Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season three/revival premiere of ‘Big Sky: Deadly Trails’. To revisit the season two finale, click here.
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This season of Big Sky: Deadly Trails wasted no time reminding us that this version of Helena, Montana and its surroundings are a brutal and violent place. No sooner do we meet a young male hiker, than we witness him being chased off a rocky cliff by a wild-eyed man with a knife to the tune of “Do You Love an Apple” playing on an ancient cassette recorder.
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The hiker’s family report him missing after he fails to make his regular phone call home and have enlisted the help of Dewell and Hoyt. At Denise’s suggestion, Cassie takes the flyer with the man’s photo and description out to see Sunny Barnes.

Sunny Barnes is an upbeat and enigmatic woman who is clearly the one in charge of her family’s glamping set up. Already familiar with Jenny, she introduces Cassie to her son, Cormac, and promises Cassie that she will keep an eye out for the missing man while out and about around the camp.
Satisfied that her preparations are complete, Sunny and her husband Buck greet the newly arriving guests to their campground. A diverse bunch, the first to be greeted are a teenage girl named Emily and her stepfather, Avery. Sunny kindly informs her the best cell reception is by the fire pit. Sunny next attempts to diffuse the situation between a bickering young couple, Paige and Luke, who are traveling to celebrate his birthday. Luke obviously preferred Cancun to camping for his birthday, but Sunny assures him he’ll come to love it, for this is paradise.

Meanwhile, Beau and Jenny are kept busy when they discover the man, they found jogging down the road in nothing, but his underpants and socks is a corrections officer whose uniform, gun and vehicle were taken by a female inmate in his custody. He initially claims that she overpowered him but is forced to admit she instead pretended to seduce him, punched him in the throat and relieved him of all his belongings save the skivvies and his badge.

They learn this woman, Faith, became desperate to escape after the girl that she raised as her own, Maddy, wrote to her in jail. Calling her Mommy in the letter, Maddy wrote she was being taken to Ireland by her aunt and uncle. Her father had gone to jail and lost custody of her. It is Faith’s love for Maddy that gives Jenny and Beau the leverage they need to talk the woman out of any further violence. They give them a moment to embrace one another before they are forced to return Faith to jail for life.

Tonya and Donno have stuck around. Donno is cooking behind the counter of the newly rebranded Blue Fox Diner and is still as awkward as ever. Tonya has reinvented herself as legitimate businesswoman, selling real estate, including Cassie’s late father’s beloved ranch. Cassie visits Tonya in the diner to inform that she’d like to buy the ranch. Tonya condescends Cassie that the ranch is well out her price range and there are plenty of cash offers. Cassie fires back that Tonya is duty bound as licensed real estate agent to make the disclosures about the property like the drug lab and murders that occurred, which Tonya clearly has not done. It’s clear that it’s in Tonya’s best interest to seriously consider Cassie’s offer to buy the ranch.
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Evening has fallen on the camp when Sunny approaches Paige and asks her to go find Luke so he can join them for all the activities. Paige finds Luke well outside of camp, playing a game on his phone. She joins him on the rock where he’s sitting and teases him that he’d best change his attitude, or he risks missing out on the birthday surprise she has planned for him. As Paige whispers into Luke’s ear, “Do You Love an Apple?” abruptly begins to play. She’s startled, but he brushes it off and draws her close to kiss her. Just then, blood begins to drip on her face, and she screams.

Sunny and Buck show Paige the carcass of a dead coyote, and explain her experience away as simply being part of nature, but she is not reassured in the least. She begs Luke to leave the camp, immediately. Much to her shock, Luke is suddenly enthusiastic to stay, he now finds it exciting. With extreme reluctance, Paige agrees to stay.

Cassie is taken aback when Tonya agrees to her offer on the ranch after nothing more than a comment that it was lower than the other offers. Cassie wants to know the catch; Tonya says there isn’t one. Seeming satisfied, Cassie shakes hands with Tonya as Donno looks on.

Jenny arrives to join Cassie and Beau at his trailer for a movie night. Finding he will be outvoted; he steps away to call his daughter while they decide on a movie. As Beau listens to the ring tone, we learn that his daughter is Emily, the girl attending Sunny’s camp with her stepdad. She ignores the calls and instead sends Beau a text that they’ll talk later. Cassie and Jenny can tell Beau is upset about missing time with his daughter and are surprised to learn she’s staying at Sunny’s camp, though they do their best to reassure him.

At camp, Sunny is alone by the campfire after everyone has gone to bed. She burns the flyer Cassie had given about the missing hiker and makes a pair of s'mores. First humming, the singing “Do You Love an Apple?” she walks out into the trees to bring her other son a snack.

It really is safe to say that Apple TV+ is not messing around in its quest to become the definitive home for family-themed entertainment. Because they are just dropping trailers left and right regarding all the incredible family-themed shows they are planning to release this fall season, and well, that’s not a bad thing by any means. Because the world can always use more quality family entertainment and people should know what kind of incredible shows they’ve assembled for us, and well, it just so happens that Apple TV+ dropped another incredible trailer today.

For earlier, the network gave everyone an idea of what we can expect from season two of Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show, the critically acclaimed series that stole all of our hearts in season one, by releasing the trailer for the upcoming new season. And well, since you’re all eager to get a sampling of what Jack has in store for all of us and our families in year two, let’s not waste any time and hook you up with some details on season two, and the trailer in question, courtesy of Apple TV+.
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‘Apple TV+ today released the trailer for the second season of beloved series "Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show," premiering globally on Friday, October 7. 
 
Jack is one of Clover Grove’s most thoughtful and caring residents, greeting everyone with kindness and humor. His ability to spread compassion, creativity, and imagination inspires everyone in town to do the same. A new season of kindness creates more incredible change. “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show” is co-created and executive produced by Jack McBrayer (“30 Rock,” “Phineas and Ferb,” “Wreck-It Ralph” franchise) and Angela C. Santomero (“Blue’s Clues,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”). 
 
Season two brings countless renowned guest stars to Clover Grove including Tony Hale (“Mysterious Benedict Society”), Gillian Jacobs (“Community”), Joe Lo Truglio (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Stephanie Beatriz (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), D’Arcy Carden (“A League of Their Own”), Kristen Schaal (“What We Do In The Shadows”), Beth Dover (“Orange Is the New Black”), Kumail Nanjiani (“The Big Sick”), Emily V. Gordon (“Little America”) and music from American rock band, OK Go.
 
The series is produced by Emmy Award-winning 9 Story Media Group (“Karma’s World,” “Blue’s Clues & You!,”) with animation by its Oscar-nominated studio Brown Bag Films (“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Doc McStuffins,” “Vampirina”). Jax Media also produces. Wendy Harris and Vince Commisso from 9 Story Media Group and Tony Hernandez and John Skidmore from Jax Media serve as executive producers, alongside showrunner and Emmy Award nominee Guy Toubes. Dr. Junlei Li, the Saul Zaentz senior lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, serves as the kindness and human connection expert on the series through Apple TV+’s changemakers initiative.
 
The award-winning slate of original series and film for kids and families on Apple TV+ includes the recently premiered groundbreaking series “El Deafo,” critically acclaimed “Amber Brown” created by Bonnie Hunt, and Common Sense Media Selections "Best Foot Forward," “Duck & Goose," “Surfside Girls” and “Life By Ella.” The impressive all-ages offerings also include “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock” and “Harriet the Spy” from The Jim Henson Company, the Peabody Award-winning series “Stillwater," Daytime Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter” and “Helpsters” from Sesame Workshop, Academy Award-nominated animated film “Wolfwalkers," new series and specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including “The Snoopy Show," as well as “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Daytime Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times best-selling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers. Apple TV+ continues to present young viewers and their caregivers with first-rate options including the upcoming series  “Jane,” a new mission-driven series from J.J. Johnson, Sinking Ship Entertainment and the Jane Goodall Institute.
 
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have been honored with 275 wins and 1,152 award nominations and counting, including this year’s Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
 
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL, and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.* For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.’

In this era of peak television, it is quite the accomplishment to have a show going for several years. Simply because this is a competitive landscape now, and every network is hoping you’ll watch their stuff, and if a show is getting several seasons… it has accomplished that goal and is beloved by all. But if a show goes seven seasons or beyond, then it is truly something incredibly special. For it means that it has resonated with audiences on a fundamental level, and they simply cannot get enough, and there are several shows in that vein out there and sadly… a legendary one is about to come to its end. 
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For after eighteen glorious years on the air, Doc Martin is prepared to hang up his stethoscope and head off into the sunset and the beginning of the end for this storied series, one that genuinely captivated audiences everywhere and motivated them to make time to tune in, isn’t that far away. For October 17, 2022, will feature the final season premiere of the show on Acorn TV, and in anticipation of its arrival and to properly start the process of saying goodbye to this iconic show and character, here are some first look photos, a sizzle reel and some details on Doc Martin’s farewell tour, courtesy of Acorn TV.

‘Doc Martin, starring Martin Clunes as the grumpy, iconic title character, Dr. Martin Ellingham, packs it up next month as the long-running British series comes to an end after 18 years on-air. Acorn TV, AMC Networks’ acclaimed streamer devoted to British and international television, will premiere the tenth and final season of the acclaimed dramedy on Monday, October 17 with the first two episodes, followed by one episode a week through the series’s penultimate episode on November 28. In December, Acorn TV will bid a final farewell to the series with two momentous programming events: the Doc Martin – A Celebration documentary on December 26 and the final series episode – a Christmas special – to premiere December 31.
 
The highly watched UK series follows Martin Clunes (Manhunt) as the surly and self-centered medic with a rude bedside manner and a phobia of blood. The life of the curmudgeonly GP, and his on-off love affair, and eventual marriage to Louisa has won over millions of fans in the UK and around the world since the first season aired in 2004.  At the end of season 9, the Doc decided that he would resign from being the GP in the small town of Portwenn – after his career was scrutinized by the General Medical Council because of his phobia. This final, nine-episode season sees the Doc making efforts to overcome his fear of blood and beginning to question whether he made the right decision in quitting. With his wife Louisa (Caroline Catz, DCI Banks) pursuing her new career as a child counselor in his old surgery, the Doc is left babysitting his four-month-old daughter Mary Elizabeth, and indulging his hobby of repairing clocks on the kitchen table. But does he really want his old job back?
 
Among the series’ veteran cast returning for the final season are Dame Eileen Atkins (Gosford Park) as Doc Martin$B!G(Bs formidable Aunt Ruth, Ian McNeice (Dune) as Bert Large, Joe Absolom (EastEnders) as Bert’s son Al, John Marquez (Britannia) as PC Joe Penhale, Jessica Ransom (Horrible Histories) as the doctor’s receptionist Morwenna Newcross and Selina Cadell (Wild Child) as pharmacist Mrs. Tishell.
 
The guest stars in the final season of Doc Martin include: Fay Ripley (Cold Feet), David Hayman (Landscapers), Ben Miller (Professor T, Bridgerton), Lesley Nicol (Downton Abbey), Hermione Norris (Cold Feet), Kenneth Cranham (Finding Alice) and Rupert Graves (Sherlock, Riviera). 
 
In addition to the final episode premiering as a Christmas special on December 31, Acorn TV will premiere a documentary, Doc Martin – A Celebration on December 26. Directed by Stuart Orme and produced by Evie-Bergson-Korn, the documentary will highlight the longevity and impact both locally and around the world of Doc Martin over the years, as well as offering behind the scenes of the final season with the cast and crew.’​

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season finale of ‘A League of Their Own’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Most stories that feature a journey of self-discovery, relate to something powerful and often external. For instance, grief is a popular topic in such stories as this, as is the end of some of kind relationship. Because those are the elements that force us onto that journey. Since we have to reconcile how to live without someone that was there was for us often in life. But what these stories don’t look at enough, is how sometimes… a journey of self-discovery involves being true to oneself. Which could be related to the possibility that there isn’t immediate and quantifiable growth on the page or on the screen with such matters… but there is.

Because when we take a moment to really look in the mirror and face who we are and who we should be in life… and make peace with that, we start to change for the better. We’re happier, we’re more relaxed in our own skin and… we can accomplish wonders after all, as evidenced by the season finale of A League of Their Own on Prime Video. For ‘Perfect Game’ is a story that saw everyone’s journeys of self-discovery come around full circle and reap the benefits of that self-care. Max for instance, finally found agency and confidence in who she is and that allowed for her to mend fences as best she could before heading out into the world to discover what baseball and an honest and healthy relationship with a woman could provide her. Which was satisfying and beautiful to see and wonder and progress didn’t end there in this tale.

For the Rockford Peaches and the many members of this team that spent this season trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be… finally reached their own apex, but in a tougher manner. Simply because they went 0-2 to start the Championship Series and Carson was lost and not herself regarding such matters. Mainly because Charlie was stepping in and trying to help Carson lead, rather than let her lead on her own and do as only she could. But a good talk with Greta helped her to understand that she didn’t need a husband or anyone else to guide her. She was a great coach, she knew how to win and if she just let go and was herself through and through, miracles would happen, and they most certainly did.

Because she sent Charlie home and let loose with her skill set and just like that… the Rockford Peaches stayed in it to the very end. Granted, they lost in the classiest manner possible, by helping an old friend cross the bases after what might be a career ending injury. Since Jo hit a homer and tore her knee up something awful. But in the wake of that loss, there was nothing but joy in their hearts. Because Carson, Greta, and everyone else that took the field as a Peach… really did find themselves on this journey and because they did and because they were able to be free and embrace who they have always been, they were able to be happy and at peace and they were able to show the world just how incredible they truly are and that’s a wonderful way to end this season.

Since it informs all of us… that we too must follow in Carson and Greta, and Max’s footsteps and be true to ourselves. For we are who we are, and we are beautiful and wonderful and the sooner we realize that… the sooner we find true peace and the sooner… we can chase our dreams and grab hold of them. Which makes this an outright brilliant series through and through. One that features so much beauty and wonder and diversity, and truly, this writer hopes that Prime Video grants this series a second season and more. Because this is a story that is just getting started regarding the human experience and features a slice of history that isn’t explored enough, and it deserves a chance to bring this powerful and ground-breaking story to its logical and satisfying conclusion.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Mystery Road: Origin’. To revisit the series premiere, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous Acorn TV series, Mystery Road: Origin, we talked at length about how it was quickly apparent… that this show was going to explore in grand detail, what pushed Jay Swan to be a bit more of a seasoned and gruff man in his later years. Primarily it seemed, through Jay’s troubled relationship with his father. Since the series premiere made it clear that they were not on the best of terms before Jay left, and they certainly weren’t on the best terms after his return and well… it just so happens that the next episode in this dynamic prequel, made a point to hammer home just how much of an impact Jay’s relationship with his father had upon his life and his future. 

But not before… it took the time to really dig deep into the robberies at hand. Simply because the one that ended the last episode, grew in scope and concern. Since the Ned Kelly Gang stole Max’s police cruiser and used it to lift a cattle truck and turn them loose upon the land. Which led Jay and the rest of the force, to investigate a group of men called the Sons of the Soil. Since they had the numbers to pull off such a heist and enough unfortunate ties to Neo-Nazism that such anarchy made sense. Which brought forth an epic arrest and a potentially botched case thanks to Max’s incompetence. Plus, this episode also took the time to expand upon Anousha’s desire to reopen the case regarding Mary’s fallen sibling. 

But in between all those fascinating moments, there was of course, Jay, and the problems he was experiencing with his father. Because he was making every single effort to repair their rift, which was vast, and he was struggling to see progress come forth with that. Not from a lack of trying, mind you, since he was often at his dad’s place to see him. It was more so, that dear old dad refused to engage. Because he was rarely home, and anyone that Jay tried to talk to, to check in on his whereabouts, had little to offer him regarding an answer. But that didn’t stop Jay from trying time and time again to be near him, and he kept a cool head about this regardless of how much it hurt him and well… an invite to a classy ball in town, finally allowed for the two of them to engage and potentially have a moment of healing.

For the two of them could have talked and spent time in an environment that could have kept Jack from wandering off at last. But when the time came for the ball, Jack was of course, a no show… and that made life difficult for Jay. In part, emotionally, since he was deeply wounded by his father’s decision to sit this out, but also because… Jack embarrassed himself by not being there since the point of the ball was to award him for his work with the town of Jardine. Which of course, put Jay in a sour place and pushed him to confront his father at his home. Which in turn, brought forth a pivotal moment for Jay. For when he arrived out there, he came to find his father planted in the dirt face down, and he was not moving in the slightest.

Which is the kind of moment, that can put darkness into our hearts. Because that leads to guilt over not doing enough for someone that meant the world for us and of course… of a longing for what could have been. The kind that keeps us up at night and makes us rough around the edges for a good long while. Granted, some healing can come out of that, so that’s likely not the only thing that made Jay so jaded, but this was likely the genesis point of that journey and it compels us to continue it. Because we simply must know every single moment that makes this man who he will become, and it will be genuinely fascinating to see how this impacts Jay in the weeks to come and of course… see other moments form a man grounded in good but aching within. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 504 of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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For the most part, the Hulu series, The Handmaid’s Tale, has focused heavily on the horror of ‘What if?’ For it has indeed envisioned a world where autocrats and theocrats conquered America and what the concerning ideals of the Religious Right and the Far Right in general would blossom into if they were given free reign. Which, surprise, surprise, would lead to an utter hellscape of a nation. One named Gilead in this instance. But what the show hasn’t done often, is really take the time to deeply address modern problems in the United States of the America outside of the constant onslaught upon women’s rights that is currently taking place, and understandably so. After all, that should be the focus and the concern of a story with this kind of subject matter.
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But believe it or not, now that June is free of Gilead, other matters can be explored at last. For this week’s episode, ‘Dear Offred’, took the time to explore a matter that isn’t discussed all that often in modern America. In that, our justice system is flawed and sometimes… it lets bad people walk free. To the point where people that were harmed by that person, have to face them again and have to wake up knowing that someone evil is on the streets and likely eager to bring harm again, and well… how does that person live, when this happens? How do they function knowing that bad is out there and could potentially harm them again? And the show was able to explore such a concept, by putting Serena Waterford back on the streets of Toronto.

For she was a free woman, and a representative of Gilead, and she even had a new consulate of sorts to set up shop and inform others of the ‘wonders’ (horrors) of the Republic of Gilead and well… that damn near broke June. Because she struggled to reconcile the reality that her tormentor and enabler of the man that assaulted her was walking free. To the point where she was ready to put a bullet in Serena’s face without giving it a second thought and she came close on several occasions. To the point where Serena was forced to flee when things got out of hand with June present. A move that put her close to Gilead sympathizers in Canada and left June fighting to reconcile what was right and what was wrong, and well… that was a powerful to answer those respective questions. 

Since they helped us to learn… that in an instance that severe, the person dealing with this new reality… doesn’t live really. They can only see flashes of the nightmare they thought was going to be handled, and they struggle, and they endure pain left and right and well, it was just frustrating to watch June go through this. Because she deserves better and she deserves agency and peace, but backwards laws prevented her from having that… and that is a story we’ve heard before on the news, and that familiar touch reminds us… that reform is needed on such matters. So that kind of pain doesn’t come forth for people and so that the wicked are indeed punished for their respective sins of sorts. And while Serena didn’t find a cell here, which was frustrating, there was some satisfaction to be found. After all, she was terrified of being harmed and did have to stare down the barrel of a gun… and that’s just fine.
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However, while having June and Serena go another round in the name of social commentary could have carried this episode through and through, this episode had more intriguing moments to offer us back in Gilead. For Janine was on the mend at last, and while her body was badly broken from the poison, she was in a new headspace. One where she spat truth at the always ‘infallible’ (at least regarding Gilead policy) Aunt Lydia… and actually reached her. Because she called Lydia out for her abusive nature and her desire to stick to the teachings of an ideal that no one agreed with but only the dumbest of Commanders and well… that got to Lydia. To the point where she did the unthinkable and asked for reform for the program in her update meeting with Commander Lawrence. A move that was shot down of course in an equally as blunt conversation and well, that brought forth humility for Lydia, a rarity, and what appeared to be moments of reflection.

Which again, leaves all of us wondering… where this plot thread is headed. Simply because this isn’t the Aunt Lydia we met at the beginning of the journey. This is an Aunt Lydia that is finally listening and seeing the reality of what she is a part of, and of course… it is important to ask what all of this means. Because this is a series that wastes no moments and has a purpose behind every storytelling decision. So, there has to be more to this, and one can only hope that it means something positive… because heaven knows we need that in a series where darkness has permeated for so long. But while we wait to see this expand further… we can take a moment to applaud another quality tale. One that featured some smart and subtle commentary and offered more satisfying moments regarding Serena. Because she’s earned this, and every bad thing that’s come her way and hopefully things just get worse for her… because redemption isn’t something that a monster of her caliber should ever receive. Until next time. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episodes Seven and Eight of ‘Recipes for Love and Murder’. To revisit the previous episodes, click here.
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There are a great many elements that go into creating a flawless murder mystery. Obviously, it needs to contain compelling characters and a unique investigator, someone that doesn’t uncover the truth in a boring or traditional manner. Plus, it needs to feature a hell of a case, one that truly stumps everyone, including the audience and above all… it needs to surprise us. For we’ve seen it all and read it all when it comes to mysteries, so when a new one shocks us or takes us in fascinating direction, it is cause for celebration. Which is why the Acorn TV series, Recipes for Love and Murder is of note. For it has managed to check off every item on that list.
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For it opened up with great and dynamic characters, and the truth about who killed Martine has been kept in the dark for some time now and well… this week’s set of episodes, dropped some serious surprises in our laps. For ‘Enough Sweet Potatoes’ and ‘Pomegranate Juice and Vodka’ wasted little time in informing us of the fact, that Candy and Martine’s brother were not in fact… killers. Nor were they interested in getting their hands on a massive fortune. Instead, dear old dad was in the hospital due to an allergy that few were aware of, and any talk of money was designed to help Martine’s daughter thrive, since in reality, plans were in motion to help her with a trust fund that Candy and her uncle would handle.

Which put our dynamic duo and the police back to square one. For there were still simply no answers as to who the killer might be. And for a time, this gap in knowledge allowed for the story to let the characters shine once again. Since Jessie and Regardt continued their whirlwind romance and while they got to know each other better and explored some potential challenges for their love, Maria found out who was following her and asked them to outright stop. Plus, we also learned that Khaya and his daughter have quite the strained relationship. To the point where she will do anything and everything to avoid dealing with her dad, much to his heart’s chagrin. Since he clearly wants to be a good father and connect with his baby.

But as is often the case in real life, time, and time away from what puzzles us… tends to bring us clarity and eventually… fresh clues regarding what we seek. For Anna was missing for a better part of this tale and when she reappeared buying pomegranate juice, the case went back into its trademark ebb and flow. For Maria and Jessie’s clarity, led them to wonder if she was the culprit after all and went into hiding to keep the cops off of her back. Only to learn she and Dirk were trying to heal, in a shockingly toxic manner. But even then, a renewed sense of purpose for the case brought forth an important message for Jessie. One from a friend that worked at the local grocery store. Wherein he provided her, with dangerous information. For someone saw that she was meeting with her friend… and followed her and possibly caused her great harm. 

Possibly is the word used there, because the story dropped quite the cliffhanger regarding that, since we just don’t know what happened to her. But any way you slice it… it is clear now… we’ve entered the endgame for this case. Because the killer is clearly worried about being discovered and is fully prepared to escalate to keep their identity a secret and of course… new dangers are arising from that and well, that is the perfect way to set the stage for the season finale. For the stakes have never been higher, our heroes have never been closer and sadly, we must wait a week to get the answers and the truth we seek. But it will be a worthwhile wait for certain, since this series consistently delivers on every front, and it has no doubt saved its best moments… for last. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Mystery Road: Origin’.
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The mystery/crime genre is rife with one common element, the grizzled detective. That intense individual that has seen it all, done it all, and been a part of stunning cases. The kind that has helped to jade them a bit, in fact… it was likely an ugly case that truly made them who they are. Which isn’t a bad element in these stories by any means. Simply because this type of character is often quite human and accessible believe it or not, for their gruff nature comes from the fact that they do still care about what they see, they simply want to work harder to eradicate it. Giving us insight into the fact that they have a great heart and great constitution and will stop at nothing to make the world a better place. 
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But it does leave one to wonder… is it really just one bad moment or only ugly case that makes a person that jaded and stilted? Or is there more at play with how they view the world and why they guard themselves? Well, those are questions that a brand-new series on Acorn TV is looking to answer. For yesterday saw the debut of Mystery Road: Origin. A series that takes us back to 1999 to meet a far younger Jay Swan. Back when he was a far younger officer of the law and still perhaps a touch bright eyed and bushier tailed than when we met him in the original Mystery Road saga and well, going this route in the series premiere… allows for us to immediately understand that yes, there is more to jading sometimes than meets the eyes. 

For we quickly come to learn in this tale, that Jay’s return home isn’t exactly the joyous occasion that he was hoping it would be. Not because he’s about to make detective and enjoy a new chapter in his career in the town that forged a great deal of his personality, but because… the past hangs heavy in this town. For Jay has a strained relationship with his father, who is… quite traditional for fathers of that era. Since all that matters to Jack Swan is being a man and enjoying the wonder of independence and keeping emotions out of the mix. Which are traits that frustrate Jay to no end, since they don’t allow for healing and don’t engender trust between a father and son, and Jay is clearly hoping for more with his father upon his return home… to find peace between them. 

Which means there is a fair chance that this series is going to focus heavily on that relationship and its dynamic, and how that could have made Jay quite sour in nature. Which leaves one nervous for certain that implies emotional tragedy, the kind where Jay likely won’t get the answers or closure he seeks. Not to mention… there’s darkness in this town as well. Since there is a local band of thieves that are quick to threaten and harm to get what they want, and their ruthless nature and desire to have whatever they want, whenever they want… could lead to heartbreak and trouble as well. Since that kind of ruthless nature can indeed bring about great harm to people emotionally, especially when one considers how many close and ugly calls Jay had with them in this particular tale.

But while this definitely set the stage for a powerful and emotional journey, one that will indeed answer those questions, there were wonders to be found here as well. For this episode did indeed bring forth the arrival of Mary, his once and future wife and their first meeting was realistically awkward to say the least. In a manner devoid of love at first sight and how they come to move past that and marry will be fascinating to learn and well, in the end… this is simply a magnificent series premiere. One that exhibited care for the future and the source material, all while giving us something fresh through those robbers. But most important of all, it really did inform us that Jay’s future stoic nature is ground in so much more and it will be fascinating to see how that all comes to life as this prequel continues along. Until next time.

To learn more about how Mark Coles Smith brought a younger Jay Swan to life, check out our interview with Mark, right here.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Kevin Can F**k Himself’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are few things we celebrate more with a person, than when they announce… they are ready to make some changes to their life. For that means they have recognized their current situation, one we’ve likely noticed as well, and how the time has come for them to fix that in order to be happy and find peace. So, we support this moment, and we toast to them because they should soon be on their way to true happiness and peace. But what’s funny, is that sadly… that celebration tends to be nothing more than an uplifting moment that passes as gently as a breeze in the night. For it isn’t long before they’re back doing what is the norm and expressing their frustrations about where their life is at and that… gives us pause.
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Simply because we thought this was it. This was their shining moment and things were going to get so much better for them. But what we often forget and don’t talk about enough in this life, is that people tend to not change after making that proclamation. Sure, they are capable of it and when they commit to it, they truly do find wonders in their life. But so many abandon it quickly. Which doesn’t make sense… after all… don’t they want to be happy? So why wouldn’t the person that committed to change, be desperate to follow through in order to enjoy peace and a different lifestyle? Well, those are questions, that we don’t often ponder upon or search for the answers either. But it just so happens that the next episode of Kevin Can F**k Himself, explores those answers in great detail.

For when we catch up with Allison and Patty in ‘The Machine’, they’re on the precipice of the change they’ve demanded in their lives. For Patty is preparing to move in with Tammy. A change that would bring forth the stability she’s always wanted in a relationship and stability in general, since it would move her away from the toxic lifestyle of her brother and his bestie. As for Allison, she had the death certificate in hand, and all she had to do now, was properly ‘die’ and fade away into oblivion so that she could start over in life anew and find the agency and happiness and progress she has desperately craved. Which meant this episode should have been an uplifting affair, one that saw both of them rise to the occasion.

Only, that wasn’t the case in the slightest. For Patty, was genuinely struggling with the prospect of leaving her house behind and moving in with Tammy. To the point where she began to do everything and anything to stall having to do so. Including such habits as say… packing super slow. We’re talking, a book at a time slow, and of course… she spent her evenings getting drunk with Allison. Wherein she would justify her actions and point out that she was making progress and doing her best to make this happen, when in fact, she wasn’t. She was just stalling and doing her best to avoid having to make change when she said she wanted it in her life and of course… she wasn’t the only one taking part in such toxic behaviors. After all, there was mention of the fact that Allison was drinking with her, and she was stalling too.

In fact, Sam even called her to the carpet on such matters, since day in and day out, she was offering up half-assed and silly plans to bring about her end. For she ‘believed’ that the right plan was the key and just a little more time to figure that out would go a long way in making her genuinely happy. Plus, she also spoke to a need to save money and save big so she could finally escape. Something Sam pointed out was easy to come by. But that’s really about as much effort as she put into planning in this tale, and what was wild… is she was even making nice with Kevin for a change. Agreeing with him and lightly encouraging his shenanigans. A reality that was shocking to say the least when one considers how much she’s spoken to despising him, and believe it or not, this stunning behavior extended beyond Allison and Patty as well.
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For Neil was finding happiness with Diane, in fact, they were genuinely getting on as lovers… but despite having a way out of the misery that tended to surround him, he stuck with Kevin through thick and thin like always. And to top it all off… Allison was even enlisting Kevin’s help in getting her friends out of trouble. Since she suddenly saw his toxicity as something that could be used for good and in doing so… made a stunning decision. One that took everyone in her life aback, and the audience as well… especially since she came into the money, she was so eager to find. For in the closing moments of this tale, she announced to Sam… that she didn’t want to leave and wanted to figure out a way to use the toxic nature of her life to her advantage. Which just… made no sense in the moment since she’s been trying so hard to get out. 

However, when one takes a moment to reflect upon everyone’s actions here and what they had to say… it becomes clear that is where the answers to those all-important questions lie. For the behaviors present here, speak volumes to the fact… that change is in fact, terrifying. Simply because… we are creatures of habit, and we find comfort in those habits and in routine and even in the negative stuff that surrounds us. For that requires us to be on edge and push toward something more. So, the thought, of leaving that behind and changing everything that makes us who we think we are, is frightening. To the point where it is easier to let those aspirations go and rationalize letting them go, so we can stick with what we think works. Which is precisely what happened here, and it does put the audience in quite the conflicted place.

Simply because… we’ve been pulling for Allison since day one to find agency and freedom from what is a supremely toxic and abusive relationship. And we now wonder if she can do that or if this story is going to end in a far more realistic manner than it has already portrayed, where the abused simply cannot pull themselves away from the abuse despite having everything they need to be free, and that question… is going to make the wait for next week’s episode, so supremely painful. Because we simply have to know, if Allison can indeed overcome this roadblock that so many encounter on the path to change and well… it will be interesting to see what she decides as we barrel toward the end of this powerful and engaging, and painfully realistic story. Until next time.

Ask anyone what they think about The Mighty Ducks film franchise, and you’ll get back a bevy of positive answers. The kind that speaks to the fun of those films and how they always managed to lift up the viewer in question with their positive messages and wonderful comedy. Plus, you’ll also hear about how that film resonated with a person on a deep level because of how they inspired people to never give up and always chase what matters and it makes sense as to why those positive answers will come forth. For this is indeed a franchise that remains quite special in nature and inspired a generation to play like a Mighty Duck in every facet of life. 

Which is why the arrival of The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers on Disney+ was such a big deal. Since it introduced a new generation of fans to this already incredible story and took it new heights. By giving the Ducks new challenges to face on both the ice and life, and of course it featured dynamic characters and an incredible story arc revolving around the legacy of the name, and it ended in such an epic manner… that we’ve all been eager to see where this story was going to go next and thankfully… our wait for a new chapter in this saga is about to end. For Wednesday will see the return of this series to the digital airwaves and well, in anticipation of its arrival… we here at NTG thought it would be worthwhile to preview what you can expect from season two of this series, since you’ve all been so eager to learn more about it. 

In a spoiler-free manner of course since this is a new season of storytelling that has so much offer. Such as a bold new adventure for the Ducks to embark upon. For this is a season that sees the Ducks hit the road for the summer to enjoy an invitational summer camp for youth hockey teams from across the nation and well, the EPIC program, led by the enigmatic and intense Coach Cole, isn’t quite what they expected it to be. For Cole views hockey in a supremely unique light, one that will test the Ducks in ways they’ve never been tested before and well, that plot alone is pretty darn brilliant. Simply because you want your characters to grow, and you want them to be challenged, and what better way to do that than by putting them in a program that is vastly different than what they are used to as players?

Which in turn leads to the storytelling that we’ve come to know and love from this franchise. The kind that puts our heroes to the test and forces them to ponder upon life and hockey and everything in between… allowing for delightful new messages to come forth in this story. The kind that absolutely give the audience pause and give us reason to cheer for the Ducks as they embark upon one intense summer for certain. Which in turn, leads to some epic episodes, some awesome hockey and of course… some quality acting. Since the cast really sells challenges in way that feels familiar and relatable and they aren’t the only ones that turn in some endearing performances that truly compel you to continue the journey. 

For Lauren Graham remains the heart of the story as Alex Morrow, and once again turns in an amazing performance as a mother that wants her son and his friends to enjoy their journey on the ice and she is counterbalanced nicely by Josh Duhamel, who plays Coach Cole. Since he brings a believable intensity to his role and what his character stands for and of course, some humanity thanks to a lovely twist. One that you all get to discover in just a couple of days, since Wednesday, September 28, 2022, will see the show return on Disney+, and we here at NTG hope you tune in and join us back here for recap coverage and our bonus pre-release coverage as well, such as our interviews with the cast, as we celebrate the return of one of the finest sports franchises out there.