Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 13003 of ‘Chicago Fire’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past couple of weeks, fans of the hit NBC series, Chicago Fire, have definitely felt a sense of worry regarding the show. Simply because, change has brought forth some real tension at Firehouse 51. To the point where Stella has had her leadership challenged and where it seems Chief Pascal will stop at nothing to transform the firehouse into a unit, he feels best fits his needs. Leaving all of us to wonder if transformation is the direction the show plans to take, or if peace and unity can come to the firehouse, and well… it just so happens that this week’s episode of the show, took the time to answer that question for all of us. Courtesy of some amazing moments in 'All Kinds of Crazy’.

For this particular tale saw Stella make a bold decision in this tale. For she wanted to get Damon off of her rig after learning about his lies and that brought her conflict with Pascal to a head. Because he was concerned about the turnover on her rig, and her leadership, and his doubts only grew when he talked to Damon. Simply because Damon knew he could flip this to his advantage and did so. Wherein Pascal gave some serious thought, to making a lieutenant change inside the firehouse. In fact, he even took a little time to talk with Mouch and discuss him taking the test and being ready to step into the role if change came and well, that prompted Mouch to sniff around and learn what was going on, and he too… made a bold decision.

In that, he went to Pascal’s home one night, to defend Stella. Because he knew her record, knew what kind of leader she was and knew that Pascal was eager to push ahead and go off of his own brief assessments. But Mouch made it clear in very subtle terms, that great leaders, look at the big picture and that if Pascal wanted to truly become the true leader of 51, he needed to do that and look at Stella’s record. Which Pascal did and came to learn that she wasn’t a reckless lieutenant or in decline. So, he made quite the call and sent Damon packing. A move that rattled him and damaged his relationship with Severide. But… it did finally bring unity to the firehouse since it put Pascal and Stella on the same page and that brought us comfort and helped us to appreciate the other storyline in this tale since we were now worry free.

Because in between that long road to understanding and unity, was a scary fire. One that almost cost a tenant above a popular Asian cuisine restaurant their life and it put Ritter’s life in peril as well, courtesy of a massive explosion. And this fire was so bad, and so odd that Severide felt the need to explore its origins himself, and that led him down a very sorrowful path. Wherein he came to learn that this was an inside job. Because the family that owned the place, was at odds over its future, for mother wanted to sell it and father wanted to keep it, and the family’s daughter… wanted everyone to be free of it. Because if it stayed in the family, it was hers to inherit, and she saw the fights it brought forth and opted to be free by burning the place to the ground. 

All of which made, for an incredible episode, one that offered up a sorrowful story about a family shattered over the fate of the family business and at last, peace in the firehouse. The kind that came about the right way courtesy of the most unexpected hero, Mouch. Granted, that’s not to say he isn’t a hero to begin with, but he really did go the extra mile here, when he didn’t have to. Which speaks to how much he cares and how much he wants there to be a constant in the firehouse, and well… now that there is peace once again, we can look ahead toward a new beginning at Firehouse 51. One where this team can move forward and into new chapters, courtesy of Mouch’s decision to remind a leader, how to properly lead. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1003 of ‘Chicago Med’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We like to believe, that the skill set that medical professionals learn, makes them Gods of sorts. Beings that can immediately diagnose what’s wrong with a person and use their specific knowledge to magically heal and prevent suffering and when necessary, prevent us from dying. To which there is merit. Because time and time again, their quick thinking has saved lives and brought about miracles of sorts. Not to mention, we’ve heard plenty of stories from people that had a brush with death and escaped its clutches thanks to the skills of their doctors. But while their special training does indeed save lives and accomplish wonders along the way, they are not gods in the slightest. They’re people, plain and simple.

People who suffer through problems like anyone else and who… don’t always save the day. Because our bodies are fickle, and no amount of knowledge can solve when our time is up, and never were those two truths more evident than during this week’s episode of Chicago Med on NBC. For ‘Trust Fall’ explored the humanity of doctors and the reality that they cannot save everyone. After offering up some joy and some resolution on a very human storyline. Since Ripley was reinstated and had to face the consequences of his actions away from the ER. Prompting him to really think upon his actions and what comes next, which is indeed something we all face. Plus, Dr. Charles was able to reach a man that was ready to die out of loneliness, reminding us of the wonder of being kind to one another.

But in between resolution and wonder, was Dr. Asher’s journey. For she quickly grew close to a pregnancy patient that was deeply worried about the future of her child, how her little girl was going to be born and the odd pain she was experiencing before coming into the ER. All of which Asher worked to assuage with Maggie’s help as well, and she and Elise truly became fast friends and for a time, it seemed as though Dr. Asher was going to be Elise’s hero. Because when the time came to deliver the baby, the surgery portion of it went well, and the child, which was in distress, came through fine and made her way to the NICU. All of which brought joy to a proud momma and a sense of routine for Asher… until things took a shocking turn for the worse. 

Because suddenly, that pain Elise complained about returned with a vengeance and that resulted in some shocking bleeding and a fast trip to the OR. One where Elise met her baby before Asher worked with a fervor and fire to save Elise from not seeing her little girl grow up. But despite using her skill set to the maximum, and pinpointing the problem, nothing mattered. It was Elise’s time, and she expired on the table and shattered Asher in the process. All of which served as sobering reminder, that while doctors are heroes through and through… they can’t save all of us, and sometimes the cause of someone’s passing isn’t easy to pinpoint. Because it can be something out of the norm or something that isn’t top of mind, and this is that end result. A passing, some sorrow, and the fight to save ten more lives to make up for that one.

All of which gave rise to a powerful story really. One that once again showcased the humanity of this industry, something that NBC medical dramas excel at, and it deserves a round of applause for taking us on quite the emotional and powerful ride. One that also, set the stage for other unique plot points down the line. Such as what will become of Frost now that he’s been exposed as a former TV star, and of course, Goodwin has that ugly death threat hanging over her and Ripley… has to put the pieces of his life back together. Which is no easy task. But that is why we tune in, to be moved, to see that humanity on display and see these doctors stumble, fall, and rise like the rest of us, in manner that truly captivates us from beginning to end. Until next time.

​Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of the series premiere of Sweetpea. Which debuts on STARZ tonight!  
 
EPISODE 101: Sorry for Your Loss 
Airdate: October 10 at 8:00pm ET/PT on STARZ 
When her father dies, and her school bully returns to town, a quiet wallflower is triggered to violent breaking point.

Throughout the course of history, there have been some stunning heists that have taken place. Some of which we absolutely look down upon because they hurt people along the way, such as the Ponzi Scheme that Bernie Madoff ran a while back. While others, leave us in awe of how silliness and greed brought them to life. Such as the great United California Bank Robbery of 1972. Where some deluded individuals ripped off a bank out of the belief that somehow, President Nixon had millions of dollars hidden there. But of the many heists that have come and gone, there is one that will truly live on in infamy.
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For in 2012, eighteen million dollars’ worth of Maple Syrup was stolen in a heist that was dubbed, the ‘Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist’ and this was so infamous and so incredible, that it is about to become a television series. For earlier, Prime Video let it be known that The Sticky, a series inspired by this heist will hit the streamer on December 6, and to properly celebrate its forthcoming arrival, Prime Video was also happy to release some first-look photos and details regarding the show, all of which we will share with you now. So, you can properly count down the days to this fascinating series about one delectable heist.

‘Today, Prime Video released first look images for The Sticky (6x30), a fast-paced, dark comedy, inspired by the true story dubbed the "Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist." From showrunners Ed Herro and Brian Donovan, the series follows Ruth Landry (three-time Emmy winner Margo Martindale), a tough, middle-aged maple syrup farmer who turns to crime when the bureaucratic authorities threaten to take away everything she loves. She teams up with the hot-tempered Bostonian mobster (Chris Diamantopoulos), and a mild-mannered French-Canadian security guard (Guillaume Cyr) to carry out a multi-million dollar heist on Quebec’s maple syrup surplus. Oscar and Emmy winner Jamie Lee Curtis also appears as a guest star in the series in addition to executive producing. The Sticky premieres on December 6 exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories around the world.
 
Inspired by a real-life heist that made international headlines in 2012, which saw more than $18 million worth of maple syrup stolen from Quebec's national reserves. The Sticky combines moments of culture-clash hilarity, edge-of-the-seat excitement and heartbreaking drama.
 
The Sticky is produced by Blumhouse Television, Jamie Lee Curtis’ Comet Pictures, Jonathan Levine’s Megamix and Sphere Media. Creators, executive producers, showrunners and writers are Brian Donovan and Ed Herro; executive producers Jonathan Levine and Gillian Bohrer for Megamix; Jamie Lee Curtis for Comet Pictures; Jason Blum, Chris McCumber, Jeremy Gold, and Chris Dickie for Blumhouse Television; and Michael Dowse. Lauren Grant serves as co-executive producer. Associate producers include Josée Vallée and Bruno Dubé for Sphere Media, Inc and Russell Goldman for Comet Pictures.
 
SOCIAL: @primevideo | #TheSticky

About Prime Video
Prime Video is a one-stop entertainment destination offering customers a vast collection of premium programming in one application available across thousands of devices. On Prime Video, customers can find their favorite movies, series, documentaries, and live sports – including Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and movies Road House, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Reacher, The Boys, and The Idea of You; licensed fan favorites American Fiction and The Boys in the Boat; Prime member exclusive access to coverage of live sports including Thursday Night Football, WNBA, and NWSL, and acclaimed sports documentaries includingBye Bye Barry and Federer; and programming from Prime Video add-on subscriptions such as Max, Crunchyroll and MGM+, as well as more than 500 free ad-supported (FAST) Channels. Prime members in the U.S. can share a variety of benefits, including Prime Video, by using Amazon Household. Prime Video is one benefit among many that provides savings, convenience, and entertainment as part of the Prime membership. All customers, regardless of whether they have a Prime membership or not, can rent or buy titles, including blockbusters such as Challengers and The Fall Guy, via the Prime Video Store, and can enjoy content such as Jury Duty and Bosch: Legacy free with ads on Freevee. Customers can also go behind the scenes of their favorite movies and series with exclusive X-Ray access. For more info visit www.amazon.com/primevideo.’

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Where’s Wanda?’ To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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One unfortunate truth about healing that we are all forced to learn in this life… is that pouring ourselves into positivity and positive acts, doesn’t help us to heal. But we believe that it does. Because how could good deeds and good vibes, not mend wounds and not fill our hearts up with good energy? Well, the answer to that is simple. Because such acts basically serve as distractions and focus our energy on others and acts. Allowing for what we need to work upon to be utterly neglected and well, this truth is top of mind today, because the bare beginnings of that lesson were put on display in the next episode of Where’s Wanda? on Apple TV+.

For ‘The Roths’ took a little time to really explore the Klatt family dynamic as they waited for something to come forth from the search for Wanda and well, what we were exposed to was quite powerful. Because we came to learn that Dedo and Carlotta, had a lot of issues as a couple. For Carlotta often felt that she was not heard or seen in her relationship, and that often times, it was up to her to fix everything and do everything to keep the family going. And there was merit to this. Because we also learned that Dedo never told Carlotta about losing his job, or dipping into savings to keep things going, and he of course… refused to communicate with her about anything, including his current concerns about their financial standing.

Instead, he worked with her brother to get more money, and he made a point to double down on the search for Wanda when Carlotta wanted to make that a priority. All because they didn’t want to focus on anything but Wanda, and understandably so. Because yes, their daughter was missing, and that remains a huge deal. But their worry and pain over that, and the growing divide between them, saw no resolution here. All because their focus was on the search and they buried themselves within it and used it to offer helping hands and good deeds, out of the hope that such acts could heal them. But those issues clearly persist and will continue to do so. Until they do something about their core problems and process their pain.

But while that made for a fascinating examination of the theme at hand, we’ll dive into its gravity in just a moment. Because we would be remiss to not point out that this episode, offered up some shocking moments as well regarding the case. Since we came to learn that the person of interest in this case, died in a car wreck not that long ago. Basically, putting the case back at square one. Not to mention, there are other secrets lurking about in this town. Such as whatever nightmare that soccer player discovered in the woods and of course, whatever Carlotta’s brother is up to, is of serious concern. Because that cage looked large enough to house a human and one cannot help but wonder, if Wanda is in there, was in there, or will be in there, and is family involved in this mess?

However, time will tell on that, and while we wait to see where those revelations take us, we can celebrate one intelligent tale. One that truly showcased how diving into distractions and good deeds do nothing for us when we are eager to heal. It just gives us a boost of serotonin and a smidge of hope for tomorrow. But of course, that doesn’t mean we should be cruel and forget about doing good ever again. It’s just important to point out that while we do nice things, those problems persist and those emotional wounds fester and this show deserves applause for pointing that out and hopefully we can watch the Klatt family heal in real time and see them learn the lesson that was put on display here. Because this family deserves healing, and deserves to be whole, and it will be interesting to see that play out as this fascinating season of storytelling continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Midnight Family’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is quickly becoming apparent that the refreshing new Apple TV+ series, Midnight Family, is looking to accomplish something quite unique with its story. In that, not only is it eager to shed light upon the life and times of the paramedics that work for a living in Mexico City, courtesy of its trash health care system, but it is also eager to do something that few stories in this vein have ever done and humanize first responders. For we do tend to hold them in high regard, rightfully so, because they are heroes. But this series wants to make sure we are fully aware of the fat, that they are people first.

Who have hopes and dreams and suffer through tough times like the rest of us. Not to degrade or demystify mind you, but to shine a light on the fact that they choose to put that aside and be heroes, and never was that more evident during the next episode in this saga. For ‘Ramón, the Angel’ took us out of the Tamayo family ambulance to really look at their lives like never before. To accomplish that goal and to tell us a very human story. One that showcased… that even heroes face scrutiny. Since Gaby was confronted about footage that showed her saving lives during the earthquake and that put her in a tough spot. Since it was the brass at the school that questioned whether or not she was going to choose school or the family business.

Not to mention, it also focused on Marcus’ needs and wants in life, and how he more or less wants to start a family. Granted, his love may not share that want, but it was indeed fascinating to see this side of Marcus and uncover what it would mean to him to start something of his own. Plus, we also saw some of the impact this lifestyle has upon young minds. Since Julio was struggling here with his schoolwork because he cared little about normal life, and just wanted to be on the truck, in the thick of it and saving lives like the rest of his family. All of which gave rise to very human stories. But truly, the centerpiece journey here involved Ramón. Because this hero, this warrior of sorts… was in a perilous place emotionally. Mainly because he was sidelined completely here and unable to save lives under doctor’s orders.

Which made him listless, angry and eager to get back to that world. And it also made him quite reflective upon the choices he’s made and the path he’s taken. Because he truly was looking at his own mortality for the first time, and he no longer felt invincible and that scared him, and well… that made for a powerful journey that put him at an emotional crossroads as well. Because eventually the time arrived for his surgery and that terrified him. Because he knew enough about his condition, knew the risk of the surgery and knew that this could be his end because of so many factors. Which prompted him to say kind words to his children, his ex-wife, and the godfather of his children. Just to be safe in the event the worst-case scenario took place, and it may well have.

Because shortly after having his stent installed, with his daughter in the room no less, Ramón’s heart seemingly gave out. Forcing his family to also face mortality and the possibility that their ambulance may soon be one paramedic lighter. All of which brought forth, a powerful story. One that truly stripped away the mythos we surround first responders with and showcased the people they are, and the struggles they face when they’re not saving lives. And it did so in an incredible manner, one that felt real and even featured moments of humor and joy, most of which came from that church scene and well, all this episode does is leave us eager for the next. So, we can learn if Ramón pulled through or if this story is going to move into a powerful new direction. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Bad Monkey’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about the unconventional nature of the hit Apple TV+ series, Bad Monkey, and rightfully so. Simply because, week in and week out, this show continues to surprise by offering up stories that defy the tropes we often find in crime stories, and it makes a point to take character arcs in fascinating directions and its commentary on the human condition is equally as unique. Which has given rise to a refreshing crime story, one that captured us from the get-go and has left us wondering… exactly how this case would come to a close. For an unconventional crime story should harbor an unconventional ending.

Thankfully, the show did not disappoint in that regard, in fact, it offered up a wild ending that took us by surprise in every way imaginable. In part, by bidding farewell to a central character. For in the midst of trying to strike fear into the heart of Eve in ‘We’re in the Memory-Making Business’, Gracie was fatally injured and took a little time to bid farewell to everyone on the island that touched her soul. Giving rise to the reality that there was a fair chance that Eve was going to get away with her crimes since Gracie was the last person on the island that seemed willing to stop her and well, Eve most certainly did. Because despite Yancy’s best efforts to free her accounts and smoke her out, he could not get near her and the pressure of having others stand against her, prompted her to do some drastic things.

Such as, deal with her beloved husband. Who as it turned out, survived taking half of a fishing pole into his back, with a caveat though. In that, Christopher could no longer walk, and that was a problem for Eve, as was his newfound dark outlook on life. One that spoke to the possibility he might no longer be on the same page as his darling wife, so… she drowned him. Without giving it a second thought and when the chance arrived to run, she did, and Yancy could not stop her. In part because of the danger, but also because it was time for him to not hang onto cases so tightly. Which meant, the bad gal won in this particular instance, and it took good old-fashioned karma to finally make Eve pay for her crimes, giving rise to that unconventional ending.

One where the hero had minimal influence upon the end of the villain, and where the ending wasn’t quite as happy and joyous as one might expect for everyone. After all, a father was gone and left behind a grieving daughter that felt great guilt for her actions, and Yancy… well he lost it all. His badge, his relationship and was right back where he started. Looking at gross food and drinking on the beach. But some folks found peace in this story. Since Rosa was convinced, the time had come to find herself and find happiness, and Bonnie found peace in her own unique duality. Where she was on the cusp of accountability while enjoying the thrill of being on the lamb.

All of which gave rise to a finale that resembled nothing we are used to, and that makes it a perfect season finale for this show. Because off the cuff is where this show thrives, and it sets the stage nicely for a unique second season. One where perhaps Yancy would have to look inward at last and really work on himself to have what he wants, and face some elements of his past, since Bonnie is still out there and still interested. But if by chance the show doesn’t get a second season (and we certainly hope it does), this finale deserves a round of applause for wrapping up the case in a manner that fits this show’s mold, and for giving us one refreshing and original ride. Because this really was a different kind of crime story, one that kept our attention through laughs and wonderful ideas and musings about the two sides of the human condition.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Four Finale of ‘Slow Horses’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.
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If there is a critique that one could offer regarding spy stories, it would have to be that their endings a little too bombastic. To the point where there isn’t a lot of emotional investment for the audience. Yes, there are indeed high stakes involving innocent lives, and these stories do like to tie the hero to a villain on a personal level. But we really don’t walk away from those stories with something in our hearts, and some would argue that spy stories aren’t supposed to supply us with that, but there is one that is challenging that notion and challenging how these stories should end. As evidenced by the season four finale of Slow Horses on Apple TV+.

For ‘Hello Goodbye’ was a shockingly meaningful finale, one that was moving and powerful and showcased that not all spy stories have to be so explosive in nature when they wrap up their stories. But of course, as this series is wont to do, it sure didn’t seem as though that was going to be the case early on. For this particular tale did harbor some serious action, since Harkness’ juiced up lackey came to Slough House to kill David Cartwright. Which brought about the usual gunfire and bravado we’ve come to expect in these endings. But once JK took a bullet, and it became clear that Roddy was injured as well, the gravitas of this ending shifted to worry. Because there was real risk that someone might not make it out alive, and we already experienced the horror of that through River’s fake death.

But despite being able to keep the bad guy at bay for as long as possible, and despite him eventually dying at the hands of Shirley, Lamb, and JK…  our worries came true. For there was a casualty in Slough House. For Marcus did his best to stop the carnage, even going so far as to gamble and buy back his gun, only to be in the wrong spot at the wrong second. A reality that removed any thrill from this shootout and left us in tears, really, because Marcus was a character we adored, and Kadiff Kirwan’s work will be missed on the show, and the end of Marcus really was quite the powerful and unfortunate surprise. One that truly took the spy drama ending in a different direction by adding some real emotion to it, and such surprises didn’t end with this unfortunate and unexpected farewell.

​Because the showdown between the hero and the villain, was far more meaningful than we are used to. Mainly because we came to learn in a matter of seconds that Harkness was in fact, Jack’s biological father, and he wanted his son to join him on his quest for carnage. Which we also learned, was derailed by a rogue employee who decided to kill innocents to bring Harkness down. So, the old man wanted someone smart and loyal to replace him, and who better than his son? But of course, Jack said no to such a move and enjoyed a brush with death because of it. One that motivated him to properly hunt his father down and place him in handcuffs, bringing an end to a supremely unique showdown, one grounded in generational trauma and an understanding that one does not have to follow in the family business. 
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Yet, there were still more, emotional and grounded moments to be found in this story, after we enjoyed another unconventional surprise. In that, the bad guy won. Mainly because it turned out that Whelan and others in the government went along with Harkness’ desire to create a league of assassins. Which also meant, he would be set free. Because to capture him meant the truth would be out, and to let him suffer at the hands of that prince, would also unleash that dark truth. So, Harkness walked, and life went on and Jack had another important call to make regarding his family. Specifically, what was to become of his granddad and sadly… having a gun pointed at his face and enduring confusion meant it was time for David to be taken to a full-care facility. One that could watch over his slipping mind.

A decision that was also painfully moving since this decision clearly wounded David, but what choice did River have? But that aside, that was, the bittersweet bow on a supremely different kind of season finale for this type of show. One that truly showcased that the ‘final battle’ as it were, can be more than just explosions and chaos. It can be moving; it can be emotional, and it doesn’t have to always end in the same old manner. Because sometimes the bad guy does win, and sometimes the brave will lose a soul along the way. If anything, one could say this is simply a realistic ending, and hopefully we get more of that from spy stories going forward. Because such a decision added genuine depth to the best season to date, for this show, and it will be fascinating to see what other unique twists and turns await us in the next season of the best spy drama on television. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Premiere of ‘The Irrational’. To revisit the Season One Finale, click here.
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One particular question that we ask often in this life, is how do we know when we are truly in love with someone? Which is a fair question. Because time and time again, we find ourselves in romantic situations that we genuinely believe are love-laden only to learn… they’re nothing more than a fleeting moment in time, wherein butterflies in our tummy ruled the day. So, we continue our search when it ends, looking for that genuine connection and that understanding. Because we are curious creatures that love proof and solid understanding of our situation, and well, believe it or not, the season two premiere of The Irrational on NBC, opted to explore the answer to that question.

Courtesy of one harrowing search for Rose. For ‘Collateral Damage’ wasted little time in revealing what happened to Rose at the end of season one. As it turned out, she was kidnapped by a man named Gavin. Who had a beef with Rose’s former employers since they helped bring death to his family and well, he wanted revenge, and thanks to another agent’s memoir, he was able to figure out who was who and that Rose was involved in that operation. So, he wanted a confession from Rose, and any other details she had on the case, to have closure before committing a terrorist act to finally feel peace about the loss he suffered and well, that meant Rose was in serious danger and her ugly situation… is what led to the exploration in question. 

Because as she feared for her life, and watched a former co-worker die horribly… Alec was eagerly looking forward to another date with Rose. One that of course, she did not show up for, and being a master of understanding human behavior and knowing Rose as well as he does, it became clear that something was wrong. Because ghosting someone was not her style, and that prompted him to dig in and try and learn what happened to her, and soon… it became clear that someone took Rose and that she was in clear danger. Which prompted him to get Marisa, and the FBI involved, but that process was a touch too slow for his liking, so Alec did the unthinkable and did everything within his power to get captured by very people that took Rose. To know if she was okay and to work his magic to see how best to free her, and his plan worked.

For Gavin’s lackeys came for him and Gavin went the extra mile to learn if this was something designed to trap him. Which was not the case immediately, but Alec did eventually bring him down by analyzing Gavin’s actions and pushing him to his limits, preventing that terrorist act and bringing closure to the whole mess. But what mattered more here, is Alec’s actions. Because that man literally put himself in harm’s way to make sure that Rose would come home, and that Rose would feel safe and that informs us, that we know we are in love with someone, when we are willing to do whatever, it takes to keep them safe and at peace. For that means their well-being takes priority above our own in that moment, and actions are what truly speak loud in a relationship, and if we are willing to go that route, then they have found their way into the center of our heart.

All of which made, for the most unique romance story to hit the airwaves in years. Because you don’t really see such an expression like this in popular media all that often. But unique is where this show thrives and it should come as no surprise that this show would explore how we do wild things to keep those we love safe because that is in line with the show’s central exploration of why we do the things we do and well, this premiere deserves a round of applause. For once again not wasting any time in resolving plot threads that linger, but for also giving us a tale that explores some of Alec’s motivations in life, and while Alec and Rose’s journey here didn’t end in a perfect manner, it is obvious this duo have something special in hand, and it will be interesting to see that grow in the weeks to come as season two of this brilliant series continues along. Until next time.

When we set out to capture our dream and do the work that such an act will entail, we expect smooth sailing. Because the prevailing belief in our world is that chasing one’s dream is a protected act. One that some kind of higher power blesses. Because we are now on a noble quest, one that truly inspires others and well, it doesn’t take long for us to learn… that’s just not how it goes. Because sometimes… our quest takes years to reach any measure of progress, and that can be quite frustrating. Plus, we fail more times than we would ever expect to on our way toward our dream and the surprises, don’t end there. Because sometimes… we enjoy big victories that don’t feel big. Because other factors in our quest create strife, and seemingly are designed to sabotage us.
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Because in reality, chasing one’s dream is pure chaos, and there is no simple path to the finish line. Just twist and turns and surprises and frustrations and never was that more evident than during the next episode of Heels. Because ‘Swerve’ explored such matters in great detail and showcased every twist and turn imaginable that exists when it comes to our dreams. Such as how sometimes… out of the blue, we get our shot and we aren’t sure how we earned it. Which Jack dealt with here. Because on a simple day, one like any other, it was made known that the State Fair had interest in booking the Duffy Wrestling League as its main event. A reality that would and should put the DWL on the map and this stunned Jack and made it seem as though, everything was about to fall into place.

In fact, all he had to do was nail the meeting with the State Fair Board, and put on one hell of a show, and with Thomas at his side, he made that first part happen. Because the Board Members were deeply intrigued by Jack’s take on the sport and what it did for audiences and that allowed for him to just let loose and ready an epic script and relish in the wonder of getting his shot and hold to belief that it would be smooth sailing from here. Except. It was not. Mainly because, when people are involved in our chase, as they often are… they can enact their own agendas. Ones that cause trouble and ones that don’t align with what we want and that brought forth, one wild day at the Duffy Dome. In part, because Ace, who was buried in the story and his character, felt he needed to punish Crystal for hanging out with Bobby Pin. So, he dumped her for a new valet and hurt her deeply. 

Not to mention, a freshly fired Wild Bill was lurking about the dome, hoping to find relevance or a way in. Because he came to learn about the Fair and knew it was his way back into the show. So, he latched onto the dream as well with his own agenda. Plus, we even saw Rooster work to grab some agency in this tale, in the hopes of finally being seen as more than a supporting act. Because he wanted the spotlight in this dream, he wanted the belt and that pushed Jack to work to balance everything and try to keep the dream on track. Because everyone was pulling it in different directions, and they didn’t need to. All everyone needed to do tonight was abide by the rules, follow the script and put on an amazing show, and they would be in a new light, a spotlight for that matter, and for a time… that seemed about as bad as things were going to get in this tale, and that this would be a topical exploration.  
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But that’s not this show’s style, and it was quick to inform us that sadly, when people do buy in, and have their own wants from the dream, bad things can and will happen. All of which came forth in the final match, wherein Crystal decided to change the script, up the volume regarding her spat with Ace and take shots she knew would go beyond theatrics. Ones that would hurt him, anger him, wound him, as he did her, and that led… to pure chaos in the ring. Since Ace crossed a line and snapped Bobby’s leg in a fit of fury and Bill saw this as his window. Which in turn prompted Jack to play along to keep the crowd happy. All of which spoke to how dreams are chaos, and our pursuit of them rarely goes to plan. Because good news can come our way on a moment’s notice and people have their own idea of what they want out of our dream if they’re involved and that made for one intense tale.

One that also spoke to how hard it is sometimes to separate story from reality. Since both Crystal and Ace lost themselves in the moment and let it get the better of them both. But what mattered most is that once again this story stayed true to its central theme in season one. Which is, what it really is like to chase one’s dream and just exploring that, brought forth some powerful moments we can all relate to, while of course, providing us with an entertaining story that we got lost within, and this episode does leave us eager to continue our second journey through the show post haste. To learn more about the ups and downs that accompany the pursuit of our dreams and see how that chase impacts the needs and wants of others. Until next time.