Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 4 of ‘The Madame Blanc Mysteries’.
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One of the hardest moments than anyone will ever go through, is having their heart broken by someone that they believed was ‘The One’. Because when we genuinely believe that we’ve found our person, our soulmate, our lives and minds change, and we envision a future with only them. So, to have them betray us or fall out of love with us, is devastating to say the least and it can put us in a dark place for a long time. But what is truly fascinating about this moment, is that no two are the same. For the reasons that this dark day occur vary from couple to couple and it just so happens that The Madame Blanc Mysteries on Acorn TV, thought it would be interesting to examine how greed can be a factor in seeing a love exit our lives.

A feat that the next episode of this series accomplished, by having a bevy of art related trouble come to Jean’s new hometown. For in the middle of one fine night, a local collector found himself violently assaulted in his home before a precious piece of art was stolen. Which of course meant that Jean was on the case since no one knows rare art and collectibles in the manner that she does, but it doesn’t take long for this case and the other strange occurrence around town to stump her. For there were basically no clues present at the crime scene to offer any leads and well… it simply did not make sense as to how Charlie and Simone were struggling to get their hands on genuine art. For several patrons rightfully accused the both of them of selling fakes, despite the fact that Jean herself verified some of the outgoing product that came into question, as being authentic.

Which gave her something to focus upon while the police continued combing for clues on the murder case. Because it just didn’t make sense that fake art could magically appear and well, the more she dug the more she began to suspect that Charlie was being duped by someone she loved, specifically Simone, and her instincts were correct. For it turns out that Simone was in fact, working with a scam artist on a get rich quick scheme. One where Simone would sell a genuine piece of art, only to have a fake she created come back into the store. So that the buyer wouldn’t lose a dime and instead make a killing on the original and give Simone a cut. The kind that was getting bigger and bigger by the day and was motivating her to do awful things. Such as help in a murder, since she was in fact, involved in that robbery the police were curious about and sadly… the victim passed away under auspicious circumstances.

Which of course meant that Simone was taken away in handcuffs and charged for all the crimes she committed and that left Charlie in quite the difficult place. For now, she had to reconcile the fact that her wife, the person she loved and adored and even went into business with… was an outright criminal and turned her back on the one person that was always there for her… out of greed. Which just serves to remind us that greed is a powerful transformer of people, since it gives them a thrill and a power that cannot be rivaled by anything, including love, and when it takes hold… the person we know is gone and they’ll do anything to maintain that strange high, as evidenced here, and sadly, that means that Charlie is on her own now and has to pick up the pieces and hopefully the good people of this quaint town, will do their best to support her.

If anything, this was simply a fascinating look at how greed can transform people into shells of the person we once knew and how it can drive a wedge between a couple in a loving and healthy relationship and well, that made for quite the unique episode. One that really did offer up a relatable storyline regardless of the circumstances and quite the engaging case, since all the twists and turns here kept us on the edge of our seats from beginning to end. Plus, it is interesting to know that the person that Simone was working with, is the same monster that keeps haunting Jean’s life, meaning that with only two episodes to go, we are indeed on a collision course for these two individuals. The kind that will end in peace or more strife for Jean and the only way to know which she will receive… is to continue the journey and that will make the wait for next week’s episode, a difficult one for certain. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’.

Over the course of the past month or so, our journey through the world of Power Book II: Ghost, has yielded some powerful lessons. The kind that challenges the viewer to ponder upon the nature of what comes next in just about every phase of our lives since life is full of new beginnings, alongside some powerful examinations on the grey areas of life and how to best to navigate them since they pop up more often than we know. In fact, these lessons are so profound and so engaging, that they have drawn attention away from another wondrous storytelling device in this series. In that, the title of each episode often ties into the story somehow and that is of note today, since ‘Selfless Acts?’ took the time to ponder upon whether such a thing exists in great detail.
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For so many characters seemingly took part in a selfless act, only to show us on the back end that what they did was quite selfish and controlling in nature. Take for instance, just about everything that happened with the Tejada family in this tale. Because Monet’s desire to get Zeke to enter the draft, initially seemed to be something of a selfless act on both her and Zeke’s part. After all, it would get Zeke into his dream of playing in the pros and help his family and for Monet, pushing him to do so would provide her with a sense of pride and wonder and accomplishment. When in reality, selfishness was everywhere to be found in this decision. For it was just another box to check on Monet’s plan to get out of The Life and for Zeke, well he was having a great deal of second thoughts about going this route. Since it meant he would be away from Carrie, despite her having broken off the relationship in this tale. 

But there was mention of the family indulging in the duality of selfless acts and that rest of that exploration was handled by Cane. Because he desperately wanted two things to happen to him. First, he wanted to be part of an empire once more and he also wanted to be back in his mother’s good graces and since Mecca rejected him courtesy of Lil’ Guap’s inability to get off of his damn phone, he decided to do something seemingly selfless to accomplish both goals. Which is why he brokered a supply deal with Mecca when it turned out that the product that Monet gave to Tariq was nothing more than baking supplies. So, he could show the family he cares and wants the best for them and well… his plan worked, since Monet welcomed him home… sadly under false pretenses. Since we came to learn that all of this was a selfish act, one that he carefully orchestrated to get what he wanted, leaving him in a precarious place with Monet once again… since nothing escapes her, and it is only a matter of time before she figures out her own son played her. 

But what truly made these particular journeys so worth our while, is that they posed quite the important lesson. In that, some people out there, don’t really understand the notion of the selfless act and what it truly entails. Instead, we think a game of give and take and quid pro quo is somehow selfless. When, such an act is genuine sacrifice, the kind that requires no kind of return upon investment and going this route and showing us how people really view such matters, only adds to the realism of an already incredibly relatable series. But while that was definitely a worthwhile examination, one that will certainly give us pause the next time we think we are committing a selfless act, we would be negligent to not discuss the other important plot points that came about in this tale, since they helped to establish that more trouble and dark times are on the horizon for well… everyone.
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Because despite Tariq hinting at maybe leaving the game to lead a better life, life itself keeps pulling him back into the drug dealing world. Since a DWI from his grandma, put Yaz in protective custody and well, he’s going to need to sling more product to get Davis MacLean and Cooper Saxe the money they need to get the charges dropped and get Yaz home. Plus, he still has to deal with the whole mess involving Jabari Reynolds and even that is starting to go poorly for him. Since the cops have yet to put Ramirez’s name out there to the public and are starting to close in on variables and corners that Tariq didn’t plan for. Since his hope that Detective Whitman would scrutinize Carrie harder as the suspect, blew up in his face when Whitman saw Zeke at Carrie’s place. Motivating him to bring Zeke in for questioning, an act that will undoubtedly bring heat down from Monet and potentially force Whitman to look elsewhere.

But while we wait to see what comes of that little twist, we can once again, bask in the wonder of a delightfully intelligent tale. One that really did a wonderful job of exploring the selfless act in a manner that few shows out there ever would, plus… it was filled to the brim with some stunning surprises. Since we came to learn some unexpected truths about Mecca and his past and speaking of the past, it would seem that Davis and Carrie have tangled before and that might relate to Davis’ quest to free Theodore Rollins and really in the end, all this episode does is leave us hungry for more. Because let’s be honest, we’re beyond eager to see where the surprises in this episode are going to take us and what kind of consequences these so called ‘selfless acts’ are going to bring forth and well, it is definitely safe to say we will be counting down the minutes until next Sunday’s episode, so we can enjoy resolution and more of this incredible story. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Hightown’.
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Often times in storytelling, the consequences of a person’s actions are explored in a supremely unique manner. Wherein the audience watches the consequences in question unfold in real time, allowing for a visceral and comprehensive experience to take place, the kind that teaches both the character and the viewer the importance of thinking before we do something dumb, so that we don’t inflict emotional harm upon others. But while that definitely makes for an engaging and thoughtful journey, it is unique simply because… that’s not how we learn that lesson in real life. Instead, we learn it through internal dialogue and guilt and remorse from our actions, which is in fact… quite difficult to properly express in print or on screen, since it requires very specific thoughts and actions. But believe it or not, that kind of intimate exploration is possible in storytelling and for proof, look no further than this week’s episode of Hightown on STARZ. Since ‘Behind Every Skirt Is a Slip’ figured out a way to express the painful internal experience that comes forth when we make mistakes in life, and it accomplished this feat by taking us on a special journey with two key characters, Jackie and Renee.

In fact, let’s start with Jackie’s journey first, since Monica Raymund used her incredible acting skills to express the worry and the panic that comes forth when we screw up in a subtle yet powerful manner, by showing us that Jackie was badly rattled by her actions in the last episode. To the point where her anxiety over losing Leslie and Ed’s trust, left her pondering up returning to substance abuse. An act she might commit to in fact, as evidenced by the end of this episode. But what matters more here, is that Jackie’s journey perfectly encapsulates how making mistakes puts us on edge, since her actions were quite relatable. For we too ask for forgiveness like Jackie did here when we goof and try to reconcile and understand why someone gives us the cold shoulder in a budding relationship gone wrong and that really did make for some powerful moments, the kind that properly expressed those feelings without having to spoon feed us a lesson and the wonder of this, didn’t end there.

For Renee’s journey took the time to explore the anxiety that comes about when we know that greater consequences await our actions and how that can drive us to do whatever we must, to feel safe and secure and well, obviously, her anxiety stemmed from the fallout of killing Jorge. Because she knew if she wasn’t careful, the truth would be exposed to Frankie, and he would likely do something horrific to her, and that lack of safety and the panic that accompanies that… is what drove her back into Ray’s arms in this tale. For he gave her that sense of safety and stability and a possible future for that matter as well since she’s carrying his child, and it was just fascinating to see this play out in such an intimate manner. Since we too have taken part in these actions when we’ve done something we regret, and really the show deserves serious credit for taking the time to offer up these relatable and powerful moments since they genuinely struck a chord and helped us to feel what Jackie and Renee were feeling.

Yet as this series is wont to do, it made a point to look at the flip side of this as well. For there are some people who simply don’t learn anything worthwhile from their mistakes and actually double down when consequences arrive because they believe they know best or feel they have nothing to lose. Which was expressed via Charmaine in this tale. For shortly after getting back from New York with fresh product and holiday gifts for her sister, disaster struck. Because she needed to meet with Frankie over how upset she was over Jorge’s ghosting of her, and while she was out doing that, her sister got her hands on the goods and overdosed right there. Which gave Alan an in since Charmaine was decent enough to turn Aileen’s body over to the hospital. But alas, when Alan had the chance to confront her and give her a way out of the life at last… she doubled down and blamed the police for her problems, putting her on quite the tragic path for certain. Which is a plot thread that easily hammered home its point.
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However, while those three plot lines would have been enough to carry this episode through and through, there were still more nuggets revolving around consequences to explore. For instance, Osito may or may not have crossed a line and brought about more trouble for himself by buying his therapist a new car. Since that will indeed put scrutiny upon him since she is all about playing by the rules and there might be more consequences in store for Renee’s actions as well. Since Ray isn’t one hundred percent sold on her desire to be with him. To the point where he tailed her and caught her in a lie, and he even went so far as to put a tracking device on her car. Leaving one to wonder if by chance… he’s using this to his advantage and playing her like she played him to get back on the force and to close the book on Renee in the most poetic manner possible. But while we wait to see if that is indeed the case, we can bask in the wonder of a simply brilliant episode of this series.

Because let’s be honest, you just don’t see consequences explored in such an intimate manner in storytelling. For there is a real risk that this could go wrong on screen or in print and confuse the viewer or leave them uncomfortable with moments that just seem over the top. But the fine writing and acting here really did sell this and it really did offer up a fresh twist on the ‘fallout’ episode since there was no danger to be found here. Just worry and panic and a slow build toward a Frankie related explosion. For eventually, Jorge’s bloated body will be found at the airport, and it will be a scary day when it does since Frankie will want revenge. And the endless possibilities of what could happen when that day arrives, alongside everything else we discussed in this recap, really does leave us eager for more of this incredible series. Because it really is building toward something big and if this episode’s creativity is any indication of what’s to come, then we are going to be treated to a jaw-dropping and game changing, finale. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1305 of ‘Doctor Who’.
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What happens when the world as we know it is destroyed and everything hinges on an alien life form to save the known universe? The road to recovery is never an easy one and it just so happens that it’s even harder to recover a broken universe than anyone would have thought. Dan, Yaz, and Jericho are trapped in 1901 with no hope of getting out of it. There is little they can do except hunt down artifacts that reveal the exact date that the world ends. It takes them 3 years to truly make any head way, and the hope of getting rescued and back to their own respective times is dwindling.
 
Yaz has a recording from the Doctor, but even that offers little to no help. They travel far and wide and eventually find a helmet shaman who only offers one phrase to help them. “Fetch your Dog.” Well, they do leave a massive message for the Lupari, only the Lupari don’t have time travel so they can’t help. Speaking of help, Bel is on her way to track down the Ravagers siblings when her ship is recalled by the Lupari that kept trying to kidnap Dan. Small world (universe), maybe. The saddest bit is Vinder had just arrived on the planet Bel was going to. He even watches her ship speed off, not even knowing it’s her.

As for the Doctor, well, she’s no longer an Angel. The Angels let her out for just a moment, mostly because they find tormenting her funny. It’s an Ood who frees her, and well, we learn a lot. Turns out The Division did call her back, so to speak. Division even caused the Flux to essentially get rid of the Doctor. The problem is that they released the Doctor into that universe, and it was a mistake. Division created the Flux to wipe the universe out and start over with a new one. That’s right, even in Doctor Who the Multiverse is real, which we all knew, but still.
 
Seeing Division existing outside of two universes is insane. The head of Division also confirms that what the Master told the Doctor was indeed true. The Doctor was found as a child, near a worm hole, and her DNA was infused into that of all Gallifreyans, thus creating Time Lords. How does the head of Division know this? They would be Tecteun, the woman who found and raised the Doctor. And apparently erased her memories and locked them away in a fob watch before re-releasing her into the universe as we know and love.

The rest of the Flux is about to begin but there are bigger problems for Earth. One of which being a Sontaran invasion, which Yaz, Dan, and Jericho couldn’t stop. Tecteun offers to return the Doctor’s memories and even spare Earth, but the Doctor has to rejoin the Division. Or the Doctor can go back to Earth and die with the universe. The Doctor doesn’t like either option, not really. Stubborn as she is. Azure and Swarm show up just in time to kill Tecteun and now what will the Doctor do? With one episode left of the Flux there is so much still unanswered and in jeopardy that it’s hard to tell which way everything will go!

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Thirteen of ‘Leverage: Redemption’.
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It is definitely safe to say that 2020 opened our eyes to a great deal of unfortunate realities about our world. For instance, it taught us that law enforcement is not the noble profession that we’ve always thought it to be, since so many injustices and horrific acts by police officers were exposed last year. Sparking a grand debate and protests about how we fix these injustices so that others don’t lose their lives at the hands of corrupt officers who struggle to understand that all men are created equal and that the world doesn’t revolve around them. But that debate, is going to continue on for some time, simply because it is going to take major and sweeping reforms to solve those kinds of problems, permanently, which does leave one to wonder… what can we do in the here and the now to try and stop some of these abuses of power and privilege?
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Well as it turns out, there are stories coming forth now that are eager to explore that very question and it should come as no surprise that the IMDBtv series, Leverage: Redemption, is amongst those stories. Because this is a series that tackles social injustices head on in a thoughtful and appropriate manner and it just so happens that particular question served as the focal exploration of the next episode of this phenomenal series. For ‘The Hurricane Job’ wasted little time in introducing us to a corrupt cop named Abel. Who was happy to commit a hate crime against a man named Omar Solina, if it meant he could get his hands on something quite special. Something so amazing in fact, that when he couldn’t find what he was looking for on a bruised and battered Omar, he took his power grab to a whole new level by using his crooked buddies to seize the hotel that Omar was staying at… to find the prize in question.

But unfortunately for Abel, a forthcoming hurricane washed Parker and Eliot Spencer ashore at that very hotel and of course, it didn’t take long for them and Maria, since she swung by to pick them up… to realize that something sour was happening in this place. Something that required everyone to work together to not only expose Abel for the crooked cop that he is, but to save Omar from trouble on the outside and to prevent Abel and his lackeys from getting their hands on the surprise prize. Which was, a lottery ticket that Omar won that would bring home $230 million, and Abel wanted it because he felt a man with a checkered legal past such as Abel… wasn’t deserving of a free and fair prize. But thankfully, Eliot’s fists of fury and Maria and Parker’s ingenuity, brought justice forth… alongside some lessons.

In that, if we cannot remove systemic racism and corruption from law enforcement at the moment, then it is up to the public to apply a little pressure on police forces where these problems run rampant. Not through anything violent mind you, since that lands folks in jail or worse. No instead, the best way to put a little heat on corrupt police… is to indeed hold them to task as public servants and expose their actions as Eliot and the team did here. Because there’s little escaping video and audio evidence in this digital age and also… we need to demand better of the officers that enable guys like this. Because code doesn’t matter, what matters is the law, and if by chance we can find ways to engage other officers and have them do what Abel’s partner Boggs did here, where he worked to stop Abel and held him to task for his sour actions… then perhaps we can start making immediate change regarding this problem.

But of course, there are some who might say that’s not enough and that we need to go further, and they are not wrong in asking for greater reforms. But that once again, will take time and the issues surrounding that progress will get us into a whole different discussion. So, in the meantime, we can do our best to demand better of our police officers and all lessons aside… we can also take a moment and bask in the wonder of another great episode of this show. One that really did offer some calculated commentary on a subject that makes everyone uncomfortable, and it even managed to find a way to handle this topic in a lighthearted and hopeful manner. By leaning into the comedy when appropriate and by making Eliot the genuine hero of this story, who also hammered home what Abel lost sight of and well, kudos to the series for going big at the end of season one and hopefully it continues to do so. Because it really is shining a light on some tough topics, the kind that we can no longer avoid discussing. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘The Wheel of Time’.
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Something that has become commonplace in modern television, is serialized storytelling. For creative minds everywhere have come to realize that tying together each and every episode, keeps an audience invested and hungry for more, and audiences have been quite receptive to this as well. Since they continuously tune into shows that make use of this format, and it really has grown in popularity enough that every network out there, makes this kind of story available. But despite its rampant popularity, there are still some shows that defy this red-hot convention and opt to tell stories that are grand and sweeping in nature and don’t necessarily connect right away and they tend to feature individual storylines revolving around the show’s ensemble cast, and one such series that meets that criterion is The Wheel of Time on Amazon Prime.
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For this particular series is indeed telling a grand and sweeping story and it is defying the norms by taking its time to bring everything together while offering up all kinds of unique moments that both grow the characters and this universe and for proof… look no further than this week’s episode. Because ‘The Dragon Reborn’ made a point to spotlight how everyone was doing while it indulged in a little worldbuilding along the way and that led to a bevy of compelling storylines. Some of which were relaxed in nature, as was the case with Egwene and Perrin. Since they were still spending time with the Tinkers, despite Perrin’s concerns that they may cause the both of them great harm. But Egwene saw no need for worry and her desire to keep things relaxed on this leg of the journey, allowed for the both of them to learn more about these gentle people and their wondrous views on life. 

Which is a storyline that served as the anthesis to Mat and Rand’s. Since they continued along with Gleeman Thom Merrlin, and eventually found shelter at a farm in the woods. Wherein it seemed they could rest for a bit before heading off to the Tower, courtesy of the kindness of these farmers. But the longer they stayed the more it became apparent that something was seriously wrong with Mat. Since he began to vomit up a black substance that resembled what they encountered in Shadar Logoth and it in turn allowed for Mat to become an agent of evil really. Since the dark inside eventually took control and motivated him to do something quite horrible… in that, he killed the kind family that took everyone in and alerted the Fade to their whereabouts before finally being snapped out of his twisted trance. Leaving him confused and worried and on the run again as he and his friends ventured off into the night. 

But while those four friends walked vastly different paths, Moiraine and Lan and Nynaeve were dealing with quite the bigger problem. For the Aes Sedai had grave concerns about the man they’d captured who was claiming to be the Dragon Reborn. For said ‘Dragon’, whose real name was Logain Albar, did indeed wield some incredible power. The kind that had brought down a kingdom and motivated its former king to follow him and bring forth devastation, and to complicate matters further, it was up to the Aes Sedai to keep him unconscious via magic until he was ready to stand trial at the White Tower. Which meant these powerful women, found themselves worn down quickly, since it took great power to counterbalance Logain’s and while that indeed gave us great insight to this mysterious order and how their Warders connect with them, stopping to catch their breath and establish control, brought about some serious trouble and a heck of a surprise.
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Because Logain was in fact… playing possum all along. So that his forces could surround the encampment and attack and free him and well… that led to quite the battle, one that saw one member of the Aes Sedai enter the great beyond and it also saw Lan nearly die of a horrific neck wound when Logain freed himself from his chains. But that’s when that surprise came into play. In that, in a moment of fury and outright panic, Nynaeve somehow channeled a surge of power. One so strong that Logain was stunned, and everyone wounded was healed. Allowing for the Aes Sedai to finally defeat him and remove his ability to connect with the one power, whilst bringing forth a bevy of questions. Such as… does this mean that Nynaeve is the Dragon Reborn? Or has she tapped into something powerful she never knew she had a connection with?

Obviously, time will tell, and while we wait to learn the answers to those questions… we can bask in the wonder of an unconventional tale. One that truly offered up a bevy of unconnected storylines that are most certainly building toward something more and this jam-packed episode served to remind us, that this really is the right way to tell this tale. Because this series is so grand and sweeping, that serialized storytelling would have outright ruined it. So, it’s wonderful to know that every important moment will be focused upon here and that every plot thread will eventually have its payoff and well, now that we are at the halfway mark for season one of this series… this writer has no doubt that the story is only going to get more intense from here. For evil will undoubtedly come calling for Nyaneve, now that her power is revealed, Dragon Reborn or not, and that means grand battles are ahead… the kind that will decide the fate and the future of this world. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Anna’.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that post-apocalyptic fiction has settled into a groove now and has latched onto a specific crowd-pleasing formula. The kind where the survivors of the apocalypse in question, band together because of a common realization. One where they understand the gift they’ve been given and that’s why they pull together and fight for a better tomorrow, so that humanity can survive and thrive once more and never again revisit the mistakes that brought about its downfall. Which is indeed a wondrous way to handle a tale of devastation since it really does give us hope for tomorrow and humanity in general. Since mankind tends to let us down often. But while that formula does engender hope and good vibes, it is growing a touch stale.
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For it is being used quite often and that is why post-apocalyptic shows that break from said formula, need to be celebrated. Since those stories are clearly looking to break new ground in a popular genre and that is precisely why Anna on AMC+ is of note. For this series is doing just that and for proof… look no further than its next episode. For ‘You Gotta Make Ice Cream’ is a story that breaks all of that convention and reminds us of the fact that for some, specifically children in this case, rebuilding mankind wouldn’t be top of mind at the end of the world. Instead, the horror of that reality and the stresses that would accompany it, would motivate kids (and likely a bevy of adults) to just… do their best to let loose and enjoy the silence and their freedom and/or what little time is left, and that is precisely what Anna did in this particular tale. 

Because she had the opportunity to swing by Pietro’s place and say hello and when she did, he offered her quite the fun day. One where they could swim in the lake near his mobile home and just relax and forget about their troubles and she was happy to do so. Since it really did provide her with a level of joy, we’ve never seen her indulge in before and it also let her just… be a pre-teen. In fact, she went so deep in her adolescent indulgences that she even took the time to get high with Pietro and just enjoy the lucid ride. But while it was different and oddly refreshing to see people having fun in a story about the end of the world, there were indeed some dangerous consequences to accompany those actions. Because while Anna watched her world melt before her eyes, her little brother was indulging in some foolish behavior.

In that, Astor thought it would be fun to entertain himself by making a fire. One that burned so hot and so bright that the smoke it created, was spotted by the Blue Kids. Who were simply out and about looking for supplies and that brought about quite the twist. The kind that saw these feral children swing by Anna and Astor’s home and raid it and sully the shrine they made for their mother, before leaving with Astor… whether he liked it or not. Which eventually brought great panic to Anna, since she realized that being away from home for that long and not doing a better job of teaching her little brother how to handle himself around fire and in silence, led to his kidnapping and in the end… her only hope at rescuing him, was in the hands of a pair of twins that have clearly, lost their minds with the Red Fever preparing to overtake them. Since one of them trapped Anna instead of helping her.

Which, served as a fine reminder of how dark this world remains and how little hope there is for a future and well… in the end, this was simply a brilliant chapter in this harrowing journey. Because it really did hammer home the fact that a world without adults would be disastrous for children, since all of these actions would have been avoided with a single adult in the room. But alas, that blessing won’t happen here, and we as the audience, will have to suffer through frustrating and terrifying moments as these poor remaining children figure out how to do the right thing on their own, in ways where mistakes run rampant and well… that definitely compels one to continue the journey. To see if Anna can grow up before our eyes and save her brother and to see if by chance, there is any hope for a future, in a world where minds that cannot comprehend the end, are all that’s left of humanity. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 402 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’.
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Grief is one of those things that is so hard to both feel and understand. How do you be there for someone who doesn’t want you to be there? How do you open up to people when you’re drowning in your own sorrow, unable to even convey how hurt you are? I have experienced both, but watching Book struggle this episode hit way too close to home. Death is such a finite thing. Losing those you love and repeating the endless ‘what if’s’ in your mind are daunting and dangerous to say the least. Watching Book be nearly catatonic while Michael tries to comfort him… it’s the most real scene I have seen on a show in a long time.
 
Often, in crisis or after an event as traumatic as this, the characters push forward to finish the mission and we rarely see the full extent of what loss does. While Book does push on, he’s still clearly struggling, he’s affected deeply, and he is not fit to be pushing on. In this case, Michael’s crew is able to theorize about the anomaly, believing it might be two black holes merging into one. Which is why it effected Kwejian the way it did but didn’t tear the space station apart. Discovery is able to track down the anomaly and devise a plan to get more data on it. They need to send a ship into the anomaly to collect as much information on it as possible.

Book volunteers to do so, his ship is small, fast, and he could easily pilot it through the dust field and get the data they need. The only major problem with this plan is that Book is not mentally ready for such a thing. Still, he pushes the issue and all but demands to go. Michael finally agrees to let him, but only once Saru suggests a tether to the ship so that Discovery can pull him back at any time. Oh, yes, and Saru is back as Michael’s First Officer. It seems that being First Officer fits him better for the time being. They also need someone to collect the data while Book flies. They send Stamets along in the form of a Holo, which he’s neurolinked to. Turns out Holo’s can move things and what not, which I feel like I should have known, but for some reason didn’t. Stamets and Book don’t exactly get along, but they also don’t not get along either, still the whole thing is just awkward. Stamets, who previously lost his husband only to get him back, isn’t sure how to comfort a grieving man.

Book blames himself for the loss of his planet, his brother and nephew. And truthfully, Stamets blames himself for not being able to protect his own family, but Book saved him, and Stamets can’t return the favor. The best Stamets can do is collect the data on the anomaly so that they can stop it from ever happening again. The problem is the dust field is more than just dust. It’s meteors that are damaging the ship at an alarming rate. At one point, the engine is damaged. Stamets fixes it as best he can, but he can only do so much. It’s Adira that figures out the gravitational waves being let out by the anomaly and there is a pattern to them. Book’s ship has lost navigation, they’re flying blind, but if he can catch a wave, they might be able to get out of the anomaly. Book tries to send Stamets away, but he can’t leave the ship. The tether is gone and with it the only way to get the data back to the ship.

Without the data they can’t figure out what the anomaly really is. As it is, this massive thing isn’t two black holes becoming one, it’s something somehow worse. Book misses the first chance to escape, and the engines are barely holding. Michael talks him through it, however, and Book is finally able to catch a wave, safely exiting the anomaly. Stamets is all too happy to disconnect the neural link, but he may have come out of this with a friend, and that’s worth something. Tilly looks over the data once Book is back, or well, some of the data. As is, since the Discovery was there and Book went through the anomaly, it has already changed directions.
 
Meaning, while they have all this data on it, they still won’t be able to predict what will happen next or where it will go. Meanwhile Book finally opens up to Michael and manages to break down. The truth is, grief never really goes away, you just learn to live with it. Tilly is feeling the strain of things, she’s feeling all too off. And the synthetic body for Gray is almost ready but Adira is struggling with the last mission they went on with the space station. Watching Gray get a new body is bringing up the memories of when Adira lost Gray the first time, and that’s hard for them.

All in all, it was a hard episode and a harder mission. The crew isn’t doing well, and Book is falling apart.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Hawkeye’.
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The first two episodes of Hawkeye dropped Wednesday the 24th, and I 1000% did stay up until 3 a.m. to watch them. Do I have regrets? No. No I don’t. Have I watched these two episodes a few times already? Yes. Yes, I have. To say I‘ve been looking forward to this show all year is an understatement. This show is my everything. I don’t have one single negative thing to remotely say. I might even love it more than The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Hawkeye has always been my favorite Marvel character and Avenger, beyond that the Hawkeye comics were literally amazing. Now, I’ve not been the biggest fan of the whole Barton having a family thing, but I have to admit, it does add a different aspect to Clint’s character. He’s just a dad trying to do what’s best for his family. Clint doesn’t have superpowers, he’s just a guy with a bow.
 
In this case, he’s just a dad sitting through a Broadway show. Rogers the Musical looks like the exact kind of thing I would drag everyone I knew to. Clint does what any dad does in those cases, he zones out, well, he also turns his hearing aid off. In this show the reason for Clint being deaf is probably the most genuinely accurate reason. At least we finally get Clint being deaf, and I’m not going to complain about how it happened. It fits the MCU, and it proves all along that Clint, while just a guy with a bow, kept up with super soldiers and gods alike. All that Avenging has its tolls to pay. Why is Clint in New York? He’s showing his kids, a good time and bonding with them before they go home for Christmas. His whole family was missing for the duration of the Blip after all. Clint is also dealing with some PTSD, and some of it wasn’t from his time as an Avenger.

The first two episodes really give us a true and proper introduction to Kate Bishop, one that we deserve. Katie Kate was just a kid when the invasion of the Chitauri took place. The Bishop family also lived in a multi floor penthouse with a perfect view of Avenger’s Tower. Kate’s father dies that day, and Kate almost does too, until she’s saved by an Avenger. Clint ends up unknowingly changing the trajectory of Kate’s life forever. She goes on to become a world class Archer, martial artist, and even a gymnast. Kate does everything she can to ensure that she can protect her mother. Of course, she’s also a bit uncouth. While Kate is a great Archer, she lacks finesse. She destroys a bell and clock tower with a homemade trick arrow and might get in some serious trouble. At least her mom cancels her credit cards.
 
Speaking of her mother is also dating some strange man named Jack, who likes swords. There’s a charity event that Eleanor convinces Kate to come to. Kate begrudgingly goes, only to find out that Eleanor is engaged to Jack, and also, she stumbles upon a secrets black market auction under the Gala. Now, Kate has an excellent skill as a spy as she impersonates a waitress to get more information and spies on the auction. The infamous Ronin’s sword is up for auction, followed by his hood and mask. There’s a massive explosion, however, and the Track Suit Mafia breaks in to steal a watch.

That’s right, the Track Suit Mafia, bro! I have never been so happy about anything in my life than listening to the whole ‘bro’ bit. Jack steals Ronin’s sword and Kate dons the hood and mask to save the people in the auction. She’s a good fighter with real skill but she’s also not faced anything like this before, so there’s a lot of struggles. Katie Kate still kicks some serious ass though, and she escapes the Gala and saves Lucky! Yes, Pizza Dog is here, because you can’t have a Hawkeye show without Lucky! Now, I can, except that Kate found and saved him because I love her character too much. But it is a little sad that it wasn’t Clint. Kate gets Lucky settled and goes to investigate more about Jack’s supposed uncle (or father) who threatened Eleanor in the first place. Only, Armand is dead, stabbed to death so it seems. Kate leaves, still in costume, but she’s attacked by the Track Suit Mafia again.
 
By now, Clint has seen the news. Someone is running around as Ronin. Lucky for Kate, he shows up. He saves Kate, only to drag her down an ally and unmask her. Yep, turns out she’s just a 22-year-old kid who unknowingly unboxed something she can’t control. Clint is more than just a little annoyed. Not only does he have to clean up her mess, but now he has to get the Ronin costume back and get rid of it. For now, they head back to Kate’s apartment, where she professes her adoration for Clint. She gets the costume off and asks for him to sign her bow. That’s when the Track Suit Mafia finds her. Guess she’s not as good as she originally thought. A few Molotov cocktails make their way into Kate’s apartment, setting it ablaze. Either way, the coolest scene in any show or movie happens when Clint punchs out a window and catches a Molotov cocktail and throws it back at the Track Suit Mafia. Not good bro!

The suit gets left behind as they leave the apartment to burn. Clint gets Kate safe and settled and bandaged up. He goes back to the burnt-out apartment for the suit, only to discover that it’s gone. One of the firefighters took it. Now, this whole mess has gotten bigger. Not only does he have to keep Kate safe, he has to find the suit and then get the Track Suit Mafia to leave Katie Kate alone annnnnnd… he’s got to make it back to his family before Christmas. Clint’s got a lot going on. He tracks down the firefighter in question who took the Ronin costume. Who didn’t need a Hawkeye at a LARP event scene? I did. The whole thing is painfully fun to watch, eventually he gets the costume back and gets it locked away so nobody else can wear it.
 
Meanwhile, Kate learns there’s more to her mom’s fiancé then meets the eye. There’s something odd about him and he’s hiding a lot. She thinks he might be involved with the death of Armand. She tries to call and tell Clint this, only he doesn’t answer his burner phone, someone else does. Clint Barton is in danger. Well, danger is relative. He got captured by the Track Suit Mafia on purpose, bro. Catch and Release. It all went according to plan, that wasn’t until Kate broke through the roof and ruined everything. Now they’re both captured. Good job Katie Kate, good job. Now we have to wait for episode 3 to find out just what’s going on. And really? I’m not sure I can do that patiently.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 3101 of ‘Top Gear’.
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More often than not, there will come a day where our favorite television shows have run out of steam and have to bid farewell to the airwaves and it always intriguing as to what brings them to their end. Because in some instances, they simply stay on the air for too long and outstay their welcome with repetitive storytelling. For others, they run out of original ideas or the awesome concept that brought it to life, is no longer fascinating, or the story moved beyond it. And sometimes, the tastes of audiences simply shift and they’re eager to watch new stories. But some shows, defy all of these problems and stay on the airwaves for ages on end. Simply because they capture something special and one such series that defies this convention and has latched onto something unique, is Top Gear.

For last night saw the thirty-first season of this series come to fruition and well, this opening adventure of season thirty-one was as captivating as any other. In fact, the lads started this one off with quite the bang, by taking the time to return to a series staple… toying with stupid fast cars that everyone would love to own and drive. Since Paddy and Freddie and Chris decided to explore what other track-day specials are out there to enjoy… that aren’t a Porsche 911 and they picked some pretty slick rides. Freddie for instance, chose the Aston Marin F1 Edition, while Paddy chose the Alpha Romeo Giulia GTAm. Which are both beautiful and fast cars, that are perfectly designed for track life and sadly… they both paled in comparison to Chris’ choice… the McLaren 765LT. A car that dusted the others in a drag race by hitting 200 mph no problem.

But of course, to truly see how powerful this car was… they needed to give it a proper track run. Which is why the lads drove these rides to the Silverstone F1 track, wherein actual F1 drivers from each respective company would put these suckers to the test with the Top Gear crew in a powerful relay race. One where the lads would try and beat the pros top times, a feat that they sadly didn’t accomplish. Slightly in part because there was a handbrake mishap involving Paddy’s run, but also because Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin), Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa Romero) and Lando Norris (McLaren) are some of the best F1 drivers out there. But it wasn’t a total wash for the TG crew. Since Chris Harris did hang with Lando’s time and only lost to him by a single second. 

However, while that made for an entertaining and fun time, it is the final segment of this episode that is truly of note. For this is where the series showed the audience exactly how this series has defied convention and enjoyed longevity and it accomplished that… with a beautiful tribute led by Paddy. One that chronicled the life and times of Daredevil superstar, Eddie Kidd. Who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s by pulling off death defying stunts on a motorcycle, the kind that saw him jump the Great Wall of China and best Robbie Knievel in a Daredevil showdown. But the point of this tribute, was to bring Eddie great joy. Since he suffered brain injuries in his final jump and left the industry because of that. Which is why Paddy put together a Daredevil show for him, to put a giant smile on his face (which it did) and remind him of what he’s done for the industry. 

Which absolutely made it clear… that what keeps Top Gear going year after year… is the passion that the show exudes. For this is and will forever be a love letter to all things related to the road, and the fine gents that host this series are filled to the brim with that very passion and express it during single episode. As evidenced here. And as long as that passion remains, this show will never die, because it simply sucks us in and leaves us eager for more. But all of that aside, we’d be foolish to not take a moment and thank Paddy for that beautiful tribute. Because that was a wonderful walk down memory lane for some and a powerful education for the uninitiated and it is wonderful to see Eddie’s work immortalized here and truly, it will be interesting to see if more tributes await us in Season 31 and if not… that’s okay too. Because all that matters, is that passion and this writer cannot wait to indulge in more of it. Until next time.