Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 107 of ‘The Anonymous’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

There comes a point with new television shows, where everything comes together narratively, and that is quite the special moment. Because when that happens, the show takes on new life and it has a comfortable vibe that only excites an audience further. Thanks to the fact that the show knows what it is about and what it can accomplish. But normally, this is something that is applied to narrative and fiction themed television shows, since they take time to establish plots and flesh out their characters. But believe it or not, this moment can be present in reality television as well, especially when the show is indeed a newborn of sorts, and for proof… look no further than this week’s episode of The Anonymous on USA Network.

For ‘Plot Twist!’ finally saw everything come together in this show. For now, viable strategies came into play and the intrepid folks vying to earn the title of The Anonymous finally have a sound understanding of what to do with the chat and how to use it to their advantage. All of which was put on display in this tale, after of course, some ugly business was tended to. Since we were left wondering last week if the seasoned Reality TV veteran, Xavier, was going to go home, or if Dillian and his bubbly personality was going to be removed from our screens and well, it turned out that Xavier was The Anonymous’ choice to be sent packing, who happened to be Lilly this week, and once Xavier said his goodbyes, we were plunged into a transformative episode.

One where DANI wasted little time in letting the contestants know, that once their breakfast and morning routine was out of the way, the very next day, it was time to head into the chat and get down to Anonymous business and that’s where we saw everything come together. Because in essence, everyone is comfortable now and everyone understands that this is a game designed to make others uncomfortable through Anonymous mode and where they can use the chat to direct others toward targets. All of which spoke to Xavier’s legacy, since he put forth a fair chunk of these concepts into the game and well… they were executed to a tee here. Which brought about one intense chat, wherein Marcel might have exposed himself again, and where others began to disappear from the conversation because of how well they were using these strategies. 

All of which made it seem that strategy was going to be the focus of this episode, and that the smooth nature of that strategy would once again lock down a target for removal, which varied, surprisingly. Since some were pondering upon Jack’s future while others were eager to look at sending Marcel home or break up the power couple that is Victopher. But since this show is also all about surprise, we saw another element come forth that will also be the norm. For DANI threw everyone for a loop before they could really settle in on who to go after, courtesy of a reformed Face-Off Challenge. One where there would be no show and tell regarding whether someone was ‘At Risk’ or ‘Safe’. They would simply choose their box and go handle the test, and the Anonymous would make their choice, with a twist. In that, if The Anonymous chose a player to go home that had a ‘Safe’ box, they would be immune and there would be no elimination.
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Which meant, the audience and the contestants went into elimination with no knowledge of who was safe, but slowly but surely, we came to learn who did indeed have the magic safety box, and for the first time… we knew exactly who was on the chopping block. It turns out, it was Marcel, and we learned this early… to offer up a different kind of cliffhanger. Because we don’t know if he was safe or not and we won’t know… until next week. Which was a stunning end to a stunning episode, one that at first glance, does not appear to be anything more than chaos and no real sense of cohesion but it is there. Because everyone was indeed comfortable and eager to deploy strategies that ruffled features and confused and shattered anonymity, and it is becoming the norm now to be surprised by DANI. Which means this show has now established that strategy and surprise, and a need to overcome the twist will be the formula and the norm for this show, and now it will be interesting to see how the contestants thrive within that as this season continues along. Until next time.

When we prepare to head out into the world, and become a productive member of society, a critical lesson is hammered into our heads, nonstop. In that, when we find a job we love, or a job in general… we should be loyal to it and be a go-getter and make working our top priority. For that, will get us noticed by those in charge and help us to leap ahead in our career field and be the best and hopefully… rise to the top. But while there is merit to that lesson, since it does teach us the importance and the power of dedication and hard work, like so many lessons in this life, it is incredibly incomplete in nature.

Because what we don’t talk about regarding the lesson… is how there is so much more to life than working, and that we will discover fulfilling components that will in fact, conflict with our career. Because a push to be the company hero, doesn’t jibe with hobbies, and relationships and anything else that takes time away from the precious shareholders. Which means, we eventually must make a choice when we do find ourselves embedded deep in a job that we've excelled at, and now demands the world of us. In that, we either step back, and cherish what we’ve built away from the office, or wear that logo proudly. And so many choose the latter, which then asks the question. Who do we become when the company matters most? Well, it just so happens that the next episode of Acapulco on Apple TV+ explores that to a tee.

A feat that ‘Time After Time’ accomplished, by exploring Don Pablo’s fascinating life and time at Las Colinas. Which was made possible by a surprise back in the 1980s. Wherein a sour employee that was feeding intelligence to a tabloid, was fired and decided to go scorched Earth on the place on the day that Diana was showing the press a new museum exhibit that explored the hotel’s amazing past. Of course, it was up to Máximo and his friends to fix her mess, and they did and saved the day, and tempted a little fate since the editor of that tabloid offered to throw some cash Máximo’s way for information. But along the way, we learned so much about Don Pablo through stories designed to buy Máximo time. About how he was a company man from the get-go and always made Las Colinas the priority. Which infuriated his wife and hurt his son, both whom he hoped to make amends with down the line.

But that never happened. For Don Pablo did choose the hotel over his family, and he did suffer for it. Since he made an enemy in Nora, who was once close with Don Pablo’s wife, and… he did lose his family. Since they left him behind, and his son made a point to never speak to him. Which taught us, that if we choose the company man path, it will be hard. Because we will lose a lot, and we will end up in a very lonely place. Wherein we will need to find new ways to find fulfillment and the connections we desire. Which for Don Pablo, involved charting a course for the hotel’s future, becoming a trusted advisor and friend to long-term guests and forming bonds with the help. Which is what he did with Máximo here to have some feeling and semblance of family.

All of which made Don Pablo’s story quite bittersweet in nature and reminded us of the cost of totally locking into our careers. Which made for a fascinating episode, one that also, expanded on present day Máximo’s journey. Since we learned, he’s a bit like Don Pablo, and… they did indeed become close. To the point where Máximo is debating going to Don Pablo’s funeral to speak, despite the old haunts that will await him. Since we also learned, he left Las Colinas on a sour note. But that aside, this was a powerful cautionary tale, one that finally explored a tragic journey for a mysterious character and set the stage for what appears to be… a tragic end at Las Colinas for dear Máximo. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Penultimate Episode of ‘Snowpiercer’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past nine weeks or so, we’ve talked at length about the brilliance of the final season of Snowpiercer on AMC, and rightfully so. For this farewell voyage of Snowpiercer (876 cars long) has been mired in fascinating concepts about the human condition, what we learn in truly the toughest of times, since THIS is humanity’s darkest hour, and what should matter to us when times are tough. All of which has almost prompted us to forget that in addition to being a brilliant series, this is a show that also knows how to be as versatile as they come. Since it also knows how to bring forth drama that moves us to tears, such as what happened with Ben this season, it knows how to surprise, and it also knows when… to wow us.

Usually through incredible moments of action and adventure, the kind that are refreshing and unique because of the setting of the show and well, with this being its final year… the writers room saved the show’s greatest and most surprising battle for the end of this storied series. For ‘Dominant Traits’ spent most of its time mired in action. Mainly because… this was it; the Battle of New Eden was underway. That led… to chaos in the town. Wherein Alex finally stood tall against Nima and prevented Big Alice from being taken, and where this band of heroes had to get down and dirty to stop Nima’s forces from wiping the town out, and they were victorious. Which of course, infuriated Nima.

For he was on his schedule and expected to save humanity within a few hours. So, he did what any sensible evil genius would do in trying times… he manipulated, lied and schemed to get Melanie to do his bidding and when she agreed to terms… the time arrived to use brute force to take New Eden. Wherein the town was gassed so the International Peacekeeping Force could take control and so Nima could scoop Alex back up and have her work with Melanie to figure out how best to bring the two trains together so he could launch his doomsday missile. Which truly made it seem as though, the villain was going to win the day and destroy everything in the process since Melanie was indeed afraid that noncompliance was going to lead to harm for her daughter.

But therein lie the surprise, well… several surprises. Because in essence, Melanie was playing the fool to get in with Nima’s good graces and manipulate him to execute a counter offensive to save the world. Which involved fluffing up his incredible ego and playing along. In the hopes of earning his trust to execute the plan, and well… it worked. Because while Big Alice underwent a fast retrofit to prepare to launch the missile, Melanie had just enough to freedom to set her plan in motion. Which involved getting hold of Layton to inform him that she would be rolling Snowpiercer into town and when that happened, he and an attacking force would storm it and get aboard, and it also involved… telling Alex exactly why Nima was so fascinated with her and why… Melanie was good at manipulating the man.
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In that, Melanie and Nima knew each other as more than just colleagues. They were friends, and Nima was kind enough to serve as Alex’s genetic donor to help a friend out. But clearly, kindness was removed from his very soul, and the time had come for Alex to know the truth. In the hopes of giving Alex the opportunity to further help with the plan, and she used that truth wisely. To further cater to Nima’s ego to buy Melanie the time she needed to execute the last steps of her incredible plan and well… it all worked. For the citizens of New Eden were able to shock Nima’s forces and managed to retake their town in doing so, before successfully boarding Snowpiercer right before she left. And of course, Melanie and Alex were quick to head into the heart of the train in the hopes of stopping the missile to save everything, setting the stage for a stunning finale.

Wherein Layton and his crew, Melanie and Alex, will do whatever it takes to save mankind from the broken and narrow sighted man that helped to put it in the position it is currently in. But while we wait to see how that fight goes or if this series is going to offer up a shockingly dark ending, we can celebrate one epic tale. For this one, was filled to the brim with tension, and action and adventure and huge moments that were indeed riveting. Serving as a final reminder of the versatility of this series, and wow was it satisfying. Because this one was just fun, and full of tension. But alas, while it was fun to once again be embroiled in a tense and epic story, this is it fans, we are reaching terminus for Snowpiercer’s voyage, and it will indeed be fascinating to see how this incredible story comes to a close. Until next time.

We are living in quite the incredible and revolutionary time when it comes to the world of television. Because at long last, our prayers as tele-philes have finally been answered. For the arrival of streaming and the demand for more content, is giving rise to a bevy of new programs that are indeed as original can be, that are taking us to new worlds and new places emotionally, and they’re presenting us with wonderous characters that are dynamic and relatable, and they take part in bold stories that wow us and leave us eager for more. Which should allow for us to feel content and relaxed because at last… we have everything we need.
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But alas, that has not been the case. Simply because, while original shows and boundary pushing entertainment is hitting the airwaves and the digital airwaves at last, not all of those shows are surviving and thriving. In fact, there has been a glut of cancellations of shows that are critically acclaimed and beloved by audiences. It could be related to the fact that the market is flooded with shows or other reasons that we are simply not privy to. But it is creating a touch of worry and a touch of strife when we begin to tune into something new. Because we outright worry that falling in love with a new show will prove to be emotionally costly if that show is taken off the air.

Because at that point it feels as though there is little, we can do but suffer and think of what could have been if more seasons of an amazing new show came along. But what is truly amazing, is that fans are no longer good with these cancellations and are no longer comfortable with just accepting the end. Which is why we are seeing people question the logic of some of these cancellations and why we are seeing petitions and fan movements that are attempting to save beloved shows so they can find their potential and end on the right terms and well, we here at NTG are joining into that fray. Because today, a television show that was cancelled far too early arrives on Netflix, and well… we thought it would be worthwhile to take a moment and speak to why the world of television needs more seasons of Heels.

Which some may raise their eyebrows over, since this is a show about wrestling and so many look down upon the sport and look down upon any series that would want to spotlight it. But that’s the thing, it is about so much more than wrestling. For this is at its core, a supremely human story, one that can inspire. For instance, thematically, a fair chunk of the series focuses heavily on the power of chasing our dreams, and how doing so… is healthy for us. Because it drives us, motivates us, gives us purpose amid tough times and it can in fact… heal us as well and give us a peace we’ve never known when we reach the top, and well, there aren’t enough shows firing off that kind of positivity. For grit and grime is still quite popular on television, and while the tide is starting to change regarding that, the more shows we have that showcase the wonder of what we do in life, the better. 
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In fact, speaking of grit, that’s another big reason this series deserves more seasons than the two it initially received. Simply because, it showcases the grit of life too, the tough stuff we slog through, and the moments that hurt and shatter us… so that it can speak to how we overcome such problems. Through the bigger concepts we chase in life, and by way of the family we choose and the family we are born into. Because life is about so much more than suffering and clinging to the pain in our hearts. It really is about the wonder of the moment, of the thrill of experiencing joy, and the people that join us on the journey, and yes… all of that is present in this series, and that truly makes it… as much about life as it is about wrestling and yet, there are still more reasons it deserves a second chance.

Because it also features some of the best writing you’ll ever find on television. Courtesy of Showrunner Mike O’Malley, who understands the potential of this story and its characters and uses his skills as a writer and the team he assembled to give rise to stories that tap into powerful moments we can all relate to, and the cast… oh the cast is simply chef’s kiss. For each of them believe in the show and the material, and it shows because of what they put on the screen. All of which gave rise to two seasons of engaging and emotional television. The kind that touches our very soul with its humanity, its heart and its understanding that in this moment, the world wants more to turn to, needs more to turn to, and what better way to help people find that, than through a series about a down home wrestling league in the middle of Georgia that is filled with dreamers like the rest of us? And truly, we here at NTG hope that these words and the arrival of the show on Netflix, inspires others to give this inspirational series the next chapter it so rightfully deserves.

Please enjoy this sneak peek of the penultimate episode of Snowpiercer. Which premieres Sunday, September 15 at 9pm ET/PT on AMC; and will be available to stream on AMC+.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 407 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It really is quite amazing what the hit STARZ series, Power Book II: Ghost, is accomplishing in its final season. Because it really is elevating crime dramas, by having the incredible characters that populate this world… be tested like never before. Courtesy of moments of accountability for past transgressions in this season of storytelling, something that is rare in this type of story, and they’re facing stunning challenges. Wherein they are coming to learn that they are not invincible and there are greater powers out there, and this week… they all finally came to learn there are serious consequences for their actions, especially when they are under the thumb of someone who might actually be invincible.

Because Detective Don Carter basically evaded trouble at every turn in ‘I Can’t Fix This’, and that was no easy task for him. Because Councilman Tate was making his presence known around the NYPD because of the death of his brother, and he wanted justice. Which meant that Carter had to do something to throw him off of the trail, and that prompted him to find some member of the Russian mob to pin this on. Because he knew all the councilman wanted was a body, and he got what he wanted. Taking all the heat off of Carter in that moment, while reminding us how untouchable he is. For even his own team dare not cross him on this matter, and the reach of his power was further explored by way of the episode’s examination of how actions have consequences. 

Which was explored in part, via Dru in this tale. Because he was in deep, and eager to be the hero to get his family out from under Carter’s thumb. So, he did everything possible to not arouse suspicion within the walls of prison, so that when the moment arrived to drop Carter’s informant… he would be able to do it quickly and cleanly, and his family would be free when the act was complete. But alas, murder did not produce the effect that he wanted. Because Carter made it clear that all Dru did was impress the dirty detective even further and endear himself further to Carter. Giving rise to the reality that the consequence for trying to please someone with that kind of power, makes you valuable to them, and makes it impossible to escape.

But truly, the centerpiece exploration regarding the consequences of everyone’s actions in this tale, came forth via Tariq and Diana. Mainly because… Diana lost the baby. For the attack on her was indeed as bad we thought it was and that put both her and Tariq in an understandably dark place. One where they both believed that revenge was the only way to settle this. An act that Tariq backed down from after talking with his mother, who reminded him that he still had a chance to leave the darkness behind. But for Diana, revenge was all she wanted, and all she desired, and it made sense as to why. For Detective Lewis crossed every line and harmed a mother and the fury and pain that came out of that… brought her to the home of Detective Lewis and the lesson at hand. Which came forth out of a shocking series of moments.
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Wherein she flat out murdered Lewis, only to learn… that Lewis was also a mother. An ironic discovery, one that forced her to bring the family together to figure out their next moves and help her to heal. Because the immediate consequence of her action was the guilt and the agony that revenge provides, since it is in fact worthless. But it also plunged her and the family deeper into Carter’s pocket. For he arrived to check on Lewis, with Dru no less, and that prompted him to demand answers and demand their loyalty in helping him bring down Noma. All of which hammered home the central theme in an impactful manner and truly set the stage for more strife for the Tejada and St. Patrick families. 

However, not all is lost. Since Effie and Cane did work with Brayden to get all kinds of information regarding Detective Carter and his dirty task force. Which could help everyone get out from under his thumb before more trouble strikes, and hopefully they use this quickly. Especially when one considers that Cane made quite the move to exert more power in the organization by asking Noma for her hand in marriage. A move that will undoubtedly put him at risk as Carter begins to squeeze his new rival. But while we wait to see how that plays out, we can celebrate another smart tale. One that continued to offer up incredible moments and incredible lessons, all while setting the stage for a unique showdown with a dirty cop, one that truly has all the power now and could change the dynamic of this season… with a simple choice. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Three Women’.
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Whether we like to admit it or not, the citizens of the United States of American live under quite the false pretense. Specifically, that everyone in the USA is treated equally in 2024. Which is a statement that will immediately roll some eyes but think about it for a moment. After all, there is still incredible prejudice and racism alive in America, and people are still looked down upon and shunned for their sexual preferences and the discovery that they are not comfortable with their gender. Not to mention… women are treated like second class citizens.

For women are denied something as simple as body autonomy in the USA, and they are paid less than their male counterparts for the same work, decried (incorrectly) as always being too emotional and have high and strange expectations upon them. Yet there are so many who continue to claim life Is great for women in America, and well… the big question that remains at this point… is how do we wake everyone up to the fact that things are not equal in this day and age? Well storytelling is one way, since it can add perspective and that is why the new STARZ series, Three Women, is of note. Since it manages to accomplish just that in its pilot episode.

For ‘three women’ is a story that introduces us to a struggling writer named Gia who is looking for the right human story to tell, one that truly showcases something powerful, and after receiving some absolutely awful advice from her writing mentor, she sets out into the countryside to find her story and what she uncovers is quite incredible. For she meets three women with stunning stories of inequality to tell. For instance, there is Lina, a housewife from Indiana who is… a housewife from Indiana. One starved for touch, intimacy, and is desperate to be seen and desired. Plus, there’s Sloane. A well to do woman with plenty riding for her, but she lacks respect in this life and is seen more often than not as an object of desire over someone of substance.

Lastly, there’s Maggie, an everyday small-town woman that has seen her future be derailed by way of a scandalous affair with the town’s most cherished teacher. A man that everyone sees as a pillar of the community, but clearly enjoys abusing his standing. Since his machinations have deeply rattled Maggie and well, that’s quite the setup for this story. For this truly showcases three lives of three women that make up the real fabric of America. For there are so many who wish to be more than the norms that are demanded of them, like Lina, and want to be desired and cherished. Plus, there are so many women akin to Sloane that are reviled for being successful in a nation where we prize that, but let’s be honest… only for men.
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Of course, Maggie represents one of the worst ways that women are treated and viewed in this country. For she happened to be an object of desire, one to be cast off when the charm and allure of using her faded. All of which truly explores corners of American life that we don’t think about and don’t care to. Because there is comfort to be found in just believing that progress has taken place, and all is well. But the hard reality is that women are still seen and preferred to not be heard and are denied agency far more often than they should and well, that’s why hearing their stories, and the stories present here are critical. So that at last, the opposite can take place. All of which brings about an amazing series premiere, one that truly paints an incredible and unsettling picture of life in the United States of America and makes clear that equality is a joke in 2024.

But as this premiere implies, that doesn’t have to be the norm and with some learning and some push… perhaps we can get there. Yet while that alone would be enough to carry this premiere and this series, we’d be remiss to not point out that the amazing actors present here only add to the wonder of this story. Since Shailene Woodley (Gia), Betty Gilpin (Leah), DeWanda Wise (Sloane), and Gabrielle Creevy (Maggie) add incredible gravity to every single moment, and well, all of this makes for a must-see series. For this is that rare show that captures the human condition and offers nothing but honesty, and it will be interesting to see what other truths lie ahead as this series continue along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘The Chicken Sisters’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.

When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating new Hallmark+ series, The Chicken Sisters, we talked at length about how the show’s series premiere, defied convention. Because normally, stories that feature family feuds or a family shattered by misunderstandings from the past, are supremely fluffy and fun in nature, and make it clear it will be easy for all those folks to reconcile and find love in their hearts again, before ending the story with a big family meal and smiles and joy. Whereas this series premiere reminded us that such matters are messy. Courtesy of some very real-world elements from characters we can relate to, and well, this is top of mind today… simply because the next chapter in this saga, shattered more tropes regarding such stories.

A feat that ‘We’re on the Same Side, Y’all’ accomplished… after it outright fooled us. Because at first, this story seemed to be steeped in convention. Because as filming started, there were some lovely epiphanies that took place. For instance, Mae realized that her A-type personality caused harm sometimes and that prompted her to reach out to her mother and her sister in a more even keel manner. To help them understand what she wanted to accomplish by coming home for this. Which allowed for her and Gus to find some common ground and even help one another move forward regarding plans on how best to win the show. Making it seem as though… this was indeed going the standard route. But thankfully, that was just to remind us of how those conventions can fail this kind of story, because… none of us wanted an easy out for Mae, and that’s when the story shifted gears, and defied the ‘easy bake heal’ trope present by informing us… that it is just not that simple for a family or an individual to move forward after years of struggles.

Which was why, Mae and Amanda both came to learn, that lies, unfinished business, and old grudges, won’t allow for quick healing. It will instead, lead to mistakes and bad blood and misunderstandings. Because Amanda did have some frank talks with Sabrina to vent about those very issues and frustrations. Who of course… exploited those talks for television, and that would come back to haunt. Because Mae did find out what Amanda said and that infuriated her to no end and prompted her to lash out, but at the same time… her anger stemmed less from an act of betrayal and more from the fact that her life was a lie. And having the truth exposed scared her and terrified her because she had some deep-rooted fears and traumas about the past and has yet to accept her core identity.

Yet, while that could have carried this episode no problem and spoken deeply to that central theme, it wanted to showcase how this process won’t be easy for everyone involved in the story. Which was why this story dug deep into Nancy’s life, and showcased how years of generational expectations can diminish a person and leave them wondering what their worth actually is. Since she discovered she was a natural in front of the camera and that she enjoyed a little sliver of the spotlight and that for her, her journey will have entail finding agency and a voice she never had because of the expectations laid down upon her, and that won’t be an easy task. Not with a son who reinforces such matters.

All of which made, for a supremely powerful story. One that truly hammered home that it isn’t enough to just go home again and expect for everything to be okay. Because to really find that peace, we need to face our own demons, find our worth and do the work to heal. Only then can we forgive, forget and move forward as one with our family and that was just incredible to see play out here. Because we don’t see enough of that in stories in this vein and that continues to make this series so worth our while. Because this is revolutionary stuff for these types of stories, and these are lessons we all need in our lives. Because much like the characters in this story, we too lose our way and make these kinds of mistakes and truly… that engages us into this journey further and leaves us eager to see how the healing will begin for these broken yet hopeful individuals. Until next time.

Watch ‘The Chicken Sisters’ on Hallmark+.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Kold x Windy’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one particular question, we all ponder upon when it comes to life’s struggles, it would have to be… what motivates us to finally start to change? Simply because, there’s no guide on how to change in this life, and when we are in the midst of ugly times and tough struggles where we know a change will make a difference, we haven’t a clue how to grab hold of change. We just seem to chug along and struggle and be outright angry over the fact that nothing seems to be going our way. But there is in fact, a moment where that motivation finally comes to into play, and it is something that is known… as rock bottom.

Because in that place, we are at our worst, and we truly cannot sink any lower. Which means that we have nothing left to lose, and the moment is upon us to do something and do something drastic and well… that moment is top of mind today, because Malika was in the midst of it during this week’s episode of Kold x Windy on ALLBLK. For ‘Times Up’ saw Malika in quite the mess. For she was asked by the cartel to perform a dangerous and epic stain, and she of course… was worried about losing her baby over the stress of this all, and nothing was going her way. So, she was truly at her lowest here… and that pushed her… to change her fortunes through some bold decisions.

Such as, having her father go out into the world, with a hacked ankle bracelet, and find mommy dearest. To bring her to bear for her crimes and to get Malika out from under the control of the cartel. Not to mention, this was her chance to prove her worth to them, and to herself when it came to her genius as a criminal. Which doesn’t necessarily sound like a positive thought, but dark acts can motivate folks to use their powers and talents for good later on and well, this grand push to just… make something happen, paid off in spades. In part because she did get the cartel to offer a smidge of respect. Which she nearly lost thanks to Renee’s desire to get a little slice of the pie from this stain. But it was less heat upon her, and her other decision… also moved her life in the right direction.

Because her dad did indeed find ol’ Brenda. Hiding in Detroit, and after a quick and intense romantic encounter between two old lovers, Brenda found herself stuffed in the trunk of a car. Because Benji was a man of his word and he promised to bring Brenda home to pay the piper, so at last… Malika could be free. Yet, dear old dad did more than just bring mother home, he also put down Pop Off for running his mouth and disrespecting the family. And just like that, Malika’s life was starting to take a turn for the better. Not to mention, her desperate edict to get the band a gig paid off, because Lollapalooza was interested after all and truly, these wins and the decision to just go for broke, transformed Malika’s outlook on life and put her on a path toward change.

Wherein she can now seize the day, enjoy agency and hopefully… propel the band to the success it deserves. All of which sets the stage for an amazing season two finale. But before we prepare for that, we can reflect upon another genius tale. One that really did explore the complex idea of hitting rock bottom and how our desire to be more in that moment can do good. Heck, it even served Shelly well since the loss of a dear friend prompted her to think upon a new life. Giving rise to real hope at last in this story, the kind that we certainly hope takes root and propels this duo to new heights. So, they can finally be on the path they’ve always wanted and find the peace they crave. Until next time.

When we think of AMC Networks and its spin off channel, Acorn TV, we think of quality scripted programming. The kind that features engaging stories that captivate our imaginations and engage us like never before. Because that’s just the specialty of this network group, and we are most certainly just fine with kicking back and enjoying all the amazing stories AMC and its many channels, have to offer. But of course, it’s not enough for the creative minds at AMC Networks to just settle and stay the course.
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They’re eager to see what they can accomplish in just about every arena of storytelling, and that’s why today’s announcement makes sense. Since earlier, AMC Studios and Acorn TV let it be known that their first ever, unscripted series will be coming to Acorn TV, entitled, Relative Secrets. Which will explore genealogy and dark secrets regarding family life, and it will be hosted by the one, the only, Jane Seymour. And well, to do this wondrous announcement the justice it deserves, here are all the details on this new show, courtesy of AMC Networks.

‘AMC Networks’ Acorn TV, AMC Studios and Cream Productions today announced the greenlight of Acorn TV’s first unscripted original series, Relative Secrets. Hosted by acclaimed actress and Acorn TV’s Harry Wild star Jane Seymour (Live and Let Die, East of Eden, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman), the investigative series, part true-crime and part genealogy, will delve into participants’ family histories—and discover the dark truths buried in their bloodlines.
 
“I’m thrilled to come aboard Relative Secrets as host, deepening my rich relationship with Acorn TV,” said Seymour. “Now, in addition to solving cleverly crafted mysteries on Harry Wild, I get the chance to uncover real family unknowns. As we all know, reality is often much stranger than fiction – I can’t wait to dive in.”
 
Each episode in this suspenseful new series from Cream Productions, makers of chilling unscripted programs Fear Thy Neighbor, Murder U, and BTK: A Killer Among Us, will investigate an everyday American family’s darkest mystery, aiming both to solve the mystery and explore how it shapes that family today. Colorful characters, rich cultural context and dramatic twists and turns abound in every tale, each of which connects the American family to their UK heritage. Along the way, we’ll meet charismatic heroes and terrifying villains, ranging from a 99-year-old World War II veteran who worries his absence led to the murder of his grandmother, to the daughter of a serial killer desperate to carve out her own identity from her father’s sordid past to a mother who abandoned her three children to start a new secret life. Host Seymour oversees the overall investigation in each episode, which is led by archaeologist Natasha Billson (The Great British Dig).
 
“We are delighted to begin Acorn TV’s journey into unscripted Originals with Relative Secrets and the incredible Jane Seymour. This series blends true crime and investigation with the thrilling mystery storytelling Acorn TV audiences know and love, creating something truly special,” said Don Klees, Senior Vice President, Programming, Acorn TV.
 
Relative Secrets is executive produced by David W. Brady, Kate Harrison Karman, John Ealer and Seymour. Ealer and Series Producer Felicity Justrabo serve as series writers and directors.
 
Relative Secrets is an Acorn TV Original Series produced by Cream Productions for AMC Studios. AMC Studios is the exclusive international distributor of the series.
 
About Acorn TV
AMC Networks’ Acorn TV is North America’s largest streaming service specializing in premium British and international television. Acorn TV adds exclusive programming every week to a deep library of revered mysteries, dramas, and comedies – all commercial-free. Acorn TV’s recent slate is comprised of critically acclaimed commissioned and original series including popular New Zealand detective series My Life Is Murder (Lucy Lawless), acclaimed Irish crime thriller Bloodlands (James Nesbitt, co-executive produced by Jed Mercurio), British crime drama Whitstable Pearl (Kerry Godliman), Kiwi romantic comedy Under the Vines and British detective drama Dalgliesh (Bertie Carvel), to name a few. Current and upcoming Acorn TV Original Series include UK detective drama Harry Wild (Jane Seymour), Signora Volpe (Emilia Fox), The Chelsea Detective (Adrian Scarborough) and many more. The above add to a growing catalog of popular bingeable dramas including Jack Irish (Guy Pearce), Doc Martin (Martin Clunes), Deadwater Fell (David Tennant, Cush Jumbo), all 24 seasons of fan-favorite Midsomer Murders and highly-rated drama The Nest, among others.
 
“… glorious streaming service… an essential must-have” – The Hollywood Reporter
“Netflix for the Anglophile” – NPR
 
Acorn TV is available for $7.99/month or $79.99/year. Facebook: OfficialAcornTV – Twitter: @AcornTV – Instagram: @Acorn_tv
 
About Cream Productions
Based in Toronto, Cream Productions develops, finances and produces distinctive and award-winning content across a wide range of genres in North America and internationally. The company’s many credits include An Optimist’s Guide to the Planet with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, The Story of Late Night, History of the Sitcom, Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan, All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs, nine seasons of the hit Fear Thy Neighbor and feature documentaries Nike’s Big Bet and Beautiful Scars. The company has also partnered on several television projects with renowned filmmaker Eli Roth to produce Urban Legend, The Haunted Museum with Zak Bagans, Eli Roth Presents: A Ghost Ruined My Life and Eli Roth’s Haunted House: Trick VR Treat, a virtual-reality experience for META that stars Vanessa Hudgens.’