Please enjoy this super-sized sneak peek, and synopsis from and for season two of Interrupting Chicken, which debuts tomorrow on Apple TV+.

'Apple TV+ is excited to share sneak peek clips from season two of the adorable animated preschool series, “Interrupting Chicken,” premiering on Friday, September 29. Based on the 2011 Caldecott Honor-winning book series written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein, “Interrupting Chicken” introduces children to the joy of creative writing - with a young little chicken named Piper who has a habit of interrupting storytime! Every time Piper hears a story, she can’t help but jump in, ask questions and let her imagination run wild as she tries to fill in details, guess what happens next or insert herself in the middle of the action to help save the day.In addition to seeing the return of beloved characters like The Big Bad Wolf and Captain Claw, season two follows Piper helping Cinderella get to the ball, surf with a sea monster, and build a Royal Rollercoaster with the King, among other adventures! 
 
In partnership with Mercury Filmworks, the series stars the voice talents of three time Emmy Award winner Sterling K. Brown ("This Is Us," "American Fiction”) as “Papa,” Juliet Donenfeld (“Pete the Cat”) as “Piper,” Sarah Elizabeth Thompson as “CJ,” Maximus Riegel (“Klaus”) as “Benjamin,” Luke Lowe (“Big City Greens”) as “Duckston,” Jakari Fraser (“Spidey and his Amazing Friends”) as “Theodore,” and more. This season also boasts impressive guest stars including multi-Grammy Award winner Wyclef Jean, who also performs an original song, Paula Poundstone (“Inside Out”) and more. “Interrupting Chicken” was developed by Emmy Award winner Ron Holsey who serves as executive producer alongside Stein, Loris Kramer Lunsford, and Clint Eland.'

Also, this sneak peek was assembled/written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.​

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘Almost Paradise’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Truly, one of the best aspects of enjoying a sophomore season of a show you love, is seeing that beloved series, take the story to new heights. Because now, the setup is complete, the characters are established and the creative team can now take risks, try new things, and accomplish wonders with the story, and we are more than happy to enjoy that ride and all that it offers… provided of course… it is done right. Because this harbors the risk of going sideways if certain key issues come into play. Such as taking the characters in a direction that betrays what we love about them, or by offering too many stories that don’t capture the zeitgeist of the series. Which means… balance has to come into play for the show to keep everyone satisfied and to keep it focused, and one show in its second season that understands this, is Almost Paradise on Amazon Freevee.
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Because despite offering up incredible stories that have explored the wonder and history of the Philippines, and bringing forth bold stories that have offered up some refreshing and unique stories, its next episode served as a back-to-basics tale, to keep balance in play and it accomplished that feat in a simple manner, by gifting us with an old school crime investigation for Alex to take part in. One that was free from commentary and free from bold moments, courtesy of a favor for Ocampo. For Kai learned in ‘Uncoupled’, that a pair of loving parents that knew Ocampo from back in the day, were dealing with a unique family problem. In that, their beloved daughter had apparently fallen into the clutches of a cult, and they wanted professional help in figuring out what went wrong and how to get her home. 

Which prompted Kai to enlist Alex’s help in what was supposed to be an observational mission. Wherein they went undercover at a couple’s retreat on the very island where the cult operated, to check on the health of their target and to find a way to bring her home. A move that brought about… more than they bargained for. Because the cult leader was immediately smitten with Kai, and decided she needed to be the next addition to his growing ‘harem’ of women surrounding him. Because that was what he loved to collect, women in need, and women in distress. Who could easily be manipulated with his sweet words. Which made this less a cult and more of a hustle run by a gross dude, one that let his libido rule the day, and that should have made the mission easy since cracking the façade of a man like that, was something both Alex and Kai specialized in. But alas, the lothario was murdered, and their cover was quickly broken so they could solve who committed this crime.

In part because their mark was being blamed for this, but also because… justice needed to be served, and with the help of Lockhart and their wondrous minds… they were able to uncover the killer’s identity and bring him and his equally as toxic nonsense to justice. And of course… they brought a lost soul home. All of which… was vintage Almost Paradise. Since a majority of the early episodes involved Alex just doing the right thing and working with Kai and Ernesto to just put bad people behind bars and use their combined intelligence to do so, and that made… for one satisfying tale. One that also featured other hallmarks we love about this tale. Since there was humor to be found via Agent Lockhart, who returned here to take part in the same couple’s retreat… alone… since his new lady opted to run off with her masseuse. And dear old Lockhart brought some laughs with his bumbling ways and via his help in bringing down the baddie. Plus, Ernesto borrowing the boat led to some laughs since Alex hasn’t exactly kept the boat in the best shape, and… the trademark character development present in this series was also on display, courtesy of Alex and Kai.

Simply because… their interactions here were vastly different. In that, there was real respect between them now. Speaking to how far they’ve come, how much they care for each other, and there was even a tiny hint of something deeper there. Of course, if that’s the case, time will tell. Since there was no chance for that to be explored further. But what mattered more, is that this duo has gone from frosty partners/frenemies to a well-oiled brain machine that can achieve wonders, and really… in the end, this was the perfect way to bring about balance and keep this show focused and grounded. And now that this writer’s room has provided us with balance, it will be interesting to see what lies ahead. Because those same writers have now paid great respect to the story and the fans, and that gives them renewed license to either stay the course or go big and surprise us further. Until next time. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 304 of ‘The Morning Show’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the Apple TV+ series, The Morning Show, offers its fans and anyone fortunate enough to tune in, a bevy of storytelling wonders. After all, it features a cast filled with top-tier actors that we know and love, who turn in flawless work week in and week out, and that is always a joy to watch. Not to mention, it is a bold and brave series, one that tackles some of the biggest concerns in our world in a manner that is direct and honest, giving rise to incredible commentary and storylines we won’t find anywhere else on television. But one particular aspect of this show that we don’t talk about or praise enough, is the sheer fact that it offers up an inside look at how the news is put on the air, and how news organizations’ function.
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Granted, there is of course some juicy drama injected in there because this is a television show. But there is real merit to the intensity on display in the UBA studio, and how this series often shows us how the whole operation functions and flows, and well, that behind-the-scenes aspect of the series is top of mind today, simply because this week’s episode of the show… opted to show us an aspect of the business we rarely hear about or see. Specifically, how a news network lands its funding from an advertiser standpoint. Or in the case of UBA, how a broken and untrustworthy network does just that, since UBA has faced some real challenges in the past couple of seasons, and well, what ‘The Green Light’ put on display regarding this… was fascinating to say the least. 

For in essence, this episode informed us that the act of collecting advertisers for major outlets such as UBA would normally be a breeze. Through quality presentations of what their lineup is going to feature and through viewership/ratings data, and a sense of trust. Which would make it easy for an advertiser to just say yes and hand over the check because they are aware of the fact that all of those elements will bring forth a beautiful return on their investment. But in a scenario where sexual harassment scandals, and data leaks and wanton racism and wage inequality persists, that trust is broken, the data is sour, and advertisers no longer feel comfortable with handing over money and well… that meant that Cory and Stella, and the entire UBA team had to work overtime to gain that trust back to gain that money. Because UBA was spiraling toward insolvency with the scandals, and it was do or die time and that led to some uncomfortable moments. 

Because every advertiser knew that UBA needed them badly, and that could allow ad representatives to do as they pleased whilst being courted, and they most certainly did. After all, poor Stella had to take part in uncomfortable and humiliating acts to land a major deal that would secure a loan for the company, the kind that left her feeling slimy and awful that such work even had to be done. Not to mention, Bradley, Chris, and every other on-air personality had to turn on the charm and make sure anyone willing to invest in UBA felt welcome, as though their problems were behind them and well… Stella’s ugly day and the schmoozing from top to bottom seemed to seal the deal for Cory. Since he received note that the loan was on its way. Making it seem as though this was nothing more than a fascinating road bump in getting UBA back to prominence.
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But alas, it was revealed that Fred Micklen was doing some advising in his quasi retirement from the industry, the kind that helped lenders make sure their loans were spent properly to ensure maximum return on the interest, and that meant… he was going to be overseeing the UBA loan and be in control. A move that scared Cory to no end. Since it would make UBA look the fool, stir up more controversy, and put him under the thumb of an incompetent jackass really. So, he backed out of the deal and was unsure if there would be a future for the network. But there might be. Because while all of this was going down, Alex was in SoHo and at Coney Island with Paul Marks. To apologize for skipping out on the suborbital ride, but to also woo him back to UBA for the deal of the century. An act that at first failed. But it left Paul curious as to why someone would go so far for a network that had well, been unkind and indecent to a talent of Alex’s caliber. But a chance to see what UBA really meant to Alex, why she loved it there and why she was so dedicated to it, changed his mind, and motivated him to fly his helicopter to Cory’s to join the party… and undoubtedly talk shop.

But while we wait to see what will come of Alex’s gambit, we can revel in one unique episode. One that really did showcase a network in crisis. But it also offered up some fascinating moments for both Cory and Stella. The kind that saw the former sweating for the first time and the latter, grappling with her love of this job. Not to mention, it also pondered upon the moral responsibilities of a news network when it comes to how and when to break a story, courtesy of Mia’s conundrum with those dangerous photos. All of which brought together, a powerful behind the scenes look at network life, and the struggles that come about in keeping the money flowing and that certainly leaves us eager for more of this fascinating series. Since we are now vested in this new challenge for UBA, and we simply must know… if Cory can save a network that stands on the precipice. Until next time. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Ahsoka’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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Any Star Wars fan that tunes into any of the magnificent shows about a galaxy far, far away, or the incredible movies about the same, epic place… know that certain storytelling elements will be sent their way as they experience the story in question. For instance, they know epic action and adventure will take place, the kind that features breathtaking visuals for certain. Not to mention, if there are Jedi involved, there will be lightsaber battles and use of the wonder of that is the Force. But above all, fans know that when the time comes for good and evil to square off in this story, they will be treated to nothing less than a grand and sweeping, and downright incredible final battle. One that will leave us in awe and leave us cheering and booing when the bad guys clap back, and well… that’s top of mind today, because that battle got underway in the next episode of Ahsoka on Disney+.
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But not before some fan service came into play. For ‘Chapter Seven: Dreams and Madness’ opened up with some follow up regarding Hera. For the whiniest Senator in the New Republic wanted to hold her accountable and flex up his ego in the process, and had it not been for the arrival of C-3P0, at the request of one Senator Leia Organa, he might have succeeded. But Leia bailed out the General and that put an end to one man’s ambitions to hold Hera to account, and in the other galaxy far, far away… Lady Ahsoka Tano was training with her former master through holographic messages. Giving Anakin Skywalker likely one last cameo in this story, because what lie ahead was trouble. For once the Space Whales arrived at their destination, unwholesome fireworks went off in the form of interstellar mines. Which alerted Grand Admiral Thrawn to the presence of his foe, and well… that meant fighters were sent to intercept Ahsoka’s ship, giving rise to the beginning of the fight in question, one that extended to the planet below.

Wherein Ezra and Sabine duked it out with Thrawn’s forces and Shin Hati, and that brought forth quite the incredible ground campaign. One that informed us of how Ezra’s deepened connection to the Force has made him a formidable opponent and where Sabine was finally able to really put her training to the test, and while they held their own… they needed help to finish the job, plain and simple. Thankfully, through the Force, Ahsoka was able to find her old friends and jump into the fray, after handling Baylan Skoll, who was in quite the unique place mentally. But more on that in a moment. Because Ahsoka’s arrival was indeed everything her friends needed to turn the tide. Because that allowed for them, to handle the troopers while Ahsoka gave Shin… a lesson in lightsaber humility. Through a brutal fight that really did bruise the apprentice’s ego, and well… they did so well… that Thrawn called off his forces and gave our heroes a victory in this grand fight.  

But that of course, may be pyrrhic in nature. Because Thrawn, was eager to take a loss here. Simply because it kept our heroes away from his Star Destroyer and his plans to load the cargo bays, giving him the time, he needed to complete his mission and that will undoubtedly make the next fight a touch more difficult for Ahsoka and her dear friends. Since they are now racing against the clock to stop him. Not to mention, Sati is still out there and free from the lessons and advice of her master. Because as mentioned before, Baylan was not himself in this tale. For he was ready to stay out of the fight to search for whatever it is on this world that has captivated his imagination and his soul, really. What that is… we still do not know. But while we wait to find out, we can celebrate, one epic tale. After all, this one had it all. For it was intense in nature, thanks to the space mine surprise and the battle above and below. 

Plus, the stakes were high, the villains were intent on winning the day, and of course… we had some joyous and amazing lightsaber duels in this tale, that were satisfying for certain, and hey… you can never go wrong with a good name drop or an amazing cameo from The Skywalker Saga and we most certainly had those here in spades, including that one from the man himself. All of which kept us on the edge of our seats and hungry for more. But sadly… there is but one more chapter in Ahsoka’s new tale, but it will undoubtedly be a doozy. For it will be the final battle. One that will determine the fate of two galaxies, and truly… it will be fascinating to see how this final battle between Thrawn and our heroes of the hour plays out when this fascinating addition to the Star Wars Universe, comes to a close. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Wilderness’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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We like to believe, that we are beings that can handle any trouble that heads our way, with a level head and with incredible strength that cannot be broken, and there’s merit to that line of thinking. After all, we can handle a lot when the going gets tough, and we can forge ahead and function when our spirits are broken, and time and time again we hear about how that helps so many people grow and understand their limits. But while that is wondrous and gives us hope when trouble arrives… the fact of the matter is… there will come a point where the pressure surrounding us, can and will break us. For everyone has their red line, their breaking point, and it really is best we don’t find out what that is. Because to do so invites real trouble, as evidenced by the next episode of Wilderness on Prime Video.
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For ‘The Other Woman’ saw Liv Taylor be pushed to it, when she honestly thought she could handle the stress that brought her to it. A feat this story accomplished by robbing her of the power and agency she found in the premiere. Because she thought she finally had leverage and control over Will, and that she could use her knowledge of his most recent affair with Cara… to push him about, enact some revenge. The kind that wouldn’t cause major harm. But a surprise on a hiking trail changed all that. Because Cara showed up, with a friend no less, but he was clearly there for show. For Cara wanted Will in her grasp and that… buckled Liv’s psyche. Because she truly wanted to be in control here, she absolutely wanted to enact her plan, and this mucked everything up.  

To the point where the situation spiraled out of control for Liv. Because just like that, her beloved was torn between his lustful instincts and putting on the show, and she had to play nice with the other woman in question and that was a lot to bear. Because the good in her and the anger in her, had to find common ground. To project that strength, to keep that peace and to try to reset the narrative so she could punish Will her own way, and for a time it seemed as though pushing forward and not acknowledging the messed-up nature of all of this or calling a spade a spade… might pay off. That it might be the better way and not harm her and not push her to the utter brink of her breaking point. Because Will, behaved, and Cara was actually offering kindness.

But Will’s explosive behavior when he wasn’t treated as the king and Cara’s decision to invite Will to be near her in the middle of the night… was more than she could bear. Because it spoke to the fact, that she had no control here, and that revenge would mean nothing because Will’s needs mattered over anything else. Which sent her, over her breaking point, and prompted her to really think upon what she could do, to feel peace, to feel agency and control and sadly… she chose quite the rash act. Because Will didn’t see that spicy and encouraging message, so she went out in the middle of the night to meet Cara. Likely to be nice and perhaps vent, but when she saw Cara… standing there, waiting for her husband, the man she loved… it was more than she could bear, and she pushed Cara over the side of a cliff.

A move that perfectly encapsulated… the horror of the breaking point and why we should take a step back when we feel real pressure and real emotion. Because those rule the day and that’s never good and now… Liv, a normal woman with good in her heart, has transformed before our eyes into a broken person, a fallen angel if you will and that made for one powerful and angry episode. One that really did hammer home the central theme in an impactful manner and took this story in a bold direction. Because now… there’s murder in the air and an uncertain future for Liv as she tries to reconcile crossing every single line, and that… leaves us hungry for more. To see how a regular, decent person handles the reality of what they’ve done and of course… to see what comes next… now that Liv has taken a life in anger and has to wake up every morning with that memory/reality in her mind. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Mrs Sidhu Investigates’. To revisit the series premiere, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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It is definitely safe to say, that we hold celebrities and creative individuals, in a vastly different regard than we hold other people. For they are somehow… sacred to us and on a pedestal for bringing entertainment and joy into our lives, and because of our elevated view of them… we also deem them to be untouchable in many ways. As though they can do no harm and that no harm can come to them. Which is why we are often surprised when harm does find them. Because that detachment we have in our minds about them… leaves us wondering how they couldn’t buy their way out of trouble or insulate themselves from it because of their standing. Which is a question that reinforces our views of the celebrity and it’s a pondering we need to shed. 
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Because no one is immune from the human experience and heartache, regardless of how much money they harbor and not everyone around them, gets to enjoy the spoils of fame and well… all of this is top of mind today, simply because such matters served as the central themes of the next episode of Mrs Sidhu Investigates on Acorn TV. A feat that ‘Breaking Convention’ accomplished by having quite the surprise take place on the property of the ultra-famous Melville family. For this family, well known for their father’s Swordmaster books and television series, were hosting SwordCon, a convention to celebrate all things related to the franchise, on their posh estate. But the celebration was cut short when one of the cast members of the show, turned up dead not far from the main stage.

Which of course brought DCI Burton onto the scene to investigate, alongside Mrs Sidhu, who was catering the event, and well the investigation that followed dug deep into the central themes in question. Because as both Mrs Sidhu and Burton pulled back the veil of what happened here (well… mostly Mrs Sidhu because she immersed herself in this case) it became clear that this wasn’t some attempt by a crazed fan to cause harm because they couldn’t separate fantasy from reality, or some old grudge. It was in fact, all related to how one family member… simply did not enjoy the same spoils as everyone else and suffered in life financially because of bad choices and that… pushed him to do awful things behind the scenes and eventually, resort to murder when he was at his lowest. 

A reality that hammered home, how fame only goes so far, and not everyone gets to enjoy it because they share a namesake. And because of that… dark moments can slip into the lives of those who we elevate, and they too will suffer, because they are in fact… people. People that get to do great things, absolutely, but people none the less and it is best we remember that fact the next time we sing otherworldly praises of them. However, while that made for some fine commentary on our world and our current obsessions with celebrity, this is a story that offered so much more. For the series premiere did establish that the characters are the real draw of this series, and they once again shined. Since we saw Mrs. Sidhu grow in confidence here and really settle into her role as an amateur sleuth, and she continued to garner the trust of DCI Burton, which is no easy task.  

Plus, we’d be remiss to not mention that in between the heavy stuff, this episode also found ways to keep things light and never once let the murder overpower the episode, courtesy of some fine humor involving Tez, and by way of perhaps the classiest ‘Richard’ joke to ever hit the airwaves. And really, in the end, all of these elements brought forth one amazing mystery. One that once again kept us guessing as to who crossed the ultimate line and kept us engaged with powerful moments and character growth, and well… all this episode does is leave us eager for more. Because this series continues to be the most refreshing and original mystery/crime series of the year, and we simply need more of the amazing charm and depth this series sends our way. Until next time. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist. This article also contains discussions of emotional abuse, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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The vast majority of stories that feature domestic abuse or emotional abuse, even the ones that are designed to be an in depth look at such matters, tend to push through that abuse or amplify it, and it makes sense as to why. Because the prevailing belief is that audiences don’t have any desire to sit through the awful realities of abuse. So, if a story features a shocking scene showcasing it, or it is intense and brief in nature, those at home, or on their couch with their remote and/or book in hand… can get the gist of how bad it is, feel their feelings on it and move on. But there is a titanic shift happening in the industry now, wherein creatives making those types of stories, now understand that glossing over abuse isn’t helpful in the slightest. Because in reality, those types of abuse, need to be showcased from beginning to end, so that the world can understand the process, the pain they engender, so we can stop it dead in its tracks. 
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Because people turn to stories to learn as much as to be entertained and that is precisely why The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart on Prime Video, continues to be such an important show. Because it is showing us every single aspect of emotional abuse, and what it does to people and why it is toxic and damaging and never was that more evident than during its next episode. For ‘Part 3: Lantern Bush’ took the time to showcase… how some people weaponize rewards and abuse others in doing so to control a person or control a narrative and that was handled in this story by June. Because Alice was ready to talk, for Alice wanted answers regarding the lie she was told. And rather than apologize and speak the truth and offer Alice trust and respect… June opted to flip the script. By demanding that Alice speak, for that would be the only way she would receive answers and that… was horrifying to watch play out.  

For we watched in real-time how that demand, did a number on Alice’s psyche. Where she felt frustration, and a sense of worthlessness and was uncertain of how to proceed to have some level of understanding of life and her family. All of which showcased the subtle steps that abusers will take to have what they want, and how hard they are to outwit and beat, because they must have that control, they must have that power, and this episode truly painted June in a gross new light. One that made it clear that regardless of how many things she does in the name of good, she will forever be an abuser and a person that resides in darkness and shallowness. Unless she changes course, which she likely won’t. But what matters more is that this story took the time to painstakingly showcase something this uncomfortable and this cruel, and it deserves our respect for wanting to show us the impact of abuse on a person and this… is the proper way to do it.

But while that made for some powerful and uncomfortable moments, this is also a show that understands it is important to show how folks in this situation move from one point to the next in their unique journey and that was handled by way of Sally Morgan. Who reconciled her mistakes in this episode and came to realize… she had a chance to do something special in life. Something that could heal her soul and heal another life; if she took the time to adopt Alice away from June. Which prompted her to engage with lawyers and engage with June and make clear her intentions and things to come. All of which informed us that perhaps the next chapter is picking up the pieces for Alice and the difficulties that come with that. But while we wait to see what is on the horizon for this poor girl, we can celebrate one honest and powerful tale.

One that held nothing back in its examination of abuse, and how those little digs, no matter what tone they come in… tear people down and rattle them deeply. A storytelling decision that only added to the power and gravity of this tale and definitely gives the audience pause. For that is a lot to process for a viewer, but that is how the discussions start and how we begin to put a stop to this type of generational abuse. Plus, we’d be foolish to not point out, that this episode showed us a new side to Sigourney Weaver’s acting range. Since she sold the ‘evil’ of this act with a conviction that was frightening. But that is what happens when we are in the hands of a true master and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this harrowing chapter in Alice’s journey… we are cautiously eager for more. To see what ugly lessons lie ahead and to see if Alice can break the cycle and heal, as this powerful journey continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 603 of ‘Ride with Norman Reedus’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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It is definitely safe to say, that season six of Ride with Norman Reedus on AMC, is offering up some transformative moments for the travel/road trip show. Simply because… there’s only been one episode this season, that explores what these types of shows normally explore. Which is the majesty of a particular destination and its customs and foods, and the wonder of just getting away from it all. For last week’s journey through Northern Italy, ended up being a vastly different type of adventure. One that spoke to how sometimes we get away for reasons that aren’t designed to clear our heads or help us recharge or teach us about another corner of the world. We also do it to learn about people that matter to us, to learn from them, and well… that surprise made it obvious that season six is going to learn hard into more intimate reasons as to why we travel, and last night’s episode reinforced that.
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For ‘The Eternal City with Johnny Knoxville’ spoke to a bevy of unique and intimate reasons to motivate someone to travel. Such as finding meaning regarding life and how sometimes… we need to lose ourselves to just find perspective and appreciate the gift of life we’ve been given. The latter of which, Norman handled on his own in Rome, Italy. For he was to meet Johnny Knoxville for their adventure a day down the line. Which gave him the time to just walk about the city and try its foods and meet new people and experience the different journeys we all go upon. All of which reminded him… that we are all in this experience together and we all share in beauty, and that life truly is a gift that is worth celebrating with others… and and there’s nothing wrong with just losing oneself in a foreign place to rediscover that. 

But of course, Norman was looking for more in this story, and when Johnny arrived on the scene, he and Norman headed out into the areas surrounding Rome to explore… some of the meanings of life, and how we endure when our time here is so short. And a trip to a location filled with monstrous and abstract statues, helped Norman and us to remember… that documenting our feelings, our fears, and our experiences in something that lasts or through people that can carry our story along… is one way that we carry on. Since those stone effaces were deeply mired in emotion and pain, and the need to work through something dark, and well… they have withstood the test of time and now express abstract emotion and a story, that we of course, can learn from. Which was a unique journey that offered up a fine lesson on how we endure, and another example of that… was explored via a place that was simply known as… the Dying City.

For this particular town was and is quite literally, falling off of the mountaintop that it was constructed upon. Simply because time eventually moves all things. But the city has not died just yet, which allowed for Johnny and Norman to see the majesty of what endures when we work to create something special. For that old place was still filled with beauty and people and structures that did offer homes to people, at least during the summer. Which spoke to how when we build a good life and a good legacy, based on a strong foundation… what we leave behind endures, be it good or bad… as was counterbalanced by a special trip to the Roman Coliseum. Since that too endures but serves as a reminder of a darker time in our history, one where violence truly ruled the day. But it too, was built right and built on a strong foundation and it teaches us so much in the 21st Century, and well… those voyages definitely made for some powerful metaphors and examinations and offered up great meaning as well for anyone that tuned in.

All of which, you don’t necessarily expect to find in a travel show or a road trip show. But that is the point. Because clearly, this series is eager to explore all the reasons we travel, and all that we will find when we go out into the world, and that made for a brilliant adventure. One that really did make it clear that sometimes… we do want meaning, and we cannot find it at home. We need to find it elsewhere and getting lost in a city as incredible as Rome, is the way to do it. But of course, don’t forget to have fun while doing so, which Johnny and Norman did take part in. Courtesy of great jokes from Johnny, and a fun competition between the two of them to see who could land the most selfies with fellow tourists. In the end, however, this is an episode of this show that had incredible substance. Which is saying something when one considers how much these adventures have taught us in the first place. But that is the wonder of this series, it evolves, it grows, and it will be fascinating to see what other powerful moments await us as season six of this journey continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Power Book IV: Force’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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Something that is genuinely fascinating about season two of the hit STARZ series, Power Book IV: Force, is the sheer fact that there is a real darkness hanging over this season’s stories. Granted, this is a crime drama about one man’s quest to partly claim what he lost, and grab hold of what he never had… but the darkness goes beyond that. To the point where it feels as though we’re watching season six of Power all over again, as though no one is safe, and anything can and will happen and well… that’s something that honestly fits. Because this is a messy story, one where the city of Chicago has been torn asunder by the divisions that now exist and the threats to the pipelines that Tommy basically came in and created and that’s prompting bad blood to boil up and never was the darkness and tension more evident than during this week’s new episode. 
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For ‘The Devil’s in the Details’ took those elements to the Nth degree really, a feat that it accomplished by having some of these tensions boil over, as was the case with Jenard’s journey in this tale. Because he was struggling to grapple with the fact that he killed a member of his crew, since that wasn’t something, he ever expected to do, and of course… the money was not flowing in, and the pressure was mounting upon him. Not to mention, his crew’s newfound bloodlust and desire for revenge, was about to bring a street war to bear at the worst time. Which prompted Jenard to open up about what happened, and that led to an ugly fistfight and a bigger split amongst his crew. To the point where it seemed as though, it won’t be long before Jenard will either have to get out of the game or do something drastic to see another day, because everything fell to pieces for him in this episode. 

Yet, he wasn’t alone in seeing a titanic collapse take place in one’s life and empire. For Walter Flynn found himself in more hot water here. For the income for his empire was dwindling thanks to Vic’s efforts to sabotage the network, and that had him light when it came to his payments to Dublin. And of course, his massive ego would never declare defeat or allow him to reach out for help, so Paulie made an attempt to do so. By going directly to Dublin’s representatives and asking for more time. A move that made Walter feel weak… despite the fact that Paulie really did help the boss that gave him everything. But that didn’t matter to Walter, and he actually had the nerve to fire Paulie to keep his machismo intact, further isolating him and further putting his empire into devastation. 

To the point where his family began to turn upon him. Because Claudia was deeply concerned by the disrespect that Walter sent her way, and she also could not stand how she and her brother were nothing more than mere pawns to the man that raised them. Which prompted her to play a most interesting game in this story. One where she aligned with the Serbian Mob on her own to get a cut of the action in Chicago and where… she manipulated her brother into seeing her concerns about her father. Granted, it didn’t take much to make that happen… since all she had to do was showcase the disrespect Walter poured upon the memory of Gloria by turning her bar into the hottest new strip club in town. But it was still done for nefarious reasons. The kind that revolved around inspiring an idea that most children would deem unthinkable. In that, the time had come to end Walter Flynn’s life and take over the empire without his specter hanging over it… and shockingly… Vic agreed with her plan.  

Yet what was incredible, was that the darkness didn’t end there. Because even Diamond, and the business, were dealing with some tough struggles. For Seamus was still poking around and was eager for more payouts and that forced Diamond to lie and move money around to keep him off of his back. Plus, the Task Force was going all-in on bringing CBI to its knees, by going after mid-level dealers and disrupting the cash flow. And… there was even some ugly trouble in the Egan household. Because D-Mac was once again concerned about his standing in this life and was enticed by the glamour and glitz of the game, and that prompted him to try and get back into it and get that paper. But of course… that was shut down by Tommy at every turn, but the tension was there in the household.
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However, while those are indeed some bleak plot threads, there was some positivity to be found in this story. Primarily through Tommy. Because he finally, was able to get out into the world with Mireya and well, their driving lessons led to all kinds of surprises. Such as a chance at dinner and eventually, a chance to love her. Because she was very interested in Tommy in this tale, to the point where they shared a few kisses, giving rise to a little bit of hopefulness for Tommy, the kind that of course… simply couldn’t last in a story this dark. Because in between those lovely moments, he was still battling jealousy from Miguel’s crew to the point where he had to put one of them down. Not to mention he had to deal with Diamond’s lies and the shaky ground the business was on because of the police squeeze taking place. 

Which prompted him… to take a moment and step back and look at this situation and its troubles differently. To the point where he figured out how to get the team to communicate about their problems better, and where to get an idea if the Task Force was indeed looking at CBI and their actions, and perhaps… how to get ahead of the madness. Which Tommy believed could take place via Seamus. After all, he wanted money badly, and if he could get a cut, then perhaps he could offer up valuable intelligence on the problems facing the brand. Which brought forth a face-to-face meeting that ended in disaster. Because while Tommy talked Seamus down from arresting, he, and Diamond at gunpoint when the notion of a payroll came up, D-Mac stopped by the barbershop, for a fresh cut for a hot date… only to find his family in trouble and he acted accordingly, and killed a cop.  

All of which set the stage… for dark days ahead. Because Jenard is destitute and facing real trouble without CBI at his side, and the Flynn’s are in the midst of a civil war and of course… there will be more eyes on CBI than ever, now that a police officer is dead on their watch. And well, this episode deserves a round of applause for bringing forth this much darkness. Because modern crime shows are oft afraid to lean into the dark realities of this business and the true trouble it causes. But this franchise has no qualms with it, and this show… went all out this week, and the end result… is a crime story for the ages. One that really does leave us wondering what lies ahead for everyone in this story, now that the dark clouds have rolled in and so many are ready to resort to ugly acts to have their taste of power, powder, and respect. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘The Continental: From the World of John Wick’. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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Truly, the John Wick saga is that rare franchise that managed to immediately captivate audiences everywhere and well, it makes sense as to why. After all, it featured mega-star Keanu Reeves in the titular role and what he brought to the table, from an emotional standpoint, as a pained and broken former assassin tasked to resolve unnecessary pain with violence… was something people can relate to. Since we’ve all wanted to lash out when we hurt to feel better. Making it a supremely human series for certain, one that also offered up… amazing action and adventure and a refreshingly original story in this era of sequels and reboots. But above all… it brought forth a fascinating world we really haven’t seen in storytelling, where two universes exist in our modern world. One where everyday folks go about their business and live their lives like normal, all while a second one… where a powerful crime/assassin syndicate functions with its own rules, operates, free from the trappings and accountability that everyone else deals with.  
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In fact, that world has been so fascinating and so captivating, that the same audiences that eagerly enjoy John’s pained adventures, have asked loudly for stories that explore the unique criminal world that thrives beneath our own. Just to fully understand its power and its lack of accountability to the laws we abide by and well… at long last… that type of story has arrived. For last night saw, The Continental: From the World of John Wick, make its debut on Peacock, and this is a story designed to explore that world and its inner workings, well before John Wick was a part of it and well, ‘Brothers in Arms’ accomplished that feat… by taking us back in time. To New York City in the 1970s wherein, we were treated to a supremely fascinating story. One that was both familiar and new, and easily made clear the power and the reach of this organization… courtesy of a grandiose heist. For on New Year’s Eve, a member of this organization, named Frankie, opted to steal something quite valuable from the man in charge of the Continental… a coin press used by this world of assassins.

Which of course… put everyone on full alert, especially since Frankie escaped Cormac O’Connor’s clutches and that… forced Cormac’s hand to do something bold for the story and joyous for the fans of this iconic franchise. Because Frankie wasn’t just some everyday assassin in this world, he was tied to a character supremely important to this franchise. For Frankie’s last name was Scott, and his brother was none other than Winston Scott. Who we learned in the 1970s, had minimal ties to this world and was in fact, trying to forge his own path in Europe. But Frankie’s actions brought him home to a request from Cormac. Wherein he was expected to find his brother and bring him to bear to answer for his ultimate crime. But of course, Winston wasn’t interested in that. He just wanted to reunite with his brother after all these years and help him escape and live. For family was all that Winston had left at this point and that quest… allowed for that exploration to begin.  

Because it allowed for us to come to understand the power of this organization and its reach throughout New York City. For in essence, Cormac and the outfit had eyes everywhere, the kind that were willing to turn over anyone to avoid the ire of the organization. But what truly made Winston’s quest so important to this tale… was that it served as his own origin story, and what likely put him on the path to become the cold and calculated gentile that will eventually be in charge of the that iconic hotel. In fact, one could conjecture his knowledge and actions here… could see him take charge by the end of this miniseries. All courtesy of the fact that he was on the receiving end of that reach. Because despite finding his brother, making amends, and making plans to escape… he was unable to flee NYC. For those eyes found them and unleashed the powerful grip of this organization. Which brought forth an end to Frankie Scott and the birth of a need for real vengeance for Winston Scott. A task that will of course, be difficult in nature now that we know what we know about this city and its shadow denizens. 
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However, while that alone would have served as enough world-building for this story… since it did offer up an in-depth look at this world of assassins, this episode still had more treats to send our way regarding such matters. For our introduction to Miles and Lou, informed us how any criminal activity in this town can be dangerous in nature. Since they crossed a line without knowing it in their attempts to strike it rich, giving rise to a real sense of danger in this iteration of New York City, as though no one is safe once they poke about the underworld. Not to mention, this story finally confirmed that the pleasantries that John Wick and Jimmy shared, in the original film, was more than just two old friends with an understanding. The police know about this world to some extent, and they steer clear of it and let whatever happens in the shadows, happen. And those officers that bother to try and uncover more… learn quick to steer clear of something that is well beyond their understanding and control. 

All of which brought forth, a magnificent series premiere. One that truly opens up this world like never before for the fans of this iconic franchise, and also found a way to make us quite happy with some flawless fan moments. Such as offering up the patented action and violence that this franchise is known for, by way of breathtaking shootouts and fights. And of course, Winston isn’t the only character from the original four films that we encounter here. Since a very young Cadron has already found his way to the Continental, and of course… a certain valuable car, one that played a huge part in the first film… found its way into the fabric of this story as well. One that really is the beginning of what should be a grand and worthy prequel. One that will answer all of our questions about this world and where we will be entertained and hopefully see Winston take his rightful place as the manager of that prestigious and important hotel. That is… once that pesky and crude Cormac is out of the way for crimes against the Scott family. Until next time.