Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘The Outlaws’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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More often than not, stories that feature a harrowing experience for the character or characters, tend use the end of the story to reflect upon everything they experienced, and understandably so. For the end of the journey is when we can look back upon that experience and gain understanding of what it taught the character and us as well. Plus, it is the perfect way for the story to wrap everything up in a neat little bow, since it brings everything around full circle. But while that is a wonderful way to close out a story, the reality of the lessons that we learn is that they don’t always arrive at the end of the journey. Sometimes they come to us in the middle of the experience and give us clarity and an idea of where we should take our lives when the mess does end and that’s something that stories should focus on more.
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Because that’s how we really learn in life and because, it offers up better storytelling. Where we learn organically from the character and truly watch them grow before our eyes, which is always the endgame for a tale such as this and seeing them learn sooner, makes for a more satisfying experience. Where the lesson has gravity and well, this more fluid and organic, and realistic approach to lessons is top of mind today, because it appeared in the next episode of The Outlaws on Prime Video. For when we catch up with the gang, here, they’re nearing the end of the journey. For the last payment was about to be sent to the Dean and that reality, prompted several characters to reflect and look ahead. Since Frank came to realize he could now be a better granddad and make up for lost time and John, well he came to learn that standing up for himself would need to be in his future to find happiness and agency. 

Which in a way, made it appear as though this story was going to focus heavy on reflections in a supremely traditional manner, just earlier than expected. But since this is a crime series/comedy unlike any other… it found unique ways to teach the characters their lessons. Since Lady Gabby found out about the money laundering and seemingly lost it over such matters. Only to reveal that was cool with it and upset she wasn’t included. Which basically helped to teach Greg and several others the importance of being honest in everything we do and how that honesty can avoid all kinds of trouble and worry. Since getting her in from the get-go would have avoided so many missteps and of course… the series still had more important lessons to teach the characters and more important moments of reflection for them to ponder upon, one of which… was sour in nature.

Because this is a story that taught Rani… that sometimes the bright idea we think we have to solve our problems, is more trouble than it’s worth. Because this is a story that featured another close call with the cops, since they were close to figuring out how the operation worked and how it connected to the community center, and it saw quite the twist come into play with the Dean. Because despite a few setbacks here and some problems with the plan, eventually, the Dean got his damn money and that should have been the end of it. But when the Dean took into consideration how great of a job Rani and her friends did in getting him back his money, and how smooth the operation was running, he decided… to bring her and the gang into his service. Lest they pay the price dearly for defying him and well… by going this route the stage is now set for a powerhouse season finale.

One that will force these heroes turned impromptu drug dealers… to think of a new way to get the hell out of this mess. In a manner that will no doubt be their greatest challenge to date, so they avoid jail time and the wrath of a supremely ruthless drug dealer. But before we ponder on how that will happen, we need to celebrate one smart tale. One that really did offer up some fine musings on life and some important moments for these characters. The kind that really did grow them now before the final battle and set the stage for their future after all if they can escape this nightmare. Since there is now hope for Ben’s mother and a chance for reconciliation there, and he might be able to go into business with Rani as well and the others, might finally find the peace and second chance they seek. Provided of course they can beat the Dean and well, that means it is time to hit play on the next episode and see if they are able to pull off such a feat. Until next time.

Caution: This Article contains spoilers for Episodes Five and Six of ‘Sprung’. To revisit the previous two episodes, click here.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that human beings… love to plan, and it makes sense as to why. Because time and time again we’ve either heard from someone successful about how their specific plan to the promised land paid off in spades, or we ourselves have enjoyed the fruits of their labor. Because plans do indeed help us and guide us, and that is why we put a lot of stock in them. But while it is wonderful to know that a little tender attention to what we want in life will reap incredible benefits, there’s a certain aspect to planning that we don’t talk about enough, and quite frankly we should… because it’s a big deal and forces some folks to abandon their plans.

In that, they don’t always go exactly as we want. Because sometimes the universe shakes things up as it often loves to do, or the people that we expect to help out with it, disappoint and falter through and through. Which leaves us in a tough place and sometimes facing failure and well, that particular aspect of planning is top of mind today, simply because it was featured in great detail in the next pair of episodes of Sprung on Amazon Freevee. For when we catch up with the gang here, they’re preparing for the big heist, and they were all excited and living it up as they prepared to execute what appeared to be a perfect plan. One where they would waltz into the congresswoman’s house and head back out with one amazing painting.

In fact, the plan was going so well, since they were able to secure a perfect replica of their target painting, courtesy of Jack’s mom, that some of the gang decided to prepare for the future and celebrate. Since Rooster finally declared his love for Wiggles, the right way, which led to their engagement at last. And Barb, well she got bold and stole a Soda Stream from her close neighbor’s porch. Which of course, brought forth the exploration in question. Since those moves almost exposed the plan, since Rooster was struggling to keep it a secret and the police came to Barb’s door when her neighbor realized just who lifted the Soda Stream. Not to mention, Gloria’s guy, the one who was supposed to move the painting, got spooked and backed out and to top it all off… the paintings were pulled and swapped before the gang had the chance to.

A series of maddening events that immediately served to remind us… of how plans don’t go as we want sometimes and how people fail us in the process and how that can devastate us too, since the gang split up for a hot minute while they figured out what to do next. Which was the perfect way to explore the chaos that comes with planning, and it also helped to teach us a positive lesson about such matters. Because what we often forget when things go sideways with our plans, is that we need to just take a minute and reflect and pivot. Because we tend to make our own luck in life and opportunities always make themselves present and the gang reinforced that fact, by discovering just how dirty the congresswoman has become and how they could in fact, blackmail her for a payout far greater than anything that painting could have offered. 

If anything, this was just… another amazing pair of tales from an utterly amazing series. In large part because these episodes offered up a delightful and important life lesson but also because… they were fun and uniquely structured. Since we enjoyed a little Pulp Fiction tribute in ‘Episode Five’ and because it went bold in ‘Episode Six’ and it just goes to show that this is the most refreshing comedy on the airwaves right now. One that loves to experiment with storytelling and has a ton of heart and it has now made it clear that the best payoff ever is coming for the audience. Because everyone and their sister is pretty much done with corruption and do-nothing politicians and the thought of some everyday folks with hearts of gold and a checkered past, making them pay… is going to make for one satisfying story indeed as we barrel toward this show’s season one finale. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season three finale of ‘Trying’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We like to believe that the day our dreams could potentially come to life, will be a steady and stable day. One where we feel in our bones that peace awaits us, because this is it, the culmination of hard work and tears and worry, so it stands to reason that we would potentially process such matters in a relaxed fashion while we wait for the good news. But, in reality, that particular belief is a big fat lie we tell ourselves to avoid the truth about that day. Because instead, it will be filled to the brim with nerves and worry. Because in the back of our mind, we fear that perhaps something could go wrong in the eleventh hour and that everything we’ve worked toward will just fade away on a moment’s notice.
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So how then, should we actually handle the big day? Well, it just so happens that the season three finale of Trying on Apple TV+ takes the time to offer some answers on that. For when we catch up with Nikki and Jason in ‘The End of the Beginning’, the big day has come. For they are awaiting a decision from the court, one that will be contentious thanks to Bev’s harsh words since she sent a letter in speaking to their disqualifications to be parents to Tyler and Princess. Which left them in that nervous wreck place and allowed for the show to explore the first thing we can do when we aren’t sure how the big day is going to go… and that’s to find a way to fill it with joy, which this duo did in a stunning manner… by getting married.

Granted, that was in part to counterbalance the possibility that they might not get the kids, but they did it more so out of love and a realization to just seize the moment because it will never come again and in a beautiful and haphazard ceremony, Nikki and Jason finally became husband and wife, before their family and friends and hopeful children and this was just beautiful to watch and it took our minds off of the worry as well. Because court awaited them after nuptials and therein arrived another lesson. In that, when our moment arrives, be authentic and live within it so our minds are clear and our focus is sharp, and that… allowed for Nikki and Jason to stand up for themselves in front of Bev’s silly concerns about them, and it allowed for them to get to the root cause of her worries. In that, she wanted the perfect parents to be there for her grandkids, so they’d never be alone again. 

A truth that moved Nikki like never before and helped her to finally connect with Bev on a fundamental level and that… led to the best ending ever to a season. Because Bev relented her concerns and was invited into the family, shortly after the judge granted Nikki and Jason full custody of Tyler and Princess. Giving rise to a lifelong dream for these newlyweds and that wasn’t the only magical moment they shared in. Since they came to learn that Freddy was the one who bought the flat and he was going to rent it to them to help their family grow and just like that… the end of the beginning arrived, and Nikki and Jason were able to look ahead for the first time in a long time. Secure in the knowledge that their dreams had finally come true.

Which was… just a wonderful way to cap a three-year journey. One that has seen this couple properly grow into the parents they are about to become and well, how can you go wrong with an ending like this? Since it served to remind us that sometimes, the world is a beautiful place full of love and caring and magnificent deeds that lift us up instead of tear us down and that really is what makes this show so great. Because it always looks on the bright side and it tasks us to do the same when we’re trying instead of thriving and the best part of all, is that this is not the end of the journey. For season four of Trying is a go, and that will give us the opportunity to watch this beautiful family come together and grow and it will be incredible to see what new experiences and lessons await them when season four gets underway. Until next year.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season finale of ‘101 Places to Party Before You Die’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

Ask anyone, even yourself, what is the most hated aspect of road tripping… and you’ll get back (and say) the same answer, seeing it come to an end. Because man, when you’re out there having a great time, hopefully with the best people in your life… having to prepare to pack up and go home is just sour stuff. The kind that does get you down a little bit, but you go through it anyways because jobs and bills, and you like eating food and sleeping in a nice bed. If anything, that sour vibe is top of mind today, simply because the next episode of the truTV series, 101 Places to Party Before You Die, actually managed to replicate this particular feeling.
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Because last night’s episode was in fact, the season finale of the show. So, after eight glorious weeks of living vicariously through Adam Pally and Jon Gabrus’ party adventures, the time had come for one last trip in 2022 before packing it in and waiting for a potential season two. Which brought a bit of melancholy vibe to this episode because this series has been nothing short of a refreshing godsend for travel shows. Courtesy of its unique structure and genuine sense of awe and fun. But thankfully, as is often the case in the final days of our own road trips, Adam and Jon found a way to make the most of the end of this voyage, by having one kickass time on the island of Maui.

In fact, this dynamic duo wasted zero time in just living it up on the island. Since they went from the airport, straight to the beach to get in some surfing lessons. Because this is a show about going full YOLO, so why not go big? Which led to some epic moments for certain as Adam and Jon caught some waves and then took the time to also enjoy the local culture, with Zach Knighton (a good friend of Adam’s), in a place where they honestly stuck out a bit. Because they chose a biker bar to have drinks in, a REAL biker bar where fights were happening and everything. But you know, when you buy folks drinks and make them feel special, all is well that ends well… for Friday that is.

Because there was still more to do in Maui. Such as check out the Vodka distillery out there, and do some cliff scaling, because why not? Plus, they also took the time to play a little rugby and of course, eat a ridiculous amount of mouth-watering food that made the overeater in all of us drool with envy, just a little. Or a lot, depending on how much you love sushi, like this writer does. Don’t judge me, it looked delish. But all that aside, what matters most… is that these guys were able to really reflect on just… an incredible eight-week journey. Because let’s be honest, this was more than just drop in, get drunk and fly home. This was a journey of discovery, a celebration of life and an inspiration for the audience as well.

After all, these two guys said to hell with it, and pitched a show about living in the moment and enjoying all that life has to offer because of the fact, that life is short and fleeting, and we all just had a hell of a scare the past two years thanks to the Pandemic. Since we didn’t know if catching IT would end our journey. Which means, these guys learned something from that nightmare, and we should take something from them as well. So, from the bottom of this writer’s heart, I thank you Adam and Jon, for reminding us of how precious life is and how moments never come again, and thanks for letting us take part in your journey. One that clearly, we all need to replicate in our way and now that we’re all done with the gooey stuff, we have to sit and wait and hope that truTV gives this show a second season and man, let’s hope they do. Because this show is fun, it’s special, and it is hilarious and uplifting and we need more of that on television right now.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Bad Sisters’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Often times, stories that revolve around the motives for murder, provide us with a supremely narrow focus as to who could have done this and why they could have done this. In large part to keep us focused out of the worry that perhaps too many clues and too many motivations might confuse. But also, because going that route could potentially be seen as sadistic and too dark. As thought the story is actually punishing the viewer by just unloading one ugly thought and ugly moment after another upon them. But as the Apple TV+ series, Bad Sisters, is showing us… it is okay to go hard with motive and suspect in a story, if the person that got their just desserts is an utterly rotten bastard through and through, and if we don’t fully understand everyone’s desire to cross the ultimate line.
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For the next episode in this fascinating dark comedy/murder mystery… once again showed us why so many people might have been motivated to put John Paul in the grave at an early age. But not before ‘Baby Becka’ showed us how complicated her life has become these days. Mainly because, despite doing her best to start something special with Matt, the hard fact that he works for the insurance company that needed to pay out for John Paul, came crashing into her reality in this tale. Since he and Tom showed up to interrogate her and that went… about as badly as one might expect. Because it made things incredibly awkward between these two love birds and of course, led to more frostiness between them over concerns about being honest.

But more importantly, it opened up the ol’ memory floodgates for Becka, and she was quick to remember how close she came to having her own Massage Studio. One that it actually appeared John Paul was going to help with. Since he offered business advice and basically offered up a loan to her since he seemed to believe that she was putting together a flawless business model. Which of course, put her over the moon and motivated her to sign the lease on the place that she has mentioned a few times now and for a moment there, it really seemed as though John Paul was turning a corner in this story. But alas, we know she did not get the place, and no one has good memories of that jerk, which allowed for this story to show us exactly how he burned Becka as well.

Because a few friendly messages and another massage for his mother, made him begin to think that somehow, she suddenly wasn’t a qualified massage therapist, and he basically pulled the deal out from under her. A move that broke her heart and sent her into a furious downward spiral and rightfully so. Because he lied to her and toyed with her and ruined hopes for the future. The kind that would take some time to heal and execute again. Not to mention, this move brought basically all of the sisters but Greta together to talk of their disdain for him and learn… what he did to Ursula, a move that basically was the last straw for Becka and she too… felt a need to indulge in murder at last. 

Of course, that doesn’t answer the big question, but what matters more here is that this episode made it clear… that this story is going to leave no stone unturned when it comes to its examination of what potentially drives people to murder. For we are finding some fascinating reasons here to commit to such an act, and well… now we know how every single sister viewed John Paul and we know their reasons for why they believed he should die. The only question that remains is… were they able to truly cross that line and commit the greatest sin of all against perhaps the greatest sinner ever? Time will tell. But while we wait to see if the Garvey sisters did indeed cross that line, we can bask in one quality tale. One that truly gave us more perspective and engaged us further since we are now dying to know… who did John Paul in?

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 302 of ‘See’. To revisit the season three premiere, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous Apple TV+ series, See, we talked at length about how the season three premiere set the stage for an epic final year of storytelling. After all, there was trouble brewing in Paya courtesy of rebellious Witchfinders, and the queen wasn’t certain if she could hand over her flesh and blood to the Trivantian Army for termination. Not to mention Tormada and Oloman made quite the explosive entrance (pun intended) in that tale, courtesy of the reveal that explosives were now part of the Trivantian Army’s arsenal and Tormada made it clear he planned to use them to conquer what remained of America, after working to exact revenge upon Baba Voss, of course. All of which left us wondering how our characters were going to handle such problems since this was easily their greatest nightmares come to life. 
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Well thankfully, this week’s episode wasted little time in resolving some of these issues. Since ‘Watch Out for Wolves’ wasted little time in having Tamacti Jun reunite with his old Witchfinder Army. But of course, this wasn’t a delightful social call by any means. This was a visit to provide this fallen army with an outright ultimatum. In that, they could either stand down, and enjoy a new chapter in their lives or they could face Tamacti Jun’s relentless fury. Something that one former Witchfinder wished to challenge and came to regret, since his former superior took the time to mop the floor with his face and well, that was enough to hammer home the message and change minds, giving rise to resolution of an ugly and potentially dangerous plotline, and that wasn’t the only one the story worked to resolve. 

For back in Pennsa, the good queen was still hotly debating how best to handle her sister. Because handing over a loved one to a sworn enemy, was no easy task to a queen that had love in her heart. But seeing how Sibeth consistently used the child to manipulate Maghra and Kofun for that matter as well, gave rise to concern in Maghra’s warm heart. Because it was obvious that she would continue to use the baby as the perfect excuse to hang onto her freedom and to of course manipulate others since that was something she always enjoyed doing. Which prompted the queen to do what seemed to be the impossible and offer her sister to the enemy as promised, seemingly bringing an end to the chaos that Sibeth Kane has imparted upon good people for years now.

But that’s precisely when the story decided to up the ante and bring chaos back to the forefront of this tale. For as Sibeth waited to be transferred to Trivantes, Baba Voss returned home with panic in his heart. For losing Bow Lion to the bombs and being confronted with the reality that ‘peace’ was being made with the enemy… pushed him over the edge emotionally. And he found himself under arrest after attempting to strike down the Trivantian ambassador and well, his fury and panic… spread far and wide. Since he made it clear what Tormada was up to and that left everyone uncomfortable and unsure of how to proceed and things will only escalate further from that confrontation and the other surprise in this tale. Since Sibeth wasted little time in calling in favors to old allies to escape into the middle of the night. Leaving Paya with little to soothe the enemy and well… that was quite the sour way to end this tale.

Since the truth basically upended the fragile peace that this episode was building toward and that is not a bad thing by any means. Because this makes it clear that the trouble is going to come to fast and furious in this final season and that our characters are going to be challenged like never before. Because their enemies are running wild at the moment and one of them, has everything he needs to bring people to their knees, despite the fact that his top man is gone since Oloman died in a daring escape attempt with Eden. One where only she made it out and well, kudos to this episode for lulling us into a false sense of security before unleashing worry and hell upon us and, a round of applause to the writer’s room and Jason Momoa for offering a unique journey for Baba Voss. One that Mister Momoa played to a tee and well, this wonderful setup to greater trouble is going to have us on pins and needles for the next week. As we wait to discover what comes next from Sibeth’s daring escape and Oloman’s passing. Until then.   

It is definitely safe to say, that mystery shows can be quite… cold in nature and it makes sense as to why. After all, we are oft dealing with murder in these stories, which is a supremely unpleasant and ugly topic. One that only gets worse as the intrepid investigators in these same stories, take the time to learn why someone would commit such an act and who would be willing to cross that line and well… this is a formula that few of us complain about. Because in a magical way, it keeps us in a safe space as we watch the case in question play out, and it allows for us to process the ugly of murder in a clinical and respectful manner.
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But while that does make for a unique viewing experience, the icy nature of these shows does leave one to wonder… if it possible to create a mystery/crime series that plays it straight but also takes the time to attach to the audience on a fundamental level. As it turns out, there is one particular show coming to Acorn TV soon that succeeds in doing just that, and that makes Recipes for Love and Murder quite the unique murder mystery. One that offers an unconventional plot and setting. For this particular show is set in the Karoo region of South Africa, wherein a vibrant writer named Maria is faced with some genuinely unsettling news.

In that, her recipe column is about to be retired by the local paper and the only way she can keep her job is to dive into the local advice column under the pen name of Tannie Maria and well… that plunges her into quite the unique life experience. For her reply to a powerful and unsettling letter appears to fall upon ears that can no longer hear. Since the recipient passes away courtesy of a violent murder before she can take that advice. Prompting Maria to do her best to help to solve this crime and well, that’s about as original a plot as it gets. Since this writer is hard pressed to think of another story out there that features a passionate cook, turned advice column writer, that is forced to delve into criminal cases.

But that is precisely what we are treated to, here, and this everyday person approach to the story is the first way that it attaches us to the tale and Maria’s investigations. Simply because, we relate to everyone we meet here and feel the same injustice they do over what occurs and the personal nature of this story doesn’t end there. For the cases also feel painfully realistic and human, thanks to the content present in the letters sent to Tannie Maria and that’s just a lovely touch to inject into this story. Since it really engages us and compels us to continue the journey and demand justice and well… it is definitely safe to call this show the most original murder mystery of the year.

For this one really is filled to the brim with fresh ideas and original murder mystery concepts, and it simply feels organic thanks to its quality writing and phenomenal acting. Since Maria Doyle Kennedy is just electric and moving as Tannie Maria and Kylie Fisher serves as her plucky and dynamic opposite with her energetic performance as newcomer writer Jesse September, and well, the best news of all, is that we do not have to wait all that much longer to enjoy this refreshing and original series. For Recipes for Love and Murder arrives on Acorn TV this Monday, September 5, 2022, and we here at NTG hope you give it a look and swing back here to geek out about it with all of us via our weekly recaps. Because we have so much to discuss, regarding a dynamic new show that elevates the murder mystery like never before.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 302 of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’. To revisit the season three premiere, click here.
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Imagine Dungeons and Dragons, with Klingons. Yes, it’s literally as cool as it sounds. Except Mariner isn’t having a good time playing this game. Because Ransom is taking his duty beyond seriously in making sure that Mariner stays in line, in doing so he’s really driving her up a wall and testing her patience. He even has her arrive an hour early for an away mission briefing. The mission itself is easy. A planet’s orbital lifts are malfunctioning, needing two Starfleet Engineers to fix the problem. Mariner will accompany Ransom to maintain relations with the planet’s people while Rutherford and Billups are to fix the fancy space elevator. Easy, right? Would be if Ransom didn’t decide to switch things up last minute.
 
He sends the engineers down to the planet while he and Mariner fix the problem. Which is more than a bit of a mistake considering they aren’t engineers and don’t know what they’re doing. It’s a misstep that might cost them the lives of the engineers. Relations on the planet aren’t going so well, and the two Starfleet engineers soon find themselves in increasing trouble. Ransom refuses multiple times to step in. Mariner is dead set that he’s just doing this to get under her skin and push her into breaking the rules. Of course, she ends up being right.
 
When Ransom can’t seem to fix the elevator and realizes their friends are in actual danger, he coms Mariner to meet him, so they can go save their friends. Unfortunately, Mariner is already on her way down to save them when she gets the com. She has to stop and get back up in time to meet Ransom before he realizes she’s disobeyed him. While Ransom apologizes for making this some weird test, stating that Mariner needed to learn to trust her commanding officers, she’s trying not to pass out. In the end, they make it down to the planet in time to save Billups and Rutherford from death by sentient volcano.

As for Boimler, well, he’s taken to saying yes to things lately. This gets him into a game of Springball where he then gets invited to join a choir. High off saying yes to things and gaining favors for the Bridge Crew, he ends up doing something he’s most assuredly going to regret. When an alien named K’Ranch asks for prey, Boimler says yes. He agrees. To being hunted. Aboard the Cerritos. It seemed like a perfectly good thing to say yes to, really it did. At the time. Right? Wrong. K’Ranch is taking this as seriously as Boimler is not.
 
He tries to get out of it, only to fail, and now he’s running for his life. He even informs the captain of what’s going on, only to have her side with K’Ranch. It is, after all, important to respect the cultures of others. Boims puts up a good run, until he decides he doesn’t want to be prey anymore. He stands up to K’Ranch, not willing to be the hunted but the hunter now… annnnnnnnd gets stabbed through the shoulder with a spear. K’Ranch’s species practices catch and release though, and that’s exactly what is going to happen here. After he gives Boims some notes on his performance and snags a selfie with his prey to share with the boys back home.
 
All in all, the crew of the Cerritos seems to be back in its flow. Mariner even manages a compliment to Ransom, who is impressed with her, but is not going to ease up. Maybe there’s hope for Mariner after all.

It wasn’t that long ago, that we talked briefly about the upcoming Prime Video series, The English. A show starring Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer, and how it was potentially going to reignite our love of the Western and/or pique our curiosity about an era gone by. Courtesy of quality storytelling and fine acting and everything in between and well… it turned out that such musings were indeed quite correct, as evidenced by today’s wonderful surprise. 
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For earlier, Prime Video released some key art and a teaser trailer, and updated details for The English, and it is going to deliver as advertised. Since this teaser presents us with a harrowing tale. One that is clearly going to examine the darkness that man harbors, at a time in America’s history where it was more or less unleashed and encouraged, and well… with that in mind, here is that trailer, and those details, so you too can enjoy a taste of what is shaping up to be a visceral, and angry, and quality series… courtesy of Prime Video.

‘Today, Prime Video debuted the teaser trailer and art for the upcoming Western drama series The English, starring Emily Blunt (A Quiet Place franchise, Sicario, Oppenheimer) and Chaske Spencer (Wild Indian, Echo), along with its premiere date. All six episodes of the limited series will premiere on November 11 exclusively in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Nordics on Prime Video, following its November 10 UK premiere on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. Additionally, The English will make its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival as their series special presentation on Sunday, October 15. The series is a co-production with Amazon Studios and BBC, in association with All3Media International who handled international sales. 
 
The English is an epic chase Western, from award-winning writer and director Hugo Blick (The Honourable Woman, Black Earth Rising, The Shadow Line). The series takes the core themes of identity and revenge to tell a uniquely compelling parable on race, power, and love. An aristocratic Englishwoman, Lady Cornelia Locke (Blunt), and a Pawnee ex-cavalry scout, Eli Whipp (Spencer), come together in 1890 middle America to cross a violent landscape built on dreams and blood. Both of them have a clear sense of their destiny, but neither is aware that it is rooted in a shared past. They must face increasingly terrifying obstacles that will test them to their limits, physically and psychologically. But as each obstacle is overcome, it draws them closer to their ultimate destination—the new town of Hoxem, Wyoming. It is here, after an investigation by the local sheriff Robert Marshall (Stephen Rea, The Shadow Line) and young widow Martha Myers (Valerie Pachner, A Hidden Life) into a series of bizarre and macabre unsolved murders, that the full extent of their intertwined history will be truly understood, and they will come face-to-face with the future they must live. The series’ ensemble cast includes Rafe Spall (The Salisbury Poisonings), Tom Hughes (A Discovery of Witches), Toby Jones (Marvellous), and Ciarán Hinds (The Terror).
 
The English is produced by Drama Republic Ltd and Eight Rooks Ltd. The series is created by Hugo Blick—who also serves as an executive producer, director, and writer. Emily Blunt also serves as executive producer, alongside Greg Brenman (Peaky Blinders, The Honourable Woman) for Drama Republic. Colin Wratten (Killing Eve) serves as a producer on The English. Global distribution is handled by All3Media International.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘Everything’s Trash’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are times in our lives, where we need people that are important to us, by our side and on our side. Because sometimes, tough moments that await us, and big decisions that hover over us, need a united front. Where we attack that tough moment as one and where we get advice and support on that big decision and time and time again, we see the importance and the power of this in storytelling, in an effort to remind us of the wonder of the united front and its outright benefits to those in need. But what’s frustrating about this concept, is that while it is presented as a wonderful fix to big problems… in real life, it rarely works out smoothly and sometimes… it doesn’t come to fruition at all.

If anything, the reality of the united front and its difficulties are top of mind today, simply because it all served as the focal theme of this week’s episode of Everything’s Trash on Freeform. A feat that ‘United Fronts Are Trash’ accomplished, by giving Malika and Phoebe good reason to need a united front. For Malika, that involved potentially assembling the Avengers of Podcasts to ensure that everyone got a fair deal from Parakeet Media since they haven’t been keen on taking care of their talent and Phoebe? Well, she was back with Hammy-Ham-Ham and needed everyone to support their newfound love and push toward a long-term relationship and well, they wasted little time in assembling those fronts.

For Malika pulled together the other two top podcasts at the office into a meeting to ask all of them to push toward better deals for all, as one, which everyone seemingly agreed to, and Phoebe opted to host a nice dinner with her family and friends to show them how serious she was about this love and garner their support for it, and uh… that all ended in disaster real quick. Because the other shows sold Malika out and forced her to sit down with Jax and get the business for trying to get paid what she and Phoebe are worth, and Phoebe’s dinner fell to freakin’ pieces. Simply because no one wanted to play ball and support her when there was so much mess surrounding this love and that led to a tense ending to the dinner, one that was also filled with puke because of how awkward the night was.

Which are moments that speak to how united fronts can collapse, quickly. But what mattered more here, is that the show explained the why and how to perhaps avoid that kind of calamity. Since Malika’s storyline made it clear that you can’t ever fully trust a co-worker in a toxic work environment Because they will have their own agendas and wants and will never set those aside for us. And Phoebe’s journey helped us to discover, that you can’t just blindside those you love with what you want. You need to preface your needs and be honest and open about them so that your family and friends don’t feel forced into something, they can ease into it, and understand our angle and well, what’s even more amazing is that those all-important lessons and some other moments in this tale, set the stage for a powerhouse season finale.

Because now… the show’s future is on the line and Malika is going to have to get creative in saving it and nurturing it while getting her and Phoebe the payday they outright deserve. And Phoebe’s newfound love… will be put to the test. Since Jayden is indeed ready to play hardball with his opponent and that is going to stress the Ham-meister and in turn stress Phoebe and it will be interesting to see where all the lessons present in this tale, take the characters and the story. Because this is it, the season finale awaits and there is so much on the line and it is safe to say, that we will all be counting down the minutes to next Thursday to see everything come together in an epic and hilarious manner. Until next time.