Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘The Serpent Queen’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we’ve talked at length about how the STARZ miniseries, The Serpent Queen, has done a phenomenal job of providing us with a comprehensive study on how people that history considers to be bad… are forged into their evil through choice. Dark choices of course, ones that produce results that encourage them to continue along that path. But what’s truly impressive about this aspect of the show and why it continues to deserve merit and deconstruction, is the sheer fact that the series is exploring that in such detail, that we are becoming privy to every single choice that created the Serpent Queen in question. For the first two episodes have featured those small choices, the ones that get people a taste of what breaking bad can do for them. 
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Which is why choice is of note today. For the next episode in this series opted to push Catherine de’ Medici into the next phase of her dark growth. For ‘The Price’ is a story that prompted Catherine to make a hard, hard choice. One that would truly test her like never before and task her as to whether or not this was the path she wanted to go down, and it accomplished this feat, by plunging her into a world of uncontrollable nightmares. For this is a story that saw her beloved husband return to France… with another spare lady. One that just so happened to sire a child for him while he was out on the battlefield and that of course, left Catherine beside herself, since she loved him so and didn’t think that kind of betrayal in the name of sowing oats was possible. 

While she dealt with that, with Diane’s help, other problems came into the mix as well. Since the Dauphin’s camp was beyond upset that they didn’t get want they wanted in the deal with Italy, and they started to ponder upon how best to upend royal matters in the hopes of giving the Dauphin more agency. For Henry was now the golden child and that could bring harm to agendas and stature and sadly… that prompted some in that camp to try and harm Catherine. But before justice could be served properly regarding that, the Dauphin died of a heart defect. Something the idiot King could not process and he of course, decreed this to be nothing more than an act against the crown and the perpetrator, who somehow poisoned his boy, had to pay, and pay dearly.

Which prompted the remnant of the Dauphin’s advisors to try and pin this on Catherine, since she was the one who accused the Dauphin of trying to harm her and well… therein lie the choice. For when a suspect was arrested, her dressmaker no less, she merely had to decree him as the man that poisoned the firstborn son of King Francis, and she did just that. Condemning that man to a horrible fate and that forced her to see the horror of such a decision, and that moment also forced her to make another choice. Live with the price of such choices and truly see them as a chance at staying alive and gaining agency and power and stature, especially since she was finally with child… or take the high road that the rest of us would. And of course, after being beat down emotionally for so long and having so many try to deny her life and freedom… she chose the low road and embraced her actions.
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A move that pushed her deeper into the darkness and of course, put her on a terrifying path. Because once a person realizes they can emotionally handle putting someone to death in the name of their needs, the next one becomes easy and the next easier still. Not to mention, it makes everyone expendable in that’s person’s eyes. For now, it is all about getting what they deserve, and what they want and if someone needs to be pushed aside to make that happen so be it. A reality that put the fear of God into her advisors and friends, the ones that took the time to feed her the truth about what was happening behind the scenes, since they realized one wrong step, or one inopportune moment, would come back to haunt them dearly.  

That likely means, we are entering a dark chapter of this story for certain, one that will show us how Catherine truly honed her skills by handling those that deny her agency in a similar manner, and it will be fascinating to see how far she will go to find that and of course… power… as this fascinating and detailed journey continues along. But while we wait to see that come to fruition, we can truly celebrate one quality and engaging tale. One that genuinely held nothing back in its exploration of how those choices can quickly present themselves to a person in power, and how easily it is to cross that line. Since it took Catherine but a moment to do so, a reality that definitely gives one pause and serves to remind us… how absolute power corrupts absolutely. Until next time.

Please enjoy this exclusive clip and synopsis from season two of Get Rolling with Otis, which you can see exclusively on Apple TV+.
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“Get Rolling with Otis” - Season Two - September 30 on Apple TV+
Based on the Penguin Random House book series by Loren Long, “Get Rolling With Otis,” is an animated adventure series from 9 Story Media Group and Brown Bag Films welcoming young viewers to Long Hill Dairy Farm, home to Otis the tractor and all his friends. Otis may be little, but he has a big heart. Whenever he sees a friend in need, he hits the brakes, asks how they're feeling, and rolls into action to help! Get rolling with new adventures, new friends, and a little tractor who’s big on helping others. The series is executive produced by Vince Commisso, Wendy Harris, author Long, Darragh O’Connell, Jane Startz and Angela C. Santomero. Dr. Michele Borba, internationally renowned educational psychologist, best-selling author, frequent media contributor on TODAY show, and an expert in parenting, bullying, and character development serves as the compassionate action expert on the series through Apple TV+’s changemakers initiative.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 305 of ‘Central Park’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particularly important lesson that we learn regarding relationships, is that they require give and take. For while we need a great deal from our partner, our partner needs things from us, such as good communication and a sense of validation. And of course, they need our support and love as much as we need it from them, and when we learn that particular love lesson… we quickly find ourselves within the framework of a healthy relationship. Where everyone gets what they need and we feel secure and happy in what we have and as long as we work to maintain that balance, because sometimes we go the wayside… we and the person we love will be okay and make wonderful memories together.

But what’s funny, is that we often forget to apply this exact same lesson to our friendships as well. For we tend to see those as nothing more than a bonus relationship. Where everything is built upon a status quo, and we can easily reunite with old friends and pretend as though nothing has changed and it makes sense as to why we think this. For friends do come and go in our lives and it is the close ones that matter and even then… they too get this treatment when they simply should not. For they are the family we choose, and they require the same give and take to feel as though this friendship matters and it is important, we apply that care to them. If anything, this is top of mind today, simply because Owen Tillerman was forced to learn this lesson in the next episode of Central Park on Apple TV+.

For when we catch up with Owen in ‘Golden Owen: Manager Damager’, he was on cloud nine. For the mayor just wanted the park manager committee to sign off on his new campaign to get it rolling and Owen was going to meet them later on in the day and well, since the committee was made up of old friends that have been through thick and thin with Owen, he firmly believed that getting their sign off would be nothing short of a breeze. But an attempt to pull a lighthearted prank revealed to Owen, that these old friends… who invited Owen to their weddings and shared their lives with him and Paige… did not think highly of him in the slightest. In fact, they viewed him as a bit of an egotistical nuisance for his standing as manager of Central Park, and his actions from having that title.

A reality that shocked him to no end. Since he truly believed that these old pals always viewed him in the same light as they did back in the day. But therein lie the lesson. Since Owen was indeed big on bragging about the park and its wonder and never once took the time to see how they were or what they needed professionally or personally, and that meant… they didn’t get what they needed from an old friend. And once he was armed with that knowledge, he finally made an effort, and while that was indeed awkward at times… that push and his honesty about his inability to provide them with what they needed, mended broken fences and it also got him the sign-off he needed. But more importantly, Owen learned that lesson and reminded all of us, to make sure our close friends get some love now and again.

However, what would an episode of this series be, without a little time spent with Bitsy Brandenham? For she was facing a unique crisis in this tale. In that, her propensity to just fire folks left, and right was coming back to bite her. In part because she was woefully understaffed, but also because anyone she brought back was ready for revenge and well… this little problem led to a unique collision of worlds. For while she and Helen were dealing with some super shiny floors, Abby and the kids wandered into the hotel for a quick break while Abby continued to strike out at finding a job in the Big Apple. But another exiting staff member, gave her a chance to shine as a server in the cocktail lounge and just like that, the family now has deep ties to the Brandenham and its eccentric owner.

In the end, this was just… another delightfully meaningful tale. One that offered up another unique lesson about life and the relationships that mean the world to us. Because we really do forget about the lesson here and hopefully this does indeed remind us to tell those old friends we love them and cherish them and check in on them to see what they need from us. Because we are all in this together and we are friends for a reason so why not nourish something that is positive and fulfilling? And now that we’ve reached the end of this delightful little journey, it would seem that more conflicted storytelling awaits us. Since the campaign is going forward and Bitsy has her hands in that… and her ‘partnership’ and Abby’s new role… should lead to some fascinating conflict for certain. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Andor’.
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One thing that every fan of science fiction can agree upon, is that the Star Wars saga is truly one of the great sci-fi epics. For it features romance, action and adventure, a grand battle between good and evil and once even featured a touch of political commentary. But what’s fascinating about this franchise, is that it has only scratched the surface of its true potential. For while it is beloved and generational in nature, it has yet to really go deep with its concepts or grow beyond the fluffier stuff that it tends to send our way. Because let’s be honest, this is a galaxy, far, far away that caters more to the family experience than in-depth storytelling. The kind that is unafraid and bold in nature.
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Granted, it has toyed with heavier concepts. Since The Last Jedi took the time to explore how time and failure and incredible expectations upon us can jade us, and Rogue One is a story that also went to new places by giving us a taste of life under the Empire’s rule before tying us into the Skywalker Saga with that powerful and devastating ending that took us right to the start of A New Hope. But beyond those two major experiments, the franchise continues to try and hang onto what fans love it about the most since even Mandalorian and Book of Boba Fett feature moments that are familiar and lovely, and really… none of these observations are insults. Because this saga does bring us joy, but it wouldn’t hurt for the franchise to be bolder and really try some new things that it hasn’t before and well, it would seem that time has finally come.

For this week saw the debut of Andor on Disney+. A series that returns to the proverbial Rogue One well  by whisking us back in time five years before that film, wherein we get to reunite with Cassian Andor to learn how he came to serve in the Rebel Alliance and helped it to legitimacy and one of its greatest victories and well, it doesn’t take long for the viewer to realize this three-episode series premiere, is indeed the grown up iteration of Star Wars that we’ve all been waiting for. First and foremost, because it is devoid of the name Skywalker. For there are no cameos and fan service to be found here, just life under the watchful thumb of the Galactic Empire, and while we know Palpatine, Vader and Obi-Wan, and Han Solo and the Skywalker twins are out there… they are insignificant here and that is so refreshing.

For now, we can truly see what the average citizen dealt with as Emperor Palpatine did everything to consolidate power and spread fear and well, that brings forth some fascinating commentary into the mix. Since we come to find that corporations receive great benefits and power for properly serving the Empire. To the point where they have resources and autonomy, and their own armies. Something we sometimes see in our own world, giving rise to depth in this story and a genuine sense of suffering for the people under the thumb of these mega corporations. Since they are forced to abide by the almighty credit in this sector of the world and disobedience is punished in a manner that will please the emperor, giving rise to fear and compliance and it is that fear that is truly fascinating regarding this premiere… since that is what is inside Cassian Andor’s heart when we meet him here.
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Which leads him to ugly trouble, the kind that is a stain on that very corporation and of course, also leads to him being hunted down and well… that fear never leaves him during this premiere. He’s terrified of losing what little freedom he has, and he wants nothing more than to enjoy a little peace and calm and that’s a stunning place to meet him. Since in Rogue One, he’s a bold man. One that knew what needed to be done to fight the Empire and he stopped at nothing to accomplish that. But of course, a chance encounter at the end of this journey is likely going to lead to the chance to become that man. Which means this is a season of storytelling that is going to provide us with incredible character growth. The kind where we see Cassian Andor slowly transform into a true hero, one that will bring out the hero in another wavering individual in Jyn Erso and well, in the end… all of these elements make this a brilliant finale.

In large part because we’ve never seen a Star Wars story like this. One that is grown up and fleshed out and eager to take its time in the name of world-building and character development. But also, because… this is the franchise finally reaching its potential and really tapping into topics that other science fiction stories hit upon often. Giving rise to a series that could finally allow for this saga to stand as something more than popcorn fueled fun and give us topics to think about and explorations on the human condition and well, that is going to make the wait for next week’s episode as difficult as it gets. Simply because this is refreshing and new and engaging, and it will be genuinely fascinating to see what this bold new chapter in the Star Wars saga is going to accomplish storytelling wise as we inch our way toward Cassian’s fate in Rogue One. Until next time.    

One thing that we can all agree upon, is that the AMC+ series, Gangs of London, is one of the best crime thrillers to hit the airwaves in recent years. For its no-holds barred approach to telling its intense and violent story, allowed for us to look at the criminal underworld in a terrifying new light. One that showed off the fear of this world and how brutal it can become and well, it is a story that we’ve been anxiously awaiting more of. For AMC+ quickly renewed the series for a second season after it captivated our hearts.
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But alas… we’ve heard little about when we can expect that new season and what it will be like. But thankfully, our long wait regarding those questions has come to an end. For earlier today, AMC+ announced that season two will be arriving on the network on 11/17/22, and well… it is clearly going to be an intense and bleak ride. As evidenced by the powerhouse trailer that AMC+ released alongside this news and well, since you’re dying to get a sample of year two of this gritty and brilliant show, here is that trailer and some details regarding the new season… courtesy of AMC+.

‘In a foreboding and high-octane trailer, AMC+ has announced the return of its lauded original series Gangs of London, which will debut its much anticipated second season on Thursday, November 17 with two episodes. The critically-acclaimed, award-winning drama became an international sensation in its first season, with its shocking yet artfully-choreographed action scenes and stunt work. Following the premiere, one episode of the eight-part season will debut Thursdays on AMC+, AMC Networks’ premium streaming bundle.
 
In the second season, a new, darker era of chaos and turbulent power struggles comes to London. One year after the death of Sean Wallace and the violent reckonings of season one, the map and soul of the city has been redrawn – the surviving Wallaces are scattered, the Dumanis broken and estranged, and ex-undercover cop Elliot Finch (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Humans, Mr. Malcolm’s List) is now being forced to work for the Investors. As the Investors look down on a city sliding into chaos, they decide enough is enough and bring in reinforcements to restore control. Old favorites and new players fight back against the new order, forcing sworn enemies to work together and family members to betray each other.
 
Returning cast includes: Dìrísù, Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You), Lucian Msamati (His Dark Materials), Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones), Orli Shuka (Save Me), Pippa Bennett-Warner (Harlots), Brian Vernel (Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens), Narges Rashidi (Under the Shadow), Asif Raza Mir (Daaman) and Valene Kane (The Fall). Joining the ensemble cast for season 2 include Waleed Zuaiter (Baghdad Central), Jahz Armando, Fady El-Sayed (Baghdad Central), Salem Kali (Un Prophète) and Aymen Hamdouchi (SAS: Red Notice).  
 
Gangs of London is created by Gareth Evans and his creative partner Matt Flannery. Gangs of Londonis a Pulse Films production in association with SISTER for Sky Studios and AMC. Executive Producers are Thomas Benski, Jane Featherstone, Tom Butterworth, Corin Hardy, Helen Gregory, Gareth Evans, and Matt Flannery. Series Executive Producer is Hugh Warren. Season 2 is directed by Corin Hardy, Marcela Said and Nima Nourizadeh. The series is written by Tom Butterworth, Lauren Sequeira, Danusia Samal, Rowan Athale, Meg Salter and co-written by Steve Searle.

About AMC+   
AMC+ is the company’s new premium streaming bundle featuring an extensive lineup of popular and critically acclaimed original programming from AMC, BBC America, IFC, and SundanceTV and full access to targeted streaming services Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited, which feature content such as A Discovery of Witches, Creepshow, and Boyhood. The service features a continually refreshed library of commercial-free content, including iconic series from the AMC Networks portfolio including Mad Men, Halt & Catch Fire, Hell on Wheels, Turn: Washington’s Spies, Rectify, Portlandia, and series from The Walking Dead Universe, among many others. The service also offers a growing slate of original and exclusive series including Gangs of London, Kin, The North Water, That Dirty Black Bag, This is Going to Hurt, Moonhaven and the first two series in a new Anne Rice universe, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches. With new movies released every Friday, AMC+ is the newest destination for exclusive film premieres direct from theaters all year long. AMC+ recently launched in Canada, Australia, India, and Spain and is available in the U.S. through AMCPlus.com, the AMC+ app, and a number of digital and cable partners.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Bad Sisters’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Often times, stories that revolve around plots to kill another person, feature a healthy amount of time on the guilt and the confusion, and suffering that such an act might have on the person trying to commit murder. If they are of course, an average, everyday person in the story. Because that’s not something any of us would normally commit to, and the thought of crossing that line and actually killing another human being… would absolutely wreak havoc upon our emotions and our mental health. Not to mention, the guilt that would follow if one were to follow through… would be epic in nature, regardless of whether or not the person being put down was ‘deserving’ of death or not.

But what isn’t explored all that often, is the fallout of say… not going through with the act or if the target managed to survive. For that too would have repercussions for ages on end and well, that is why this week’s episode of Bad Sisters on Apple TV+ is of note. For ‘Rest in Peace’ wasted little time in informing us of the fact, that John Paul survived his ‘suicide attempt’ after all. For the water snapped him out of his funk and Gabriel, who was on his boat with his lover, was able to jump into the water and save John Paul, courtesy of CPR and a call to emergency services and well… that put John Paul in the hospital and immediately brought forth all kinds of guilt and repercussions for the Garvey sisters.

Simply because, John Paul immediately believed and expressed that someone was trying to kill him. Something the doctors and nurses didn’t pay attention to in the slightest, since there was no evidence, but uh… this time around his ramblings were actually correct. The key was keeping that under wraps and that led to some tense moments for the sisters. The kind where they had to keep their cool and fight off the guilt of what they’d done, and that was no easy task. Because how does one reconcile such an act? Not to mention the fact that Becka had to go through hell to get the evidence out of the way, only making the whole mess far scarier, and of course… it didn’t help that John Paul was still the same Grade-A A-hole that he’s always been and didn’t learn a singular lesson regarding this.

But those complications aside, this was quite the unique way in which to take this story. Simply because this is a rare exploration for certain, the kind that was refreshing to enjoy and shockingly led to quite the twist. Since an attempt on Becka’s part to keep life normal, led to the reveal that John Paul has quite the secret at his mom’s house because he’s a freakin’ psycho and it was also amazing that this story brought forth repercussions for the events that played out here. Since Thomas did get wind of the fact that the Garvey sisters were there on that fateful night, giving him cause to exhume the body and potentially find out more secrets about how John Paul passed. Raising the stakes like never before while drawing us deeper and deeper into this story.

Simply because, we have to know why on earth John Paul had THAT in his mother’s basement, and why he spent so much time around IT, and also… what will come of Thomas and Matt’s hard work. Because they have shockingly put together quite the case and if somehow Grace did know… hard times will fall upon her. But we don’t know that part of the story just yet, and now we have to wait a week to find out! But while we do, we can bask in the wonder of one quality tale, one that really surprised us in a great many ways and actually made us hate John Paul even more, especially after what he did to Grace here and truly, it will be fascinating to see where this refreshing story is going to take us come next Friday. Until then.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 305 of ‘See’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the third and final season of See on Apple TV+ has been building to one thing and one thing alone… a final showdown between good and evil. Evil of course consisting of Tormada and good consisting of our heroes and this show has indeed done a wonderful job of building that tension for the final battle royale. For the bombs are out in the world, the Trivantians have figured out how to give Tormada carte blanche in his attacks and believe it or not, the stakes continued to grow in this week’s episode as well. Since Sibeth Kane did something quite surprising in the opening moments of ‘The House of Enlightenment’.
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In that, she managed to rally the Witchfinders to her cause. For they have in fact, been crying out for a leader that will inspire them to do horrible things and she is the right kind of monster for that… and her ability to rally them all to her cause and her ideals, means that a two front war now awaits Paya. But rather than just let the tension and our expectations for the fight ahead to grow to a fever pitch, the writers’ room decided it was high time to mix things up a bit and perhaps… give us a taste of things to come and level the playing field just a little bit. Which it accomplished by taking us back to the House of Enlightenment for a tense standoff. 

After all, Baba Voss and his family and small army were holed up inside the place and Tormada of course, wanted vengeance for his fallen soldiers and to experience the joy of being the man to defeat Baba Voss. Which meant he ordered his boys to breach the house and well… they were in for quite the surprise in doing so. Because Baba Voss knew they were coming and fully prepared for the assault. All by having his kids and friends, set up booby traps all about the house, and in the hallways. Such as having glass everywhere in those halls, so no soldier was silent and well, when Tormada’s boys breached the perimeter, they paid the price dearly. For they were easily heard and spotted and were defeated in a wild and wicked manner. One that included a wonderfully placed 80s soundtrack, because why not have a little fun in this final season?

But what mattered more here, is that first time ever, Tormada finally paid the piper and had an idea of what he was up against, and while he did indeed escape with his precious bombs, the good news is… he can’t make anymore. For Baba Voss and his family were able to free Oloman’s family and destroy the House as well, something that was frowned up in a violent manner by Haniwa. Since that lost knowledge was essential and she was so upset by this, she and Kofun came to blows. But she did get some good news, in that… more libraries were out there. Giving her some comfort in the midst of a bittersweet moment and that wasn’t the only moment of that caliber present here. Because while Lord Harlan revealed his true loyalty to Paya, it came at a cost. In that, he was forced to put his beloved down to help win the day, a move that wasn’t easy and heartbreaking for him as well.

However, what mattered more here, is that at last… the tension was broken, and we enjoyed a grand fight between Tormada and Baba Voss and that led to a leveling of the playing field for a moment. Since Tormada now knows to not underestimate his foe after suffering a tough loss, and Baba Voss… has an idea of how to beat him and well, it is best we enjoy this victory while we can. Because our villains are taking the time to regroup and strategize and of course… Sibeth is out there plotting against Paya and that means the fight will be ugly again quite soon. But while we wait for that, we can bask in the wonder of a good old fashioned, fun, and entertaining tale. One that delivered on the action and adventure and provided us with some satisfying moments, and you simply cannot go wrong with that. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that prequels of any kind, have to be a difficult venture. After all, what comes after the primary and established story is known and beloved, and that makes going back to the very start of the story a precarious decision. Since one wrong move or one wrong decision regarding genesis, the kind that could contradict what comes after or sets up a critical moment that never comes to fruition, can and will alienate fans and turn them off to what the story is attempting. Which is why only a handful of creatives are willing to even attempt such a feat. But the ones that do, tend to deliver on their mission to create a true prequel that fits in perfectly with the original story. 

For those are the folks that take the time to really pay attention to every last detail and pour over where the past would best serve the present, all while telling a compelling story that makes sense and engages us and it just so happens that Acorn TV is soon going to be host to such a show. For Monday will see the debut of Mystery Road: Origin. A series that takes us back to 1999, wherein we come to see the bare beginnings of iconic investigator Jay Swan and well… how that is handled and what that brings forth, makes for a wonderful prequel series. One that holds its own with the finest ones out there and we here at NTG were lucky enough to have the opportunity to see season one of this series in advance and thought it would be worthwhile to discuss what makes this series so worthwhile, in a spoiler-free manner of course.

Because to spill the beans here would be careless and mean, largely because… this is a series that digs deep into what makes Jay Swan, Jay Swan in the original series. Which brings forth some fascinating storytelling, since we so rarely see formative moments that create iconic heroes such as Jay. But all of that is here, and all of it is handled in a compelling and organic manner. For nothing is forced here, everything feels like the natural genesis as to what awaits Jay down the line or what created a particular world view for him, and that makes for some satisfying moments to say the least. The kind that give us everything we could possibly want in a prequel and get us excited for the future, since we are going to watch everything come together in a fascinating and engaging manner.

But of course, in order to sell all that and of course, sell a younger Jay Swan, casting and acting is a huge part of that and thankfully… the series knocked that out of the park as well. For Mark Coles Smith not only looks perfect as younger Jay, but he plays him in a manner where he perfectly embodies Jay, but with just enough youth and naivety that we are compelled to continue his journey and see how he grows into the man we first met. And he is balanced out nicely by his castmates, who also bring honesty to their roles and of course… fit the bill nicely if by chance they are going to be part of his future and truly, what makes this entire series worthwhile… is that it really does do a fine job of giving us fresh moments to work with. The kind of stuff that makes Jay’s growth compelling as opposed to just leaning on the future.

All of which makes this a wonderful prequel, the kind that excites and engages and of course… plunges us back into this beloved universe in a smooth and comfortable fashion. For it really does feel as though we are in 1999 and just living alongside Jay, and kudos to the cast and crew for creating this chapter in Jay’s life in such a smooth manner and the best news of all, is that we don’t have to wait that much longer to enjoy it. For Mystery Road: Origin makes its debut on Acorn TV on Monday, September 26, 2022, with a two-episode premiere and we here at NTG hope you give it a look and join us for more coverage of this series. Such as our weekly recaps of each magnificent episode and to check out our interview with series star Mark Coles Smith as we celebrate the return of Jay Swan to the small screen.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 305 of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One thing that fans of the Paramount+ series, Star Trek: Lower Decks can agree upon, is that this wondrously fun chapter in the Star Trek Universe, does a phenomenal job of keeping things light. For the jokes come fast and furious in this series, as do the lovely shoutouts to the history of the franchise. Making this series quite the outright treat. One that you can lose yourself within for a half an hour and leave with a smile on your face. And this series is so focused on keeping it fun and keeping it goofy, that the deeper stuff we often find present within this franchise, tends to be not present here and that’s not a bad thing by any means.
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Simply because this series knows what it is about and is happy to provide fans with what it advertises. But as time has gone on, Lower Decks has begun to pepper some of the deeper meaning and commentary that its sister shows often feature and this week’s episode… just so happens to be a story in that vein. For ‘Reflections’ is a tale that in part, explored the sorted past of one Ensign Sam Rutherford. Because up until this week, we knew little of Sam. Such as what brought forth his implant, who he was before it and his past in general. But a strange quirk of fate with his implant, one that Tendi tried desperately to help fix, changed all of that. For that malfunction brought out old school Sam, the one that was wild and carefree and brash, and suffered through an injury in his academy days that prompted a need for that implant.  

But while that led to some fascinating and fun moments with brash Sam battling it out with the Sam we know, within their own mind, since it turned out that old Sam wanted to take over… it is the deeper context here that harkens back to what makes this franchise so great. Since in many ways, this episode pays homage to ‘The Enemy Within’, the flawed TOS episode that reminds us of the good and the bad we carry, while also taking the time to remind us that who we were yesterday does not define us today, and that growth is a beautiful thing for certain, and all of that is supremely in line with what this franchise stands for. Since it has long been about the human condition through and through, and it was wonderful to see such messaging come into play here and to see ‘new Sam’ win the day. Since that hammered home the message about the importance of growth and embracing our journey. 

However, while it was indeed incredible to enjoy some deeper messaging here… make no mistake about it, this is Lower Decks and what would this series be without shenanigans and goofball moments? Which came forth in this tale via Ensigns Mariner and Boimler. For they were tasked with setting up a Starfleet recruiting booth on Tulgana IV while the engineering team fixed the planet’s power systems. Something that Mariner was just… sick about. Because she saw this as nothing more than busy work, the kind to keep her and Boims out of sight and out of mind when they could be doing so much more, and she was vocal in her disdain of this assignment and unfortunately for her… Commander Ransom heard her complaints and made it clear that she was going to do an amazing job at this, or face exile to Starbase 80. Which snapped her in line because everyone knows… Starbase 80 is the absolute worst.
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But that didn’t make the job any easier. Because the booth’s placement, forced her to deal with a rude member of the Independent Archeologist’s Guild, and conspiracy theorists, who worked in tandem to basically motivate the crowd to pick on Starfleet. But thankfully, Mariner kept her cool and actually managed to sign up a bevy of folks once the troublemakers were kept busy by the most unexpected of people. For Boimler lost it when one of the critics ripped off his rank pip, and he went on a tear… teaching everyone that had beef with Starfleet, one fine lesson on messing with an Ensign and while it got Boims thrown in the brig for the first time ever, he did impress Ransom with his defense of Starfleet. So apparently, being Bold Boims paid off once again.

If anything, this was just… a delightful episode through and through. One that felt akin to a good ol’ fashioned TNG or TOS episode where we just enjoyed a day in the life in the fleet. With some comedy of course, some wondrous drama and one of the deepest shout outs/Easter Eggs this side of the Mutara Nebula. Because this writer is hard pressed to think of another time, in canon no less, where the events of the TNG episode, ‘Conspiracy’, were actually mentioned. But they were here, and that’s awesome and it just goes to show how much Mike McMahan and his writing staff care for and love this universe and well… now that we’ve reached the end of this mission… the time has come to impatiently wait for another fresh adventure, with the finest Lower Deckers in Starfleet. Until next time.

This is a spoiler free article for Episode Five of ‘Pantheon’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that mankind has quite the complex relationship with the truth. Simply because… we know what it means to us, and we know its importance to us. To the point where we preach that we should offer it to others at all times and chase it when we have concerns to enjoy a clear mind and clear conscience, but we don’t really abide by that. Because we lie, plain and simple. Sometimes for reasons that are kind in nature, but often are not, and of course… we fear chasing the truth. Simply because we know the pain it can bring us and others when it is put on full display and uncomfortable in nature.
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But despite the trouble it brings and our efforts to avoid it, we always chase it, and we eventually spill the beans, because that is what is the right thing to do. But in that moment, when it is in front of us and there is a lot to unpack regarding it, it is shocking and hurtful and devastating at times and that particular moment and how we deal with it is top of mind today, simply because it was put on full display in the next episode of Pantheon on AMC+. A feat that ‘Zero Daze’ accomplished by putting Caspian in quite the tough place. After all, he was still reeling from the discoveries he made during last week’s episode and well, that prompted him to make quite the important choice.

In that, he could either play the game and see where this little chess match would take him, or he could take the reins of his own destiny and dig deep on the truth regarding what was going on and well… he chose the latter. Which led to some stunning scenes for certain. The kind that saw Caspian work hard to have agency and control and eventually, that brought him face to face with the truth in a harrowing manner and well… that brought about the key exploration in question. For the truth was downright shocking to say the least and he handled what will indeed change the course of his life in ways he never thought possible… in a bold manner. And that moment was also was epic and powerful enough, that the plot in and of itself has changed. Because let’s be honest... nothing will EVER be the same after that.

However, while that storyline alone could have carried this episode through and through, this episode still had more wonder to send our way. For Maddie’s story in this tale reminded us of the humanity that genuinely makes this series so special. For she and her mother and Cody… had to deal with the problems they ran into during last week’s tale and well, they rose to the occasion for certain and their push to create a true safe space for David and Laurie was genuinely touching and delightful to watch. Just because it reminded us of the good in our hearts and the wonder of family and how we lift one another up in said family, regardless of the odds and regardless of the situation that our family members are dealing with. 

But make no mistake about it, that big reveal and that big moment involving Caspian and the truth, did indeed overshadow the feel-good stuff. Simply because, this series is moving into a bold new direction, the kind that will keep us guessing as to what comes next and will undoubtedly bring forth some fine new commentary on the many topics introduced in this tale and well, that is going to make the wait for next week’s episode, quite painful for certain. Because this was just an amazing story through and through, one that genuinely blew us away with a twist for the ages, and in the end, all of this just reminds us… that this is one of the most original science fiction shows in years, courtesy of the fact that it is brave in how it tells its story. Until next time.