Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 304 of ‘Under the Vines’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

When we enter new chapter in our lives, one that involves growth and gives us a chance to breathe for just a moment, there’s a strange little part of our brains that leads us to believe, that’s it. We’ve reached an apex point of peace and happiness and there’s nothing left for us to learn. Simply because our brains want to embrace that calm and embrace that wonder for as long as possible… when in fact, there are still growth points on the horizons. For there are always moments where we can learn, where we need to grow, in a manner that can be simple, critical or devastating and that’s why we often find ourselves shocked when those new moments of growth arrive.

But we need to continue to embrace them nonetheless and be open to change because we are ever evolving creatures that can learn so much, and never was this more evident than during this week’s episode of Under the Vines on Acorn TV. For so many found moments of growth in ‘The Scenic Route’ and faced hard truths… despite thinking a status quo had arrived. Take Tippy for instance, who thought she had settled into a safe routine that resembled what life would look life for an expecting mother. Wherein she had to suck up any concerns and not express any worries because moms were to be tough and know the way. But a visit with Nic, and the honesty exuded there taught Tippy, to ignore that advice, and forge a path that made her happy and she decided to take a break from the vineyard to begin that process.

Plus, Louis and Daisy also had quite the moment of growth in this tale, despite thinking otherwise. For they had settled into their routines and settled into what they thought were next chapters in their lives, only to discover they still had unfinished business, specifically with one another. A truth and lesson they discovered via a messed-up road trip. Where Louis went to pick up a thoughtful gift for Daisy as she picked up her wedding dress material, and well, a break down in the car allowed for them to finally talk about their feelings and about the draw they felt toward one another and that brought about some hurtful and honest moments, the kind where truth was expressed and where they both came to learn… that they needed to have more honest talks like this and dive deep into how they really feel about one another. Because that’s what helps us to truly grow and find peace in life, especially when the heart calls.

But of course, while that was a powerful moment to sit through, one that could have carried this episode, it still had more to offer us, through Don. Who came to learn that old lessons apply at any age and that sometimes… we need to objectively evaluate our relationships and what keeps them thriving to make sure they’re healthy, and well, William helped Don revisit and learn such lessons. Because he was in Don and Marissa’s life often, and suddenly eager to partner up the two vineyards and well, that somehow excited Marissa and helped Don to understand… be careful who you let into your life sometimes because the wrong parties will upend it as William began to do here. Since he began to pull Marissa away and make Don feel inadequate, all because he needed to look at the relationship and ponder upon if he was giving Marissa what she needed and vice versa or if their love was transactional and only joyous because of work.
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All of which made, for quite the stunning tale. One that thankfully, did not offer quick resolution on any of the matters here. Because in real life, there is no fast resolution to moments this deep and thoughtful, there’s merely the lesson and the work that accompanies figuring out we have something to learn. Which is likely what lie ahead. Since now Tippy has to find herself and understand her path for growth and happiness as a mother and a vintner since balance is key for a mom, and Louis and Daisy need to figure out what and who their heart desires and Don has a lot to understand regarding his marriage. That likely means, the final two episodes will ponder upon such deep matters and that’s just fine, since it gives us more wondrous concepts to feast upon, the kind that speak to the wonder and the folly of life… as only this perfect little series, can. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The Anonymous’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to enjoy and discuss the fascinating new USA Network reality competition series, The Anonymous, it truly seemed as though, the unexpected was going to rule the day. For both the audience and those in the thick of the fight. For just like that, new handles were sent forth to keep everyone guessing regarding the true identities of the many contestants on the show and of course… three new souls were brought into the mix. Giving rise to real surprise across the board and real potential for no alliances or strategies to take place. But as last night’s episode pointed out, that might not be the case.

Simply because the reveal that Victoria was granted the title of The Anonymous, and the fact that she sent Robbi packing in the opening moments of ‘Build. Bluff. Betray.’, because Victoria saw her as an incredible threat… left everyone surprised and left the ladies in the group, gravely concerned about a pattern. In that, four eliminations brought forth the exit of four women. Dwindling down that number and truly tipping the scales of the competition in a supremely gender bias manner. Which left the women in the competition wondering, was it possible to ally and do something about such matters? Which was a fair question… one that took little time to bring forth an answer.

In that, the women in this competition decided, that the one-sided eliminations had to stop, plain and simple. So, they simply banded together and agreed it was high time to shift the chat and the votes for elimination to the men. Which added to one intense chat, one that spoke to everyone becoming more comfortable with the game, and how they understood how best to fire off the right words to elicit some spicy responses, and potentially eek out truth about who was behind what avatar. But what mattered most, is that the alliance 99% worked. Because it put multiple men up for elimination, with one exception via Lilly. Who put up Nina as part of her strategy to be The Anonymous. But she more or less believed that Nina would be okay, and that move was the one that led to the least amount of drama in this tale.

After all, Christopher and Victoria were feeling the vibe between one another and getting hot and heavy in this story, and that brought about surprise for all of us when Victoria threw Christopher under the bus once more by putting him up for elimination. Leaving all of us to wonder if she’s playing him like a fiddle all along, and there was solid tea, courtesy of one hell of a second Face-Off. For Kevin decided during said Face-Off… to really push those around him to see if he could reveal some secrets to keep them from becoming The Anonymous and to see if he could tip the scales in his favor and get the safety box. But instead, his plan backfired, and no answers were given, and he didn’t land immunity in the end. Instead that honor fell to Dillian, who in turn… was forced to make quite the call.

For DANI made it clear this immunity came with a price, wherein Dillian had to trade places with another player and put them at risk, and in keeping with the concern about the gender bias, Dillian chose Jack. Which brough about an intense elimination ceremony, wherein we learned that Kevin and Christopher were the true at-risk contestants, making it clear that next week, the scales will shift. But while we wait to learn which man is going home, we can celebrate one epic competition. One that saw a powerful new strategy emerge and work and saw skill sets that should provide an advantage, fail miserably, along with some fine drama and questions regarding where alliances lie, and of course… all of this leaves us eager to see what lies ahead. For this unique competition continues to enthrall and captivate us, especially now that everyone is comfortable and willing to go hard to mold it to their liking, to win it all. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Mr. Throwback’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to enjoy, and discuss, the phenomenal Peacock series, Mr. Throwback, it truly seemed as though the jig was up for Danny Grossman. After all, Stephen Curry revealed to the world that Charlie Grossman was… ‘sick’… and that of course was something she heard live and well, there was no way she would stand for that, right? For children are pure, children understand right from wrong and want nothing to do with the sins of their parents. Or so we are led to believe. Since that surprise led to one incredible decision on Charlie’s part, along with other surprises in the next episode of the show, the kind that showcased once again… why people lean into hard lies that benefit themselves.

Feats that ‘The Only Way Out Is Through’ accomplished, by shocking us out of the gate. In that, Charlie was in fact… good with the lie. Because she quickly came to understand what it would do for her standing, and the benefits it could send her way. So, she leaned into it, took full advantage of it and just like that, the Grossman family was everywhere, and they were raising awareness for uh… an illness that didn’t exist yet. But this was a fine reminder that given the chance at the right age to have it all, a kid will take it and enjoy every single second of it and well, this newfound joy from Charlie led to fresh scrutiny regarding the lie. Because Kimberly had questions, a lot of them in fact.

Because something about this whole mess, including how quickly Charlie was everywhere and embracing the limelight made her think that perhaps… Danny was indeed lying hard. So, she pressed Danny and did everything she could to try and expose the truth about this. To no avail of course, because Danny pushed back and won the day. In part out of pride but also because of the lesson at hand. Which in this instance, explored how… a lie can bring people that haven’t had joy and opportunity, a slice of happiness. The kind that is intoxicating and infectious and well, Danny truly enjoyed seeing his daughter in the limelight and embracing the attention and awe she was receiving. So, he absolutely battled it out to keep that going for her.

But while we’ve spent several episodes now learning about the nature of why, regarding the nature of the lie, one particular truth about them we’ve yet to see on display… is how they begin to crumble and well, this episode offered up the bare beginnings of that. In part because an attempt from Mitch to reconcile plunged him into the lie and helped him to understand that he created a generational nightmare and that might have pushed him to drink again, and that could help begin to shatter the walls of the lie due to the impact its now had upon someone who is remorseful. And of course, we also came to learn that the lie is not sustainable and that its allure doesn’t last forever. Because popularity and attention mean nothing when they aren’t earned. So, Charlie decided she had enough of the lie, and Sam even went so far as to have Dr. Josh test Charlie’s blood to well, expose it all. Because it had run its course.

All of which informed us, it is only a matter of days now before the house of cards that Danny has built will come crumbling down. Because of what took place here from his family and because… lies always collapse. For the truth does prevail. But while we wait to see how that happens, we can celebrate one brilliant and thoughtful tale. One that truly explored reasons we don’t think about when it comes to why people lie, along with a fine understand of how honesty begins to win the day. Plus, the laughs were as stellar as ever thanks to Stephen Curry again. Whose side hustles here were just amazing through and through and well, now that we’ve reached seemingly the end of the lie, it’s time to hit play on the next episode and see what accountability looks like and how Danny will handle it. Until next time.

It really is quite amazing, what inspires change in our lives. Because one would think that a sum of lessons, be them sour or be them wondrous, would be what properly inspires us to get our lives together or to perhaps pursue that which makes us happy. But in reality, it is a singular moment that inspires change. For instance, a brush with something scary is what can help us to understand we need to get our crap together and be better… and work toward that… or it is a singular moment that teaches us we can be more, and we can have it all if we put in the work and enact change. If anything, that moment is top of mind today, simply because it was put on display in the next episode of Acapulco on Apple TV+.

For ‘Uptown Girl’ saw present day Máximo tell his nephew of that critical moment from his past. One that came forth, through one magical love affair. For while he was licking his wounds over Julia… since she left with Chad for a romantic getaway, he ran into… Becca. The lovely lady he crossed paths with at the wedding and well, she wanted to get to know him better and invited him out for a day on the town. Something Don Pablo was fine with, because the guest gets what they want. But it was more than that for Máximo. It was indeed a chance to be free and enjoy a whirlwind day with a beautiful woman and taste the good life as well. Since he was able to go to the richest places in town he only knew of.

But more importantly, he finally felt desired and special, and all the time he spent with Becca truly taught him some powerful lessons. In that, he could be more than a pool boy that had to constantly duke it out with Hector and his nonsense. He could be the one that people were catering to, and telling him he gets what he wants, and he could of course enjoy the finer things in life no problem. Of course, he wanted that to happen with Becca, but that wasn’t meant to be. So instead, he simply decided… he would become the man he is today, and that was a powerful moment for certain. One that arrived early in the story, since that’s season finale kind of stuff, but it was welcome and fulfilling, nevertheless. But of course, since this show offers more across the board, it made sure to also build upon what Memo accomplished in the last episode.

Because he really did want to be a valued member of the team, and he truly wanted to be part of something more than everyday life, and well… his wisdom and creativity allowed for that happen. Because there was a massive soccer game on while Máximo was out and about, falling in love, and he wanted to see it and figured out a way to do so in a room that was down for maintenance. And his desire to see the game, with his bestie, allowed for word to get out, and for everyone to drop by the room for a good time. Heck, even Don Pablo got in on the action when the room was filled to the brim with employees. Only because Don Pablo knew this would help morale, so he did nothing from an accountability and standpoint and that allowed for Meme to be seen as the man to come to for great ideas on how to escape the humdrum at work. Giving him exactly what he wanted at last.
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All of which made, for a lovely and inspiring episode. One that truly did explain how Máximo became the titan of industry he is now, and also… how he never let go of his roots. Since we now know that shrimp cocktails have a special meaning for him and that he appreciates his journey. But more so, this episode was a fine reminder to all of us, to think upon our moment. Where we realized we could be more and ask ourselves a question in the process. Did we enact change? Did we follow that edict, or do we have some work to do? Which is a wonderful bit of inspiration and hope to receive from a comedy about a resort in Acapulco, but welcome none the less and well, that means it is onto the next chapter in Máximo’s journey. To see what steps he begins to take to reach his final standing, and if Julia will be at his side somewhere along the line. Since things are not well between her and Chad. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 407 of ‘Snowpiercer’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.
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One truth about change that rings true later in life, is that it doesn’t always come about overnight. It takes time for things to begin to shift a certain way, for decisions to be made to move us down that path. But when it does arrive, it feels instantaneous and shocking, and often leaves us wondering what we could have done to alter it… if the change in question is uncomfortable and bad. So, we think upon the moments that brought us to the one that has us upset, and understand the path, the journey. But what we often forget about change, be it good or be it bad… is that it is in fact, often inspired by a singular moment, or a singular person, depending on the kind of change and that… is what we should focus upon.

For that is how we combat the ugly stuff since we can now attack the root cause, and that is how we embrace the good and well, the genesis of change in the world of Snowpiercer on AMC is top of mind today, simply because the next episode in this powerhouse story explored what brought about such dark times for mankind… and whom… was responsible for such change. Which allowed for ‘A Moth to a Flame’ to offer up one stunning tale filled with loss… and misdirection. Since at first, this story seemed to be about Admiral Anton Milius, and how he ascended from Captain by basically gassing his superior and his wife, who he felt betrayed him since she spoke up about his actions. Before catching up with him in present day, where he seemed to have little concern about Melanie’s return and the unsettling things she discovered.

Because Melanie had some very concerning data about Gemini, and how it was far more toxic that Nima knew and that it could, without more testing… kill all of humanity due to poor interaction with the fledging Ozone Layer. But none of that mattered to Milius in the moment. All that mattered, was the mission and removing any roadblocks to its completion. So, he pushed to get Snowpiercer out of the bunker, with a Gemini payload, and without its creator. For Milius was done with Wilford and made sure to capture Wilford and bring him into the cold to deal with him at last. Which brought forth one powerhouse showdown. For these men were indeed equals and one gross miscalculation on the Admiral’s behalf, led to his icy end. Which brought an end to the first bit of misdirection and led us toward another, wherein it seemed as though… the story was focusing itself on a villain arc. One involving Mister Joseph Wilford. Something reinforced by the fact that he, and Josie, and Layton and Melanie and Alex… made it onto the train.

For that was the perfect set up for a grand, final battle, between good and evil, under the guise of the rocket that might or might not save humanity. But that… is when the story took quite the powerful turn. For dear Mister Wilford did not survive another stint aboard the Snowpiercer. For he was bested by Layton and underwent more humane measures to end his life, but not before revealing, how one man… brought forth all of this change and that in reality… Nima was the person that everyone needed to outright fear. A revelation that came to confirmation as some other very bad things took place. Since Layton and his family were tossed aside after Wilford died, and bad times came upon New Eden. For despite the return of Big Alice, she never docked out of fear that bombs were on the tracks, and that fear was justified. For one was on the tracks and an attempt to remove it may have killed Javi.
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All while Nima and Melanie fought hard over the data and over what could happen if by chance the new data was right and that prompted Nima to say so much about the past, about the hard times so many suffered through. In that, it was all Nima’s fault. He was the one who helped launch CW-7 into the air, and the singular decision to cool the planet, one that he helped make, brought about incredible change, and incredible suffering. All because Nima thought he was the smartest man on the planet, and he also believed that he alone could fix this. Giving rise to more potential dark changes because of his singular line of thinking and truly… it makes Nima the heavy of the entire story. For he brought about the darkness, and he continues to push toward his agenda over doing the right thing and now… the story has changed like never before.

Because it means the finale of this story won’t be like the film and involve a great revolt and some sorrowful finale involving Wilford and his madness. Nor will there be a final showdown between Milius and what is left of humanity. No instead, this story will feature a grand push to right a wrong and impact change away from the path that Nima is trying to forge. To save everything, and that is going to make for one incredible farewell to this series. But while we wait to see how that plays out, we can celebrate an utterly brilliant tale. One that truly surprised us and raised the stakes like never before and that will make the wait for next week’s episode quite painful, as we step into the endgame for this brilliant and poignant series. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘My Lady Jane’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that fans of the Prime Video series, My Lady Jane, were in quite the nervous state at the end of the last episode. After all, Jane was left motionless on the very lawn of the castle she inherited as Queen, courtesy of a royal throttling from her ruthless sister Mary. Leaving all of us to wonder if she would be okay going forward or if this story had another bold plot twist in mind. Because hey, this show doesn’t mess around with surprises. But thankfully, the next episode took the time to quickly inform us that Jane was okay after all, and that this brush with death… would be beneficial in nature to all of England.

Simply because Jane was revitalized in ‘I’m Gonna Change the World’. Because she understood her standing as the Queen of England now and knew that if she expected to stay alive and maintain that standing, she would need to be vigilant and she would need to assert herself in every way imaginable. And after Susannah informed her that Lord Seymour’s crack forces attacked the Ethians in the forest in the name of the Queen… she took her bold first steps in being a strong leader… for all of England. First by disbanding every military program aimed at the Ethians before finally figuring out how to start to unify the country and of course… defeat Mary for all time.

As it turned out… killing her with kindness was the way to go. Since Jane came to realize that Mary’s hatred of Ethians and the hate in her heart was her outright weakness. So, Jane sent an invite for the Ethian to join her at the forthcoming coronation party in her honor and while that went out into the world… Jane got back to everyday life. Which involved trying to reconcile the reality that there might not be a cure for Guildford and reconciling the fact… she was in fact, madly in love with him. In fact, they freakin’ finally crossed the threshold of ‘will they or won’t they’ in this tale, and they most certainly DID. Giving rise to new stakes for Jane regarding Guildford and well… that oddly helped focus her and the story toward an epic goal.

Wherein, England would indeed be united as a nation. With Ethian and human living side by side. Which started with Mary’s outburst at the party over Ethians being there… since that embarrassed her badly and exposed the nation’s standing prejudice toward Ethians, and that faux pas made her exit easy, when evidence finally presented itself regarding her involvement in Edward’s ‘death’. But going after a person that spoke against Ethians and expressing unity was a big step forward and it would seem, other machinations are in play to unify the nation. Since Granny, who was watching over Edward, was revealed to be an Ethian and she is eager to have Edward learn his own Ethian powers. So, he can be the first Ethian King, which would also… bring unity to this land at last.

Of course, Jane naming Guildford her King would also help there… but an Ethian with a royal bloodline on the throne would be huge for the future of this nation and of this story. One that took quite the powerful turn here. Since this quest for unity and an understanding of how much prejudice exists against the Ethians, adds some real-world parallels into this tale. The kind that we will undoubtedly see more of as the series continues along. But while we wait for that; we can celebrate one delightful tale. One that was truly engaging and delightful. Courtesy of a chance to finally see Jane shine as the Queen of England, and that’s just lovely. Because that’s what we all wanted, and everything else past this point… will simply be a bonus. Until next time.