Caution: This rapid recap of Episode 542 of ‘Life After Lockup’ contains spoilers.
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Please enjoy this rapid recap of Episode 542 of Life After Lockup on WE tv, along with a refresher clip!

EPISODE 542 – “Save The Drama For Your Mama” – Airs October 11th on We TV at 8pm ET/PT
Rob is torn when his wife and mother come to blows. Justine is shaken by a frantic phone call. Bianca’s baby fever reaches a boiling point for Daniel. Kerok drops a bomb. Troy is tempted by his old life. Melissa and Louie take the plunge.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘La Maison’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One of the most difficult acts we must take part in when we inherit a family business or follow in the footsteps of someone we admire, is establishing that we are now the person in charge and that our vision will forever differ from theirs. And what makes this act so difficult, is that more than likely, the person we are replacing is iconic in their own right and carved quite the path for their industry and that is tough to overcome. Because how does one establish themselves as the way forward, the next generation and the light that will keep the company shining for ages on end? Well as it turns out, there is an answer to that question, one that was explored in the next episode of La Maison on Apple TV+.

For ‘Like Father, Like Daughter’ explored that very problem, through outright surprise. For early on, this episode appeared to be ready to explore what it meant to be in the limelight as a bright new mind. Because Paloma’s fashion show was indeed a rousing hit, and everyone was buzzing about it. Not to mention, everyone wanted Paloma to grace their magazine cover, and the redone Pearle bag was doing incredible numbers. Which prompted Paloma to reinvent the bag for the 21st Century, to really put her stamp on Ledu, and fashion, and express how she wanted it to function in this new world, and well… at first that too appeared to go well. For so many were speaking to how refreshing and wonderful it was going to be, to own that bag, one that had a tiny carbon footprint and was designed for all.

But soon, the backlash came. For some ripped on her for the Pearle bag and saw it as nothing more than the same ol’, same ol’ with a new logo slapped on it, and then… they came for her new invention, Neutral. For everyone believed that she was simply copying Vincent Ledu’s career path and his footsteps and with the internet being the internet, that meant she was no better than him and likely eager to do awful things as well. Which prompted Paloma to have some hard discussions with the team at Ledu, and Vincent, who in his reflective state basically declared her, his daughter. And she had those hard talks because she had to figure out how best to be free of this, and she decided that in order to forge her own path, and truly make Ledu her own… she had to do something quite difficult.

In that, she had to simply toss Vincent aside, and her past, and disown the whole thing to move forward. Because that was the only way to be free to have her vision, and that was what she took part in. Giving rise to a proper new chapter for Ledu and for Paloma, while teaching us, we must find out how to neutralize the specter that hangs over us when our time comes, so we too… can move forward. Which made for a fascinating episode, one also filled with plenty of backstabbing drama as well. Since Robinson was unable to decide as to whether or not to sign with Rovel or stay home, because Rovel kept toying with him, and Victor came to learn… it would be a very long time before he would enjoy the CEO role since Diane decided that she was going to stay as long as possible, regardless of her hellish diagnosis.

All of which made, for another compelling story from this fascinating series. One that spoke to how the public perceives corporate moves and how easy it is for good intentions to go sideways if they don’t, please the fickle masses. But more importantly, we came to learn how to forge our own path in times of strife, and how important it is to really put our own stamp on whatever it is we are doing. So that no one can sit there and tell us that we are being unoriginal, and now that we’ve reached the end of this particular tale, it is onto the next, and whatever new challenges await Ledu. Since clearly, the fashion world is explosive for certain and one simple spark from one individual moment, can create a firestorm of drama for these fascinating individuals to deal with, and so many are still holding matches. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Three Women’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve learned a lot about women and the lives they lead in modern America, courtesy of the incredible storytelling present in the STARZ series, Three Women. For it has examined some powerful topics, the kind that have provided the insight in question while correctly pointing out how our desire to make women seen and not heard has aided in hiding their plight and their struggles. All of which has given rise to a brilliant series, one that speaks to so much and resonates on levels never thought possible. But while it has been amazing to learn such lessons, one particular aspect of this story and one character’s journey has been neglected.

After all, Gia, our reliable narrator and guide through this world that we’ve chosen to ignore, has resided in the shadows. Making her nothing more than a plot device, really. One made to move us from one story to another, and in a story about women, that would be a grave injustice. One that this series was not good with, which was why ‘gia’ took the center stage in the next episode. Wherein we were able to learn not only, why she has gone to such efforts to write about sexuality, but the struggles independent working women face out there in the world. Especially when they do indeed have something worthwhile in front of them, along with a powerful surprise that expressed the strength that women carry. All of which came forth… from a revelation.

In that, Gia did find out that her publisher was supremely displeased with her original book. In fact, they considered it to be a failure. They wanted it to have guts, and she of course, only wrote what she thought would please the publisher, since we teach women to not take risks or go for it. But a short-lived love affair, that strange conversation with Gay, and being on the road and learning how to talk to people on a different level and learn their stories… inspired her to go the extra mile. To really expose the human condition and shed the stigma she harbored and projected regarding writing, to really feel the words, and feel them flow through her and experience their power through the raw honesty that writing provides. Making this a grand quest for Gia to beome more than the norm, but a generational writer that would leave a mark with a powerful piece of work. 

But of course, there were those struggles mentioned. Because that brief love affair haunted her for some time. In part because she was pregnant and trying to decide how to handle that. And that idiot lover, felt the need to inject himself into her work. Out of the arrogant male belief that she needed his help, needed his authentic perspective on her work. Which served as a reminder that so many men offer distrust and doubt when it comes to what women can do, when that simply needs to not happen. For there is no woman on this planet that is ‘too weak’ to handle their career path on their own. But that stigma persists and idiots like him push into them, but she weathered that storm and made the work, work, before she dealt with one stunning surprise regarding their time together.

In that, she suffered through a miscarriage, and that’s important to note. Because as this series is wont to do, it showed us the moment she lost the baby. Not to be cruel, but to educate. For this moment is often glossed over in popular media and in everyday life, but it is an emotional and scary experience. One that a woman goes through alone, and somehow finds the incredible strength only they can, to go on. Which made this, another poignant and powerful episode. One that made Gia so much more at last (courtesy of a stunning performance from Shailene Woodley) and took us on a powerful journey with her. One that stayed true to what this series is eager to accomplish and one that seemingly is closing one chapter of the story to move us into another. One that the teaser hinted, will explore what comes next for all of the women we’ve met… as they take control of their lives and their wants. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Sweetpea’.

One particular question that continues to persist in our world, is why people continue to do evil and dark deeds. The kind that brings harm to others and upends lives, and well… it’s odd that we continue to ask this question, simply because… we have the answer in hand. Because in reality, the evil that people do isn’t related to anything mysterious. Because often it happens due to the fact that we are a society, that marginalizes so many. We forget some people exist; we don’t hear what they have to say or downplay their concerns, and then express shock when they snap so they can be seen, heard or feel valued and well… the time has come for us to stop asking that question, and look more about how we prevent such problems.

So that we no longer create the monsters we fear and break the cycle at last and one way that we can do that, is see the pain marginalization causes and one handy way to do that, is through storytelling. Since that easily explores such matters and well, it just so happens that STARZ is now home to a story that does indeed showcase that in Sweetpea. A feat that ‘Sorry for Your Loss’ accomplishes by introducing us to a woman named Rhiannon who… barely exists in this world to anyone outside of who she sees in the mirror. Because everywhere she goes, she is overlooked and while she could likely handle that… it’s that she’s overlooked where it matters, that hurts the most. 

Because at work, she’s the only administrative assistant that no one bothers to speak to. She just exists, and an attempt to be seen there is brushed aside, leaving her stuck in a job that doesn’t fulfill. Not to mention, anyone else in her inner circle treats like her dirt. Since her sister ignores her texts and when we meet her in this tale, she’s also dealing with the loss of her father. Who passes away unexpectedly one night, adding new stress and new problems for Rhiannon. Since her sister is ready to throw her out of house and home, to earn a quick buck and a nest egg. And to make matters worse, the ol’ high school bully that helped shatter Rhiannon as a teen is in charge of selling the place, and well… that puts Rhiannon in an outright tailspin.

One where she does… the unthinkable… and kills a man in a fit of rage. A move that leaves her fate uncertain in this tale but leaves us with a lot to chew upon. Because on the one hand you want to be furious with Rhiannon. For she’s obviously not a bad person, but she does a very bad thing here and crosses the ultimate line. But on the other hand, you feel pity for her. Because she is a wallflower, she is someone that people step upon and ignore and marginalize and you can understand her frustration and anger and that creates the conflict in question. Because we aren’t supposed to sympathize with a killer, but here we are, feeling pity. 
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All of which makes for a frustrating watch for all the right reasons. Because this premiere does such a good job of immersing you in Rhiannon’s life and the ugliness she faces and the ugliness she has faced, that you are genuinely conflicted by the end of this story. One that truly does a wonderful job of expressing how we are indeed responsible for that which we both hate and fear. For kindness and understanding and even just a little courtesy and care could have prevented this downward spiral, and that likely means, this episode is merely a grand beginning to an incredible character study. One that will ponder upon if someone can come back from such an act, and whether or not… we can fundamentally change and prevent this as this fascinating story continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Citadel: Diana’.

For the most part, stories that are a continuation of the original or a spin-off, have a real sense of familiarity to them. Wherein they spend little time world-building and more time exploring that world or expanding upon it, all of which are not bad things. After all, at that point… those tuning in or picking up the next chapter know what the story is about and are genuinely looking forward to see where it heads next, and the storytellers in question are ready to give the audience just that, and all are happy in the end. But now and again, you run into a story that likes to surprise its audience and do things that are in fact, unconventional for a sequel. As evidenced by the series premiere of Citadel: Diana on Prime Video.

For ‘Split in Two’ is a story that so many of us expected to pick up where the flagship series left off and take us right into newfound action. But instead, this story opted to slow things down and explore and world-build and that made for a fascinating story. One that introduced us to Diana Cavalieri. A Manticore agent that was once Citadel, who… went through a long and winding road to reach this point in her life. Wherein she is unfulfilled and lost and looking for more in life, and she is also, quite the intelligent agent. Since we learn in this story, through her tragic backstory, that there is no mystery she cannot solve, and no clue that misses her eye. Giving rise to a detailed introduction to our main character and the world-building doesn’t end there.

Simply because we also learn that Manticore in Italy, does not have the power it desires. For the government there wants to oppress their work and keep the peace through any means necessary. Which prompts Manticore leadership in this country to push hard to get what they want. Even going so far as to meet with the heads of the government and play nice to get power once again. Not to mention, a man named Edo is prepared to marry into another family if it means that at last, Manticore can take charge as it has, in other parts of the world. And this was quite unique to see and enjoy. Since you don’t often see the evil organization in question be stymied in such a powerful manner, adding new ideas and depth to this story. 

But of course, the next chapter does need to work toward something bigger, something powerful and that is present here courtesy of a bold decision on Diana’s part. For while she is out on a mission with a fellow agent, she takes charge like never before. Going so far as to blow Manticore’s cover to recover items that could potentially help the cause, or rather… Diana’s plans. Since this snatch and grab, prompts her to murder that agent in cold blood and pass a lie detector test to keep this item a secret and get it to the one man that can help her… Edo. Who knows full well the technology she recovered, which appears to be a revamp of old Citadel gear, could in fact… give Manticore the power it needs to be a force in Italy.
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All of which sets the stage, for quite the unique spin-off. One that has us questioning already if Diana is trying to curry favor in Manticore and rise through its ranks or do something noble, since she herself is former Citadel. But that’s the fun part. We don’t know and won’t know for some time. Instead, we are left with a series premiere that is unconventional in nature and took its time to plunge us into a new chapter of the story, and that’s a wonderful thing. Since it speaks to how the Russo brothers and their crack team of writers are eager to flesh this world out further and provide us with a storytelling experience unlike any other, one that indeed has us eager to continue the journey to see what Diana is after. Until next time.

There was a time, where the theme song to a sitcom, was just as important as the sitcom itself. Because those behind the scenes believed a quality theme song would help add to the iconic nature of a sitcom and they were right. Since audiences enjoyed the toe tapping nature of them, and some of them, even became outright hits. But somewhere along the line, that faded, and theme songs became an afterthought or were barely present in a sitcom. Replaced instead with a catchy tune and some fast-moving title cards. In part because it seemed the appetite for more wasn’t there and to maximize screen time for the laughs. But it would seem, that, the Queen of Country, Reba McEntire, is eager to change that.
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Because earlier today, she released the single for ‘Happy’s Place’, a country song that will serve as the theme song for her new sitcom, Happy’s Place. Which will debut on NBC on October 18th, and well, it’s obvious that great care went into crafting this theme song. To ensure that it harkens back to that golden age of television where the theme song had serious weight. And to properly do this release justice, Reba, along with NBC, not only offered up links on where to hear this amazing theme song, but a new trailer for the show, and a behind-the-scenes look at the song’s creation. Which we will share with you now, to help you count down the days to the arrival of a show that will, as the song says, ‘surely lift your spirits.’  

‘Adding a new song to her Country Hall of Fame resume and for her millions of fans to enjoy, entertainment icon Reba McEntire has teamed up with renowned songwriter Carole King and written the show’s theme song for her upcoming new NBC comedy, “Happy’s Place.” 

The song, released by MCA Nashville, is available across all music platforms and will also debut on the “Happy’s Place” series premiere, which is set for Friday Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. “Happy’s Place” will stream the next day on Peacock. 

Listen to the theme song from “Happy’s Place” HERE. 

Take a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the song HERE. 

“I’m so happy for the opportunity to write the theme song for "Happy’s Place” with my good friend, Carole King,” said Reba McEntire. “It just doesn’t get much better than that! I hope my fans will love this song as much as they did the theme song for the “Reba” show,” added McEntire. 

“Happy’s Place” stars Reba McEntire as her character, Bobbie, inherits her father’s tavern (Happy’s Place) and is surprised to discover that she has a new business partner, Isabella, played by Belissa Escobedo, a twentysomething half-sister she never knew she had. The series also stars Melissa Peterman, Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk and Rex Linn. 

“Happy’s Place” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group. The series is created by Kevin Abbott and Julie Abbott. Writer Kevin Abbott executive produces with Reba McEntire, Michael Hanel, Mindy Schultheis, Matt Berry and Pamela Fryman. 

ABOUT REBA McENTIRE 
Multi-media entertainment mogul Reba McEntire has become a household name through a successful career that includes music, television, film, theater, retail and hospitality. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Hollywood Bowl member has more than 50 award wins under her belt, earning honors from the ACM Awards, American Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, CMA Awards, GRAMMY® Awards and GMA Dove Awards. Reba was also a 2018 Kennedy Center Honors recipient, in addition to multiple philanthropic and leadership honors. Reba has celebrated unprecedented success including 35 career No.1 singles and more than 58 million albums sold worldwide. Reba earned her 60th Top 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, extending her record for the most Top 10 hits among female artists. Reba’s Top 10 success spans five straight decades, landing her in the singular group with only George Jones, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton who have the same achievement. The Oklahoma native and Golden Globe® nominated actress has multiple movie credits to her name, a critically-acclaimed lead role on Broadway in Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun and starred in the 6-season television sitcom Reba. Reba has also proven to be a savvy entrepreneur, with longstanding brand partnerships including her Dillard’s clothing line and western footwear collection REBA by Justin™. She has even added restauranteur to the list with Reba’s Place, a restaurant, bar, retail and entertainment venue in Atoka, Oklahoma. Her book Not That Fancy landed on the New York Times bestseller list. Reba is set to return as a coach on Season 26 of NBC’s The Voice. Reba also stars in and executive produces on the forthcoming sitcom Happy’s Place, due this fall. For more information, visit www.Reba.com.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘Found’. To revisit the Season Two Premiere, click here.
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One particular mistake that is made often in television shows, is the sheer fact that there are rarely lasting consequences for big actions that the character’s take. They’ll just, do the thing, take some heat for it and in a week, all is well, and no one is the wiser and that’s problematic because… it’s a little too escapist in nature. For we all know that actions have consequences, and the big ones rarely fade away quickly, and while we do indeed watch television to escape, that’s not the only reason we tune in. Because we want to be treated to quality stories that take us on a complete journey, one where consequences are dealt with and well, this particular problem is another reason why Found on NBC is a breath of fresh air.

For it is that rare show that isn’t eager to let go of what the characters do and pretend as though nothing major happened. It explores consequences and in doing so, continues to provide us with quality storytelling that has meaning and lends gravity to many of its central themes and never was this was more evident than during this week’s tale. For ‘Missing While Difficult’ spent a great deal of time exploring the fallout of Sir’s escape from Gabi’s basement. Because the decision to capture him and use him, was a titanic betrayal of trust on Gabi’s part, one that left her on the outs here with the people she’s spent so much time with and leaned upon, and it was a betrayal that was so shocking and so profound that the team was deeply rattled and completely out of sorts in this tale.  

To the point where Margaret struggled to focus and struggled to make use of her sight, and she even lost her temper regarding the secondary case we will get to in a moment. Not to mention, Zeke was still trying to reconcile his fate with the firm, and Trent was simply… angry and rightfully so. Because someone he trusted violated what he stands for and that led to a lot of tension with the team and also… some real scares here. Simply because Gabi stayed in contact with Sir as best she could here, to bring Lacey home and also… to consult with the monster one more time. Because she needed the help, but oddly enough, Gabi’s constant use of Sir’s mind and his insight, became habit for him and he wanted to continue to flex that muscle and solve cases, which was an interesting development. One that helped with the other case in this story.

Wherein the team had to find a missing infant that was in a lot of trouble. For the little girl had a condition that would bring her to her end if she wasn’t rescued and oddly enough… fighting to save that life and fighting for more, brought the team some measure of unity. Because they understood the core of their work again and its importance and with a tip from Sir, they did bring that little girl home and saved her life. But make no mistake about it, while they were able to work together and find common ground for the moment, consequences reigned supreme here and this team is indeed still shattered over Sir. Who despite showing a backbone here still harmed Lacey and escaped capture, regardless of the fact that his brother came out to aid in locking Sir up.

A reality that will continue to provide us with stories grounded in consequence. Since Lacey is still out there and Gabi is still hurting over this and her actions and all of this made, for one powerful episode. One that felt quite real and didn’t just make everything happy and joyous, and that was refreshing, and it stayed true to what we love about the show, since the missing baby case was compelling, and this story set the stage for redemption for Gabi. Which she will have to work very hard to earn because of how badly she wounded people, and that’s why we want to see consequences in storytelling. To see how we come back from our mistakes, for that is more fulfilling than just moving on, and in this case… it will hopefully also involve, Sir paying the piper for the many awful things he’s done. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 26002 of ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. To revisit the Season 26 Premiere, click here. Also, this article contains discussions regarding sexual abuse, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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One belief that we all hold to, is that the people that dedicate their lives to civil service, be it through running for office or by wearing a badge or sitting behind a bench in a black robe… are the best of us. And it makes sense as to why we hold to that. Because it takes a special mind to want to serve the public trust on a daily basis, and in the case of judicial work and law enforcement, see such difficult corners of the human condition. So, they have to be the best of us, right? Well, as it turns out, that belief isn’t always true and sometimes people serve the public trust for different reasons and are not the best of us, as evidenced by this week’s episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit on NBC.

For ‘Excavated’ introduced us to a woman named Maggie, who was the stepdaughter of a famous Federal Judge named Andrews and well… she was doing her best to live a decent life. Simply because Maggie had her struggles with substance abuse, and was mostly adrift in this life, and a big move for her family revealed why her life hadn’t quite turned out the way she expected. For she uncovered a diary from her stepfather that outlined what appeared to be acts of sexual abuse that he imparted upon her in her youth, and that unsettled her. Mainly because the outline was truth and old memories began to come up, and she of course, turned to Captain Benson and her unit to find justice and well, that led to the reminder in question, that not all of the people that serve the people are good people. 

Simply because, it took little time for this former judge to flex his muscles as quickly as possible. To appear above the law and accusation because of his reputation and all that it stood for, an indicator and reminder of how men like Andrews can and will hide behind their title when challenged, especially when they have done something terribly wrong. Because as the SVU team dug into this case, they managed to uncover… that there was physical evidence present here that affirmed that Maggie wasn’t lying, and that meant a trial was on the horizon. One where awful truths came forth. In that, Andrews was guilty and enabled by his wife in in the hopes of preserving image and preserving his standing as a judge.

All of which brought forth a shocking episode to say the least, one that showcased that evil knows no bounds and cares not about titles and career choices. It just exists in all forms, and even the people we look up to are capable of such matters, for reasons that we may never quite understand. In fact, they were unclear here since all Andrews could muster about his decision to cross the line and do horrible things to a child was to say that he wanted to know what innocence was like. As though robbing it from someone else would somehow give him understanding, and that was… an unsettling answer to give for his crimes. One that hammered home a more vital lesson regarding our longstanding belief that men like him are pillars of the community because they choose a noble career path.

In that, the time has come for us to look at the role of public service as noble, and see the people who choose that path, as people, plain and simple. Because people are flawed, and some do indeed become corrupt with power and choose a dark path, as Andrews did here, and looking at the position as noble versus the person… will ease some of that shock and horror when guys like Andrews cross the line and help us prop up the ones who are worth celebrating in that field. But lessons aside, make no mistake about it, this was a tough episode to watch. Because it did dig into some difficult subject matter, and deeply explored the last impacting of what Andrews did, and this is one that will stay with us for a while. Courtesy of its harrowing reminder of the darkness that bad people are capable of when they think they are somehow special or noble. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 24002 of ‘Law & Order’. To revisit the Season 24 Premiere, click here. This article also contains discussions of sexual assault and stalking, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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There was a time in the world of television, where the justice system was viewed in a supremely fond and revered manner. Where judges could do no wrong, where investigators never made mistakes and where criminals were true scumbags. Who basically turned their back on society for reasons that no one quite understood, and well, it makes sense as to why this was how the system was viewed. Because popular entertainment often reflects the zeitgeist of an era and for a long time, we saw the American justice system as a true pillar of our nation and something that was infallible. But as the years have gone on and abuses of power have taken place, and strange cases have played out, it is no longer seen as a bastion of light on the horizon.

Instead, the justice system is now acknowledged to be flawed and at times, broken and filled with grey areas and tough decisions for those who try to uphold the laws we cherish, and that too, is being reflected in television in a manner that is beginning to make it clear, that we might need some reform. Because all too often, the mistakes being made are causing more harm than good and devastating lives and never were all of these points more evident than during last night’s episode of Law & Order on NBC. For ‘The Perfect Man’ explored all of that by way of a very unique case. One that involved a tech whiz named Tyler who created AI software that would serve as the perfect boyfriend, and he himself desired to be akin to his software, since he was seen often here working to woo a special lady with some special words.

But alas, Tyler turned up dead one morning with a bullet hole where his eye used to be and thanks to the fine work of the NYPD, they came to learn a woman named Laura put him down for reasons that were not clear at first. But her pending trial, and the truth behind her actions, brought Captain Olivia Benson from Special Victims Unit into this episode, who informed the team on this series that Laura was a survivor or sexual assault. One who received no help from the NYPD when she brought it to their attention and that her motivations for murder here might be related to a need for justice, and Olivia was right. For it slowly came out that Tyler, was a stalker, and determined to be her boyfriend to match his software’s visage, and despite Laura’s best efforts to keep him at bay, she was ignored again.

Which in turn, pushed her to take matters into her own hands, and of course... went to jail for it because according to the law, she was a stone-cold murderer that put an innocent man in the ground. But in reality, this was a true grey area case. One where yes, Laura should not have killed anyone, for that is the greatest sin we can commit. But at the same time, she was discarded by law enforcement, treated like an afterthought and forgotten. Leaving her disillusioned, disenfranchised and unable to comprehend how to find any peace over her problems, outside of handling this of her own accord. All of which spoke to the many problems the system currently has in how it prioritizes cases, holds to stigmas over investigation and truly lets people slip through the cracks when they simply should not.

All of which made for a divisive and infuriating episode, and that’s not an insult, that is indeed a compliment. Because this is the kind of stuff that happens in our world and this is the kind of stuff that we take sides regarding, when we should… be concerned more about reforms and improvements to the system. So that victims don’t become statistics and inmates, and that makes this, a powerful and brilliant episode. One that dares to speak hard truth about a system that works but sometimes works poorly and it deserves a round of applause for pointing that out. Plus, it was quite amazing to see Mariska Hargitay drop by the flagship series and offer the wonder of Captain Benson once more and well, in the end, all this episode does, is leave us eager for more of this series. To see what other powerful bits of commentary on the system await us as these intrepid investigators and prosecutors do their best to keep it thriving in an era where black and white, no longer exists. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for 12003 of ‘Chicago P.D.’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are moments in our lives, where we realize that seemingly insurmountable tasks are in front of us. The kind that requires incredible energy and incredible attention from us. So, we commit to something incredible. In that we dedicate ourselves to taking care of what lies ahead of us, and we are relentless in doing so. To the point where we barely sleep, we barely eat. We just work to make sure that those tasks fade away and when they finally do, we rest and find solace and a sense of accomplishment. But what’s fascinating about this… is that for some… this push to give everything to overcoming a task never ends, for their tasks are insurmountable, and that brings forth some questions about those who keep going.

In that, is it healthy to keep at that pace for a task that seemingly cannot be resolved. Not to mention, who do we become when we keep pushing in that manner, and it just so happens that the next episode of Chicago P.D. on NBC takes the time to ponder upon those questions. A feat that ‘Off Switch’ accomplished by way of one wild night for Detective Atwater. For shortly after a flirty encounter at a bar, Atwater found himself at quite the crime scene. For a local business was laid to waste from a group of robbers, and they left only the owner alive on this night and that prompted Atwater to take point in the hopes of solving this case post haste. Because there was a fair chance the robbers would leave as quick as they could, so… Atwater poured himself into the case.

Where he pushed himself to the limit and went hard on the case. To the point where nothing else mattered. Not his tenants, not informing the family’s victims of what happened. There was just the hunt, and Diane, the survivor. Who he also pushed hard to remember details regarding the case to bring this to a close. Which led to some wins and some information but took a toll upon Atwater. To the point where the new psychologist on the case, Val, who was also the woman that flirted with him at the bar, pointed out that going this hard, all the time, since clearly Atwater poured himself into his never-ending work to make the streets safe, wasn’t completely healthy. And made him a servant to others’ emotions and needs over his own, and that could be problematic down the line. Which taught us… that going like this forever can be damaging and can in fact, help us to lose ourselves in the quest.
 
But before a solution could be explored for that, the case still had to be solved. Because those men had to pay for what they had done, especially since they went so far as to hurt Diane when she was granted a break and well, the benefits of pushing hard outweighed a break in that moment. In fact, it paid off in spades. Because eventually Atwater and the team were able to find the men responsible for this and bring them to justice at last. Making Diane whole again and giving Atwater that tiny win, one that was brief since more cases awaited. But an apology to Val, and a powerful discussion served to remind us that if we find ourselves on this path, to the point where perhaps we might not be able to break away from it… we need to find moments of levity. Moments that fulfill us and give us a respite from the intensity of what we do. Which Atwater found in the arms of Val.

All of which brought forth, another amazing episode from this show. One that leaned hard into some fine lessons about the quest we all chase, the one we all bury ourselves within. It might be short, it might be long, but we chase it nevertheless and we need to think about its impact upon us, and how to reconcile that. And that made for some fascinating and powerful moments, the kind that added real depth to a season that is already grounded in incredible lessons. Since we’ve also learned about the importance of confronting our trauma, how it can temporarily guide us and this episode does leave us wondering what other amazing lessons await us, as season twelve of this iconic series continues along. Until next time.