Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Found’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also contains discussions regarding domestic violence, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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When we think of stories about people that go missing as a result of domestic violence, we have a pretty good of idea of how the story is going to end. Because sadly, the world has taught us that domestic violence and the abusers that take part in it, have crossed some awful lines when it gets to that particular point. Wherein they’ve hurt someone badly or they’ve ended their life, and that person has to go missing… to keep the abuser safe. Because they are at their core, absolute human garbage, and only care about the health and well-being of their own worthless hide. But we sit through a story we know, because it has something important to say on such matters and to help raise awareness on such a horrifying reality regarding our world.

But what if… that kind of story went in a different direction. One that perchance, could offer something different, something more? Would it result in a happy ending? Or would it just be a new way to offer us something dark? Well, it just so happens, that the next episode of Found on NBC informs us that more can be done with these stories, and they can harbor a better ending, a feat that ‘Missing While Perfect’ accomplished by introducing the team to a teenager named Jay. Who was worried and concerned about his mother going missing. Which of course, the team made their concern and let’s not put any gloss upon it, it didn’t take long for them to learn that Jay’s dad, was an abuser. In fact, Jay often saw his father commit to violence against his mother and that did make it seem as though, this was the same ol’, same ol’ regarding this kind of story.

For there was forensic evidence to be found that indicated foul play took place and it stood to reason that both of them disappearing, since dear old dad was nowhere to be found, would be part of that old school playbook as well. But the more the team dug into the case, the more the standard outcome didn’t make sense. For something was truly amiss, something that Sir pointed out. Because he injected himself into the case here, and told Gabi to look at a different angle, and after seeing the contents of the mother’s phone, and thinking about what Sir said, it became clear… this was a flip the script moment. Wherein the abused fought back and took agency and went and hid because penalty was the norm for them, so it was better to hide away from more trouble than come forth. But that revelation did allow for Gabi and the team to find them, and confirmed that she did indeed fight back, and for her troubles… she was finally free of any further harm since her son convinced her husband… to just leave her be.

Which made for a powerhouse story, one that offered a satisfying ending since the abuser did not win for a change, but it also had more to offer than just the primary plot. After all, there was mention of Sir lurking about in this story, and well… he revealed his own plans in this tale. In that, he was going to take Gabi and lock her up in the same way she did to him in a faraway land. To have that power and have that agency, and while he worked on the ultimate key to that plan, Lacey worked to heal and remember and offer forgiveness. Because this case reminded her, they’re all involved in something bigger. So, she asked everyone to make nice with Gabi and work to heal, and even Detective Trent softened here on the matter. Since his boss pointed out there was nothing to bring her in for, and because… this case helped him heal.

But sadly, all the good vibes could not last here, because eventually, Sir put his plan into motion, and he knew that only one thing would bring Gabi to him… Lacey. So, he swooped in and took her again and set into motion more shocking chaos for Gabi. Which was a stunning way to end a stunning episode. One that truly did offer more than the usual on such plots, and that was refreshing for certain. Because we’ve all had enough of abusers that win the day and bring pain and suffering to everyone in the story. But alas, some of the monsters out there, still do win the day, and because of that… a mentally fragile Lacey is in real trouble, and it will be compelling to see how Gabi and the team search for her once again and if Gabi can bring Sir to justice or if her guilty conscience, one that hasn’t felt forgiveness yet, will force her to surrender to Sir and his plans for a perfectly disturbing life. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Five Premiere of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that fans of the Star Trek Universe everywhere were shocked when Paramount+ dropped the news that Star Trek: Lower Decks was going to receive a fifth and final season order. Simply because this delightful animated series, has harbored some amazing episodes, and some amazing writing and it opened the door for so many new fans to enter into the franchise and explore its wonder. So, it simply did not make sense for it to be cancelled. But alas, it was, and ten more episodes are all we get, and we’ve all been wondering since… what showrunner Mike McMahan would do to wrap up five years of storytelling with this crew, and how it would shake out and well… we got our answer this week.

For the series five premiere of the show informed us… business as usual will be the order of the day. No supreme finale plot, no past nightmares for the crew to face… just them, being Lower Deckers and going on adventures and growing before our eyes and that allowed for ‘Dos Cerritos’ and ‘Shades of Green’ to provide us with a pair of lovely stories rife with lovely lessons about how we must be true to ourselves at all costs and regardless of what surprises come our way. Because life does work out in the end when we stay that personal course and everyone’s journey in these stories proved that. After all, Tendi was not doing well back home on Orion. Not because she didn’t know how to kick ass and take names, but because… she was Starfleet through and through.

Because she could not condone the killing that Orion Pirates indulged in, nor could she sanction internal battles either and that led to all kinds of chaos in her house and on the home world. Because Orions are indeed all about that pirate life, and stabbing when necessary, and every attempt to teach Tendi that, failed miserably. To the point where doing the right thing and being the bigger Orion got her family’s fortune taken away. Which informed her and her family… that Tendi belonged in a world that was ready for those kinds of behaviors, so she went back to the U.S.S. Cerritos, and managed to get her family some wealth again… to care for them, and her forthcoming niece, thanks to a plot we’ll discuss momentarily. Because what mattered most is that Tendi learned to stay true to herself and followed that to a tee, and that brought her back where she belonged.

As for everyone else, well that lesson came about the long way round through two unique missions. One of which involved, encountering multiverse versions of themselves. For while the crew was working to close a rip in space-time, they ran into a Cerritos run by a Captain Becky Freeman. Who, as Mariner would put it. Sucked. Because she lost her way and wanted to be a good officer and thought she did so by doing all the wrong things. Such as violating Starfleet protocols by ruling with an iron fist formed from fear, and she made life hell for Prime Mariner and that rattled her and her prime friends. Because these alternate… upper… deckers? were successful in their own right and left our core heroes wondering if they needed to follow similar paths. The kind where they buckled down and just did unique things to get ahead in the fleet. 
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But an away mission to a world that was abandoning capitalism as part of their entry into the United Federation of Planets, (lucky them,) which was indeed how House Tendi got rich again, helped Mariner and Boims come to learn that all-important lesson. Because they too tried to be different and do different things as officers and that led to wild shenanigans that eventually showcased… they’re great officers without trying to replicate others and their habits, and if they stay that course and be the officers they are deep down… they’ll be fine. Plus, there was a bonus lesson in this story, one that came about for Ruthy. Who learned though T’Lyn that we cannot isolate ourselves when we hurt or are trying to adjust to big changes in our lives. We have to live, and we have to enjoy the moment.

All of which made for a delightful and satisfying season five premiere. One that by the way, offered up more deep cuts from the franchise. Courtesy of that TNG season five opening credits homage, those cameos in the credits as well, and Riker Jr., aka Beared Bradward Boimler. But more importantly, this premiere was vintage Trek and all about the majesty of Starfleet and its brave officers. For their journeys and their good nature are what truly give rise to what we love the most about the show, and the franchise. For they showcase the human condition at its very best, and how we maintain its true wonder, and well, if that is what the final voyage of the crew of the Cerritos is going to offer, then that is a great way to send off this heartfelt and magnificent entry in this wondrous and storied franchise. Until next time.

For the most part, romantic comedies follow a fairly consistent formula. Wherein a single woman that leads an awesome yet quirky life, simply cannot find love. But thanks to some wild circumstances and the introduction of someone special… she heads near that goal at last, and after some hilarious stumbles along the way, she gets what she wants, and she reminds us that love trumps all things, and we walk away from the story with a big smile on our faces. Because how can you go wrong with a fun and engaging formula that offers up laughs and feel-good moments. But the fact of the matter is, that formula is so widely used and so well-known to us, that it has become cliché in nature and difficult to deviate from.
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But in this era of peak television, there are creatives that are eager to take the romantic comedy in new directions, and it just so happens that a brand-new series coming to Peacock looks to do just that. For Laid is a story that offers up a unique story that challenges those tropes and works to explore new territory in the genre, and well… you don’t have to take our word for it. Since Peacock was kind enough to release a teaser, some first look photos and all the details on this new show, along with its premiere date. All of which we will share with you now, so you can properly prepare for a bold new chapter in a genre we know quite well.

‘Body count is about to take on a
whole new meaning 😳 

#Laid arrives December 19 on Peacock.

ABOUT LAID
A woman finds out her former lovers are dying in unusual ways and must go back through her sex timeline to confront her past in order to move forward – “Laid” is a f*cked up rom-com where the answer to “why can’t I find love, is there something wrong with me?” is a resounding “Yes. There is. The problem is definitely you.”

Premiere Date: December 19, 2024 (Binge)
Co-Showunners / Executive Producers / Writers: Nahnatchka Khan and Sally Bradford McKenna
Executive Producer / Star: Stephanie Hsu
Executive Producers: John Davis and John Fox for Davis Entertainment   
Executive Producer: Jennifer Carreras for Fierce Baby   
Executive Producers: Marieke Hardy, Kirsty Fisher, and Liz Watts for Porchlight Films   
Executive Producer: All3Media International    
Principal Cast: Stephanie Hsu, Zosia Mamet, Michael Angarano and Tommy Martinez
Key Guest Stars: Andre Hyland, Olivia Holt, David Denman, Finneas O’Connell, Chloe Fineman, Ettore “Big E” Ewen and John Early
Studio: Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group    
Format: Comedy Series / 8 x 30-minute episodes
 
A NOTE FROM NAHNATCHKA KHAN & SALLY BRADFORD MCKENNA (CO-SHOWRUNNERS / EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS / WRITERS) 
When we started to develop LAID, we were intrigued by the idea of bringing back the old-school, traditional romantic comedy (swelling music! kisses in the rain! Anne Hathaway or someone who is also appealing!), but because we were living in such a dark time (pandemic! industry strikes!), we felt it needed to have some kind of twist. Sure, it could be optimistic and heartwarming and make you believe in love again, but it should probably also have suspense and death and blood. The premise of LAID -- a woman discovers all of her exes are dying in mysterious ways -- seemed exactly what we were looking for: a f*cked-up rom-com.  
 
Please enjoy as Ruby (Stephanie Hsu) searches for love, along with help from her best friend AJ (Zosia Mamet) who makes Ruby’s sex timeline so she can track down all of her exes -- the guys, the girls, the one-night stands, the man she only remembers as “Green Day Shirt,” John Early -- to tell them... they’re going to die. It’s truly the love story for our times.’   

Please enjoy this super-sized sneak peek and synopsis of the series premiere of Sweetpea. Which debuts on STARZ tomorrow!  
 
EPISODE 103: Black Spots in the Garage
Airdate: October 25 at 8:00pm ET/PT on STARZ 

​High on power and righteousness, Rhiannon goes after her next target.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1205 of ‘Chicago P.D.’ To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also contains discussions regarding abuse of a minor, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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One particular type of television show that rarely celebrates Halloween in any capacity, are crime dramas, and it makes sense to why. Because it is hard for an audience to settle into a story about hardened detectives when they are wearing delightful costumes that celebrate the season through and through. Not to mention, it’s also strange to have gumshoes dig deep into spooky matters. Such as say a ghostly apparition or a something supernatural. For these are individuals that deal in facts, hard evidence and science, and likely won’t be spooked by anything that seems to resemble such matters. But believe it or not, there is a viable way to tell a Halloween style story in a crime drama, as evidenced by this week’s episode of Chicago P.D. on NBC.

For ‘Water and Honey’ informed the audience that the trick, is just to offer up the right kind of case. One that harbors the spirit of Halloween but is grounded in the elements that draw us to Halloween themed storytelling and it accomplished that feat, by bringing Officer Kiana Cook back into the fold. For she responded to a 911 call that seemingly went nowhere. But her gut told her something was wrong. So, she stopped by intelligence to enlist Ruzek’s help. But since he was out for the night, Torres stepped in and just like that… he and Cook were indeed embroiled in a supremely eerie case. Because a deeper investigation of the potential crime scene, revealed that a horrifying crime had been committed. Wherein a 14-year-old girl had been murdered and well, there were some creepy elements that accompanied the discovery of her body.

Because in the distance on this dark and rainy night, was a spooky specter of sorts. A flash of a person that appeared, and of course… some digging into the victim’s world, revealed a house of horrors where she lived. Since she lived in a bit of squalor and the body of her guardian was discovered inside the house, and it turned out that he was killed in a horrifying manner straight out of a horror story. Since it was revealed that he was held down in a chair and force-fed honey until he choked upon it. All of which really did offer up a scary story vibe. One that hung over the story as the clues rolled in. Because it turned out that the ghost in the distance was a friend of the deceased, and likely had answers as to what happened, and she most certainly did and painted quite the horrifying picture.

Wherein she, the deceased, and another were abused in a Juvenile Detention Center by its warden… and they wanted revenge. So, they basically took care of anyone that harmed them but were not prepared for the strength of the warden, which led to the original murder in this case. Which meant it was up to the team to find the third and final member of this revenge trio, to save her from being the warden’s next victim. Which added a sense of urgency since she was also his daughter, and that brought forth… an intense manhunt, and a harrowing fight in a watery basement… where our heroes were victorious, and justice was served. Not to mention, Cook received an invitation to join the team. A move that would help her get her career back on track and would add to the richness of the intelligence team.

All of which made for a powerful episode, one that really did offer up a chilling, Halloween vibe, and yes… it is wholly obvious that this is what the writers’ room wanted to accomplish, and it worked. Because at no point did the spooky elements overpower the story. They just enhanced it and added to richness of a story that was grounded deeply in the most frightening storytelling element of all; the evil that men do. Because that darkness was on full display here and it was unsettling and gross, and the only comfort we received on such matters was that the warden will spend the rest of his life in a jail cell. But that aside, this really is a blueprint as to how to make a crime drama tie into the Halloween season, and now that we know how it can be done, we can turn our attention to Cook’s entry into the intelligence team and all the good she will do, courtesy of her incredible skill set. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1305 of ‘Chicago Fire’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we think of heroism, in any capacity, we think of one simple thing… a heroic act. Which is a broad term, but we know what that entails when someone says it. Because to be a hero, means to go above and beyond for other people, and that includes putting oneself in harm’s way if necessary. Which is a correct assessment of heroism, and it is fitting to think upon such acts when we ponder upon the word. But believe it or not, true heroism goes beyond just being there to save the day. It’s about making the world a better place as well for others when you can step up, and make an impact, and for proof… then look no further than this week’s episode of Chicago Fire on NBC.

For ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ was a story that saw Severide and Kidd… embody that. Thanks to a horrible accident that took place early on in this tale. One that featured a daring rescue from Severide and when the flames settled down from the crushed car, he pulled a man from… he and Kidd recognized the fact that they had seen the logo of the truck involved in this mess, before, in their travels. In fact, back at Firehouse 51, this duo dug into the incident and came to discover something very unsettling. In that, the trucking company involved in this accident, was involved in many more, including a fatality, and with Pascal’s blessing… they decided to see if they could expose this company and its clearly illegal machinations to get them off the road and save lives. Which was of course, no easy task.

Because the scumbag that ran the company, knew his way around regulations and rules and how best to skirt them. So that he could work his drivers to the bone, and of course… harbor control over them and that pushed Kidd to try and talk with the driver she and Severide met at the most recent incident involving this company. Only to be stonewalled there. But the driver’s son was deeply worried about his mother’s mental and physical health since she worked so hard, and Kidd inspired him… to take action. To the point where he roughed up the headquarters for this scuzzy place and for his efforts… he managed to be the key to bringing this place down. Mainly because he was a minor and got the owner of this business to strike a kid. But what mattered more, is that this duo managed to bring down a dangerous scumbag, and that was a treat to see take place and truly informed us… that’s what real heroism is like.

However, to break up the ugliness of that quest, because it was bleak at times… the story had other lighthearted and refreshing journeys for us to enjoy. For instance, we came to learn that Pascal has taken a shine to Novak, since she truly can do no wrong around him. Plus, we saw Herrmann continue to build his legacy as a leader for the future with his ability to inspire others to help him in a quest to get better gear at the Firehouse, and it would seem… Carver has gotten himself into one toxic relationship. Since his little sweetheart was possessive and rude in this tale and has him beginning to wonder if this is where he should be romantically. And speaking of romance, it seems as though Violet might finally have found someone new to build a relationship with, courtesy of a bit of heroism from an innocent bystander. One who wants to live up to that true definition. 

All of which made, for another delightful tale from this series. Because it was just incredible to see Severide and Kidd… go the extra mile in this story to topple a monster. Because they did their part, they did their best to have it handled through normal channels. But that wasn’t good enough. They needed this to end properly and well, it is safe to say that audiences are only further enamored with them now. That aside, this was also just, a great episode from a character growth perspective as well, and it was such a treat to spend so much time with everyone else at Firehouse 51 in that manner. Because we absolutely want them to be more and grow in life and they are steadily doing so, and well, all this does is leave us eager for more of this brilliant series. To enjoy another slice of life from a world we know so little about. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1005 of ‘Chicago Med’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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For the most part, Halloween episodes have gone the way of the dodo. Which is strange, because the Halloween episode was once a revered bit of television. Wherein the cast and crew could enjoy some creative license and tell spooky stories or just celebrate the wonder of the holiday. But one day, they just faded away and no one really knows why and thankfully, we no longer have to. Because after years of being away from the market, the Halloween episode is making a comeback, as evidenced by some of NBC’s lineup this week, such as last night’s episode of Chicago Med. Because ‘Bad Habits’ offered up all kinds of spooky.

In fact, the episode opened up with some amazing Halloween cheer. Since the staff was dressed to the nines in their spooky best, all to answer a Code Orange. Which just so happened to be a glut of children from the hospital and other locations. Which made for a fun opening to the show and well, once the candy and tricks and treats were out of the way, did the show offer up a vastly different kind of Halloween episode. For a lot of the elements present here examined fear, and how we overcome it in trying times, along with a unique storyline involving how the past can find us medically. Plus, there was also a super spooky moment for Dr. Frost. Who had to treat some patients that were exposed to bats on this spooky night, which led to a scary encounter with a mentally ill patient that opted to bite the good doctor, and that was indeed fitting for a Halloween shift at the hospital.

But that aside, Dr. Ripley spent a great deal of time examining how the past can come back to haunt folks medically. Since his bestie’s girlfriend and son were in the ER because she ignored her child’s health because of how bad things were at home, and he was treating a nun that happened to have a failed pregnancy still inside of her body. All of which spoke to the central theme, and how we must confront the past when it pops by, to find peace. Which the nun did by reflecting on how she got pregnant, before having the remains removed and where Ripley… came to understand he could not escape yesterday, and had to do more for his brother by choice. Which made for quite the meaningful bit of storytelling for certain. One that was wonderfully counterbalanced by what Dr. Charles and Dr. Asher dealt with.

For their journeys revolved around the fear themes we mentioned a moment ago. Since Dr. Charles was dealing with a case regarding a man that appeared to have a psychotic break. One that could have cost him time with his daughter permanently and he was terrified of losing his mind and of being away from that which meant the most to him. But with Jackie’s help, Dr. Charles realized that this poor soul was having issues with his medication and with a little care, he would be fine and free of this scare. And as for Dr. Asher, well she was working with a mother to be that desperately needed help with pre-natal care, and she was terrified that something bad would happen to her baby, but her fears were assuaged by getting the care she needed. For an issue was found and worked through. Which allowed for her to go home feeling safe.

All of which explored, how all we can do when we are scared, is take a breath, and a beat so we can look at our fear objectively and overcome it the right way. Which in this instance involved a little science and some care, and that all made… for one delightful episode of this show. One that truly did take the Halloween episode into new territory. Since it focused less on the supernatural and more on the real-world things that scare us, something that was a tad more harrowing for Goodwin, since someone is lurking around her house, we learned, making that death threat important again. But going this route storytelling wise, is worthwhile and amazing. Because that’s the kind of stuff that will help to revitalize this kind of episode, and well, now that one uniquely spooky tale has come to a close, it’s onto a two week break for the show, and it would seem that when we pick back up… that last element of fear we discussed, will take the center stage. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that everyone knows what happens to a big-time world leader when they leave office. In that, they simply retire. Sure, they might pop up on the campaign trail now and again to remind everyone they’re still around and still have a little pep in their step and swing to shove around, but for the most part… that’s it. They’ll write their memoirs, perhaps see a presidential library erected in their honor. But outside of that, they get to take it easy and enjoy retirement from public life and rightfully so. After all, they spend a fair chunk of their life serving millions upon millions of people, and their safety was in their hands, so why not rest?
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But sometimes rest, and a happy ever after isn’t enough for some, especially creative minds. For now, and again, thoughtful minds wonder what life would be like if those leaders didn’t fade from our world and instead became something more, something epic if you will. Such as say… a gumshoe of sorts. After all, the majority of world leaders have a sound mind and are often quite observant. Some, well we can forget about from an IQ standpoint. But what if one of the far classier and more intelligent world leaders wanted that to be their second act? What would that look like? And would they be successful? Well, it just so happens that a new comedy/crime series on MHz Choice actually takes the time to explore those very questions.

Feats that Miss Merkel accomplishes by following up with the former Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel. Wherein we learn she’s retired to the German countryside with her husband and her appointed bodyguard, Mike. To finally retire from public service and enjoy the quiet life. But soon, she comes to learn that private life is filled to the brim with chaos and mystery. The kind that the local police struggle with, so she takes it upon herself to be the new private investigator in her town and solve heinous crimes and find new fulfillment in doing so. Which is a plot and concept that informs us… that such a decision would be hilarious at times, and awesome through and through. Because make no mistake about it, this is a funny, funny show. One that really does lean into the awkward nature of seeing a world leader become a world class detective.

For that really is a fish out of water story, one that works here though. Because the right world leader was chosen. For Angela Merkel is known for her sharp intellect, and how little escaped her grasp, and this plays into that and believe it or not, that brings about, a stunningly delightful crime story as well. Because what’s been crafted here are detailed cases, brim with all the best aspects of the genre, and the delightful clues and misdirection here force us and Angela to pay attention to what’s going on, and that truly does engage the viewer and keep them guessing. Not to mention, the show follows through with its mysteries and wraps them up in a satisfying manner for certain. One that feels complete and makes Merkel quite the hero.

All of which gives rise, to a brilliant series. One that takes some big swings and some big risks, but they all pay off in the end. Because everything works here, and you truly believe that the former Chancellor of Germany is indeed the next Matlock or Columbo, and even the quirky moments where she’s not solving crimes, are filled with some endearing realism that truly allows for one to root for this version of the Chancellor and hope that she succeeds. Which gives rise to a must-watch series. Because you truly need to see this one to believe it, and the good news is, you can, right now. For two super-sized episodes of this show are streaming on MHz Choice now, and we hope you give it a look. Because it really is a true delight.

Watch ‘Miss Merkel’ on MHz Choice.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Midnight Family’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular lesson that every doctor and every medical professional learns early on in their career, is not to take anything that happens in their profession… personal. Because they are going to see some horrible things in their careers, and people will suffer and will die in front of them. So, they have to keep their emotions at bay, they have to stay stoic and unattached to mentally survive. For they are human as well, and their emotions can and will get the better of them if they let folks in. Which is why so many hold to that rule, and why so many shows and movies showcase a frosty side to medical professionals, to maintain its gravity. But it does leave one to wonder… how bad it could be if by chance, that rule wasn’t held to since we so rarely hear about those exceptions, and we don’t see them in popular media. Which is why this week’s episode of Midnight Family on Apple TV+ is of note. Since ‘Freestyle’ took the time to examine such matters through a pair of unique lenses. One of which involved Marcus.

Simply because while he was off the truck and working toward a rap battle with Cris, an incident took place. One that prompted self-harm from a young woman that left her in tatters and thankfully, Marcus’ training kicked in. Which allowed for him to stabilize her and keep her going long enough for Gaby and Ramón to arrive and save her and well, that made dear Marcus a star. In fact, the internet took to calling him Justice Bieber, and he embraced it and loved it, and in doing so… crossed a unique line. Because now he wanted attention and wanted both worlds, he lived in to be appreciated, and that led to a rift with Cris. In part because, he was in essence helping to exploit the video of someone in need. But also, because he was basically romanticizing a serious career field and trying to make it part of his stage persona, and that’s problematic, and that made for a powerful lesson regarding the importance of separation, one that was further expanded upon by Gaby.

Since she found herself in some odd places in this story. For instance, she went to dinner at Bernardo’s house in this tale, wherein she was privy to some ugly conversations. Wherein doctors that have taken the oath, spoke ill poked fun of the less fortunate. Which fired up Gaby like never before and prompted her to lash out and probably make life difficult for herself at school, which while justified, could have been handled in a cooler manner. But Gaby long left that separation line behind and truly holds to the notion that passion must be part of the process and her removing that shield led to some serious heartbreak and worry in this tale as well. For she was spending a lot of time with Nallely in this tale, and they grew to be good friends, the kind that were open and honest and that brought about real panic when Gaby got the doomsday call.

For Nallely had a head injury that went undiagnosed, and blurring that line between friendship and medical duty, prompted Gaby to say nothing when she learned that Nallely had complaints about headaches and issues with light sensitivity, and that came back to haunt her. Because that doomsday call involved Nallely basically passing out, due to whatever cascading disaster was brewing in her brain and despite the best efforts of Gaby and Bernardo to revive her, combined with the full efforts of the paramedics that responded, Nallely passed away. Devastating Gaby to no end and well, we learned a lot from this. In that, blurring that line really does cheapen the importance of what medical professionals do. Because it makes it look cool, and it is not supposed to be cool. It is supposed to be life or death and treated as such. 

Plus, for those who remove the line and become close with their patient, it can prompt one to overlook something serious, something that could be costly. Now that’s not to say that professionals can’t be caring and empathetic, they should be that in fact, but they simply cannot make this personal in the slightest, and this is indeed why, and that made for a powerful episode. One that truly set the stage for a harrowing back half of the season. Wherein Gaby will be transformed emotionally, and Marcus likely will as well, since his personal and professional life are too close together. Which of course, motivates us to continue the journey. To see if these characters can bounce back from this stunning lesson and be the heroes we know them to be, because truly, the city needs them. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Where’s Wanda?’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Normally, stories that revolve around people that are kidnapped or go missing, don’t reveal the truth about what happened to them until the end, and with good reason. Because that… is how you build some amazing tension in this kind of story. For now, the fate of the missing or the taken is a mystery, one that demands we continue the journey to learn the truth be it good or bad, and this formula is so impactful that stories rarely deviate from it, and we the audience love it. Because it does wow us in the end. But now and again, you encounter a story that wants to shake that up, with fascinating results. For some, ruin what it was working toward by toying with the structure, while others… offer up a brilliant twist that works, the latter of which applies to this week’s episode of Where’s Wanda? on Apple TV+.

For ‘The Novaks’ took the time to do the impossible and inform us what happened to Wanda. As it turned out, on that tough day a few months ago, Wanda made her way into the woods to spend time at a special place that she and her grandfather used to visit to find peace and watch the birds. Of course, while she was out there, she saw that influencer be violently murdered and she sadly… was captured by the killer’s accomplice while trying to escape. That man’s name, happened to be Chris, and he knew Wanda from grade school and didn’t know what to do here. But what he did know was that he was not a killer, at all. So, he spared Wanda’s life and put her in his basement. Which just so happened to be the basement at a house that the police have already visited, the one that happened to be home to the absent-minded grandmother.

There… she has stayed since that fateful day, out of the understanding that everything needed to blow over with the killer first. But clearly, that’s not the case and that was a stunning reveal for certain, one that led to more surprises, such as the fact that Chris played nice with Ole, after joining him at a gaming convention. A move that deeply complicates the situation put forth because now there are friendly ties to Chris’ actions and the surprises didn’t end there. Because this episode also revealed some serious truths to everyone else that have been lurking in the shadows. For instance, Dedo’s secret is now in the open, and we now know that Carlotta’s brother isn’t a monster but is doing some highly illegal things. Such as buying tigers to perhaps become the new Tiger King.

Granted, that doesn’t answer our questions as to who THE King is, and whether or not things went awry with the henchman, since he could have been ordered to scare over kill. But that’s fine, because clearly this show is eager to give us answers no problem, and those will come in due time. But what matters more, is that this gambit paid off. Because it made it clear that this show truly isn’t a crime drama, it is about healing, it is about communication and the choices we make. As evidenced by the long talk that Carlotta and Dedo had about their feelings, and their struggles and it of course… set the stage for newfound tension regarding Wanda and her family. Since this episode ended with Dedo and Carlotta being trapped in a cellar and with Wanda facing down the very man that wanted her dead. 

But truly, this is the kind of story that can get away with making major changes to the structure of a story in this vein. Because of its subject matter and because of its desire to be unconventional and explore the impact of tough times on people. All of which made for an amazing episode. One that was intense, fascinating and funny in all the right spots. Plus, it was exciting to learn the truth and incredible to know that Wanda has been in one of the most obvious places to date, and all this does, is get us excited for next week’s episode. To see what kind of resolution awaits the new trouble that Carlotta, Dedo, and Wanda now face and of course… to learn more about the complex situation that has brought this family to this strange moment in their lives. Until next time.