a big deal at all.

Poor Tendi.

In the end, Mariner finally joins the boys in their game, and even starts a rumor about how Boimler and Rutherford helped fight the Mugato bare handed and saved the away team! And we also learned that that Shaxs and T’Ana are apparently a thing… and now we all have to live with that.