Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘See’.
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We are taught from a very early age, that with a little ingenuity and some outright determination, we can overcome any tough situation and it makes sense as to why this is taught to us. For humanity’s history is wrought with moments where people came together and used their minds and their guts to overcome the impossible and achieve wonders in the process. So, why can’t the rest of us? But alas, while this is a wonderfully uplifting lesson to teach, it isn’t completely true. Because sometimes, regardless of effort or brains or being in the right place at the right time, there are situations where we will lose, and it is paramount that we acknowledge that reality and move on quickly and pivot when a big L comes our way.
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Simply because, there’s little else that we can do and really, the unfortunate reality that a no-win scenario exists is top of mind today because that’s precisely what our heroes faced in this week’s episode of See on AppleTV+. For when we catch up with Baba Voss and Maghra and her spare husband in ‘The Truth About Unicorns’… they’re headed to the peace summit with the Trivantians and their daughter is racing to meet with them, to warn them. For Paris had an awful vision that pain and suffering would find them at the summit and that’s something that was unnerving for both Haniwa and the audience. Since we full well know that Edo Voss has made plans for the summit for the fail, putting all of these fine heroes and Lord Harlan at risk. 

But that didn’t stop Maghra from making every effort to turn the tables on the potential trouble waiting for them. For she firmly believed that she could outwit her sister and outmaneuver any plans on Edo Voss’ part to bring about war and that motivated her to pull some serious strings behind the scenes. The kind that allowed for her to basically assemble a pact with Trivantes to keep a lasting peace between their two peoples. One that would only require that Maghra make some adjustments to the throne post haste and for a time it seemed as though this episode wasn’t going to be about the existence of the no-win scenario, because in essence, Pennsa won the day and Maghra’s diplomatic party would return home heroes. 

But alas, the queen planned for this and sent high level Payan assassins into the meeting place in the dead of night, wherein they struck hard at the Trivantian delegation, all but ensuring war between the two kingdoms and shattering relationships in the process. Since Wren and Haniwa’s love affair ended because this helped Wren to believe the lies that Edo Voss fed her. But more importantly, this twist and this dark moment, genuinely hammered home the show’s theme and how important it is to move on from such a loss. For now, war is coming to Pennsa and Baba and every available solider must prepare since Edo will be ready to mobilize the instant the council says yes to wiping out Pennsa and Queen Kane and any Payan, that dare be loyal to her sullied crown and twisted mind. 

For she is in fact, quite mad, as evidenced by this decision and the one to cross the line with Kofun in private and well, any way you slice it… dark times are ahead. Because the Trivantian army is indeed strong, and their approach will bring panic and chaos and that means it will be up to Baba and Maghra to keep the people united and figure out how to remove Kane from power before she lays waste to another Kingdom courtesy of her stupidity and of course, they have to find a way to defeat Edo’s endless forces and well… all this episode does is motivate us to count down the minutes until next week’s tale. So that we can see what plans our heroes are going to come up with and who will stand victorious when the final battle between Pennsa and Trivantes comes to an end. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’.
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When it comes to Lower Decks, I think I speak for everyone when I say we have come to expect all the little easter eggs and bits from past series. It all makes watching this show so much better when we hear mentions of Spock or they reference past enemies, like the Borg. It’s all fun little tidbits that make this show a wonderful experience. This last episode really was the best way to end this week. Also, can we take a moment to talk about the cold open. Mariner, Boimler, Rutherford, and Tendi get left by the Cerritos while they’re on a spacewalk… for six hours. SIX hours! When the Cerritos does come back for them, Ransom victim blames them. Because that makes total and complete sense. I mean the good news is everyone is fine, but that’s not the point. Following this incident, the Cerritos is visited by a Drill Instructor, of sorts. Maybe they’re more like a consultant. Either way they are Starfleet and they are here to assess the ship’s crew by switching their roles.

That’s right, Senior officers and lower deck crews switch places. They enter into simulation pods and have to pass a series of tests. If they score below passing, there is no going back. This is the perfect opportunity for Captain Freeman and the rest of the Senior Team to see just how hard it is being Lower Deckers. First the lower deck crew to get to experience what it’s like being Command. Turns out making life or death decisions isn’t so easy. Tendi gets to be Chief Medical Officer and her first task is to give a Klingon an honorable death. She fails miserably, mostly because of that whole Hippocratic Oath thing. Does that always apply though? That’s the ethical question Tendi is stuck with. Rutherford’s task is straight out of Wrath of Khan, and it looks like he must go into the Warp Core and shut it down from the inside. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, sort of thing. Rutherford has no problem doing this. He just can’t seem to get the door open. 

Of course, maybe not give the guy who literally died for his team already the self-sacrificing simulation. Still, it’s what any good Captain or Chief Engineer would do. Rutherford just runs out of time and the ship explodes, in the simulation of course, not for real. Mariner makes it through three failed simulations. The first is being thrown into the Mirror Universe, where she has to make an ally, which she fails completely, mostly because she tries to break mission parameters and apparently Mirror Mariner is right-handed. The second is a mission straight out of The Original Series. She’s back in the old west on earth and must ride a horse. Which she fails to do and gets trampled. The third, and most strange, relates to ‘The Naked Time’ and ‘The Naked Now’. Where she has to deal with the strange virus from those episodes that has the entire crew sick and doing…  well… things with one another. She promptly runs out on that simulation

And Boimler? Well, he has to face the Borg. And he passes, but his score isn’t a 100%, so he runs it again. And again. And again. The senior crew enter their simulation together, and it turns out being lower deckers isn’t so easy. They have a hard time stacking boxes amid a crisis. They fail, of course, because everyone but Boims is failing. Captain Freeman and Mariner end up at the bar on the Cerritos together, lamenting about their experiences. Together they decide that the whole ordeal was supposed to teach them teamwork and appreciation for the other. They bring this to the instructor with glee, thinking they worked it out. Turns out, not so much. The instructor targeted the Cerritos knowing they would fail. Their scores were so bad, that once submitted, Starfleet would reassign the entire crew to different ships. Mariner and Freeman are very displeased with this. Thankfully Boimler is still in the simulation, and the instructor can’t submit the scores until he is done. Boims is just about done with his simulation, so close to that 100%, when Mariner coms him and tells him to stay in the simulation as long as possible. Which he does. Freeman and Mariner then basically torment the instructor into giving them a passing score for the entire ship. Which they do. Only because temporal black holes are terrifying.
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With the crew saved from being split up, Mariner, Rutherford, Tendi, and the Command crew get Boimler out of the simulator. A little too late, since the ultra-realistic simulation turned him into a Borg. But once he was out and finally aware that he technically saved the day and got a perfect score (thanks to Tendi’s quick lie), he’s alright! Well, he’s going to be… someday.

Maybe.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘The Morning Show’.
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Normally in popular media, movies and shows that revolve around a television newsroom, are supremely intense in nature and it makes sense as to why. After all, the news industry is an intense trade by nature, since it is the responsibility of an organization to curate the headlines as they come in and get them out to the masses immediately and that is why these stories continuously show us the stress and chaotic nature that comes with such an act, since the news never stops and everyone wants to break the story, first. Which is why The Morning Show on AppleTV+ is such a breath of fresh air. For not only does this series offer up that familiar taste of what we are accustomed to in this sub-genre of storytelling, but it genuinely works to do something quite different with this type of story.
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In that, it focuses on the characters and their hopes and dreams, and fears and it also takes the time to humanize them and make them more than intense readers of the news and for proof that this is the case, then look no further than this week’s episode. For ‘Laura’ slows things down at TMS quite a bit, so the staff can begin preparations to bring Alex Levy back into the fold and that entails putting Alex through a tough interview, as part of a giant programming plan that ends with her triumphant return to the show, but this is a conversation that she outright dreads. For she has to spend time with UBA crackpot interviewer Laura Peterson to talk about her career and her return to TMS, and that leads to some tough times for Alex.

Because she knows that Laura will do whatever it takes to get the story and to get whomever she is interviewing to open up honestly on camera and well… Alex simply doesn’t want to talk about the elements of her career that will bring that about, but that doesn’t stop Laura from going after the truth none the less. Especially when it comes to Mitch Kessler and that brings forth some powerful moments for certain. The kind that sees Alex Levy almost break on camera and this is so jarring and so uncomfortable for her, that she takes the time to warn Bradley about Laura as well. For a one-on-one interview with Bradley is also in the cards and that left Alex worried that the truth about how Bradley got the job at UBA might come out. Which would lead to more drama. But it turns out her fears were unfounded.

For Bradley and Laura actually got on famously, and they were able to have a wonderful interview, one that really showed a side of Bradley we’ve never seen on camera and one that brought about great praise from Laura as well. For she recognized that Bradley really was a natural at this and knew how to navigate the industry well and she even encouraged Bradley to fight harder at TMS and demand better for herself. But what was truly fascinating about this polarizing sequence, is that we came to learn that Laura and Alex’s friction was clearly localized to several incidents in the past that we know little about. For Laura was actually quite down to earth and kind and she was indeed professional and graceful toward Bradley and that might also be attributed to the fact that she and Bradley share a powerful attraction, one that sets the stage for a love affair with that forbidden kiss they shared on the ride to the airport.
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But while those elements were fascinating and engrossing for certain, the ladies weren’t the only ones to have an intimate journey take place. For even Mitch Kessler had his day in the sun here and well, it would seem that the story is genuinely toying with a redemption arc for this broken and sullied man. Because he was genuinely disgusted by Fred’s attempts to drag him into a disgusting counterattack on Hannah’s family and he was also moved by Paola’s request to help her take part in a documentary that exposes men that have committed acts akin to his own. All because Mitch does seem to finally get that he’s a despicable man that has done despicable things and the only way out of that nightmare is to perhaps do something to set the universe right.

In the end, this really was quite the brilliant tale. Largely because it takes guts to slow down a show about the news, but more so because it really took the time to examine the characters and what makes them tick and we haven’t had a lot of that in this series. Mainly because the plot has been so powerful and poignant that it didn’t allow for such moments to  take place. But they have finally arrived, and they are fascinating and engrossing for certain and it will be equally as incredible to see where they take us. Since Alex’s anxiety doesn’t seem as though it is going away, neither is Bradley’s feelings for Alex’s rival and of course, if Mitch is for real… that will make for a wild and uncomfortable journey back into the light, one that could upend this series in ways we never thought possible. Until next time. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Foundation’.
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It is definitely safe to say that science fiction stories are enjoying quite the boon on television right now. Because there are a bevy of them popping up at the moment and understandably so. For this era of advanced special effects is allowing for creative minds to achieve wonders on the screen… so why not bring about more shows that can take our breath away with stunning concepts and visuals that ignite the imagination in ways we haven’t experienced since childhood. But while it is indeed wonderful to see so many amazing ideas come to life, that does make it difficult to discover the true gems. Specifically, the science fiction shows that embody the best parts of the genre alongside those stunning visuals and that is why it is important to sing praise for the AppleTV+ series, Foundation.
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For this is a sci-fi story that is indeed offering the depth and commentary and thoughtful notions that permeates the genre through and through alongside those visuals and for proof… then look no further than this week’s tale. For The Mathematician’s Ghost’ is a story that offered up some fascinating philosophical and relevant commentary, the kind that explored two key concepts really… one of which, is the power of death and how that looms large over us when we reach old-age. Because part of this tale took place roughly twenty years after the last two episodes, wherein Brother Dusk had reached the advanced age where an emperor’s clone needed to be removed from the equation of government, so that everyone could shift roles and prepare for another generation of clones to rule and preparing for his ascension into the unknown, put Dusk in quite the terrifying place

Because he genuinely pondered upon his legacy and whether or not he’d done enough as one of the ruling class, and those are poignant and powerful thoughts for certain. Since those are fears that we share in since we hope to have done enough to look upon our life with fondness and a sense of fulfillment and of course, he worried about what would be on the other side when his time came as well and really, it was just fascinating to see a science fiction story ponder upon death in such a realistic manner and how it could relate to a clone for that matter as well. Since one would think that the continuity that exists within the empire would offer some kind of peace to the outgoing clone. But instead, Dusk’s fascinating journey here serves to remind us that our humanity and mortality is what defines our journey, regardless of how we are born, and we would be foolish to waste the moments we are given since they never come again.

But while that segment alone could have carried this tale through and through, there was mention of  more commentary to be found and that was explored by way of the colony on Terminus. For when we catch up with Hari’s followers here… they’ve landed and they’re working on the Foundation and living their wild new lives and sadly… it turns out that Hari did die after all and Gaal is still lost to the stars. Which means we were able to instead spend time with Salvor and really get to see what life is like on Terminus and her journey is what allowed for the commentary to come into play. For Salvor really wasn’t keen on living the life that her parents set out to do, which was to observe and plan and stick hard to the rules that Hari laid out for everyone that was toiling away on this godforsaken rock.
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No instead, she came to realize that constant planning and faith in an old plan could in fact, cause more harm than good and well, her push to break everyone out of that mold when trouble came calling… speaks volumes to our world. For we believe the status quo and the religions of old are the only way forward and that… is no longer tenable. For change and challenge awaits us, the kind that requires the old ways to disappear in order to forge a better tomorrow and sadly, much like Terminus… we too need fresh minds to recognize that and take charge. If anything, it’s quite amazing that this series keeps finding new ways to inject relevant and powerful commentary into its storytelling. But it is pulling off that feat week in and week out no problem and well, that makes this series top-tier science fiction.

Because this really is what the genre does best and the shows that take the time to add this kind of depth and meaning to the framework of their stories, are the ones that enjoy longevity for decades on end and well, this series definitely deserves a round of applause for once again wowing us in every way imaginable. Since these powerful messages and moments were tucked neatly beneath some stunning visuals and stunning performances and well, now that grand and sweeping adventure through time and space and the human condition has come to a close, one does have to wonder if the next chapter in this saga… will indeed revolve around more dangerous elements. For an enemy is indeed on Terminus and the Foundation is on its own and that should lead to powerful drama and tension and undoubtedly, more fascinating commentary on who we are as a species. Until next time

Please enjoy this clip from Episode 7 of Heels, which will air on STARZ on October 3, 2021, at 9 p.m. EST. Also, if this is your first interaction with Heels, and you’re curious to learn more about the show or experience what it is all about… STARZ has made the first three episodes of the show available on the show’s official Facebook page, the STARZ YouTube page and the STARZ app.
 
 If the clip below doesn't play, use this link.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 211 of ‘Ted Lasso’.
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We work hard at chasing our dreams and achieving the goals on our personal checklists for one reason and one reason alone: So we can finally find the balance and peace that our souls crave. We're creatures that love harmony above all else and we believe that if we go after everything we want in a delicate manner and work hard to maintain it when we finally have the prize in hand that the rest of our lives will be everything we hoped for and more. But while that's a wonderful goal to work toward, it simply isn't achievable or sustainable. The hard reality of our world is that it's constantly in motion and filled with chaos and change. So when most of our goals have us rely on other people who also have their own hopes for what they want out of life and any of those elements conflict, chaos tends to come into play and upends our balance and our joy.

This complex lesson is top of mind today because it's the focus of this week's episode of Ted Lasso. ‘Midnight Train to Royston’  opens up in a manner that makes it seem as though harmony has been achieved for Ted and AFC Richmond at last, but it doesn't take long for chaos to emerge. The end of Sharon's tenure as team psychiatrist was hanging over the heads the team, and a rather rich man named Edwin Akufo swung by the clubhouse to make Sam Obisanya an incredible offer— An offer that would bring him closer to home in Nigeria and have him play for a team that would allow him to further his social causes. The reality of Sam's potential departure put Rebecca into a panic because her perfectly balanced world might be torn apart over the reality that a man who she genuinely cares for might exit it. This, in turn, prompted Rebecca to clumsily and hastily admit her feelings in the hopes of keeping a grasp on that balance, and the chaos didn't end there.

Things got progressively darker and more difficult to watch as this exploration continued. Take Roy and Keeley's journey for instance, while it was filled to the brim with more of the incredibly healthy love and support that they provide one another on a regular basis, it was also filled with some brutally honest commentary on how our dream relationships might not be what we they think they are as evidenced by several key moments from this duo: Keeley keeping the truth about Jamie's admission from Roy until late in this tale, and Roy's choice to not acknowledge his relationship with Keeley whilst Phoebe's teacher flirted with him. Both of those harsh realities and raw admissions speak to the fact that this might be more of a close and supportive friendship instead of true love for Roy and Keeley— which is hard to reconcile and it might devastate them both in the days to come.

If anything, the only chaotic storyline to offer any kind of reminder that not all change in our life is bad was by way of Sharon's departure. Sharon's sudden exit from AFC Richmond before the team was able to provide her with an amazing N'Sync themed send off prompted Ted to indulge in an act that spoke to his emotional growth. He straight up went to confront her about her exit and was honest about his emotions in doing so— something that wasn't possible for him not too long ago. Ted's act led to a wonderful farewell for Sharon that let her and Ted properly reflect on their journey together. These moments help us understand that sometimes change helps us to appreciate moments of growth and the people that help to inspire it. Ted and Sharon will likely be forever grateful for crossing paths because they really did help one another become a little better in life.

Alas, the wonder of Ted and Sharon's moment didn't last. In fact, it was overshadowed by the harshest lesson of all in regard to chaos and change. Late in this story, Ted came to learn from Trent Crimm (The Independent) that someone leaked the truth about Ted's panic attack a few weeks back— and that someone was Nate. This betrayal is less grounded in cruelty and malice but instead serves to remind us that everyone wants something different out of life, and keeping people on the same page with us when their own goals are different from our own is downright impossible and can lead to great hurt on our end. This is especially true when we're exposed at the expense of someone else's advancement— much akin to what Nate did here in the hopes of getting ahead. It will be quite interesting to see what comes out of this situation because clearly the unity, peace, and balance that Ted enjoyed with his coaching staff is gone forever: The team might respond in a shaky manner over the potential loss of Sam, and the divide that now exists with the coaches might upend all the balance and peace that Ted has spent the better part of two years building with the AFC Richmond.
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The lessons of this episode and their potential repercussions are the perfect way to hammer home that the only constant in life is chaos and change, and because of this, ‘Midnight Train to Royston’ was another bold and brave tale from this series. This episode features some painfully realistic strife for the characters and leaves the viewer in a strange place because it seemed that this series was impervious to the genuine cruelty and chaos of life. But therein lies the trick because Ted Lasso is a series that has been, and will forever be, about the ups and downs of life and how hard and how wondrous it can be on a moment's notice. This writer applauds the show for going this route because the resolution of these surprises will offer some fine and realistic life lessons about it what means to be honest with ourselves and with those we love and how hard it is to face those who betray us when we've given them so much. If some of these characters don't learn the lessons at hand, the season two finale that could feasibly change the course for this show in ways we never thought possible. Until next time.