One particular type of show that we all love but don’t celebrate or discuss enough… is the interview talk show. Because they really do offer quite the incredible viewing experience. Simply because… they help us to learn. Learn about a person of note, learn about a celebrity, and important topics… depending upon who is sitting in that chair answering questions. If anything, the wonder of this type of show is top of mind today because one of note is about to debut on STARZ. For earlier the network announced that its first ever weekly interview series will premiere on October 4, and it will indeed offer up everything we love, and more.

Because Fat Joe Talks, hosted by cultural icon, Fat Joe, will provide us with in depth interviews with celebrities and important figures that we don’t often see on these types of shows. Wherein we can learn about them, from them and get to know them better, and to properly support this wondrous announcement, STARZ was also kind enough to drop a teaser trailer for the show, and updated details, which we will share with you now. So, you can prepare to immerse yourself in a quality new interview series.
‘STARZ announced today that the network’s first, weekly interview series, “Fat Joe Talks,” will premiere Friday, October 4 with Method Man, award-winning music artist and star of  “Power Book II: Ghost" as its inaugural guest. Fat Joe will be the first to capture Method’s reflections on his NAACP Image Award-winning role as Davis MacLean following the closing chapter of the acclaimed series.
 
The two artists also discuss their shared history of coming up in the hip-hop world during the 1990s, the enduring legacy of Wu-Tang Clan, and balancing Method’s very public career while preserving his privacy as a family man. Filmed in Method Man’s hometown of Staten Island, New York, the two visit locations around the community that remain meaningful to Method’s life and work.
 
New episodes of “Fat Joe Talks” will be released every Friday at midnight on the STARZ app and on linear at 9:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and 11:00 PM ET in Canada on STARZ. In addition to Method Man, additional interviewees will include: Oscar-nominated Actress, Grammy and NAACP Award Winner Mary J. Blige, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, actor and award-winning hip hop artist T.I., Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Babyface, as well as appearances by Grammy-nominated hip hop artist Latto, reggae artist Buju Banton and rapper Remy Ma. Airdates and additional guests are to be announced soon.
 
STARZ also released a teaser trailer showcasing Fat Joe’s impressive career, which has guided him to lead the energetic interview series.
 
“Fat Joe Talks” is hosted and executive-produced by the multi-hyphenate Grammy award-nominated artist and cultural icon Fat Joe. In each weekly 30-minute episode, Fat Joe will bring the audience along for intimate conversations and never-told-before stories with some of America’s favorite celebrities and newsmakers who drive the cultural zeitgeist. Fat Joe will engage with his guests in ways that allow them to open up like never before. In recent years, Fat Joe has broadened his work to include everything from podcast host to author to healthcare price transparency reform advocate, proving he is more than a musician. He is a culture staple who loves talking to people from all walks of life, and they love talking to him.
 
“I’ve been preparing all my life for the moment to host my own show and it’s finally here,” Fat Joe said. “We are going to make history and I’m grateful to STARZ, Embassy Row and SpringHill for believing in the vision. I’m looking forward to showing another side of my personality and having compelling conversations with some of the world’s most influential leaders and entertainers. Get your popcorn ready.”
 
Embassy Row serves as the production company on the project. Grammy-nominated artist, entrepreneur and philanthropist Fat Joe is the host and executive producer of “Fat Joe Talks.”  LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Philip Byron, and Jamal Henderson are executive producers for SpringHill. Michael Davies serves as executive producer for Embassy Row.  
 
Follow “Fat Joe Talks” on Social:
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Join the conversation with #FatJoeTalks and #Starz
 
About Fat Joe 
Fat Joe is a Grammy-nominated recording artist, author, actor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and media personality from the Bronx, New York. With an acclaimed career that has spanned four different decades, Joe has cemented his legacy as a hip-hop heavyweight, having amassed several multiplatinum and gold studio albums, mixtapes, singles, and collaborations, including “Lean Back,” “What’s Luv,” “Make It Rain,” and “All The Way Up,” among countless others. 
 
Beyond his unprecedented longevity, Joe—who is of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent—has played an integral role in bridging the intersection of hip-hop and Latin music, collaborating with Gloria Estefan, Thalia, Ricky Martin, etc. Joe has also displayed an eye for discovering and developing new talent, having signed the likes of DJ Khaled, Big Pun, Remy Ma, and more to his Terror Squad label imprint.
 
Most recently, Joe reinvented himself into a media personality, hosting the 2022 and 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards and episodes of The Drew Barrymore Show and The Wendy Williams Show. His pivot into media began in 2020, when he launched “The Fat Joe Show,” an Instagram Live talk show where he interviewed a wide array of guests, such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Floyd Mayweather, Jamie Foxx, etc. Those experiences ultimately paved the way for Joe to get his own show on STARZ.
 
The Bronx native expanded his résumé and became an author in November 2022, releasing his memoir, The Book of Jose, which pulled back the curtains on the trials, tribulations and triumphs throughout his personal life and professional career. Joe’s acclaimed memoir is in the process of being converted into a television series on Showtime that will be executive produced by Kenya Barris.
 
He has shined in acting roles, most notably starring alongside Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish in “Night School” as well as in Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have It” Netflix series. He is also slated to star alongside Susan Sarandon in an animated comedy series called “The Movers” that is currently in development at FOX. 
 
Joe is also the owner and founder of three UP NYC stores in New York City, which sells exclusive sneakers from brands such as Jordan and Nike as well as sports apparel, caps, etc. Joe is also the co-owner of Rewind It 10, a men’s at-home beard and hair coloring collection.
 
For more information on Fat Joe, follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
 
About STARZ
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company.
 
About SpringHill
SpringHill is the creative and entertainment community within The SpringHill Company (TSHC), founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter. Fueled by the stories of makers, the brand is committed to putting the craft back into creativity and nurturing the unique gift in all of us. The award-winning studio team for the SpringHill brand develops and produces high-quality entertainment television, film, and theatrical releases with the biggest creators, brands and platforms in the world. All SpringHill studio projects are empowerment led, where content isn’t simply to entertain, but to inspire with thought-provoking themes, conversations and journeys. For more information visit www.makespringhill.com and follow @MakeSpringHill on social media.
 
About Embassy Row
Part of Sony Pictures Television, Embassy Row is a television and digital production company, founded by eight-time Emmy winner Michael Davies. Embassy Row is dedicated to the development and acquisition of original non-scripted programming for broadcast, cable and digital platforms in the U.S. and abroad. The bi-coastal company specializes in several genres including talk, games, competition, comedy, factual, food, and sports. A pioneer in the areas of brand and social media integration, Embassy Row boasts a portfolio of popular and buzz-worthy series including the Emmy nominated and Critics’ Choice winning “Watch What Happens Live” for Bravo; Emmy Award winning “Good Morning Football” for NFL Network; Emmy and Critics’ Choice nominated “The Talking Dead” for AMC; Primetime “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire“ for ABC; “Cutthroat Kitchen” for Food Network; as well as Jerry Seinfeld’s Emmy and Critics’ Choice nominated “Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee” and Emmy nominated comedy special, “Jerry Before Seinfeld” for Netflix. In 2022, Michael became the fourth ever Executive Producer of Jeopardy! in its 40 years in syndication, and has since successfully launched three new primetime JEOPARDY! spinoffs at ABC: “Celebrity Jeopardy!,” “Jeopardy! Masters” and the “Jeopardy! National College Championship.”’

One would think in this modern age of storytelling, where there is a battle happening to see more positive entertainment out there, that a series about someone snapping and slipping into darkness… would go under the radar. But that’s simply not the case. Because everyone is eager to hear when Sweetpea, a story about an everyday woman, named Rhiannon, that loses herself to a bloodlust within, will debut on STARZ. Largely due to the fact that STARZ is known for handling dark material in an intelligent manner, and because Ella Purnell is playing Rhiannon. 

But one way or another… the fans want to know when they can indulge in what will outright be a unique and twisted tale, one that will likely provide us with something deep to chew upon during these fraught times and thankfully, STARZ knows what the fans want. Since earlier, they unveiled the release date for Sweetpea, along with Key Art, and a trailer and updated details on the show. All of which we will share with you now, to help with the countdown to October 10, when Rhiannon’s reign of terror begins.
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​'STARZ announced today that “Sweetpea,” the new darkly comic coming-of-rage story, will premiere on Thursday, October 10 while unveiling an all-new killer trailer, key art and imagery for the Ella Purnell (“Fallout,” “Yellowjackets”) led series. “Sweetpea” premieres Thursday, October 10 at midnight on the STARZ app.  On linear, it will debut on STARZ at 8pm ET/PT in the U.S. and on Friday, October 11 at 10pm ET/PT in Canada.  The following week, “Sweetpea” will move to Fridays, dropping at midnight on the STARZ app and airing on linear at 8pm ET/PT in the U.S. and 10pm ET/PT in Canada, for the remainder of the season.

The six-part episode series stars Ella Purnell as Rhiannon Lewis, a quiet wallflower who develops a vengeful and intoxicatingly liberating taste for murder.  At its core, the series is about a woman finally finding her voice, told through a uniquely dark and comedic lens.

The ensemble cast includes Nicôle Lecky (“Mood,” “Sense8”) as Julia, Jon Pointing (“Big Boys,” “Smothered”) as Craig, Calam Lynch (“Bridgerton”) as AJ, Leah Harvey (“Foundation”) as Marina. Also starring Jeremy Swift (“Ted Lasso”) as Norman and Dustin Demri-Burns (“Slow Horses”) as Jeff.

“Sweetpea” is a six-part series produced by See-Saw Films and fanboy in association with Sky Studios. The series is adapted from C.J. Skuse’s cult novel of the same name by executive producer Kirstie Swain (“Pure”); written by Kirstie Swain, alongside Krissie Ducker (“Killing Eve”), Laura Jayne Tunbridge and Selina Lim (“Sex Education,” “Hanna”). The series is directed by award-winning director Ella Jones (“The Baby,” “Back To Life”), who also serves as executive producer. Commissioning editor, Manpreet Dosanjh, is executive producer for Sky Studios. Executive producer for fanboy is Patrick Walters (“Heartstopper”), and executive producers for See- Saw Films are Helen Gregory, Iain Canning, and Emile Sherman. Ella Purnell also serves as executive producer. Zorana Piggott (“Heartstopper”) is the series producer. 

About “Sweetpea”
Rhiannon Lewis doesn’t make much of an impression - people walk past her in the street without a second glance. She’s continually overlooked for a promotion  at work, the guy she likes won’t commit, and her dad is really, really sick. Then everything in her life turns upside down. Rhiannon is pushed over the edge and loses control. Suddenly the wallflower is gone, and in its place is a young woman capable of anything… Rhiannon’s life transforms as she steps into a new, intoxicating power, but can she keep her killer secret?

Follow STARZ on Social:
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Join the conversation with #STARZ

About STARZ
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company.'

It is definitely safe to say that a vast majority of people in the world, pay the world of fashion, little mind and understandably so. After all, so many people just see fashion as well, something functional, a necessity, so there’s no need to think upon it outside of what will help keep one warm or keep one cool depending upon the season. Not to mention, there are quite a few of us, that just have no interest in it. We just develop our style and our look and just go about our day, and that same reverence is often given to programming about fashion. Since we see no need to explore a world that we feel we have no impact upon and has little impact upon us, and some fashion shows… are a touch hyper stylized.
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But honestly… we shouldn’t always hold to that line of thinking. Because the world of fashion deserves our respect, like any other. Because there are people who are deeply passionate about it and dedicate their lives to it in the same manner that a writer will throw themselves into a career based in words. Not to mention, fashion does have an impact upon us. Because while we may not care about it… we find looks that look good for us and that is something that fashion has influenced, and it is indeed filled with people who are flawed, and wondrous and that is why… a brand-new series on Apple TV+, arriving tomorrow, is of note. Since La Maison offers the audience quite the unique story involving the world of fashion.

One that introduces us to a pair of rival fashion houses in France. There’s Ledu, a centuries old, iconic company, that is always trying to stave off Rovel and their work, and when we meet these two companies they appear to be embroiled in an endless back and forth. But after Rovel manages to upend an important contract for Ledu… both companies’ worlds are shaken to their core. For Vincent Ledu, the head of the company, just so happens to run his mouth in a terrible, frustrated rant over that lost contract. One that harbors awful language and awful thoughts, and that of course… gets out to the masses. Prompting chaos at Ledu and reinvention and change, the kind that will bring forth a desperate attempt to save Ledu, and a fight from its biggest and most hated rival to claim its future.

All of which gives rise, to a vastly different kind of fashion series. One that in part, deeply reflects our modern world. Since time and time again, we’ve seen people do what Vincent does and seen their world come crashing to a halt. Allowing for this show to beg the question, what would happen if the head of one of the biggest companies in the world did such a feat? But of course, it offers so much more than an exploration of cancel culture in our modern world. Because this show does harbor an intimate look at the fashion business, the decisions that go into creating fashion, the passion that people exhibit within it, and how much it means to so many. For people do find wonder in what this world produces, with the same reverence of those who adore art, and it is important to recognize the hope it inspires in so many.

Because it is in fact, only fair, and thankfully this series does just that in a compelling and engaging manner, which is enhanced by some lovely performances as well. Since the entire cast immerse themselves into this world and into their characters, and truly allow for us to believe they are these fictional beings with all of their flaws and all of their wonder. All of which gives rise to a fascinating series, one that is an absolute must-watch. Simply because it is also, a supremely original show, with a plot that is new and refreshing and because… great acting, great direction and great writing, is always a wonderful formula for good television and that is what we get here. And the best news of all, is we don’t have to wait that much longer to enjoy this new show, for La Maison arrives on Apple TV+ tomorrow, and we here at NTG hope you give it a look. Because you can never go wrong with an original series that explores a world, only a handful of us know something of.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 210 of ‘The Ark’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular aspect of the human condition that we don’t see explored all that often in science fiction… is the power of grief. Which is surprising. Because grief is an important aspect of the human condition, something that deeply defines us as a species and something that we all truly share in at some point or another, and it really is quite eye opening to see stories set in space or set in the future… where it doesn’t seem to have the impact that it does now. As though one of the hardest experiences for us to overcome, somehow can be handled easily with progressive technology and hope for a better tomorrow.

Which is why this week’s episode of The Ark on SYFY was so delightfully impressive. For it took the time to showcase that grief isn’t something that would just go away because of a need for immediate survival and because technology could comfort. It would be real, and it would be something that potentially… someone would hold onto in a negative manner because of the trappings of the future. All of which ‘It Should Have Been You’ explored by way of one incredible surprise aboard Ark 1. For the FTL drive was having a slight malfunction after being turned into a weapon and while the captain, Doctor Markus, and Ian were poking about it to help… a surge of energy transported them into the depths of their minds.

All because the good doctor happened to harbor technology from Maddox from the early stages of the human augmentation program. Granted his trial failed, but the tech was able to link everyone’s minds, and for a brief while, the three of them lived in a dream state for what felt like months aboard an empty Ark 1, and once the tech failed in the doctor, he left them behind and returned to the real world. Leaving Ian and Garnet to live long and fruitful lives in that dream, the kind where they became close, and eventually they came to love one another, deeply. To the point where any attempt to bring them back to reality, failed because of the bond they formed. But eventually, they were pulled from the dream state and returned to regular life.

One that might not feature that love, as evidenced by Sharon’s response to Ian’s touch. But there was reasoning behind that. Because in that dream state, and fresh off of sending Lieutenant Lane’s body into the void, Sharon was enduring hard grief. Grief that she harbored for a man she loved and she of course, never got the chance to tell him of those feelings or explore where those feelings could go. So, in that safe space, she let Ian stand in as her love and lived the life she wanted with Lane. Which spoke to the tragic power of grief and how technology could perhaps instead help someone embrace it and use it in the wrong manner. Because Ian will indeed be hurt, and nothing will ever be the same between he and Sharon.

All of which offered up, a tragic and heartbreaking tale, really. One that reminded us that what makes us human, flaws and all, simply won’t disappear once we traverse the stars or find new ways to improve our lives through technology. Our wonder and our folly will be with us for all time, and the show deserves a round of applause for not just quickly moving on from Lieutenant Lane’s death and for showing the powerful impact of grief. And it should be fascinating to see what life will be like for Sharon and Ian in the days to come as we inch toward the season two finale of this incredible and magnificent series. Until next time.

Please enjoy an exclusive sneak peek of the season two finale of Kold x Windy, in advance of the show’s return tomorrow on ALLBLK!

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Bad Monkey’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particularly interesting choice that so many television shows make, is to never follow-up with the characters after they go through a life-changing experience. Because these are indeed moments that will alter a person’s psyche and put them on potentially stunning paths, that could change the course of the story easily. But more often than not, it happens, the story moves on, and all is forgotten, and we are the ones left to wonder what the story would look like if that all-important moment did not go away, and that is why the Apple TV+ series, Bad Monkey, is of note and worthy of our attention. For it is that rare show that doesn’t forget those moments and expands upon their impact, as evidenced by this week’s story.

For ‘A Total Cat Person’ continued to explore the nature of accountability. Which a fair number of the characters dealt with in the last story but where we did not see full resolution. But that was handled here no problem. Take Bonnie for instance, who just went on the run, despite knowing she had to fix the mess she made, and while she understood that… she kept moving, just kept hoping that maybe she could be held accountable in a different manner. But a return to Andrew’s place, allowed for them to have a frank and powerful talk. One that finally informed Bonnie that the running was over, and the time was now to stand up and take accountability and she most certainly did and found herself headed to jail for her crimes. 

Plus, this story made sure to follow up on the accountability that the Dragon Queen imparted upon Eve and Christopher, in the most unique way possible. By showcasing that people that sour and that dark, cannot be held accountable by traditional means. They will instead, hold those who cross them to account in the most unique ways possible. Such as say, finding out their weakness and exploiting it. Which for the Dragon Queen… involved enjoying financial and personal freedom, and that was why she took a fat check from Eve and Christoper and started to work hard to transition away from her spiritual work. Because that was her long-term goal all along. Which led ironically to a measure of emotional accountability for her, since Ya-Ya pointed out the err of her ways. Giving rise to a crossroads for the Dragon Queen since she now must hold herself to account and figure out what kind of life she wants to lead.

Yet while it was fascinating to follow up on such matters, we would be remiss to not talk about Yancy and Rosa’s fascinating journeys here. Simply because, Rosa found a new path in life, since she decided she was done with dead bodies, and Yancy… won the day. Because he was able to bring down Mendez with an assist from an old friend, and… the case against Christopher and Eve was indeed strong. Strong enough to land Yancy his old job back. But alas, there was no happy ending here regarding the case. For the feds were going to let Eve and Christopher operate for the time being and that put Yancy in a tough spot mentally, and Rosa struggled too, because she made a huge life changing decision.

Which gave rise to a bittersweet tale really, one that showcased the impact that accountability has upon us when we’ve screwed up, and when we get put in our place, and how sometimes… the choices we make, the good news we get, doesn’t necessarily put us in the best of moods. Because not every moment is perfect and well, now that this exploration appears to be done, in a proper manner, it would seem the show is about to surprise us with something refreshing and new. Since that closing shot, of gunmen heading toward Yancy’s door, speaks to an episode filled with bullets and unexpected violence, the kind that may be another attempt from our villains, to hold Yancy accountable for doing the right thing. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘Las Azules’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One unfortunate trap that many television shows fall into when they offer up something unique and new, is slipping into familiar territory and using it as an outright crutch. And what makes this so problematic, is that it tends to detract from every wonder that the show has put forth, since now it is more, what we know, than undiscovered country, and that truly disappoints and it has at times, served as a death kneel for a show since there is almost a sense of betrayal that accompanies such a move. So, it is definitely safe to say, that particular sense of worry and dread washed over fans of Women in Blue (Las Azules) on Apple TV+.

For the penultimate episode of season one, felt as though the raw brilliance of this series was going to slide into familiar and conventional territory. Because ‘Gabina’ opened up with a pact between Gabina and Benito. Where they swore to leave their lives behind and run off together, a signal that our killer was ready to make her the next victim. Plus, back at the station, the case was finally coming together. For Mária and Ángeles were ready to present their case to Gerardo. Who was finally impressed with everything they’d put together and as an added bonus, Gabina changed her mind about walking away when she understood how close they were to capturing the killer, and that she could outright help in putting him away.

Which was why she offered up her meeting with him, as bait. To bring him in and bring him down. All of which felt to be so by the numbers and so of the norm, as though this was it… we were going to wrap this story up in standard ways. But thankfully, that was all part of a plan to make us comfortable so that what lie ahead would truly stun us and truly take us on a journey as refreshing as the concept of the show. For as the police closed in on the meeting place, which was Gabina and Valentina’s apartment, little did anyone know that Valentina, who was doing her best to rest up away from home, was returning there, at the very moment that the trap was being laid. Which Mária learned about at the last possible second and worked to warn her, to no avail.

For Benito was waiting there for her and he, of course, was kind and relaxed enough to convince Valentina to let him into the apartment, wherein he figured out that an important phone call that seemed to be between Valentina and her family… was in fact, an advance warning. Which meant, it was Valentina that was taken by the Undresser, and that led to a frantic and emotional search. One that pushed Mária to her breaking point mentally and emotionally and forced all kinds of lines to be crossed. For Escobedo wanted little information revealed about what was happening here, especially that a member of Las Azules was kidnapped since that would blow the program up. But truly, the team felt helpless and needed to do something to move the whole thing along.
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Which prompted them to try Benito’s home address, but all that revealed was his little sanctuary of madness, and the lack of solid clues there, pushed Mária to go on television and showcase that her sister was missing and to use her intimate knowledge of what formed this monster to make a plea and make a deal. Which did not offer the result that she wanted, in fact… it outright put everything in peril. Since Escobedo was relieved and replaced with Commander Herrera. Which pushed the team to figure out a fast solution since this was their last chance to find Valentina the right way, before brute force was involved and they came up with quite the solve. In that, to complete his kill, he needed a mannequin to display the uniform of his victim. Which brought everyone to the mannequin factory and brought forth, a stunning ending.

Wherein to save his own hide and buy himself more time upon being caught, Benito sent Mária and Romandía to a false location to ‘find’ Valentina, and sadly… that brought forth disaster. For while they were off, Gabina and her father spoke to the monster on terms that became unsettling, and the old school Commander… killed the Undresser in a fit of fury. Stopping any chance of quickly finding Valentina and such a move, left us with a stunning cliffhanger, and the wonder of a stunning episode. Because nothing that happened here was conventional in the slightest, and that truly made for one incredible tale. One that leaves us wondering how the season will end. For Valentina is in genuine danger and her whereabouts are indeed unknown and that will make the wait for next week’s episode as painful as can be. Since we are all hoping she will be okay so that the Undresser does not win the day.

Caution: This article contains spoilrs for Episode 403 of ‘Slow Horses’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Often times in spy dramas, the instant that names begin to drop, and clues begin to make themselves apparent, the story kicks into overdrive, and rightfully so. For spy stories are made to captivate us and wow us and putting the pedal to the proverbial metal when facts arrive, allows for just that. Which is why the Apple TV+ series, Slow Horses, continues to be such the outlier in the genre. Because while it is indeed tense when it needs to be, it always stays grounded in as much realism as possible. Giving rise to stories that feel as though they are happening in the world now, and never was more evident than during this week’s episode of the series. Since ‘Penny for Your Thoughts’ reminded us that spies are people, and that the pursuit of the truth is not easy in the slightest. 

River’s journey for instance, put that latter element on display. For when he awoke in a strange house in France, he found himself locked up and at gunpoint, and he was informed… that someone had things to talk to him about. Which as it turned out, was the mother of the man that grandad David put down with impunity, and she came to see if by chance her son had returned since he and River share so many features, and well… this normally would have been the moment that truths were revealed, and more clues came into play. But alas, that was not the case here in the slightest. For all River was able to ascertain was that Frank Harkness was the man he met in the other house, and that he and his brood did some nefarious things in this town, and before he could learn more, an angry mob that hated his doppelgänger broke in and forced an escape.

Of course, he wasn’t the only one that didn’t quite get the answers that they were hoping for. Because back at Slough House, the dogs had come for Jackson Lamb. Because Flyte was waiting for him, and she was supremely displeased that he sent her on quite the snipe hunt. For the blood results from the corpse in the Cartwright tub came back and it was most certainly not Jack’s blood. Which prompted her to bring Jackson in, in cuffs no less, and have him pay the piper. But instead, he flipped the script and sent her on another wild hunt for the truth through David, only for her to find more embarrassment in the search. Because Standish was able to move David to a safe space for a bit, keeping Flyte from causing more havoc and learning any truth. 

Not to mention, Jackson also suffered from this problem. Because his deal with Moira revealed that ol’ Bad Sam Chapman was someone involved in this mess, since he was the one that went to France many, many moons ago. So, Jackson did his best to arrange a meeting with an old friend, only to learn that Sam was being tailed by Harkness’ lackeys and that led… to some old school tension if you will. The kind where Shirley and Marcus did their best to protect Sam… to no avail. For this man was strong, fast and damn near lethal with his fighting skills and that forced Lamb to get involved in the matter by straight up hitting the man with a car. Which did save Sam but brought forth no answers for Slough House. Not to mention… the jackass got away. Yes, he got up and ran after being hit by a car (and after being stabbed by Shirley) because he is THAT tough.
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Which were fine lessons that spoke to how the truth is a pain to get to in real life, and this is why investigations take so long. For there are complexities and surprises along the way, and well, these plotlines also showcased how human these characters are, and the mistakes they sometimes make. After all, Standish uh… did lose David whilst hiding him, River took a beating in getting out of France despite being able to escape and of course… everyone at Slough House exposed some of their flaws. Since Jackson did let the bad guy get away, and Shirley learned a valuable lesson about respect, oddly… so did Roddy, courtesy of the new guy and Marcus learned once again… that he really must quit with the gambling. Because it is just getting him in major trouble.

All of which brought forth, another enjoyable and unconventional episode from this series. Simply because, it was grounded in realism through and through and that truly is refreshing. Because it truly immerses us in this story and only attaches us to the characters further and thankfully, doesn’t leave us anxious for answers. But that’s because we also know, that the show will reveal all the details we need to know at just the right time and it is always nice to know that this show will never let us down and take good care of us, and well, now all we can do is sit and wait, to see what surprises will await us come next Wednesday. Until next time.

To dive deeper into season four of ‘Slow Horses’, check out our interview with the actor that plays Roddy Ho, Christopher Chung.

There are a great many things that fascinate us in this world. For we often wonder why the stars are where they are at, why we are here… and on a more intimate level… why this species is capable of such stunning duality. Because we are beings that are capable of great beauty, and great kindness, and stunning cruelty, and that latter aspect of the human condition, is what fascinates us the most. Simply because we cannot comprehend how someone can become cruel when they are born into this world in the most innocent manner possible, so we pour over how evil is born and that’s given life to some fascinating ways in which to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche.
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Such as the true-crime documentary. Because that allows for us to settle in and learn every detail, we can about crimes that are appalling, that went on for far too long and hopefully, it will explain what creates evil in this world so we can avoid it, be vigilant and perhaps someday… spot it and stop suffering. But alas, there are a bevy of them out there and not all of them take the time to properly explore such matters and answer our deep-rooted questions regarding evil. But thankfully, there are networks working hard to give us explorations that truly dive into the madness that man is capable of, and it just so happens that an incredible one is available on Peacock, starting today.

For earlier, World’s Most Notorious Killers debuted on the streamer, and it truly is… a quintessential true-crime docuseries. In large part because it is grand and sweeping in nature. For it harbors five, super-sized episodes that deeply explore five heinous cases in history and the scope of these episodes is truly impressive. Because each episode leaves no stone unturned regarding the murders in question, and they dive into the aftermath and reactions they engendered as well. Which paints a perfectly terrifying tapestry, one that truly informs us of the cruelty that people are capable of. But what matters more, is that it goes so much deeper than just giving us a re-telling of disgusting crimes.

Because these episodes also explore the lives of the killers, and believe it or not, there are moments where the killer is allowed to speak and that allows for us to dig deep into what drives people to kill, and this is indeed, the most disturbing aspect of the show. Since we learn about how unsettling moments in the past, shattered psyches, and that in turn helped make it easy for some of these monsters to outright commit the worst crimes imaginable. Over, and over, and over again if need be, to satiate their bloodlust. Plus, this in-depth examination of the mind of the killer, helps us to understand the demented thoughts that populate their head and how their actions, detach them from reality.

All of which provides us with the unsettling context we so crave and truly does explore how evil begets evil and how it operates in our world, which is perhaps the most unsettling aspect of this series. Since there are moments in these cases, where it is simply incredible that the offenders managed to evade law enforcement and even baseline logic. Which perhaps we can attribute to the fact that such crimes seem impossible in our minds. But this series goes to show, they are possible, and they happen. Which makes it seem as though perhaps one should in fact, avoid this series, but it is indeed worthwhile and should be seen. Simply because it does satiate that dark curiosity we have about such matters, and it does educate. But above all, it keeps the memory of the victims of these senseless crimes alive, and that is important, since it does rob much of the power these monsters wished to impart upon the innocent.

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

If there is one important aspect regarding hitting the reset button or working to start over in life that is glossed over often in storytelling, it would have to be… the why. Granted, we always see the immediate cause and the immediate reason for a character to want to get a fresh start, but we rarely explore the genuine why in those stories, and well… we should. Because that, truly sells the importance of going on this journey and the reward that it can offer and well, it just so happens that the season three finale of Under the Vines, on Acorn TV, explores the importance of the why in such matters.

A feat that ‘To Have and To Hold’ accomplished… after handling some long-awaited business. For this episode opened up with an Ocean’s Eleven style heist. Wherein our core crew, and the father of Tippy’s child planned some hard distraction to get Charles into the house, to get into the safe and get proof that Oakley belonged to them and only them. Which went… about as well as one might expect. Since the distraction was easily solved by William, putting Louis at risk while he was getting the deed in question. But a little fire on Daisy’s part, allowed for Louis to escape and confront William at last and point out his lies and that he never once had ownership of Oakley, and thankfully… William admitted to that truth and took off, giving Daisy and Louis and their extended family what they needed at last… their home.

Which in turn allowed for the story to begin to explore the why behind everything. Which it pulled off via Daisy’s big day, which was something of a disaster. Because Griff of course informed Daisy he would not be in attendance, and Nic also had to bow out but for vastly different reasons. For she was dealing with a touch of post-partum stress and felt overwhelmed and just couldn’t take being a bridesmaid. So, Daisy dropped by to check on her before her nuptials and that helped her to begin to understand the power of her journey and who she had become since leaving home and leaving that life behind and well, that prompted quite the surprise in the chapel. In that, she opted to not marry David. Simply because, she had grown, and she had changed.

Because her why, for hitting the reset button on her life and doing this over anything else… was that so she could reconnect with herself and learn to love herself. And to also change the people around her in her life so that she could finally find real connection, and real love in every sense of the word. And understanding that why, made it easier to split from David, because just diving into puppy love was the old Daisy and this new one wanted something to last. Something pure, and it was just wonderful to see Daisy finally come to this epiphany and even see Louis reach it as well. For his why involved truly finding happiness and a career that would fulfill him and coming to Oakley did just that.
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Which brought forth, another important understanding for both of them. In that, they were in love, so in love, and they continued to deny themselves the joy of being with one another in some foolhardy effort to maintain a taste of the past. But knowing their path now, allowed for this duo to finally kiss, to finally speak their love and that sets the stage, for a beautiful yet turbulent fourth season. Which as of press time has not been granted, but we hope it will be. To see Louis and Daisy explore a new chapter in their lives and see how they handle a resurgent William who is clearly planning to open his own winery. But while we wait for good news, we can celebrate one beautiful season finale. One that really showcased what the why behind a huge decision can do for us and hopefully more people look for that sooner… to smooth over their journey toward a new life. Until next time.