Written by John Edward Betancourt
It is definitely safe to say we are all a little downtrodden at the moment, and understandably so. After all, the world is at war again, political theater is in full swing, and everyone seems to be worried about themselves and nothing more. All of which is upsetting, all of which is disturbing, and it has us searching for something more. For moments that bring us joy and anything that will restore our faith in the reality that this too shall pass. Which is something that television helps with, since it often has stories that remind us that better times are always on the horizon and that people aren’t always selfish waffles, and one particular show that helps in this… is Acapulco on Apple TV+.
Simply because, it’s a lighthearted comedy that shows us a man working toward being more, and in the case of the next episode, being the best possible person they can be. Because ‘For Your Eyes Only’ saw Máximo make an incredible sacrifice for heartwarming reasons, that were motivated by the fact… that someone of serious note was at the resort. Because the best ophthalmologist in North America was staying at Las Colinas, and his arrival meant that there was a good chance that Máximo could have him examine his mother and figure out how to finally fix her eyesight. The only problem was… Máximo had to get Chad to sign off on having his mother and Sara at the resort. Something he refused to do, which made it seem as though this wasn’t going to happen. Especially after Nora spoke to her aversion to Las Colinas and held to her pride that this was something she could overcome. But a powerful speech from Máximo, wherein he expressed how wonderful it would be for her to see her grandchildren, was enough to get her and Sara to the resort. Wherein we discovered that Nora had cataracts, and that surgery would fix that, and that they could pay off said surgery over time. Which was wonderful news that came forth via great risk. Since Chad never signed off on that all-important day pass to get them into the resort, making it seem that Máximo put his job on the line for this, and that was likely the sacrifice in question. But alas, that was not the case. He got the day passes no problem, he just had to… help Chad properly apologize to Julia. For her birthday was near and she was of course, mad at Chad for being such a goof and for not seeing her for her. A move that initially inspired Máximo to have Memo and his family make one of her dress designs from scratch, that he would give to her on her birthday, to woo her away from Chad. But rather than go that route, Máximo offered up that gift to Chad, in exchange for those day passes. Which meant, Máximo straight up sacrificed his best shot at Julia to make sure that his mother would see again… and that was just beautiful to see play out and served as true inspiration in these trying times. Because it served to remind us that people are still capable of beautiful acts. Ones that benefit others through powerful sacrifice, and that, moments such as these, are likely happening in our world while we watch sour news play out on CNN or think about an unnerving and impending election. Which means… we should be focusing on that beauty and celebrating it. Because that’s the stuff that makes the world a better place, and the more we make that our focus, the more the world turns its attention away from loud, orange men that just won’t shut up. All of which made for a special and lovely tale, one that spoke to the wonder and heart of this show and how it truly does lift us up in these trying times… by reminding us of what we are capable of. Until next time. Watch ‘Acapulco’
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Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 408 of ‘Snowpiercer’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
For the most part, stories that revolve around the end of everything or life after the apocalypse, rarely feature deep and intimate moments that celebrate the wonder of the human condition, and rightfully so. After all, said stories are mired in the end of the world. Where it is beyond difficult, if not impossible, to find any measure of beauty or wonder. It’s about survival at that point and finding safety and shelter, and everything needed to carve out a solid future, and truly… there’s nothing wrong with this type of storytelling structure for stories in this vein. Because it does bring about amazing drama and intense moments that question a great deal about who we would become at the end of the world. But every now and again, you run into an apocalypse/post-apocalyptic story that defies that convention and works to find something deeper at the end of the everything. Which is why the AMC series, Snowpiercer, is of note. For it is that rare post-apocalyptic story that has taken the time to explore what’s worth saving in this life, and what matters over survival and it’s made a point to touch upon such matters in its final season, not once, but twice. For last night’s episode, expanded further on a concept it brought forth a few weeks ago. Specifically, what is the point of us surviving dark times if we cannot hold true to what makes society and humanity so wondrous, and it pulled off such a feat, by way of an emotional return to New Eden. For thankfully, Javi survived the blast, and with him in the infirmary, Big Alice rolled back into New Eden, and as everyone enjoyed the wonder of heat once again, another wondrous moment took place. For Layton, and Josie, and Liana were in a tough spot, and their power and heat was fading. But thankfully, Sam Roche showed up. Who, it was revealed, managed to get his hands on a snowcat and some cold weather gear and that allowed for him to rescue some old friends and keep Layton alive when the cold nearly claimed him. Giving rise to more beautiful reunions when everyone else returned home and well…. that brought forth the majesty in question
Because once the council was briefed on what they were facing, and who was behind all of their problems, the people of New Eden entered a period of reflection. Wherein they faced quite the incredible decision. In that, should they join up and do as Nima asked, and sacrifice for the greater good, by handing over Big Alice and their safety… or… fight. Fight to push back Nima’s forces, so they could live and grow what they built, and what they had. Which was… community, unity, family and everything we cherish. Because those are elements that make life worth living, and Sam’s rousing speech and story about how he escaped… prompted everyone… to fight.
After all, the best minds were aboard Snowpiercer, and they would easily figure out how to launch the rocket without hurting others. But alas, that still meant a fight was coming. So, to ensure safety and force Nima’s hand to think over impose… Big Alice was moved to a safe space and lookouts were prepped and that did indeed create a little panic on Snowpiercer. Wherein Nima did his best to manipulate Alex to go out there and infiltrate the town to get Big Alice in hand. A move that led to chaos in the town, and wounds and death. Since Nima’s forces had their cover blown, and gunfire ensued. All of which put Alex in a tough spot, one where she must decide what matters more as well. But while we wait to see what she decides, we can celebrate, one unique episode. One that truly spoke to something that few apocalypse stories do. In that, these stories don’t think about the fact that someday, the dark times will end, life will go on and normalcy will be found… and who will we become on that day? Which made for a beautiful story, that saw good people cherish the best parts of our world, of who we are, of how wonderful it is to have another in our lives… and focus deeply on building the foundation for a better tomorrow that doesn’t repeat our mistakes by cherishing life, and hopefully Alex also chooses that better path. So, compromise can be found, and humanity can finally work together on a plan to restore the world they lost… so they can rebuild society, the right way. Until next time. Watch ‘Snowpiercer’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘My Lady Jane’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
For the most part, the fascinating (and cancelled too early) series, My Lady Jane, on Prime Video, has managed to steer clear of supremely deep social commentary through its first five episodes, and it makes sense as to why. After all, there was a lot of worldbuilding to accomplish in those early tales, so that we properly understood what was going on and what was at stake. Which is critical to good storytelling and the show has done an amazing job when it comes to this. Since we are indeed immersed in this fascinating alternate world, one where the Ethian/Human conflict has weight and has established what kind of fight lie ahead for the new Queen of England, one Jane Grey. But pitting everyday people against beings that are human yet harbor a unique gift, does scream of parallels to our own world. As does the prejudices that surround the Ethian people and their abilities. So, it stands to reason that social commentary had to eventually come into play and well, as it turns out, the next episode of the show was the right moment to make that happen. For ‘I Feel Fine’ had a lot to say about the world as it stands and what it might take to finally end some of the prejudices we harbor in society, and it accomplished such a feat by way of Mary. Whose journey we will get to in just a second, because we would be foolish to not point out that this episode featured some epic moments involving King Edward and Guildford. Who found themselves in situations that dug deep into Ethian hate and shame and forced both of them to fight for their very lives. Which spoke deeply to how the Ethians are in many ways… the stand-in in this story for the LGBTQIA+ community, and how they often face hate and are treated akin to second class citizens by so many. And for some reason, in 2024, that hate is resurgent and strong, and so many are of the opinion that individuals that have been around since the dawn of time are a problem and should be ‘dealt with’ or shunned. Which is of course, a stupid and narrow worldview and that is where Mary’s journey in this story… spoke to how we start to change those hearts and minds, and make it clear that all are one, and all are equal. And it starts, with someone saying enough. Which is precisely what Mary did here. Because she came to understand that this path was no longer sustainable for English society and was wrong to its very core. So, she forced everyone to work together and see one another as equals and she, of course, proclaimed equality was now the English way. Which spoke volumes to how… we need a voice in our world to do just that. A leader that is brave enough to say what needs to be said and truly speaks to equality. But they also must understand that the first person to do so, will face some real heartache and pain. Because sadly… there will be many who do not listen at first. But those aren’t the ones who are the target audience. It’s the everyday people who are sick of the hate and rhetoric and want a leader to give them license… to repeat that message and spread it far and wide until that chorus drowns out the hateful noise. But the only question in this story, is whether or not that message will get out to England. Because Mary was able to get some backers in this story, and they stormed the castle and were able to capture Jane. Which the set the stage for quite the penultimate episode. One where Jane will have to face off against hate, and a monstrous family member. But while we wait to see what comes out of that, since we are indeed in undiscovered country here, we can celebrate one stunningly brilliant episode. One that truly went places we’ve been waiting for this story to go, and truly showcased the show’s potential as a series, which does make the cancellation notice a tad more painful. But it is still lovely to see a series say such important truths about what needs to start happening in our world, to make it better and it make it equal for all. Until next time. Watch ‘My Lady Jane’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Lockup franchise on We TV, is how the network has managed to give life to so many unique chapters of the saga. Since we are often able to learn in detail how love works while someone is locked up via one chapter, while we also get to see how things go when that person in prison comes home to reunite with their love or begin a new one with a person they have only known from afar, in another. Because one would think that a franchise in this vein would eventually run out of steam… or run out of fresh moments for us to share in. But this one has not and will not. For the secret to its success are the people it follows around.
Since the saga allows for us to really get to know them, learn about their unique relationship and find relatability points within them and we simply crave what it has to offer, including the bad since there is some hard drama in this series and some low points. But it really is about a unique corner of life, and the franchise is such a well-oiled machine that it smoothly moves from one chapter to the next and it just so happens… that we are on the cusp of that new chapter. For October 4th will see the return of Life After Lockup, and it will bring forth seven couples for us to follow and learn from, and well, to properly celebrate this news… here is the cast roster for this new chapter in the saga, and a teaser trailer as well, as we prepare for more from this incredible franchise. 'The love stories continue on We TV as fan favorite, Life After Lockup, returns with 10 must-see, 90-minute episodes on Friday, October 4th at 8pm ET/PT. Episodes of Life After Lockup will also be available on popular AMC Networks streaming service, ALLBLK, every Tuesday. Life After Lockup follows seven former inmates and their significant others from the hit series Love After Lockup and Love During Lockup, continuing their journey to keep their love alive, establish a new life in the outside world and stay out of prison. The couples face parole restrictions including travel limitations, consorting with previously incarcerated individuals, combined with the temptations of alcohol and drugs. Meanwhile, couples who have stayed together grapple with the growing pains of love, family and marriage while navigating the emotional hurdles of trying to earn a living with a criminal record. Can they stay together and build a life outside of prison?” MEET THE COUPLES: Bianca & Daniel (Scottsdale, AZ) After Daniel’s family leaves Arizona, the couple is forced to start this new chapter together without any family or friends around. Arguments begin to arise when their new life is not at all what Bianca was expecting when she picked up everything and moved to Arizona to be with him. She still doesn’t have a ring on her finger, their sex life is underwhelming, and Daniel won’t even make her a cup of coffee! With only a few months left on the lease of their apartment, will this young couple be able to work through their issues, or will they decide to go their separate ways? Zeruiah & Troy (Syracuse, NY) Now that Troy is home, Zeruiah is determined to loop him into all their business affairs. Troy is introduced to Project HEAL, their non-profit organization that aims to provide support to the formerly incarcerated. But Zeruiah is keeping a secret about their business. Kimberly & Joey (Eden, NC) Following Joey’s recent release from prison, Kim and Joey have been adjusting to life together in the free world. Joey is stepping up as a stepfather to Kim’s boys, and Kim is over the moon about having her fiancé home. As Joey spends more time with Kim’s son, Kasen, he starts to suspect that Kasen may be his biological son. But Kim is worried that the results of a DNA test could affect the boys and change everything. Tennie & Robert (Yukon, OK) As Rob and Tennie navigate their new life together, Rob’s mom, Kate, becomes a major wedge in their marriage. Kate believes Rob has left her behind to take care of Tennie and her children. Tennie & Kate come to blows at his Welcome Home party, and Rob feels torn between his wife and mother. Rob begins to dream about having a baby of their own. Tennie had to raise two children as a single mother and is not sure she wants to risk going through that again. Can they move past Rob’s mama drama, and will the couple come to a compromise on if they are prepared to bring a new child into the world? Melissa & Louie (Atlantic Highlands, NJ) Louie is 18 months out and Melissa is ready to take the next steps and get engaged! Melissa’s focus is pressuring Louie for a 2-carat diamond ring, but Louie’s mom, Donna, thinks he’s moving too fast. Louie is working multiple jobs to scrounge up the money to make Melissa’s dreams come true…will they find their happily ever after? Britney & Kerok (Richmond, VA) When we last saw Bri and Kerok, they were engaged and living their best life in Virginia. During this season of Life After Lockup, Bri and Kerok are looking to make some changes, the biggest being moving to Texas! And they’re not going alone – Kerok’s mom, Tammy, is along for the ride. As they gear up for the big move, they get a shocking call that changes everything! Justine & Michael (Las Vegas, NV) Justine and Michael finally moved from Pennsylvania to Las Vegas with their big, blended family and newborn, Manhattan Barbie. However, Manhattan isn’t going to be the newest addition for long because Justine and Michael are pregnant with child number NINE! Love After Lockup is produced by Sharp Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television. Executive producers are Matt Sharp, Dan Adler, Sophie Mallam and Alan Madison with Sara Hayworth serving as co-executive producer. Angela Molloy SVP Development & Original Production, Unscripted and Lisa Marie Angelo, Director Development & Original Production, Unscripted, executive produce for We TV. About We TV We TV is AMC Networks' premium destination for relatable characters, authentic stories, and high-stakes drama. We TV creates an inclusive experience where culture, passion, and drama thrive with buzzworthy moments and shareable content that dominates social engagement and drives everyday conversations. From daring reality series to emotionally charged procedurals, We TV’s curated offerings provide an authentic approach to the human experience with a touch of glamour and aspiration. For real people, real drama, and real life – We TV. For Real.'
Caution: This rapid recap of Episode 537 of ‘Love After Lockup’ contains spoilers.
Please enjoy this rapid recap of Episode 537 of Love After Lockup on WE tv, along with a refresher clip! EPISODE 537 – “Love Me, Love Me Not” – Aired September 6th on We TV at 8pm ET/PT Troy goes missing when his ex causes trouble in his marriage. True ambushes Shonta. Hope is stunned by Arthur’s breakdown. Daniel’s parents question Bianca’s motives. Latisha delivers devastating news to Keith. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Over the course the past four years, the characters that populate the world of Power Book II: Ghost, have never faced a real, and outright terrifying threat. The kind where their lives are truly in jeopardy. Yes, they’ve faced challenges in this STARZ series, since they’ve had people challenge their standing and safety. But each and every one of them have risen to the occasion, and schemed their way out of trouble and made those who challenge them pay and pay dearly. But no one has ever been above them and controlled their lives and left them helpless in the process and been impossible for them to defeat. That is… until last night’s episode of show arrived. For ‘The Devil’s Playground’ changed the dynamic for the St. Patrick and Tejada families. Because they were no longer the apex predators of the story, they were all… minions of Detective Carter and victims of their own machinations and that brought about a vastly different kind of story. One where Cane Tejada dealt with the latter of those two concepts. Because Zion was struggling with having his pride broken by Cane, and that prompted him to retaliate and try to murder Cane and Noma. An act he failed at, but he did kill Noma’s hopeful new business contact. Putting her money in jeopardy and leaving Cane in a busted place mentally. Because there was no grace, no understanding for this mistake. Something he was accustomed to receiving. Just accountability and the return of Tariq and Brayden to the fold and Cane was clearly lost at the end of this tale because of this new normal. But his family, suffered far harder. Because Detective Carter was in their lives constantly, and any attempts made to uncover some dirt on him to put an end to this madness, was a waste of time. Simply because he was ten steps ahead and he expected Monet and Dru, to do his bidding at his beck and call and what he wanted from them… was difficult for certain. For he wanted Dru to handle a prison assassination to ensure that this police-sanctioned criminal empire would thrive, and truly… Dru had no choice. For there was no escape, no out, and he did as he was asked and even tried to leverage freedom by offering to handle a rat he discovered, because he could not stand being without control in such matters.
As for Monet, being relegated to being a criminal informant to this disgusting ‘detective’ in title only, left her as listless as Cane, and she truly struggled to reconcile how far she’d fallen and how helpless she was. Plus, even Diana was dragged into their dirty deeds. Since Detective Lewis, tasked her with killing Zion. Because it turned out, that the reach of Detective Carter and his dirty task force was far and wide, and he actually controlled Zion and he wanted Zion dead to keep all of the task force’s illegal work a secret, and he flexed his power hard in this tale. Since his demands of Monet put Effie within an inch of her life, and as evidenced by the shocking moment that took place between, he and Kamaal on a fateful night.
For Detective Tate came to realize that something was amiss about Carter’s unit, and since he was of the belief that Carter was legit, he approached Carter thinking full well their chat would go the right direction. But alas, Carter was quick to kill Kamaal, and his team further flexed, by offering up some cruelty once Zion was dead. For Diana asked Tariq and Brayden to handle her dirty work since they had experience in such matters, and they were fine with helping. But Lewis saw the result, putting Tariq on the NYPD’s radar as well, and Diana was roughed up for disobeying orders. To the point where she might lose the baby. All of which speaks to how cruel Carter and his team are, how far they are willing to go to maintain power, and how much trouble the St. Patrick and Tejada families are in right now. Because how does one escape the supreme resources of the New York Police Department? All of which brought forth a vastly different type of episode of Power Book II: Ghost. Since truly, we’ve never seen these families struggle so badly to control their own destinies, and of course… we’ve never seen them suffer in this manner. Because they’re in a dark place and there is no going against the police, not without bringing down the full force of the NYPD upon them, and that informs us… that the back half of the final season of the show… will be unique in nature. As these characters scramble to find agency, scramble to find freedom and a way forward, without losing their lives to a corrupt cop that is just drunk with power, and it will be interesting to see if they can be free of him and if this sudden change in their lives will be central to the end of their journeys in a few short weeks. Until next time. Watch ‘Power Book II: Ghost’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eight of ‘Me’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
There comes a point in all of our lives, where we see the world in quite the shocking light. It often happens in adulthood at varying moments, but sometimes it arrives in our younger years. But one way or another… we will experience a harrowing moment that helps us to understand that the world is not the place of sunshine and rainbows, and unity that we are told it is, in our extreme youth. Instead, we come to learn that the world is a volatile place full of beauty and full of sorrow and that… we are truly on our own within its realm, and no one will come to help us in times of crisis. Which can be quite the scary and eye-opening revelation for certain. Because it truly does make one feel alone, and helpless, and it leaves one wondering how they can find any sense of comfort when it is removed from our very soul. But there are ways to find peace, and there are ways that we can find support in times of crisis and when we are in the midst of trying to reconcile that truth. All of which, was explored in the next episode of Me on Apple TV+. Since ‘Letting Go’ exposed that truth and showed us how we find that comfort, and it accomplished such feats, by placing Ben in quite the unique situation emotionally. Because he was in many ways… alone in this tale. For Max was still furious with him, and rightfully so. But Ben wasn’t prepared to live in the house without his sister, and have Max avoid him at school and that wounded him deeply and helped him to understand the chaos of the world, and that was further exacerbated by the fact… that Carter started his training. Because it was hard, in part, because it was all new to him, and while he was a natural, he still had much to learn, and he had to contend with evil. For those loyal to Yates and his cause were out and about and eager to find Carter, for reasons that weren’t clear at first… but were soon revealed to Ben. In that, Carter harbored an incredible power. One that was able to stun Yates during their first battle and one that needed to stay far away from him. For Ben also came to learn that Yates was collecting powers and doing his best to put all the heroes down to get to Carter and well, Ben was the last hero standing. Which freaked him out and cemented that lesson. Because just like that, he understood how cruel the world could be, how evil thrived in a place where people fought against it and that… he was alone in fighting against it. Which terrified him to no end and prompted him to explore how we contend with the reality that the world can be such a scary and unsettling place. Which involves… finding some measure of comfort. Usually through our friends and our family. Because they are a safe space, and they can help us pause and look at what’s chewing at us objectively, so we don’t slip into full panic. Which Ben tried to do by visiting Max, and while he was unsuccessful in that moment, it shouldn’t be long before she steps back in, since she knows Ben needs her and she cares about him for certain. But while we wait to see that safe space surround Ben, we can celebrate one amazing tale. One that set the stage for a huge showdown, wherein Ben will have to stand tall, all while offering up those amazing life lessons this show is known for. That was even extended to Carter, since it touched upon the loss she’s faced in life. Because this series is indeed… about growing up, and discovering the ups and downs of the world, so we can settle into its chaos and find a little slice of peace in the madness. Until next time. Watch ‘Me’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Kold x Windy’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
We like to believe that the people that have been in our lives through thick and thin for years on end, will always be there for us. After all, there comes a point, where they are basically family, and we cannot envision a life without them. Which is why we tend to offer forgiveness for their mistakes, the same we would any other family member, and why we do our best to keep the peace with them and work out problems if they arise. But alas, our ride or die friends don’t always stay with us and sometimes… they can transform into someone that is toxic in nature. It could be because something dark is going on in their lives or it could be because we are beginning to move in different directions in life, but the realization that the dynamic between us and our besties might change and/or end… is a tough one to face. If anything, it is top of mind today, simply because it was something that Malika experienced during this week’s episode of Kold x Windy on ALLBLK. For ‘Haters Gonna Hate’ brought forth some stunning surprises when it came to her relationship with Renee. For the label let it be known that Kold and Windy’s rivals were joining the company’s lineup, and that pissed Renee off like never before. Simply because she truly believed that the band deserved the upmost respect, and a move such as this spoke otherwise. So, she did what she knew best… she got angry. In fact, Renee got so angry that security had to escort her out of the building, and she was placed under arrest, and the problems didn’t end there. Because her outburst, and the damage she caused was enough for the label to make it clear that they no longer wanted to do business with Kold and Windy, so they dropped them. Which prompted Malika to do whatever was needed to keep the band alive and keep the dream going. So, she brought back their old manager to try and salvage the situation and she pondered upon how best to juggle their finances. Because she also was planning on taking care of Gege’s taxes so that there would be no worries or concerns about the future once the treatments were done, and that was jeopardized by the label dropping them. And wouldn’t you know it? That money was spent too, and Renee did not care about the fact the label tossed them aside and that the money was gone. For she believed this was the peak of her life. Where she could be a famous musician that was authentically from the streets. But she stole from her bestie, and she basically put the band down a path of destruction and that brought about… the trouble at hand for Malika. Because she was simply beside herself over this and could not believe that someone she saw as a sister could do this. Of course, she tried to hold Renee to account in a classy manner, as family is wont to do, to no avail. Because all Renee cared about was keeping it light and keeping it real, and that left Malika wondering, what was happening to their friendship. Because they weren’t on the same page, they were seemingly growing apart, and Renee’s actions were beginning to tear Malika’s life to shreds. But before she could ponder upon what steps and what actions to take to snap Renee out of her funk and figure out a way forward… another horrible surprise arrived. In that, Malika’s mother created enough debts and ran her mouth just enough… to garner the attention of that mysterious woman that’s been following Malika. Who made herself known to Malika at last, to inform her that she would pay off her mother’s debts through some epic stains. A revelation that left Malika in an even darker place. Because now… she appeared to be stuck in a life she has been so desperate to escape, and to make that worse… she was just so close to being free. She had the contract; the album was being assembled. But Renee ruined everything in this tale… and truly left Malika questioning what their future as friends/family was going to look like and that brought forth one brilliant tale. One that truly explored a lesson we will all face at life in some point, in a manner that was powerful and compelling. Wherein we truly felt for Malika and found frustration regarding Renee and well, the stage is now set for a crossroads moment. One where Kold and Windy must decide what they truly want out of life and whether or not they’re willing to change and work for it, and it will be fascinating to see where they decide to go as season two nears its end. Until next time. Watch ‘Kold x Windy’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Those About to Die’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
We live in a world where misfortune and a downward spiral, takes time to come to fruition. For instance, one isn’t normally evicted overnight when running into the kind of financial hardship that would keep one from paying the rent or paying the mortgage. Not to mention, it takes time for credit card debt to truly become a court related issue. Because while we aren’t a perfect society by any means, there are some safeguards in place to get people back on their feet and get them moving and they exist… because there were days where people quickly found their lives falling to pieces, as evidenced by the next episode of Those About to Die on Peacock. For ‘Betrayal’ showcased the darker side of the all-precious coin in Rome. For not that long ago, Tenax was on top of the world. He had a new faction, he had buckets of money everywhere in his home and he was… on his way to the top. But that change in leadership changed everything for him and when we caught up with him here, everything was falling to pieces thanks to the return of Ursus. Whom we learned nearly died in a fire when he and Tenax tried to escape their wicked master, and well… Ursus expected a great deal of Tenax. Specifically, he expected a great deal of Tenax’s money to feel whole again. Which Tenax saw as an opportunity to turn the tables upon this now foe. But alas, Ursus was ahead of him at every step and even harmed the young children that were often used by Tenax to spy and bring information. Putting him at a true new low from which there appeared to be no escape. Which was quite the freefall for certain, one that saw a man of great power now scramble for the safety and security he worked a lifetime to afford, and he wasn’t alone. After all, Scorpus wasn’t doing all that well in the races, and that quickly put him on the outs with everyone else. Since they came to realize that without the finest gear, he wasn’t the stunning racer he appeared to be and that left him in a dazed and drunken world of sorrow. All of which spoke to how quickly a fall from grace used to happen in our world. However, this story wasn’t totally mired in darkness and sorrow. For it also explored how quickly fortunes could change in this world for the better. Even when the odds were against some, and that was explored through Kwame’s journey here. Because a ceremony to celebrate the Emperor’s new union, was to be host to a bevy of fights and to truly enthrall the crowd, that meant Flamma had to feast upon opponents and one of them was Kwame. Which brought about a brutal battle, one where Kwame held his own and even wounded the behemoth that is Flamma. And his drive, and his desire to win, was enough to be granted life by the Emperor, and it gave him a chance to remind Domitian that his slimy nature was not forgotten. Giving rise to quite the unique story, one that really did see fortunes change, that is before the episode left us with a volcanic cliffhanger. But while we wait to see what comes of Tenax and Kwame’s journeys here, we can celebrate one brilliant tale. One that deeply showcased one of the most fascinating aspects of the old world and reminded us of how fortunate we are in the 21st Century and of course… left us hungry for more. To see what lie ahead for the Empire as well, since there are also dark forces looking to change fortunes for the royal family, which should come as no surprise. For Rome is chaos, plain and simple and it is no wonder it collapsed under its own weight. Until next time. Watch ‘Those About to Die’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Mr. Throwback’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Over the course of the past few weeks, the amazing Peacock series, Mr. Throwback, has accomplished wonders storytelling wise. After all, it’s given us a quality comedy that truly has left us in stitches and informed us that Stephen Curry has the comedic chops to hang with some of the greats, since he and Adam Pally play off of one another (pun intended) well. Not to mention, this is a show that is quite thoughtful, since it has also explored the nature of the lie, and the foundations that bring forth the biggest fibs out there, and truly… we have learned a lot about such matters through this show. But while it has been amazing to discover how and why people lie, there are some fundamental questions the series premiere asked that have yet to be answered in this show. Specifically, can those who lie be redeemed? How do they respond when the jig is up? And of course… how does the lie become common knowledge? Well, it would seem the final two episodes of season one will answer those questions. For the latter two were explored in ‘Bang Bang’ and well, what we learned was fascinating. In that, there just comes a point where the lie is not sustainable anymore and where moral code comes into play, and that was put on display by Sam and Dr. Josh. The latter of whom learned the truth through the blood test he performed, and he and Sam felt the time had come… to tell Steph the truth. Which meant, this was it, the jig was up, and Danny handled it… terribly, as he should. Because all warmth of the character aside, he lied. He lied to Steph, he spent his money and well… this, and Charlie being frosty toward him, Sam cozying up to Dr. Josh and the relapse that Mitch experienced because of the weight of the lie, put Danny in a dark place. Where he also realized he deeply hurt people with his lies, he damaged lives and that was a lot to process. Thankfully… Steph was busy learning about how his show wasn’t going on the air and that gave Danny time to decide what to do about this mess and how to handle the forthcoming penalties he would face. That in turn, prompted him to go to extremes and try to fake his own death so that he could just escape and reinvent himself, again. But thankfully, that didn’t happen. Because in a shocking turn of events, Mitch took the fall for the whole thing. In a desperate attempt to do right by his boy, which was quite the turn. One that hinted that perhaps redemption can be possible for those who deeply lie. But what mattered more, was that… we came to learn that honesty always wins, and morals always trump deception, and that… the fallout of the truth will devastate those involved in the lie and potentially put them down a dark road when they know they will pay the piper dearly for deceiving so many. All of which made, for another brilliant episode from this show. One that truly let Adam Pally shine as an actor since he expressed a gamut of emotion here and of course, it still found ways to be shockingly funny. So that this dark tale was never overwhelming or unsettling and now it sets the stage for a different type of resolution. One where Danny finally gets a second chance at life because his father finally did him a solid. And it will be fascinating to see what Danny does with this incredible gift, and if he will somehow get away with lying to an NBA Superstar, in the season one finale of this powerful and thoughtful series. Until next time. Watch ‘Mr. Throwback’
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