Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Shrinking’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Normally shows and stories about healing, feature a theme of the week if you will. For instance, one episode might focus heavily on the sorrow that grief causes us, before moving onto what kinds of emotional mood swings, we go through. All in the hopes, of giving us a story that teaches us how to heal and how to be better when darkness and tough times come our way. Which isn’t a bad thing in the slightest, because heaven knows we could all use a guide on matters that we tend to learn the hard way. But there are stories out there that are looking to teach us such lessons in a far more organic manner, so that the lessons stick differently and so that we understand how to heal with the chaos of the world around us, and one show leading the charge in that is Shrinking on Apple TV+.

As evidenced by the next episode of the show. For ‘Psychological Something-ism’ pondered upon a bevy of concepts related to healing in that style. For instance, it looked deeply at how hard it can be for us to support one another during hard times and during the healing process courtesy of Grace’s journey. For she didn’t get into trouble for what she did, but she felt… she should be punished. Because the trauma was real, and it even brought her back to Donny and his awful ways. Which pushed Jimmy to do what must be done to get her the help she needed, and that brought about conflict with Grace, with Brian, and all of that tied to the fact that we can be selfish with our healing needs and close off because we don’t think we can do anything to help someone in need or come back from our pain. But when we open up, wonders are accomplished, as evidenced by the healing that Grace took part in, and the joy that Jimmy brought to his friend.

Plus, we also saw Paul and Liz learn a lot about the power of communication. Since Paul and Julie were dealing with some romantic struggles in this episode, the kind where Paul didn’t want to ask Julie what she needed because he was afraid it would complicate a love he craved. But he came to learn that asking the right questions and responding the right way… is how we strengthen a love. Whereas Liz learned…  that you have to communicate, period. You cannot assume what a person wants or needs, you have to ask to find out. Because she overheard Sean talking to his dad about how it was a dream for them to work one, so she thought she’d grant his wish and give him that, only to learn… that was upsetting for Sean. For he did not want that, he just placated his father to be free of drama and had Liz asked about this, she would have known. 

But of course, the centerpiece of this episode, came forth via Alice. Who, despite advice from Paul, would not let go the fact that her mother’s killer was roaming about the town, and that… talking to him was deemed as a bad idea. Because she needed something, anything to quell the pain and perhaps speaking to him or taking out frustrations upon him was the way to go. So, she made her way to the coffee shop where he worked and confronted him and received, quite the surprise. In that, he apologized for what he had done, he offered her care and empathy and that… wasn’t what she was ready for in that moment. So, she lashed out, let unresolved pain come forth and tore into the man, whose name we learned is Louis. Which taught us, sometimes we are so desperate for closure and peace that we will do stupid things and lash out, and that made for a powerful moment from a powerful episode.

One that truly offered up, a beautiful buffet of real-world scenarios and lessons. Since we do write people off when they rebuff our help when hurting, and we do have a tendency to try and keep a status quo going or make choices for those we care about, without learning what they actually need and want. And yes, we jump the gun to heal and that was all put on display here so we can see the moment, recognize it and prepare ourselves for the detailed lesson to come on how to fix it. All of which was presented to us in an unconventional manner, one that truly did feel real and plausible and has us eager to learn so we can see, peace come to the people of this universe. Because they’re struggling with a lot, and they are good people that deserve better, and it will be interesting to see what other unique ways in which we heal will be presented to us as season two of this powerful show continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘The Irrational’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We are taught from a very early age, to not put much stock into what others think of us, and what others do to us. Because we can only control what we can control, so to put stock into that makes no sense. We should instead, do what must be done to make sure we are taken care of, and the reason that lesson is sent our way, is because our parents and eventually ourselves… come to learn that when you do put stock into that, the response is irrational in nature. Wherein we say and do things we should not, to find agency and find value. But thankfully, it really only gets that far before we figure it out and do something really awful. But it does beg the question… how bad could things get if we let the slights that people send our way, poison our soul to our core?

Well, it just so happens, that the next episode of The Irrational on NBC, ponders upon just that. A feat that ‘Bad Blood’ accomplished by having both Alec and Rose deal with quite the unique case. In that, a newly promoted financial guru died while playing hockey in a manner that was strange, and clearly grounded in notions of murder. Which of course, prompted Alec and Rose to believe that the killer was someone with obvious motive, and there were plenty of folks that met that particular qualification. Since her boss was a scumbag, her rival was the one who injured her on the ice and even her boyfriend had some suspicious overtones to him. But the more the duo dug into the case, the more it became clear… that there was no foundation for those people to commit murder, they just had their issues. So, they had to dig far deeper to solve this case.

Wherein they came to learn that the deceased had stumbled upon some suspicious behaviors and transactions at her firm. The kind that spoke to someone stealing from the company and that death may have been the order of the day over discovery, and well… that was indeed the case, for reasons… that were indeed irrational. Since it turned out that a mid-level employee, who was loyal and hardworking, and was also passed over for promotions and ignored from a value standpoint… was the one responsible for murder and theft. All because, she took to heart every slight, every passed over promotion with a sense of fury, anger and helplessness. That she in turn used against the company and an innocent life. All of which spoke deeply to how… we should only worry about our circle of influence and if we don’t feel valued or slighted, the best and rational revenge for such matters, would be to move on to better places.

But while that made for a juicy case that engaged us all, there was so much more to be found in this tale. Since Kylie and Marisa worked together on a hacking case, one that impacted Kylie since the hacker stole her work to enjoy some measure of value as well, something that spoke to the central lesson again. Since it taught us that we make our own value in this life and there are better ways to do it when we are worried, we have none. But it also showed growth for Kylie, since she slipped into her new role at the office nicely and found agency. Not to mention, Marisa was more of a leader here, and she even helped Phoebe with some issues because she was truly seen here as someone that could offer wondrous guidance, and of course… we have to talk about Rose and Alec.

Because at long last, they had a good talk about their relationship and their feelings and were open about everything and solidified their connection. Which was just lovely to see happen because they both deserve happiness. All of which makes this, a magnificent episode. Because it featured a wonderful case with a wonderful lesson we can learn from and apply to our lives. It harbored character and it was just… a lot of fun to watch, and you really cannot ask for much more about a show about the human condition than that. Plus, this episode was quite hopeful in nature, since it also reminded us… that while we stumble often and fall because of our irrational nature, we can still rise above and head into amazing new chapters, and it will be interesting to see what other lessons and moments of growth await us, as season two of this wondrous series continues along. Until next time.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘Shrinking’. To revisit the Season Two Premiere, clickhere.

It really is quiet amazing what the hit Apple TV+ series, Shrinking, is accomplishing from a storytelling standpoint. Because this show about healing, is the only one out there that really showcases the reality of coming back from our worst moments. To inform us that this is a long and winding process that takes so much time and so much effort, and that’s a wonderful thing. Because the world needs to hear that and needs to know that, and never was this more evident than during the next episode of the show. Since ‘I Love Pain’ followed up on some key moments in a manner so real, and so raw, that it felt like we were simply watching everyday life.

Because this episode showcased… how we tend to compartmentalize the big moments that should break us. So that we can survive in the interim and process our pain and that related to Jimmy’s journey in this tale. For he took the shock of seeing the man that basically killed his wife and buried it down to figure out how to address it with Grace and to figure out how to handle the reality that this man was suddenly back in their lives. Which led to awkward conversations and the difficult understanding that this a lot to process and that it can be healthy to sometimes set stuff aside, so we aren’t overwhelmed. Which was nice to see in a show about healing since so many offer the up the rough advice that we just need to power through and do the thing. 

But of course, since this show offers every step to healing available, it also made sure to showcase, how unhealthy things can come forth from that moment of respite from heavy and worrisome issues. Because Jimmy made sure to use his situationship with Gaby to help keep the pain and thoughts at bay, and that was unhealthy. Mainly because Gaby knew this wouldn’t last and needed to put up boundaries to help in her own healing. So that led to hard conflict here. The kind that saw this duo fight and hurt each other emotionally by coming to understand their mistakes and missteps and the unhealthy nature of their actions. Which added to the depth of this episode and outright helped us to understand that boundaries are important, and compensation is never healthy when something big is on our mind.

However, while there were some unique lessons at hand, the kind that showcased flaws and beauty, there was some growth to be found here. Simply because Sean needed guidance on how to handle doing something he did not want to. Since Liz found a food blogger that could boost their profile, and that blogger was eager to interview Sean. But that made Sean nervous. Because he knew he would have to talk about his past, and he wasn’t ready. So, he wanted the easy way out, to avoid conflict with Liz, since he thought she would be mad at him for saying no, and that led to some conflict with Paul. Who offered a plan on how to handle this, one that Sean ignored. But some tough love from Paul finally motivated Sean to use the plan and it brought him what he wanted and the confrontation with Liz went easier than expected. Giving rise to real growth for him because he trusted the process and did right by himself over anything else.
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All of which made, for a slice of life episode, one that reminded us of the ups and downs of healing in a dynamic manner and also foreshadows how there are consequences for everything we do, even when we are trying to put the pieces back together. Since Jimmy will pay a price for going that route romantically and will also pay an inadvertent price for honesty and attempting to heal with Alice. Because she is very curious about the man that ended her mother’s life, and the sorrowful life he may now lead, and any interaction there or desire to know more, will lead to pain in the household. But while we wait to see where that goes, we can celebrate one engaging tale. One that really did remind us that the way back is a long and winding process… one that is genuinely worth the effort and the time.

It really is quite amazing; how many different and fantastical misconceptions are out there when it comes to chasing our dreams. Because one would think, with so many people chasing them on the regular, that we wouldn’t have such nonsense. That people would know that chasing your dreams is a difficult venture, and that you will fail along the way and struggle as well for that matter. But nope, we just keep plugging away with the thought that this will be a breeze. Maybe because deep down we know that it won’t be easy and this somehow helps us square that, or maybe ignorance is bliss, truly applies. But thankfully, the tide is changing regarding such perceptions, so that people can chase their dreams in a healthier manner, and the magnificent series Heels, will undoubtedly be remembered for leading the charge on that.
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For it has from the very beginning looked at aspects of chasing one’s dream that no story has. Courtesy of moments that echo real life, and through commentary and lessons that showcase this difficult journey, and the next episode of the show excelled at that once again. For ‘The Big Bad Fish Man’ pondered deeply upon the fight that dreamers can very well experience when they get close to achieving it. Because there are so many others out there that want what that dreamer has, and they’re willing to sabotage to have it instead or ensure that someone doesn’t get there before them, and yes… to keep it, one must fight, one must fight hard in fact, by any means necessary. A truth that this episode brought forth, courtesy of Charlie Gully.

Because despite landing Rooster on his roster and of course, enjoying his usual accolades, Gully had concerns. Because he knew full well the weight that Wild Bill threw around, and he knew full well a great match at the State Fair would put his revenue stream in jeopardy. So, he did what any man with access to money and a helicopter would do… he worked to bring down the DWL through humiliation. All by plastering the front of the Duffy Dome with propaganda, the kind to embarrass. Which Jack of course, cared little about. Because he understood what was happening, but Ace… who wanted this match to go well, wasn’t good with it. So… he bought into Charlie’s nonsense and drove himself down to Gully’s mansion to try and do right by the DWL, but really, he walked into a trap.

For this is what Gully wanted. He absolutely wanted to rattle the cage of one of Jack’s biggest stars and get them in his stead. To work that sales pitch, to break things apart, and stay atop the indie wrestling world and therein, came the lesson. Because just like that, the DWL hung in the balance and Jack had a hard call to make when Crystal told him of what was going to happen. For Ace was lured in and ready to jump, and he called Crystal to ask her to come along. Which meant, Jack either had to risk it all to save the league and save its future or let what lie ahead play out and hope for the best. Which is the conundrum a dreamer is faced with when someone tries to muscle in and Jack… decided to fight for what he had built and fight hard. 
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Which brought him to Florida Dystopia Wrestling as well, where he was able to lay low for a bit until the moment was right, and he could stand on stage and teach Charlie Gully a lesson. All of which, spoke to the reality that if we really want the dream, and everything it can offer… we have to fight for it. We have to be ready to give a Charlie Gully the business and stand tall and make people understand, this is our dream, this is what we want and no one, and I mean no one… is gonna come for our shit, as Tom and Jack so perfectly put it. All of which of served as a powerful way to explore the lesson at hand. Because we don’t think about the parasites that come along or the jealous. But they exist, they are a problem, and they will be near when we are close, and that’s the best part of this episode.

The fact that Jack, and the DWL… are so close. They’re right there, the dream on the horizon and that is beautiful in its own right. But in the here and the now, it was all about the fight, of standing tall when adversity strikes, something Crystal did here as well by going after her shot at wrestling. A move that has its own depth we will break down in the finale rewatch. Because right now, we need to celebrate one of the show’s finest episodes. Courtesy of an amazing script and because of the performances, especially from Mike O’Malley, who plays Gully. Since he basically created a Bond Villain that loves to do blow and drink beers, and he really sold the depth of the character in an episode, that really did offer up a message that few discuss. In that, we can overcome this too when we really believe in what we are doing.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘The Anonymous’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that fans of the new hit USA Network series, The Anonymous, had some important questions on their minds when they tuned into last night’s episode. In that, we simply wanted to know who would win this competition, and how. Because it really has been anyone’s game at this point, thanks to DANI’s machinations and thanks to the fact that a single moment can surprise a competitor and potentially take them out. So, we have been dying to know how the competition is going to end and if any particular strategy will do the trick and clinch a victory and well, the season one finale of this series made sure to answer those questions and give us quite the satisfying ending, in the most epic manner possible.

For ‘Welcome to the Finale’ saw incredible gamesmanship and epic surprises from DANI. After one last taste of normalcy. Since this episode opened up with the reveal that Marcel won The Anonymous and decided to send Lilly home, who also wowed the crowd with her gaming skills before bidding goodbye and with her gone, there was bittersweet celebration and one last intense competition to load up the prize pot. Wherein the Final Five would play a twisted version of Connect Four with balls launched from the sky. Which led to chaos, some domination from Christopher and some complications. Since DANI found unique ways to keep everyone on their toes. But in the end, the pot grew to eighty grand and the end of this competition brought forth… one final chat, another elimination, and the final Face Off.

Now that chat… was certainly the most unique one to date. Simply because no one was calm and collect in this chat. They knew the stakes; they knew it was the last chance to get someone to expose themselves and that led to one intense conversation. One that was spicy in some ways, melancholy in others but they all managed to get through it to bring about one brutal elimination. For they went right into the test post chat, and The Anonymous was selected fast. But instead of some farewell moments and the dial ceremony, The Anonymous’ choice for elimination would not say goodbye. So that everyone could get right to that final Face Off, and believe it or not, Marcel won the title back-to-back and opted to break up Victopher by sending Victoria home and just like that, the Fantastic Four took to the dial for one stunning Face Off.

Because this Face Off featured the reveal as to who sent Victoria home, and it was up to The Anonymous to decide the order of who was going to pick their respective boxes and once that was settled… we bore witness to the most epic Face Off to date in this series. One where sass was the order of the day, thanks to Christopher, who wanted to have as much fun as possible here. But everyone else, offered up a range of emotions and potential doubt regarding whether or not they had the winning box and that pushed Marcel, the true natural of this game, like never before. Because he really couldn’t pin who had the wining box and sadly, that cost him everything. For in the end, Nina won the day, after snagging the winning box from Andy and just like that… season one of this amazing series came to a close.

Courtesy of an intense Face Off, that showcased once again, how quickly this game can turn. But that aside, Nina is the champion, and she deserves a round of applause for sowing just enough doubt to keep the winning box in her hands and for just plain playing a great game and well, that’s it for now fellow nerds that geek, that’s all there is to say about the show segment of season one. But fret not, we have more coverage to bring you over the next couple of days. Courtesy of our interviews with Lilly, Victoria, Christopher, Andy, Marcel, and the season one champion, Nina. To properly reflect on year one of this amazing new show, one that truly drew us in and kept our hearts racing. Courtesy of a refreshing new concept and some amazing contestants that we thoroughly enjoyed cheering for, and hopefully… we get a season two announcement for the show, soon. So, we can enjoy more of this brilliant new series, and all the surprises it sends our way. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Brilliant Minds’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular moment we see often in just about every medical drama out there, is the happy ending. Wherein in some form or capacity, the person suffering from a hideous ailment, is given joyous resolution. It might be that they have a long road ahead or that they can expect some baby steps as they heal, but they heal none the less and we have tears in our eyes because there is beauty in watching people survive the ravages of fate. But while it is nice to enjoy a happy ending and see wonders come forth in medical dramas, those endings are indeed, escapist in nature. Because not everyone that walks into a hospital for major care is cured when their journey is done. Because sometimes, there is no cure for what they have, and they must figure out how to live with that ailment. Which is why the NBC series, Brilliant Minds is of note.

Simply because it is that rare medical drama that makes sure to tell that truth and explore what that kind of surprise looks like, as evidenced by this week’s story. For ‘The Haunted Marine’ offered someone the bad news that there was no cure for their ailment, after of course, expanding upon the John Doe storyline. Because now that everyone was aware of the fact that John was conscious, they had to figure out how to communicate with him and reach him, so they could better diagnose and heal him. Which led to another wondrous sequence of events, wherein Dana and Van worked hard to reach him and believe it or not, they figured out a way to communicate with him, using his eye movement, and in doing so… learned he’s Russian and also… terrified. Terrified of being sent off again, something that struck Dr. Wolf to his core and only tied him closer to this mystery patient who we know now… has hope. Especially since Wolf has quite the idea to give him a chance to speak, via a microchip implant.

But while it was amazing to see the team figure out a way to speak with a patient in this state and not give up on him, it was the central story here that explored how some folks don’t get the news they want regarding their health. Which was handled by way of the introduction of a man named Steve Hill. Who was a former marine and was struggling with something that seemed to be an easy diagnosis, PTSD. Because he was seeing literal ghosts of fallen marines he served with in his unit, and he was prone to behavioral swings and explosions of emotion. But a quick look over Steve’s record made it clear… that PTSD wasn’t possible. Because he and his unit were never once on the front lines of combat. They worked with a cannon unit and hit the enemy from afar with their gear. Leaving Dr. Wolf to ponder upon the possibility that something worse was at play here within his body, and that too, went nowhere since Steve’s scans were all clear and healthy by medical standards.

However, an off the cuff comment from Dr. Nichols, led Dr. Wolf to ponder upon something that few would ever consider, CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy). A neurodegenerative disease often associated with NFL players since it relates to concussions and the long-term damage those incur upon the brain. Which of course should not have applied here. But the fact that Steve was showing symptoms, and that the fallen surrounding him showcased similar symptoms before passing, prompted Dr. Wolf to prove this diagnosis, and with the help of the family of one of the deceased soldiers in that unit… that proof came to light, Steve did have CTE. Which allowed for the team to get long-term benefits activated for him since this injury happened in combat, and it put Steve on a long road to… living with his affliction. For there would be no cure, and eventual trouble, so all that could be done was to mitigate his symptoms and give him every moment.

Which was an unconventional ending. Because just like that, there was no sustainable joy, no bright tomorrow for Steve. Just the harsh reality that he was ill and would forever be and that was sobering… but welcome from this unconventional series. Because it did remind us that happy endings aren’t always possible and until science reaches a revolutionary apex, these moments happen, and it really does become about the moment and cherishing every good day for patients like Steve. Plus, we’d be remiss to not point out that this episode also featured more intimate moments with the characters, the kind that showcased more of why Wolf does what he does, what haunts Nash, and Van’s intelligent. All of which just added to a thoughtful tale that informed us, that love, and care is sometimes all we can offer to the sick, and that has its own weight and worth, since it calms fears and helps people do the work, to maintain for as long as they can. Until next time.

One particular moment that fans of television love seeing play out, are grand reunions between former co-stars from an iconic television series. Because that original series was something we loved, something special, and those cast members harbored some serious chemistry. So, to see them reunite and do their thing is just a real treat, and a rare one as well. For there is sometimes a fear that going that route is something of a gimmick, or just a hard attempt to boost ratings. But in reality, these moments are truly cherished by the fans, and it just so happens that one particular show on network television has embraced this. 
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For Night Court on NBC has been home to some supremely epic guest stars and some supremely amazing reunions. In fact, some of them have involved bringing back former cast members from the original series. Since Marsha Warfield joyously brought Roz back to the courtroom, to let us know where life took her after the series, and last season, the Wheelers stood before the bench once agian, and we learned they were as troublesome and unlucky as ever. But what’s amazing about this series, is that the amazing reunions the show has put forth, extend beyond just bridging the gap between two chapters of the series, it’s also seen some big names from another cast member’s past drop by the show. 

For Melissa Rauch, who plays Judge Abby Stone, was part of the wildly popular comedy sitcom, The Big Bang Theory and during her time on the show, she accomplished wonders as Bernadette and of course, crated some iconic moments with her castmates. To the point where some wondered if a few TBBT cast members would drop by Night Court and give the fans a little treat and that most certainly happened. Since Kunal Nayyar swung by to play an eccentric fashion guru and generated some amazing laughs with Melissa on screen and well, that was such a success, and this show is so good at making guest spots and reunions like this, impactful, that the forthcoming third season of the show will feature another big one.

For earlier today, it was announced that Mayim Bialik will be dropping by Judge Stone’s courtroom to play a character we know nothing of, yet, but that’s okay. Because we know the writers will give her plenty to work with and more importantly… we get to see another Big Bang Theory alum arrive on the show and let loose and have some fun alongside Melissa, and this will be a real treat. Since Melissa and Mayim have that comedic chemistry and are talented at making us laugh, and well… all this wondrous news does is get us even more excited for season three of Night Court. Because it means that an epic season awaits, one that will bring the laughs, and deliver more on what the fans love… iconic reunions with iconic actors that we absolutely adore.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Premiere of ‘The Devil’s Hour’. To revisit the Season One Finale, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the Prime Video series, The Devil’s Hour, managed to surprise us in every way imaginable. Because so many of us truly thought this was going to be something of a supernatural thriller… or a powerhouse cat and mouse story between a cold-blooded killer and a brilliant kind soul that knew how to bring the monster to bear. But instead, we were plunged into multiverse concepts, courtesy of an incredible story that we have all pondered upon at some point or another. In that, who would we become, if by chance, key moments in our lives took a different path? For that was the core of Gideon’s journey, and while the season one finale wasn’t able to dive deeper into that… the season two premiere certainly was.

For ‘DI Chambers’ pondered upon a path where Lucy’s mother died on that fateful night instead of having Gideon step in and save her life, and what it showcased to us, was a hardened Lucy. One who had brushes with the law, and eventually came to learn that being on the right side of the law, would be a fine path for her. So, she signed up, became a star of a detective and was truly, a transformed person as well. For this Lucy was hardened, dark, and carried the pain of loss with her. Which gave her an edge and showcased a future where she was quick to bring Gideon down when their fates intersected at last. In fact, that led to perhaps some of the most fascinating moments in this episode, since we watched season one play out from DI Chambers’ perspective.

Which led to some awkward and chilling moments for certain. Since Lucy was surprised by Isaac’s arrival and unsure of how to handle his desire to be near his momma. Plus, she struggled to reconcile the fact that Gideon was right about everything, and that led to another fascinating sequence of events. Wherein Lucy enjoyed full life and fell in love with Ravi and had the life they always wanted. In an effort to avoid the fact, that she was deeply haunted by the grand act that Gideon wished to stop, which brought forth their final conversation in this timeline. One that hinted at the real possibility that perhaps, life remained a circle that could not be broken. For despite promising to make the change we saw in season one, Lucy’s life… went down the path we’ve already seen when the cancer running through her veins, claimed her at last.

For she grew up studious, she became a social worker, married Mike, had Isaac and then went through that harrowing first season and seemed as though… she was going to die in the fire. Starting the cycle again and preventing nothing. Creating a sorrowful loop that would torture Gideon and her once more. But that’s when this series surprised us hard. For in those final moments where it seemed as though Lucy was going to re-start the loop… she was saved. Dragged from the fire and sent to the hospital where something miraculous happened. In that, her brush with death, combined with an understanding of the cyclical nature of this life… gave her the vision she needed to hold onto her memories from the past, just like Gideon.

All of which made for a fascinating season premiere. One that truly took us on a wild ride. Because it was just incredible to see an entirely different Lucy Chambers, one so vastly different than the soul we met in season one, and it was amazing to see a story dig deep into some powerful concepts. Such as how big moments can define us and do impact our path. Alongside some musings about how they don’t have to define us forever if we don’t want them to, and what truly sells these concepts, is the acting here. Because Jessica Raine is simply stunning in this story, and transforms herself here, and Peter Capaldi is once again sublime and sells Gideon’s desperation like never before and all of these elements have us eager to continue the journey and see if this duo can make big changes to the world, thanks to their wild understanding of a universe locked in a vicious cycle of joy, sorrow and repetition. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for ‘Groomsmen: First Look’.
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When it comes to stories that focus upon romance and dating, and everything in between, they tend to focus on such matters from a woman’s perspective and understandably so. For women are far more in touch with their emotions and understand how to adapt and grow to fulfill their emotional needs. Which has given rise to a steady stream of stories from that perspective to the point where an entire television network was built upon it. After all, this is what gave rise to the birth of Hallmark as it stands, and well… none of this is bad. Because it has helped to create stories that people connect with and find joy within, courtesy of how Hallmark explores such matters.

But what’s fascinating is that Hallmark is suddenly quite eager to do more with its stories and explore new concepts and corners of the human condition than what it normally offers, and that’s why shows like The Way Home and The Chicken Sisters have come forth, and why… they’ve opted to do something quite bold and tell some romantic stories, from a man’s perspective. Because while we fully understand that women are far more in touch with their emotions in healthy manner, we forget that there are some men that have done the work and managed to do the same. Granted, not enough men have, and that’s a lament for another time. But that is something worth celebrating and exploring, and that is why The Groomsmen: First Look is of note.

For this new trilogy series from Hallmark recently made its debut on the network and it truly is, a breath of fresh air for romantic stories on the network. For it does examine the life and times of an emotionally intelligent man named Pete, and the struggles he encounters in a world where that isn’t the expectation for a man. Because in this story, Pete falls in love and wants to do everything that men don’t normally do. He wants to be romantic; he is willing to sacrifice and be part of something greater but receives kick back at every step from his friends. Who want him to do all the silly and arrogant things that men do. But Pete is in touch with his emotions, and he knows what he wants in this life, and must navigate how to find that… amid a sea of nonsense.

Which really does bring forth, a fascinating story. One that truly does take us into new and refreshing territory for the network and for romantic storytelling. Because Pete really is a different kind of character, one that truly does defy convention by not being stoic or ultra-masculine. He’s simply a man, who understands the gravity of being in touch with his emotions and the importance and wonder of actually wearing those on his sleeve over the stuff we normally see. Not to mention, he does things we don’t often see from characters in his situation in these types of stories. In that, he even sets boundaries with his friends and while he often hears their advice, he rarely takes it to heart, knowing full its bad advice and will have the opposite effect, and he even holds them accountable to their nonsense.

All of which brings forth, a bold new story for Hallmark. One that really is refreshing and unconventional, and goes places that these stories rarely, if ever, go. Because we just don’t look at men in this light in storytelling, and rightfully so. Because guys like Pete are in the minority, and so many instead resemble his friends. But it is nice to finally see a story acknowledge that some men aren’t stereotypes, and do want more and want to rise above the nonsense we see in popular culture, and what’s incredible… is that this saga has more to explore regarding such matters, since there are two more stories in this trilogy, and it will be fascinating to see what other refreshing stories await us as our journey with the Groomsmen continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘The Chicken Sisters’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One thing that we quickly come to learn when we set out on a journey to heal from the various moments that shatter us emotionally, is that there is no clear path to getting to the proverbial finish line. Because healing is a supremely complex journey. Where some days the work we put in goes smooth and feels good, and where other days, it’s overwhelming and stunning. But what matters most is that we continue the work, because that is the only way we find peace and get healthy, and well… the unconventional nature is healing is top of mind today, simply because it was put on display in the next episode of The Chicken Sisters on Hallmark+.

A feat that ‘It’s Just Junk, Y’all’ accomplished by having Amanda learn the news about the trouble her mother was facing, shortly after getting home from a lovely evening with Sergio and well, that prompted her to tell her mother post haste what was going on, what to expect and to enlist every bit of help possible, to clean the house and save the restaurant. Which… brought forth the lesson in question. Because just like that, Gus was looking at a hectic cleaning of her house and a removal of the junk that became her own crutch to cope and Mae, was looking at facing her past head on. All of which informed us, that sometimes… healing involves facing our past in a brisk and direct manner and that’s no easy task.

In fact, to cope, Gus made a point of trying to stay out of the way where she could, to try and mitigate the horror of watching a collection fade before her eyes and to give her mind a chance to process the necessity of this cleaning, and Mae, well she basically slipped into television mode to handle the matter. So that she could have a way to keep memories and emotions at bay, and that’s what we have to do when directly confronted with healing in such a brisk manner. Find a way to cope and face it head on, and bravely, and for our troubles… we still find strength. For Mae was finally able to cut to the core of her pain and begin to resolve it, even with her fiancé at her side since he came to help and Gus… well, we will get to her in a second.

Because we do need to talk about the fact, that the healing journey that everyone is on in this story, brought forth a lot of other positive moments worth nothing. Such as the fact that Nancy decided to undo the ugly nature of her son’s actions, because she did learn about his decision to call this in… by having the whole town come to help Gus. Because she was learning how much negativity she surrounded herself with and how she often let too much darkness persist, and she wanted no more of that in her life. She wanted there to be better days, so she too confronted some of the ugly head on. If anything, the only person that didn’t grow here was Frank Jr., who continued to stew in his pain, which we learned at last was related to grief and a sense of failure regarding what his father thought of him.

But what mattered most, was that so many people faced their pain head on here and made an effort to push forward rather than let old haunts and bad habits come back into play, even Gus. Who brought about the most extreme solution possible to move forward in her own journey, and that all made… for one amazing tale. One that reminded us that healing is quite the wild journey, one that takes so many paths and twists and turns and requires bravery at times as well. And now that we’ve seen everyone stand tall at a critical time and do something healthy things… it will be interesting to see what comes next for this family now that they are embracing positivity and healing over anything else. Until next time.