Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season 24 Premiere of ‘Law & Order’. To revisit the Season 23 Finale, click here. Also, this article contains discussions of domestic violence and suicide, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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One unfortunate truth about our world that few of us ever like to admit to or face… is the sheer fact that sometimes the bad guys win. Because our world is imperfect, courtesy of the imperfect beings we are and the imperfect systems we have set up to hold people accountable. Which does indeed allow for evil to slip through the cracks and continue to thrive in the world and that is tough to swallow. Because we believe in justice for all, and that is why so many crime shows and movies… make sure the bad guy loses. To give us that catharsis and give us the sense of justice we sometimes crave. But what’s incredible is that not every crime story abides by that rule.

Take Law & Order on NBC for instance. For this is a series that explores corners of the justice system that are painfully real. Wherein the ugly of our world is echoed and where the bad guys sometimes win. To provide us with a story that can help us to cope with that reality in far more healthy ways than wanting to escape, as evidenced by last night’s season twenty-four premiere. Although, it did not seem as though that was going to be the case early on in ‘Catch and Kill’. Since we learned that Price won his election and returned to the office no problem. Making it seem as though a decent status quo was on the horizon. But the death of a city lawyer named Macy, took this story down the frustrating but realistic path in question.

Simply because, a quick look at who might have harmed Macy, turned out to be a waste of time. For there were no external suspects and the fine work of the new Lieutenant, one Jessica Brady, helped to narrow the team’s focus to look at what wasn’t obvious at first, that it might be someone she knew, she loved. Such as her fiancé, a man named Dylan Phipps, who had a bit of a temper and seemed a bit suspicious and well, through some digging, they came to learn… he beat Macy on a regular basis and worked with a scuzzy journalist to cover up any clues that he might have done so. Which likely meant, he was the culprit and once confronted with that, he was quick to take his own life rather than face time in jail. For he did indeed brutally kill Macy. Which made it seem as though that was how the bad guy got away, by quietly dying and keeping the truth out of the public eye.

But ADA Maroun wanted justice and convinced both Baxter and Price to go after the journalist, a jerk named Lane and hold him accountable to being an accomplice. A move that Price loved and eventually… solid evidence came forth and it looked like Lane was going away for a long time. But his deep pockets and his desire to evade any ounce of accountability, ensured that he was going to walk. A move that infuriated Maroun, especially since she experienced a similar horror in her past through her sister’s passing and that prompted her to understandably explode, and plot. Plot to take down Lane herself and lose her job if needed. But thankfully, Baxter stepped in and saved her from doing something career destructive, but that did not make the outcome any better for her.  Because Lane was going to walk, and justice would not happen.

But alas, that is the truth of the world. Sometimes these pieces of trash have money, and they use it to wield power and help evil prevail and they know how best to game the system and evade justice. Which is an awful thing to type, an awful thing to read or hear aloud and it leaves us to wonder how best to fix things so guys like Lane don’t enjoy freedom after hurting people and the answer is simple… reform. We have to tighten up the rules and fix the laws so that these kinds of things cannot happen. But that will take time, and all we can do in the meantime, is do as Baxter asked of Maroun, and keep plugging away and being better people and doing our best to enact change. Which is not a perfect answer, but if enough people do it… change will come, and all of this made for a powerful opening chapter to a new season from one of the boldest crime shows to ever hit the airwaves. Until next time.

​Please enjoy this sneak peek of the season two premiere of Curses! Which debuts on Apple TV+ tomorrow!

It doesn’t matter how much television you’ve watched throughout the years, and how savvy a viewer you’ve become… when a show reaches its sophomore season, it brings forth a real sense of worry. Simply because year two of a show is more or less a make-or-break moment for a series, for several reasons. Because this is where the show can establish itself as a sustainable series if it can provide the audience with everything, they loved in season one, combined with some growth and a little envelope pushing in a balanced manner. Yet so many shows fail to do that and fall out of balance or just take things in a different direction, wasting potential and that is what creates that nervousness.

Which is why there is likely that touch of worry in everyone’s gut regarding season 2 of Found on NBC, which debuts tonight on the network. Because the season one finale took some big swings and let Sir out of his well-deserved cage, and well, the dynamic between Gabi and Sir was a big selling point for the show. Especially since Sir was forced to atone for his sins by helping Gabi find missing individuals, and that dynamic changing, is one that creates a sense of worry, since that could throw this whole story out of whack. But with the show returning tonight, we thought it best to assuage some of those fears and inform all of you, that the show’s sophomore season is instead, a stellar season of storytelling that uses that twist to its advantage.

Because Sir does not disappear this season, he’s still out there, and still plays a central role to the story and that spoils nothing. Because we won’t discuss the how, of that. Instead, we will talk about the fact that his escape allows for some dynamic adventures to take place. The kind that are grounded in a lot of what made season one so great. With Gabi and her team searching for missing people and searching for the monster as well. Which gives rise to everything we love, with some twists and turns to keep things interesting in season two. And that alone makes this new season worthwhile and fun to watch. But the majesty of this new season of storytelling, doesn’t end with changes to Sir’s standing in the series and his ability to now lurk in the shadows. 

For this change allows for the story to focus a little more on Gabi’s past and the impact that her time with Sir had upon her. Which means we are treated to storylines that explore the importance of the support network she’s created around herself, and that will play into examinations of residual trauma and its impact upon Gabi and others. Which allows for this series to dig into some supremely intelligent concepts, the kind that may offer a guide for those in need of healing and in need of direction when they’re hurting. Because that’s what good television that focuses on the dark, does. It also provides a light in the darkness and it is nice to see that handled in season two in a realistic manner, and there’s still plenty more to be excited about here.

Because this talented cast, are fully aware of who their characters are now, and they truly inhabit them and what they stand for. Which gives rise to some amazing performances, which is saying something. Since Shanola Hampton (Gabi) and Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Sir) were at the top of their game in season one. But that comfort allows for them to try new things with their performances and go to new places and all of these elements combine to bring forth a stellar second season. One that does indeed push the envelope, but never loses sight of what makes this show so great, and we cannot wait to continue the journey with all of you, in the weeks to come.

Nerds That Geek was also able to attend the NBC Segment of the Television Critics Association 2024 Summer Press Tour, where ‘Found’ was showcased and where Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll, and stars Shanola Hampton (Gabi), Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Sir), and Kelli Williams (Margaret), offered the following thoughts on season two’s design, character arcs and motivations, and Kelli Williams’ time in the director’s chair.

Nkechi Okoro Caroll: “We’re very much similar to season one in that it is, what I like to call, a character-cedural, so we’re still going to have a case of the week. We’re still going to have that engine of sort of completing  -- reaching a point of completion with our cases every week, but its got a significant serialized portion. I mean, Sir’s out on the loose wrecking havoc. Mark-Paul is having way too much fun doing that so that will definitely maintain as part of the show, but we still have our case of the week. We will still have that satisfying puzzle that we want the audience to join us in solving every week.”

Mark-Paul Gosselaar: “My intent is just to have the connection that I have with Gabrielle. That’s basically it. Any sort of connection that I can have with Gabrielle is good enough for Sir, whether that’s in the basement, out in the open, but just to have something that keeps us together, in any capacity.”

Shanola Hampton: “I mean, well, I will say that it's been -- what I love about what NK and Sonay and all of the writers do is -- and what we have the luxury -- thank you to NBC -- of 22 episodes, we don't wrap things up in a little bow in one or two episodes. So the healing process, as in life, takes time.”

Kelli Williams: “Well, I've only acted in one other show as a director at the same time.  I was primarily directing just full-time and not acting, so I'm back to that challenge of sort of splitting my brain.  It'll be interesting to have my castmates, see how they respond to me because it's a strange feeling to be in a scene but also watching but also not watching in that sort of more-like-giving-notes way. So, I might have to check back with you later, and I'm in prep at the moment, so I'm already thinking -- I'm talking about things backstage with NK. I'm pitching her ideas.  I think it's going to be fun because our group, we get along so well, and I think that everyone is excited and supportive.  And, of course, I'm going to mess with them a little bit, right?”

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 12002 of ‘Chicago P.D.’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that our better understanding of mental health and the various ailments that can impair it, and popular media, have aided in helping us to realize that holding onto trauma is something that is severely negative in nature. Because trauma does bring about toxic behaviors that can impact our lives in all the wrong ways. Since it can cause us to harm others and harm ourselves in ways that are supremely unique, and stories and science really are doing an amazing job of hammering home the dangers of keeping it around. But it does leave one to wonder… is there any kind of positive angle to trauma? Can it in fact, do anything worthwhile for people before it begins to erode their lives into something dull?

Well, believe it or not, the answer is yes to those questions. But only under the right circumstances, it can basically be used as a survival mechanism. Because its strength can propel people forward to get through some supremely tough times, and it can help them focus and complete major tasks. Because at its peak, it ignites something within us, and for proof… look no further than last night’s episode of Chicago P.D. on NBC. For ‘Blood Bleeds Blue’ saw Voight and Ruzek harness its power to get through quite the dramatic series of events. For this episode picked up immediately after last week’s ugly ending, where Martel and Ruzek were being shot at and well, we came to learn that Martel did not survive her wounds, and that the bullet that hit her, came from a domestic violence dispute in a nearby house.

Wherein a real piece of work shot his ex-wife and kidnapped their son, and in the process, killed a cop. Which meant, the department sprung to action, with Ruzek leading the charge and Voight and Platt backing him up at the office, and well… that brought about… one intense tale. One that plunged us into the heart of a citywide manhunt. Where we came to learn that the offender was hoping to also murder his children in an effort to exert full control over the family he lost. Which added a sense of urgency to the hunt, one that took the team all over the city before they finally were able to corner the monster and put him down in an unexpected manner. But not before saving both of his kids and their mother, giving rise to a semi-happy ending that showcased the theme in question… in the middle of the manhunt.

Because Ruzek was badly traumatized by Martel’s death, and visibly shaken at times, and of course, we know Voight is suffering from a form of PTSD after his harrowing encounter. But in this moment, they both used it to survive, to fight, and that did give them reason to focus, reason to move forward. So that they could solve this case, help someone, and likely believe they could heal a bit of themselves in the process. Which isn’t possible, but that’s a discussion for another day. Because what matters more here, is that this episode did showcase how trauma can be used for good, and how it can drive a person to accomplish wonders when it is fresh and used to push someone forward. But sadly… that moment never lasts and what we are left with when the task is accomplished, is that pain.

Which we saw Ruzek experience when the job was done and the scare was over, and of course… once Voight lets go, he too will be faced with the pain of yesterday. Giving rise to the reality that both men have a hard road ahead, but while we wait to see if and how they deal with the horrors they experienced here, we can celebrate one intense and intelligent tale. Since we don’t see shows ponder upon this rare and somewhat reckless truth about the power of fresh trauma, but it was welcome and fit properly. Since it didn’t glorify it, just informed us, and now that this journey has come to a close, it’s onto the next one and likely more tough days for these incredible officers, as they slowly put the pieces back together in the department and hopefully work to heal their traumas before they begin to poison them. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 13002 of ‘Chicago Fire’. To revisit the Season Thirteen Premiere, click here.

In our minds, change is nothing more than a temporary obstacle in life. One that inconveniences and puts things out of sorts for a time as we gently move it out of the way, by embracing it and learning what it tries to tell us in that moment. All so we can move forward, and we only give it more thought when it steps into the middle of our road once again. Which is, a fair way to think and deal with change, since it simplifies it for us, but it is not the way to approach it mentally every time we encounter it. Because sometimes, change is less of a big boulder in our path and more of a delicate domino display, one that sets so much in motion when the first domino of change is tapped.

Which can lead to all kinds of surprises and uncomfortable and complex matters for us to face as cascading change arrives and well… this particular truth about change is top of mind today, because it showed up during last night’s episode of Chicago Fire on NBC. For ‘Ride the Blade’ was a story that saw Firehouse 51, try to get back to a sense of normalcy with a new chief in place. As though change was over with, and things could proceed as normal until something big came along, down the line. Which meant, Herrmann was back to just enjoying the day and doing his own thing in between saving lives, which ruffled some feathers but kept a status quo going and reinforced that belief that Chief Pasqual was just one big lump of change to overcome.

In fact, everyone was so comfortable, that Severide was willing to overlook a stupid mistake on Damon’s part. To just keep life in the firehouse loose and fun. But alas, none of them understood that Pasqual’s arrival, was the domino effect of change, and his arrival and his desire to look at the firehouse in a different light, prompted everyone to realize… that more change was on the horizon, and they had to be the ones to enact it. For Hermann, that meant, owning up to the fact he could no longer be an everyday guy, he was a selected leader and needed to get in line and make Boden proud, and he made a grand commitment to move into senior leadership to do right by his former mentor, and even Severide knew that he needed to make some change.

Because he truly let Damon do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, and that was starting to bring about conflict in the firehouse since Cruz brought up the favoritism Damon was enjoying and letting him get away with murder was undermining leadership. So, Severide realized that he needed to set up and right the wrong he committed here by favoring family over the job, over his duty. So, he let Damon know that accountability was on the horizon and that one of them was going to have to leave the firehouse. All because Pasqual’s arrival really did inspire more change, since he exposed some bad behaviors that had developed without a chief in place and that made for quite the unique episode for certain.
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Simply because in a way, this show took the time to serialize a concept and explore it over the course of the past two weeks, and that’s rare, and it hinted at the possibility that perhaps more change will be on the horizon. Since we also came to learn in this story that Dom Pascal is not the flawless man, we thought he could be. He’s someone with a temper, who struggles with the fact that he has little control over anything in life outside of work, and that temper, could bring about a shift at the firehouse. But while we wait to see what comes of that, we can celebrate one lively tale. One that really did expand upon last week’s ideas in a dynamic manner; by using it to enrich the characters we love and give us a compelling episode and truly, it will be interesting to see where all this conflict and change takes us as this season continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1002 of ‘Chicago Med’. To revisit the Season Ten Premiere, click here.
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If there is one thing, we all hope for when great change comes to our workplace, it would be time to adjust. Because change at the workplace can be very unnerving and so much can happen so quickly when the top brass decides to shake things up. So, all we want, is to get that moment to breathe, to process and to adjust to everything that’s happened, and a fair number of us do. Since those changes do slow down and the new path is set out upon. But in some industries, change is a constant and there is no chance to process, one must simply roll with the punches and hope for the best, as evidenced by this week’s episode of Chicago Med on NBC.

For ‘Bite Your Tongue’ saw layoffs taking place at the hospital. Mainly because the board saw this as a chance to trim some fat, and a chance to shake things up and open a window for new employees to come into the fold. Especially with another hospital closing. But it was all handled so fast, that no one had time to adjust, and process the changes. They had work to do, plain and simple and work they most certainly did, but not without some measure of nervousness and trepidation. After all, a wrong step in this particularly perilous time might mean the end of one’s job. Forcing some to choose whether or not they should be bold or if they should be a little more compliant.

For instance, Dr. Frost was faced with an ugly issue. In that his patient was dying of cancer, and the only hope to extend his life was to perform a rough surgery that would rob him of his athletic skill. Something the patient’s parents were unwilling to discuss with him, and Frost felt he should know. A risky move that got him a fist to the face, since he chose to speak up. But it was a move that opened up lines of communication and allowed for a healthy decision to come forth. But there was risk involved here, because the initial response could have led to termination. But Lenox and Archer had his back and that helped him stick around, and speaking of that duo… they too had little time to adjust to the changes to their department, they simply got to work in a frosty manner… one that thawed courtesy of a surprise.

In that, they had linked cases and would have never known it had they stayed in their corners and attempted to maintain a status quo. But by adjusting on the fly and embracing change, they saved lives. If anything, the only constant in this story was the fact that Dr. Charles once again found himself advocating for a patient to accept mental treatment when they clearly needed it, only to have that rebuffed and end in disaster. Something we have seen far too often on this show since mental health is still taboo to so many. Plus, we also saw Dr. Ripley double down and do his best to keep his friend safe, despite being suspended for remaining silent on what happened that day. Because he really wanted to do the right thing in his mind, and that might not happen now, since Dr. Asher stepped in to protect him.

All of which brought forth, another delightful episode of this series. One that spoke to how some workplaces require us to just push ahead and deal with change as it comes, whether we like it or not. But that is how the hospital lifestyle goes, and it was nice to see that peppered in with the unique cases that we enjoy in this series, and the work that goes into solving every last one of them. Plus, it was equally as lovely to see Lenox and Archer find some common ground at last. If anything, the only sour spot here was Ripley’s path, since nothing is going his way. But that’s the route he chose, and it does leave us eager to see if he can overcome his troubles or if more ugliness awaits, as season ten of this dynamic and intriguing show continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Finale of ‘The Ark’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular type of science fiction story that we enjoy, yet have limited patience with, is the ‘lost in space’ story. Wherein a crew aboard a ship, be it small or large, are desperate to find a new home and bounce about the stars doing so. Which does bring about an enjoyable journey, since we are able to see the stars and visit new worlds and see that crew come together as one. But we also… don’t want them out there forever. Because then the story is as lost as the crew and it becomes a planet of the week type tale, and with no chance for the crew to grow, the audience will indeed step away and find something new to watch. Which is why, it is paramount that these stories do something with the search and why the season two finale of The Ark on SYFY is of note.

Simply because ‘Fortunate’ followed in the footsteps of the Lost in Space reboot and the reimaging of Battlestar Galactica. In that, the crew arrived at last at Trappist-1D and well, what they found there, was wondrous. Because there were multiple Ark vessels in orbit, and much of their payload had indeed deployed. Which meant below was a thriving colony that sat beneath an Earth-like sun, complete with fresh air and resources and a new world to explore. Of course, Captain Garnet and her crew explored the world with caution since there were concerns regarding the attempt on William Trust’s life, and the fact that Strickland was targeted as part of that attempt, and well… it was a wonderful thing that such caution was put into place.

Because something wasn’t quite right on this planet. Everyone was a little too happy, and a little too dismissive of the fact that Evelyn Maddox died on her way to the planet and well, there was good reason for that. For Evelyn was in fact, alive and well, and she had figured out how to control the colonists to do her bidding and give her a perfect world. In fact, she was so good at this now, that she managed to put the captain and the senior staff under her horrible spell. Which forced Ian to think fast and recruit an army to save the crew from a fate worse than death. Which thankfully, he was able to do, and that brought forth some real surprises. Since Kelly stepped in and stepped up to ensure that Maddox would never harm anyone ever again. That… brought an end to the madness of Evelyn Maddox and at last, put humanity on the path toward a new future and really, that’s where this finale shined.

For it spent a fair chunk of time, exploring the reality that humanity was about to be granted an honest second chance. One grounded in logic, one grounded in working together for a better tomorrow, and Sharon was ready to do more to make sure that everyone that escaped Earth could enjoy that second chance. Which was why, the crew was split up, so that some could stay on the planet to help the colonists built a brave new world, while Ark 1 would return to the stars to look for survivors. Because there were other landing sites chosen, and there were undoubtedly other ships still searching or they were damaged in some of the early fighting. So, who better than to save those crews, than the one that went the extra mile to keep so many safe.

A move that truly did, bring forth satisfying closure to this chapter of the story. Because just like that, our heroes came together as one, found ways to work together against adversity and mended fractures. Not to mention, they saved a colony from a monster and set the stage for a better tomorrow, all in two season’s time. Giving the audience what it wants, when it comes to this kind of story. But of course… in classic Dean Devlin and Jonathan Glassner fashion… that was not the end of the story, for they had one more surprise up their sleeve. Because one of the rescue missions ended with Ark 1 being warned away, as though a threat was there. Not to mention, quite the discovery was made on Trappist-1D. Specifically, a tablet of sorts. One that was covered in glyphs and a language, that was most certainly… not human.
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All of which brought forth, one epic season finale. Because in a matter of minutes it would seem that this series, which has flirted with the possibility of our heroes encountering extraterrestrial life, more or less confirmed that humanity is not alone in the universe. Giving rise to all kinds of exciting possibilities for certain. Since it gives humanity a new challenge amongst the stars and more reasons to unite and overcome old haunts. For now, they will be part of something greater if they can BE greater and well… that leaves us ready for a new season of this incredible show, and we hope the series gets a renewal soon. Because it deserves it and deserves to take this bold story further. But while we wait for that news, we can celebrate one stunning season of storytelling. One that took risks, and outright took us for an incredible ride amongst the stars, with some of the finest human beings in the galaxy. Until next time.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘Bad Monkey’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

It is definitely safe to say, that we all harbor some unique beliefs in this life. Some folks for instance, firmly believe in religion and all that it entails. While others, firmly hold to the notion that there is magic in the world and that it can be harnessed and used to make changes in this life. While others, believe in the moment and nothing more, and prefer to handle life as it comes. But regardless of what belief you hold to, one thing that we can all agree upon, is that there is something cosmic and powerful that we all share in. Specifically, that strange draw from forces unseen that inform us we need to be on a certain path, regardless of what it may cost us.

For we all feel that pull somewhere along the line and it is something unique that we cannot explain and well, it is top of mind today because it was showcased in the next episode of Bad Monkey on Apple TV+. That is, after a little chaos was introduced into the world of Andros. Because sadly, Christopher and Eve spotted that photo of Yancy and Rosa on the wall at the bar after all, and felt they needed to move quickly to put a stop to their forthcoming accountability. Which prompted Eve to invite Rosa over to the house, for drinks, before flying them out to Miami before the storm hit, to collect that money, as part of a grand ruse to capture her and have Egg take her to the work trailer so Yancy would emerge from the shadows and be her hero. Allowing for them to finally deal with the thorn in their side.

A move that seemingly worked, since Yancy did indeed make his way to the posh estate of our villains, wherein more chaos came into play. Because Eve wanted Christopher to kill Yancy in the yard and end this now. But some quick thinking on Yancy’s part, did not allow for that to happen. Because he used the dog as a shield and gave his backup time to step up. Because no good cop commits to such a dangerous act without backup at his side, who was Neville in this instance and well, Yancy’s quick thinking and Neville’s quick actions… helped them escape and brought Christopher to a scary place health wise. Because he took a fishing rod to the back as part of that escape plan, and was bleeding out badly inside his lovely home, and that was only made worse by Eve’s decision to yank the damn thing out.

Which put him within an inch of his life and forced Eve to find Gracie to get some medical help and well, that’s when that pull came into play. For both Yancy and Gracie. Because Gracie spent this episode working hard to escape the island and her life, but a chance encounter at the bar, informed her that this was not her path. That something more powerful needed her to stay on this island and she needed to listen to that power and do right. And Yancy, well, he and Rosa (who escaped from Egg’s clutches by accidentally shooting him with a gun that Yancy surprised her with) made every effort to escape using KJ’s plane. But before they boarded, Yancy also felt that call in his gut. As though if he didn’t stay behind to make justice happen, somehow, they would get away. So, he risked his love of Rosa to stay behind and bring them in and when Eve did find Gracie… well the Dragon Queen let it be known that she and the spirits were in charge now and that Eve was to listen to her at last. 
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All of which set the stage… for a very unique season finale. Simply because, there is a good chance Nick/Christopher, whatever he wants to be called… is dead because of his wounds. And of course, with Egg badly wounded, Eve has no allies and nowhere to run or hide. Which will indeed put her in a strange spot when Yancy comes calling. But what matters more, is that this episode really did dig into that strange feeling we sometimes get in life. The one that tells us we gotta do this, we have to follow what our instincts are telling us and that made for a fascinating story. One that was quite meta in nature and also featured some real surprises. Such as Bonnie breaking out of jail because accountability she felt should come in specific doses. But what mattered more, is that the spiritual and the tangible are about to cross paths in this story, and it should be interesting to see what happens when they come together in next week’s season finale. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 103 of ‘Midnight Family’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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When we think of stories about natural disasters that revolve around people caught up in the midst of one, we think of epics, really. For so many of those stories in print or on the screen, are grandiose in nature. To properly showcase the incredible impact of a natural disaster since they do indeed touch many lives and cross borders and shock the nation or a world, depending upon their severity. So, the story in question should reflect that. It should show us a bevy of characters from all walks of life who come to understand how small we are and how we are at the mercy of a world that will forever be stronger than us. All of which does make for a satisfying story, but in many ways, neglects some genuinely important moments and people because of how broad these stories are.

Which is why this week’s episode of Midnight Family on Apple TV+ is of note. Simply because ‘The Earthquake’ offered up a refreshing take on the disaster story, by showcasing something we don’t think of often in these stories or in these events… the first responders. But we should. Because they are on the front lines and they deal with some of the toughest moments possible in a natural disaster, and it is a shame it took this long to showcase them and their work. Because putting them front and center in this story, made for a powerful and moving story about what really happens in those critical first moments, and much like a real natural disaster, we really didn’t have an idea this was coming to the story. Especially since it opened with Gaby and Marcus talking about their father’s progress while preparing for another long night of saving lives.

But just like that, a massive earthquake hit, one that badly damaged a market that the family ambulance was near and just like that… we were plunged into a world we know nothing of. Wherein Marcus had to play the hero and handle on site triage. Because of the fact that government resources had not arrived yet, and only a handful of paramedics were on scene. So, we saw firsthand how first responders are forced to make hyper fast decisions they cannot think twice about, and how quickly they are forced to move from patient to patient, and the many roles they play in that moment. Which helped us to understand the talent Marcus has as a paramedic, and the good nature he harbors within. Since he also did everything within his power to help a kid find his mother in the rubble, risking pure life and limb to do so. Something we also don’t think about when it comes to first responders.

As for Gaby, well… it was her duty to remain outside and tend to the wounded, and that too… showcased some powerful moments. Wherein we saw Gaby face down some awful injuries and make hard choices about who received triage. Because that is another aspect of the job that is not discussed, and this also showcased her skills as a doctor and a leader. Since so many saw her as the head doctor in the middle of this chaos. But truly where her journey shined, was in the emotion that it brought forth. Because not only were we treated to a doctor-to-be and paramedic that cared and went the extra mile to save lives. But we saw the emotional impact of such chaos. Because first responders are humans too, and they cannot just flip off of their emotions, and it was refreshing to see Gaby take a moment, and grieve and process.

Not to mention, this episode also made a point to catch up with Julio and Ramón and see how they were handling the chaos in the hospital, as it filled with emergency patients, and well… they stepped up and did their best to help. Because they too cared and wanted people to be healed. All of which brought forth an amazing and different kind of disaster tale. One that finally showcased what first responders deal with during natural disasters, and that was quite the sight to see. Since it informed us of the genuine bravery that goes into such work, and the fearless nature of those who choose to help others, and of course, we got a great story. One that was compelling and powerful, and it will be interesting to see what other refreshing moments and unique concepts will be explored as season one of this magnificent series continues along. Until next time.  

Learn more about the construction of ‘Midnight Family’ via our interview with Showrunner Natalia Beristáin.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Where’s Wanda?’
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One particular type of story that takes some unique turns in popular media, is that of the kidnapping story. For these tales are often quite fantastical in nature, and it makes sense as to why. After all, they are the representation of one of a parent’s worst fears. So, getting to enjoy a story where someone nefarious kidnaps the child of a law enforcement officer or spy or a parent with incredible resources, can be quite cathartic in nature. Mainly because, that stone cold cop or spy will use their skills to hunt down the person that hurt their child and make them pay in a dazzling manner, and the same goes for the parent that has it all. Because they too can enact revenge.

But while that does offer catharsis, it is also escapism at its purest. Because in reality, parents who have their children disappear, are often helpless and can do little but wait and do their best to process the reality that they might lose their little one. And no one wants to experience that, and no one wants to think about that path, so these films and shows, and books exist to wipe that all away. But it does beg the question… what then would it look like if everyday parents in that situation, figured out a path forward? A way to potentially look for their child? Because that could not only liven up the genre, but explore some unique concepts and well, it just so happens that a new series on Apple TV+, does just that. 

For Where’s Wanda? Is a story that introduces us to the Klatt family at a time when they are at their lowest. For seventy days ago, their darling Wanda disappeared without a trace, and despite everyone’s best efforts to find her, including a plea to the public… she remains missing. Which leaves the parents of the family, Carlotta and Dedo, devastated. Because they know that soon there’s a good chance the search will be called off, and they have indeed spent this time being utterly helpless. But the discovery of a clue, specifically the shirt Wanda was wearing on the day she disappeared, prompts this duo to think outside the box in ‘The Klatts’ and ‘The Hessels’. In that, perhaps they should begin to search the homes of the houses near where the clue was found. For the working theory is… there’s a fair chance whomever took their daughter would be nearby.

Which leads to disaster of course, and chaos, since they are everyday people with no skills in doing such things. Which prompts them to bring their son, Ole into the fold. For he is a technological whiz, and he indeed helps his parents start up quite the plan. Wherein they are able to use spy camera technology to expose which neighbor has taken their beloved Wanda. A move that accomplishes a lot from a storytelling perspective. Since it first gives us a new take on this genre, since it showcases everyday people going the extra mile and makes this story more relatable and grounded in the process. Not to mention, it allows for the show to dig into some comedy elements. Courtesy of the bumbling nature of these would be spies and through the wild things they begin to find in the homes of others. Since such a move would indeed expose the quirks, we all harbor when we get home and lock the door.
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But what matters most, is that this amazing plot allows for a powerful exploration to take place. One that ponders deeply upon the power of loss, the power of grief, and how hard it is to square and handle such matters when they are suddenly dropped upon us. Which is accomplished through Carlotta and Dedo, who struggle badly with all of this, and are driven by just a sliver of hope to do something. So, they can feel as though they at least tried if things go south. All of which gives rise to a uniquely refreshing dark comedy. One that really does use humor in an impactful manner, to get its message across and what is truly amazing about this series… is that it still has so much more to offer than the many amazing elements we’ve discussed thus far. 

Simply because, this is a story that also engages us into the mystery of what happened to Wanda. Because there is clearly more to the story than… she just vanished. Someone did take her, and went through great efforts to do so and made the effort to drop off that shirt, and that… adds to the wonder of this story. Because it engages you further into it, and the clues are indeed troubling and fascinating and all of these elements come together, to give us a flawless series premiere. Since these two episodes establish everything perfectly, and make us laugh, make us cry, and compel us to continue a unique journey. About a family that is trying desperately to process the possibility, that they might come out of this looking the fool… but can make peace with the fact that they did not give up until the final hour. Until next time.