Truly one of the biggest benefits of this era of peak television and streaming, are the variety of programs that come our way. Because the demand for content is there and that’s allowed for streamers to tap into genres and types of programming that were all but ignored back in the day. Such as stand-up comedy. For specials for that used to be regaled to comedy-centric networks and pay cable. But now they are popping up often on streamers now. Giving up and coming comics their big shot at showing their skills to the masses, while giving other well-known comics a chance to really cultivate the special they’ve always dreamed of or use one to tell the jokes they’ve always wanted to.

Of course, it’s the audience that benefits because they get nothing but great laughs from the comfort of their homes, and well... the wonder of this is top of mind today, simply because another incredible comedy special is about to hit the digital airwaves and make history for a streamer in the process. For earlier today it was announced that Whitney Cummings’ new special, Mouthy, will be coming to OFTV on November 15, 2023. Allowing for Whitney to wow us once again with her brilliant comedy, while also giving OFTV… its first ever comedy special, and to properly pay respect to this important news, here are all the details regarding this incredible announcement, courtesy of OFTV. 

​“MOUTHY” MARKS THE ONLYFANS STREAMING PLATFORM’S FIRST STAND-UP SPECIAL

'OnlyFans today announces that Whitney Cummings’ next stand-up special “MOUTHY” will be released as an OFTV original, premiering exclusively on the platform on November 15, 2023. Taped in front of a sold-out live audience at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles this September, the show will be Cummings’ sixth career special and the first stand-up comedy special for OFTV, OnlyFans’ free-to-view, safe-for-work streaming platform and app. 

MOUTHY comes on the heels of the successful OFTV original comedy series WHITNEY CUMMINGS PRESENTS, which Cummings created and executive produces. Since premiering in April 2023, the series has aired the roast of Bert Kreischer, as well as Whitney Cummings herself, with a star-studded lineup of comedians and celebrity guests including Tom Segura, Dan Levy, Ke$ha, Bob the Drag Queen, Trevor Wallace, Miranda Cosgrove, Robin Tran, and more. The premiere episode, WHITNEY CUMMINGS PRESENTS: The Roast of Bert Kreischer, remains the most watched episode of OFTV original content to date.

“For my 6th special I really wanted to experience the same creative freedom that I feel when I perform in live venues and recreate that tension for the audience,” said Whitney Cummings. “Working with OFTV has been the closest experience to a live show that I can remember and they have been so supportive - especially as I made this special while 7 months pregnant! They understand that comedy fans are smart and understand nuance, and I knew they would be the perfect partner to create a special that I would typically only be brave enough to perform in a non-taped show.”

Keily Blair, CEO of OnlyFans, added: “Following the success of The Roast of Bert Kresicher, we knew we had to collaborate with Whitney again. Her creativity as a comedian, and her desire to push boundaries in comedy, embody OnlyFans and OFTV’s aim to provide a space for creators to express themselves freely. This special is another example of our commitment to supporting the comedy community, to showcase their original work and grow their fanbase without unnecessary censorship.”

OnlyFans, which exists to provide creators from all genres with a place to monetize their content, is home to a growing community of comedians. Further programming on OFTV includes its flagship comedy show LMAOF and Creative Fund: Comedy Edition. Both series aim to bring together and elevate up-and-coming comedians, helping them to grow their audience, and in the case of the Creative Fund, giving them the career-changing opportunity to win a cash prize. 

As well as comedy, viewers can tune into OFTV for content ranging from fitness to cooking, music, and more. This includes reality series House of Sims, which was recently announced to be taping its second season, dating series Miss/Match, and the athlete docuseries Rise & Grind.  
 
ABOUT OFTV
OFTV, the free-to-view, safe-for-work streaming platform and app from OnlyFans. OFTV hosts a wide variety of video content encompassing fitness, cooking, music, comedy, and more! OnlyFans empowers creators to own their full potential and  OFTV is part of its offer to creators on the platform. Fans can watch from the convenience of their phones, tablets and smart TVs. OFTV is available globally on most major app stores. Watch online at of.tv or download the free OFTV app for iOS, Android, Roku,Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and Samsung Tizen Smart TVs.'

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Wilderness’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
​
There is a dark part of our souls… that sometimes ponders upon how far we would be willing to go to find justice in this life and safety if our family’s lives are threatened and well, it informs us that we would do anything. Because the thought of losing people or seeing them come to harm when we could do something, or enduring great personal pain when we could have stood tall, are an unsettling set of concepts indeed. So, we think that we would have no problem crossing the ultimate line to fix that, but perhaps… we should question the reaffirming peace that little voice promises us when we ask ourselves that question. Because to take a life, is no small feat, and it will stay with us forever. So, it might be worthwhile to really truly think logically about that line of thinking, so we can figure out if that is actually something we can live with.
​
Because that is quite the act, one that can absolutely damage a person’s psyche and riddle them with a deserved guilt. And perhaps the time has come for storytelling to deeply explore the consequences of giving into that line of thinking, to hammer home the need to think twice about harming someone in the name of our own peace, and that’s why the next episode of Wilderness on Prime Video is of note. Because ‘Repent at Leisure’ took the time to ponder upon the consequences of giving into the moment and those thoughts of murder in exchange for peace. That is… after toying with us for a little while.

Because this particular story picked up the morning after Liv shoved Cara off of a cliff in the middle of the night, meaning now she had to live with her actions and the consequences, until she didn’t.
Because panic from Garth regarding Cara’s whereabouts brought forth the authorities and a search and rescue team. Which also meant, Liv and Will needed to make up, because they were asked to help and that gave Liv a chance to retrace her steps, hide evidence, and breathe a sigh of relief when Cara was discovered and alive. Barely, of course; because her body was quite broken. But that made it seem as though Liv was not going to face any charges or trouble for her actions. Because Cara was going to live, without a single memory of what happened. For she did struggle to recall the night’s events and undoubtedly would keep some of it secret since it involved a desperate attempt to sleep with Will once again. Making it seem as though Liv dodged a bullet and the lesson at hand would never come forth.  

But alas, as Liv began to ponder upon her future with Will and what she needed to do to heal from all of this ugliness, the news came through. In that, Cara succumbed to her injuries and died in the hospital, hurting Garth, and leaving Liv beside herself. Because now… she had in fact, taken a life, and every single day going forward, she would have to live with that. Which immediately was no easy task, for she was inconsolable and incoherent, and she was so broken and so eager to do something right, she even covered for her hubby. Because he slept the night off elsewhere in the hotel and did get an in person request to meet Cara, and if the police were to learn of that, he would be a suspect. But she needed that moment of good, of levity, and she claimed he was with her all night. An act that gave her no comfort and prompted her to sink further and well, that bleak moment wrapped up one bleak episode, one truly hammered home the need to think on the gravity of violent acts.

Because we might in fact, take a life, and that is an irreparable act that will have a greater impact upon us than we give it credit, regardless of what bravado and bluster our mind tells us otherwise. As evidenced by the bevy of emotions that Liv went through here, and wow… did that make for an engaging tale. One that was akin to a waking nightmare that there was no escaping or waking up from, and well… this episode deserves our awe for that. For it was raw, visceral, angry, and emotionally devastating. Which would undoubtedly reflect taking part in the ultimate act and it also set the stage for one incredible journey ahead. One riddled with guilt, echoes of that fateful night and the ultimate question… what if? Until next time. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Twisted Metal’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
​
Truly, one of the most difficult aspects of adapting a video game for film and television, is figuring out how to end said adaptation. Because in the video game world, ending the story is easy. For you simply need to have a boss battle, one that is epic, amazing, and engaging, and once the player brings that final battle to a close… they’re treated to a quick denouement that leaves them satisfied with their accomplishments and they can move onto the next game. But in film and TV, endings must be nuanced. For they need to bring every plot thread and the characters’ journeys together and it needs to properly bring the story to its close and well… that’s tough. 
​
Because so many adaptations want to follow the game and end it similarly and that often gives rise to unfulfilling endings that feel rushed in nature. Which is a reality that undoubtedly left fans of the Peacock series, Twisted Metal, quite nervous in nature. Because that meant, there was a chance this beautifully nuanced series might offer up a rushed ending that disappointed. But thankfully, the season one finale of this show, figured out the right blueprint for bringing a video game adaptation to a close. A feat that ‘SHNGRLA’ accomplished by way of several storytelling surprises. One of which involved… offering the audience a different kind of final battle, one that just so happened to be featured, early on in the story. 

For if you recall, the last time we left John and Quiet, they were facing off against Agent Stone and his lawmen lackeys, and well… rather than draw out that battle… the show just got right to it. Giving everyone the demolition derby style battle that was celebrated and loved from the game and well, the show did not disappoint here. Because the missiles flew, the blood flowed left, and right and bad people got their comeuppance. For the lackeys were put down in a beautiful and just manner, and Sweet Tooth seemed to get his for his crimes. But the one that mattered was Agent Stone. Who was given the same choice he gave Quiet long ago when he finally bested. Allowing for this coward to pay the piper at last and with the final battle in hand, the story could move forward and give the characters and the plot the closure it needed.

Which it accomplished by having John embark on a new life, and the same went for Quiet. For they parted ways at New San Francisco so John could live the good life and Quiet could do good in the world as a different kind of delivery driver, one that fed the poor and kept the good stuff away from the rich. Which gave them each fascinating perspective on life and helped them to understand… they were in love and should be together. Which proved to be problematic for John. Because it turned out that the whole point of this mission for Raven, was to have John audition for… another demolition derby. One that saw the wildest and toughest drivers compete for the amusement of the elite. And that pushed Raven to make John quite the offer to get what she wanted. Wherein if John complied and stayed, he’d be given his memories, since old San Fran was in fact, his home and his old house still stood. But John wanted no part of that, but Raven made it clear, he had no choice in the matter. She was just trying to be nice about it.

All of which, really did make for a perfect finale. Because it gave the audience what they wanted and still respected the story enough to bring everything to its conclusion and set up the future. One that will see John fight for what he wants in life, and that journey and the tournament ahead will likely be complete with commentary on class warfare no less, and feature more of what we love. Plus, it will dig deeper into John’s past, since we now know his sister is out there and alive and well, and running her own community and of course… we now know that Sweet Tooth is mostly fine after all, and has his bestie back and is ready to wreak havoc and well, you cannot ask for more than that from a finale and hopefully, Peacock renews this series for a second season and more. So, we can enjoy more of this magnificent series, one that pays respect to the game properly, while giving us so much more. Until next time. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Premiere of ‘Bosch: Legacy’. To revisit the Season One Finale, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
​
It is definitely safe to say, that the first season of Bosch: Legacy on Amazon Freevee, was one of the most ambitious sequels to hit the airwaves in years. In part, because it did an amazing job of exploring what the next chapter of Harry Bosch’s career was going to look like after leaving the Los Angeles Police Department. Courtesy of engaging cases that allowed for Harry to reignite his passion for justice, and those cases were also poignant in nature and the wonder of this show didn’t end there. Because it made sure the characters and their growth were the top focus, which allowed for Harry and an old enemy to become working partners and for his daughter to uncover her own passion for justice, and sadly… it is Madison’s journey that truly made season one quite the shocker.
​
For season one ended with her being kidnapped by the very perp she was chasing regarding a disgusting case and well… that was quite the epic cliffhanger to put forth. For it put the life of a major character at risk, and it left us wondering what Harry would do without the resources of the LAPD at his fingertips to bring his baby girl home, and we wanted to know if Madison survived the kidnapping, and thankfully, the season two premiere of the show made sure to inform us. Because the ‘The Lady Vanishes’ picked up mere hours after Kurt Dockweiler took Maddie Bosch, and well… the good news is that he didn’t end her life. He instead took her out into the middle of nowhere to secure her beneath the desert sand. For reasons that weren’t made clear right away. But that was fine because there were other elements the story needed to focus on.

Such as how Harry Bosch was ready and willing, and able, to do whatever needed to be done to save his little girl. Which in this instance involved (rightfully) muscling his way into the investigation and getting information from every officer working the case. Alongside calling in every favor from everyone he’s ever known. Because no one was hurting his little girl, and whomever did it, would absolutely pay and well… that made for a satisfying yet scary sequence. Wherein we came to see what happens when you mess with Harry’s family and what he will do to keep them safe, and there is no red line for him regarding such matters. Since he at one point… managed to get into Dockweiler’s house while the police were waiting for the warrant. Which didn’t produce much, but that search did not need to.

Because it turned out, that Dockweiler was spooked in this story. To the point where he called his own contacts within the LAPD and the city to get an idea of what might be happening, and well… he was right to be concerned. Because the communication between Harry and the police, helped the LAPD to find the right clues involving Dockweiler’s involvement in this mess. And once he saw that the police were hovering near him and making stops at his house, along with the strange suspicion that someone of significance was in his home at the same time as him (which he was right about… since it was Harry, and they passed each other like two ships in the night), he made quite the decision about what was to come. In that, he turned himself in. Not to be hero mind you, but to hold the cards and give himself power once again.

Which means, this bold premiere ended on a secondary cliffhanger, one that has us worried about Maddie’s fate and how on earth anyone will come to learn of her whereabouts and well, that was simply the cherry on top of a beautiful sundae. Because this was a perfect premiere, where the characters were put to the test, where the stakes were high and where the audience was on the edge of their seats. Because we simply must know what lies ahead for Maddie, and if Harry can save her or not, and what it will take to get Dockweiler to talk and admit to his crimes so justice can be served, and well… the only way to know… is to hit play on the next episode post haste, and hope for the best. Because the clock is ticking for Maddie Bosch, and it will indeed take a miracle to save her in time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘Power Book IV: Force’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
​
Over the course of its illustrious nine-year run, the Power Universe on STARZ has taught each and every one of us… that the criminal underworld that operates from the shadows, is a vastly different world than the one we know. Where rules do not exist, nor do the creature comforts that keep us safe. It’s simply a brutal world, where anything and everything can happen in the name of stacking that paper, and it is one that a majority of us should avoid. Since it takes a special and brutal mindset to live this life and rise to the top of it. But while it truly seems as though the underworld and our world will never align and will forever be on unique and fascinating paths… now and again… both universes do intersect and share in surprise elements.
​
For instance, in our world… few are truly loyal to their job or their bosses anymore. Simply because, we’ve come to learn that a job is a job, and the boss or the corporation will dump us on a moment’s notice if it suits them. So, why worry about the gig? We should just do our job, get ours and move on and well… that’s a mentality that a great of deal people in the game share in too. For the know they could be gone in an instant and that it is them or their boss… so they should get theirs when they can. The only difference there, are the long-term consequences of such moves, since they come with far more danger in the darker corners of the world. But that aside, never was this alignment and the brutal nature of it in the drug world more evident than during this week’s episode of Power Book IV: Force.

For ‘Dead Reckoning’ saw several people make it clear… that they didn’t care who was in charge regarding Chicago’s drug game. They just wanted to make the most paper possible and keep their freedom in doing so. Which brought about… some interesting surprises from the people surrounding Tommy Egan and his growing empire. For instance… that fascinating reality made it clear to Miguel, that his days were likely numbered as the kingpin of the cartel in Chicago. Because the DSD didn’t care that he wanted to make a deal, they liked Tommy’s terms better and would stick with them, until they no longer suited DSD’s outright needs, and Miguel’s troubles and the sense of disrespect for his role didn’t end with this particular surprise.

Because Tommy also made it clear how little respect he harbored for Miguel and his standing, by taking part in one ballsy and potentially costly move. For the time had come for Ché to celebrate his daughter’s Quinceañera, and while everyone was enjoying the celebration… Mister Egan walked in. To pay his respects of course, and to cordially introduce himself to Ché, and make it known who was making the cartel a ridiculous amount of money. But of course… that wasn’t the only reason to make such a move. Because he also wanted to make it clear, that he wanted to be king, Miguel be damned, and while this may have cost Tommy his budding love with Mireya, it was indeed about sending a message of disrespect. One that made it clear that he wasn’t happy with his boss, and was not loyal to him, and Miguel should be ready to fight for his standing. 

However, such disrespect goes both ways in this universe of course, and it made its way to Tommy as well. Because Shanti’s side hustle with Claudia was discovered by the Serbians. Which meant she had to now pay dues and figure out how to keep that hustle a secret with Tommy and his growing empire, and that prompted her to realize she made a mistake, and needed to figure out how to smooth this over, so she could still make her own moves against Tommy in order to have it all. Which led to a supremely awkward conversation where Shanti and Jenard lied to Tommy’s face about how this was all a plan to bring Claudia’s head to him on a silver platter, which bought them time… to continue their plan to be loyal to the almighty dollar over what Tommy was building. 
​
Yet, the show wasn’t quite done digging into how this life is all about loyalty to oneself over an empire and its spoils, and it further explored the selfish nature of the game through Vic. Who of course, was doing his best to try and keep the death of that poor federal agent a secret, with minimal luck. Because Marks was eager to escalate now, to the point where she even went to poke the bear by confronting Tommy in person to see if she could get someone to rattle and snitch. And eventually, she did, but it certainly was not Tommy. Because when threatened with facts and his freedom, Vic was quick to worry about himself over anything else… and swear that he saw Tommy pull the trigger, putting Tommy and his empire in jeopardy because of the selfish nature of the game and its loyalty to no one.
 
Which made… for a powerful episode to say the least, one that also ended in a devastating manner. But not for the reasons one might think. Because in between all of this, Diamond was dealing with quite the struggle. In that, he was truly trapped in between two worlds here, one where he wanted his love affair with Leon’s mom and the progress Leon was making in life… to thrive. But of course… that meant leaving the game and the streets behind and that was no easy task, because he also wanted those riches and well… he came no closer to deciding what he wanted in this story because of tragedy. Because sadly… Leon was gunned down by bullies in this tale for standing up for himself and that left Diamond in a dark place that gave Tommy solace. One where fury ruled the day, and that might benefit Mister Egan in the trying days ahead.

Because it truly does seem as though, chaos is about to be unleashed in the Windy City, the kind where Tommy must fight all comers. But while we wait to see what comes next, we can celebrate one unique exploration here. One that finally found something that both of these world’s share, while still finding a way to explore how that shared trait of two worlds differs based on the circumstances of the game. All of which made for as mentioned before, a powerful episode. One where every actor brought their A-game to the table and one that set the stage… for two incredible episodes to come. Where all of these plans for betrayal should explode in a manner so great… that the streets of Chicago may never be the same and where only the strong will survive to seize what’s left of this proud and broken city. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say, that children-centric and family themed programming, is something that is extremely important to parents. For those types of shows not only keep a child busy while parents handle daily duties around the house, but they can also help in educating children along the way. For a quality children’s show will not only be engaging and fun, but it will feature lessons about important subjects, and feature moments that will imprint upon them in a positive manner. Which is why it is not uncommon to see so many shows in that vein, expose children to reading and writing, and math related concepts. To help that learning process along and to make their television time productive and now, in 2023… the lessons that kids can learn through these types of programs are being taken to new heights thanks to peak television and streaming.
​
Because the demand for more family-themed entertainment is allowing for creatives everywhere to teach children about topics that have not been traditionally touched upon via this type of storytelling. For instance, there are now family-themed shows that are eager to explore hot button issues in society, allowing for powerful conversations to take place in the home, and there are stories out there that are helping kids to understand what it means to interact with others and how that can be a unique and dynamic experience. Plus, there’s deeper learning taking place in the home now. The kind that allows for kids to really dive deep into concepts that excite them and engage them, such as say… creative writing, and speaking of that… it just so happens that Apple TV+ is home to a show that showcases creative writing and storytelling in a powerful and engaging manner in… Interrupting Chicken.

A feat this series accomplishes by plunging viewers into the lives of Piper the Chicken, whose father is a writer and Piper is also eager to follow in dad’s footsteps. Which means Piper is often immersed in a story in this series. To the point where Piper is even eager to do rewrites of stories while lost in that world, to really explore the majesty of a story and storytelling in general. Which is a plot structure that truly draws a viewer in, because it does offer up fun takes regarding stories that everyone loves and there are few kids out there who don’t enjoy story time. So that really is the perfect way to engage and excite someone over stories and writing, and well… while it is lovely to see a show that focuses on storytelling through and through, it’s what happens during Piper’s imaginative journeys that really makes this show stand out.

Because this is a series… that actually takes the time to break down… how a story is constructed. Which means children are privy to what goes into creating a character, how stories are actually structured and how each decision made by a writer can impact what comes next. Which is quite impressive to say the least, mainly because elements such as those are put on display, in a manner that is easily digestible for young minds. Making this type of learning quite fun. But truly, what makes this show stand out from the rest… is the sheer fact that it is the ONLY series… that takes the time to explore such matters and that’s a big deal. Because that makes this… a pioneering show really. One that is offering up lessons that are unlike any other in family-themed programming and it is also, creating a new generation of writers.

After all, ask any writer what they think about story structure, and they’ll light up and break it down in detail. Because a writer’s mind lives for that stuff, and there will be kids watching this, that will feel a switch flip on in their brain when they begin to learn about story structure, and that’s just amazing. But while it is wonderful to know that the next Stephen King or Ernest Hemingway will start their creative journey because of this show, make no mistake about it… it is still engaging entertainment. Because above all, it celebrates storytelling. And that’s important too because stories do so much for us. They inspire us, they bring us joy and they leave us with plenty to ponder upon, and being able to watch a series that explores how stories are made, adds depth and appreciation to our viewing experience and well… that makes this, essential viewing for families. Since it really provides everyone that tunes in with newfound knowledge and newfound appreciation for a medium that makes up the fabric of our lives.

Please enjoy this sneak peek of Episode 204 of Harry Wild, which premieres on Acorn TV on Monday, October 23, 2023!

​Also, this sneak peek was assembled/written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Loki’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
​
For the most part, Marvel Cinematic Universe stories are laser focused when it comes to what the heroes of the tale want to accomplish. Obviously, at large, they are there to save countless innocents from tyranny. But they tend to have deeper goals they want and need to accomplish. The kind that helps them grow and helps them find fulfillment within the story. But of the many, many, stories we’ve enjoyed over the past fifteen years or so from Marvel… there has been one outlier when it comes to this unspoken rule. Specifically, the second season of Loki on Disney+. For the tricker’s adventures through time in year two… have been without real focus. 
​
Which isn’t an insult by any means, since having Loki and Mobius fight to just save the TVA and the various branches of the multiverse in a scattered manner, has led to some fresh storytelling. The kind that has kept us guessing and wondering where this wild tale is going to take us. But it would seem that there might be something deeper at play here. In that, this may well be a season of storytelling about healing and emotional fulfillment, set against the backdrop of how the chaos of life makes that difficult to obtain in a timely manner, and it tipped its cap toward that possibly in ‘1893’ by bringing the principal players in this mess together in Chicago in the very year mentioned in the title of this episode. 

For this was where Renslayer was heading to after all this time, and it was where Miss Minutes was hiding as well. Why, exactly? Because He Who Remains targeted a Kang variant in this timeline as a possible successor to His throne, and thanks to Renslayer’s fine work throughout the timeline, Victor Timely was inspired to look into the power of the Muiltiverse and time travel and that pushed for confrontation in the Windy City. In part because Mobius and Loki didn’t want this variant to be corrupted and wanted him to learn kindness by helping to save the TVA and the Temporal Loom. Whereas Renslayer and Miss Minutes wanted him to be the heir apparent to the throne, and of course… Sylvie was there as well, and eager to axe another variant. Which brought about brutal fights and angry moments, because of those conflicting ideologies. But eventually, all ended… well-ish?

For Mobius and Loki got Victor back to the TVA through mercy from Sylvie, and Renslayer and Miss Minutes… ended up at the end of time to hang out with Kang’s alternate and rotting corpse. But what matters more, is that in between all of that chaos and that morbid ending, were fascinating character moments. The kind that spoke to a bevy of individuals that were all hurting and all searching for purpose and meaning after having their lives upended. And try as they might, they could not find it here because of the chaos and the situation. But they all spoke to their hurt, to their desire to find some peace and that would seem to be the focus for the characters here. Finding a way forward, finding purpose and that which they crave and that… would be quite the unique path to take in this story. Since that’s something that the MCU hasn’t spent a lot of time exploring during its illustrious history.

But even then, this show is so bold and so experimental, it may have other ideas in mind. But, while we wait to see which path this story may take, we can revel in another incredible tale. One that really let Jonathan Majors shine again as an actor since we met another unique variant in the Kang family line, and this episode also allowed for some wild moments to take place. Many of which came forth courtesy of Miss Minutes, since she went all-out to terrify here and spoke to her own needs and wants, something we didn’t know she was capable of. But that aside, the fact of the matter is, we are no closer to seeing order to chaos, nor do we have any idea if Mobius and Loki just set more chaos into motion, and that will make the wait for next week’s episode, quite difficult. Since we simply have to know what comes next from a show… that is packed with surprises. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 408 of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
​
Something that is genuinely fascinating about the Star Trek Universe, is how every single entry in the franchise will forever be remembered for accomplishing something quite wondrous. For instance, The Original Series will always be regarded as the beginning of a powerful journey, whereas The Next Generation will be looked upon as a turning point for the franchise, where it was able to grow. And of course, Deep Space Nine and Voyager will be remembered as bold shows that challenged the core concepts of the franchise and even the new stuff… is making its mark. Since Discovery will be credited with bringing life back to the saga after its long hiatus, and even Lower Decks will be looked fondly upon… hopefully after ten glorious seasons… as a show that did something quite unique.
​
In that, it will forever stand as a lighthearted and loving tribute to every aspect of Star Trek. From its best decisions, such as making sure that its characters are well-written and dynamic and relatable, to its more dubious storytelling decisions. Such as the plots and settings it sometimes relies too much upon, or the mistakes it has made throughout the years. But that is… what a proper tribute does, and well, never was the show’s dedication to all of that, more evident, than during this week’s episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks on Paramount+. For this plucky tribute to all things STU, opted to celebrate both elements in a fascinating manner. A feat that ‘Caves’ accomplished by having our favorite Lower Deckers unite for a grand away team mission… to investigate a funny moss in a cave. 

Which of course… led to all kinds of familiar disaster. Such as having an earthquake cut the crew off, and of course… the moss was more than meets the eye and well… make no mistake about it, this episode was designed to lampoon two key elements that the STU has made use of that some could cite as dubious. Specifically… cave settings. Because we’ve seen those in just about every show, multiple times no less. Since old school Trek didn’t get the budgets it gets now, so you had to have those cave settings to mix things up for away teams now and again. And also… it lampooned the flashback episode. Which really hasn’t ever worked that well in the STU. In fact, one of the most derided episodes of TNG, ‘Shades of Grey’, showcased how rough those episodes can be.

But since this series looks at everything the franchise does in a manner that is never insulting and always celebratory, it figured out how to make such moments palatable. By offering up flashback stories about other cave adventures the Lower Deckers had recently endured. Such as how Boims and Levy, the 24th Century’s King of ‘I did my own research’, encountered the mysterious Vendorians on a cave mission and won them over. Or how Ruthy and the Doctor had a weird baby while trapped in a cave, and even Mariner had her own cave experience involving the Delta Shifters, time dilation, and a lost leg. Which really were stories that perfectly lampooned and satirized the cave trope often seen in Trek but made it enjoyable and laughable thanks to those unique vignettes. Ones that wrapped up with a warmhearted reminder of how the characters are what we love the most about this show, thanks to Tendi’s Turbolift story. One that followed up on what happened after the events of ‘Second Contact’. 
​
But of course, we need to dive a little deeper regarding the characters journeys and stories here. Simply because… there was a lot of depth to them and a lot for us take away from them. For each of them spoke to how… the careers of the Lower Deckers were evolving and beginning to move them into places and situations where new memories and experiences were taking place. The kind that forms who we are and who we will be and that can be a scary time in our lives for our closest friends. Since there is always the worry that there will be a drift. But this sequence served to remind us that while our lives take different paths, real deep friendship never fades, especially when we make sure to reconnect where we can to maintain that powerful bond, and that was simply a lovely and relatable sequence to enjoy, one that really does resonate.

Because we’ve all been there with our friends or will be there, so it’s nice to be reminded of how best to keep them in our stead and really, all of these elements, made for one lovely episode. One that made sure the show maintains its status as a true tribute to the franchise, while offering up some good old-fashioned feels. Because the whole bonding moment between our favorite Lower Deckers was just lovely through and through, and definitely reminded us of how important the journey with them, has been. Plus, we’d be remiss to not point out that the jokes here were simply top notch, and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this episode, it will be interesting to see what lies ahead for the Lower Deckers. Because in many ways, this episode hinted at the reality, that their time on the Cerritos will not last and that we should cherish these moments with them before Starfleet begins to move them up the ranks and to the captain’s chair, where each and every one of them truly belong. Until next time.

Please enjoy a sneak peek of Episode 208 of Power Book IV: Force, which debuts on STARZ tomorrow, 10/19/23.  

Also, this sneak peek was assembled/written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.