Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘La Maison’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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In the everyday world, when someone gets fired or is in serious trouble for stupid things they’ve done in the workplace… they exit their role and the building pretty darn quickly. Sometimes it is handled in secrecy to save face and save grace over how bad things went, and other times, the offender or the incompetent walk out with their box of belongings and face the shame of their coworkers. All because accountability is accountability in the workplace, and that is how things go, or so we are led to believe. Because there are some sectors of industry, where accountability is a little harder to come by and the removal of offenders is difficult at best.

Which begs the question then, how does one enact change in such matters? Well, it just so happens that the next episode of La Maison on Apple TV+, offers up the answer. For ‘The Family Photograph’ informed us quickly that Paloma’s joyous start at Ledu was not going to be as smooth or as joyous as expected. Because despite being flexible and understanding at first, Vincent did an about face and plunged himself back into his work. Out of the belief that Paloma would work for him and take heat off of his shocking mistakes. Which immediately brought forth, a power struggle at Ledu. One that Paloma tried to quell in a peaceful manner, only to have that blow up in her face. 

That brought forth the answer to that question and it turned out, that a two-pronged approach comes into play in getting someone in a creative industry such as this one, where their lives are tied to their work, to leave the building. And it starts, with some shockingly raw honesty. Which Perle provided Vincent with on a spa trip to Sweden. Because the man simply did not believe he was the problem and she finally informed him that he was the issue, and that the time had come to step aside and understand the reality and gravity of what came out of his mouth. Which of course, only goes so far, hence the need for that two-pronged approach, which came from Paloma herself on a very important day at Ledu.

In that, to properly announce her arrival as the new chief artistic mind there, an iconic new family photograph would be taken. Something that was tradition at Ledu and would bridge the gap. But of course, Vincent’s desire to be in the photograph, combined with Robinson’s decision to inadvertently announce his own exit from the company as an independent designer, seemingly overshadowed this important PR moment. Wherein the most important lesson on how to handle those who won’t exit, came forth. In that, sometimes… you just need to show them the door and make a move that helps them to understand that they are no longer wanted and need to leave. Which Paloma did, by having Ye-Ji take and post a family photo. One without Vincent in it.

Because sometimes, men like Vincent only understand brute force and the same energy they give and cutting him out of the picture and announcing it to the world, did indeed make it clear, he was done and he stepped down and stepped out. Giving Paloma the career and closure she’s waited for, but a happy ending may not be on the horizon. After all, the photo also minimized Robinson’s thunder and prompted him to potentially give Rovel more power with shares and the like, and let’s be honest… we likely haven’t seen the last of Vincent. Because he himself said the work was all that mattered, and that might prompt him to try and branch out on his own and create. All of which spells a tough road ahead for Ledu. But while we wait to see how that plays out, we can celebrate another engaging tale, one that showcased how change comes to the creative world and set the stage for some serious conflict down the line. Until next time.

Please enjoy this sneak peek of the season finale of Love After Lockup, which debuts on We TV, tomorrow!  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 211 of ‘The Ark’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that the vast majority of science fiction stories where humanity starts over in space, are quite positive and hopeful in nature. As though everyone involved in the story understands the gift they’ve been given via a second chance and knows they must be better than before and forge a future that is free from the trappings of the past. Which does make for lovely storytelling, the kind that does showcase what we could be as a species, and how we could resolve our conflicts. In fact, this is so engrained in sci-fi that we’ve never taken the time to ponder upon, whether or not the freedom and the power of the second chance could corrupt some individuals and push them to take part in dark acts that would forge a potentially different kind of tomorrow.

Which isn’t impossible given our difficulties as a species to forge a flawless path forward and well, that dark musing is what makes the next episode of The Ark on SYFY of note. Simply because ‘It Will Be Over Soon’ explored what could happen if someone thought that perhaps they could influence others to do out of the ordinary things with mankind flailing in the cosmos, to fulfill their agenda. But at first, it seemed like we were in store for standard fare. Because this story opened up with the crew of Ark 1 arriving at the Trappist star system, and they even managed to contact more people. Giving rise to the possibility that at last, they could rest, and enjoy a better tomorrow, and well… that’s when things took quite the dark turn.

Because just like that, there was a strange radiation accident on the ship. One where Alicia was hurt while filling in for a lazy William Trust, and that put her out of commission for a moment and finally forced Trust to do some work on the ship, and as he began to fulfill his duties, a strange message arrived for Mister Strickland. One that informed him, that his daughter was alive and well on Trappist-1. But that if he did not do the bidding of the voice on the other end of the communication line, she would die. Of course, Strickland agreed to do as he was asked, because of the deep-rooted love in his heart for his daughter. But that embroiled him in what was in essence, an assassination plot against William Trust and it seemed there was no escaping this plan.

In fact, it was made clear that Strickland was expected to die in the attempt as well. Because this individual wanted a no witnesses type situation. Which left Strickland terrified, and alone, and he was even under light investigation from Brice and Ian because of his strange behavior, and it seemed as though there was no hope for a future for him or his daughter, since the sinister mastermind of this plan was watching his every move and monitoring every system on the ship. But thankfully, he was able to communicate with the captain about his distressing situation, and she figured out a way to get everyone on the same page to prevent outright murder on her ship. Which in turn, allowed for a plan to come to life that saved everyone involved from an ugly fate, and freed the ship from being watched, but left a dark cloud hanging over their journey.

Mainly because, the person that orchestrated this nightmare, was on Trappist-1. Which indicated that this someone no longer cared about the rules that governed humanity on Earth. Since they saw a chance to eliminate someone they despised and went for it. Which hints that a new world that does not resemble the one our Arkers left behind, awaits, and that’s scary. Because any world where children are used as bargaining chips and assassination attempts are the norm, is a sick place, and well, all of these elements made for one incredible tale. One that truly did explore a different kind of future and set the stage for what should be a fascinating season finale, one that likely will put the good nature of the crew to the test, like never before. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Twelve Premiere of ‘Chicago P.D.’
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that dealing with traumatic experiences can be quite the difficult venture. For we are deeply wounded, emotionally, when it happens, and depending on what played out, sometimes we are afraid, sometimes we cannot sleep and that can prompt us to do some strange things. Such as lash out that people that care about us, take part in toxic behaviors or drown our anxiety in substances that don’t heal, and sometimes… we do our best to avoid feeling anyting altogether. But eventually, we face it, and we resolve, be it a short while after or years after. Because that’s the only way we heal from it and if that sounds familiar, well that’s likely because such a journey has been commonplace in storytelling as of late.

Simply because we finally understand trauma and its power, and that is why we are seeing books, movies and shows, dive deep into the everyday person’s experience with the power of trauma, to help others, and that is why the season twelve premiere of Chicago P.D. on NBC is of note. Simply because… ‘Ten Ninety-Nine’ opted to take that exploration to a whole new level, by pondering upon what kind of struggle an officer of the law would have with fresh, unresolved trauma surging through them. Which as it turned out, would be ugly to say the least. Because despite the fact that Sergeant Henry ‘Hank’ Voight was back at work and hustling to solve cases, following his injuries, Hank was simply not himself in the slightest. 

In fact, he was transformed following his terrifying brush with death last season. Because there was zero friendless from the man, just a desire to put people away and keep moving and hustling to close as many cases as possible. Which ran the team ragged and and it almost… put Voight’s job in jeopardy. Because in the midst of his marathon run to solve cases in the coldest and most technical ways possible… one particular case really got under his skin. One that involved homicide at a drug house and this one caught his eye because it was clearly about revenge, about someone doing what the police were trying to do. Which was put bad people away and serve up justice. But rather than go through the right channels in this case, he put it all upon his department and pushed for evidence to come forth that quite frankly, could have the case thrown out of court.

Granted, he did just enough to skirt the line and avoid that, and he did bring about justice. But not before endangering lives. All of which spoke to how… trauma could do some real damage in the hands of a powerful man such as Voight. Because it pushed an amazing cop to toe the line and push harder than necessary to obtain justice, and one wrong move here could have cost him so much. But that is what trauma can do, it can force us to do stupid stuff in the hopes that those actions will somehow heal us, and while Voight had rationalization in his mind as to why this should happen… it doesn’t excuse the fact that he crossed lines and put people at risk.

All of which set the stage for a fascinating future examination on what it takes for us to wake up and heal from trauma and how hard a process that will be, and for Voight, the road back will be even more difficult considering how this episode ended. Since Martel was lost in the line of duty and that will only haunt him further. But not all hope is lost when it comes to his journey. For some spoke up in this tale and told him he needed to take a beat and heal, and they may have to press harder. Because Voight is outright struggling and well, this all brought forth one epic and moving episode. One that truly showcased a real struggle in a new and inventive light, and it will be interesting to see how the healing process plays out for Voight as this new season of storytelling continues. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Thirteen Premiere of ‘Chicago Fire’. To revisit the Season Twelve Finale, click here.

The vast majority of us in the world, see change as a constant in the workplace. Because so many of us work in places where people come, and people go. So, seeing a coworker leave for a better opportunity, or having them transfer away doesn’t faze most of us. We just go on about our day, work toward our own goals and embrace that change. Which is why we are so surprised when we hear someone speak to how stunned they are that a longtime coworker is gone, simply because we either forget or don’t know that there are career fields that don’t see much change. That feature leaders that are firmly in place and coworkers that have been there for decades on end. Which would bring about some struggle and some strife and that is why the season thirteen premiere of Chicago Fire on NBC is of note.

Simply because ‘A Monster in the Field’ picked up some time after Chief Boden left Station 51, and well, we all assumed that Herrmann would follow up with Boden’s request and be the new chief of the place. But alas, a sickness, or a choice… kept him in his current spot. Which meant, a new boss was installed at 51, and well, Chief Dom Pascal definitely showcased how change can be hard on people who have known the same individuals in their workspace for years on end. Because his arrival brought about real trepidation and worry, since it meant operating under new rules and new regulations. Wherein we saw the firehouse struggle a bit with his expectations and his demands. Because they simply weren’t used to someone else directing traffic in the manner that Pascal adhered to.

Not to mention, the department heads were also thrown for a loop by his management style. Since he wanted the three of them to meet after every call and talk about the ups and the downs of the call, and how to improve as first responders. And while Severide tried to be optimistic about it, those meetings were tough and challenged him in ways he never thought possible. Even going so far as to put him on notice about how things could change shift wise because of his relationship with Stella. Who made a point to avoid the new chief often to just keep a status quo in her mind. If anything, the only person that seemingly adjusted was Herrmann. Since he and Pascal saw eye to eye on a lot and shared in the thirst for innovation. All of which spoke to how hard change can be in this kind of work environment and of course, the show made sure to showcase how that transition can be made smoother.

In that, it is up to the new person to prove they belong and prove that the change that’s come isn’t a bad thing by any means and well, that will likely be a central theme and exploration present as this season goes along. Because Chief Pascal only went so far in making that happen. Because he did earn the trust of the team, by being the monster referred to in the title. Since his first call, one that involved an intense fire and some explosions, showcased how the man is basically made of steel nerves. Because he walked into that scene without blinking and his fast thinking saved a lot of lives. But mystery surrounded the chief beyond that. Since he spoke little about the man behind the rank, and this team needs that. Not to mention we learned, there may be some darkness surrounding the guy. Since his arrival from Miami was clouded in mystery and those closing moments with his wife were uncomfortable for all.
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But what matters more, is that this story explored its central theme in a magnificent manner. Since we really got to see the hard impact of having Boden step up and step out after spending years impacting lives and being there for people through and through. Which made for a powerful and human tale. One that truly opened a new chapter for Station 51, while still providing us with the stuff we love. Since Violet and Novak spent some time saving innocent children from a psychologically broken and dangerous father, and Severide bonded with Damon and explored the power of having a half-brother and well, all this does, is leave us eager and ready for more of this amazing series. Since new challenges are on the horizon for 51, and there are mysteries for the team to uncover about their new chief and about themselves. Since change also requires a little bit of self-work and growth, to find comfort within its power. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Ten Premiere of ‘Chicago Med’.
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When it comes to disasters and accidents in our world, our focus and experience with them, is often the same. In that, we tend to only know about them through the news and/or social media and we tend to experience them from afar through those same news sources. Simply because, the vast majority of people are lucky enough to not be at ground zero, and are lucky enough to not be involved, but that doesn’t mean we stop caring about the pain being imparted, and we of course… say a little prayer and put our hopes into the mess resolving itself with some measure of positivity. But what’s fascinating about this particular moment in life, is that it really does narrow our view of the situation.

Because behind the news reports are worried families and friends, and there are first responders that are putting their lives on the line to save the victims and there are medical personnel running themselves ragged to keep people breathing, and we don’t think about that. Granted it is tough to because of the way we receive the news, but we should, and thankfully, we sometimes can explore the realities of a disaster by way of storytelling. Since that can plunge us into the realities of what really happens during a disaster and that is why, the season ten premiere of Chicago Med is of note. For ‘Sink or Swim’ showcased what ER Personnel deal with during a disaster. But it sure didn’t seem as though that was going to be the case early on. Since there were discussions about what to expect with a nearby hospital closing down, a frosty introduction to new co-head of the emergency department, and Ripley of course… got more bad news about that fight.

All of which… had to be put on hold exploration wise when disaster struck. For a small boat slammed into a larger one and that meant droves of patients were on their way. Which gave us our first lesson as to what happens when disaster strikes, a hospital has to quickly prepare for some seriously ugly moments. Which the team did. To the point where Dr. Charles and Sharon were prepared to help and it was a good thing, they offered up their hands, because just like that, the ER was filled to the brim with ailing patients. The kind who harbored injuries big and small, and chaos simply surrounded the ER. Because people just kept piling in and that allowed for us to really come to understand, the heroism that goes into working in this field. Because it cannot be easy to look at that much suffering and keep going and that made for one intense journey.

One filled to the brim with battles and discussions regarding who should receive units of blood and who should receive priority care. Which were some dark discussions, but real ones. Because that is the hard truth of a disaster, in that… not everyone will make a recovery, and sometimes these poor souls must make the hard call to end care or shift resources a different direction. But eventually, there was a touch of calm as the horror of the crash subsided. The kind that allowed for patients to make levelheaded decisions for their family members and where some of those other plot threads could be revisited. Since quiet time did inform Ripley that he might be in real trouble and that put him in a dark place for certain. Not to mention, Dr. Archer and the new co-chief, Dr. Lenox, went head-to-head on her decision to fire Dr. Hudgins when he struggle with the pressure of the disaster.

But of course, it wasn’t all gloom and doom in this tale. Since we did get a touching story about one doctor’s quest to see a gentle soul be healed. But truly, that was the only bright spot in a harrowing story and that’s not a knock in the slightest, for this is an episode that deserves our applause and our awe. For showing us, the struggles and the chaos that accompanies a disaster, and the hardships that an ER staff must deal with when they happen. Because they deserve their day in the sun over such matters, and it was incredible that this was presented in a raw and visceral light. Complete with faltering heroes since this kind of disaster not only breaks us, but the people who work on the front lines, because they are people. All of which gave rise to a brilliant premiere, one that has us eager for more of a show that knows how to showcase life in a hospital like no other. Until next time.

Truly one of our most time-honored traditions when it comes to television, is gathering round to enjoy the Peanuts Holiday Collection with our family. Because watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, just adds to the majesty of Spooky Season, and of course… watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and A Charlie Brown Christmas only add to the majesty of the meal and the gifts we open and, well… the time nears once again for that tradition to take place and Apple TV+ is making sure that all can take part in it.

For they will be streaming all three features in the collection over the next three months, for free. So that we can have those lovely stories in our hearts before we head to out to trick or treat, and before we carve the turkey and open the presents. So, to help you plan your holiday viewing of these true classics, here is the schedule for Apple’s free screenings of these important films, as we settle in for another wondrous holiday season.

'It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year! To celebrate the holiday season, Apple TV+ will provide special free streaming windows for nonsubscribers to enjoy the iconic Peanuts holiday specials from Mendelson/Melendez Productions and Peanuts Worldwide. Don’t miss “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” available Saturday October 19 and Sunday October 20; “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” available Saturday November 23 and Sunday November 24; and, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” available Saturday December 14 and Sunday December 15. Subscribers can watch these specials anytime, all season long. 
 
The full Apple TV+ lineup for Peanuts classics holiday fare (in chronological order):
 
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” - Stream for Free Saturday October 19, 2024 and Sunday October 20, 2024
Join the Peanuts gang for a timeless adventure as Charlie Brown preps for a party, Snoopy sets his sights on the Red Baron and Linus patiently awaits a pumpkin patch miracle.
 
“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” - Stream for Free Saturday November 23, 2024 and Sunday November 24, 2024
For over 50 years of this Peanuts classic, Peppermint Patty invites everyone to Charlie Brown's for Thanksgiving, even though he is already going to celebrate at his grandmother’s. Snoopy decides to cook his own version of a Thanksgiving meal with help from his friends.
 
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” - Stream for Free Saturday December 14, 2024 and Sunday December 15, 2024
In this beloved Peanuts special, feeling down about the commercialism of Christmas, Lucy recruits Charlie Brown to be the director of the gang’s holiday play. Can he overcome his friends’ preference for dancing over acting, find the “perfect” tree and discover the true meaning of Christmas?
 
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 516 wins and 2,310 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
 
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*
 
For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.
 
*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until canceled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visitapple.com/promo for more information.'

It is definitely safe to say that fans of the Alex Cross franchise, have been sitting on pins on needles made of pure excitement for some time now. For they know that a new iteration of this beloved character is coming to Prime Video this November, and they simply cannot wait to experience the show in all of its glory, and they have been patiently awaiting more images and trailers from Prime Video to add to that building excitement and thankfully, Prime Video took the time today to thank them for their patience.
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For earlier, Prime Video unveiled a few first look photos of the new series, many of which feature Aldis Hodge in the iconic role. Not to mention they also released the official trailer for the show. Giving the fans everything they could possibly want and since you’re here, you’re likely looking for that trailer as well. So, without further ado, here are those images and here is that trailer, to bring you joy and to help you count down the days until the release of Cross on Prime Video.

‘Today, Prime Video unveils the official trailer and first-look images for the highly anticipated crime thriller series CROSS, starring Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross. On November 14, all eight episodes will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. From Paramount Television Studios and Skydance Television, CROSS is a complex, twisted, pulse-pounding thriller created by showrunner and executive producer Ben Watkins, based upon the characters from James Patterson’s best-selling Alex Cross book series. In advance of its first-season debut, the series was renewed for a second season at Prime Video’s inaugural Upfront presentation.
 
Alex Cross is a detective and forensic psychologist, uniquely capable of digging into the psyches of killers and their victims, in order to identify—and ultimately capture—the murderers. Hodge stars in the series and also serves as a producer. CROSS also stars Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Jennifer Wigmore, Eloise Mumford, and Ryan Eggold.
 
Watkins serves as showrunner and executive producer via his Blue Monday Productions banner. Sam Ernst, Jim Dunn, and Craig Siebels also executive produce, with James Patterson, Bill Robinson, and Patrick Santa executive producing for James Patterson Entertainment. David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Bill Bost are executive producing for Skydance Television.
CROSS is produced by Amazon MGM Studios, Paramount Television Studios, and Skydance Television.
 
About Paramount Television Studios
Paramount Television Studios (PTVS) is a leading content studio, developing and producing a wide range of cutting-edge and entertaining television programs across all media platforms for distribution worldwide. Current programming from PTVS includes THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES on The Roku Channel, which broke viewership records for the streamer, TOM CLANCY’S JACK RYAN starring John Krasinski for Prime Video and the wildly popular Prime Video action series REACHER, which is now in production on its third season. Next up from PTVS is a new thriller for Prime Video, CROSS, along with three series for Apple TV+: Taika Waititi’s TIME BANDITS, BEFORE, starring Billy Crystal, and MURDERBOT, starring Alexander Skarsgård. Paramount Television Studios is a subsidiary of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARA; PARAA), a global content company with premiere television, film, and digital entertainment brands.
 
About Skydance Television
Skydance Television is a leading supplier of premium scripted content across a range of platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+, producing some of their most successful series including the Emmy-nominated series Grace and Frankie, which became Netflix’s longest running series following the release of its final season, as well as Foundation, Reacher, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Big Door Prize, and FUBAR. The studio’s upcoming series include Cross, Neuromancer, The Runarounds, an untitled comedy series starring Matthew McConoughey and Woody Harrelson, an action-adventure series starring Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham, and a drama series starring Tim McGraw set in the world of competitive bull-riding. 
 
Skydance is the diversified media company founded by David Ellison in 2010 to create high-quality, event-level entertainment for global audiences. The Company first launched with Feature Films and has since strategically expanded to include Television, Interactive, Animation, New Media and Sports, with studios in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, Spain and Canada.
 
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.
 
About Blue Monday Productions
Founded by Watkins and his wife Kandi, Blue Monday Productions was established with a dedication to exceptional storytelling and commitment to community service. In addition to Cross, Blue Monday has a significant slate of upcoming projects in development, including The Greatest, the first-ever authorized scripted series about the life of Muhammad Ali. Their Breakthrough Artist Program – a three-month paid apprenticeship for writing, producing and/or directing – focuses on increasing access and accelerating the learning curve for artists who have demonstrated exceptional talent, a commitment to community, and giving back. 
 
Social Handles:
Instagram: @crossonprime / @primevideo
X: @crossonprime / @primevideo
#CrossOnPrime’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eight of ‘Bad Monkey’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There was a time where crime stories were utterly devoid of deeper meaning. For they were just stories about bad people being caught by good people, and the struggle that accompanied bringing that bad person down. All of which just served as a reminder that there was a battle being waged on our streets that we the average person did not have to deal with, and that was just fine by us. For we just enjoyed a fascinating and enjoyable story. But now, crime stories do have depth to them, which is also welcome since they teach us so much about life and about our fellow human beings, and that does leave one to wonder… what the central theme of Bad Monkey on Apple TV+ happens to be.

Simply because thus far, this show has been closer to those classic tales, with little lessons thrown in for good measure to appease. Making it seem as though there won’t be something deeper, and this will serve as a real classic throwback. But the next episode in this series, made it clear that it is indeed hoping to look at something deeper, something broad and powerful in nature, and it revealed that in ‘The Russian Mob Is Very Active in Key West’ after wrapping up some important business. Specifically, informing us that Yancy was okay and that the shooting that took place here, wasn’t sanctioned by our villains. No instead, it was ordered by that little asshat, Evan. Who was put in his place after Pestov realized who the target was, and had his men stand down and replace what they damaged when they stormed the Yancy home.

Which allowed for the exploration in question to take place and slowly but surely, this story informed us that it wants to just examine… the duality of man. Of the heroic things we are capable of, and the good we can impart. Alongside our raw stupidity and our selfish evils, and it expressed how that exists within us, in part, by having Bonnie be set free in Oklahoma because the cost of putting her away wasn’t worth it. But she wanted that accountability, she wanted to pay for her crimes… so she blew up Evan’s little dreamhouse and finally went to jail. Which spoke to the wild duality we yield, and the explorations didn’t end there. Because we saw that on display in Andros as well, through Gracie, who had taken the time to step away from the title of Dragon Queen because… she was dealing with duality in her own mind.

Because in part, she wanted to follow the path expected of her, but she also wanted her freedom, and that conflict raged within and prompted her to go to great extremes in this tale to breathe and be away from the pressures upon her. That was why she stole Christopher’s crazy expensive watch when she worked on helping, he and Eve land more contracts, and used funds from the sale of it to leave. Because of that swirling conflict within, and we continued to see it as this episode played out. Since Yancy and Rosa did some real good here by fooling our villains into coming back into Miami, while possibly blowing their cover by simply being kind. Not to mention, we saw Sheriff Summers dance in that grey area when Evan demanded some measure of retribution and justice for Bonnie’s wild actions.

Because that is where the world operates, in duality. With good and bad happening at every turn and both sides battle it out more often than we know, and that battle is raging out here in this story. Which gave rise to a fascinating episode for certain. Because of this unique examination, one grounded deeply in reality and one that let every character have a moment in the sun in some capacity and of course… has us ready to continue the journey. Because now we have to know how this clash will play out and if the case will end in a manner that is satisfactory or muddled or terrible because of the duality of man, and our inability to forever hold to the light or the dark. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Midnight Family’.
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One particular tradition that takes place around the world, and is paid no mind, is that of the family business. Wherein a proud parent opens up a business that their children take part in and take over. It could be a small business, or it could be large, but everywhere you go, you’ll find this. Complete with family employees from just about any age because we cherish the notion of family working together, and there is something beautiful about seeing everyone come together to make it a success and keep it in the family for generations on end. Plus, we rarely pay it any mind, for it really is quite harmless in nature.

But what if… the family business wasn’t harmless? What if it was something dangerous and intense and there was risk involved? Would we view such matters differently? Well, those are questions that are indeed posed by a new series on Apple TV+, entitled, Midnight Family. Which takes us into the heart of Mexico City to meet the Tamayo family. Who yes, run a family business. One that is in fact, out of the norm and carries with it some negative connotations. In that, they are a family of paramedics. Which can be a lucrative business in Mexico City, courtesy of the hard reality that there are not enough government supplied ambulances for the public to make use of. So, families like the Tamayos drive and do their best to get paid and well, their adventures in ‘Pilot’ and ‘Heart’ explore the answers to those questions. 

For these two stories showcase a fascinating reality. Wherein we come to learn that everyday people in Mexico City have to basically learn how to be paramedics to take part in such an industry. Because they need to be the ones to save lives if they want to see a dime of insurance money or standard money, and that’s… shocking to know. For we are reminded here that this kind of work is NOT easy in the slightest. In fact, it is dangerous, and it is stressful. Since the Tamayo’s encounter fires, and death and people that are genuinely in distress and what’s wild… is that their youngest family member is along for the ride. Which makes for a shocking premiere at times, one that hammers home that we would indeed view this differently and pay it mind if we knew this was happening more often.

Especially after coming to learn how much this kind of work alters life for the Tamayos’ as well. Since it stunts growth for Marcus, the eldest son, and Marigaby, or Gaby as she is commonly known… has to fight to keep it a secret to make it through medical school. Since that’s a conflict of interest and to make matters worse… she’s often late and often exhausted to class because of the work she puts in at night to pay the bills. Not to mention, Ramón has a dangerous heart condition that proves costly by the end of this premiere, all of which brings forth a powerful story. One that asks us to take a closer look at the family business as a whole in 2024. 
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Mainly because, not all of them are cute and lovely. Some of them are dangerous, some of them are toxic in ways and are harmful to family life and family health, and that is clearly what the show wants to express, along with so many other points. Such as showcasing the horrors of the Mexican Medical System. Because yes, while it is government run and provided to so many, it is a travesty that there are only 100 government sanctioned ambulances in a city full of approximately 23 million people. Because that is ridiculous, and it is equally as ridiculous that a family such as the Tamayo’s cannot receive more pay and assurances and guarantees from the government.

But that is the life they lead, and a life that others lead, and all of this brings together a refreshing and powerful story. One that is supremely original and unique and plunges us into a world we’ve never known, with characters that are dynamic and engaging and that we quickly come to care about. Thanks to quality acting and quality writing, and well… this does indeed push us to continue the journey. To see if this family can forge a path forward where they find success and freedom and if of course, they can continue to work together as one with Ramón in such terrible shape. Courtesy of a family business that is more of a burden, than a proud tradition. Until next time.