Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Finale of ‘Snowpiercer’. To revisit the show’s penultimate episode, click here.
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For the most part, stories that feature a chance to save humanity or save the planet from a major apocalypse, tend to lean toward formulaic endings to their story. Some for instance, go the George Romero route and end the story in a sour and bleak manner. Which isn’t a bad thing, since happy endings aren’t always possible, but it is a tad overplayed in this day and age. Or… they end shockingly happy, wherein some kind of McGuffin manages to save humanity from whatever is ailing the planet… so civilization can enjoy its second chance. Which is also fine, but just seems a little too perfect.

Which is why, the series finale of Snowpiercer on AMC is of note. Simply because ‘Last Stop’ was a finale that bucked all the trends and all the tropes for this kind of genre, to offer up a cathartic and realistic finale for this saga. One steeped in beautiful and impactful lessons. That is… after we were able to enjoy one kick ass final battle aboard the rolling ark that Joseph Wilford created. Because this was it, the International Peacekeeping Force versus the Great Layton Revolt. The Final Layton Revolt, and well, the IPF had their hands full. Simply because they had never fought people in this manner and had no idea how train combat worked. So, they resorted to gas and tactics and that was a terrible idea. 

Because it gave everyone a chance to breathe and think and examine the situation. Wherein everyone came to realize there was a way to defeat Nima. For if they took the time to shut off communications to the engine and put forth an all-out uprising while Melanie and Alex made their way to the rocket, there was a chance they could save humanity, and well, that plan outright worked. For Javi was able to sever the communication links and that forced Nima to slightly delay the launch sequence, buying Melanie and Alex time to get there and start to remove the Gemini vials. Not to mention, the troops were rallied and put close to the control room to protect the rocket. But alas, Nima figured out the plan and confronted Melanie and his daughter. 

Wherein, something powerful happened. In that, Melanie and Alex were able to help Nima understand the folly of his actions, of what his arrogance had done and that it had brought humanity to the brink twice over now. Which made for a confused man, one who was distracted long enough for Alex to figure out how to sabotage the rocket before the hatch opened to launch it. Which brought forth the end of Nima since his confusion left him unable to escape in time, only because he granted Melanie and Alex one act of kindness. By asking them to leave before the chill arrived, and he died without knowing his plan failed. Because Alex did everything right and destroyed the rocket, saving humanity at last and that in turn, gave rise to the unique ending in question. One that took place in the only real safe haven left on Earth, New Eden.

For in that place, all were welcome to start over there, and bygones were bygones. Not to mention, Snowpiercer was essentially put out of commission, only to roll her cars now and then to keep the engine cooking in case New Eden’s climate turned south. But what mattered more here, were the conversations and the beautiful moments that everyone shared in. Because everyone got their wish, they got a chance to live as one, and they were able to celebrate the best parts of who we are. But more importantly, they all came to learn… that for the past eight years, they fought hard against that which they could not control, and in doing so… paid dearly. Because they focused on revenge, on class standing and on the petty stuff that mankind did not leave behind in its absolute darkest hour.
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But now they understood, the gift they had been given. In that, this was mankind’s second chance, be it brief, be it long, but this was it. This was their chance to get it right, to live in the moment and enjoy the wonder of life and, let go of the worst parts of society, and that… is indeed a different kind of ending. One that should serve as a reminder of how tomorrow is not guaranteed. So, we should, live for now, enjoy what it is in front of us and celebrate beauty and be the best person that we can be. Regardless of what change we need to impart. Because that… sets up a better tomorrow. One that we can embrace with a deep sigh of satisfaction, and what’s wild… is that all that fight and all that drama and desire to warm the Earth, was unnecessary. Since we also learned, slowly but surely, mankind’s mistake… course corrected.

Giving rise to a vastly different kind of happy ending as well, one that informs us… it will all be okay, and that too… is a fine lesson. All of which provided us with, the perfect finale to this incredible series, and sadly… that’s all there is to say about this show fellow nerds and geeks. For Snowpiercer has reached the last stop, her terminus, and we cannot thank the talented cast and crew of this series for taking us one last incredible ride, and for four wonderful years of storytelling. Filled to the brim with lessons and commentary on how perhaps, we can indeed be better and find the peace that this last bastion of humanity found at the end of the world.

Caution: This rapid recap of Episode 539 of ‘Love After Lockup’ contains spoilers.

Please enjoy this rapid recap of Episode 539 of Love After Lockup on We TV, along with a refresher clip!
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EPISODE 539 – “Rules Of Engagement” – Aired September 20th on We TV at 8pm ET/PT
Joey plans a secret rendezvous with his ex. Bianca awaits Daniel’s release. Hope reveals the truth to her sisters. True finds out if he’s going back to jail. Latisha drops a bomb. Troy reunites with his family as Zeruiah prepares to face his ex.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Three Women’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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There are certain acts in a relationship, that so many of us consider to be dealbreakers. For instance, telling incredible lies is a good reason to get out of a relationship because trust is broken, and we haven’t a clue what’s real when it comes to our partner past that point. Obviously, abuse of any kind also qualifies under that banner, since we should not ever take that from a romantic partner, and of course… there’s cheating. Because many consider that to be the worst violation of all in a relationship, one that informs us our partner no longer desires us or cares about our love and knowing they’ve violated the greatest level of intimacy makes it easy to end things with them and place blame upon them. 

After all, they chose to cheat, they decided that love was no longer worth it, so to hell with them, right? In fact, to hammer home the gross nature of their violation, we will even flat-out resort to name calling when we end it over such matters. Because we absolutely get some measure of payback for this violation of our sacred relationship. But what’s fascinating about cheating, is that… it isn’t always so black and white. After all, sometimes it happens because the person that cheats, is invisible in the relationship, and they’re screaming to be heard and seen. Or they do so because they simply no longer feel loved or desired, all of which… is explored in the next episode of Three Women on STARZ.

For ‘lina’ focused squarely on Lina, and her story and her journey and why… she chose to seek out her high school sweetheart and accept his physical love despite being married. And truly, it related to the void in her heart. For we came to learn in this episode that Lina was not the confused and broken soul that her family saw her to be. She was in fact, someone with a massive heart, and truly believed in the power of passion and love and how we as a species should celebrate it and embrace it. For to be without it would be akin to being without oxygen, and well… in this episode we saw her try harder than ever to get her husband to see her, feel her, acknowledge that she existed and had needs that he needed to provide her with. But instead, Ed didn’t care. He went off old edicts, and never listened, and he even mocked her when a lack of passion prompted a panic attack, and that… prompted her to cheat. 

Because she knew… she would never have what she needed or wanted from her own husband, and that prompted a text to Aidan, and a chance to see him after a bachelorette party, a chance she took, and it paid off in spades. Since she rediscovered the electricity that comes with a kiss, with a touch, with a look. Not to mention she finally felt the raw power of desire again and the majesty of being intimate with someone in the name of passion instead of abiding by a schedule or a seasonal surprise and well… she was transformed, and she was happy, and that truly informed all of us, that cheating isn’t always born out of cruelty or because a partner is just gross. It happens because some partners are icy and isolated and emotionally unavailable, and some people cannot handle that. Nor should they, and had Ed listened and paid attention, perhaps this would be a different ending to this story. 

But it was instead, proof positive that if someone cheats, the person cheated on must take a minute and objectively ask themselves… did they do everything within their power to truly love their partner? Help them? Care for them and give them what they needed emotionally? Physically? And if one cannot answer yes to all of that, then they have no right to be mad. For they denied their lover that which brought them together in the first place and that… made for a powerful story that addressed a taboo topic. Since we always blame the woman when cheating takes place, and vilify, when in fact… the situation and the why matters more. Because that… is what gives us real perspective and real understanding and this episode deserves a round of applause for exploring the power of desire, and how decisions such as these, are very real and can easily be avoided… with true understanding. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 408 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One important and valuable lesson that we learn in life, is that it is totally acceptable to sock a bully in the nose when they are constantly picking on us. Because we are also taught that bullies cannot stand to be stood up to, and if the moment is right, a good sucker punch will indeed teach them a valuable lesson in humility. But alas, there is more to that lesson that our parents should teach us. Because not every bully responds to a busted jaw in the same way. Some don’t care and just keep coming and others… well they see it as fuel, and it motivates them further to exert more control over their victim.

If anything, that latter aspect of what can happen when you smack a bully is top of mind today, simply because it came to fruition in the next episode of Power Book II: Ghost. For the people keeping the St. Patrick and Tejada families down, did indeed find strength from bullying, courtesy of the fact that Tariq and Monet decided to strike back. But it did not seem as though that would be the case early on. Because Tariq and Monet approached Noma in ‘Higher Calling’ to inform her that Carter had his eyes upon her, in the hopes of getting her to go after Carter. Something she didn’t even pay any mind to. Mainly because she thought it was merely a distraction. So, she went about her business and prepared for her much-derided marriage to Cane, and that allowed for the story to explore some other storylines. 

Wherein we came to learn that real trouble might be on the horizon for Brayden. Because his relationship with cocaine became quite dangerous here. For his new love was hospitalized because of some laced coke, and that prompted him to enlist Tariq’s help in straight up murdering the dealer. Of course, he claimed he wanted to scare the man, but he was high when they went over there and this decision cost him dearly. Since his love wanted little to do with him after and such a choice, made him a liability. Plus, we were also able to finally learn more about Effie in this tale, courtesy of an encounter with her deadbeat mom. Who informed the world that Josiefina happened to be Effie’s birth name, and that mommy dearest really did an awful job raising her. So bad in fact, that we now fully understand why Effie is incredibly tough.

Not to mention, we saw Diana struggling badly with the miscarriage and rightfully so, and Dru became quite comfortable as Carter’s new point man for Zion’s old duties. All of which made it seem as though, Carter and Noma won the day, and that no trouble would come from it. But some clever maneuvering from Tariq and Monet, and some boneheaded decisions on Cane’s part… finally opened Carter’s eyes to the reality that he was getting smacked in the mouth. Which prompted him to strike back. Courtesy of some fine intelligence from Tariq and Monet, and well, Noma did not appreciate being tailed and spied upon, which was the proverbial punch sent her way, so she too decided to counterpunch and that led… to something quite scary.
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Because her attempt to gain control of the situation was to try and buy off Nico. Who gladly took the upfront payment before informing Carter of what Noma wanted. Which brought forth a surprise meeting between the two of them, wherein they had a frank talk. One that outright exposed that they were both being played and manipulated by a common enemy and that prompted them… to decide to work together. To of course, share in profits and share in the majesty of power. But more importantly… to finally deal with Tariq St. Patrick and Monet Tejada. Which spells real trouble for this duo, because truly, they have met their match and opting to sock a pair of bullies squarely in the jaw, has outright backfired.

That means that Tariq and Monet are either going to have to get creative to bring this duo down, or they are about to face some dark fates and well… this story could go either way. After all, this is the Power Universe, where even main characters die. But while we wait to see what comes next for them, we can celebrate one amazing episode. One that truly did offer up quality screentime and moments for everyone, and truly set the stage for an amazing showdown between an immovable force and an unstoppable object. One that might end this series in a brutal and bleak manner. Until next time.

One of the most amazing aspects of this era of streaming, is the sheer fact that so many networks/streamers are willing to make nice and team up as partners. Which is why we are seeing bundles available now, that allow for us to enjoy different networks. Simply because it has become clear to all parties that yes, there are financial benefits at play in teaming up, but for the fans… the benefits are endless. Since they can save a little and enjoy their favorite movies and shows. Which is why today’s announcement is of note.
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For earlier it was announced that Comcast/Xfinity has entered into a partnership with Actor/Entrepreneur/Activist John Leguizamo on behalf of The Network, to bring The Network to the provider. Which will allow for folks to finally see John’s new show, The Green Veil (read our review, here), and all the amazing programming The Network offers, and to properly do this fascinating and wondrous news justice, here are all the details on this announcement. Courtesy of Comcast/Xfinity, John Leguizamo and The Network.

‘Comcast today announced distribution of The Network, a new free, ad-supported streaming app that only releases exclusive originals, across its entertainment platforms, including Xfinity X1, Flex, Xumo Stream Box, and Xumo TV. As part of its commitment to providing high quality programming to diverse audiences and in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Xfinity will provide a special ad-free programming offer of one of The Network’s premium original series, The Green Veil, in partnership with actor/producer/activist/entrepreneur John Leguizamo.
 
Seeking to declutter the streaming experience and endless scrolling audiences are often subjected to, The Network platform was recently launched by Aram Rappaport, founder of the creative ad agency The Boathouse, with Leguizamo on board as an equity partner in the enterprise.  The Network will release a tightly selected number of premium originals, beginning with The Green Veil, a drama series executive produced and starring Leguizamo in his first leading role, Chivalry, a comedy series featuring Steve Coogan, and Kingdom of Dreams, a docuseries focused on the battle for supremacy in the world of high fashion.
 
The Green Veil is an eight-episode drama/thriller/sci-fi series which follows Leguizamo’s character, a government agent in the 1950s tasked with an unraveling secret mission that threatens to expose deeper secrets about the government’s plans to separate Indigenous children from their families to prevent them from inheriting land. Leguizamo plays Gordon Rogers, an immigrant who came to the United States as a child and dedicated his life to achieving the American Dream. He experiences both an insidious obsession with that dream and the societal limitations it places upon certain groups.
 
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month and The Network’s Xfinity platform debut, The Green Veil will be offered to Xfinity customers ad-free for a seamless, uninterrupted viewing experience from September 16th to October 15th.
 
"This Hispanic Heritage Month, I am so incredibly proud to be partnering with Comcast to deliver free premium content from my new streaming platform The Network,” said Leguizamo. “It’s especially meaningful during this month, which highlights the achievements and subject matter across a range of issues within the community and beyond!" 
 
According to research from McKinsey, U.S. Latinos are one of the fastest growing racial and ethnic groups, accounting for 62 million of the US total population and accounting for more than $3 trillion of GDP, which would make them the fifth largest economy in the world if they were a country. And, according to a study by the Motion Picture Association, compared with a population share of 19 percent, US Latinos account for 24 percent of box office ticket sales and 24 percent of streaming subscribers.
 
“This partnership with John Leguizamo and The Network highlights Xfinity’s ongoing commitment to connecting audiences with content that speaks to their unique interests,” said Loren Hudson, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity and Platforms, Comcast. “On the heels of launching NOWTV Latino earlier this summer, which makes it simple and convenient for customers to enjoy exceptional Hispanic entertainment, we are thrilled to once again celebrate and honor the rich legacy of Hispanic culture through impactful storytelling.”
 
Additionally, Leguizamo serves as a guest editor showcasing his Hispanic Heritage Month recommendations on Xfinity’s Latino destination, featuring Latinos on camera, including Julio Torres, Jay Hernandez, and Oscar Nunez, among others. Leguizamo’s other projects in partnership with Comcast NBCUniversal include the hit MSNBC series “Leguizamo Does America,” which has its season two premiere in 2025, and the documentary “John Leguizamo Live at Rikers,” currently available on Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity Channel and Xumo Play platforms.
 
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
 
About The Network
The Network is a new free, ad-supported premium streaming platform that launched in 2024 in the U.S. that has grown to over 1 million users in the first 100 days. The platform seeks to declutter the streaming experience and eliminate the endless scrolling by consumers to find appealing series and films. Built on the principle “Always Original, Always Free” the streamer will only release high quality originals for its subscribers. In addition to creating a clutter-free streaming space for consumers with quality content, The Network also provides its advertisers with a unique opportunity to curate advertising that resonates with the subscribers and integrate campaigns from an earlier stage of development. 
 
The Networks first offerings were the drama series, The Green Veil starring John Leguizamo and the comedy series, Chivalry starring Steve Coogan and Sarah Solemani. The Network was created by filmmaker Aram Rappaport, founder of the creative ad-agency The Boathouse.’

Please enjoy this sneak peek of the Series Finale of Snowpiercer. Which Premieres Sunday, September 22 at 9pm ET/PT on AMC; and will be available to stream on AMC+

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘The Chicken Sisters’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one particular question that comes up often when we are being taught to face our past and resolve the sour nature of it, is… why? After all, we find some measure of strength in holding onto our past tightly, since it keeps us vigilant and always reminds us of where we are from. Not to mention, we likely won’t get an apology or closure from the people or situation that wronged us. So, what’s the point of resolving that which makes us strong and keeps us going? Well, it just so happens, that the best stories on such matters, make sure to answer that question for us, as was the case with this week’s episode of The Chicken Sisters on Hallmark+.

For ‘This is War, Y’all’ saw the sour nature of last week’s episode expand here. Wherein we learned the why behind needing to handle our past. But not right away. Because the problems that creates takes a little time to manifest and that was why early on… this episode implied that perhaps some healing would take place. After all, Frankie and Linzey were finally becoming fast friends, and found some common ground to work with since Frankie still wanted to audition for NYU. Not to mention, Nancy finally made some inroads with Frank and motivated him to be a great manager at last. But alas, nothing was quite what it seemed in this tale.

Because Amanda was swimming in the past that she thought gave her strength and pushed her forward, when in fact, it was poisoning her soul and bringing up unresolved traumas and anger over not healing. Which prompted her to lash out in some stunning ways. Such as sabotaging her mother’s famous sweet tea. Which cost her business, and she made sure to even expose why Mae was in town and to top it all off… she almost shut down her mother’s kitchen for good. Because that pain in her soul, was fresh again, and she felt this was the only way to get resolution, and she was also unhappy with how her past brought her a meek life. One free of passion and desire and that prompted her, to engage in a passionate kiss with Sergio, to feel something, and she wasn’t the only one acting in such a wild manner.

After all, Frank managed to regress, in a very unique manner. One that informed all of us that he too is hanging onto something rough involving his father, likely grief, hence a need to try and emulate his father in this tale, to feel that closure. Plus, Mae also showcased some toxic behavior in this story. Since she tried her best to look good by doing good deeds for her mother and others in town after her mistake. In fact, she even opened up a bit, but still made a point to deny her love the honesty he craved, as though she expected good deeds to somehow set her right. All of which informed us, that when we don’t resolve what we need to from our past, we lash out, we act out, we let the toxic nature consume us and we become a unique person in the process. Since now Amanda is ready to rebel and fight the wrong battles, Mae is only patching her soul and Frank… Frank is sinking into his grief further.

All of which made for another fascinating and powerful tale from this show. One that continued to dig deep into the struggles of the human condition and how they deeply impact us in ways we often don’t think about. But they can cause real trouble if left unchecked and seeing that on display here just speaks to the brilliance of this show. Of how it is unafraid to dive into such matters and showcase them in a way that is painfully relatable. Since we’ve all self-sabotaged, used external matters to heal and drowned our sorrows. The only question that remains is, what will be the catalyst for change in their lives? Because clearly, they need to heal, they need to do something, and it will be interesting to see what finally moves the needle as season one of this show continues along. Until next time.

​Watch ‘The Chicken Sisters’ on Hallmark+.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Finale of ‘Kold x Windy’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past couple of years, the ALLBLK series, Kold x Windy, has accomplished some incredible wonders from a storytelling perspective. After all, it introduced us to the world of Drill Music, something few of us knew about and it of course… has offered us a character study for the ages. One where we were introduced to a pair of Drill singers locked in their lives, locked into their past but desperate to move past it or find the best of both worlds. Which in turn brought forth amazing explorations on chasing our dreams, the struggles we face in claiming them, and of course… how hard it is to enact real change when we are ready to embrace our dreams.

Because to do so, means that we leave elements that we find familiar behind, and that is indeed scary. All of which are incredible concepts you don’t see in television that often, and well… it just so happens that all of this was put forth as part of a grand plan to bring forth the greatest lesson of all when it comes to change and our dreams. In that… there is a price to pay if we don’t listen to the lessons the universe sends our way and if we don’t enact the change needed in our life. But before we discuss how ‘The End’ explored that, we should also talk about the somewhat more positive things that happened in this tale. Because there was resolution to a lot of hanging plot lines present here.

For instance, this is the story that saw Ricky finally pay for his treachery and his double crosses, in the only way this world would allow. Through swift justice, the kind brought forth by Renee. Since she figured out, he was spying, and made him pay for his betrayal, and he wasn’t the only unsavory person dealt with in this tale. Since Brenda and Malika finally came to a little understanding about the damage Brenda imparted upon her Malika before being dragged away by the cartel. Making it seem as though better days were ahead for Malika, and everyone in the story. Since Gege also finally tied the knot with Freaky Willie and found joy in love and shared that special day with her family. But alas, that was the only real bright spot to be found in this tale

Because darkness lurked in the shadows, courtesy of that lack of change. For Malika’s decision to stay within Stains and let Renee basically do as she pleases, came back to haunt her. For there was a fight at Lollapalooza between them. One where Renee let loose once again and got them kicked out, wherein K-Town took their place and that put them at a true low, one that was exacerbated by the discovery that Renee was the one who killed Marlon. Which brought an end to Kold and Windy and possibly one… or both… of their lives. But before we speculate upon that, this was… proof positive that not changing, that not embracing a better way, will indeed come back to bite us. Since it will allow for ugly to fester and grow, to the point where it sabotages what we work for and what we want.

Which can bring about utter trouble, and utter sorrow, as evidenced here and well, one can only hope that this duo survives. Because there is good in them, they are people worth salvation, if they can only get out of their own way, and hopefully, the show gets a third season that can feature redemption. Or it may not. Because this series is grounded deep in reality, and sometimes our inability to change brings us great pain. But while we wait for good news regarding the fate of this series, we can celebrate one brilliant finale. One that truly showcased the majesty of the writing of this series and brought forth a complete two-year journey. One that did indeed take us on a haunting and cautionary journey.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘La Maison’.
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One would think that the world of fashion, is nothing short of boring. After all, it’s just about putting clothes together, right? So, there can be little excitement in assembling a series of colors or figuring out where the neckline will hang. Not to mention, there cannot be drama in a world where clothes matter and where lineups are being assembled. Because it’s just fashion, just clothes, right? Well, that would be the wrong way for to one to think. Because fashion is indeed so much more to the folks involved within it than mere color choices and boredom, once a type of blue is selected for a certain type of suit.

For it is in many ways, art to those involved within it, and it means the world to them. To the point where their creation is nothing short of a child, something that great care went into and where those involved in its creation will fight to no end to see it out into the world. Not to mention, it’s a world where ego and battles over who is right and who is wrong come into play. Making it a far more intense world than we give it credit, one worthy of our attention from a storytelling standpoint. As evidenced by the new Apple TV+ series, La Maison. Which is a story that dives into such matters in a compelling and powerful fashion. By having the world of fashion be rocked by quite the scandal in its super-sized series premiere.

Wherein we are introduced to Ledu. A premier fashion company that has been around for ages on end and is entering quite the time of crisis. In part because, Rovel, a rival fashion company, is making a push to scoop up as much of their business as possible. To supplant them and dominate the industry. In fact, they’ve done such a fine job chipping away at what Ledu has built, that the loss of a major contract in ’17 Seconds’ and ‘Nepo Baby’ prompts the head of Ledu, Vincent Ledu… to snap on an evening of celebration. Which in turn, is recorded by a staff member at that very celebration and through some shady means involving an heir to the Ledu empire, Robinson, that video makes it out into the world. Which plunges the company into chaos and forces them to make some hard choices. The kind that involves shaking up leadership and bringing in a descendant from a former employee, to save a company that Vincent has brought to the brink.

Of course, along the way they’ll have to fend off Rovel during this time of strife, but what matters more is how much this premiere explores regarding the fashion industry. Since it does showcase through Vincent and through the new head of the company, Paloma Castel, how much passion is present in this world. For we are privy to moments of creation for both parties, which helps us understand what fashion means to them and how so many hold its artistic merit in high regard. Plus, we also learn about the drama this world and its power can create. Courtesy of Rovel and the company’s desire to topple Ledu and through Robinson’s actions, which are tragic in nature since it is clear he just wants to be seen in a world where everyone is looking elsewhere.
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Which brings us to what else makes this story so wonderful. In that, it is more about the people of the fashion world than the fashion, and who they are and what drives them and that makes this a fascinating character study as well. One that speaks to the power of legacy and the folly of arrogance. Through Paloma and Vincent. Since Paloma is indeed hoping to make her father proud and finish what her family started at Ledu, and that drives her deeply, and of course, Vincent is that true arrogant egotist whose genius has overtaken common sense. To the point where he almost believes he has done no wrong. When in fact, his racist rant was as awful as it gets. Giving rise to a fascinating story about people and their passions and the battles that go into holding onto the art that gives them life.

All of which brings forth a fascinating and refreshing series. One that is supremely human, incredibly engaging and above all… original. For this writer is hard pressed to think upon any other fashion show out there that features such grounded characters and such realistic ones at that, the kind whose actions even offer commentary on our modern world. Since Vincent is clearly a deep-rooted examination of cancel culture and its power and all of this, leaves us eager to continue to the journey. To see if Ledu can reform and find a new way forward, to see if redemption and fulfillment can take place and above all, to see if Ledu can stave off the hunger of their biggest rival. Until next time.

To learn more about the wonder of this series, visit our interview with cast members Lambert Wilson (Vincent Ledu), Amira Casar (Perle Foster), Antoine Reinartz (Robison Ledu), and Zita Hanrot (Paloma Castel)!

One particular truth that we don’t like to discuss when it comes to the stories we love and the dreams we chase… is that we in fact, have quite the complicated relationship with them. In large part, because of how we are raised. For we are taught from a very early age that stories are a great way to escape the woes of the world, and we should in fact use them to do so, and of course… we are taught to chase our dreams with a sense of desire that is unrivaled. Only for us to be told as we get older, to quit losing ourselves in stories because they’re not real and mean nothing and to perhaps wonder if our dreams are worth it because progress isn’t being made in the manner that we or others, want.

Which creates a fascinating conflict for us in adulthood… where we sometimes defiantly step into stories to escape responsibilities, and rebel, and where we chase those dreams harder than before because life gets tough, and it is the only thing that brings us joy. In fact, there are some so desperate to find solace in either element that they do what they can to get others to share in them, in that desperate attempt to boost that serotonin and find focus. Which makes both elements truly powerful in nature, since they can so easily impact a life in such a wild manner. Which in turn begs some questions. Such as, how then do we harness those elements in a purely positive manner, so they aren’t designed to just boost us? So, they can provide us with the genuine peace and fulfillment we were told they could provide us with?

Well, it just so happens, that the brilliant series, Heels, which started on STARZ and has found its way to Netflix, ponders deeply upon such matters. Which should come as no surprise in this era of elevated entertainment, but it is how the show’s series premiere sets the stage for a season long examination on such matters, that truly makes it special and revisiting. In that ‘Kayfabe’ uses the world of independent wrestling to dive into the power of dreams and of storytelling… and that seems surprising. Since wrestling is oft viewed as a joke, or something that only kids will enjoy because of the fake nature of it.
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But this premiere informs us… it is more, and it is the perfect vehicle to explore every aspect of the power of one’s dreams and of storytelling. For it encompasses both elements and to properly explore how to answer those questions… the premiere made sure to simply showcase the power of such elements courtesy of some beautiful world-building. Since Duffy, Georgia is the epitome of duality for storytelling and dreams. Since it is a town with a sordid past, one that has held onto the power of storytelling from a generational standpoint. For two generations of Spades have offered a weekly escape from the ups and downs of life in this town. One we quickly learn isn’t terrible… but could be better.

Which allows for the premiere to dive deep into the power of storytelling, and how it matters deeply to Jack and his cadre of wrestlers to put on an amazing show and immerse themselves in the world they’ve created. So that when folks walk through the cathedral that Tom Spade built, they’re lost in a different world, a place where only Faces and Heels matter, and great stories leave people in awe. Which speaks to the positive nature of storytelling, and how it can provide a real service for the soul that lasts when the illusion doesn’t stay at the door. Courtesy of Jack’s edict for everyone to stay in character and show the town the majesty of what the DWL is working to do, and this aspect of the premiere is indeed lovely and joyous since it does remind us of how stories energize us and give us so much more to look forward to.
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Not to mention, what Jack accomplishes in this premiere, also showcases the positive power of one’s dream. Since Duffy loves their wrestlers and treats them akin to royalty at times. Simply because, there is an admiration factor that accompanies those who chase their dreams, and everyone is indeed doing that. They’re putting themselves out there, they’re wrestling and they’re packing the house, and people are indeed in awe of that. To the point where Crystal wants in on that and where throes of fans are there to greet them. All of which speaks to how chasing our dreams puts us in a unique light to others who haven’t just yet and can inspire people and this purity is what we seek when we’re young and what we expect to find when we begin the chase, and that’s why the flip side exploration of such matters, makes this episode so painfully bittersweet.

Simply because… we see how people getting lost in the story can cause harm. Since Ace really does slip into the role of the Face too easily and believes that it somehow makes him better, when it is his actions that would help with that. Giving rise to a flawed character who doesn’t quite understand the world he’s part of or what it truly means to others and of course, the arrival of ol’ Wild Bill brings forth our understanding of how dreams can be toxic. Since it pushes Ace to basically toss a middle finger to his town and his family in the name of glory and being seen, and it prompts his brother… to impart harm upon Ace to keep a narrative going and to make sure that his iteration of the dream is the only one that stands tall. Informing us of how losing ourselves in a story and expecting our dream to be the only one possible, can cause real harm and real trouble.

All of which gives rise, to a stunningly complex series premiere, which isn’t common in the world of television. But this is no common show, this is something special, and it clearly taps into elements that no other show out there is willing to and watching it a second time… only makes it sweeter. Because now, it’s less about an introduction and more about an understanding that we are about to go on a complex journey that will explore the wonder and the horror of elements we cherish and fear, depending on where we are at in our lives. Which gives rise to a genuinely brilliant premiere as well, one that is ambitious and also informs us… it will take its time in getting us the answers we seek to the questions posed above. So that we truly come to learn how best to handle the power of dreams and the power of stories, to avoid the mistakes that we see present, here, and it will be amazing to explore those in great detail as we continue our grand re-watch of one of the most inventive shows to hit the airwaves in years. Until next time.