There was a time where video game adaptations for the silver or small screen, made fans nervous. Because more often than not those adaptations were handled messily, and either didn’t resemble anything that the game stood for or took the franchise in a very strange direction. Which gave rise to some iconic B-movies in that vein and some shows that are best forgotten over anything else. But thankfully, the care that goes into them now, makes them an exciting venture and that is why today’s announcement from Prime Video is quite wondrous in nature.
​
For earlier the network let it be known that the iconic SEGA Video Game, Like a Dragon: Yakuza, has been adapted by Prime Video and that the first season of the show will stream on October 24, and well, it looks like quite the winner. One the captures the essence of the game while still telling a compelling tale, and for proof… look no further than the other gifts that accompanied this news. Since Prime Video also released a trailer, and the key art for the show, which we will share with you now. So, you can see how amazing this show will be and prepare yourself for a quality adaptation of a true classic.

‘Today, Prime Video revealed the trailer and key art for the upcoming Japanese Original series Like a Dragon: Yakuza, the action-packed TV adaptation of SEGA’s iconic video game series. The first three episodes of Like a Dragon: Yakuza will be available to stream exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories starting on Thursday, October 24, with the next three episodes available on Thursday, October 31. 
 
In addition to previously announced series leads Ryoma Takeuchi (‘Kazuma Kiryu’), Kento Kaku (‘Akira Nishikiyama’), and Munetaka Aoki (‘Goro Majima’), newly revealed actors portraying key characters include:
 

• Yumi Kawai as Yumi Sawamura, a childhood friend who grew up alongside Kiryu and Nishiki.
• Toshiaki Karasawa as Shintaro Kazama, the former lieutenant of the Dojima Family who now runs the orphanage where Kiryu and his friends were raised. 
• Koichi Sato as Masaru Sera, the chairman of the Tojo Clan.
• Misato Morita as Aiko, Yumi’s long-lost sister.
• Subaru Shibutani as Detective Date, the man who sends Kiryu back to Kamurocho to stop the impending yakuza war.
• Saki Takaoka as Reina, the owner of Club Serena where Yumi worked in 1995.
• Ryudo Uzaki as Goda, the chairman of the Omi Alliance.
• Shohei Uno as a key member of the Omi Alliance.
• Masaya Kato as Dojima, the head of the Dojima Family in 1995.
• Hinano Nakayama as Miho, Nishiki’s younger sister.
• Tomoya Maeno as The Florist of Sai, a former cop turned skilled informant. 

 
Together, this star-studded cast will bring to life a gripping human drama about family bonds, all set against the backdrop of intense, no-holds-barred action.
 
About Like a Dragon: Yakuza
This Japanese action drama plunges into the dark underworld of the yakuza, exploring the universal theme of family not only through bloodline but also through ties between yakuza bosses and their underlings, orphans and their caretakers, as well as mentors and students. These relationships are marked by deep affection at times, and by intense conflict at others, all intricately intertwined. Set in the fictional town of Kamurocho, the story unfolds across two intersecting timelines—1995 and 2005.
 
In 1995, eager to escape their restrictive lives, Kiryu and his friends, Nishiki, Yumi, and Miho plan a heist at a local arcade. However, the arcade is under the control of the Dojima Family, a powerful yakuza organization that rules Kamurocho. They dive into the yakuza-controlled underworld of 1995 Kamurocho. Meanwhile, in 2005, Kiryu is set to be released from prison. He learns from Detective Date that his friends are in danger and decides to return to Kamurocho to protect them. However, their friendship has deteriorated, as tensions between the Tojo Clan and the Omi Alliance are at a boiling point.
 
About Prime Video
Prime Video is a one-stop entertainment destination offering customers a vast collection of premium programming in one application available across thousands of devices. On Prime Video, customers can find their favorite movies, series, documentaries, and live sports – including Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and movies Road House, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Reacher, The Boys, and The Idea of You; licensed fan favorites American Fiction and The Boys in the Boat; Prime member exclusive access to coverage of live sports including Thursday Night Football, WNBA, and NWSL, and acclaimed sports documentaries including Bye Bye Barry and Federer; and programming from partners such as Max, Crunchyroll and MGM+ via Prime Video Channels add-on subscriptions, as well as more than 500 free ad-supported (FAST) Channels. Prime members in the U.S. can share a variety of benefits, including Prime Video, by using Amazon Household. Prime Video is one benefit among many that provides savings, convenience, and entertainment as part of the Prime membership. All customers, regardless of whether they have a Prime membership or not, can rent or buy titles, including blockbusters such as Challengers and The Fall Guy, via the Prime Video Store, and can enjoy content such as Jury Duty and Bosch: Legacy free with ads on Freevee. Customers can also go behind the scenes of their favorite movies and series with exclusive X-Ray access. For more info visit www.amazon.com/primevideo.
 
Social Handles:
Instagram: @primevideo, 
Twitter: @primevideo, 
TikTok: @primevideo
Facebook: @PrimeVideo, 
Official Hashtag: #LikeaDragon #PrimeVideo’

When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous Apple TV+ series, Acapulco, we talked at length about how some stories showcase elements of storytelling that we don’t always enjoy. Such as the wonder of true love in film and television. Since it always seems too perfect and too beautiful and that is just it, it’s movie stuff. It’s a little too joyous and while yes, it can happen in real life, and we can take part in those moments… they don’t last. Because reality is always there to mess it up or pull from its power, and that is why those moments irritate us on screen. Because no show or movie ever shows the reality of what happens when we go for it with the person, we love in the most cinematic manner possible.
​
That is, until the season one finale of this brilliant show came along. Since ‘You Should Hear How She Talks About You’ did not follow the traditional tropes we come to expect. For following the grand kiss between Máximo and Julia, there was no whirlwind love affair, nor was there plans for the future. There was at first, responsibility. Because Nora needed her surgery and she got it and faced a better tomorrow with her sight repaired at last, and sadly, the bill that came forth did not have Máximo thinking about love, but his possible promotion to pool manager. So, he could pay the surgery off, and well… once he got back to Las Colinas, the show finally showcased the reality of what comes after those big moments in our mind, and how they don’t quite pan out as we would like. 

Because Julia, did not jump into Máximo’s arms and declare her love, she spent most of this episode confused. For the kiss went against her own standards for love since it did betray Chad, and she was more torn than ever. Because she felt the connection with Máximo and knew that he would go the extra mile for her and love her completely. But Chad was sweet, and endearing and did care, and she did not know if she wanted that deep love or the love that she had known and that left her meandering about in this story as Máximo worked to get that promotion. For he really thought he was close to getting it, and that prompted him to go the extra mile for Diane and make the investors she was entertaining feel special and feel as though Las Colinas was worth their time, and it worked.

For on New Year’s Eve, they agreed to invest and that made it seem that a happy ending would come forth from Máximo’s boldness with the investors. Not to mention, Julia seemed eager to talk about that kiss, and well… that when’s everything went to hell. Because the promotion went to Héctor instead, prompting a fight between Don Pablo and Máximo, since Máximo thought his mentor betrayed him. Plus, Julia went up on stage with Chad, to accept a proposal to be his wife. Which just put Máximo down in the dumps and made him feel as though Las Colinas was not what we he thought it would be. But while he recovered with Memo’s help and thought of new plans going forward, what mattered more here, was the sheer fact that this episode cemented that this really is a story about life.

Because normally, season finales are happy in nature, not this bittersweet. But this was life on display, and we’ve had those bad holidays where nothing goes right. We’ve had confusing love come into our lives and we ourselves have been in Julia’s shoes and dealt with that level of confusion. Not to mention, we’ve been passed over for jobs that we are qualified for and that makes this… a brilliant finale. One that sets the stage for more realism in season two. Because Máximo doesn’t know about Julia’s conflict yet, but he will. And a love is in jeopardy, now that Nora has seen something stunning and of course… we get to see an estranged father trying to reconcile with his son. Because this series just gets it and knows how to draw us further into this amazing story, about amazing people, living an amazing life. Until next season.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Penelope’.
​
One truth about life that we all preach at some point or another, is that modern life can be so supremely overwhelming. After all, we have to maintain full-time jobs that demand so much of us. Not to mention, we have family and friends we need to keep happy, and that’s not an easy task when we are required to stay connected to the world through social media and other digital hobbies that hold our attention, and that all wears on us and leaves us eager to just get away from it all. Which is why so many of us, head to nature. To reconnect and find peace and sometimes… that is so refreshing and so lovely… we dream of a day where we can pack up ourselves or our family and just escape to it forever.

But alas, those dreams are always fleeting. Because bills, commitments and the grind always find a way to call us back. Leaving all of us wonder how we find better balance in life and whether or not our escape plan would ever be possible. Well as it turns out, there happens to be a brand-new series on Netflix that explores such matters, and that makes, Penelope, quite the unique and refreshing series. Since it ponders upon the powerful idea of whether or escaping into nature is plausible, through quite the unique lens. Specifically, through the eyes of a sixteen-year-old girl named, Penelope. Who we learn in ‘One’ is a different kind of teenager. For she is bored with the technology that connects her to her family and connects her to the world. She wants something more, something different, something beautiful. 

Which she appears to find while out on a family camping trip. Because while out there, with nature, she comes to realize there is more out there than post updates and texts from everyone. There’s a living and breathing world, that embraces silence and is seething with life and that prompts Penelope, to do something drastic. Wherein she opts one morning to borrow her mother’s credit card to buy a massive camping haul… so that she can leave the world behind. Which sets in motion a grand adventure for Penelope, one where she meets a kind friend along the way before settling into the heart of a national park. A place she wishes to call home so that she can understand a peace she’s never known and connect with a world that doesn’t require a password.

Which informs us the exploration in question won’t take place over a singular episode, but over the course of the entire season and that’s a wonderful thing. Because as much as we want to do what Penelope does here, we don’t know if it is feasible, and we don’t know what it would be like to do so. So, instead, we get to live vicariously through this teenager and this ambitious project, to learn those answers and explore a story that is unlike any other. Because there is no story this writer can think of, that ponders upon that kind of desire from a teenager instead of an adult, but it is welcome, and it is an exciting prospect to enjoy a story this original and this refreshing.

Simply because of how we are all craving the freshest ideas possible right now, and also because… there’s some powerful potential here, storytelling wise, to do new things with the coming-of-age genre of storytelling, and a real chance to ponder deeply upon our current relationship with nature and technology. All of which brings forth a stunning and refreshing series premiere. One that really does draw you into Penelope’s life and compels you to see what lie ahead for her, for she is truly about to take us on a fascinating journey. One brought forth by a powerful creative duo consisting of Mark Duplass (co-writer) and Mel Eslyn (co-writer and director), and it will be incredible to learn at last if getting away from it all will fix us, as season one of this story continues along. Until next time.

​For the most part, stories about loss and learning how to cope with it, are very dry and somber in nature and it makes sense as to why. Because losing someone in our lives in any capacity, is a scary, scary thought, and a powerhouse venture to overcome. For it is a process that involves letting so much go so we can cope. So, we can live. So, those stories take that process head on and explore what it looks like and how tough it will be, and we absolutely accept that formula and that style because well, why would we not see such matters as anything but somber and grave, and as a perfect way for us to understand how to handle an inevitability.
​
But while that does make for an impactful story, there is a drawback with always going that route. For not everyone processes such matters in a somber style. Some get over it faster than expected and just need a handy guide, and some process it through humor, and all those styles should be represented. Because everyone turns to stories to learn and grow and that is why a new series on Apple TV+ is of note. For this Wednesday will see the arrival of Where’s Wanda? A story that ponders upon notions of loss and how we cope and sometimes cope badly with it, through the lens of dark comedy no less, and that dark and humorous style is what makes this series special. Because it does open up new lessons for all, and it accomplishes such feats through its unique plot.

For in this story, we are introduced to the Klatt family who at first, are living their best lives. For Carlotta and Dedo have a healthy marriage and are good parents to Leo and Wanda and go through things that all families go through good or bad. But one day, Wanda goes missing, and no one can locate her despite the best efforts of the police and the media… for months on end. Which leaves Carlotta and Dedo in a devastated place. That is until a hint that their daughter might be alive, gives them quite the idea. In that, there’s a chance that Wanda is fine, and she might be captive in a nearby home since no one has had reason to check within the walls of their neighbors. So, Dedo decides that they should pose as electricians and use that disguise to install cameras into the homes of their neighbors… to find Wanda.

Which is, a unique plot that showcases all kinds of equally as unique ideas about healing. Because in many ways, this act gives Carlotta and Dedo purpose and direction, and it gives them a distraction and it of course, leads to some fascinating insight into the lives of their neighbors, and well, that helps us to understand… that part of the process of learning about loss, and overcoming it, involves distraction, and a genuinely healthy time window, in which to process the possibility that we will lose people in our lives, or help us process that we have. Which is indeed handled with some goofy moments and outright comedy and well, this works. Because it does teach us about loss, and it does showcase a journey for this family. One that is fascinating for certain, and it just so happens that this journey of discovery leads to one impressive aspect of this refreshing and original story.

In that… it keeps us in suspense as it teaches our main characters their unique lessons. Because there is no real hint regarding Wanda’s fate either way. She’s in limbo here and that keeps the audience engaged, as does what we see play out in the homes of others and well, all of this brings together, a refreshing and wildly entertaining series. One that speaks honestly about how hard it is cope with loss and how the process is far more complex than we know… with jokes thrown in to make the lessons stick, and the best news of all, is that you can see this unique new story in just a few days. For the first two episodes of Where’s Wanda? drop on Wednesday and we cannot wait for you to see it, nor can we wait to share our interviews with the cast, as we inch toward the arrival of this original and dynamic new show.   

Caution: This rapid recap of Episode 540 of ‘Love After Lockup’ contains spoilers.

Please enjoy this rapid recap of the season finale (Episode 540) of Love After Lockup on WE tv, along with a refresher clip!

EPISODE 540 (FINALE) – “Exes and Oh No’s” – Aired September 27th on We TV at 8pm ET/PT
True’s lies are exposed. Kim’s cousin makes a shocking allegation about Joey at their engagement party. Tensions rise when Troy reunites with his ex. Bianca finally meets her fiancé, Daniel, at his release. Christine’s dream becomes a nightmare.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Three Women’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
One particular truth about human sexuality that we don’t like to acknowledge in the slightest, is that a double standard exists when it comes to sexual desire in our world. For instance, men that work to sow their oats and be intimate with as many partners as possible, are seen as men that have a healthy sexual appetite, and oddly enough, if they desire multiple partners in a committed relationship, then they’re simply a stud. Someone who is blessed with a high drive and we think little of it. Because that’s just how human nature sometimes goes. But if a woman has a high sexual appetite, or desires multiple partners while in a committed relationship… well… she is seen in a different light. In fact, she is seen in quite the negative one.

Wherein people view her through derogatory descriptions and look down upon her and God forbid if she is ambitious to go with that appetite. Because that only adds to the hypocrisy present. Because then she’s a new whole level of monstrous, while men in that same vein are of course, seen as heroes. Because for some reason, we have bullshit expectations of women in this life, when it is perfectly normal for a woman to be ambitious and harbor a high sex drive. But we don’t acknowledge this, and we certainly don’t explore what kinds of pressures women face when they decide to break from the mold and have sex and chase their dreams. But thankfully, that experience was put on display in the next episode of Three Women on STARZ.

For ‘sloane’ focused upon that very character and explored every corner of her life and her appetites and wants, and it made sure to showcase… that any woman that has, drive and ambition, and sexual wants… face a lot of pressure and a lot of scrutiny. Since Sloane had to spend most of this episode, defending herself, defending her wants and dispelling thoughts that she was arrogant because she wanted more out of life than most. Not to mention, this episode made it clear how mothers can impart some of this pressure since they have things to say to their daughters grounded in generational trauma that counteracts what the heart wants and that made, for one powerful and harrowing tale. One that truly informed us that an ounce of ambition or desire, are viewed with disdain and seen as some sort of mental health issue, when it’s fine for men.

Speaking of men, this episode also made a point not only showcase the hypocrisy in question but its source point. Since Sloane’s husband worked often to ‘talk sense’ into her and downplay her desires because of a need to control and a need to feel as though he was the harbinger of desire and the only person who could supply her with what she needed in this life, all while pursuing his own desires and wants when he pleased. Which spoke to how many men out there, fear independence from women because of deeply outdated world views and traditions that no longer have a place in 2024. Because we live in a different world now and that was the point of showcasing all the chaos that surrounded Sloane. To point out, sexual status and clout and ambition are no longer exclusive for men, and never were really, and that… it all matters little in this modern life. 

Because that journey belongs to that person, and they can live their life as they see fit and forge their own path. What matters more, is whether or not they’re a good person. Because time and time again, we’ve seen ambitious men that are players of sorts that are outright human garbage, that deserve no awe. But they get it because we cherish that nonsense over decency and that lesson and seeing how women that harbor similar traits to Sloane are treated in this life, made for an eye-opening episode. One that really pointed out that we have to stop with this crap and let people just live and judge their accomplishments over anything else. Because no one deserves such scrutiny over matters that are none of our business, and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this poignant journey, it’s onto the next one and undoubtedly, more powerful lessons that we need to take to heart. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Penultimate Episode of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
In the everyday world, there are few things more beautiful, than a wedding. For that ceremony and that moment, truly encapsulates one of the best aspects of the human condition. For it is all about the wonder of love and finding our person in the sea of humanity that surrounds us, and we hold love up to the world and showcase its wonder on this day, because love truly is a beautiful thing and everyone that joins in to see two people come together as one, feels nothing but pride and joy for those lucky and blessed individuals. For they have something special to cherish and on that special day, no one will speak ill of the wonder they’ve found because weddings are about as sacred as they come.

In fact, we cherish weddings and love so much, that we really don’t believe anything negative can come out of them. But that is simply not the case, because if concerns are there, it might not be the right union and not to mention… there are marriages in this world that are unsavory in nature for a bevy of reasons and some people simply don’t want to a see a particular union take place. So, there are indeed sad weddings out there and it just so happened, that one was put on display in the penultimate episode of Power Book II: Ghost. For ‘Married to the Game’ saw the pending nuptials of Noma and Cane Tejada on the horizon and it was most certainly not a special day for the Tejada family. Because they knew, it was a sham.

Plus, no one in the family cared for Noma being around Cane in any capacity, and that brought about… lots of sour moments. For instance, the rehearsal dinner was an outright disaster. Courtesy of the bad blood present here, and the ugly past that everyone shared. All of which made it clear that the only people that wanted this union or would find any joy within it, were Cane and Noma, and even then… their attempts to spin it as something positive was equally as silly as the concept itself. Since post dinner, they each spent the evening in the arms of another. Making it clear that going through the motions was pointless, but they were convinced it was the only way to sell a real love to the feds to get what they wanted for their growing drug empire. 

All of which made it seem the next to last episode of the show was going to go wax philosophical on the hollow nature of the game and the strange effect it has on those involved when power and money are on the line. But that was merely the setup to an explosive ride, one filled with treachery and sorrow. Because dark plans were in motion. For Carter and Noma set Tariq and Monet up to be killed, and had it not been for an off the cuff comment from Effie and other dealers, Diana and Dru would have never put together that their mom was going to be ambushed. Which allowed for Monet to fight another day and fake her and Tariq’s death so they could go on the offensive and take Carter and Noma out through a carefully laid plan to catch them off guard at the wedding, and when Carter did his usual confessional.
​
But alas, the best laid plans against outright monsters, fell to pieces. Because Tariq hesitated when it came to Carter, and that allowed for the salty cop to get the drop on him and arrest him. Which forced a supremely high Brayden to step in and chase down and capture Carter. Leaving Tariq at a crossroads as to what to do with a cop, and the worst-case scenario played out at the wedding. Because Carter got word to Noma before he was put into his own handcuffs. Who in turn interrogated her ‘husband’ and eventually found herself in a firefight with the rest of the Tejadas. Who came to kill her and save Cane and well, that ended in a shocking manner. With Monet losing her life in a blaze of glory to save Cane, save her children, and that stunning moment is where this shocking tale left us. Grieving Monet and wondering… what lie ahead.

Because now the stage is set for a bloody, vengeful finale, and Monet’s passing hints at the very real possibility that no one is safe. But while we wait to see what comes next, we can celebrate, one of Ghost’s finest stories to date. Because this one truly fooled us and made us believe we were going somewhere else story wise, before it downright shocked us and broke our hearts. Which means a round of applause is in order for Mary J. Blige. For turning in four amazing seasons of work as Monet Tejada, and for wowing us in this tale with a powerful exit, and Woody McClain also deserves applause for turning in his finest work at Cane here and showing us a side of the character, we’ve never seen, and the loss of Monet will indeed hang over heavy over the final episode of this show. One that will undoubtedly be epic and stunning, courtesy of the war that has now been declared against the St. Patrick and Tejada families. Until next time.

For the most part, crime dramas in this day and age are fixated upon…  well… murder and mayhem. For they feature one hideous murder after another, and they often harbor criminals that want to cause great harm and that’s not a bad thing (storytelling wise) by any means. Because it does provide us with some harrowing and engaging stories. That satisfy, since eventually, the murderer and/or the crook are caught and put behind bars, and we love our lead detective for it. But we often forget that there are more crimes out there than just murder and chaos.
​
For there are folks who steal cars for a living. Those who commit fraud, and those who rob people in other ways. Not to mention, there’s even people that try to steal and counterfeit art and thankfully, as peak television continues, more crime dramas are coming forth that explore such matters, as evidenced by today’s announcement. For earlier, Acorn TV let it be known that Stephen Moyer will be the lead in their new Art World Crime Drama, Art Detectives. Giving rise to a fresh chapter in the crime drama genre, one that will indeed present us with a different kind of story and some vastly unique characters and criminals, and to do this announcement proper justice, here are all the details on this upcoming show, courtesy of Acorn TV.

‘AMC Networks’ popular international streamer, Acorn TV, today announced the greenlight of a new aesthetically pleasing crime drama, Art Detectives, led by Stephen Moyer (True Blood, Sexy Beast), who also executive produces.
 
Art Detectives, a Black Dog Television production co-produced and distributed by Dynamic Television, is a compelling new original crime series centered around the Heritage Crime Unit, a police department consisting of art loving DI Mick Palmer (Moyer) and straight-talking DC Shazia Malik (Nina Singh – Chemistry of Death, The Lazarus Project). Together, they solve murders connected to the world of art and antiques, from Old Master paintings, to Banksy street art, medieval manuscripts and collectible vinyl.
 
Throughout the season, the artfully astute detectives encounter a fake Vermeer, Viking gold, a rare Chinese vase and items rescued from the Titanic. It’s a rich and colorful world driven by greed, obsession, lust and revenge. Mick navigates these demanding cases while managing a budding romance with museum curator Rosa (Sarah Alexander – Coupling, Green Wing) and the sudden reappearance of his charismatic father, Ron (Larry Lamb – Gavin & Stacey, EastEnders), who just happens to be one of Britain’s most notorious forgers.
 
“I’m very excited to bring the slightly quirky Mick Palmer to life in this wonderfully creative detective series,” shares Moyer. “The writing team on Art Detectives have done a great job of cleverly weaving together intriguing storylines, notable pieces of art and a bit of history thrown in for good measure. I’m excited to lead the cast along with the lovely Nina Singh, brilliantly funny Sarah Alexander and my dear old pal Larry Lamb.”
 
“Art Detectives is a rare and witty crime drama that audiences will get absorbed by. From the sharp dialogue to the mesmerizing artwork and the edge-of-your-seat twists, this series will wow viewers from start to finish. We’re thankful to the incomparable Stephen, Nina, Sarah and Larry as well as our partners at Black Dog, Dynamic and Northern Ireland Screen for coming together on this wonderful series,” added Catherine Mackin, Managing Director, Acorn Media Enterprises/Acorn TV.
 
Art Detectives will be filmed entirely in Belfast and the surrounding countryside of Northern Ireland. Production is currently underway and will debut in 2025. 
 
Paul Powell, executive producer for Black Dog Television, said “We can’t wait for viewers to meet and fall in love with Mick and Shazia, as they deal with priceless artworks, devious forgeries and obsessive collectors. Not to mention theft, revenge and murder!”
 
Art Detectives is written by Dan Gaster, Will Ing, Paul Powell, Emma Goodwin (Ep 3) and Kitty Percy (Ep 4) and directed by Declan O’Dwyer and Jennie Paddon. The series is executive produced by Gaster, Ing and Powell for Black Dog Television, Catherine Mackin and Bea Tammer for Acorn TV/Acorn Media Enterprises, Daniel March and Klaus Zimmermann for Dynamic Television and Stephen Moyer. Candida Julian-Jones produces.
 
Art Detectives is an Acorn TV Original Series produced by Black Dog Television, Acorn Media Enterprises, Dynamic Television and Northern Ireland Screen. Dynamic Television is the worldwide distributor and Acorn TV holds North American rights.
 
About Acorn TV
AMC Networks’ Acorn TV is North America’s largest streaming service specializing in premium British and international television. Acorn TV adds exclusive programming every week to a deep library of revered mysteries, dramas, and comedies – all commercial-free. Acorn TV’s recent slate is comprised of critically acclaimed commissioned and original series including popular New Zealand detective series My Life Is Murder (Lucy Lawless), acclaimed Irish crime thriller Bloodlands (James Nesbitt, co-executive produced by Jed Mercurio), British crime drama Whitstable Pearl (Kerry Godliman), Kiwi romantic comedy Under the Vines and British detective drama Dalgliesh (Bertie Carvel), to name a few. Current and upcoming Acorn TV Original Series include UK detective drama Harry Wild (Jane Seymour), Signora Volpe (Emilia Fox), The Chelsea Detective (Adrian Scarborough) and many more. The above add to a growing catalog of popular bingeable dramas including Jack Irish (Guy Pearce), Doc Martin (Martin Clunes), Deadwater Fell (David Tennant, Cush Jumbo), all 24 seasons of fan-favorite Midsomer Murders and highly-rated drama The Nest, among others.
 
“glorious streaming service… an essential must-have” – The Hollywood Reporter
“Netflix for the Anglophile” – NPR
 
Acorn TV is available for $7.99/month or $79.99/year. Facebook: OfficialAcornTV – Twitter: @AcornTV – Instagram: @Acorn_tv
 
About Black Dog Television
Black Dog Television is a UK television production company specialising in comedy and drama. Previous productions include comedy series Insert Name Here (BBC Two) starring Sue Perkins, Richard Osman and Josh Widdicombe and quiz show Alexander Armstrong’s Big Ask (UKTV). They created the fantasy sitcom Zapped (UKTV) starring Paul Kaye, Sharon Rooney and James Buckley and the critically acclaimed children’s comedy Pickle Storm (CBBC).
 
About Dynamic Television
Dynamic Television is a production and distribution company with a global strategy to bring premium television programming to worldwide audiences. Dynamic is now filming HARRY WILD Season 4 starring Jane Seymour for Acorn and ZDF and season 2 of the critically acclaimed DROPS OF GOD for AppleTV+.  Dynamic is also in production on Netflix’s GINNY & GEORGIA, now in Season 3 and the highly rated crime procedural THE SOMMERDAHL MURDERS in Season 6.  Previous series include VAN HELSING and DAY OF THE DEAD for Syfy; the hit Icelandic series TRAPPED; and ABC Australia’s #1 new show SAVAGE RIVER starring Katherine Langford.
 
About Northern Ireland Screen
Northern Ireland Screen is the national screen agency for Northern Ireland. It is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all its activities and projects. The organization supports the development of a dynamic and sustainable screen industry and provides opportunities for all communities to engage with and benefit from screen culture. For more information, please visit northernirelandscreen.co.uk.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘The Chicken Sisters’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
If there is one particular question that has been hanging over the magnificent Hallmark+ series, The Chicken Sisters, it would have to be… what does it take to begin to bring about change in our lives, when we are haunted by our past and filled with bitterness over it? Because through four episodes, we simply haven’t seen any progress from Mae and Amanda, and that’s not a bad thing. Because real impactful change takes time, but at the same time… we are also eager to see these folks, heal. For they are tortured by yesterday and stuck in misery and it is hard to watch people we know are capable of better, suffering in this manner through and through. Which is why, this week’s episode is of note.

For ‘It’s the Drop, Y’all’ took the time to explore some of the avenues that ignite change within us, and it accomplished such a feat by way of the big event known as the Drop. Where everyone gathered under one roof for leggings and for chocolate wine, yes… chocolate wine… to gab and gossip and buy some new leggings and well, it really was the perfect place to bring about change, especially since… the status quo continued for a better part of this tale for Amanda and Mae. Since Mae held tight to the lies, she was telling and simply did not know how to escape them, and Amanda… was tasked with sticking to her marriage for the sake of appearances and be as miserable as can be. 

So, when the time came to enjoy that choco-wine and be in a place where gossip ruled the day, this duo was forced to finally reflect on their lives and all the other elements we’ve discussed thus far. In part because, a lot of hard truth was sent their way. For instance, Sabrina made it clear that she despised Mae because of their sordid past in New York City, and that allowed for Mae to reflect upon her journey, of the selfish nature of it and realize… she had to make everything right. But she was nervous to do so, until the town decided to talk smack about her and her mom, and that pushed her to let loose and embrace honesty and even tell her fiancé about her lies. Because Mae finally realized the truth and embracing her past and who she has always been, would set her free. Informing us that reflection and fatigue regarding those of us who have handled our problems like Mae, is the key to breaking free.

As for Amanda, well… she needed a different kind of push. Because despite being told to play nice and be a good wife and love a man that she knew deep down she no longer loved, she struggled to go along with that plan. She thought of Sergio, she pondered upon what freedom might feel like and what life might be like away from the chaos of being seen and not heard. But she simply could not get over the hump and find agency. She just went along with it, until a shocker came forth at the party. In that, Frank Jr. went and had a vasectomy behind her back. Which was the ultimate slap in the face for her, and that prompted her… to go home and confront him, and ponder deeply upon what comes next. All because she finally had the truth in front of her, and that can be a grand motivator to help us find our way back and deal with our problems so we can move forward.

Not to mention, even Gus enjoyed a bit of a wakeup call when it was pointed out to her that she doesn’t express emotion to her daughters and that’s really it. We really just need a catalyst point to understand that things have to change. For some, it’s a rock-bottom moment where the only way up is to make alterations to a lifestyle. But here, it was about being honest with oneself, about the mistakes we’ve made, and freeing ourselves of that burden and understanding where our life is really at and how it needs to change and that, made for one surprising tale. Because now, it would seem, this show is about the healing journey, and how we do it and that’s quite exciting to say the least. Because that’s the stuff we need on television right now, since that is positive and uplifting and that likely means the chicken sisters are on a new path now, one free from the trappings of their past and their present. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that we all love the idea of having complete and utter control in our lives. Simply because, we learn pretty early on that life can be chaos and can throw curveballs our way when it comes to our plans and our desires. So having control would save us the heartache and the struggle of dealing with such matters. Which is why we try to put together a solid plan for our career path, for our relationships and everything else that matters deeply to us. So, we can exert that all-important control and enjoy the grand payoff for our efforts. Wherein we find the gig we want, and enjoy a love for the ages, and so on, and so on.
​
But what’s interesting about this particular want, is that is tends to go awry for a great deal of people. Because what we also come to learn, or don’t, depending upon the situation… is that the control we exert over people, paths and everything in between, only goes so far. And if we aren’t willing and able to adapt when we lose it, to regain some measure of it… things will fall apart. Not to mention, if we try to control things too tightly, serious disaster can come into play. If anything, that darker side of what happens when we try to exert too much control over others is top of mind today, simply because the next episode of Heels dives into it with gusto. A feat that ‘Cheap Heat’ accomplishes, by taking us back to the Duffy Dome for a very important night in the DWL.

For on this night, Ace Spade was to make his triumphant return to the ring. Wherein he would redeem himself as the true Face of the Duffy Wrestling League and put on a show for the ages. But deep down, Jack wasn’t good with that. He firmly believed that Ace was a Heel in waiting and well, he exerted all kinds of hyper control to get what he wanted for his dream and for the league. So, he put together quite the plan to humiliate Ace through and through. First, by hiring someone to distribute packets of tissues to the audience. So that they could throw them at Ace and mock him and piss him off, and then the next phase would come into play. One that involved the arrival of wrestling ringer, Ricky Rabies. Which would put butts in the seats and fire into the belly of Ace. Who would think he was being overshadowed. 

All of which worked like a charm, and indeed brought forth what Jack wanted, a true turn to a Heel and well, that’s when that examination came into play. Because this episode informed us that two key things will happen when we try to exert this much control. First, we will alienate good people around us. Because Rooster’s fury only grew as this episode went along. Because he knew he was the best in the league, and he knew that he was being pushed aside and overshadowed by Ace’s storyline and that wounded him. Because he wanted to show his worth, wanted his shot at a belt after all these years, and Jack’s desire to hold to the story and keep Ace in line, began to push Rooster away and sow discontent in his very soul, and that’s bad news and proof positive of the folly of control.
​
Of course, this also had grave impact upon Ace as well. Because it genuinely messed with his already fragile mind. After all, here is a man that cried in the ring, in front of his hometown, and people he’s grown up with, and found himself mocked even further and had his star diminished. All so Jack could have what we wanted for sales, and the end result… was that Jack unleashed an actual monster. Because he unlocked the worst parts of Ace to get the Heel he wanted in the ring, and that led to real abuse from Ace toward Crystal and Willie, and an understanding from Jack that he pushed too hard and too far and undoubtedly will suffer from it. All of which, spoke deeply to the damage we cause when we try to hold onto everything far too tight, and to properly hammer home this lesson, the show had one other lovely surprise up its sleeve.

In that, it also explored briefly, WHY we are sometimes so desperate to exert control, and it relates to in some instances, fully understanding how little control we actually have in life. Since this all related to the fact that Jack was struggling to reconcile his father’s passing, and the reasons for that passing, and that really hammered home that we cling to control tightly when we feel we it, slipping away around us. All of which added incredible depth and incredible humanity to a flawless episode. One that is even better the second time around when you also know what lie ahead. Specifically, when it comes to Crystal and Staci. But that aside, this was a powerful character study about something painfully relatable, presented to us through characters that resemble all of us in some form or fashion, and stumble just as we do and that makes this a poignant episode for certain, one that truly reminds us of the sheer brilliance of this series. Until next time.