Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Jungle’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There comes a point in our lives, where we learn… that standing up for ourselves and what we believe in and want, is imperative to a happy life. For only then do we have full control of our lives and our destiny and only then… can we understand who can help us and support us. So, we can nurture those relationships, so our lives maintain a healthy status quo. But what’s fascinating about that lesson, is that it often arrives during a dark moment in our lives. Where we don’t have control in the slightest and are burned by those who have their own interests in mind and well, we either come out of that situation with our ego bruised and learn and grow… or the lesson comes forth at a great loss, as was the case in the next episode of Jungle on Prime Video.
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For ‘Go. Going. Gone.’ is a story that started off with Gogo doing his best to stay on the run. Since he visited an old friend and received not only new passports to escape the life, but some cash and some solid advice. The kind that informed him that he would forever be on the run and forever be afraid if he didn’t grab hold of the situation and resolve it now and well… those words inspired Gogo to finally sit down with Slim and end this madness. Which led to a tense sequence at a local restaurant where Gogo did indeed find agency and provided honesty to a man that did nothing but torment him for ages on end, and for his efforts… he was given his freedom and eventually his money but sadly… at a devastating cost.

Simply because, before Slim could tell the world that he and Gogo were square (or perhaps Slim chose not to), wheels were set in motion to make Gogo pay. Wherein assassins were sent to his home to deal with him, and sadly… they only found his love and terrorized her, to the point where her pregnancy was put in great jeopardy. Because the level of fear that would come with a home invasion scenario, combined with having a gun fired over one’s head… would not be healthy for an expecting mother in the slightest. Which in turn, led to bleeding and panic when Gogo finally arrived and the realization that he had taken the reins of his life far too late. For had he done this sooner, all of this pain and suffering could have been avoided, a reality that the story hammered home in a harrowing manner.

Since we were privy to every tear that fell from both Jessica and Gogo’s eyes and every ounce of regret regarding the life that Gogo had led to this point. For he truly pondered upon what would have happened if he claimed agency sooner and what his life could have been without days mired in crime and the life, and all the silly things that he thought would bring him meaning and purpose. But instead, he now stood at the precipice of an unknown future. With fatherhood possibly being a no go for now and the same regarding love since Jessica likely wouldn’t stay after this. Bringing around full circle earlier commentary on what crime in the inner city does to people and how we turn a blind eye to that plight and never ponder upon solutions.

All of which made this a devastating and bleak episode, one that leaves you in utter silence when it has come to its close because of the gravity of its ending and its messages. But it is not a total loss emotionally, since regardless of what background you come from or what life you’ve led… if you’re not at a point of no return for taking charge of your life, this story informs you to do so and to do it right now. So that there is no ‘too little, too late’ experience and life can improve and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this powerful tale, one can only wonder what comes next for this story. For Gogo has indeed lost so much and coming back from that… might be an impossibility and will bring forth more dark chapters in a story that has no qualms with keeping us surrounded in darkness. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 507 of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We are taught from a very early age that there is only one way to defeat our enemies in a time of war of incredible strife. In that… they should be subject brute force and savage tactics and utter devastation on the battlefield. Simply because we believe that a show of force and ferocity is the only way to make our enemy fear us and rue the day, they ever took a shot at us in the first place, and that mantra has served all of humanity well in war. Since those tactics do work and punish enemies accordingly and they are so impactful… that we adapt them to our everyday lives. For this is how we tend to treat the people in our lives that have wronged us and brought hell upon us, so that they too can understand the mistake they made in harming us.
 
However, what we often forget… is that there are better ways to punish our enemies than laying waste to their world and their lives. For if we truly want to punish someone that has committed evil deeds, kindness and generosity go farther than wounds and broken bones. Which of course… is not easy to impart upon the villain in our lives. For if it has come to notions of revenge, they have wounded us deeply and changed the course of our lives in ways we never wanted it to be changed. But it is possible to find that strength within and teach them a deeper lesson through kindness and believe it or not, that is a lesson that June Osborne came to learn in the next episode of The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu. 
 
For ‘No Man’s Land’ is a story that saw her in quite the pickle. After all, she was driving to who knew where with a gun to her head, one held by Serena Waterford, moments after their escape from the clutches of the Wheeler family. And thanks to June’s cleverness and strong sense of self-preservation… she was able to escape Serena and appeared to be headed back to Canada without a care in the world. But something was clearly not right with Serena and since June is not and never will be a monster like the leaders she left behind in Gilead, she went to double check on Serena and came to discover… she was in the middle of labor thanks to the day’s events. But of course, despite having a barn nearby and someone who was familiar with childbirth to help her… Serena was quick to refuse that help.
 
A move that likely would have resulted in her death, all in the name of more of her stupid principles. But June wasn’t going to let that happen and helped Serena deliver her son, Noah, and they bonded in the process and June was able to teach her that all-important lesson. For Serena was in rough shape both medically and mentally. To the point where she was ready to hand her son over to June and just wither away and die. But June didn’t let that happen, because she came to realize that would be… a coward’s way out and a chance to avoid real accountability for the crimes she’s committed and the pain she’s inflicted. But if she lived, and lived with the things she had done, real accountability and a genuine punishment would await her.
 
Hence why June… was kind and generous and honest with her about well… everything, and she of course, saved Serena’s life and got her and Noah to a Canadian Hospital. A move that unfortunately, ended poorly. Because Serena had no passport or diplomatic visa from Gilead to offer up, and her past with the United States of America was spotty at best since she already spurned an offer for asylum and of course… was involved in the overthrowing of the United States government. Which meant that when Immigration arrived at the hospital, at Luke’s behest since he hadn’t learned what June had… her life was thrown into chaos and turmoil. The kind that has her facing a future full of fear and uncertainty, and that is indeed… added punishment to what June piled on through kindness.
 
Because now Serena’s life will be a waste of sorts, one without purpose and direction and where only memories of things gone wrong haunt her. Which is… a punishment worse than death for certain since those moments and that act of kindness will leave her unsettled and out of sorts. Which in turn, reminds us that there is a better way when we find ourselves wronged, one that truly punishes the wicked and keeps our soul pure and we could learn a lot from this episode. Since it speaks to how we grow from trauma and how we don’t have to completely absolve those who harmed us as oft is cited to us. We can function and have our closure and so-called revenge without losing our own soul in the process and now that we’ve learned this powerful lesson, it will be interesting to see what comes next for Serena Waterford now that she truly is in No Man’s Land and left with only the memories and consequences of her horrible decisions. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episodes 303 and 304 of ‘My Life Is Murder’. To revisit the previous episodes, click here.
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It has often been said that it takes a couple of years for a television series to really find its stride and there’s good reason as to why we hear that. Because it is one-hundred-percent true. For everyone involved with the series has to figure out how to properly assemble the series and find what stories work for its voice and the actors need to truly find what makes the characters tick, and that is why so many third seasons feel so natural and seem to let loose and have fun. Because everyone is comfortable at last and this is top of mind today, because this fact was reinforced during this week's episodes of My Life Is Murder on Acorn TV.

For this week's stories really spotlight what works well in the series and have a lot of fun in doing so. For instance, ‘Bloodlines’ is an episode that showcased the more lighthearted aspect of this series, by really letting Lucy Lawless lean into her comedic chops, since playing the part of a horse breeder to learn who killed a horse breeder, allowed for her to just lean into the jokes that came forth in this story and really glam it up as Alexa. Which led to some genuinely lighthearted moments through and through, which we love, and even some comedy that you wouldn’t normally see on American television. But thankfully, this is an international show and those jokes worked like a charm and really did offer up some fine levity from the darkest moments present in this tale.

As for ‘The Village’, well that’s a story that showcased the show’s heart. Because this at times, is a very intimate series that really reminds us of Alexa’s humanity and capacity for kindness, and how what little family she has left, means the world to her. And since her brother was out of jail and working in a release program at a shady retirement community, we were able to see Alexa exhibit all of that. By swooping in to protect Will at all costs, including crossing a few lines to ensure he remained employed and on the straight and narrow so he wouldn’t go back to jail in the slightest and this was… just incredible to watch. Since it really is something, we love about Alexa, and it was equally as amazing to watch her really be the protector and keep Will on the right path toward redemption.

But of course, while those were some feel good moments that really do spotlight what we love about the show and how the series is now embracing those elements through and through, making for episodes that feel comfortable and relaxed… we would be foolish to not point out, the murders in this week’s release… were also quite engaging. Simply because the show found a way to put some new spins on murders related to money and revenge. Since the breeder’s killer was not only family but interested in inheriting the family fortune to push her pursuits and the murder case involving the retirement community, boiled down to a supremely unique case of revenge. One that was a long time coming from a bitter individual.

All of which just served to remind us… that the show really is hitting its stride in season three. Because everything here works and feels organic and smooth and the fun factor is there, and meaning is there. Not to mention, all the characters are just coming together as well. Since Reuben and Harry are getting more screen time and involvement with the stories and even newcomer Beth is fitting in well. Because the writers are simply comfortable, and everything is clicking and that means… things are only going to get better from here. Because comfortability allows for smooth storytelling to take place and it will be wonderful to see what wonders await us now that this series has found its groove. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season ten premiere of ‘Doc Martin’.
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One thing that fans of television can agree upon, is that Doc Martin is a true fixture of the modern era. For it’s been on the air for ages and that is a rare feat in the television industry, where shows come and go. But Martin Clunes’ amazing performance as the lead character, combined with quality acting from the supporting cast, and stories that resonate with us on a fundamental level, have given this series the longevity it has outright deserved. But alas, all good things must indeed come to their end and after decades of bringing us joy, this series is set to bid farewell with a final season. One that got underway, yesterday in fact, on Acorn TV no less. Which in turn begs quite the important question regarding this series. In that, how does one end a saga with a legacy as storied as this one?

Well as it turns out… through incredible character growth. For something that was present in the first episodes of season ten… was growth for Martin like we’ve never seen before. Because quitting his practice put him at a fascinating crossroads. One where yes, he found meaning and joy through repairing clocks and being a family man while Louisa worked to start her own practice… but it obviously left him wondering, what his purpose was going forward and what his legacy was going to be in this life. Not to mention, the desire to help others and keep them safe also added to that mental quagmire for Martin. Because he loved being a doctor, and would never admit to doing so, but he did and being away from it was downright torturous for him. 

Which is why a complex case changed his tune about everything. Because he knew of his brilliance as a doctor, and he knew he could make a difference. But in order to get back into the good graces of the medical community, and practice again, he would have to grow and learn a touch of humility and that was no easy task for Martin. After all, he’s been the expert for a good long while and has never had to answer to anyone regarding what he can and cannot do since his record spoke for itself. But regardless of how difficult that was for him, in his own special way… he owned up to the reality that he needed to show a little more heart than he’s used to and of course… be humble and be open with the board and well… he did just that, and got his old job back in the process, and this was simply incredible to watch.

Because this was it, this was Martin growing before our eyes and seizing his destiny and his legacy and getting back to doing what he truly loves, and the wonder of this super-sized premiere didn’t end there. Because there was more growth to be found for Martin. For getting back into the medical game, meant getting the business and the reception area up and running and that was no easy task without Morwenna there. In fact, the kid they hired to handle this was a straight up disaster, since he didn’t do anything right and even took a high dose of a painkiller on the clock, when his back hurt, against the doctor’s instructions. Leaving Martin in a rock and a hard place, that is until a goodwill moment brought Morwenna back into the office where she was able to help and go through a powerful moment as well. Since Martin knew, he needed her back, and while his message to express that wasn’t perfect, he made his point.

Which is just… more incredible growth to witness and well, clearly, Martin is beginning to enter a new chapter in his life. One where he is more open and willing to express emotion and inner thoughts and that is the perfect way to end this series. Because Martin won’t be the same as this growth continues, and what we’ve been privy to is this specific chapter of his journey. But it also means, we will get to watch him grow into a new person and grow into this new phase of his life and that will make for some powerful and wonderful television. Where the ol’ doc handles some unique and troubling cases so that we can ease our minds into the reality… that this is Doctor Marin Ellingham’s last adventure with all of us and thankfully, it will be worth our while. Until next time.

One thing that fans of television can agree upon, is that Apple TV+ is pulling out all of the stops for its fall lineup. For not only are a bevy of family-themed shows making their debut over the course of the next couple of months, but Apple TV+ is releasing so much more. From comedies such as Mythic Quest, to dramas such as The Mosquito Coast. Both of which are entering new seasons of storytelling and the network is simply not slowing down anytime soon.
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For November will also bring forth the release of the new thriller, Echo 3, and as we close in on the release date for that particular series, Apple TV+ is ramping up the buzz for the show. For earlier today, they released the full trailer for the series and well, so that you too can have idea of what to expect from this dynamic and epic new series… here is that trailer, and some updated details on the show, courtesy of Apple TV+.

‘Apple TV+ today unveiled the trailer for “Echo 3,” the highly anticipated 10-episode, action-packed thriller from Academy Award-winning creator Mark Boal (“The Hurt Locker,” “Zero Dark Thirty”) and starring Luke Evans, Michiel Huisman and Jessica Ann Collins. “Echo 3" will make its global debut with the first three episodes on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 on Apple TV+, followed by one new episode weekly, every Friday.  
 
Set in South America with English and Spanish dialogue, “Echo 3” follows Amber Chesborough (Collins), a brilliant young scientist who is the emotional heart of a small American family. When Amber goes missing along the Colombia-Venezuela border, her brother, Bambi (Evans), and her husband, Prince (Huisman) – two men with deep military experience and complicated pasts – struggle to find her in a layered personal drama, set against the explosive backdrop of a secret war. “Echo 3” also stars Martina Gusmán as “Violeta," a prominent political columnist. The series features James Udom, Maria Del Rosario, Alejandro Furth, Juan Pablo Raba and special guest star, Bradley Whitford. “Echo 3” is also based on the award-winning series “When Heroes Fly,” created by Omri Givon, and inspired by the eponymous novel by Amir Gutfreund.
 
“Echo 3” is produced by Keshet Studios, the US production arm of Keshet International. The series is showrun by Boal, who also serves as a director and executive producer alongside Keshet Studios’ Peter Traugott, Jason Horwitch, Omri Givon, Eitan Mansuri, Jonathan Doweck, Mark Sourian, Avi Nir, Alon Shtruzman, and Karni Ziv. Pablo Trapero directed four episodes including the pilot and serves as an executive producer.
 
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 1,169 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and 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.’

It is definitely safe to say that Sundance Now is often home to crime dramas and thrillers that you simply cannot find anywhere else. Simply because this is a network that is eager to really offer up shows that don’t fit the mold and don’t provide the standard experience. So, that we are treated to refreshing and original storytelling that defies expectations and challenges the viewers in dynamic new ways, and it just so happens, that Sundance Now is about to be host to another refreshing show in that vein.
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For November 3, 2022, will see The Suspect debut on Sundance Now, and this new thriller, starring Aidan Turner, looks to be filled with all the hallmarks to make it unique and engaging and downright entertaining. As evidenced by the incredible trailer that Sundance Now released earlier for this series. So, to properly put this episode on your radar, and give you an idea of how special it is going to be, here is that trailer and some details on the show, courtesy of Sundance Now.

‘AMC Networks’ Sundance Now today released the trailer for its original five-part thriller, The Suspect, starring Aidan Turner (Poldark, Leonardo, The Hobbit Trilogy) and based on the bestselling novel by acclaimed crime writer Michael Robotham. All five episodes of the drama will premiere Thursday, November 3 on Sundance Now and AMC+.
 
The Suspect follows Doctor Joe O'Loughlin (Turner), who appears to have the perfect life - a devoted wife, a loving daughter, successful practice as a clinical psychologist, media profile and a publishing deal. He's even a hero online after rescuing a young patient who was ready to jump from the tenth floor of the hospital where Joe works.
 
When a young woman is found in a shallow grave in a West London cemetery, veteran police officer DI Vincent Ruiz (Shaun Parkes, Small Axe, Lost in Space) and his young partner DS Riya Devi (Anjli Mohindra, The Lazarus Project, Vigil) are assigned to the investigation. But has the young woman been murdered or is this a case of suicide? As a successful author, Doctor Joe's opinion is much sought after and when he meets DS Devi he's only too willing to offer help with profiling and his expertise.
 
Now known for his risk-taking and rule-breaking, does Joe have more to hide? His recent diagnosis with a debilitating illness could explain his behavior. But as the investigation into Catherine's death gathers pace, we start to ask, do we know the real Joe, or does he have a secret life? And has his work as a clinical psychologist allowed him to develop a criminal mindset? Or worse?
 
The Suspect also stars Camilla Beeput (Save Me (Too), Peep Show) as Julianne, Adam James (Vigil, Doctor Foster) as Jack Owens, Sian Clifford (Quiz, Fleabag) as Dr. Rachel Fenwick and Bobby Scofield (Time, Anthony) as Bobby.
 
From World Productions, The Suspect is executive produced by Jake Lushington (Vigil, Born to Kill), James Strong (Vanity Fair, Broadchurch) and Peter Berry (Gangs of London). Written for screen by Berry, Strong directed the first three episodes and Camilla Strøm Henriksen (Phoenix, Occupied, The Truth Will Out) directed the last two.’

It is definitely safe to say that Prime Video is working hard to bring forth some quality and thought-provoking programming for audiences to enjoy and ponder upon, as evidenced by some of their releases this year. After all, The Terminal List was a story that went beyond mere action and adventure, it spoke volumes to how we treat our veterans and soldiers, and clued us in upon some of the difficulties that accompany their return home after combat. Not to mention the limited series, Chloe, dug deep upon the dark side of social media and how people use it to project a façade regarding their lives, among other things, and well, it just so happens that another powerhouse series is on its way.

For Mammals, which releases on the network on November 11, will dive deep into the nature of modern marriage and fidelity, and that should give us plenty to chew upon, and as we inch closer to the release of this fascinating new series… Prime Video has opted to provide all of us with some more details on this series, and a teaser trailer to boot. So, without further ado, here are those goodies to give you an idea of how deep this series is going to go, courtesy of Prime Video.

‘Today, Prime Video debuted the official teaser trailer and new images for the upcoming darkly comedic drama series Mammals, starring Tony, Emmy, and BAFTA winner James Corden and Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins. All six episodes of Mammals will premiere on Friday, November 11, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories around the world.

In the new Original series, revelations and secrets come to light as the complexity of modern marriage and fidelity are exposed. In a world of 8 billion, what happens after we've found “the one?” Can we stay true to the promises we strive to keep when, after all, aren't we all just Mammals? 
 
Mammals follows the story of Jamie (James Corden), a chef whose world implodes when he discovers shocking secrets about his pregnant wife, Amandine (Melia Kreiling). Jamie finds himself hunting for answers with the help of his brother-in-law Jeff (Colin Morgan). Through this hunt, the cracks in Jeff’s marriage to Jamie’s sister Lue (Sally Hawkins) also widen. 

Written by two-time Olivier and Tony Award winner Jez Butterworth, Mammals is about the complexities of marriage: there is sadness, grief, tension, love, friendship, betrayal, and a touch of magical realism. The series is directed by Stephanie Laing (Made for Love, Physical) and produced by Street Hassle, in association with Vertigo Films and Fulwell 73.’

It is definitely safe to say, that the hype is real for season two of BMF. For fans of this series are beyond eager to see where this fascinating true-crime story is heading next, and while the upcoming BMF documentary will indeed whet our proverbial whistle, make no mistake about it, we want more, we need more. Which is why STARZ was gracious enough to provide all of us with quite the lovely gift earlier today.
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In that, the network dropped a bevy of first-look images for season two today, and some details as well. To finally give us a sampling of what year two is going to bring to the table. So, without further ado… here are those images and those details to prepare you for the return of one incredible series, courtesy of STARZ.

‘STARZ releases a sneak peek from hit drama series “BMF” with first-look images of its dynamic season two cast including Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr. (Demetrius Flenory Sr.), Da’Vinchi (Terry Flenory), Russell Hornsby (Charles Flenory), Michole Briana White (Lucille Flenory), Myles Truitt (B-Mickie), LaLa Anthony (Markisha), Mo’Nique (Goldie), Leslie Jones (Special Agent in Charge Tracy Chambers), and Caresha “Yung Miami'' Brownlee (Deanna Washington).

Season two of STARZ’s scripted drama series “BMF” returns in January 2023. It is rooted in family, loyalty, and brotherhood, and explores the brothers’ complex relationships both with their parents and each other as they fight to expand their narcotics business and continue their pursuit of the American dream.

“BMF” is based on the true-life story of Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory and Terry "Southwest T" Flenory, two brothers from Detroit who created the largest domestic drug distribution network in American history and ran it for an unprecedented 22 years. “BMF” is executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (co-creator of the “Power” Universe, “For Life”), alongside showrunner, executive producer, writer and Detroit native Randy Huggins (“Star,” “Rebel,” “Power”). Heather Zuhlke, Anthony Wilson and Anne Clements also serve as executive producers on the series. “BMF” is produced through Jackson’s G-Unit Film and Television in association with Lionsgate Television for STARZ.

Senior Vice President of Original Programming Kathryn Tyus-Adair is the executive overseeing “BMF” on behalf of STARZ. 

About “BMF”
BMF returns for a second hit season and dramatizes the inspiring true story of two brothers Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory (Demetrius Flenory, Jr.) and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory (Da’Vinchi), who rose from the decaying streets of southwest Detroit in the late ’80s and gave birth to one of the most influential crime families in the country, Black Mafia Family. BMF continues to humanize the choices of the brothers and their pursuit of the American Dream. Rooted in family, loyalty, and brotherhood, the series continues to explore the brothers' complex familial relationships with their parents Charles Flenory (Russell Hornsby) and Lucille Flenory (Michole Briana White) who seek counsel from their spiritual advisor Pastor Swift (Snoop Dogg). Rooted in authenticity and told with grit, heart, and humor, we parachute into the season with Meech and Terry at odds. Meech wants to expand the business beyond Detroit, while Terry is focused on school and launching a legitimate car-ride service with his Pops. But as the season unfolds, the streets implode and the brothers must weigh their options. Our heroes risk losing everything as they seek to become stronger than ever and strategically execute a new vision for themselves and their businesses. Along the way, they form an alliance with Goldie (Oscar-winner Mo’Nique), a sophisticated Atlanta strip club owner, who helps Meech lay the groundwork for his future. Expanding beyond Detroit to Lansing, Ohio and even the South, the brothers face nearly insurmountable obstacles, are confronted with a shocking discovery about a member of their own crew, and battle for every inch of territory.

FOLLOW “BMF” on SOCIAL
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Join the conversation with #BMF and #STARZ

About STARZ
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading global media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. In 2018, STARZ launched its international premium streaming platform STARZPLAY, now LIONSGATE+, to provide subscribers access to bold, curated storytelling. LIONSGATE+, coupled with the STARZPLAY ARABIA joint venture in MENA and Lionsgate Play in South and Southeast Asia, has a footprint that extends across the globe. STARZ and LIONSGATE+ are available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies around the world. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company. 

About Lionsgate
Combining the STARZ premium global subscription platform with world-class motion picture and television studio operations, Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) brings a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world.  Its film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by a 17,000-title library and the largest collection of film and television franchises in the independent media space.  A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for the audiences it serves worldwide.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season three premiere of ‘Step Up’.
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It’s been a couple of years since fans of the Step Up franchise have been able to discuss the spin-off show and all the wonder it sent our way. In part because the show’s status was in limbo for a little while and of course… some interesting world events didn’t exactly make it safe to assemble a cast and crew for a show about dancing. But thankfully, the long and painful wait for more adventures with the talented dancers that populate this universe and put High Water on the map, has finally come to an end. For last night saw the season three premiere of this dynamic series arrive on STARZ, and well… ‘Kryptonite’ wasted little time in plunging us back into the wonder and drama of this world.

For we quickly came to learn… that things were actually great when it comes to High Water. For its prestige was still known far and wide and of course… everyone we know and love from seasons past were enjoying the majesty of being on tour with Sage at last. Which allowed for us to catch up with Odalie and everyone else and see how they were handling the wonder of finally living out their dream and well, they were definitely enjoying it. For each and every one of them felt complete at last, and it was just wonderful to finally see everyone in their element and thriving. But of course, there was mention of drama and uh… boy did Sage’s storyline bring that to the table.

After all, he was behind bars in this story, arrested for the murder of East-O, even though we all know who really did him in. But none the less, being arrested put Sage in a tough place. Wherein he had to post bail lightning fast to get back to the tour and do his thing with his High Water crew. With no one being the wiser about how he spent his morning, of course. But even that, didn’t go as planned. Since the truth about his arrest eventually came out and led to disaster. Making it appear as though the tour and the future of High Water was now in jeopardy. For who would want to dance at an academy with that kind of trouble hanging over its head? But some quick thinking on Collette’s part, might have saved everything, after all, thanks to Rigo’s rising star. 

If anything, that is the perfect plot line to drop us back into this dynamic world. Since it reintroduced us to the characters and the unique struggles they face, and it brought about consequences for the death of East-O. All of which just engages you quickly, especially since the stakes are now at their highest for this group since the tour is on the line, as is their future, and the future of High Water. But what was also amazing about this premiere, was the sheer fact that it never strayed from the show’s roots. For this is at its core, a story about chasing one’s dream and doing whatever it takes to achieve it and it managed to inject that into this tale through the unique journey of a dancer named Angel.

Who flew from the across the pond and poured her life savings into getting her shot at dancing at High Water, and her scenes really did invoke that classic feel and her story also comes with intrigue. Since it would seem her life savings would be enough for a down payment on a place similar to Sage’s. Which is something that the show will undoubtedly explore in the weeks to come and well… that’s the best part of this premiere. The fact that the story is just getting started, and that there will be new explorations and new journeys to go upon with these characters. For Step Up is back and it will be a joy to see where this new season takes us in the weeks to come. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 209 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Often times, the penultimate episode of any particular season of any particular crime drama… is super tense and epic in nature and it make sense as to why. After all, the majority of seasons for shows in this vein, feature a specific high stakes story arc, complete with a villain of sorts. Which in turn means everything in the penultimate episode should be designed to set the stage for the finale. So, we can wait with bated breath to see how this epic tale is going to come to a close, and how the hero or the anti-hero will win the day, and this is a standard because it works like a charm. For it truly engages an audience and leaves them eager to continue the journey and it tends to keep people coming back season after season to see how the show can top itself.
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But now and again… you run into a crime drama that wants to shake things up and try something outside the norm for its penultimate tale and one such series that fits that mold in Power Book III: Raising Kanan on STARZ. For ‘Anti-Trust’ is a story that defied the usual conventions to provide us with a vastly different kind of penultimate story, one that informed us that what the Thomas family might deal with in the season two finale… is something of a more personal reckoning. A feat that it accomplished by quickly resolving the plot thread we thought we were barreling toward in the finale instead. Specifically, a war with Sal Boselli and his lackeys. Because shortly after we learned that Marvin was okay… Lou took revenge upon the gang by dropping the shooter, putting the whole situation at a stalemate.

Because Sal didn’t know how to respond to someone fighting back and keeping the ‘eye for an eye’ mentality going, and he wasn’t making any progress regarding intelligence on the Thomas operation since Unique refused to be a snitch. He just wanted his cut, plain and simple. So, without war on the horizon, the show also made a point to wrap up all kinds of other problems. For instance, this is an episode that dealt with the problem that Cartier was becoming. For he started to flex up on Lou-Lou in the office and he even tried to muscle in on Raq’s operation, while she was making strides stealing his contacts away. Which couldn’t stand so she and Lou-Lou handled business the only way they knew how and having those two plot threads be resolved in their own unique ways… allowed for a potential reckoning to come to fruition. 

Simply because… the whole situation with Detective Howard took on a whole new life in this story. Not just because Kanan finally said aloud to Malcolm that he understood their ties as father and son, but more so because Detective Burke’s obsession with the case… will force everyone to deal with the past and the events of the season one finale. All because Sam, when pinched on the street, was suddenly eager to tell the police everything he knew about the night that Howard was shot. Which were words that fell upon deaf ears at first, but since Burke got wind of it… she was quick to try and do everything and anything to get his testimony. Which was no easy task since Sam was released early for his crime and had no interest in speaking with her if it meant giving up a potential ace in the hole down the line.
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But money talks in this life, and the promise of more for Sam… allowed for him to agree to help out Burke and give her the skinny on what happened on that fateful night. Which in turn, set the reckoning in motion. For Detective Howard heard and saw her plan come to life, and he got the information back to Raq. Who informed Marvin that Sam needed to be dealt with post haste. Which Marvin tried to do humanely since he was still reeling from the death of his potential love and that backfired. Since Sam took Marvin’s charity and basically threw it back in his face by heading back toward his old stomping grounds with a boatload of cash and new gear to sell for drugs and well… that will undoubtedly bring him fact to face with Detective Burke and that will bring forth the reckoning in question. 

For now, everyone will have to face the consequences of their actions, and learn the lessons that come with that, and that will make for a fascinating season finale. One that will be both intimate and moving in nature. For the sins of so many here, weigh heavy on souls and some of the decisions made this season… may create rifts amongst the family when the reckoning arrives. Especially everything related to Detective Howard and what Raq asked Kanan to do, and that could change the course for so many, and truly… it will be fascinating to see how next week’s finale brings all the chaos and strife together and see what kind of impact that has upon the family and how it drives Kanan Stark closer to his unfortunate and tragic future. Until next time.