Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Finale of ‘Ahsoka’. 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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One particular aspect of the Star Wars Universe that we collectively don’t discuss enough, is its bravery when it comes to telling its stories. Because it is, one of the few franchises out there that will throw caution to the wind and take incredible risks with its stories. Which has brought forth moments that divide fans but is welcome and refreshing. Since it means we will be treated to real storytelling surprises, such as seeing heroes turn into the same jaded individuals that everyday people can when life doesn’t go their way, or we are treated to love stories for the ages. But of the many unique risks that this franchise takes, there it is one it indulges in often, one that the season finale of Ashoka on Disney+, took part in.
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For ‘Part Eight: The Jedi, The Witch, and The Warlord’ happened to be a story that served to remind us that sometimes… the heroes in these stories, don’t always get what they want, and sometimes, they outright lose. And it reminded us of that message shortly after giving us… one epic and incredible battle between Grand Admiral Thrawn and Ahsoka Tano’s newly formed, mini-Jedi Order. For Ezra built himself a new lightsaber, one that paid tribute to Kanan Jarrus no less, and once he had his new gear in hand, the trio made their way to Thrawn’s location to stop him from returning to their home galaxy and met some incredible resistance along the way. For Thrawn tried to blow them out of the sky, and when that didn’t work, he tried turbo lasers and when that didn’t work… well he dove deep into a unique bag of tricks. Because he could not stop this trio. 

Which allowed for another big moment to come to life in Star Wars Canon. Because in order to properly delay the Jedi long enough for Thrawn and his lackeys to depart, the wily Grand Admiral had the Mothers… bring the dead back to life. For the Jedi quickly tore through his forces, and well… that which cannot die not only strikes fear into the hearts of one’s opponent but slows them down considerably. But more importantly, we saw Death Troopers finally come to fruition in the SWU, and it was glorious and well… that part of the plan, helped the villains of the story greatly. Since it kept Sabine and Ahsoka on the ground, fighting the undead and Morgan, to the point where Thrawn was able to get into the air. And while our heroes did indeed chase him valiantly, it was too little too late and Grand Admiral Thrawn returned to his home galaxy and Dathomir to do nefarious things.

Ergo… the bad guy won in this tale. In fact, the only positive here was that Ezra did get aboard that rotten old Star Destroyer, and escaped Thrawn’s clutches. Allowing for him to swing by the New Republic and greet an old friend and warn of things to come. Which made, for a unique ending for certain, one that will undoubtedly stir some controversy, as will the coda to this tale. Since it saw a pair of Fallen Jedi take unique paths on that barren world. Wherein one desperately worked to belong and lead while the other searched for that mysterious power. And of course, our heroes just made do. Yet, they were content in their decision to save Ezra and the outcome, for it was as they saw it… the will of the Force and that, is where we leave Ahsoka Tano, and Sabine Wren and Huyang. Alive and thriving on a foreign world, and watched over by the Chosen One, and that was indeed… a unique and fascinating way to end this story.

In part because it does leave the door open for more of Ahsoka’s adventures, and more answers. And clearly, the franchise is indeed invested in Grand Admiral Thrawn and bringing the Heir to the Empire saga to either the small or large screen, depending upon what the brain trust decides. But if by chance, there is no second season granted, we will be left with a story that saw a pair of broken heroes, reassembled, and who did right by an old friend and did enough to warn the New Republic of a grand and horrifying threat before losing to the villain. Which is quite non-traditional, but that is what this franchise does. After all, the prequel trilogy ended with darkness, the Empire won the day in Episode V, and love it or hate it, The Last Jedi took some risks. Making this nothing short of the right ending from a saga that has no qualms surprising us and truly… it was quite the magnificent ride. One that offered up a bevy of amazing and iconic moments, and a wondrous story of redemption.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine 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 actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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When we last settled in to discuss the magnificent Peacock series, Twisted Metal, we posed some important questions regarding the show’s titular character, John Doe. For John lost his beloved car in that tale and sacrificed so much before her untimely end and well… we simply were left wondering if this was a growth moment for John. If he was going to learn that things aren’t important and that people and experiences matter more and well, the good news is… that the next episode in this fascinating journey, wasted little time in offering up the answers to our questions. As it turned out, John did learn those all-important lessons and that allowed for ‘R04DK11’ to take us upon one unique and moving journey toward California.
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For once John realized that Quiet meant the world to him, and that adventures with her mattered more over the ride they were traversing the country within, he also realized he needed to set things right and when he stumbled upon a CB Radio, he made an important call. One to the Convoy. Who picked John up and then made their way to Quiet. To save her from a scavenger and save the cargo, since it turned out she lifted it from EV3L1N before she burned brightly. Which gave John the chance to apologize and make amends and well… that went poorly. Because Quiet was rightfully mad, and her PTSD was triggered over being abandoned. Which meant John needed to do something to make her feel special, and loved, and he worked on that while some big things were brewing elsewhere in the nation.

Because out there, in the world, Sweet Tooth was continuing his rampage, and rightfully so. Because one doesn’t simply take a shot at a clown as out there at Sweet Tooth and get away with it, and well… his attacks and the fact that John and Quiet were still out there… prompted Agent Stone to gather his law squad into one central location. One he believed that John and Quiet would have to come through and one that Sweet Tooth would likely find as well. Which would allow for one powerful final battle to take place, and that meant… everyone was making preparations for war in this tale, but the prep that mattered most, was the one that John was undertaking aboard the Convoy. For he had a new car and needed to get it street ready for combat and well… therein lie his chance to do right by Quiet.

Which was why, he assembled custom elements into the car, so that Quiet would feel at home and be part of his ride and his life and that kind gesture… allowed for them to finally talk openly. Wherein they learned what they really meant to one another, before they planned for a future together, and this was just wonderful to see play out. Because it brought forth growth for John and Quiet, and they worked to genuinely heal old wounds here and well, this could not have happened at a better time. Because once this duo declared their love for one another, they set out toward California and traveled through Stone’s blockade. Only to learn… that Stone and his lackeys were waiting for them, and that revelation and the arrival of a flaming Sweet Tooth, ready for combat… set the stage for one epic season finale.

One that might potentially give us a grand recreation of the game’s demolition derby, blow everything up dynamic and that… would be amazing. The RPG cherry on top if you will. Especially after the wonder of one quality character tale. One that offered up growth for the main characters and redemption in a way, and of course, has us all set to enjoy that finale. Wherein we will finally see who will be left standing after weeks of battles and back and forth and attempts on lives, before letting us know how things play out for Quiet and John if they get to San Francisco. Because let’s be honest, there’s no guarantees a series this bold will let everyone make it to the finish line alive, or at all. Especially when chaos rules the land. Which means the only way to know who lives, and who dies and how this journey ends, is to hit play on the season finale and revel in the end of this amazing journey. Until next time.

This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labor of the actors currently on strike, the shows being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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If one is a parent, it is never too early to start thinking ahead as to what kinds of television programming one’s children should be watching during the winter season. Simply because, they’ll be indoors more with the weather turning cold, and that means more TV time and that also means, an opportunity to present to them, the right kind of programming. The kind that is entertaining and engaging and educational as well and that is why Apple TV+ is regarded as of one of the pioneers in such matters. For not only do they provide families with amazing programming that meets those criteria, but they also help parents plan, as evidenced by today’s announcement.

For earlier, Apple TV+ released its Winter 2023 Kids & Family Programming Lineup. Allowing for parents to get a head start on what they want their kids to be watching during the chilly holiday season and well, we’d be foolish to not point out that families and anyone eager to see some fine holiday programming are in for a treat. After all, a new version of The Velveteen Rabbit will be debuting on the network this winter, and we get more Snoopy specials alongside several more unique specials, and well… since you’re here to get your family viewing schedule ready, or are curious as to what else Apple is bringing to the table this winter, here is the complete Kids & Family lineup for you, courtesy of Apple TV+.

‘In celebration of the holiday season, Apple TV+ today announced a festive lineup of all-new kids and family programming featuring the debut of the heartwarming Apple Original special “The Velveteen Rabbit,” based on the beloved children's classic written by Margery Williams, launching on November 22, plus brand new holiday-themed episodes from beloved series including “The Snoopy Show,” “Frog and Toad,” and “Shape Island,” premiering globally December 1 and a special New Year’s Eve themed episode of “Sago Mini Friends” on December 22.
 
Apple TV+ will also provide special free windows for nonsubscribers to stream the iconic holiday specials from Mendelson/Melendez Productions and Peanuts Worldwide, including “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” available Saturday, October 21 through Sunday, October 22; “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” available Saturday, November 18 through Sunday, November 19; and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” available Saturday, December 16 through Sunday, December 17. These specials are available to subscribers now and every day.’

The full lineup for Apple TV+ kids and family holiday fare (in chronological order):

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” - Stream for Free Saturday, October 21 to Sunday, October 22  
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Join the Peanuts gang for a timeless adventure as Charlie Brown preps for a party, Snoopy sets his sights on the Red Baron and Linus patiently awaits a pumpkin patch miracle.

50th Anniversary of “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” - Stream for Free Saturday, November 18 to Sunday, November 19 
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Celebrating 50 years of this Peanuts classic, Peppermint Patty invites everyone to Charlie Brown's for Thanksgiving, even though he's going to see his grandmother. Snoopy decides to cook his own version of a Thanksgiving meal with help from his friends.

"The Velveteen Rabbit" - Premieres Wednesday, November 22
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Based on the treasured, classic children’s book by Margery Williams, “The Velveteen Rabbit” celebrates the magic of unconditional love. When seven-year-old William receives a new favorite toy for Christmas, he discovers a lifelong friend and unlocks a world of magic. The 40-minute special from Apple TV+ and produced by Magic Light Pictures introduces Phoenix Laroche (“The Royal Nanny”) starring as William alongside an all-star cast including the voices of Alex Lawther (“Andor”) as the Velveteen Rabbit, Helena Bonham Carter (“The Crown,” “Harry Potter) as Wise Horse, Nicola Coughlan (“Bridgerton”) as Playroom Fairy, Bethany Antonia (“House of Dragon”) as Female Rabbit, Lois Chimimba (“Still Up”) as Car, Paterson Joseph (“Vigil”) as King, Clive Rowe (“So Awkward”) as Lion, Nathaniel Parker (“The Inspector Lynley Mysteries”) as Male Rabbit, Tilly Vosburgh (“Inside Man”) as Momo as well as Samantha Colley (“Genius”) as Mother. Magic Light Pictures co-founder Martin Pope produces (Academy Award nominee “The Gruffalo” and BAFTA & International Emmy winning “Revolting Rhymes”) with a screenplay by Tom Bidwell, creator of the BAFTA- and International Emmy-nominated “My Mad Fat Diary” and the Oscar-nominated short “Wish 143.”

"Frog and Toad" Christmas Special - Premieres Friday, December 1
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In “Christmas Eve”, Frog and Toad are looking forward to spending the winter holiday together, but a last-minute errand into town sidetracks Frog, causing Toad to wonder if his best friend will make it home in time. An Apple TV+ original series based on the beloved book series by Arnold Lobel, “Frog and Toad” are not at all alike. Frog likes new adventures. Toad likes the comforts of home. Yet despite their differences, Frog and Toad are always there for each other—as best friends should be. The talented voice cast includes Academy Award winner Nat Faxon ("Our Flag Means Death," "The Connors") and Emmy Award nominee Kevin Michael Richardson ("The Simpsons," "Family Guy") as Frog and Toad, as well as appearances by Ron Funches ("Trolls"), Fortune Feimster ("Good Fortune"), Cole Escola ("At Home with Amy Sedaris"), Aparna Nancherla ("The Great North"), John Hodgman ("Up Here"), Yvette Nicole Brown ("Disenchanted"), Stephen Tobolowsky ("The Goldbergs"), Emmy Award nominee Tom Kenny ("SpongeBob SquarePants"), Selene Luna ("Coco," “Mayans M.C.”), Emmy Award nominee Margaret Cho (“Fire Island”) and Betsy Sodaro ("Duncanville," “Tiny Toons”). 

“The Snoopy Show” Christmas Special - Premieres Friday, December 1 
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In “Happiness is Holiday Traditions,” Snoopy searches for the perfect tree topper; Woodstock gets trapped in a window display; and Snoopy and Woodstock visit Spike for Christmas. An Apple TV+ original series from Peanuts and WildBrain, “The Snoopy Show” gives the world’s most iconic dog his close-up and dives into new adventures with the happy-dancing, high-flying, big-dreaming beagle, who’s joined by best friend Woodstock and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Josh Scherba, Anne Loi, Stephanie Betts, Paige Braddock, Craig Schulz and Mark Evestaff serve as executive producers. Alex Galatis serves as executive story editor.

"Shape Island" Winter Special - Premieres Friday, December 1
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“Shape Island,” the acclaimed stop motion series for kids and families based on the internationally bestselling trilogy of Shapes picture books written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen, is back on December 1 with an all-new holiday special titled “The Winter Blues.” The chilly season leaves Square feeling sad, so Circle and Triangle try to cheer him up by creating a new holiday: Yeti Night. The clever, funny and inspiring stop-motion animated series from Apple TV+ takes place on a charming island and invites viewers to join serious Square, intrepid Circle and tricky Triangle on their silly adventures as they dig up some fun, search for answers and build on their friendship — all while learning how to navigate each other’s differences. “Shape Island” shows kids that friendship can take many shapes. The series features the beloved familiar voices of Gideon Adlon (“Blockers”), Scott Adsit (“30 Rock”), Harvey Guillén (“What We Do in the Shadows”), and Yvette Nicole Brown (“Disenchanted”). “Shape Island” was co-created by Barnett and Klassen, who serve as executive producers alongside Bix Pix Entertainment’s Emmy Award-winners Kelli Bixler and Drew Hodges. Ryan Pequin serves as co-executive producer and head writer. 

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” - Stream for Free Saturday, December 16 to Sunday, December 17 
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In this beloved Peanuts special, feeling down about the commercialism of Christmas, Charlie Brown becomes the director of the gang's holiday play. Can he overcome his friends’ preference for dancing over acting, find the “perfect” tree and discover the true meaning of Christmas?

"Sago Mini Friends" New Year’s Eve Special - Premieres Friday, December 22
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In an all-new holiday special titled “New Year’s Steve,” Harvey makes a wish to stay awake until midnight when a firefly swoops in to help—and kickstarts a scavenger hunt for the whole crew. The series is an adorable nod to gratitude, featuring Harvey the floppy-eared dog and his best friends, Jinja the cat, Jack the rabbit, and Robin the bird. Along with a unique cast of residents as colorful as their own whimsical world, the four friends play, explore, imagine and celebrate daily in their joyful town of Sagoville. In each episode, Harvey and all his friends express their true thankfulness for all things, big and small, through optimism, kindness, preschool-friendly humor and unforgettable original songs! “Sago Mini Friends” is executive produced by Daytime Emmy Award nominees Jennifer Dodge (“PAW Patrol”), Ronnen Harary (“PAW Patrol”), Tone Thyne (“Wonder Pets!”), and Dustin Ferrer (“Esme & Roy”). Daytime Emmy Award nominees Laura Clunie (“PAW Patrol”), and Toni Stevens (“PAW Patrol”) serve as co-executive producers, with Chad Hicks (“Kingdom Force”) as series director. The series is produced by Daytime Emmy Award-nominated Spin Master Entertainment (“PAW Patrol”) and animated by 9 Story Media Group’s Emmy Award-winning studio Brown Bag Films. Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, distinguished professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside and expert in the science of happiness, serves as the gratitude expert on the series through Apple TV+’s changemakers initiative.
 
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 earned 371 wins and 1,538 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic 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 $6.99 per month. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free. For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.
 
*New and qualified returning subscribers only. $6.99/month after free trial. Only one offer per Apple ID and only one offer per family if you’re part of a Family Sharing group, regardless of the number of devices you or your family purchases. This offer is not available if you or your Family have previously accepted an Apple TV+ three months free or one year free offer. Offer good for 3 months after eligible device activation. Plan automatically renews until canceled. Restrictions and other terms apply.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three 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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One important lesson that each and every one of us absolutely need to learn in this life, is that we reap what we sow. And what makes this lesson so important, is that teaches us so much more than causality. For it teaches us the value of hard work for instance. After all, if we put in the hours and work our tail off… we will be rewarded handsomely somewhere down the line. Provided of course, the job isn’t toxic in nature. But it also teaches us some valuable life lessons about personal interactions. Since this is the kind of lesson that informs us that when put effort and good energy into our relationships both romantic and casual, we will be rewarded by way of strong bonds that will support us in our time of need and provide us with so much on an emotional level. But of course… there are some unfortunate results that come forth from this if we don’t recognize that this lesson is designed to put us on a wholesome path.
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Because if we ignore it and put in a lot of negative energy into the world and cause harm to others, that will come home to roost. In a manner that leaves us emotionally shattered or alone and potentially destitute. Because of the fact that people don’t stand for dealing with others that put that into the world. If anything, the paths this can take us upon is top of mind today, simply because it served as the central theme of the next episode of Mrs Sidhu Investigates on Acorn TV. A feat that ‘Killer App’ accomplished by once again surprising us. For this week’s murder mystery involved the horrific death of a tech company’s CEO. Wherein he was strangled brutally right before a major merger took place, which made it seem as though… Mrs. Sidhu, the company’s new in-house chef, was about to deal with a story grounded in greed.

After all, there were shady figures abound in this place, all of whom had financial reasons to go after the CEO and his chair. But as the case continued along, both DCI Burton and Mrs. Sidhu came to realize… that this was something far deeper. This was something related to revenge and a deep-seated fury in someone’s soul and through some hard digging on Mrs. Sidhu’s part… she came to learn that the CEO… reaped what he had sown. Because in order to bring his company to prominence, he cut a lot of corners, hurt a lot of people and raised capital through some horrible measures. Specifically, by posing to be a broken man from another land that was in desperate need of money on a dating app, and once he had the cash in hand, he ghosted his mark… invested in his company and thought nothing of it. But what he wasn’t prepared for, was having a victim remember that act, and use their vast resources to track him down and learn his identity get close enough to him… to kill him.

Which was… the ultimate way to hammer home what happens when we don’t learn what that lesson is designed to teach us. Since ignoring it truly does hurt people and leaves so many in a rough place when they have placed their trust in an individual, they thought would offer them kindness. But what mattered more, is that this story didn’t just focus on the darkness and the cautionary aspect of that. For we also saw how good things come to us when we actually learn the lesson, through Mrs. Sidhu’s unique journey here. Since she was in a reflective place in this tale, thanks to an attempt to get back into the dating game herself, and well… the reaction from Tez here, informed her… that she had done right by her son. She taught him the value of love and of building a real relationship. Not to mention, face time with the killer taught her, she was on the right path as a person, despite adversity. Since she was in a far better place than the killer was heading to. Because she was doing good in the world now and she was even fostering a healthy friendship with DCI Burton, one that was helping him heal along the way. 

All of which made, for a beautifully cerebral and satisfying story. One that really did offer grand perspective on causality and karma, in a unique and engaging manner. Because we would be remiss to not point out that writer/creator Suk Pannu once again put together an amazing case for us to enjoy. One that kept us guessing at every turn, and surprised us every step of the way, and that locked us into the message at hand and that’s not a bad thing. Because it is nice to be reminded that we get out what we put in, and well now, that we’ve reached the end of this brilliant tale, we are left eager for more. More of this show’s humanity, realism, and beautiful messaging, and it will be interesting to see what kind of incredible case awaits us when season one of this magnificent show wraps up next week. Until then.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eight 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 actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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There are some hard lessons we learn in this life, but few of them rival the difficult day when we learn that material possessions simply do not matter. Which may seem like a silly lesson to learn in this life, one that we should have come across early in childhood, but it is an important one. Because it frees us in many ways and teaches us so much about valuing life over anything else, but it does take a big moment of heartbreak. Because there are items from our childhood and our adulthood that have great meaning and power for us. And this modern world cherishes things over people to begin with. So no, it isn’t just some fly by night lesson that we quickly assimilate in our minds when the item we love breaks and/or disintegrates.
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It takes time, it takes a touch of grief to process this moment, and it, and its power is top of mind today, because John Doe was forced to learn it, in the next episode of Twisted Metal on Peacock. Which made ‘EV3L1N’, quite the unique tale, one that put John in distress almost immediately. For while he and Quiet were cruising through Colorado, some lighthearted ribbing on Quiet’s part and some toying with the one picture that carried John’s past, led to disaster. Because the picture was lost to the winds for a moment, and while they were looking for it… the infamous Holy Men stole EV3L1N. Which forced John and Quiet to track her down because John was not letting that car go and that led to more heartbreak and more trouble down the line.

Simply because, they found the car, at a Holy Man shindig. One filled with drugs, and more drugs, and some light BDSM and Domination for the men of the cloth, and the craziest damn preacher this side of the Mississippi. Who was high as a kite, as angry as Agent Stone and the importance of mentioning him, relates to the fact that he was the new recipient of EV3L1N, and that made him… well… hot to trot. As in… he literally wanted to make sweet love to the car and that brought about a grand fight for her honor. One where John took a beating and required an assist from Quiet to find victory and even then, this was costly. Because at the end of the battle, she was set ablaze and exploded and Quiet’s desperate attempt to get John way from the car, failed miserably. Instead, he only wanted to be with EV3L1N’s bones and sulk, and well… therein lie that lesson. 

For we came to learn that when John was a boy and still lost in this world, she provided him with shelter and comfort and of course… a means to move about the world and eventually… a chance to live, to thrive. And clearly, they saw a lot of miles and shared a lot of moments and well… in that moment, it made sense why John was so tied to this car. Because up until recently, he had nothing. Just her, and well letting go of that and learning that Quiet and other matters were of far more importance, was not easy to mentally embrace. But we have to lose the thing and grieve over it, and we learn during that process what matters more and that… is where this story left John. In that dark place where we come to understand what matters most, and hopefully… John doesn’t take too long to reach that epiphany.

Because he has pieces to pick up and apologies to make. Especially to Quiet since she risked life and limb for him and of course… John needs to deal with the reality, that his cargo may have been destroyed in the explosion and he will need newfound strength to reconcile the reality that New San Francisco may remain a fever dream. But while we wait to see what comes next for John, we can celebrate a brilliant episode. One that really did showcase something we see as pedantic or silly, as important, and it did so… in an epic manner. One complete with an amazing Jason Mantzoukas cameo. Because he really sold the madness of the Preacher as only, he can and well, in the end, this episode just serves to remind us that this is hands down, one of the most refreshing video game adaptations to grace the airwaves and this journey leaves us eager for more. So, we can see what other unique lessons await us as John Doe’s difficult voyage west continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Six Finale of ‘Ride with Norman Reedus’. 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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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about how season six of Ride with Norman Reedus on AMC, has done a phenomenal job of exploring vastly different reasons that people travel to other parts of the world or our own backyard. Since we’ve come to learn that sometimes an adventure into the world is to learn, and really explore locations that are a mystery to us. Or people head out into the world to learn from their friends and learn what a certain place means to them. Or it could be related to a need to find meaning and direction in life and getting lost in a beautiful location far from home… one that has a rich history regarding the human experience… is the perfect way to make that happen. 
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But for the season six finale of the show, Norman and his creative team opted to explore a far simpler reason that people opt to hit the road or travel somewhere they’ve never been. In that, they do so, simply because it has captured someone’s eye and made them curious about what exactly calls to them about that location, and well, that’s precisely why Norman opted to hit the road in Portugal with his good friend, Adri Law. To see it, to see why it captivated Norman from the get-go and that made ‘Portugal: A Journey from Lisbon to Porto’, quite the satisfying season finale. One that informed Adri and Norman, that Portugal is one of the last few places in the world… that remains somewhat untouched by the modern world. 

Because so many of its cities operate in a manner that defies modern convention. For it has roads that are not motorcycle friendly. Requiring people to use TukTuk’s to get around to some places, and of course… a great deal of the cuisine in this nation is localized and lovely in its own right. Plus, Norman and Adri often encountered a great deal of people and businesses that were grounded in the roots of their own town, and those businesses were thriving. Something rare in this era of gentrification and of course… the beauty in this country is nothing short of breathtaking. For its skies are free from smog, its oceans clear and blue. Which makes Portugal almost a place that is frozen in a moment in time, and that was what caught Norman’s eye and called to him, the simplicity of this country.

But of course, it is a country facing challenges. Because in a world of eight billion people, where so many of them are interconnected through the internet… the secret is out. People have heard of the beauty and the simplicity and that is leading to conflict. Because so much tourism is staring to put a squeeze on local industries, since some fishermen now have to compete with surfers where the waves are both fruitful and tasty, and of course… it’s driving jobs away and driving locals out. Giving rise to a split. Wherein some who live here lament the change that is coming to their home, while others see it as nothing less than a blessing. Since people want to be where they live with pride, and it keeps an economy booming. Which means Portugal faces some tough battles down the road, all because people have discovered what Norman discovered in this tale.

In that, it really is a place of great beauty, where life slows down and where stories and moments matter over likes and deadlines, and that’s special. And all it takes to discover that kind of oasis and that kind of peace, is to listen when a faraway place calls to us. So that we can properly explore its wonder and enjoy all the majesty it has to offer, and well… really… the only complaint this writer can offer about this journey, is that it signals the end of one phenomenal season of storytelling. For we have indeed reached the end of the line for season six and that’s a shame. For Norman tapped into some powerful stuff this year, and hopefully this finale and everything that came before it is a harbinger of things to come. But while we wait for season seven, we can celebrate one amazing year of storytelling. One that truly offered up new perspective regarding how and why people travel about the tiny little blue ball we call home. Until next time.