Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘Foundation’.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that life is really good at throwing incredible curveballs our way. The kind that evade our strong gut feelings, and outright leave us stunned at surprised at the end result. To the point where all we can do is stand there and try to process the wild moment that just happened. And these moments are so random and so chaotic, that they are rarely explored in storytelling. Simply because, there is seemingly no way to replicate the shock and awe that comes about from that moment of random wildness. But some stories, make the attempt to try and replicate it, to see if by chance they can come close to shocking the audience in a manner that resembles the reality of that moment, and it just so happens that Foundation on AppleTV+ made that exact attempt during this week’s episode. 
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For ‘The First Crisis’ is a story that turned the galaxy upside down with incredible surprises, the kind that quite frankly, took us off guard and accomplished the episode’s mission and it pulled this stunning feat off, by way to of two key storylines. The first involved Brother Dawn, since it was revealed to him that Brother Dusk was onto his secrets and that sent Dawn into panic mode. For it meant that there was a fair chance he was facing termination for being different and that motivated him to do the unthinkable and leave the palace to start life anew with Azura and believe it or not, he was successful in his efforts. And once they were reunited, the first real surprise in this episode came our way.

For it turns out that Azura was not who she claimed to be. In fact, she was nothing more than a rebel that harbored a huge hate for the Empire and her push to be near Cleon and love him and free him… was nothing more than a ruse. One designed to get him in the open where she and her cohorts could hide him away and replace him with a stolen clone from the palace. But thankfully, Brother Dusk and imperial forces arrived before real damage could be done and well… that’s about as big a surprise as it gets. Since everything that Cleon and Azura had was a lie and that unfortunate truth will continue to transform Dawn’s life for the worse, since now Brother Day has to decide if a flawed Cleon will be allowed to live in the slightest.

As for the second curveball in this tale, well that was handled by Salvor. For when we catch up with her here, we find her back at Terminus. For at the last second her dying friend plugged himself into the jump drive to bring them home and well… with the Invictus in hand, she decided the time had come to return home and break the good news to her people. But alas, the Null Field from the Vault left everyone unconscious and to make matters worse, Phara figured out how to escape and took control of the moment and threatened everyone and everything since her bloodlust basically took over. But thankfully, Salvor put her down for good and used Hari’s magical little math box, to save the day and unlock the Vault and well, within its walls was the biggest surprise of all, Hari Seldon, alive and well and happy to see the good people of Terminus.

Which is an epic twist, one that managed to leave the audience beside themselves. Because everything we’ve been led to believe is that Hari is dead and only his mental algorithms live on in the depths of space. But there he was, in the flesh and as healthy as ever and that really is quite the cliffhanger to leave us with. Since everyone is dying to know how on Terminus, Hari is standing there and talking with Salvor and his followers and of course, we are also left painfully curious regarding the fate of Brother Dawn… who really is facing the possibility of losing his life for falling for the biggest scheme ever and well, all this does is leave us eager for more. Because that really does set the stage for an epic season one finale and it will be quite interesting to see how the opening season of this long and winding journey, wraps up these surprises and a year of stunning storytelling. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Big Sky’.
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Harper nervously peers out a window at the familiar van parked across the street. Alone in the dark, she texts Max, grabs a poker from the fireplace and the pepper spray on her keychain, gives herself a pep talk and marches out to confront the creeper. She apprehensively approaches the driver’s window, only to shriek, spray the glass when he leans forward into her view, and race back into her house.
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Cassie and Jerrie notice a figure moving inside the trailer they are approaching on the lot of the construction site. They move closer, guns and flashlights drawn, as Ren, who has just threateningly hushed Tonya, comes out the door with her hands above her head, feigning surprise at their drawn guns. Holstering their guns, Cassie introduces herself and Jerrie as P.I.s and explains that they are investigating a murder at the café down the road. As they speak, Tonya begins to stomp her feet inside the trailer and Donno lunges to silence her, with a knife at her throat.

Outside the trailer, Cassie and Jerrie fruitlessly search the construction site. Ren stands stiffly outside the door to the trailer that contains Tonya and Donno, assuring them humorously she would have noticed any murderers hiding inside her office. Cassie and Jerrie brush past her anyway but find no one in the trailer. They spend a few moments pacing the inside of the trailer, but seeing and hearing nothing, decide to depart.

Relieved and annoyed, Ren flies to the trailer’s closet where Donno lays on the floor with an unconscious Tonya in his arms. Donno claims to have used nonlethal force to quiet her after she bit him. Ren is unconvinced, so he shakes Tonya to wake her, only to have her immediately begin screaming the second she awakens.

The next morning, at the crime scene inside the Bad Clown Café, Jenny is going over the evidence with Deputy Poppernak when Cassie and Jerrie arrive. Cassie tells her they found nothing at the construction site the previous night, save for a woman that was new in town. Both Jenny and Cassie find it far too coincidental that her arrival closely coincided with the cartel’s arrival in town. Jenny discloses that they are conducting a grid search using dogs that will hopefully offer some idea of where Tonya came from when she escaped. Outside the café and without Jerrie, Cassie wants Jenny to ask Travis if he knows who the cartel has sent. Jenny tries to play it coy, claiming a need for professionalism to which Cassie scoffs. Jenny finally agrees to ask Travis, though she offers no guarantees of information. Jenny and Cassie exchange smiles, their easy rapport returning.

Jenny goes to see Travis at his hotel room. He greets her at the door with an open beer, and as she enters, they both scan their surroundings. Sipping her beer, Jenny tells Travis that Tonya is still missing. Travis replies that if the cartel did get Tonya, it highly likely she’s dead and not missing. He tells her that this cartel, run by the Bhullars out of Vancouver, is both thorough and ruthless. Jenny, however, persists, giving him doe eyes as she reminds him that Tonya has already managed to escape once. Travis reluctantly agrees to ask Deitrich, the local man who runs everything in town, about it, but offers no promises.

Outside the motel, Deitrich is riding in the passenger seat of a truck driven by one of his lackeys when he spots Travis’s (a.k.a. Stone in this instance) truck in the parking lot. He’s surprised to learn that’s where Stone is living and demands to know that they had properly vetted him. The lackey assures him that everything is fine.

On the farm, Ronald awakens in bright sunlight on a concrete slab, surrounded by animal pens. As he becomes more aware he discovers a new metal collar on his neck, which he angrily yanks at. Wolf casually approaches, as always carrying his massive stick, and tells Ronald the collar is an “aversive,” which can only be removed by Ronald building a “pyramid of trust.” Ronald is defiant and demands that Wolf stop threatening him. Wolf replies that the collar is not a threat but a promise, and with the push of a button on a remote in his hand, provides Ronald with a demonstration of the collar, which tightens around his neck, strangling him quickly and violently. Another push of the button from Wolf releases the collar, leaving Ronald heaving and gasping on the ground.

Wolf instructs Ronald to walk with him. They climb a hill on the grounds to what appears to be a graveyard. Wolf explains to Ronald that he was saved by Wolf from the men that he and Rick had worked with, that those men were not going to allow him to simply disappear into the woods. Wolf’s purpose for saving Ronald is simple, he was used as a tool by Rick to sully the Legarski name, and he will now be used as a tool by Wolf to restore his good name.
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Having earlier mentioned that his mother was Catholic and offering flippantly to pray for Wolf as an aside, Ronald has unwittingly opened the door to the subject of moms. Wolf asks about Ronald’s mother, admitting his own had been less than loving, although his brother Rick could do no wrong in her eyes. Ronald confesses to also being a disappointment to his mother, and a line of communication is opened between the two.

Bridger is rummaging through his kitchen for a snack when a vehicle pulls up and a knock sounds at the door. Bridger sneaks to the door and peers out the peephole, startled to see Deputy Harvey standing there in uniform. Bridger avoids being seen through the houses many windows as Harvey walks around, peering inside. Hearing a car door shut and an engine drive away, Bridger texts the girls that they have a problem and need to meet. Bridger rushes to the car in the driveway, only to be accosted by Harvey, who was lying in wait for him.

Max and Harper discuss the creeper in the van as they walk through town together. Max has gotten them each a metal weapon like brass knuckles but with sharp points that look like cat ears to allow them to stab and slash any potential assailants. They are meeting Dylan to hand over the sample of the drugs. Max immediately begins to regret their decision to work with him, but Harper hands him a small clear bag containing several pills. Dylan conspicuously examines the pills, which each have four raised dots on them. Before things can go much further, Max gets the text from Bridger on her phone which she instantly shows to Harper. Harper snatches the bag of pills from his hand, telling a confused Dylan that the deal is off. She and Max hurry away.

Madison arrives home and calls Bridger, only to hear his phone ringing, and finds it lying abandoned on the driveway. She knows now, something is very wrong.

Lindor shows up at Dewell and Hoyt to find apparently only Jerrie, who greets him by announcing that Cassie is out, and that she is busy. He asks her how the cases are going, and she snaps back that she can’t discuss Tonya’s case. Jerrie, however, can’t resist mentioning a lead that came they got as a tip: a land surveyor reported seeing two people matching Ronald and Scarlet’s descriptions by a remote cabin nearby. Lindor agrees that they should go check it out.

Cassie meets Jenny in her office, where Jenny tells her about Deitrich, and that Travis is looking into Tonya’s disappearance for them. Cassie is skeptical about how forthcoming Travis will be with them, but Jenny vouches for him. A call comes in that the K9 unit has found something in their search.

Deitrich is seated at a table in the bar as Travis, once again playing the role of Stone, approaches. He sits to join Deitrich, telling him that he wants to be his go-to man, offering to locate the missing drugs and money. Deitrich demands to know why he’s living in a motel, to which Travis replies that he’s between places to live right now. Deitrich then asks Travis if he’s armed. “Always,” he replies somewhat quizzically. Deitrich instructs Travis to have his back as Ren and Donno walk in.
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As Ren lights a candle at the table, a tattoo of four dots in a square is visible on her hand, identical to the pattern on the pills. Around the table sit Ren, Donno, Travis, and Deitrich. Ren is amused by Deitrich, well aware that he was expecting her father to send someone else. Deitrich explains that he told her daddy that he had everything handled. They exchange accusations over the missing drugs and money. Tensions continue to rise until, in a flourish, Travis is able to outdraw Donno. Ren is amused that Travis has gotten the drop on Donno, and unintimidated, decides to leave.

After meeting Poppernak where the dogs had discovered blood and a piece of Tonya’s clothing, Jenny and Cassie disagree with the deputy’s assessment that Tonya is dead. They agree to treat her as missing until there is a body. They also surmise that a war between the cartel and Deitrich is imminent.

Madison meets Max and Harper at their spot, telling them, distraught, that something has happened to Bridger.

Deputy Harvey has Bridger tied up in his house, demanding to know the truth. Bridger repeatedly and poorly tries to lie, before asking what will be done to him. Harvey tells him that, while his boss might want to hurt him, all he wants is her drugs and money back. Bridger, believing that Harvey will let him go unharmed if he gets what he wants, gives up his sister Madison, as being the one in possession of all the loot.

Madison receives an ominous call from Harvey, telling her to bring the drugs and money in exchange for her brother, and warning her not to tell her parents or the police. He gives her an hour to get there.
Lindor and Jerrie approach the remote cabin with guns drawn. They reminisce that it reminds them of the first time they caught Ronald. They find no one in the cabin, but it is apparent that Ronald and Scarlet were there, as a box of Ronald’s favorite cereal sits on the table. Lindor suggests to Jerrie that perhaps it is time she go on with her life, perhaps go back to singing. Jerrie explains that she is compelled to see this through, not just for herself, but for all of Ronald’s other victims as well. Jerrie tells Lindor she’s glad he’s there to see it through with her, gently kissing him on the lips.

Cassie and Denise are discussing the circumstances surrounding Tonya’s disappearance when she walks into Dewell and Hoyt, disheveled but mostly unharmed. Tonya tells Jenny, Cassie, and Denise that she was taken by Deputy Harvey. She proceeds to frame him for everything that Ren and Donno did, from breaking her nose, to killing the café owner. Tonya also says he is the one that killed Sam. Denise appears highly skeptical of this story. Jenny and Cassie immediately take this news to Sheriff Tubb.
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Ren and Donno drive, discussing strategy. Donno is convinced Tonya will give them up, while Ren is confident that Donno is underestimating her and that she can pull this off. She assures him that if she is mistaken about Tonya, he can always kill her entire family, which satisfies him. She explains that the next step is to get to Harvey before the police do.

At the sheriff’s department, Sheriff Tubb is even more skeptical of Tonya’s tale, and takes Jenny into the hallway to talk. Cassie follows them, demanding to know if he believes Tonya. Tubb explains that it isn’t as simple as a single witness statement. Deputy Harvey has a clean record, and Tubb wants to wait for him to arrive on shift, and to not tip their hand. Jenny and Cassie insist that the time to act is now, posing the likelihood that Harvey is working for either the cartel or for Deitrich. Tubb cannot be swayed.

Jenny and Cassie agree instantly that they won’t wait.

Outside of Harvey’s place, Max, Harper, and Madison gather with the bags of money and pills. They agree to hide the loot and come up with a plan to rescue Bridger. Inside, Harvey is anxious and demands to know from Bridger where his sister is. He tells him that Madison is collateral for everything, babbling away until Harvey duct tapes his mouth. It then that Bridger see Harper outside the window, who “shhhs” him with her index finger. Madison knocks at the door, while Max crouches among the trees. Harvey is disgusted to see she isn’t carrying a thing. She insists she see her brother before she will show Harvey where the bags are. He pulls her inside.

Ren drops Donno off on the road leading to Harvey’s house, instructing him to let no one else past. He sets up on a hill just off the road with a large weapon, and Ren drives on towards the house. Parked a distance away from the house, she dons black leather gloves and a gun.

Jenny and Cassie are driving up that very road a short time later when they are hit by a barrage of gunfire coming from Donno. They duck and struggle to find cover in the cab of Jenny’s truck as the bullets rain down.

One would think that with winter and the holidays drawing near, that the networks would slow down the release of new shows since it is a time for family and togetherness. But alas, they’re recognizing instead that now is the perfect time to release new TV shows, since people will be home for the holidays and families can and will settle in to enjoy something new while the bitter cold whistles about outside and well, that’s of note today, because of the recent announcement that Sundance Now put out.

For they have let it be known that a taught and powerful crime thriller entitled, The Pact,  is going to appear on the network on December 2nd and they also took the time to offer up a synopsis and a trailer for the show and well… it looks like they’ve definitely provided us with a gripping new series to enjoy when the snow begins to fall and we here at Nerds That Geek cannot wait to break down and pour over this brand-new series with all of you. But before we get there, please enjoy the trailer and the synopsis of The Pact, courtesy of Sundance Now.

‘Sundance Now has released the trailer for the enthralling, six-part thriller The Pact, making its US debut on Sundance Now and AMC+ on Thursday, December 2. New episodes of the dark whodunnit The Guardian calls “Wales’s ‘Big Little Lies’” and The Irish Times deems “a stonking standout of a crime thriller” will premiere weekly until Thursday, January 6.

When young brewery boss Jack (Aneurin Bernard, Dunkirk, War & Peace) is found dead, a chain of events is triggered that draws his four employees Anna (Laura Fraser, Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad), Nancy (Julie Hesmondhalgh, Broadchurch, Happy Valley), Louie (Eiry Thomas, Keeping Faith, The Accident) and Cat (Heledd Gwynn; Ordinary Lies, 35 Diwrnod) into a fragile pact of silence, bound by a secret that will change their lives forever.  Meanwhile, Anna's police officer husband Max (Jason Hughes, Marcella, Midsomer Murders) investigates Jack’s unforeseen death alongside his fierce superior DS Holland (Rakie Ayola, Noughts + Crosses, Shetland), completely unaware that his own wife and her best friends are at the heart of a conspiracy. 

Steeped in mystery, betrayals, twists and turns, the story unravels while Max, DS Holland and the rest of the town are left grappling with one burning question: what really happened that fateful night?

The Pact also stars Abbie Hern (The Twilight Zone, Enola Holmes 2), Eddie Marsan (Ray Donovan, Deadpool 2), Mark Lewis-Jones (Gangs of London, The Crown), Adrian Edmondson (EastEnders, Save Me), Gabrielle Creevy (In My Skin, Father Brown) and Aled Ap Steffan (Gangs of London, In My Skin). The Pact, a Sundance Now Exclusive Series, is written and created by Pete McTighe (Doctor Who, A Discovery of Witches) and directed by Eric Styles (Hidden, Casualty) and Rebecca Johnson (Call the Midwife, The Flash). Production company is Cardiff-based Little Door Productions and Lionsgate handles the international distribution.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eleven of ‘Leverage: Redemption’.

There are, a great many elements that go into what makes a hero. Obviously, they need to be brave and dedicated to all things good, since we expect our heroes to have a beautiful moral core. Plus, they need to be willing to stand up to great evil and injustice in the world and be willing to fight for the little guy in doing so, since heroes are there to be the voices of those who cannot speak and well… what’s amazing, is that the more you think about what makes up a true hero… the more you realize that Leverage: Redemption is full of them. Because everyone on the team, has those elements, despite their past transgressions and well, the wonder of heroism and why we need to associate Team Leverage with heroism is top of mind today, because all of that was put on full display in the next episode of this amazing series.
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Because ‘The Jackal Job’ allowed for everyone to be genuine heroes to a true innocent and that led to quite the uplifting and satisfying tale and it brought about such joy… by way of circumstance. For while Sophie was helping Breanna deliver meals on wheels as part of a community service sentence that came about from impatience… they encountered a unique senior citizen named Stella. Who caught the attention of this duo, by stealing Breanna’s cell so that she could call for help. Because she was the victim of a power of attorney scam, one where her possessions would be sold off to the highest bidder before she was placed in a junky retirement home and while that alone was enough for Team Leverage to take the case, because of the indignity it represented, the fact that Stella was the infamous thief known as the Jackal… only added a sense of urgency to their quest.

For the Jackal deserved better than being grifted in this manner and also because, it would give them the opportunity to show another person from Team Leverage’s field… the joy that could come about from using their powers for good. But what matters most, is that the team went above and beyond for Stella, showing her kindness and guidance at every turn and they even helped her revisit her best and worst memories. Which was no easy task because her mind was going, but showing her that she lived a full life, one filled with a love so powerful that she walked away from thievery and grifting… really did bring joy to Stella’s heart once again, and a desire to reunite with her lost love Josephine and their daughter and well… that too pushed the team harder because they knew they could do right by her and get her a happily ever after before her brain slipped into oblivion.

Which of course, they managed to do because Team Leverage isn’t ever going to drop the ball when it comes to a greasy and greedy judge and an equally as slimy and gross individual that is outright okay with preying upon senior citizens. But what is important about this episode, is that it was just… a wonderful reminder that Leverage: Redemption really is a hero’s journey, one grounded in… redemption, and well… that reminder really did make for a delightfully feel-good tale. One that really did show us the team at their absolute best through and through and this one, really was designed to just put a smile on our faces and there’s nothing wrong with that. Because sometimes you just want to kick back and be entertained in an uplifting manner and this one does just that, since it is devoid of commentary and deeper meaning and is filled to the brim with spirit soaring moments, the kind that stay with you long after the story has come to an end.

Plus, how can you go wrong with a love story as epic and as wonderful as Stella and Jo’s? After all, Stella left the life for Jo, and did everything she could, to give Jo a wonderful life and be an open and loving partner and that’s just beautiful and it also helps to remind us… that this series can accomplish anything storytelling wise. Because this writer is hard pressed to think of any other series out there that can shift in this manner, this quickly. But here we are, and Dean Devlin and the cast and the crew of this series, deserve a round of applause for putting forth this kind of wondrous story. One that takes the time to celebrate the wonder of life and the importance of kindness, and it will be quite interesting to see where this brilliant series is going to take us next. Because a surprise like this makes it clear, that this series can do whatever it wants storytelling wise and impress us in the process, thanks to its quality acting and writing and understanding… of what heroes really look like in the 21st Century. Until next time.   

​Please enjoy a sneak peek of tomorrow’s brand-new episode of The Morning Show, streaming exclusively on AppleTV+.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episodes Three and Four of ‘Dalgliesh’.
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It is definitely safe to say that crime fascinates us to no end. Largely because it is difficult to comprehend what would drive a person to turn their back on their fellow man and commit crimes that cause harm to others and that is why we fawn over crime stories both true and fiction, often. So that we can ponder upon the origin of crime and why people are keen to stick with it and that can at times, lead to some frustrating answers. Since we come to learn that sometimes, the origins of evil in our world, are motivated by the simplest possible desires, and it just so happens that the next episode of Dalgliesh on Acorn TV, features one of those frustrating explorations into the genesis of crime.
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For ‘The Black Tower, Parts 1 & 2’ inform us of why people commit to greed and how far they are willing to go to line their pocketbooks and it accomplishes this exploration, in a stealthy and dynamic manner. Because early on in this tale, it appears as though we are going to be a treated to a different kind of story involving DCI Adam Dalgliesh. Where he instead has to ponder upon the nature of death and how life can send that our way in bunches when he arrives at an out of the way care facility to see an old friend… that unfortunately passed on before his arrival. Leaving Adam in a dark and tough and reflective place, one that was quickly shattered by a fascinating discovery.

In that, Adam’s old friend just so happened to have some hostile notes that were sent his way and after spending a little time with the residents to learn about his friend’s final days, some concerning facts came to light. Since it turns out a few strange deaths had happened at this facility and sadly… more were in the cards. For it wasn’t long before a gentle and sweet resident at this care facility died under odd circumstances and so did the wife of the facility’s resident doctor. Making it appear as though financial strife and a power-hungry priest were behind this all. Since anyone that stood up to him and demanded better, appeared to die out of revenge. But alas, a touch more digging revealed the fact… that every last death here was related to greed.

For those that died, had discovered that this facility was host to a drug ring and it was chosen to become such a place… because of its vulnerable residents and staff and its stature. For a struggling facility that was barely above water, was the perfect front for a lucrative drug ring… one that benefitted but a handful and this discovery, put Adam within an inch of life thanks to the kingpin, but he was able to solve the case and the kingpin did put himself out of his own misery. But not before teaching us that people sometimes commit to greed, simply because they can. For this perfect situation and chance to exert power over others, was too much for the heavy to pass up and choosing a life of crime brought him untold joy, for a time at least.

Which makes this quite the tragic tale in the end, since good people were pawns without even knowing it, and so many had to die for no reason other than to cover the tracks of a corrupted few. Hammering home, the reality that the criminal world is indeed an uncomfortable one, where morals are easily cast aside for the promise of financial security and this show deserves serious applause, for offering up such a unique and frustrating case. One that definitely kept us guessing and broke our hearts as well when we realized how easily greed can motivate a person to use others for their personal gain. But most important of all, this episode leaves us hungry for more of this intimate and powerful crime drama, one that is coming to an end quickly, since next week’s two-parter is also the season one finale of this dynamic and fascinating show. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the finale of ‘Manhunt: The Night Stalker’.
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When we last settled in to discuss the phenomenal Acorn TV series, Manhunt: The Night Stalker, we talked at length about how the series took us to some unconventional places’ storytelling wise. Because more often than not, original crime dramas and ones that are adapted from true crime stories, do their best to keep the audience on the edge of their seats by way of epic drama and intense action. But this series, is presenting this crime as it unfolded and is free of excessive drama or forced action. This is simply about the hunt for a heinous human being that preyed upon the innocent with impunity, and it just so happens that the final chapter in this story, made sure to stick to that style of storytelling and that allowed for a supremely unconventional end to take place.
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One where the case simply… dragged on. In fact, when we catch up with Colin and the task force here, they’re weeks into this manhunt and things aren’t going all that well. For it would appear that the Minstead Menace has indeed gone underground thanks to the close call he had with the Metropolitan Police, and the team is starting to lose a touch of faith in what they’re doing. Which prompts Colin to go the extra mile and get out into the field, to remind everyone how important this work is and what it means to bring this guy to justice. But while that definitely helped to recommit the team, there was still no sign of The Night Stalker, and his absence was so profound that the team basically ordered Colin to take a couple of days off to rest and recoup and that’s when quite the surprise took place.

For while Colin slept, one of the spotter teams, took note of a car that matched that of The Night Stalker’s, and it just so happened that an individual wearing a hoodie came out of a nearby house shortly after that car was spotted. Which allowed for a specific capture plan to go into motion. Wherein a team would head into the house he came out of, to see if by chance… the trademarks were there, and while they were doing that, a low-speed pursuit of the car would take place. One that would keep track of the suspect and move arresting officers out of the surveillance area, so as to not arouse suspicion and well… this plan paid off. Because The Night Stalker’s trademarks were there, and that led to the traffic stop and subsequent arrest of one Delroy Grant and this was… the first real unconventional moment in this tale. Since the hero officer, was resting at home when the arrest of his nemesis occurred, and there was no harrowing chase, just evidence gathering and caution and the fascinating end to this case continued when Colin arrived to interview Grant.

Because there were no strange and uncomfortable and dark moments that took place during Grant’s brief interrogation, just discussions of cricket and concern from Grant over the care of his wife. In fact, the only dark moment that occurred, was when he quietly admitted to an officer, a fact about the case that only the offender would know. But what matters most here, is that despite blaming this on his son, this seemingly Everyday Joe was indeed a match for all of the DNA collected from the various crime scenes throughout the years, and that evidence led to a twenty-seven-year conviction and well… that’s about as satisfying and realistic an ending as one can get. For the bad guy was finally brought to justice, the hero rode off into the sunset and everything went down here in the most realistic and case accurate way imaginable and really, it makes sense as to why realism was the focus of this show.

Because… all dramatization and wonderful performances and epic moments aside, this is something that genuinely happened. Delroy Grant did in fact, terrorize London for seventeen years before Colin and the task force put him behind bars. Which means, this is a tribute to all the poor souls that heard a noise in the middle of the night and were victimized by this monster and re-telling their story in a straightforward and earnest manner, is the best way to honor them and their plight. So, bravo to Colin Sutton and the other producers and creators of this show and the members of the Metropolitan Police involved in this case, for doing these victims justice in real life and on the small screen, and most important of all, for capturing a genuine monster. One that will now spend the rest of his life, rotting away in a hell he created.     

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Hightown’.

At this point, it is definitely safe to say that no series has been able to properly capture the chaos that life sends our way, in the same manner as Hightown. For week in and week out, this STARZ series has treated us to a painfully realistic look at the highs and lows that come about from life and its infinite chaos and while that has indeed led to some powerful storytelling over the past year and a half, it does leave one to wonder… if there is ever going to be a true reward for the struggles the characters are going through. Because eventually in life, we do see results for our efforts and we do rise above the chaos to find some semblance of peace and it just so happens, that the next episode in this wonderful series, saw the beginning of that take place.
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For everyone in ‘Daddy Issues’ finally inched closer to their respective goals or saw a positive reaping of rewards for their efforts and that led to quite the satisfying and hopeful tale. One where even Osito indulged in a little joy since he was indeed transferred to Emerald City and immersed in all of its benefits and this episode also informed us… that Ray Abruzzo might be fast tracking his way back onto the force. For he immersed himself in the drug scene and was able to learn that Coco was getting his supply of Great White from an African American girl on the cape and after feeding that information to Alan and narrowing down the list of suspects, they both came to the realization that Charmaine might be the supplier they’re looking for and Alan confirmed that possibility with another visit to Osito, since her name was present in the visitor logs.

Which in turn, motivated the two of them to take a little road trip down Boston way, to see if Charmaine was there and if they could potentially land upon some evidence and well, while that backfired just a bit, since Charmaine and her sister were there and able to cover their tracks with some solid alibis… progress was still made. Because it tipped Charmaine’s hand that she is indeed eager to be seen in a positive light and of course, some of the responses from her sister, made it clear that something is going on. Which is a solid start for certain, one that just needed a little more evidence to make a case. Which did come into play, but more on that in a second, because we’d be foolish to not talk about how great it was to see Ray in action in an honest and earnest manner and to see him back in his element and hopefully, he continues to clean up his act and gets that shot at redemption... and he genuinely might.

Because of that extra evidence we made mention of. Something that came forth in this story, courtesy of Jackie and Leslie. Because they managed to get a little info from Renee that things might be sour down at Xavier’s, and while she only hinted at Jorge’s actions, that was enough for this dynamic and romantic duo… to go after Jorge’s favorite dancer, Daisy, in the hopes of getting her to talk and become a CI. To make that happen, they needed someone to prove that she was indeed turning tricks at the club, and who better to sell the everyman angle and get her to commit, than Ron Stark. Because he is that everyday dude from the cape and could pass as someone who was eager to pay for sex and well… Ron sold the moment, to the point where Leslie and Jackie put the squeeze on Daisy and gave her some uncomfortable options if she decided to not work with them. 
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Which seemed to be the path they’d have to take, at first. But once Jorge showed his true colors to her in the most uncomfortable way imaginable… Daisy turned to the cops and she agreed to provide information to the CCINU and she started off her new relationship with the department right, by naming Charmaine as the supplier. Giving Alan and Ray plenty to work with in the weeks to come and what’s wild… the good times didn’t end there either. Because we really need to talk more about the person that Renee transformed into this tale. For she’s clearly had enough of Jorge and his boisterous actions and the risks they bring to the table. To the point where she also drove a wedge between the cousins by informing Frankie of Jorge's prostitution business and well, what makes this so amazing, is that Renee is finally seizing the day and shaping her future and whether or not it’s with a drug kingpin, you have to respect the fact she’s doing whatever it takes to get what she wants and making progress in doing so.

If anything, this was just the most uplifting episode to date of this series. Because at long last, rewards were present for everyone, and it was just amazing to see everyone in their element and happy and finally on a path toward a better tomorrow. Plus, since these characters are growing and figuring out how to navigate their new normals... they should be able to handle themselves, when the tough stuff comes calling and well, that’s a wonderful thing. Because it is only a matter of time before a show about chaos, brings some negative elements back into the mix… and a push to bring down the Cuevas cousins and their whip smart supplier, will lead to some serious challenges and some ugly moments for certain. The kind that will hopefully serve as the final roadblock to the peace and fulfillment that everyone is craving in this story. Until next time.

Caution: This episode contains spoilers for Episode 1302 of ‘Doctor Who’.
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When we last settled in to discuss the latest chapter in The Doctor’s adventures through time and space, the situation was… wild. For the arrival of a dog-like species known as the Lupari, brought forth all kinds of chaos for the Doctor and Yaz and their new friend Dan. Because Karvanista came to Earth not to cause trouble, but to save the life of the human he was bonded to protect at all costs, Dan. Who was in danger because a massive disaster was heading the planet’s way. Known only as ‘The Flux’, this energy wave threatened all of humanity, that is until the Lupari’s global shield protected all of humanity from its power, saving the world… but leaving the audience worried regarding the fate of the Doctor and her friends, since the TARDIS was in a bad way at the end of that tale

But thankfully, we didn’t have to wait all that long to uncover the fate of Team TARDIS, since the next episode of Doctor Who: Flux, informed us almost immediately that they crash landed safely in a different part of Earth’s history. Crimea in 1855 to be exact, where British and Russian forces were squaring off on a battlefield. But there was just one problem to be had, in that… the Sontarans were instead the force that the United Kingdom had to overcome and that immediately upped the stakes in ‘Chapter Two: War of the Sontarans’. Because the Doctor was fully aware of the fact that this ancient foe would stop at nothing to conquer humanity and that motivated her to work with nurse Mary Seacole in the hopes of figuring out why the Sontarans were here and how to stop them with inferior weapons, since the TARDIS wasn’t cooperating again.

But alas, The Doctor’s plans were quickly dashed by an annoying second problem. One that saw Dan and Yaz dematerialize before her eyes and jump to other parts of time and space and the universe. Dan as it turns out, returned to 2021 a mere two days after he boarded the TARDIS, only to discover… that the Sontarans were in his hometown and took over the loading docks to build an armada of vessels for who knows what and it is good thing that he returned home to make this discovery. Because it allowed for him to work a different angle of quite the dastardly and complex plan. One where both the Doctor and Dan learned, that the Sontarans snuck in right before the shield went up… in the hopes of finally conquering Earth and they definitely put some quality thought into how to get that done.

For they came to the conclusion that the only way to conquer a species as resilient as humanity, was to wipe out its history and rewrite the Sontarans as the victors of great battles. That way, they would be viewed as our superior, thus making us docile. But of course, neither Dan or the Doc were cool with that and that motivated them to go the extra mile to save humanity. To the point where they both executed bold and dangerous plans in their respective time frames to ensure the Sontarans understood to not mess with the Doctor or humanity and thankfully, they managed to win the day in a bittersweet manner. For while Dan and Karvanista sent their targets into a temporal void, the Sontarans in 1855 were slaughtered by a British General whose ego could not stand defeat, breaking one of the Doctor’s cardinal rules. 

But while that makes it seem as though all is well that ends well, there was still one more important plot thread in this story that needed resolution, specifically… the one involving Yaz. For she was transported to a world known only as Time, with Vinder, and this world was in peril. For the Mouri, a species of temporal protectors, was no longer united as one and to complicate matters further… Swarm and Azure made their way to this world as well, in order to toy with time itself it would seem. But in order to make that happen, they needed to replace the fallen Mouri and they believed that Yaz and Vinder were the perfect replacements and well… despite the Doctor’s pleas after a late arrival with Dan, it would seem these villains are determined to do things their way, regardless of the cost and that once again leaves us with a powerful cliffhanger.

One that quite frankly, harbors more questions than answers. For we haven’t a clue how a world known as Time can exist when the Doctor knows such a place was never a thing, and we also don’t know what Swarm and Azure genuinely want, and therein lies the majesty of this ending and this tale. For this really is the perfect homage to the serialized stories from the Doctor’s past, since they too left us with puzzling questions and epic endings and well, all we can do now is wait and count down the minutes to next week’s tale. One that will hopefully reveal our villain’s intentions and the purpose of the Flux and why it is ripping through the galaxy now. Or… it could just build more mystery, and keep us guessing, so that the finale of the Thirteenth Doctor’s final serialized run, is as epic as they come. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘The Morning Show’.
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It wasn’t that long ago, that we talked about the nature of the reckoning in regard to The Morning Show on AppleTV+. For the series saw a grand opportunity to explore this concept and how it related to the events of season one of this dynamic series and we what we were privy to was quite fascinating for certain. Since that examination taught us, that reckonings are inevitable and important for growth. But what the show didn’t explore at that time, was the importance of taking what we learn from a reckoning to heart and there was good reason for that. Because sometimes, the best way to get the point across, is to revisit it later on in a television series and show the audience what happens when we don’t do the obvious and right thing and that’s relevant to our discussion today, because that’s precisely what happened in the next episode of this fascinating series.

For ‘Confirmations’ saw the return of the reckoning and how a second one can slam into us when we didn’t learn our lesson the first time and this was explored in the most unique way imaginable… by having the tough news about Mitch Kessler arrive at UBA and The Morning Show. In fact, it actually blindsided the team. Because this was a day like any other at the network and while Bradley and Laura did their thing on air, the news about Mitch arrived on Cory’s desk and that put the team into a mad scramble. For they knew, that they needed to break the news about one of their own before anyone else did and that required some hard work. The kind that involved getting two confirmations on his death before the copy could go to air and well… that brought about some complications. The first of which, was getting those precise confirmations. Since Italy was a mess thanks to Covid, and few were willing to answer phone calls, allowing for the team to only get one confirmation. 

The other complication involved Alex Levy. Because… she was still MIA and Cory wanted her to break the news about Mitch’s passing because she was his co-host for forever and uh… that was a tall task. Since Chip was trying to figure out how to spin the fact that she was in Italy, a reality he discovered when he went the extra mile to explore her movements via her credit card and well, without her being around for such an important event… and with no word on her safety, the truth finally came out about her whereabouts and that led to plenty of worried chaos. The kind that finally settled down when Chip was able to discover that she had a return flight landing soon, which in turn sent Chip out to the airport to greet her and to break the bad news. Which is something that Alex took hard and understandably so, after having seen Mitch mere hours ago and well… after she provided the second confirmation with a phone call to Paola, the reckoning in question came about.

Because Alex… never dealt with the lessons that the first one she endured, sent her way. Since she never really patched things up with Chip after treating him so badly. Nor did she resolve any of her demons from the past when they were pointed out to her and well… in her extreme emotional state, wherein she opted to lash out at Chip, that reckoning came. Since Chip finally snapped and informed her of how badly she treats others and of course, Mitch’s widow was also quick to lash out at Alex courtesy of the affair she and Mitch had and that left Alex beside herself and in a reflective place at last. For now, she had no choice but to face yesterday and how it weighed upon her and how it damaged relationships that are important to her and she was so broken and so distraught over all of this, that she handed the announcement over to Bradley before facing an uncertain future in her longstanding relationship with Chip. 

Speaking of Bradley, she too had a reckoning involving her past. Because her brother swung by UBA and the set of TMS as drunk as could be after she sent a car to get him out of her hotel and well… that went about as well as one might expect. Since he took the time to embarrass his sister and be as toxic as possible and being shamed in that manner, allowed for Bradley to take inventory with Laura’s help and come to realize… that she’s never dealt with her family’s problems. She simply accepts them and lets them persist and it was nice to see her finally face that reality and start to dedicate herself toward some self-healing for a change and it was equally as powerful to see her use that newfound strength to deliver the network’s statement on Mitch passing. If anything, Bradley’s journey here served as the anthesis to Alex’s, since she embraced change and dealt with her reckoning, giving her the opportunity to move into a new phase of her life and her career.

But what’s amazing, is that this series isn’t even remotely done in dealing with the notion of the reckoning and perhaps that’s really what this series is going to focus on for the last two episodes of season two. How we reap what we sow and how life goes south when we don’t deal with the consequences of our actions and this writer postulates that possibility, simply because… Alex does have to atone for lying to the network and skipping out on major assignments and air time, in addition to her decision to go MIA and see Mitch and she’s not the only one that will need to face the consequences of her actions. Since Cory has some skeletons in his closet as well and it should be interesting to see what comes out of the aftermath of this epic reckoning and the ones on the horizon. Until next time.