It is definitely safe to say, that we are living in the era of the mega franchise. Where cinematic and television universes are the next hot thing, and everyone is clamoring to either create the next big one or find a new one to watch in theaters or on television. But what’s interesting is that while so many are working to make this happen, not every franchise is sticking and producing what some might hope. Simply because… not all of them harbor what makes a franchise successful. In that, it needs to resonate with its audience on a fundamental level. So that fans connect with the story and the characters through and through and if anyone is looking to really understand what that looks like, then they just need to check out the Step Up franchise.
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For the dynamic characters present within this series, one that predates even the Marvel Cinematic Universe, are people we connect with and root for and since dance and music are fundamentals to our lives… this is a franchise that just finds a place in our hearts, and that has allowed for it to produce a bevy of films and a television series on STARZ, and it is that series… which is still going strong that is of note today. For STARZ just announced (on National Dance Day no less) that season three of Step Up will be arriving on the network on October 16, and as an added bonus to this announcement, STARZ was also kind enough to release a trailer, some key art and some details on the upcoming season. All of which we are going to share with you (courtesy of STARZ), so you can garner a sampling of what the next chapter in this glorious and thriving franchise is going to look like.

‘In celebration of National Dance Day, STARZ released today the trailer and key art for the highly anticipated third season of “Step Up,” set to premiere on Sunday, October 16. The hit franchise follows the non-stop drama, scandalous romance, betrayals and rivalries told through the intersection of the worlds of music and dance within a highly sought-after performance empire.
 
“Step Up” premieres Sunday, October 16 at midnight on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms, and internationally on the STARZPLAY premium streaming platform across all territories. On linear, it will debut on STARZ at 10:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and Canada.
 
Welcome to High Water – a next level incubator for new artistic talent, where danger, corruption, suspicions, desires, resentments, and ambitions collide in and out of the halls of the headquarters. As the label’s talent roster grows, High Water founder and megastar Sage Odom (Ne-Yo) faces murder charges, financial ruin and powerful political enemies. His partner in business and in love, Collette Jones (Christina Milian) struggles to maintain their image as she balances a nationwide tour and stepping out of her role as the woman behind the empire all while carrying a secret that threatens to ruin it all.
 
Caught in the maelstrom is a collective of talented young artists that have been mentored to become top selling rappers and dance superstars: Rigo (Terrence Green), Poppy (Kendra Willis), Tal (Keiynan Lonsdale), Davis (Carlito Olivero), Odalie (Jade Chynoweth) and mysterious newcomer Angel (Rebbi Rosie), who all find that living your dream has a price.
 
The upcoming season also stars Faizon Love, Eric Graise, Terayle Hill, Enrique Murciano and Tricia Helfer.
 
“Step Up” is created and executive produced by Holly Sorensen. Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot, who served as producers on the original Step Up films, also executive produce this latest chapter of the franchise through their Offspring Entertainment banner. Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, who both co-starred in the original Step Up film, also executive produce through Free Association production company and Everheart Productions, Inc., respectively. Erik Feig, who served as producer on all the films and oversaw the franchise while an executive at Lionsgate, executive produces via his production shingle PICTURESTART. Bill Brown also serves as writer and executive producer, and Dawn Wilkinson serves as director and executive producer.
 
Follow “Step Up” on Social
Twitter: @StepUpSeries
Instagram: @StepUpSeries  
Facebook: @StepUpSeries
TikTok: @StepUpSTARZ
 
Join the conversation with #StepUpSTARZ and #STARZ.

About STARZ
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading global media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly-rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. In 2018, STARZ launched its STARZPLAY international premium streaming platform to provide subscribers access to the “best of global SVOD.” STARZPLAY, coupled with its STARZPLAY ARABIA joint venture, has expanded its global footprint into more than 60 countries throughout Europe and Latin America along with Canada, Japan, India and Indonesia. STARZ and STARZPLAY are available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies around the world. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company.
 
About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium global subscription platform to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world.  The Company’s film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by a 17,000-title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 304 of ‘Central Park’. To revisit the season three premiere, click here.
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For the most part, movies and television shows work hard to keep the mundane little moments of life, off of the silver and small screen and with good reason. After all, we’re in the theater or on our couches to be entertained, so, if possible, we’d like to not see the simple stuff that we deal with on a daily basis in our quality entertainment. But now and again, you run into shows and movies… that work to defy that particular rule. Simply because they believe they can find value in the little things we do and create a compelling story revolving around that and one such show that abides by that particular edict is Central Park on Apple TV+.
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Simply because, this is a series that not only wants to stand out from the rest, but it really wants to plunge us into the lives of everyday people and remind us of our shared experiences in this life. It just so happens that some toe-tapping tunes will accompany those moments and well… this is a series that succeeds at this particular quest. Because time and time again, we find ourselves compelled to see where the little moments present in this series take us and how on earth this show can make them interesting and well, the show’s ability to thrive in showing us the mundane is top of mind today, simply because it once again put that on display.

For when we catch up with the Tillerman family in ‘A Triptych Down Memory Lane’, it is just another day. One where the cable guy is coming to make sure their connection is working and where Owen and Paige are working hard to get the new park campaign rolling and to keep rolling on her novel, respectively, while trying to go about their daily duties, and well… that alone is something we can relate to. Since so many of us have big things, we’re working on and pushing to accomplish on the side as we do our best to keep our regular day rolling and well… seeing that here in a relatable and natural fashion with a little bit of comedy compels. And it doesn’t hurt that we want to see these characters succeed since we love them so. 

But what’s wild is that the show went above and beyond in making everyday stuffs compelling here, thanks to an unfortunate twist for Owen. Because he and Paige had been working so hard on their respective creations that they didn’t think twice about the important way in which they were storing their work. For they were using the family hard drive, the one complete with critical pictures and memories, to save their new bodies of work and it was so important to Owen’s new project that he brought it to the office on several occasions… and left it there. And since Elwood just thought it was nothing more than a new work device, he too was using it and he made sure to password protect it and forgot the password, which brought forth great worry from Owen.
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Because if the password was entered incorrectly ten times… the drive would auto wipe everything as a security measure. Which meant, they had to work with Elwood from afar to figure out how to refresh his memory on that very password. That led to some dynamic and fun fantasy sequences, where everyone worked to jog his memory through their stories and ideas and of course… eventually he remembered the password and avoided quite the nightmare for the family but what matters more here… is that something that would be considered boring on any other show or in any other movie… was downright compelling to watch here through and through.

Simply because, we cared about that data, and we cared about seeing this family not lose their memories. Which means… we cared about a data backup. Something that few of us pay any mind to because doing so is a routine motion now and that’s quite magical to say the least. Because it takes a special show to make something so boring and so routine as compelling and fun as it was here, but that’s simply what this show does and does well and what’s truly amazing, is that an episode like this, leaves us eager for more. So, we can be pleasantly surprised by something unique and special, and it will be genuinely fascinating to see what kind of story awaits us when Central Park returns next week. Until then.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season finale of ‘Sprung’. To revisit the previous episodes, click here.
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There is some security in saying… that the pandemic is finally nearing its end. For there are new vaccines hitting the market that cater to the latest variant, and we thankfully haven’t seen one of those for a while (knock on wood) and of course… cases and deaths are in decline. Which means… at long last we can truly look forward toward tomorrow and begin to fully embrace and enjoy life again and as we do… it is important that we reflect upon this journey. For a life-changing, once in a lifetime event such as this… comes with lessons. The kind that are catered to the individual for the most part, but there are some that are quite universal in nature, and it just so happens that for its season finale, Sprung, took the time to explore those broader lessons.
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After of course… delivering a joyous ending to the biggest heist these ex-convicts and Barb have ever been a part of. Which was surprising, because for a time in this finale… it almost seemed as though the plan wasn’t going to work. For the timeline was moved up, and everything that could go wrong with this lift, did go wrong. But thanks to ingenuity, bravery, and a ton of freakin’ luck, things started to go their way. All because they knew what was at stake and in the end, all of their efforts paid off in incredible spades, and Congresswoman Paula Tackleberry was left penniless, and our heroes were rich beyond their wildest dreams and well… that’s when the show began to explore the lessons we should be taking from this experience and that led to one powerful and moving segment of the story.

Wherein our heroes began to drift apart and live their own lives. Since Barb and Stan found kinky love after all and Rooster and Wiggles finally tied the knot and got that Dunkin’ Donuts franchise they always wanted. And despite declaring their love for one another, Gloria and Jack went their separate ways to live their dreams. With Gloria heading down Miami way to keep her grifts going while Jack made it to San Diego and reunited with his family and finally got a job as a teacher courtesy of Gloria’s fine work in securing him with a new identity. And well… seeing them find peace and happiness after a harrowing time, since the show seemingly caught up to now, really informed us that when this truly ends, and the virus is just another one floating about that requires a yearly booster with our flu shot… we need to… live.

But not in the standard sense. No, this isn’t a time to just go back to boring days at a job that just pays the bills and go home to an exhausted evening of lamenting that job while thinking thoughts of a better tomorrow. This is where… we leave that nonsense behind and do our best to get what we really want in life and do and get what truly makes us happy. Because we… just survived something terrible and we were lucky enough to come out of the other side of it unscathed. Which means we have been given a gift, a second chance if you will, one that we cannot squander. So… open up your heart like Barb did, and see who it lets in. Let that person you’ve always loved, know how you feel just like Rooster did, because it might land you the one or reaffirm what they mean to you, and chase your dreams like Jack and Gloria did. Granted, maybe… do something closer to what Jack did, since uh… breaking the law and grifting isn’t good.

But that aside, what matters most is that this show reminded us that… life is precious. Life is fleeting and our time here is short, and our safety can at times be precarious. So, live it up, take the chances and roll the hard six and live it up and live in the moment, for it will never come again and well, that’s a wonderful message to find at the end of a wild and hilarious journey and well, that’s its nerds and geeks. That’s all there is to stay about season one of this beautiful and funny show, one that as of press time, has not received a second season order and this writer hope it gets one. Just because, there is a little bit of unfinished business here between Jack and Gloria and who wouldn’t want more of Barb, and Rooster and Wiggles? But if by chance this is the end, then this series ends in a wonderful manner with a wonderful message that will stay with us for some time, and you simply cannot go wrong with that.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Bad Sisters’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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As season one of the fascinating Apple TV+ series, Bad Sisters, continues along, it is quickly becoming apparent what this show wants to accomplish storytelling wise. In that, it wants to provide the audience with a grand understanding of why murder is simply the worst act that we commit as a species. Which is of course, a fact we should already be aware of. But this is something that has been stylized and romanticized in popular media often, and it no longer has the gravitas that it once did for our society. So, what better way to reinforce that reality by exploring all the meaningful concepts that this series has taken the time to dive into.
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Since it has touched upon the flawed and angry motivations that go into this decision, the horror that comes with the reality of making the decision to end a life, and it just so happens that this week’s tale had more to ponder upon. For ‘Splash’ is a story that looked at just how difficult a task murder is, but only after giving us more juicy tidbits to ponder upon in the wake of John Paul’s death. Since Thomas continued to dig regarding the past, and a good chat with Grace revealed that not only did John Paul apparently attempt to commit suicide some time ago, but that there might be something about this particular act that would allow for Thomas to deny the claim, and wouldn’t you know it? He found something for certain thanks to this line of questioning. Something that made him happy. 

What that is exactly, will have to wait for another time, since the majority of this episode once again spent a great deal of time showing us what happened in days gone by, in order to help us explore that particular lesson, and well… when we catch up with everyone, yesterday, the idea to kill John Paul was seemingly waning. Mainly because Bibi just didn’t have it in her anymore, but the fact that Grace was being embarrassed by John Paul often because she wanted intimacy with her husband, was more than the other sisters could bear and they finally reunited to teach him a lesson, one that should have been a sure-fire success. Since they figured out how to drug him senseless, so they could drown him in his own bathtub.

All it was going to take, was a hefty dose of Rohypnol, one that was combined with John Paul’s nasal spray. Which would have allowed for a fast delivery of the drug and an even faster pass out time, and for a brief moment, it appeared that was going to be the case. But in the midst of trying to get him to the tub, pants-less no less, he awoke in something of a daze and meandered about the house (and peed in the closet) before driving out to his boat. Where in his drugged stupor he flopped into the water, which should have done him in and made it look as though he’d offed himself. But Thomas spoiled that ending by asking about his ‘attempt’ and well, that whole sequence hammered home quite the lesson about the difficulties of killing another human being.

In that, without a lethal weapon such as a gun, there are no guarantees one can pull off such an act, and even then… the act itself might be awkward and difficult to watch. Since Becka did struggle with watching John Paul ‘drown’ and of course… the effort it took just to get this to come to life, was ridiculous. Making it clear that maybe murder is best left as a non-option for certain, and perhaps other avenues of revenge are better served for guys like John Paul. But alas, the Garvey sisters have committed down a dark road, and it will be quite interesting to see where the story takes us next, now that the boldest plan these sisters have executed to date, has come to its close. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 304 for ‘See’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are a great many reasons that fans of the Apple TV+ series, See, are excited to tune into the show. For some, it’s the quality drama that this show presents us with, for others… it is the epic cliffhangers this series injects into its weekly stories here and there. And there are those that eagerly watch this show because of the stunning action and adventure it sends our way and of course… there are the surprises this show drops in our laps that keep fans coming in. But of the many reasons that people tune into this series there is one unifying one above all else. Specifically, the fact that this show is about as versatile and dynamic as they come. 

Because on a moment’s notice, this show will feature both action and drama, or it will drop a double dose of cliffhangers and surprises into our laps, and that’s just rare since most shows try to stick to one theme or concept per episode. But what’s truly impressive… is that now again, this series will just go all out, and provide us with an episode that features all of the elements we mentioned, as evidenced by this week’s tale. For ‘The Storm’ truly had it all, and it just so happens that Queen Maghra Kane is the person that brought forth the drama in this tale. Because she took part in a powerful moment of reflection late in this story, where she was forced to ponder upon her troubled relationship with her sister and that was quite moving and quite insightful, and it will be interesting to see what comes of her ruminations. 

As for the surprises that we all enjoy, well that was handled by Lord Harlan in this tale. For he followed through as promised and went with the Ambassador to Trivantes in the hopes of brokering a peace deal by offering up the horrible news about Tormada’s secret weapon. But alas, his words and warnings were basically ignored, which made him slightly suspicious and rightfully so. For it turned out that the Bank and the Ambassador were working with Tormada to overthrow the Military and the People… so that two-thirds of the ruling council would finally approve the march to war and grow Trivantes in the bloodiest manner imaginable. Which they were able to pull off and believe it or not, Harlan went along with this… leaving us to wonder where his loyalties really lie and well, in the end, this was quite the twist.

Regarding the action and adventure, well we have Baba Voss to thank for that. For he and his small army made their way to the House of Enlightenment after picking up Ranger to help them out and they uh… they did their thing. In fact, this fight featured some of the coolest and slickest hand to hand combat that the show has ever presented us with and despite kicking some Trivantian Tail, the fight will only get bigger from here since the newly forged People and Harlan arrived with a battalion of Trivantes' finest, and oddly enough… that wasn’t the shocking cliffhanger in question. No that was handled by Sibeth, who used stealth and guile to escape Pennsa and after suffering for a while in the wild she found clarity and direction… and decided that the time had come to join forces with Paya's second biggest foe, the Witchfinders.

Which will of course, be nothing short of a nightmare, especially since Tamacti Jun has been tasked with bringing them into the forthcoming fight against Trivantes and well, that’s one heck of a cliffhanger and the perfect exclamation point to one epic episode. Because wow… this one really had it all, and it truly took our breath away. Because it also moved at a breakneck pace and it makes sense as to why. For this is the end of the journey, and the writers’ room is clearly eager to let loose and blow us away, every step of the way, and thus far, it is mission accomplished and of course… giving us an episode as big as this one, only makes the wait for next week’s entry all that much worse. Because we simply must know where all of these big moments are going to take us, and it will be fascinating to see how all of this gets wrapped up with only four more chapters to go in the journey. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 304 of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There’s never a dull moment on the Cerritos, and when the captain gets possessed by a cursed mask, and turns most of the ship into a temple, well, Engineering takes the brunt of it. Stressed and stretched thin, the entire Engineering department has been working for an entire week straight. That’s when Captain Freeman takes them to a spa ship, the Dove, for some much-needed relaxation. With rooms full of puppies, kittens, specialized mud rooms, mani/pedi’s, and so much more. There isn’t a single way to not relax at the Dove.
 
Except, Engineers are kind of bad at relaxing. Or rather, conventional versions of relaxing. The Dove tailors every experience to each individual on the ship, hoping to enhance and customize a one-of-a-kind experience for each person. A bracelet helps indicate what stress levels the wearer is at. And the entire Cerritos Engineering crew is at yellow, which isn’t the worst, but it’s not great. Unfortunately for them, they are not vibing with the Dove’s version of relaxing. Many are working on secret projects during massages or making schematics in the sand raking room. It’s enough to drive the captain insane, pushing her stress from yellow, to red, to black!
 
If they can’t get her stress to calm down, the Dove will have no other choice but to contact Starfleet medical and have her sent back to earth. Meaning, she’d be away from the Cerritos. That’s not something Billups and the Engineering team are willing to let happen. In true Engineering fashion, they build a machine to alleviate the captain’s stress. It’s like spending a month at the Dove in only a matter of seconds. Thankfully for everyone, especially their captain, the Machine works! The captain and the Engineering team are relaxed and all’s well that ends well.

On the Cerritos, however, things are a bit more complicated. See, four private rooms have opened up on Deck One, and everyone is going mad about it. This would mean privacy, and above all, not being stuck in the overcrowded lower decks. Every crew member in there is entered into a lottery and chosen at random. Only, Tendi overhears three Delta shift workers plotting to rig the lottery, so they win. They just have to make it to the terminal and change the settings to ensure they’re the only ones who win.
 
Boimler, Tendi, and Mariner set out to do the same exact thing, since all’s fair in private room lottery. The path they take through the ship is more than harrowing by exposing Boimler and Mariner to toxic gas, and Boimler gets caught in a gravity death spin, and so on. Still, it’s fun. And by the time they reach the entry point to the terminal, Delta shift has caught up. The door only opens once every hour, so they all sit and swap stories and bond for an hour. It seems like they all might just be friends, but Delta betrays them and makes it through the door before they can.
 
Jokes on them, however, because our team still makes it to the terminal first, going through a route not on the maps. This is when they discover that instead of four rooms on Deck One, it’s one room on Deck Four. Not wanting to be split up, the team decides not to rig the lottery in their favor, and instead puts Delta shift into the database. Sadly, their attempt at revenge fails, and instead of splitting up, Delta shift splits the room 4 ways. Which is what Mariner, Tendi, Boims, and Rutherford could have done too. Oh well, maybe next time?

This is a spoiler-free recap of Episode Four of ‘Pantheon’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past couple of weeks, our discussions revolving around the AMC+ series, Pantheon, have been grounded in some heavy concepts. Simply because this show has held nothing back in its observations about capitalism and its impact on technology and our future. Plus, it has dug deep into commentary regarding our fear of death and the lengths we’d go to discover if an afterlife could actually exist if we bothered to create one. Which has led to some powerfully engaging moments, the kind that have left us eager for more of this series, so we can continue to ponder upon the human condition and some of its greatest fears.

Which is why this next episode was such the incredible surprise through and through. Simply because ‘The Gods Will Not Be Chained’ shifted gears completely. For gone were discussions regarding those heavier matters, they were instead replaced by a series of moments designed to explore the fallout of some of the actions that have taken place here, and to explore this world and the lives of these characters further. Now, in regard to the consequences, well that was handled by Chanda. After all, he escaped last week and well… it didn’t take long for his actions here to remind us of the fact that mankind has no business trying to trap the human mind for its own nefarious purposes in the most harrowing and powerful manner possible. 

But once that lesson was sent our way, the story dug deep into other matters. Such as exploring more about how Laurie came to find her way into the framework of Logorhythms, which led to a fascinating and tragic story for certain, one that managed to raise the stakes as well. Since we learned a lot about Laurie in the present and some of the concerns present there and going this route really added depth to this story and also helped us to explore the digital frontier where David is being kept as well. All of which really brought forth some wonderful world-building and it also hinted at something bigger on the horizon. Which made this a fascinating sequence in the end, one that was counterbalanced nicely by Caspian’s journey in this tale.

For not only did we also come to learn how his ‘parents’ met and set out to do whatever it is that Logorhythms has planned for him, but this is a story that saw Caspian take charge of his life and his curiosities. Because he’s had a lot of questions hanging over his head for some time now, and all he has wanted is the truth. Which truly did prompt him to make some shocking discoveries in this tale, the kind that are life changing and eye-opening for certain, and it will be interesting to see what Caspian does with the knowledge he gained here and what will become of his father. Since he popped up here as well and being apart from his ‘family’ after all these years… had an interesting impact on this man. 

If anything, this was just… another incredible tale from a truly incredible story. Because this particular story brought balance to this grand and sweeping sci-fi epic. For it allowed for us to digest the heavier concepts introduced early on, all while giving us compelling moments to satiate our curiosities and that… is what great science fiction does. It provides balance and the moments here were so juicy and so impactful, that we are once again beyond eager to see where this story is going to take us next. Because it just continues to surprise us at every turn and it doesn’t let up in doing so and that is going to make the wait for next week’s story, a difficult one for certain. Because we simply have to know everything there is to know about one of the smartest sci-fi stories to hit the airwaves in years. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season five premiere of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. To revisit the season four finale, click here.
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We are taught from a very early age… that revenge is something we should never take part in and rightfully so. Because revenge is something that can in fact, poison our soul and take over our minds and lives in our quest to achieve to it. Not to mention, it never provides us with peace or clarity, because revenge does nothing for us in the end. It’s just plain toxic and it can come with penalties. After all, if we really cross the line in the name of revenge, we can pay a stiff price and people can be hurt. Which is why the vast majority of us stay away from it, even when revenge is actually quite appropriate. Which might seem to be quite the contradictory statement, but there is a time and place for it believe it or not.
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For when the person that has been the subject of a vendetta is indeed a true monster through and through, the kind that has harmed more people than we will ever know… is revenge really that bad of a thing? Not to mention, is it bad if an everyday citizen exacts a personal vendetta against someone in power that abused them and harmed them? Those are questions that at first, we raise eyebrows to because of what we are taught. But the season six premiere of The Handmaid’s Tale, makes it clear that in a time of war so to speak, or because of those aforementioned violations… revenge might not be a bad thing in the slightest, as evidenced by the aftermath of June’s actions in ‘The Wilderness’.

For when we catch up with her in ‘Morning’, shortly after Commander Fred Waterford’s body has been discovered by the authorities… June is riding a high. Because she did the impossible, she brought down a Commander of Gilead and showed everyone how weak they are and how pathetic they can be and oddly enough… there were no penalties for her actions. Because the whole attack happened in the middle of No Man’s Land. That strange place between Gilead and Canada, where no law applies. And seeing as to how Fred’s actions were indeed exposed to the world at his trial, everyone basically deemed his end as no great loss, and rightfully so. For that piece of trash committed incredible atrocities and… oh well.

But of course, not having a conscience regarding such matters, would make June no better than Fred. Because he never cared about what he did, the women he raped or the people he had killed in the name of a twisted Deity he and his brood claim to be the Almighty. But June did. For once the high wore off and she realized what she had done, regardless of the benefits about it… she struggled, mightily. In fact, she was the one that went to the authorities and confessed a crime that no one cared about. But the important thing here, is that her humanity still remained after such a dark act and now she can take a little time and quietly work to understand the nature of war and the separation of the fight vs. cruelty and there will be plenty more lessons regarding that in the days to come. 
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Because regardless of her actions and the fear it put into Serena’s already black and shriveled heart, Mrs. Waterford wanted revenge in ‘Ballet’ and went to great lengths to have it and to maintain agency and power with the ‘good men’ of Gilead. By using Commander Lawrence and Nick’s desire to flex more influence to garner a grand international celebration for Fred. One that supposedly was going to be a chance to look inside this nation and show everyone that Gilead is human and normal. But instead, it really was all about revenge since Hannah showed up on television screens everywhere. Reminding June of what’s at stake and of the fight ahead and the intensity that will be needed to go after Gilead and defeat it.

For they will not stop. It doesn’t matter how many losses they suffer, and embarrassments mean nothing as well. For the desperate and the power hungry will always do what they can to make themselves known and that means… we are on the march to war at last in this show. Wherein June will have to lead a fight she has never led before to keep the world safe from a nation that wants to rule it all, and there were more casualties to be found in this fight as well. Since Emily has returned to Gilead and may not return and it would seem that Esther has brought Janine into her end because of how little she wants to bear the life of a Handmaid. And well, just like that we are back in the thick of it and it will be interesting to see where this season takes us, as we continue into undiscovered country in this horrifying world. Until next time.

​Please enjoy this Sneak Peek of Episode 304 of See, which debuts on Apple TV+ tomorrow (9/16/22).

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the finale of ‘Paper Girls’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There is prevailing belief and fear in our world, that the future is not yet set and that we can adjust it at any time through the right decisions and actions so that the best possible future can find its way to us. Which doesn’t sound like a fearful concept, but the thought of ending up with a bad future, is what engenders that fear… to the point where we honesty worry about what it would be like to meet our future self. Because that would tell us proof positive, what kind of choices we made and if by chance, those choices stink… what we would become is an unsettling idea indeed. Granted, that’s really a fear that is grounded more in pushing us to always make the right calls… but it is one whose inspiration extends beyond our own late-night musings.
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For storytellers often dig into that notion and explore just what the worst possible choice could transform us into, all before falling back on that same ‘moral’ line of thinking that each of us use to escape that very fear. But such explorations do beg some important questions. In that, what if we learned that our future was not going to be bright? Not because we were arrogant and dumb, but because fate took us from this Earth in a surprise moment? Or because our bodies failed us? How we would we respond to that knowledge and more so… what would we do if by chance… that knowledge would allow for us to change our future? Well, those are questions that the finale of Paper Girls on Prime Video works to answer in a dynamic manner.

For when we catch up with the Paper Girls in ‘It B Over’, they’re facing a dark time. For they come to learn they’re caught in a causality paradox, and that the Old Watch will do little to help them escape their futures. Which was troubling for Erin and Mac, since death found them along the way. But a fascinating choice on the part of the Grand Father, and the nonsense he spewed when the girls pressed him on the rules a little further, led them to wonder if what he was saying was indeed nothing but lies. When in fact, they could change tomorrow and save Mac and Erin from unrealized futures and dreams. Which in turn motivated them to fight and well… therein lies the big answer to those questions. In that, if we were given that chance… we’d fight like hell to change things. For this is our life we’re talking about, and fate be damned if we can alter it.

But of course, such a fight would be difficult for four twelve-year-old girls to finish, and well… they found that help from an unlikely ally… Prioress. For she was struggling with the fact that KJ put down her brother back in the premiere and well… rather than let the Old Watch and death be his fate, she took the opportunity to release all of the girls and she worked to send them off to a different time period to change everything. But alas, the plan went sideways. For the loyal members of this group entered into the fight, wounding Prioress in the process and changing the destination for the girls. Not to mention, an effort to repay Prioress for her kindness also ended in disaster since it split the girls up. Putting them heaven knows where in time and leaving their future open ended in just about every imaginable.

For unfortunately, this might be where the story ends… period. Because Prime Video opted to not renew Paper Girls for a second season, and hey, no insults or mudslinging here, the decision is the decision. But the show is indeed being shopped around and we certainly hope someone picks it up. Because this series toyed with some fascinating ideas and concepts and it featured a great cast and a fun story and we would all like to see it come to its logical conclusion and ironically, only time will tell if we get that. But for now, all we can do is bask in a masterful finale, one that upped the stakes like never before and offered up a grand cliffhanger and if that’s how this one ends, on a high note, then that will be okay. Because at least this series gave us its all, and of course, we can always spend a little more time with the Paper Girls if we so choose… by watching this season a second or third time around. Until next time.