Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1003 of ‘Doc Martin’. To revisit the season ten premiere, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that our modern society is quite biased when it comes to individuals in need of mental health care and that suffer from mental illness and sadly… it makes sense as to why. Because we live in a society that for countless years, has believed that such matters aren’t real or easily overcome. Where a can-do attitude and hard focus on a task at hand, can overcome any concerns or problems we might be having and to top it off… we’ve also made a habit of just tucking those who are indeed suffering from a major mental illness away from society. So that such matters are out of sight and never discussed. But thankfully… that is indeed starting to change. For science and a new way of thinking are putting mental health front and center and educating us along the way. 
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Which is helping us to learn how important it is to care for one’s mental health and to not treat people who are suffering from an illness or a rough patch as though they are some kind of monster to be shunned and something that is helping with this, is pop culture. For it subtly gets the message out and shows us the right way and believe it or not, the next episode of Doc Martin, offers up that latter message. For when we caught up with the Doc in this tale, he ran into an old patient, Stewart James. A poor soul that used to suffer from vivid delusions regarding an animal roommate. But he got the help he needed, and he was trying to put the pieces of his life back together by creating a survival camp to teach people new skills. A camp that Al and Penhale took part in to humor the man. 

But while they were out and about in the wild with Stewart, they had grave concerns about his mental health standing. Because Stewart was acting out of place and wiry regarding this camp and that is where the show really took a positive turn regarding its commentary on mental health. For in an older series, Stewart’s turn would become a source of worry and danger. As though he would threaten Al and Penhale and harm them if they didn’t do something about their situation and his outright ‘craziness’. But rather than get into a standoff or say horrible things about Stewart to degrade him and his possible issues, they simply sought to get him help. Which is huge. Because that is how such matters should be handled, we should simply acknowledge that someone is just ailing and in need and do what needs to be done to help them and leave it at that.

Which led to wonders in this tale, wherein we came to learn… that Stewart was actually suffering from something else. Specifically, a sheep borne illness that was giving him a high fever and other ailments. That thankfully the Doc was able to fix once he headed out into the countryside to find him and the others… and after he fell into some survival traps that were set up as well. Giving rise to a supremely happy ending. Wherein Stewart would quickly be cured… and more importantly, still seen in a positive light. Where he could now continue his self-work and continue to rebuild his life, armed with the knowledge the community would support him as needed, and that was beautiful to see here and truly hammered home the message this episode was eager to send our way. 

All of which made this, an inspirational and refreshing episode. One that did a lot to remove the stigma surrounding mental illness and mental health care and to top it off… it had other important moments to offer as well. Since we saw some other cases in this tale revolving around the importance of caring for our health period. Which is an important message to send since we only have one body and work or no, it’s not a bad thing if we take a moment to heal. If anything, it is obvious that this final season is simply pulling out all the stops and offering up some wonderful thoughts before the Doc bids farewell and truly, it will be interesting to see what other poignant musings await us as Martin continues to settle into this new chapter in this life and before he switches off the lights in the office, one last time. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 302 of ‘Step Up’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the always dynamic and engaging STARZ series, Step Up, the heroes of High Water were facing quite the uncertain future. After all, Sage was facing murder charges for a murder he did not commit and that put his burgeoning business at complete and utter risk. For there was a chance the tour was going to be cancelled and of course… he would lose everything, including High Water in the process and that left us, quite worried. Because we have watched Oadalie and the crew come up from nothing to something, and the thought that they might have their dreams snatched from them was terrifying to say the least. 
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In fact, the prospect of that loomed large over a fair chunk of this week’s episode of the show. For ‘Ain’t Gon’ Let Up’ explored that strange purgatory that our favorite dancers were stuck within mentally, and it seemed a lot of them were ready to just… let go and move on. Because they knew of the gravity of this mess and while the tour was everything they ever wanted, they knew it might not happen and that moving on and starting over might be the best way to handle this. If anything, the only person that seemed to be in a good place mentally, was Odalie. After all, she was a star at this point and had all kinds of money coming in from her sponsorship. So, she just, lived life to the best of her ability in this moment.

Which included befriending Angel and hanging out with her since she made it clear she idolized Odalie. Which in turn allowed for them to hang out and celebrate Odalie’s new standing in life and get close as the day went along. Super close in fact, something that might be quite important down the line. But for now, there were other matters at hand to deal with. Because while Odalie was doing her thing with Angel, Poppy was trying desperately to get Rigo to take Sage’s deal. Because it would have offered her so much in life and of course, it would also make Rigo a star. But he refused the deal left and right, on principle of what happened to his father. But eventually… she was able to reach him, and a deal came to fruition, with some caveats of course. 

In that, Rigo would be the new boss of well… everything. And he would also headline the tour and retool the show, so it was focused on him and a new experience for the fans and that was shockingly problematic. Because it also gave Poppy power and put her back inside the walls of High Water and she saw this an opportunity to flex up and announce that it was a level playing field at the studio going forward. A move that surprised Odalie since she’s suddenly in back row again and that more or less… set the stage for some serious drama going forward. The kind that is going to bring about all kinds of conflicts at High Water and beyond.

Because just like that, Sage and his vision are out of the picture for the foreseeable future. And he has in essence handed over his dream and inadvertently the dreams of others, to a pair of young guns with big aspirations in their hearts and stars in their eyes and that is clearly going to create friction. Because they have raw power and the kind of ambition that will prompt them to flex hard over others and that is never pretty, and it will be genuinely interesting to see what comes next for High Water and its talented dancers. For they are entering a unique new chapter in the studio’s history, one that might take it to new heights or bring it crashing down… depending on how well Poppy and Rigo adapt and grow. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two finale of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particularly difficult lesson that each and every one of us will have to learn at some point in our lives, is that we do need to exercise caution and some foresight when it comes to our plans for the future. And what makes this lesson so hard to learn for us, is the sheer fact that we live in a go-for-it society. For we hear time and time again about people who just say to hell with it all and go for it and achieve their goals without giving it a second thought. But that is really nothing more than a façade of sorts. Where the person that made it big hangs onto that idea and expresses it to stand out, when in fact… they assembled a plan and made sure to think ahead regarding roadblocks.
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Because that’s just it, going straight for our goals rarely goes smoothly. Because often times, our goals involve people and people don’t always align with our vision. Not to mention the universe can be a wild place that throws twists and turns for us to overcome along the way. Which means we have to prepare a plan for how we want to get where we want to be, and we have to plan ahead for surprises. For if we don’t… the plan might fall to pieces and that is precisely the lesson that Raquel Thomas and her family came to learn in the season two finale of Power Book III: Raising Kanan. But what’s funny… is it sure didn’t seem as though that lesson was going to be in the cards in ‘If Y’Dont Know, Now Y’Know’.

For early on in this tale, Raq and her family were thriving in all the right ways. Because Marvin kept an eye on Sam after all and dealt with him accordingly for lying to him and going back to his favorite haunts to smoke more of that rock. Which left Detective Burke without a case and without a way forward, and the good times for the family and the operation didn’t end there. Since Unique got word to Raq about Sal Boselli’s plan to bring her down. Which allowed for her to meet with the New York Don (played brilliantly by TV legend Tony Danza) and get assurances Sal was on his own, which the Don repeated to Sal when the time came, and being on his own, allowed for Raq to just go for broke and strike first. Putting a seeming end to the whole mess.

But since Raq has always had her eyes on the prize and believed in just exerting power over anything else, she missed a lot of things. Such as roadblocks that she might encounter, and she underestimated her opponents and that led to some serious trouble. For instance, her expansion plans fell to pieces when she didn’t account for backstabbing and maneuvering, slowing down revenue and she really did underestimate the Boselli gang, but more on that in a moment. Because that wasn’t the only trouble present in this tale that came forth from a lack of foresight. For Kanan went into business for himself without thinking twice, and caught Burke’s attention, and took a lot of heat from her desperate need to have the truth about Howard. Plus, Juke suffered a bit for taking revenge on the church in her own way, since it forced her to face her past in a rushed manner. Not to mention… Lou-Lou had a hell of a wakeup call in this tale, since Raq’s deal with Crown came through, giving her more control over his life. Which he should have known was coming, but he didn’t think about that. 
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All that aside however, the true centerpiece of this story, was the sheer fact that Raq didn’t look ahead or plan ahead in the slightest. She just went for broke to expand her empire and paid the price dearly here. Which brings us back to how underestimating her foe, backfired. Because Boselli wasn’t done with her, not by a long-shot. He just bided his time and let her feel safe before unleashing hell upon the operation. A move that brought Worrell within an inch of his life and saw multiple distribution centers be hit, and the hits just kept coming. Since Marvin took a bullet defending the business, and Zisa lost her life when they came for Lou-Lou and of course… they came for Raq as well. Thankfully though, Lou had her back because that’s how he always will be with family. But just like that, the empire was in shambles and facing an unknown future.

All because Raquel wanted that power and wanted that agency, over anything else. And had she done her homework and was proactive instead of impulsive and reactionary… who knows where they’d be right now. But what’s done is done and the lesson is indeed learned and just like that, we are left wondering what comes next to her and her family. Since they have limited resources and a broken empire surrounding them and it will be interesting to see where this dark tale goes next in season three, and thankfully there will be a season three. For STARZ has indeed renewed Raising Kanan and that’s a wonderful thing. For this chapter in the Power Universe is quite special for certain and deserves to bring the story of Kanan’s youth to its proper conclusion and now all we have to do… is wait patiently for its return. Until next season.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘The Serpent Queen’. To revisit the previous episode, click  here.
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We like to believe that evil is nothing more than chaos personified. That it wants to impart harm with a devilish glee that we don’t understand in the slightest and fear every step of the way and it makes sense as to why we hold to that. Because our interactions with it via the six o’clock news or atrocities around the world… showcase nothing less. For what happened what happened on 9/11 was horrifying and chaotic madness. Not to mention what occurred on January 6, was pure lunacy since no one ever expected to see American citizens calling to hang the Vice President of the United States because their horse lost the race. But what is truly fascinating about this belief is that it is wholly incorrect. For evil knows exactly what it is doing when it starts its machinations, mainly because it never sees itself as the villain.
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Osama bin Laden for instance genuinely thought he was fighting a great evil when he was doing nothing more than committing murder in the name of an extremist ideal, and he deserved a far darker fate than the one he received and the ‘Patriots’ that stormed the capitol somehow thought they were fighting for freedom and saving a nation. When in fact, they were just suckered into violence by the promises of a frightened little man that craved power and lied to them to garner their support. If anything, the strange logic that evil uses to justify its actions and see itself in a positive light, and fool us in the process, is top of mind today, simply because we saw it on display in the next episode of The Serpent Queen on STARZ.

For ‘An Attack on the King’ is a story that saw France dealing with more dark and turbulent times. For the King was badly wounded from the joust and no one knew whether or not he would survive such a wound. For the joust had partially plunged into his eye and unfortunately, while Diane fretted in isolation over this and Catherine stayed by his side, nefarious forces were working to create another power play. One that would see France and the Holy Roman Emperor’s lands combine to become a force to be reckoned with. To the point where everything was going to change in France, including which religion would rule the day, alongside a secondary plan to usurp the power of England. But alas, once the King finally passed into the great beyond from his wounds… those plans were put in a precarious place.

Because these forces, ones that included Catherine’s own son, didn’t count on the Queen’s desire to stop them, and once she finally dealt with Diane in a subtle and satisfying manner, by banishing her and removing her from the spotlight, she turned her attention to a noble cause. In that, she could not let Mary and her ultra-religious lackeys transform this nation into a hardcore Catholic haven. Nor could she allow for the alliance to take place. For the people would suffer badly through such moves and many would lose their lives by denying Catholicism in the slightest, and that pushed her to make some unexpected alliances of her own and put plans in motion to keep the country safe. Which are acts that did not sound evil in the slightest. In fact, they sounded downright heroic. 
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But alas, in order to completely and properly execute this plan, her son would have to come to harm. For he was the lynchpin in this operation and had all the power as King and wouldn’t you know it? The Serpent Queen crossed that line and well… to hurt one’s flesh and blood is quite villainous and evil for certain and that made it clear that everything we saw here… was an act of evil believing it was doing the right thing. For she did all of this in the name of noble France and its people… but let’s be honest, it wasn’t about that. It was about power, agency, and fear. Because she couldn’t bear the thought of relinquishing all that she worked for in this life and hiding behind a noble cause to do horrible things to maintain power, in a calculated manner, is about as evil and misguided as it gets.

Which means that it was here that the Serpent Queen was truly born and now that she is unleashed, it is obvious she has more plans up her sleeve in the name of her power and her agency that are hidden behind the guise of the good of France and that made for one stunning episode for certain. One that  gave us great insight into how evil works and thinks and how terrifying those thoughts actually are when one reflects upon the end result. And now that we’ve reached the point where the dark queen has been brought to life… it would seem that her final acts in gaining complete power await us. For the finale of this powerful journey awaits us and it will be fascinating to see what Queen Catherine de’ Medici has planned to solidify her grip on the power and notoriety she has always craved. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Thirteenth Doctor’s final episode of ‘Doctor Who’.
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There are fewer things sadder than a sendoff. Watching the Doctor, we have grown to know and love dearly to regenerate into a new one has become something of sad event. After all, we have seen it happen for 14 regenerations now. It’s odd to think we might get used to it. Yet, we don’t and likely never will. The Doctor is, and always will be, difficult to get over. Many of us have a favorite, or even favorites of the Doctor, so when a regeneration happens, it’s often the hardest loss. This time is a bit different. This sendoff was one of true gravitas. A massive send off to a groundbreaking Doctor.

This was also one of the gentler goodbyes for the Companions. We can’t forget some of the more memorable ones, the send offs that truly broke our hearts in half. this time Dan left peacefully, going back to his life first. Yaz got to later, without her heart being completely shattered. Still, the scale of this episode really takes the cake. Perhaps for the most cameos of both Doctors and Companions alike. Even bringing in Companions from 5 and 6 respectively. Back when the Doctor was more than the Doctor, when the Doctor was called Professor.

Of course we could not have a sendoff without the Earth being in absolute danger. Typically, it’s a master plan involving the Daleks or the Cybermen or the Master and their evil plot to end the Doctor once and for all. This one, well, this had all 3. The Master united the Daleks and the Cybermen under their common enemy, using their ever-present hate of the Doctor to really bring them together.  After all, the Doctor has spent many lifetimes building friendships and meeting people, the Doctor is likable, she can’t help it. She’s beloved. Even when the Companions are no longer with her. Even if those Companions might be mad at not being Companions anymore. The Doctor offers more than freedom of adventure.

When the Doctor is in need of help the most, those that love her will always be there to help. In the case, quite literally. The Master has never successfully outsmarted the Doctor. While he tries and tries, it just never works. Probably because the Doctor isn’t just clever, no, she’s just not blinded by hatred or her own hubris. The Doctor admits when she’s wrong and needs help. She’s not the best at communicating or explaining herself, but she does eventually come around. While the Master is egotistical and quick to underestimate the loyalties people have for the Doctor.

The saddest part is the Master and the Doctor had been good friends, once upon a time, so many lifetimes ago. The obsession the Master has for the Doctor is actually heart breaking in a way. Still, he did force her to regenerate into him, or well, he took over her body. He also created Master Cybermen, which were Cybermen that could regenerate like Timelords. He’s a genius, and evil, but still a genius. Either way, his plans all failed. One by one, it all came crashing down. The Cybermen were killed/trapped in the Unit building that was literally imploded. The Daleks were blown up and the Volcanos turned to metal. The TARDIS driven moon was blown up by the very creature the Master trapped on it and used as a power source.

Despite the failure, the Doctor was still wounded and forced to regenerate. The Master left for dead. Although, he seems to always come back no matter what. And the Companions? They formed a support group. All so they could share their stories; not be so alone anymore in a world that would readily label them crazy. The Doctor will always leave people behind, but they are never forgotten. The Doctor remembers them all. Apparently, the Doctor also can regenerate into a version they’ve held previously. Welcome back 10, or is it 14? 10-2.0? With that, we’re all left asking the same question the new-old Doctor posed.
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What?

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Criss Angel’s Magic with the Stars’.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that magic outright fascinates us. Which should be an impossibility. After all, this is the age of information. Where the internet removes the power of mysticism and can teach us any magic trick out there. Not to mention, we as a society seemingly don’t believe in such matters anymore. Yet… magic persists, and any time we see a quality illusion, one that defies convention and logic… we are captivated by it and eager to see more. All because there really is something quite special about magic and the escape it provides our minds with is intoxicating to say the least, and one such person that has helped to keep the wonder of magic alive in this era of information… is Criss Angel.
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Because in many ways, he has reinvented magic and how it is presented to an audience. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that he invented some illusions that are just mind boggling in how they are performed. In fact, they are so good that no one has figured out how he pulls off such incredible feats and that has inspired so many others to pursue magic and see if by chance they can wow an audience like Criss and pull off illusions of his caliber. And there are enough folks asking those questions now, that Criss opted to partner up with The CW to create, Criss Angel’s Magic with the Stars. A competition series where celebrities will learn his greatest illusions and try to replicate them and wow an audience in the process and as it turns out… ‘The Greatest Levitation of All Time’ revealed to all of us, that being able to walk in Criss’ shoes is a very real possibility. 

For Corbin Bleu and Miles Brown were able to replicate all of the illusions that Criss sent their way. Which was just incredible to watch. Because it meant that these two actors were treated to the truth about how Criss pulls off his mind-bending magic. Granted, we weren’t privy to the specifics because Mister Angel rightfully wants to guard his secrets from the masses. But it was cool to see snippets of Corbin and Miles work to land the steps to creating an illusion and know that they got firsthand lessons from a true master and of course, it was equally as amazing to see them perform these illusions and wow the crowd in the process. But above all, seeing them work to recreate Criss’ patented levitations was perhaps the true highlight of this episode, since it spoke to the enduring legacy of Criss’ innovation and spoke to the reality that yes… everyday folks can do this.

But obviously just letting us know that people can indeed replicate epic illusions with some tutelage from the best… isn’t enough to really inspire awe in the average viewer or someone aspiring to be a magician. We need more, we need to really understand this craft and what goes into the work since this is a mysterious profession and Criss found a way to do that as well. For he and his intrepid hosts, offered constructive criticism and observations regarding how the illusions went, before scoring them to declare a winner and that… gives the audience exactly what they want. Since this helped for us to learn how much discipline and work goes into creating illusions and how it is so much more than coming out on the stage and mugging for the camera before creating an illusion that leaves people wondering how the heck it was accomplished.

It requires discipline and hard work, and most important of all, a connection with the audience and a real sense of honesty, and this is what inspires others to take part in this. Since it gives them more to master than the illusion, and it adds depth this competition show, one that is just an absolute delight to watch. Because magic is and will forever be fun and it’s just wild to see people replicate these illusions and of course… to hear what the judges and our host have to say. Because in addition to Criss’ powerful insight, we are also treated to master magician Lance Burton’s thoughts on the craft and the performances of the contestants and Loni Love from E! News offers up balanced insight as well and having Eddie Griffin host… leads to some quality laughs. In the end, this is just a wonderful show to watch, and it will be interesting to see how other celebrities handle the task ahead of them as season one continues along. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that the Disney+ series, The Mysterious Benedict Society, is one of the most refreshing television shows to hit the airwaves in recent years. Simply because it is about as unique as they come. From the plot to the characters to even the setting, nothing about this series feels conventional in the slightest and of course, all of those elements, compelled us to tune in. Just to see what wondrous moments awaited us and as an added shocker, it was also a show that appeared to be nothing short of a miniseries of sorts. After all, the heroes saved the day and vanquished evil and then went their separate ways, something that would indicate the end of the story.
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But that isn’t the case in the slightest. For there was more to explore in this universe and a second season draws near. For Wednesday will see the arrival of year two of this dynamic series and well, we here at Nerds That Geek had the distinct honor of seeing some of season two in advance and thought it would be worthwhile to take a moment and preview what you can expect from year two, in a spoiler free manner of course. Because a show this special and this unique, deserves to have its most important moments be experienced firsthand. But there are some things we can prepare you for and tease regarding how excellent season two is going to be and well… the first thing that we can safely preview… is the new plot.

Because the writers’ room of this brilliant show, found a way to create a new challenge for the Mysterious Benedict Society to handle and a fascinating way in which to bring them together. Which allows for us to reunite with the characters that brought us joy in the first place and of course… you cannot go wrong with this unique plot for certain. One that is as refreshing as the show itself and what is quite amazing about that plot… is that it brings back something that this series excelled at in season one… character development. Because everyone has to grow here in order to solve the task ahead of them and that leads to some satisfying moments for certain, the kind that have some serious depth to them as well.

For this year’s challenge is quite special for certain. Because it creates a different kind of peril and asks some fascinating questions about the human condition and of our characters. In fact, this idea/problem is so complex and so engaging that it too draws you deep into the story, so you can see if by chance the answer to this question is something we can apply to our lives, or if what Mister Curtain is chasing is nothing more than a true impossibility. If anything, this is just a supremely impressive concept to inject into a story that does tend to lean toward the lighthearted, and while that statement makes it appear as though we’re talking about something bleak and dark here… have no fear, it’s nothing that signals a shift in the tone of this show, it’s just a powerful idea that takes you by surprise.  

But of course, to sell such a concept and take us on such a wild adventure, we need fine acting to do that and thankfully… that’s only improved in season two. For everyone is now comfortable in their roles and comfortable with their characters. So, the acting is simply top notch, and the jokes work, and the wonder is there thanks to this talented bunch and the best news of all, is that we don’t have to wait all that much longer to enjoy a return to this universe. For The Mysterious Benedict Society returns to the airwaves on Disney+ on Wednesday and we hope you give it a look and check back with us for more pre-premiere coverage. Since we have interviews with members of the cast and crew to share with all of you as we count down the minutes to season two.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 309 of ‘Central Park’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are a great many things that the Apple TV+ series, Central Park, excels at from a storytelling perspective. After all, it is one of the few animated shows that feels realistic in nature, courtesy of its dynamic and engaging plots. Not to mention, it often features a lot of heart in its storytelling and of course… it tackles some of the toughest topics out there. To the point where we are left in silence and awe over what it had to say. But above all, this is a series that understands the importance of balance from a storytelling perspective… so that it never strays from its comedic roots and so that it respects what its already accomplished on the screen, and for proof… look no further than this week’s episode.
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Because rather than try to outdo the powerful and poignant story we enjoyed and pondered upon deeply last week… the series opted to just return to its goofy comedic roots. So that the story that came before would remain in high standing and not diminished in the slightest by an unnecessary follow-up. Which means that ‘A Killer Deadline’ was nothing more than good ol’ fashioned fun. The kind that just reminded us of how much we love spending time with these characters and how silly and fun this show can be at times, and it accomplished that particular feat, by offering up a bevy of unique storylines through and through involving all of the characters in this dynamic world.

For instance, there was a delightful and fun plot involving Abby. Where she tried to get her schedule changed to take an important acting class involving accents. But alas, Helen would not bulge on the schedule, that is until… a surprise took place. In that, a random guest basically called Bitsy old and that broke her psyche. Because she truly worried about her appearance and it not being youthful in the slightest. So, in order to keep Bitsy happy before she exploded emotionally and to get Wednesdays off, Abby went the extra mile to make that happen, including bringing in some talented actors to finally make Bitsy feel beautiful again. Giving Abby everything she needed, and it helped her gain a new ally in Helen, since she was impressed with her actions.

Meanwhile, Owen and the kids were dealing with some popularity and confidence issues at school. For it was Owen’s turn to work at the school for the day and monitor recess, and while he was there… he was in charge of a big kickball game. One that everyone was taking part in for the chance to garner some bragging rights. Everyone except Molly that is. Since she wasn’t cool with potentially being embarrassed by her father or through sports. And despite some ups and downs during this day, where she went back and forth on playing and using a new kickball skill set her dad taught her… she eventually realized she had nothing to lose in playing the game and trying her best, and her best was good enough and helped her team to win the day over a loudmouth opponent. Making Owen proud while of course reminding us that you have to be brave in this life, and you should always try new things.
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As for Paige… well… she was dealing with a pair of scary deadlines. Because an important article for the paper was due, as were the first few chapters of her book and she was badly behind and seemingly unable to get anything done with the house being a temptation, and the problem only got worse when she checked into a seedy motel from her news article, to try and just get some work done. For she quickly found herself embroiled in a dastardly plot involving a mysterious box and some shady characters and well… just when it seemed Paige was in a horrible situation and that her boss was somehow involved… it turned out we were just hanging out in her mind, and this was nothing more than her book come to life.

Which meant, she met her deadlines and we got to enjoy one heck of a psyche out and in the end, this was nothing more than a fun and engaging tale. One designed to respect its predecessor and just let us enjoy this universe through and through and well, it is mission accomplished regarding that. For this was indeed just a fun ride that reminded us of the joy this series brings our way, and it really did offer up a story that didn’t leave us comparing it to the powerhouse one that debuted last week, and you really cannot ask for much more than that from an animated comedy series, that also features some wonderful musical numbers and depth now and again. If anything, all this episode does is leave us curious and eager to enjoy next week’s episode. All so we can see if the show is planning to wow us with something deep again or have a ton of fun… or both. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘The Peripheral’.
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One particular lesson that each of us learn the hard way, is that letting our escapes and our hobbies get the better of us is a bad thing. Simply because it motivates us to withdraw from the world and it encourages us to focus on fantasy and mindlessness over the important stuff we should be focusing upon, and it isn’t until we let a major bill slide or hurt those, we love with our isolation that we come to understand their danger and work to find balance instead. So, we can still enjoy that which helps us cope with the stress of life while staying present for those that need us. But what is truly fascinating about this lesson… is that it is becoming harder and harder to not let them take over.
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In part because the world is a rotten place right now and fills us with worry and concern about tomorrow. So much in fact that binging a whole show over the weekend seems to be the only way to cope with the dumpster fire that America has suddenly become and there appears to be little daily relief on the horizon. Since we have so many concerns about what is to come, which means that people are likely going to face new struggles with their escapes and reality as the world continues to fight to find balance. Leaving all of us to wonder… what our lives are going to look like as we try to find our own balance, and of course… what kind of new struggles will occur in a world where escaping is commonplace. If anything, those questions and concerns are top of mind today, simply because they are going to be explored in the new Prime Video series, The Peripheral. 

A feat that the show’s two-hour series premiere accomplishes, by taking us not too far into the future. For when we catch up with a woman named Flynne Fisher in 2032… she’s living quite the difficult life. For ‘Pilot’ and ‘Empathy Bonus’ reveals to us a world familiar to our own since it is suffering from struggles that we haven’t eliminated yet. Such as war and wealth inequality and soaring drug prices that make life saving drugs for her mother… almost an impossibility. Which is why she and her brother Burton take part in digital side hustles often. Wherein they can test equipment or play high stakes online games to make ends meet. But one day, a lucrative request from a developer to try their new and powerful peripheral changes Flynne and Burton’s lives forever. Not only because the money is great… but also because, this device is about to plunge this family into chaos and strife. 

Which is quite the techno-thriller plot, one that just simply seems to speak to us needing to always steer clear of our obsessions. But the fact that this peripheral opens up doors to the future and avatars and all kinds of discussions on alternate realities, is what allows for this show to look at what the world might become with technology running rampant to save our mental health and the dangers that could from that. In that, it could do the opposite of providing an escape and instead create a prison for those who rely on these digital worlds to be free of their concerns and of course… who knows what kind of nefarious people would be willing to dig in and toy with others in this digital frontier. Making it clear that we as a people need to get our house in order before we worry about digital ones since the kind of chaos we deal with now, will probably spill over no problem.
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But all unique commentary on technology and escaping our world and those dangers aside, this is also quite the epic story through and through. One that features some stunning visuals effects courtesy of the tech present here and it even has plenty to offer the action hound in your life or the one that resides within you. Because both Flynne and Burton have to fight to stay alive and stay safe at times, and that leads to some powerhouse actions sequences. The kind that are intense and epic in nature and immediately have you rooting for the heroes of the story and the wonder of this series premiere doesn’t end there. Simply because… there’s depth and meaning to be found within this tale as well. Thanks to themes regarding family and what it means to us and of course… there are some observations on horrors of war. 

However, in order to sell the wonder and majesty of a cyber thriller like this and create that sense of awe and danger, a great cast is essential and that is present here. Since the supporting cast really do sell the rough world, they’re living within and truly, Chloë Grace Moretz steals the show as the series lead. Since she plays both a tough everyday woman just trying to get by, and a thoughtful hero, with a raw honesty you believe in. And she is a character that champions good and believes in a better world for her family and in the end, all of these elements make this a worthwhile watch. One that allows for you to either get lost in a cool techno-thriller or gives you something to chew upon and the best news of all, is that this adventure is only getting started, and it will be fascinating to see what other unique commentary and epic moments await us as season one continues along. Until next time.  

One particular television show that we all look upon with fondness, is he 1992 series, Ghostwriter. Simply because we all found a way to connect with that series back in the day and the lessons it sent our way and the fun it provided us with, stayed with us through adulthood… to the point that we were all excited to see the Apple TV+ revival of the show when it arrived in 2019. All because nostalgia is the hot thing right now and being able to return to a world that brought us joy as kids and teens as an adult, is never a bad thing and boy… did this show deliver. For that sense of wonder and adventure was there and the mysteries were as epic as ever.
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If anything, that made it seem as though this revival was going to keep pace with original, and please everyone through and through and give kids some solid lessons in literature. But when it comes to Apple TV+, more is expected, and the show’s executive producers Andrew Orenstein and Luke Matheny agreed with that mantra and knew this show could do so much more and well… for season three, they made some bold choices to take this show to a whole new level. For instance, the original cast moved on after the initial mystery presented in seasons one and two came to a close, replaced by a new cast who would take part in new adventures and well… that and some other elements, makes season three quite the dynamic and revolutionary year of storytelling.

In large part because having fresh faced cast members in Princess Mapp, Daire McLeod and Nour Assaf, allows for the show to feel new in every way imaginable and keep the wonder rolling. After all, since Nia, Charli and Samir haven’t experienced what their predecessors have, this is all new and amazing to them through and through and boy… do they get to take part in some fascinating adventures. The kind that put a fresh spin on old classics and of course, give the audience just enough when it comes to the classics to either invoke a sense of nostalgia or get kids motivated to seek out that story and read. But that element is of course, a staple of this franchise and while a new cast helps… that doesn’t really make for a revolutionary new season of storytelling.

Enter the surprise. For beyond a cast change and new mysteries and stories for them to solve and explore, this season of Ghostwriter tries some new things. In fact, it goes all out in tackling topics that people are dealing with right now. For instance, there is a difficult and powerful moment that takes place in the season three premiere that you don’t see most family themed programming tackle or feature in the slightest. But it happens here, and it undoubtedly will start some conversations in the home and well, that’s how this series stands out now and becomes something new. By tackling the tough topics and by flat out making it clear that kids know more and see more than we give them credit, so why not have those conversations now and educate them and learn from them since they’ll have pure thoughts to discuss with us.

All of which makes this, a revolutionary season of storytelling. Since adding some social commentary into the mix is a bold and trailblazing decision that hopefully other family themed programming takes part in as well. If anything, adding that into the mix only enhances your experience further since it adds gravity and depth to a show that is already something special and that makes season three a must-see for you and your family. For the show is evolving before our eyes and those that loved it back in the day can find something new within its framework and those being introduced to it now… can find the same wonder we found and new meaning within its episodes and the best news of all… is you can make this show a weekend family event right now. For season three of Ghostwriter is streaming on Apple TV+ and we certainly hope you give it a look, because it really is storytelling at its finest.

To learn more about the new characters and the construction of season three, check out our interviews with the cast, Princess Mapp, Daire McLeod, & Nour Assaf and Executive Producers Andrew Orenstein & Luke Matheny.