Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 303 of ‘Step Up’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
One particular phrase that comes up often in life, is the definition of insanity. You know, where we are reminded of the fact that doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result is nothing short of madness, and it makes sense as to why this pops up often. Because we are creatures of habit, who hate to let go of certain emotions and embrace change, and that motivates us to do the same old thing over and over again and pay dearly when nothing changes. Which is why it is imperative to have a good support network around us, so that we can be reminded of that need to change and well… this lesson is top of mind of today, simply because it was front and center during this week’s episode of Step Up on STARZ.

For ‘Player’s Ball’ saw… the definition of insanity play out. Because despite the fact that Rigo was now the headliner, things didn’t feel all that different at High Water. For Sage was doing everything to micromanage and direct Rigo’s burgeoning career. To the point where conflict was taking place with the delicate dances being assembled for the return to the tour and Sage was convinced that he was going to soon see all of this blow over and he would only have to deal with Rigo as the top name for a short while. In fact, Sage thought the public was so forgiving and that this matter was so unimportant, that he’d soon be appearing at the BMT Excellence Awards as was originally planned. But that simply wasn’t going to happen.

Because everyone involved there had concerns about the optics of Sage being on stage and to complicate matters further, trying to hold to the belief that the status quo would soon resume put so much in jeopardy. Because Rigo wasn’t filling stadiums and if something didn’t pop from a ticket sales perspective quick, it was all over. Which prompted Collette to demand that Rigo perform at an upcoming mixer for the awards to prove that he would be the right guy to perform in Sage’s stead. A move that brought forth… more of the same. Since Rigo didn’t want to do a thing for Sage because of the charges levied against him and of course, Sage paid Rigo no respect. But when really faced with the end of everything he worked for, Sage stepped up and finally changed course and well, going a different route paid off. Since Rigo landed the job and Sage made peace with him at last… or so it seemed.

After all, there was mention of how it is important to have the right people around us to inspire change and sadly… Rigo didn’t have that. Because bad advice poured into his ears about the upcoming performance and well… he took that advice and stuck with the bad blood and the hate, and straight up dissed Sage in front of a live audience. A move that hurt his career since there are so many that respect Sage in the industry and it hurt him physically. Since Sage came down to the award show, regardless of what laws he was breaking… to teach Rigo a lesson in respect with his fists and well, by sticking to the definition of insanity, Rigo has put everything at risk. Because just like that, the future of the tour is once again up in the air, as is the future of so many and High Water. 

Which makes this… a stunning tale in the end, one that featured more big moments outside of those. Since Odalie is starting to find agency in life and finding new struggles and surprises to deal with. Such as ones involving substance abuse since she is doing some shady things to handle her bruises and pain, and of course... she now has questions about her sexuality, since Angel kissed her deeply in this tale and that has prompted her to explore what all that could mean for her… provided of course… she can figure out who Angel really wants. Since she went home with Marquise instead on that fateful night. But while all of that will undoubtedly be addressed down the line, what matters in this moment, is the fallout between Rigo and Sage. Because that is going to bring about disaster, and a painful wait for next week’s episode, since we simply must know what comes next for the singers and dancers of High Water. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season one finale of ‘The Serpent Queen’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
One particular moment in history or in reality that fascinates us to no end, is the moment when someone chooses their respective moral path. Simply because, we always wonder what it was that pushed a good person or a twisted one to commit to the light and the dark, respectively. In part, so we can understand what we might do in a similar situation if we find ourselves at a moral crossroads but also because it is just fascinating through and through to ponder upon the possibility that a singular moment can decide so much from the perspective of fate. But that’s just it. It isn’t a singular moment that decides such matters and puts a person on a unique path. For the final moment in question, is nothing more than a culmination of moments and decisions that were already nudging a person down the path.
​
For instance, those who leave evil behind and commit to the forces of good, spent ages struggling with evil and find that they have a sour taste in their mouth regarding it and back away when the opportunity to commit to darkness presents itself. Whereas those who choose evil, have been making dark choices for some time and have let their humanity and conscience slip away in the process, allowing for the ‘big decision’ to be simple and easy in nature and well, that culminating moment, from a dark perspective, is top of mind today, simply because it presented itself to Queen Catherine de’ Medici during the season one finale of The Serpent Queen on STARZ.

For when we caught up with her in ‘A Queen Is Made’, her son’s failing health presented her with the perfect opportunity to take everything she had learned to this point and execute a power grab. Keeping her from having to commit regicide and handle things exactly how she wanted to and well, she handled the perfect opportunity for a power play in masterful fashion. Since she was able to wound Montmorency, and push Antoine into exile. Allowing for Louis to be captured, all of which… allowed for chaos to rule the day so she could take a moment and ponder upon how best to assume the throne without anyone giving it a second thought. Because she knew young Charles was too young to properly rule without a regent in place and the chance to become that regent was too good an opportunity to pass up here, and the chaos surrounding the throne did indeed provide her with the perfect plan with which to assume power.

Which involved leaving Mary an utter mess. So she could be sidelined and clueless while Catherine worked the key players in this mess to sign over the regency to her. Which was of course, no easy task. For Antoine wanted to hang onto it desperately, and the Guise family was eager to have Montmorency take the reins since they felt he would side with their ideals once he fully recovered. Conflicts that of course boiled over in a tense moment where the decision had to be made, and well, Montmorency revealed that he preferred that Catherine be regent. Because she had the guts to do what was necessary to keep the country on the right path, and with a gun pointed to his head, Antoine signed over the country and after a tender moment with his mother, the dying King did the same. 
​
A move that allowed for years of planning and years of learning to finally come to fruition. For a series of perfect moments and informed decisions finally allowed for Queen Catherine de’ Medici to become the true ruler of France and to ensure a rule without challenge… she made sure the Guise and Bourbon families knew their place and knew what would become of them if they crossed her, and she made sure to keep Diane around to flex a bit, even though Diane thought otherwise. And of course… she sent Mary packing back to Scotland with Rahima’s help after all. Since they are indeed kindred spirits that want more than what the world said they should have… and well, that’s how this season of storytelling ends, and the best news of all… is that the story isn’t done yet.

Because STARZ just renewed the series for a second season ahead of this finale and that’s a wonderful thing. Because there are indeed forces working to topple The Serpent Queen, and there is more for her to do to ensure she keeps her agency and her regency and at last… we can see how she ruled and the difficult decisions she made in the name of self-preservation and power. But while we wait for another year of this incredible show, and more of Samantha Morton’s amazing acting… we can celebrate a brilliant tale. One that finally explained how evil comes to life and how it isn’t a momentary decision in the slightest and well, this first season deserves a round of applause, for telling a fascinating and powerful story. About the nature of evil and its complexities and how it never sees itself as bad, just misunderstood. Until next season.

​One thing that fans of the Halloween season absolutely adore, is enjoying shows that celebrate the holiday in every possible way. Because it just reminds us of the wonder of Halloween and how much fun it can be and that’s precisely why today’s Halloween episode of Daily Blast Live is of note. For today’s edition of the show featured some fun costumes. Wherein the hosts of the show dressed up as some of the most iconic and headline-grabbing celebrities of 2022, and well, here are some details on this wonderful episode, and sample photos, and a behind the scenes video of this event, for all you Halloween costume lovers to enjoy and for fans of Daily Blast Live that want to relive this fun episode.
 
‘On the Monday, October 31st edition of the nationally syndicated talk show, “Daily Blast Live,” co-hosts Sam Schacher, Jeff Schroeder, Al Jackson, Erica Cobb, Tory Shulman and Lindsey Granger celebrated the spooky season in style as some of this year’s notorious celebrities and cultural icons, including former “SNL” star Pete Davidson, talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, actor Will Smith, "Star Trek" icon Nichelle Nichols (who passed away this year), NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci and chart-topping superstar Beyoncé, respectively.
 
“Daily Blast Live” is a nationally syndicated daytime talk show. Through multi-platform programming DBL brings immersive and interactive connection to its audience allowing them to join the conversation daily on YouTube, Twitter, Twitch, our homepage, the DBL app and TEGNA's OTT station apps on Roku.
 
Hosts include former CNN "Dr. Drew" co-host, Sam Schacher, former "Big Brother" and "The Amazing Race" contestant Jeff Schroeder, stand-up comic Al Jackson, radio personality Erica Cobb, Washington insider Tory Shulman and national correspondent Lindsey Granger.
 
Known for their authentic, unfiltered and live take on whatever viewers are talking about, “Daily Blast Live” (www.dailyblastlive.com) isn’t just another nationally-syndicated talk show. With a truly diverse team of hosts from all walks of life, the show is relatable, entertaining and is all about starting conversations that matter -- fearless, fierce dialogue on the air and in social media about what’s happening in the world and what’s on the minds of their community of passionate and vocal fans. Taped in Denver’s KUSA studio, there’s no such thing as off limits on “Daily Blast Live.”’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Criss Angel’s Magic with the Stars’. To revisit the series premiere, click here.
​
When we last settled in to discuss the wondrously entertaining series, Criss Angel’s Magic with the Stars, on The CW, we talked at length about how the show… did an amazing job of reminding us how much fun magic can be. A feat that it accomplished by bringing forth the wonder and awe that accompanies magic, and by reminding us of the hard work and dedication that goes into creating the illusions that wow us on the stage, and well it is obvious now that this is a formula that the show is completely comfortable with sending our way. Since this week’s episode of the show, stuck to that particular edict and that’s a wonderful thing.
​
Because it made ‘Amystika Chair’, a quality hour of entertainment. One that captivated us with more of the same, and surprisingly, featured a heated competition. For Omarion and Maksim ‘Maks’ Chmerkovskiy really wanted to win the Golden Wand this week and it showed during the Physical Matchup round. Because both of them came out to the stage completely aware of what the judges want from them. Since they worked the crowd and brought about some eye-popping and physically challenging illusions for certain. Which led to a close first round, one that Maks won by taking his fears and worries of failure head on, since he wasn’t sure he could do the bed of nails trick. But he did it and did it well. 

Which in turn pushed Omarion to up his game during the Close-Up competition. Which allowed for him to really engender trust with the crowd and the volunteers on the stage and make everyone comfortable during the trick. Which in turn brought forth a very relaxed and engaging close-up trick, one that pleased the judges and encouraged Maks… to also up his game. Since he went into full showman during his trick and also wowed the crowd and impressed the judges as well, keeping his chances for a victory alive. But of course, it is the Grand Illusion round that truly decides who will bring home the Golden Wand and this week’s top illusion was going to put these two showmen to the absolute test. 

For they were to replicate the classic Amystika Chair, a trick that requires stunning showmanship to really engage the crowd and some incredible timing and movement on the magician’s part. Which brought about a fascinating pre-illusion behind the scenes look. One that showed just how much work has to go into this trick, and it of course… pushed these two fierce competitors to give it their all when showtime arrived and wow… we were treated to quite the show. Because both of these magicians left it all on the stage and executed this trick flawlessly. Putting the judges in a tough spot, but alas… there could only be one winner.

As to who that was, we won’t spoil here. Because you need to see how this trick plays out with your own eyes. But what we can say at this point, is that this show is a blast to watch. Because it really does fire up wonder in our hearts and awe in our eyes and it has you rooting for the competitors to land every trick so they can celebrate in putting forth a flawless illusion, one that wows the crowd in person and the audience at home. Because that’s what magic is supposed to do, just drop our jaws, and prompt us to declare how what we are seeing is just plain awesome and this show is accomplishing that just fine and it need never break from this formula because it works, and it hooks you and it will now have all of us counting down the minutes until next week’s episode. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 310 of ‘Central Park’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
One particular word that good parents are familiar with in this life, is sacrifice. Because in order to be a good parent and raise your kids right, one must sacrifice a great deal. Time and energy for instance must go to the little ones to make sure their needs are met in their early years. And of course, there are physical sacrifices that come into play as well. Since sleep is almost an impossibility with an infant and not to mention, a child is a financial sacrifice as well since it takes a bank to raise a baby. But good parents understand this and have no qualms with it. Because they know these sacrifices will pay off in the end and help to raise a happy and healthy child, one that will hopefully take on the world and change it for the better.
​
But what we don’t talk about enough when it comes to the sacrifices good parents make, are the little ones that really make the day special for their kids. For instance, making sure that the one special thing they want for their birthday, or the holidays pops up on their table of gifts or under the tree. Or that they get the chance to see their favorite movies and shows with their parents. Because those little moments validate a child and make them feel special, and while their parents may have no interest in a talking dog on television nor do they care about what a particular toy does, sacrificing the time and energy to get that to them and sacrificing one’s thoughts on the matter… really do go a long way in making a child feel special and loved.

If anything, that more subtle sacrifice is top of mind today, simply because it was on full display in the next episode of Central Park on Apple TV+. For ‘Money Candy’ saw the hottest K-pop band in the world, one that shared the namesake of this tale, arrive in Manhattan to provide their fans with the show of a lifetime and of course… Owen and Paige made a point to take an interest in them. Not because they had a clue what the heck this band was about, nor was K-pop their top music choice, but because they wanted the kids… and Abby, since she also loved the band… to not feel silly about their joy and enjoy the wonder of celebrating what they love and that pushed mom and dad, to go the extra mile for their kids.

All by heading down to the venue to try and land them tickets and trinkets. The latter of which was easy to accomplish. After all, there were trucks galore out front, including ones that featured knock-off trinkets like nail clippers that read: Money Cand. Which were also priced right. But the tickets, that was another story altogether. For they sold out ages ago and well, that prompted Owen and Paige to try and do something special to really create some unique memories for the kids. In that, they would travel around the city with the kids to see if by chance, they could spot Money Candy. Which would have sent them over the moon. But alas, that too went belly up, even when they were supposedly in Central Park. Since decoys were all that anyone found.
​
But while the kids were trying to figure out their next move and their next search grid, Owen and Paige were forced to return home. For someone had broken into the house and wouldn’t you know it? It was the band. Who needed to use the restroom because the park’s toilets were in bad shape and well, being kind to the band and going the extra mile to get them out of the park with some hot dogs and no one the wiser they were there, allowed for these intrepid parents to get their hands on a bundle of VIP tickets. The kind that sent the kids over the moon, regardless of how little they believed the story of how mom and dad got the tickets in the first place. But while it was great to see the family take in a Money Candy concert and enjoy a wonderful evening, the ending of this story is immaterial.

After all, that’s nothing more than TV Magic. Which is great because who doesn’t love a happy ending? But what matters more here, is the sheer fact that Paige and Owen did everything within their power to keep their kids happy and make their passion feel validated. And they scarified along the way to make that happen as well, and that’s beautiful. Because that is truly what makes a parent a parent and helps their kids grow and it was wonderful to see that there and to just… enjoy a flat-out feel-good tale. One that even kept Bitsy’s storyline in a positive place. Wherein she opted to not clone Shampagne because she didn’t want to sully his memory his memory when he passed and well… all of this just goes to show that this series really is one of the best family shows out there right now and it will be interesting to see what feel-good moments await us, come next week. Until then.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘The Devil’s Hour’.
​
Every now and again… we get a strange feeling that there is doom and gloom surrounding us. For instance, a recurring dream that is unsettling in nature can set that tone, as can disturbing events in our lives. Such as our family members and friends not being quite themselves or perhaps, we keep getting that strange feeling that something horrible is awaiting us around the corner courtesy of odd coincidences and that sense of déjà vu that sometimes hangs heavy over the air and well… when that happens… we take action for certain. For starters, we are vigilant and do whatever we can to ensure that these feelings are nothing more than figments of our imagination, so that we can eliminate any actual threats from our lives.
​
Not to mention, we may consult with a doctor. Just because everyone knows that poor sleep and excessive stress can wreak havoc on the mind, and they can help with that, and taking part in those acts, genuinely seems to help eliminate our worries and get us back on track because more often than not… that feeling just isn’t real. But what would it be like… if by chance, it wasn’t a lack of sleep or stress that made us feel this way? What if by chance, we were barreling toward actual doom and something sinister was waiting around the corner? How would we handle that? Well, it just so happens that a new series on Prime Video looks to explore such matters and that makes The Devil’s Hour quite the fascinating tale, one that begins to answer those questions… by outright fooling us from the get-go.

For the series premiere of this saga, ‘3.33’, leaves us wondering if by chance, Lucy Chambers’ struggles are indeed related to stress and fatigue. After all, she deals in social work. Which can be quite unpleasant at times, and she also happens to be dealing with the end of her marriage. All of which could explain the bad dreams she’s been having that wake her up at exactly three-thirty-three in the morning every single day and why she has that sense of doom on her mind. Because there’s nothing to indicate trouble on the horizon, and that pushes her to perhaps chalk up such matters to a rough patch in her life and go about it as she normally would. Because powering through the tough times is all we can do in the moment. But even still, there is something nagging her, to the point where she even begins to worry about her mental health.

But as it turns out… she is right to be concerned. For while she deals with her worries and strange feelings and dreams… something sinister is playing out in her own town. For DI Ravi Dhillon and his partner, DS Nick Holness, are currently working a savage crime. One that leads them to an out of the way corner of the city, where their suspect has clearly taken an interest in all the brutal crimes that have taken place in this town. And this individual also seems to have an interest in Lucy, as to how exactly this individual is aware of her is anyone’s guess. But clearly their knowledge of her existence and a worry come to life for Lucy at the end of this tale, makes it clear that there is something greater at work here. And that enigmatic and unfounded fears have come to life for Lucy and well… that’s a twist that grabs hold of you for certain.

Because just like that, you are vested in this story and eager to know its secrets. Since clearly, something is at work here in the shadows of the universe, something that has put Lucy on a strange collision course and well… you can’t ask for more from a series premiere than that. Because that’s what a great one should do, energize us, and engage us and this show does that easily here, and it doesn’t hurt that the cast helps to sell this mysterious story. Courtesy of some stunning performances from Jessica Raine (Lucy) and Peter Capaldi, and well… the only way now to know how all of this ties together and what dark path Lucy is upon, and have those questions answered… is to continue the journey post haste and let this twisted and waking nightmare unfold before our eyes. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘The Peripheral’. To revisit the series premiere, click here.
​
When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating new Prime Video series, The Peripheral, we talked at length about how the show’s series premiere, did a wonderful job of pondering upon the dangers of technology and escape. Since the Fisher family was in essence, lost in technology and found themselves in a great deal of trouble because of their reliance upon it. For they were being hunted by unknown individuals and dealing with all kinds of stunning revelations, and while their adventure ended on a slight high note, courtesy of cash and calm and good news revolving around Flynne and Burton’s, sick mother. This family was still beside themselves and unsure of what comes next and rightfully so. 
​
For dealing with technology related problems leaves no easy solutions, especially when time travel and mysterious shadow individuals are involved and well… what comes next is precisely where the next episode of this series thrived. Because Flynne and Burton had to figure out how to protect themselves in the present while they uncovered the secrets of the future and the best way to do that… would be to split up and handle two different time periods as once. Obviously, Flynne would venture back to the future to see what she could learn about those hunting her and why they were so hellbent on attacking the Fisher family for doing a job and nothing more… while Burton… handled their present-day problem.

Specifically… Pickett. For he received that giant payoff from forces unknown in ‘Haptic Drift’ and well, Burton knew they had to do something to get ahead of the temptation and put the fear of God into a man that has done ungodly things in the name of his empire. Which led to a supremely tense meeting between the two. Wherein Burton was able to accomplish all that thanks to two simple understandings. One that, Pickett would receive a fat weekly payment to steer clear of the Fisher family stead and if he decided to break that aspect of the deal… he would simply die at the trigger pull of Burton’s brothers in arms. Because they were ready and waiting to help him, and well… for the moment that kept the peace so Flynne could do her thing.

Which in this episode, involved spending a lot of time with Wilf in the future, to instead uncover exactly what happened to Aelita, a search that yielded minimal results at first. For she was either gone from this life or well-hidden. Which instead allowed for us to learn more about Wilf and his relationship to Aelita and the troubles he’s seen in this troublesome future and of course, our time spent in tomorrow… made it clear that Cherise Nuland is ruthless and relentless and will stop at nothing to get near Aelita for reasons that we still don’t know yet. But it would seem that ruthlessness is related to why the Fishers are under fire. Since it would appear that anyone that pokes about with Aelita is enemy number one in her eyes and only trouble will follow that. 

In fact, plenty of trouble seems to be on the agenda for this family. Since we also came to see that Pickett isn’t quite done with the family just yet. He’s eager to flex his muscles and take back his agency and that will lead to great conflict down the line. But for now, we can celebrate nothing short of a world building story. One designed to really flesh out this powerful universe so it is more than just a cyberpunk story with flashy visuals. This will allow for it to become a meaningful sci-fi epic, one that will leave us pondering upon so much and well, mission accomplished there for certain. For this was an engaging episode through and through, one that really did immerse us in this wild world nicely and made a point to delay some of the answers we seek to keep things mysterious, and it will be interesting to see what truths and conflicts await us as season one of this dynamic new series continues along. Until next time.

As we get deeper and deeper into the fall season, the TV networks are upping their game. They know we’ll be inside and in need of warmth, and they’re happy to provide us with a bevy of entertainment to enjoy beneath our blankets and with our cup of hot cocoa and Apple TV+ is a network that is definitely leading the way in fall content. For not only do they have a bevy of shows returning in the next couple of weeks, but they have some delightful family entertainment coming our way.

For instance, Circuit Breakers. A magnificent family themed show that features a couple of twists, such as being grounded in Science Fiction and the fact that the show is told in the anthology style of storytelling, and it just so happens… that we are quite near its release date. For it debuts on Apple TV+ on 11/11/21 and since we are so close to its arrival, Apple TV+ thought it would be wise to offer up some details on the show and a delightful trailer to give us an idea of how worth our while it will be for family television night, and well… without further ado, here is that trailer and those details, courtesy of Apple TV+.

‘Apple TV+ today released the trailer for the all-new futuristic anthology series "Circuit Breakers," premiering globally on Friday, November 11. 
 
"Circuit Breakers" is a half-hour anthology series about middle-schoolers in the near future that uses science fiction as a backdrop to tell universal stories about growing up. The series was created by Melody Fox with executive producer Matt Hastings directing three episodes from the season including the pilot. “Circuit Breakers” is executive produced by Hastings, Andrew Orenstein, Cottonwood Media’s Sarah Haasz, David Michel and Cécile Lauritano, Aircraft Pictures’ Anthony Leo and Andrew Rosen, and Todd Berger. Fox and Gillian Horvath serve as co-executive producers. 
 
Each installment of “Circuit Breakers” features a sci-fi twist on kid relatable stories, with the intent of kids and families asking themselves how they would act in each unique situation. The gripping trailer highlights the seven distinct stories with cast including Callan Farris (“Grimcutty”), Nathaniel Buescher (“APB”), Veda Cienfuegos (“Undone”), Cole Keriazakos (“Southside”), Maz Jobrani (“Immigrant”), Cale Ferrin (“Endlings”), Quincy Kirkwood (“Y: The Last Man”), Arielle Halili ("Less Than Kosher"), Gavin MacIver-Wright (“Odd Squad: Mobile Unit”), Khiyla Aynne (“13: The Musical”), Maya McNair (“Clarice”), and more.  
 
The award-winning slate of original series and film for kids and families on Apple TV+ includes the recently premiered groundbreaking series “El Deafo,” critically acclaimed “Amber Brown” created by Bonnie Hunt, and Common Sense Media Selections "Best Foot Forward," “Duck & Goose," “Surfside Girls” and “Life By Ella.” The impressive all-ages offerings also include “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock” and “Harriet the Spy” from The Jim Henson Company, the Peabody Award-winning series “Stillwater," Daytime Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter” and “Helpsters” from Sesame Workshop, Academy Award-nominated animated film “Wolfwalkers," new series and specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including “The Snoopy Show," as well as “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Daytime Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times best-selling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers. Apple TV+ continues to present young viewers and their caregivers with first-rate options including the upcoming series  “Jane,” a new mission-driven series from J.J. Johnson, Sinking Ship Entertainment and the Jane Goodall Institute.
 
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have been honored with 280 wins and 1,175 award nominations and counting, including this year’s Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
 
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL, and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.* For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Shantaram’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we’ve talked a lot about the nature of change when it comes to the Apple TV+ series, Shantaram. Simply because this show has focused heavily on that concept, and it has explored in great detail how difficult change in our lives can be and how we fear it and avoid it in the name of faster solutions regarding the ills that a lack of dedication to the concept of change can bring about. But while it has been fascinating to learn how tough it can be and how it scares the living daylights out of so many… at some point… we have to embrace it some form or fashion whether we like it or not. 
​
Because the status quo is never sustainable, and change is either forced upon us in a negative manner through our complacency or… we finally begin to embrace it and start a long journey forward. One that popular media rarely explores for reasons that make sense. For entertainment is just that, and at its most fundamental, should move fast rather than show us the slow moments that lay down the foundation for change. But this series doesn’t subscribe to the faster is better edict. It wants us to learn the process right and that is why we saw the bare beginnings of Lin embracing change in this week’s tale. A feat that ‘The Sin in the Crime’ accomplished by giving Lin some fascinating perspective on his journey thus far.

For when we caught up with him, here, he was riding atop cloud nine. Because things were going well in Sagar Wada. After all, he was respected and adored in that part of town and receiving gifts and sharing in the joy of being a member of a community and that truly put him over the moon. Not to mention, Mister Khan was kind enough to have Abdullah supply him with a motorcycle to help Lin get those all-important medications for the community and he even saw Lisa thriving. Making him realize that he was actually making an impact by committing to good deeds and finding fulfillment in the process, and that helped him to realize, that if he could stay this course and begin to work on himself… he could bring about change in this life at last and find happiness. 

Which in turn pushed him to be honest with himself and his situation. And that in turn, helped him to realize that he cuts corners a lot and isn’t honest with others enough. Which prompted him to finally cut ties with Khan regarding the meds and pay his own way since money was coming together from the community to get them. All so, he could run an honest operation. One that he and the community would feel good about and that wasn’t the only steps toward change he took part in here, regarding honesty, since he was also honest about his feelings with Karla and last and well… it’s best we leave it at that when it comes to that particular storyline. Since what came next would be cruel to spoil because of its importance to the future of this story.

But what matters more here, is that Lin finally indulged in honesty through and through, and really did make strides toward being a better person at last and took those all-important baby steps toward impactful change. Something he’s been struggling with since we met him. But make no mistake about it, he has a long way to go, and his lack of humility here… and not committing to change there, could come back to haunt him. How exactly we shan’t spoil here, instead we will just celebrate one wonderful tale. One that truly offered growth to Lin and others, and it will be fascinating to see if he continues to stay dedicated to change, regardless of the hardships and challenges he will encounter along the way. Until next time.

​​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

As we reach the halfway point of the season, the balance between the individual and the team may have just teetered ever so slightly towards the former. Evan and Nick realize they can maintain their friendship across separate teams, Jace is (reluctantly) settling in with the Ducks, and Coach Cole might have just indirectly acknowledged that it’s maybe okay to have a little fun sometimes. But things don’t start off so happily. 
 
Various strained relationships are tested early and often in this week’s episode. Evan, now on Dominate, goes to take his usual seat at the Ducks’ breakfast table until Coach Cole calls him over to his new team. On top of that, Evan and Sofi can’t seem to get past their breakup, leading to some awkward encounters. On top of that, Evan is in danger of letting his best friend down on a big day. 
 
Evan had promised Nick that everything would stay the same in their friendship and that he would make it to his birthday party. That plan was derailed by an impromptu punishment practice from Coach Cole, who we see at his most intense in this episode. Unimpressed with his team’s confidence and effort, Coach Cole puts one of the most rattled players under pressure, challenging him to make three shots from center ice or else the entire team has to report for a Saturday night practice - the night of Nick’s party. The player, of course, misses the final shot and puts Evan in a tough spot.
 
Evan confides in his mom, so both she and Evan look to sway Coach Cole into letting him skip practice. Evan tries to lie to get out of it and learns the hard way that he should have just been up front with his coach, while Alex runs into his stubbornly-held belief that premier athletes have to sacrifice things to improve. But in one of the most heartfelt moments in the Game Changers series, Coach Cole reveals that his wife died 10 years ago, taking a heavy toll on both him and Jace, which Jace shows by pushing away his dad and any new friends. Coach Cole admits that his wife always told him he needed to loosen up a bit. The scene truly shows the humanity and depth of Coach Cole, and Josh Duhamel delivers it extremely well. 
 
In leading her team, Alex still errs on the side of levity. While Dominate sticks to the official training schedule, Alex tells the Ducks to delete it so they can practice outside while enjoying the nice weather. Reminiscent of a nice Rocky vs. Drago training montage, the Ducks are doing basic, fun skill drills and exercises in a lush, green park, while Dominate is doing high intensity workouts with weights and stationary bikes in a sterile, dark gym. 
 
Despite those unforgiving confines, another crack shows up in Coach Cole’s armor at the end of the episode. In order to save Nick’s birthday party, Alex leads the team on a mission to raid the camp’s kitchen. While going ahead for recon, she finds Coach Cole in the freezer eating directly from a tub of ice cream. Rather than cracking down on the team for breaking curfew, Coach Cole agrees to turn a blind eye and let them have their fun (and their ice cream). 
 
Coach Cole and Coach Alex remain diametrically opposed foes in how they approach hockey, but the unstoppable force that is Alex may have nudged the immovable object that is Cole. While he seems very unlikely to let go of the reins of the camp that he built, he’s beginning to show a softer side that could change things for everyone. Is he turning over a new leaf or should the campers expect more of the usual as they approach the big tournament? If this episode is any indication, the game of tug-of-war has just begun!