Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 407 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.
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There was a time in the world of television, where follow-up regarding guest characters and certain storylines was simply non-existent. For the creative brain trusts out there believed they had told a story and closed out that arc accordingly, so revisiting that was nothing short of silly. But that all changed about fifty years ago. Because there was curiosity as to what a story would look like if those elements were revisited… if consequences came forth because of someone’s actions and well… that gave life to a whole new era of storytelling. Where sequels, and follow ups and causality became staples of the industry and that’s allowed for rich stories and universes to come to life and it just so happens, that the Star Trek Universe now leads the way in such matters.
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For its rich history is often on display in the various shows that now populate the STU, and villains and heroes from past and present find ways to come together to tell incredible stories that have positive and negative consequences and well… the wonder of follow-up and causality in storytelling is top of mind today, simply because it was put on full display in the next episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks on Paramount+. For ‘A Few More Badgeys’ was filled to the brim with follow-up for heroes and villains alike and it brought all of that forth, courtesy of another attack from that mysterious ship that is terrifying the galaxy. For the Bynars from The Next Generation came under fire from that mystery vessel and that prompted the U.S.S. Cerritos to respond. Mainly because they were the closest to the action.

In fact, the crew was actually given quite the robust set of missions this go round, because Boims and Tendi were also tasked with heading back to Earth to handle some loose threads. Specifically, being present for Peanut Hamper’s parole hearing and Agimus claimed to have information regarding this ship that he would only share with Boimler and well… that brought about all kinds of shenanigans. Since Boims and Tendi were clueless to the fact that they were about to face villains that seemingly still had nefarious thoughts in mind. For while our heroes headed back toward Sector 001, Agimus planned to string Boimler along to conquer the galaxy and Peanut Hamper was ready to just B.S. her way into freedom as only she has in the past, and they had a master plan of course, and to double up on the follow-up… the Cerritos ran into quite the surprise when they arrived to investigate the wreckage of that doomed Bynar vessel.

In that, a Drookmani vessel was working to scavenge the remains of that ship and on board was a special captain. One that came forth courtesy of Rutherford’s original implant, and well, Captain Badgey wanted the revenge he craved and that brought forth quite the harrowing away mission for Rutherford and Mariner. For they both went aboard that ship to stop Badgey from causing harm and well… failed. Because he was drunk with power at this point and eager to infect the Federation subspace network to wreak havoc on all of the member worlds. But eventually having access to everything… changed his perspective upon his brand of evil and taught him perhaps he should search for meaning in this life, so he did, and hung out with the Great Koala and well, at the very least… some good came out of this. In the form of the offshoot of his own self, Goodsey.
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Meanwhile, Tendi and Boimler arrived back on Earth, they quickly came to learn of the master plan at hand. Which was for Peanut Hamper to join Agimus in conquering the universe, after he used Boims and Tendi to escape, since she was going to be released from Daystrom for good behavior. But PH never showed up to rule the galaxy with her bestie, and that prompted Agimus to find her and learn that she had in fact, found value and reform during her time at Daystrom, and that there was life beyond villainy and that prompted Agimus to listen to his own rehab suggestions when he returned to Daystrom. So perhaps he could live a better, and simpler life akin to what Peanut Hamper was doing, and well… that brought about quite the ending to this tale.

Where villains found growth and a future forward, which speaks to how well the Federation actually works as a concept, and where… we learned more about the mystery vessel. Because Agimus did deliver there and it turns out that this vessel isn’t murdering with impunity, it’s stealing ships and crews. Leaving us to wonder if by chance… this is the return of V’Ger perhaps? Since that being loved to collect things, in a digital manner, or if this is something new. A villain that has been using V’Ger and Whale Probe technology to garner a fleet for reasons that are not clear yet. But while we wait to learn more about this surprise… we can revel in an amazing follow up tale. One that really did bring some journeys around full circle while acknowledging that this is a universe of storytelling, where the past does have weight and does return often and well, that really did make for a delightful and funny episode, one that closes out some old paths so the crew of the Cerritos can face the threat ahead with clear minds. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 512 of ‘Magnum P.I.’ 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.
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If there is one particular type of person none of us want to encounter in this world, it would have to be an online scammer. Because they resort to some gross tactics to scam people out of their hard-earned money, and some of them… are unsavory people to say the least. Who more or less get a thrill off of bringing that kind of harm to people, and the damage they do at any level, is devastating. For not only are people out of their savings when a scammer strikes, but their ability to trust fades, and they are emotionally wounded for some time. Yet, the scammers persist, despite our lamenting of them, and that’s likely because we don’t know how they function or how they manage to operate with impunity in plain sight. Which is why the next episode of Magnum P.I. on NBC opted to delve into such matters. To get an idea what that world is all about and to help us be vigilant against the warning signs.
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A feat that ‘Three Bridges’ accomplished, by having Thomas and Juliet, deal with a scamming case. Which could not have come at a better time for them since they were in the midst of a dry spell case wise. To the point where stolen stingray retrieval became a service they offered. But that downtime allowed for them to really dig deep into the case at hand and really inspect how these guys work and what they learned was horrifying in nature. In that, scamming is a long con, and the scammer will wait patiently to build trust and build rapport to make it easier to get access to the accounts they want. Then… bam… they strike, and their mark is left holding the bag. But thanks to this duo’s keen eye and Kumu’s desire to never quit, since she was the one that brought them this case to help out a friend… they found an actual clue. Which is rare since these cases tend to be open and shut, with the victim losing out.

But that clue brought them… to a broken-down hotel, one that appeared to be closed for business but was in fact, open for the wrong kind of business. For far away from prying eyes, were server farms and active employees who worked to scam people out of precious money and savings. And of course, for a brief moment, Magnum and Higgins were in trouble because they were discovered by the people in charge here. But of course… give Higgins a chance to throw a punch and everything changes, and that’s what happened here. Allowing for this duo to shut down the farm… and work to save a life. For they learned that the man that scammed Kumu’s friend, wasn’t a bad man, he was just forced to take part in awful acts to see another day, and sadly… he was now up for sale. Which prompted the duo to get Gordon involved so they could what they do best, and save him and bring everyone to justice, which they did. And they even managed to get money back to people. 

However, before we dive too much deeper into that plot, we need to talk about the wondrous storytelling involving T.C. and Rick. Because both men were at a crossroads here. For T.C. was shutting everyone out. Because of the belief that he would be a burden if he let his friends near. But his mother dropped by and made sure to teach him, that was not the case. That everyone still loved him and would be there for him regardless, and that allowed for T.C. to let his guard down and let his friends back in, something he absolutely needs to heal. And Rick… well… a chance to date his houseboat neighbor, and some find advice from his friends… helped him to realize… he needed the mother of his child to be at his side. So, he made a successful attempt to be with her and to be honest with her about how much he needs her in his life.

Which made for more growth during some difficult times, and those plot threads and the whole scammer storyline, made for one delightful episode. One that really did explore how these organizations work in the shadiest means possible to thrive and grow and use the shadows and the sorrow they produce to stick around. Not to mention, it taught us that if we encounter something or someone that seems too good to be true, that likely is the case, and we should trust our gut and our common sense when someone comes calling that won’t be near us and only wants to sweet talk us and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this supremely engaging and unique story... the time has come to turn our attention to what lies ahead. As we continue the farewell tour for this incredible and delightful series. Until next time.

​If there is one belief that we hold to in this life, it would have to be that religion and spiritual movements are pure in nature, and infallible. And it makes sense as to why we hold to that belief. After all, the house of any Deity, is to be holy in nature, and to be filled to the brim with good people that have the best of intentions in mind, and they share a DNA with spiritual movements. For those too are founded by individuals that are eager to make life better for others, by providing them with enlightenment and perspective and well… the problem with that belief and that structure in our mind, is that… both are as wrong as can be.
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For we’ve come to see in recent years that religion suffers from corruption and harbors individuals that have poor plans in mind and more or less prey on the innocent. And we’ve also come to learn that spiritual movements aren’t always started with good intentions in mind, sometimes it is about money and power and well… eventually, the façades come crashing down and reveal horrors to us. But we are oft curious as to how such corruption occurs and how bad people take charge of movements and high-ranking religious titles, and well, it just so happens that a brand-new true crime docuseries on Peacock is about to remind us of the truth and explore how things go south. 

For Krishnas: Gurus. Karma. Murder. takes the time to explore the rise and fall of the Hare Krishna movement in America, and the horrible things that can come forth when the wrong people take charge and thankfully… we haven’t long to wait to learn about such matters. For earlier today, Peacock let it be known that 10/24/23 will be the release date of this three part-docuseries, and they even released a trailer, some key art, and a synopsis. To properly prepare us for this tough story about how the human condition, can sometimes tarnish… that which shines.

ABOUT KRISHNAS: GURUS. KARMA. MURDER.
When an Indian Swami gives a lost generation of Americans a new message of love, the Hare Krishna religion is born. But when the Swami dies without finishing his mission, an American Guru tries to seize control of the movement, leading to accusations of racketeering and murder, and investigations by a West Virginia Sheriff’s Detective, the LAPD and the FBI. Krishnas: Gurus. Karma. Murder. gives a glimpse into the epic American tale about charismatic personalities that offer divine light, and Krishna devotees who discover their movement has been corrupted by greed, lust for power and vengeance.

ABOUT THE DOCUSERIES  
Premiere: Tuesday, October 24, 2023 
Executive Producers:  Joseph Freed, Allison Berkley, Tara Long, David Holthouse and Tim Clancy 
Produced By: Entertainment One Reality Productions, LLC. and Marwar Junction Productions 
Format: True Crime Docuseries, 3 x 60min

Please enjoy a sneak peek of Episode 207 of Power Book IV: Force, which debuts on STARZ tomorrow, 10/12/23.  
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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 spoiers for Episode 202 of ‘Quantum Leap’. To revisit the Season Two Premiere, 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.
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When we last settled in to enjoy the wondrous NBC series, Quantum Leap, we were all left stunned by some incredible revelations in regard to why Dr. Ben Song could not contact his beloved Addison and the team during quite the dangerous leap. In that, three years had passed between Ben’s leap at the end of season one, the one that dropped him down into Russia in 1978, and the team seemingly abandoned hm. Not to mention, Addison was nowhere to be seen when the team did make contact. All of which left us wondering, how on Earth could such a calamity occur when so many people that Ben loved and cared for seemed steadfast in making sure he made his way home and well, the good news is that we didn’t have to wait too long to be filled in on such matters. For the next episode of this incredible story, dug right into that.
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For ‘Ben & Teller’ immediately saw the majority of the team be reassembled by Ian and rightfully so. Because they all wanted good news, and they did not want to abandon their dear friend. But alas, they were sent home by the brass at the Pentagon when contact with Ben went silent, so they had no choice but to walk away. But Ian’s contact, immediately got the project rolling again and awakened everyone, including Addison to the reality that Ben was out there, leaping and still in need of help, and despite some roadblocks from the Feds, the kind that were handled by someone very important to Addison, progress was made. In fact, Ian was able to make contact via the projector and eventually Addison and Ben reunited as well. But while it was amazing to see the crew reassemble and learn that they didn’t willingly walk away from a near and dear friend, and love, there was still an important leap for Ben to deal with.

Because this time around Ben found himself occupying a new grandmother in Arizona in 1986, and well… she was facing a hard day. Because on this day in history, the bank she worked at was robbed and it was such a disaster of a robbery that eight people died and families were torn apart, and it was up to Ben to now keep that from happening and well, that was no easy task. Because these robbers were fierce and they had bigger goals in mind and that forced Ben, to go the extra mile to keep their fury at bay, but that presented its own set of problems. Because the raw nature of this crime, continuously kept disaster on the history books, since this seemed to be a classic case of an immovable object meeting an unstoppable force. Because these cops wanted justice and these crooks wanted the world, and even attempts to get a brother and sister named Rebecca and Sean to reconcile, proved fruitless. Especially since Sean was part of the robbery crew and stood by his boss.

Which meant, Ben had to get creative in saving lives and well… he used Rebecca’s knowledge of the bank to do something quite drastic. Wherein he was able to use an old flaw in the place, one that was part of a failed expansion, to create an evacuation tunnel for all the employees to finally get them out of there in a safe manner and well… that definitely checked one important box on Ben’s checklist to get out of this hellish afternoon in Arizona. But of course, in order to complete his mission, he had to find a way to bridge the rift between Rebecca and Sean and keep Sean from becoming a bullet ridden statistic as well and believe it or not, that bold plan did the trick. For the ringleader of this nightmare opted to bring harm to Rebecca when he discovered his leverage escaped, and… Sean could not have that. Because he knew the boss man would make good on his threat, and family was family. So, he instead, put the mastermind down and his sister helped him shave years off of his sentence by taking the fall for the moment and just like that… all was right in the universe again.

But what mattered more about this story, is that it did indeed bring the team back together, and they are all on the same page once again. Which involves saving Ben from this nonstop trip through time, with some twists of course. Because this show loves to shake things up along the way, and Ian’s secrets and Addison’s admissions definitely help with that, since that will add some fascinating drama and tension in the weeks to come. But that aside, this was also quite the leap for Ben to deal with. Because the stakes were high in this one, and the margin for error was about as slim as it gets. But Ben shined every single step of the way and impressed us in the process, and that just went to show how he is continuing to grow into being a hero, and how he continues to find new ways to do the right thing and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this story… it will be interesting to see what the next leap holds from a personal perspective for Ben and see what challenges the timeline will send his way. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 306 of ‘The Morning Show’. 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.
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The true beauty of The Morning Show on Apple TV+, is that no plot thread is ever abandoned or ever left unresolved. For this is a series that believes in the power of causality, and how life finds a way to force us to face our mistakes and our transgressions be them good or bad, and never was that more evident than during this week’s episode. For ‘The Stanford Student’ took the time to return to and resolve a bevy of powerful storylines that have been hanging over the season for a little while now, before moving season three in a bold new direction that could lead to some powerful changes at UBA by the season three finale, and it accomplished this particularly engaging feat, by having Paul Marks drop by the network. 
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For this was it really, the board was planning to vote on letting Hyperion take control of the company and fatten shareholders wallets in the process and well… Paul wanted to talk to the staff and see what they thought about the forthcoming merger. Since the word on the street was, recommendations were going to be for the board to accept the deal since money talks and well… that led to a bevy of big moments, the kind that may indeed change the landscape at UBA. Because Paul’s noncommittal answers prompted Alex to invite him onto Alex Unfiltered to have a hard one-on-one interview that would really showcase his intentions and who he was as a person and that led to the follow up on a big plotline, we’ve been curious about for ages. Specifically, Stella’s relationship with Paul back in the day since that was relevant to Chip’s job. For he needed to vet the interview and see what Alex could dig into, and Stella was reluctant to open up about this, but opted it was the right thing to do.

As it turned out, Stella’s relationship with Paul wasn’t romantic, it was in fact, business based, and he screwed her over in a business deal, and that prompted her career change and when the interview came to bear… Alex did Stella a solid and asked about that incident and put Paul on the spot in an already difficult interview. Which prompted him to finally show grace and humility and a willing desire to perhaps set things right. Something he did attempt to do after finally indulging in his mutual feelings for Alex. For he offered an apology to Stella, and the opportunity of a lifetime. In that, to make up for his mistake, he wanted her to run UBA shortly after he took over. Simply because, he was done with Cory Ellison and wanted a new direction for the company and that… was quite the incredible twist, one that will indeed offer big changes at UBA courtesy of the merger.

But what mattered more, is that answers about Stella’s past came to bear, complete with resolution, and there was more of that to be found here. Since the ‘will they or won’t they?’ question that has hung over Paul and Alex for some time now was finally answered and there was more follow-up to be found beyond those matters. Because Bradley’s past has also been hanging heavy over the story. Courtesy of the ugly breakup with Laura that we learned about last week, and the whole madness involving her brother’s actions in D.C. on January Sixth and well… that all came around full circle here as well. Because Hal dropped by the Big Apple with his wife and their kid, in part to see Bradley and the city, but also… to turn himself in for his crimes. A move that rattled Bradley to her core and rightfully so. Because that would mean an FBI investigation into his actions would take place, and that would bring Cory and her down in the process and that put Bradley in a dark place.
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Wherein she was off kilter to both Laura and Alex and was even stumbling on air and well… that prompted quite the bold gambit on Laura’s part. Because she was worried about Bradley, and truly thought her behavior was related to the breakup and the bad blood that came out of it, so she spoke to Hal about how she was sorry for actions he was not privy to, and how she wanted to give him a fair shake and Bradley’s love for her a fair shake as well. And that… surprised Hal, and reminded him, at last, of the fact that there were bigger things at play than his needs and wants and mistakes, and that perhaps he should do something right with the second chance his sister had granted him. So… he backed off of his plans and went home to live and do right by his kid and his sister… giving rise to peace and a chance for two lovers to reconnect.

All of which made, for an incredible episode. One that really showed us some unique sides to Paul Marks, and that he isn’t a total monster after all, there’s a person in there. But not one that shows up often, as evidenced by his plans for UBA and Cory. But it also did a fine job of reminding us that the past will always catch up with us and we must act accordingly when it does and see the bigger picture of our actions and that brought forth some amazing moments, and some grand setups for the future. Including the one involving Chip, since we basically have an inkling now that he’s in love with Alex, and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this fascinating and supremely human journey, it’s onto the future and what UBA is going to look like, with the ultimate tech bro at the helm of it. Until next time.

 Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Premiere of ‘Harry Wild’. To revisit the Season One Finale, 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.
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Perhaps the most difficult aspect of starting a new series, is establishing the universe it resides within. Because that means the writers have to establish the rules, lay the groundwork for the characters, and tell compelling stories that the audience will love… in a very limited time frame. Which is no easy task and that is why a great deal of first seasons don’t offer us the very best the show has to offer, but enough for us to fall in love regardless and hope for more. Because more is where a show really shines, because then… the writers can build upon that world and really dive deep into the characters and test them like never before and that brings forth wonders untold and well, the majesty of future seasons is top of mind today, simply because the benefits of it are apparent in the season two premiere of Harry Wild on Acorn TV.
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For the next two episodes in Harry and Fergus’ adventures through the world of private investigation offered up a vastly different set of stories for certain. The kind that truly showcased this show’s potential. For the cases in ‘Silence Dogood Did Bad’ and ‘The Village Has Eyes’ were bigger and more personal in nature and that really helped us to understand how formidable Harry is as an investigator and it helped her to grow before our eyes, and let’s talk about that growth first, because some of it, for Harry at least, came from a case. Since the beloved town Chief was gunned down in cold blood in this story, and of course… Harry felt compelled to solve his murder. After all, there was some history there and the evidence made it seem as though someone else was responsible for this heinous crime since the evidence was more circumstantial than iron clad. 

Which prompted Harry to dig deep and discover that the ol’ Chief was onto something big in this town, a crime syndicate born out of the mind of someone that Harry put away and functioned because of someone within law enforcement. An assistant she was able to nail down and expose… despite the ache in her heart. Because those personal ties did indeed run deep and that made this case tough. But Harry was born tough and firmly believed that she would heal by bringing a monster to bear, and she was right. Because this did give her and the town closure and peace, and it informed us of how much Harry can handle and it also showed us how she has grown as an investigator. Since she was able to separate the business/justice side from her own personal feelings and concerns and she wasn’t the only one to grow in this story, since Fergus faced a tough task as well.

​Because his mother came home after all this time, and well… that was a lot for Fergus to reconcile. For it had been so long, and he wasn’t sure if he could trust her or not, and rightfully so. After all, being abandoned causes major trust issues, the kind that can take a lifetime to overcome. So, he was vigilant, and he was never quick to give into emotion, and that’s some serious growth for a young man. The kind that eventually paid off when his mother revealed she was trying to do the right thing here… and really take care of him and help him. To the point where she even made arrangements to buy the house for him, so that when he turned eighteen, he had a place to live and take care of his family and that was a sweet and powerful gesture. But what mattered more, was that growth, since it showed us what kind of man Fergus is going to be and that made for some satisfying moments for both characters. 
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But of course, there was mention of the cases being bigger and we need to touch on that. Because the whole mess with the Chief was bold for certain, and game changing for the character dynamics of the show, and it takes guts for a writer’s room to off a love interest like that, and the second episode’s unique dive into Devil Worshipping, and small-town secrets was also quite epic in nature. Because you don’t see stories with that subject matter, and that level of anger playing out in cozy mysteries. But this one tried it, and it worked, and it led to a very unique ‘who done it’ that kept us guessing every single step of the way. 

If anything, all of these elements brought forth, a wondrous season two premiere. One that informed us that year two of Harry Wild is going to be nothing short of incredible. Complete with stories that take our breath away, and big moments from the characters because it is in fact… free. Free to do what whatever needs to be done to make the audience happy because that is what year two does best, and it really did leave us with a pair of incredible tales. The kind that engaged us and kept us guessing with their wonderful twists and turns and really, in the end, it is just wonderful to have this series back on the air. Because it is a lot of fun, and a great mental exercise from a clue perspective, and it will be interesting to see what other surprises await us, as season two of this delightful series continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Mrs Sidhu Investigates’. 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.
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It is definitely safe to say, that cozy mysteries and crime stories in general, follow a relatively comfortable formula. Wherein the crime is committed, usually a murder, and the intrepid hero, be it a wily independent gumshoe or brilliant investigator, must follow the clues and surprises that await them in their quest to bring evil to justice. And well, we love that formula, simply because its comfortable, it tells a great story and allows for everything to unfold in a dynamic manner. Which is why it is always jarring to run into a crime story… that opts to shake things up. Because it does indeed take us out of our comfort zone and forces us to lean toward the edge of our seats since we don’t know what lies around the corner. But now and again, you need to shake things up, and well, shaking things up is top of mind today… simply because… that is precisely what the season one finale of Mrs Sidhu Investigates took part in.
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For ‘On the Ropes’ was a story that offered little familiarity. For there was no murder to be found here, and it also went deeper into the character’s lives and what they mean to one another than ever before, and it accomplished that feat… through a boxing match. For Mrs. Sidhu and her son were contracted to cater a private fight at a boxing legend’s posh estate and well, while the evening went well, and an old friend/underdog named Lenny won the day… the ending of the night was a total disaster. Because Lenny was kidnapped out of the blue, and of course, it wasn’t long before ransom demands came into play. And well, since Mrs. Sidhu doesn’t mess around with any crime in Slough, she injected herself into this madness and that led… to more surprises… beyond the fact that we weren’t dealing with a murder.

Because as she inched closer to answers, disaster struck. For DCI Burton was hit by the kidnappers’ van on his way to follow a lead that Mrs. Sidhu discovered, and that put him in the hospital straight away and put him out of commission for the rest of this investigation. Which meant it was up to Sergeant Mint and Mrs. Sidhu to uncover that this was nothing more… than a twisted revenge and possession ploy. One designed to bring Lenny’s wife back into the possession of a man that trafficked women, and once trafficked her, and he was so hellbent on having what he wanted that he was willing to bring harm to Lenny’s family as well. But the tenacity and resourcefulness of Mrs. Sidhu and Sergeant Mint, allowed for Lenny to be free and for a monster to finally pay the piper for his crimes. Giving rise to a happy ending (one complete with Burton’s recovery) to a very unconventional crime story.

For this really was a case that was off the beaten path from what we normally see, and it dealt with some topics that are slightly taboo in this day and age, such as trafficking, and the surprises didn’t end there. Because there was mention of the fact that the characters had some powerful moments here and well… loss and the potential for loss brought that forward. Since Mrs. Sidhu reflected upon her lost father in a powerful manner, one that spoke to how we never forget those we love and how the pain never quiet fades, it just transforms. And of course, we had a legit scare with DCI Burton. Since he was badly injured in this story and there was worry about what would come next for him depending on how he healed. But thankfully… he was fine in the end, and that brush with death, brought everyone closer together and helped them to appreciate the ragtag family they’ve chosen to be part of, and that’s just beautiful. 

Which makes this, a supremely satisfying season finale. Just because, it found a way to offer up an epic story that took risks and took us down a different path to wow us, and wow us it most certainly did. For every single second of this story was engaging and powerful, and the stakes were amazing. But most important of all, this is a story that informed us, of how quickly we have come to love these characters, and how badly we want to see them succeed at all things and find peace and joy and a path that fulfills them and well… that alone leaves us eager for more of this brilliant show, so we can see that take place. So hopefully, Acorn TV commissions another season (and more) of this series, so that we can all enjoy more refreshing crime stories and more of the characters that we’ve grown to love.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Power Book IV: Force’. 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.
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There is a prevailing belief in all corners of our world, that there is only way to properly deal with the evils of mankind. In that, there is always… a source if you will. The top dog that motivates others to follow them and causes trouble for others… so if by chance we were to strike at the source and topple it; life will get better for everyone. Because in the everyday world, for instance, he (and it’s ALWAYS a HE) is gone and with his departure his network is in shambles and trouble and evil cannot function anymore. And in the underworld, the end of a kingpin or an evil problem, opens up the world to so much more and frees so many from the trouble they caused and well… it is simply fascinating that people hold to this belief after all these years, because it is a belief that is completely and utterly wrong. 
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Because the problem with evil individuals, is that they truly inspire others to take part in their twisted journey, and they have put together an incredible empire. One that others internally and externally will want to inherit and/or claim when the Devil is tossed from his throne, and we’ve seen it time and time again in both worlds. Since whenever a horrific terrorist leader is brought down with extreme prejudice, his lieutenants fight to fill the void and the most lethal one of them all, continues the legacy. And in the drug world, when one kingpin falls, his territory is open and for the taking and everyone that wants in on that… will fight tooth and nail to have it and well, that particularly frustrating truth is top of mind today, simply because it was put on display in the next episode of the hit STARZ series, Power Book IV: Force.

A feat that ‘Here There Be Monsters’ accomplished, by having the battle for the North Side of Chicago get underway. Because with Walter Flynn dead and gone at the hands of his son, the empire was in ruin and the territory was open and free and just like that… everyone was vying for their chance to be the new King… or Queen… of Chicago, and that brought about great trouble for Tommy Egan and the CBI crew. Simply because, they had the structure, the employees, and the product to slip into the North Side and own it, and in turn, own everything and well… that didn’t sit right with the Serbian Mob. For they thought they had the in because of the poor information that came their way, and they had a Flynn on their payroll as well. Which helped them to believe they were entitled to the North Side, plain and simple. 

Which Tommy was quick to correct them upon, and well… that led to violent disaster. Because Mirkovic was excited about expanding his territory and getting that money rolling in, and being told no, was more than he could bear. So… he set out to send a message to CBI and did so by going after the projects that he wanted to start his company’s, rebuild within. Which meant… bullets were sent flying, and innocent lives suffered and suffered greatly. Giving Tommy Egan a sound reminder of the heartless nature of this business and of course… that a power vacuum brings about nothing but harm as parties vie for what they think is theirs. Which was as powerful way to hammer home the central theme of the story, but of course, this is the Power Universe, and this world is all about the characters and deeper digs on a lesson at hand, and this episode was no exception to that. 

Because this is a story that also explored some of the fallout regarding Tommy’s powerful decision to send D-Mac as far away from the game as possible. Since JP was suffering emotionally over not being able to watch over his son and keep him safe, and of course, Kate was MIA and likely using again. All of which was a fine reminder of the hardships of this life, and that was also explored further by the love story in this tale. Because Mireya and Tommy grew closer in this story, incredibly close in fact, but not without some struggles early on in their budding love. Simply because Mireya realized in this story that seeing someone, she loves dearly in this world become a statistic would be more than she could bear. But the heart wants what it wants, and that pushed these two, together, regardless of risk. But it was nice to see some fallout take place here and see Mireya be honest in this manner since it added to the realism of this tale.
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Not to mention, what would this universe be without a little drama and a whole lot of threats? And we received that as well through Jenard’s journey in this tale. Because despite knowing that he was heading back to CBI, he still had drug related needs and desires to handle and that complicated matters between he and Shanti and Diamond as well. Because both of them wanted him sober. So that his was mind was clear for the work ahead, work that involved two separate agendas. For Diamond just wanted Jenard to be part of the game, to help him run things with a business that was growing. But Shanti, well she saw this as her own chance to seize the day and seize the market from beneath Tommy. Giving rise to new power for her and well, with Jenard in a vulnerable place… she nudged him toward her line of thinking, giving CBI another enemy within their midst.

Speaking of internal threats, we’d also be remiss to not point out that Vic was quite the busy little bee in this tale. Since he was working all the angles for Chicago PD, and the Feds, and his own revenge related agenda. Because he was indeed working with Tommy and collecting intelligence with an officer over his shoulder, but despite the demands of Chicago PD to get that info back to them quickly, he stalled often. Not because he genuinely cared for Tommy, but because his real agenda here was to bury his sister for her actions. Something he made clear in this story by happily taking the inheritance, which was the house… and everything… before informing Claudia that she was done. For there would be no cut of the family cash, no sympathy, no protection, because he knew what she attempted to do, and he wanted her to pay… and clearly… he will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

All of which… made for one amazing episode of this show. Simply because, it offered up something for everyone. Because there are folks that love Power for the drama, for that social media tea they can pour for others, and that was present here no problem. Plus, there was juicy trouble brewing behind the scenes through Vic and Shanti, and we love that too. But most important of all, it was an honest and raw episode, one that made it clear that Walter’s passing will make things worse before things get better. Because that is what happens when a kingpin dies in this world, and the way forward won’t be easy. Because everyone in Chicago wants that paper, and all the power, powder, and respect they can garner, and that reality should make Tommy’s quest to be the new King of Chicago, quite interesting and difficult, as season two of this phenomenal series continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Finale of The Continental: From the World of John Wick. 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.
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When we last settled in to enjoy the wondrous Peacock series, The Continental: From the World of John Wick, a burning question was left at the top of all of our minds. Specifically, how would Winston Scott find his way to the top of the Continental? Because we know that his fate is to be in charge of this mysterious and prestigious hotel, but the ending of the second episode… made it seem as though perhaps his ascension wouldn’t take place in this story. After all, his alliance with Charon was non-existent. Not to mention, he still needed more soldiers for the fight against Cormac and well… that absolutely motivated us to tune into the show’s series finale post haste. To have that question, and some of the others this series has posed answered and well, the series finale of this saga certainly did not disappoint.
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For ‘Theatre of Pain’ left no stone unturned, in fact, before we learned of how Winston ascended to a brandy-filled throne… other big questions were answered, and some big surprises were dropped into our laps. Such as the fact that Miles and Lou’s father… was a former assassin that worked out of the Continental often. A reveal that gave us a grand understanding of why there was a family push to bring this place down and potentially put it upon a different path. To set right the sins of a father and there was of course, another critical reveal that we will get to in a moment. Because we do need to talk about one of those surprises, specifically the one involving Charon and the Fairy Tale Twins. Because with Charon in the lead, they hunted Winston Scott, all around town, and despite his best efforts to rally more of an army at the last second and to evade capture… Winston was eventually snagged by this trio and stood before the man.

Making it seem as though, our earlier concerns about Winston not finding his rightful place in this tale, were justified. But thankfully… that was nothing more than a ruse. For Charon did all this to sell the act and give Cormac a sense of security, and well… that brought about all-out war inside the Continental. The kind that took our breath away and dropped our jaws with its epic nature, as we’ve come to expect from this franchise, courtesy of the fact… that Winston’s efforts did in fact, pay off. For he did get the army he needed and sowed enough chaos and enough terror in Cormac’s heart that the Armory ended up being untouched. Instead, Cormac worked to try and get the High Table to help him, and when that didn’t work, he pondered and eventually… opted to do the unthinkable and bury the building rather than let anyone take it from his desperate control.

Which is where that other reveal we referred to came into play. Because KD was also inside the Continental as the big fight was taking place, and she wanted Winston and she found him, and we finally learned why it was so important for her to find him and face off against him. Because she was the only family member that survived that horrifying fire, and she wanted retribution for her pain and who better to provide that than Winston? The man that threw the Molotov cocktail? But Winston’s remorse, and some weapons support from afar, allowed for Winston to live and see the job to its end, with a powerful seed in mind. Because eventually… when he was face to face with Cormac in the bowels of the Continental, while his friends dealt with their own demons and past upstairs, since they too found peace and closure by bringing Hansel and Gretel to their end… he came to realize something about this place and what it stood for.
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In that, Cormac O’Connor had turned it into a place of evil, a place where there was no decorum or respect or anything decent. Just a free for all where the worst parts of people were indulged, and watching KD plug a few bullets into Cormac when he spoke to how he was the one responsible for the death of her family, gave him an idea. Wherein perhaps this ugly world of assassins, where death was indeed the norm, could have decency and decorum, if the right man demanded it, at least on the grounds of the Continental and well… once this place was safe, and the fallen were mourned since not everyone made it out of the night alive… Winston made moves to make that happen. By putting the Adjudicator down and by making his intentions known to the High Table, giving rise to a new job for Winston and a new era for this iconic hotel. 

Which was, the perfect way to bring this series to a close. For our questions were answered, every loose thread was neatly wrapped up and of course… the heroes won the day and grew and found closure before our eyes. Plus, the action that took place here, was the stuff of legend. Since it was tense and put us on the edge of our seats and left us hooting and hollering with the epic nature of some of those fights. Such as the rooftop one between Yen and Gretel. But what mattered most, is that growth, since this battle formed Winston into the decent manager, we met years ago when we were introduced to this incredible universe, and hopefully… we get more stories from this universe down the line. Because it’s a big world out there, with plenty of other stories to tell, and this hotel could serve to funnel all of them our way. But while we wait to see lies ahead for the future of this franchise… we can revel in the majesty of a perfect finale. One that told a wondrous and engaging tale about the humble beginnings of honor among assassins.
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To learn more about the assembly of this dynamic series, check out our interviews with Lead Director & Executive Producer, Albert Hughes, and the show’s Fight Coordinator, Larnell Stovall.