Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season one finale of ‘Andor’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past twelve weeks, we’ve talked at length about what lights the spark of Rebellion. For the Disney+ series, Andor, has taken the time to explore just that, since this show is set in the early days of the Rebel Alliance. Where heroes weren’t plentiful, and infighting and disarray and worry was commonplace for the Rebellion. A move that creates the perfect place for the discussion in question, and what we have learned about what lights the spark, has been fascinating to say the least. Since this series has made it clear that there isn’t just some switch that flips on for a fight such as this. It takes time and recognition. 

Recognition that there is an evil surrounding a people, one that must be fought and destroyed, and then of course… comes organization and funding, and recruitment and fighting. But above all, for there to be true fighting and a genuine rallying cry to the cause… it is heroes that are needed to light the spark. People that are willing to speak out regardless of the danger and act swiftly to show others that the evil can be fought, and that good people are out there trying to make things better and well… at long last, we finally saw that come into play in the season one finale of this series. For ‘Rix Road’ is a story that saw everyone arrive on Ferrix to celebrate the life of Maarva. Including the Empire in the hopes that Cassian would come, and he did. But what happened during that service, is what mattered most.

Because there were some in the crowd, ready and willing to fight but unsure if the setting was right or if there would be a reason to raise up arms and take on the Galactic Empire. But Maarva’s farewell speech to the place she called home, and loved dearly, demanded that the fight take place. That the Empire be toppled and burned and well, that lit the spark. Because the Empire was displeased to hear such words and poked an already ailing and aware crowd and that led to a heroic fight. One designed to speak to how little the people of Ferrix wanted the Empire there and the heroic acts didn’t end with what happened in the streets.

For Cassian finally decided the time was right to inspire hope and teach others out there, a better way existed and that heroes were still real, all through being kind and helpful. For he rescued Bix from her new prison and offered all the advice and aid, he could, to get the right people to the right place, unnoticed by the Empire and those acts, while subtle in nature, went a long way. Since everyone understood what he was doing for them and would likely tell tales of that kind of heroism and kindness and to top it all off… he finally confronted Luthen and asked to be part of the Alliance properly, even though Luthen and his handy assistants were pondering upon killing him mere hours ago. 

But what matters more, is that in this moment, we finally saw the spark, we finally saw open rebellion and a desire to fight the Galactic Empire and we saw heroes rise. Which was the perfect way to end this brilliant season of storytelling. Since we and the characters had to earn every single moment present in this finale and it of course, laid down the foundation for the future. For now, the Rebel Alliance is coming into shape and the stage is set for more fighting and more inspiration. Courtesy of a slow burning, and calculated story that properly explored the birth of a Rebellion, and just like that… we are now left counting down the minutes to the arrival of season two of this magnificent series. Until next time.

​Please enjoy this Sneak Peek from Episode Nine of Shantaram, which debuts on Apple TV+ Friday, 11/25/22.

​Please enjoy this sneak peek from Episode 304 of Mythic Quest, which debuts on Apple TV+, Friday, 11/25/2022.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Mammals’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating Prime Video series, Mammals, we talked at length about how people in relationships have a tendency… to hang onto someone that has been unfaithful for far longer than expected. In part because of the need for normalcy, routine, and comfortability. Since we are beings that hate change and cannot stand the idea of having to start over when we’ve worked so hard for so long for something we desire. But like it or not, there comes a point where we must make a decision regarding a toxic relationship. In that we can either hang onto what we have and forgive and try to forge forward… or let go and move on rather than endure more emotional harm.
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Which is precisely the decision that Jamie was forced to handle in the next episode of this series. For when we caught up with him, here, he was truly lost and uncertain of what to do next. In fact, the wise thing to do in his eyes… was to cover up his moment of anger for starters and just… try to keep the status quo going. In part because the restaurant’s opening was around the corner, but also to just… think. Because he was truly struggling to process everything that was happening and burying himself in his work seemed like the best way to handle that and escape the hardships that would come forth from having to make a decision. 

In fact, he buried himself so deeply in work, that he all but disappeared from Amandine’s life for a short while, so that all of his energies were focused into opening night and for a time… it truly seemed as though such a move was helping him. Because he was in control of the kitchen and able to please guests and cook and find passion, and he seemed to have focus and clarity at last. But that decision still hung heavy over him in this tale and as we’ve always learned in life, burying ourselves in distractions will only take us so far and eventually… that which bothers us will bubble up again and haunt us and that was most certainly the case with Jamie. For once the dinner service was complete… reality settled back in, and the clarity and focus disappeared.   

That meant, the decision had to be made, and fast. After all, Amandine was there for the opening, still supporting him despite their troubles and clues regarding the violin. And well… for a time it seemed that Jamie was leaning toward forgiveness and stability. Since he spoke to the wonder of her love and support and how that went into the decision to name the restaurant after their love and everything it stood for. That is until… he snapped and realized that this level of hurt could not be overcome and that so much had been thrown away in of the name of desire and who knew what else. Which in turn, prompted Jamie to just… let loose and embarrass her and leave her behind. Which is… a shocking way to end this episode. Since we are only halfway through season one and already, he’s done and off into the night. Meaning that something unique has to be waiting for us beyond this episode.

But before we learn what that is, we can once again, celebrate a story that is grounded in hard reality. Because this is the stay or don’t stay struggle that so many of us have experienced regarding infidelity. Since it isn’t an easy decision to just kick someone to the curb when there is so much history together, and it is the realism present here that makes this a powerful and compelling story. One who’s ending really does leave us eager for more, since there is now a real possibility that what comes after and how we pick up the pieces is what will be explored next. Of course, the only way to know is to continue the journey, so it is best we do that post haste… to learn what awaits this troubled and broken couple. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘The English’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are a great many reasons that people continue to have a love affair with the Western. For not only does this genre feature stories about a unique time period in American history, where chaos ruled the day… but it also offers grand and sweeping stories. The kind that never waste a character or a moment and paint a proper picture of the lawlessness of the frontier. All while providing the viewer with cinematic images that are iconic and haunting in nature and that is precisely why The English on Prime Video is such a captivating and stunning series. For it accomplishes those very goals. After all, we’ve been privy to the darkness that rules this land and truly, the visuals are indeed breathtaking through and through, and the next episode… expands further upon the journey.

For ‘Vultures on the Line’ is a tale that truly took the time to dig deeper into the lives of the smaller characters that have been introduced thus far and expand upon the world surrounding our heroes. Since we came to learn that Hoxem was more than just a way station and example of the lawlessness of the west. It was also home to several men related to the life and times of Eli Whipp. Since the Myers and Flynn families laid down roots in Hoxem, and well, strange things were afoot regarding the heads of those households. The kind that involved suicide and murder and that was quite odd and undoubtedly beyond coincidence, since coincidence simply does not exist in the world of the Western and we also sadly… came to learn a great deal about Eli’s new friends, Katie, and John Clark.

Because the more time Eli spent paying off his debt to the two of them, the more suspicious he became of what exactly he was paying off. For the chores that he was working on, were basically silly busy work and of zero monetary value. Not to mention, there appeared to be nothing that this couple were selling or living off of and that prompted him to dig deeper and uncover… that they were grifters and opportunists of sorts. The kind who did illegal things for the highest bidder or looked the other way to get a cut, just to get by. Something Eli wasn’t good with in the slightest. The only downside was his desire to be free and bring these two to justice… came too little too late. For another bidder was interested in Eli and that put him in serious trouble.

The kind that Cornelia got wind of, at the end of her long and winding journey. In fact, it was the extended family of the kids she rescued that clued her in on the seriously troubling nature of the Clarkes… which in turn snapped us clear of world-building for a moment, so that Cornelia could rush back to their home with her mission complete… and be the help that Eli needed. The kind that offered cold vengeance to Katie Clarke for her role in handing Eli off to people unknown and John might have suffered a similar fate. All because they were happy to hand Eli off to someone eager to meet him, to learn about his past and well… it would appear the past is where this story is headed next. 

But while we wait to learn about the knowledge that Eli harbors in his mind, we can celebrate, another true Western episode. One that explored this world masterfully and set the stage for so much with its unique plot threads and build up, and of course… engaged us every step of the way through its incredible visuals and fine acting and well… once again, we are left eager to explore more of this universe and these characters. Because this truly is a perfect Western through and through, one that knows how to grab hold of us and never let go and now that we’ve reached the end of this fascinating journey, it is time to turn our attention to the next and likely learn all kinds of fascinating details regarding dark days gone by. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1007 of ‘Doc Martin’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We like to believe that the big decisions we make in our lives, only impact ourselves. After all, we’re the ones making the call and handling all the details of said decision, but the fact of the matter is… what we do has an impact upon others and creates waves when the big decision in question changes lives and upends them. Which means when the time comes for us to make that important call, the one that shakes up our lives and the world that surrounds us… we truly have to weigh if this is something we want to commit to, since it can in fact change so much. If anything, that conundrum is top of mind today, simply because it served as the central problem that Martin and his family were facing in the next episode of Doc Martin on Acorn TV.

Which is fascinating, since at first… it seemed there would be no surprises in this tale. For Martin informed Louisa that he had little interest in a job that did little for him since a dean’s job would be as boring as they come. Allowing for that matter to seemingly end. But it didn’t take long for it to rear its head once more when Louisa and Martin went to dinner with Chris and his wife. Since Chris pointed out how important a job this was and how satisfying it could be, and how difficult it would be to replace him. Words that of course, piqued Louisa’s curiosity greatly since she was under the assumption this job was no big deal. Which in turn prompted her to get the full details from Martin on the job and how big of a deal it actually would be and well… that’s when the trouble started.

Because of course, that conversation was overheard and just like that… word about Martin’s potential exit spread far and wide all over town and of course… brought forth panic, from well… everyone. Because Martin and his wife are indeed a fixture in Portwenn, and they are trusted and reliable people and friends to just about everyone, really. So, to know that a trusted pair of doctors and a pair of beloved community members could potentially bid farewell, well that was good reason for everyone to panic and it also put this couple in a tough place. For now, they had to make a powerful and difficult decision. Where they had to choose between staying put in the community that embraced them through and through or say goodbye to this lovely and beloved town and try something new.

Which was no easy decision to make. Since it would also mean the end of the GP and therapy practice and of course, lives would be upended. But that’s when the story hammered home the real truth, we all must face when making big and life changing decisions. In that, in the end… the choice is indeed ours and we have to do what is right or us and our family. Because these decisions don’t just drop into our laps at inopportune times, nor are they often something that can easily be ignored, especially if they are going to present us with opportunities that will improve our lives somehow. And while it was going to hurt so many by saying yes to it, that level of prestige for his career and the chance to see where it would take him and his family, was too great of an opportunity to pass up, and Martin said yes.

That means, a new chapter in Martin’s life and his subsequent exit from Portwenn, is how this saga is going to come to a close. Since our time with Martin has always been focused within this beautiful seaside town and if Martin is leaving it, so will the series and well… that’s a fascinating way to close out this saga. One that should lead to some powerful and meaningful moments. Since now the good people of Portwenn can begin to grieve the loss of good friends and extended family and speak to what Martin and Louisa mean to them, and vice versa. So, it is best we buckle up and grab our tissues because a beautiful and moving ending awaits us as Martin and his family begin the lengthy process of bidding farewell to a town that has given them so much. Until next time.   

Please enjoy this sneak peek from the series premiere of Echo 3, which debuts on Apple TV+, tomorrow, 11/23/2022.

A time-honored tradition that fans of television love during the Holiday season, is getting the chance to sit down, and enjoy that very special holiday episode from their favorite show or shows. Simply because that type of episode really is a staple of television, and they often feature wonderful moments and sometimes important guest stars as they take the time to remind us of the wonder of holiday cheer and the important the season and what it means to us and the world for that matter as well. If anything, this is top of mind today, simply because NBC was nice enough to provide all of us with a preview of one such episode.
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For recently, the network released a bevy of first-look photos from the upcoming Christmas Episode of Lopez vs Lopez, alongside a synopsis of the episode as well. To go ahead and build excitement for the season that awaits us and for the episode in question and well, it just so happens that we have a sampling of those photos and that synopsis to share with all of you. So, without further ado, here’s your first look at ‘Lopez vs Christmas’, which premieres on NBC on Friday, December 16, 2022, at 8 p.m. EST, courtesy of NBC.

‘To get Mayan's divorced parents to spend Nochebuena together, she must convince Rosie to hand in her Christmas crown and George to give up the thing he loves most: beer. With guests coming, can the Lopezes stick together or will they wreck the halls? Featuring guest stars Constance Marie, Valente Rodriguez, Luis Armand Garcia and Belita Moreno.

“Lopez vs Lopez” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group in association with Mohawk Productions, Travieso Productions, Mi Vida Loba and 3 Arts.’

It really is quite amazing how much popular culture has become part of our personal lives. For there was a time, where we turned off our televisions and left the theater or closed a book and went on with our day. Not once thinking about the story we just enjoyed or speaking all that much of it. But now that stories are creating incredible personal meaning for all of us and touching our hearts and minds… and souls in ways we never thought possible, our attitudes toward it in our everyday lives are changing. To the point where they are part of our daily discussions and where we spread their lessons and embrace them… when they try and inspire us beyond a broadcast or release date. 
 
Which is why it was so welcome to see words of inspiration around the country that came from Ted Lasso. For recently, he sent out words of encouragement to every member of the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team. To lift their spirts as only he can and to once again, remind us of how closely tied we are to popular culture and its now deeper meaning to all of us and well, here are some images and more details on this supremely unique and uplifting gesture from Apple TV+.
 
'Television’s favorite American football coach turned English soccer coach, Ted Lasso, shares a personal message of encouragement to each member of the US Men’s National Team in hometowns across the country. 
 
Spreading his trademark positivity and cheer, notes have been appearing in unique locations — from standard full-size billboards to the side of a rural barn and a player’s high school alma mater.

From Chicago to Baton Rouge, Dallas and New Jersey and New York, to Seattle, Chicago and San Diego, Lasso’s personal messages to each individual team member will encourage local support for the hometown hero and build on the excitement for Team USA.
 
These personal messages extend beyond just billboards and will also appear in local newspapers and in social postings from @tedlasso on Twitter.    
 
The USMNT squad was announced on November 9 and the messages started appearing almost immediately, in 24 cities. The players and locations of the USMNT squad are below:
 
Official USMNT Team:
 
Coach
- Gregg Berhalter - Chicago, IL 
 
Goalies
- Ethan Horvath - Highlands Ranch, CO 
- Matt Turner - Park Ridge, NY 
- Sean Johnson - Snelville, GA
 
Defenders
- Aaron Long - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- Antonee Robinson - White Plains, NY 
- Cameron Carter-Vickers - Baton Rouge, LA 
- DeAndre Yedlin - Seattle, WA 
- Joe Scally - Lake Grove, NY 
- Sergiño Dest - Brooklyn, NY
- Shaq Moore - Atlanta, GA 
- Tim Ream - St. Louis, MO
- Walker Zimmerman - Nashville, TN
 
Midfield
- Brenden Aaronson - Medford, NJ  
- Cristian Roldan - Pico Rivera, CA 
- Kellyn Acosta - Plano, TX - Southfork Ranch, Parker TX
- Luca de la Torre - San Diego, CA 
- Tyler Adams - Wappingers Falls, NY 
- Weston Mckennie - Little Elm, TX 
- Yunus Musah - Bronx, NY 
 
Forwards
- Christian Pulisic - Hershey, PA
- Gio Reyna - Bedford, NY 
- Haji Wright - Los Angeles, CA
- Jesús Ferreira - Dallas, TX 
- Jordan Morris - Seattle, WA 
- Josh Sargent - O’Fallen, MO 
- Tim Weah - Queens, NY
 
"Ted Lasso" season one and two are now streaming on Apple TV+.
 
For more, follow Ted Lasso at @tedlasso and @appletvplus.'

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 306 of ‘Step Up’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled to discuss the supremely engaging STARZ series, Step Up, we talked at length about the troubles that arise and the mistakes that can be made when people don’t resolve their deep-rooted issues with those they love, and we also pondered upon where this story was headed next. Since it seemed that Collette was ready to… step up… and do something drastic to save Sage from decades in prison for a murder he never committed. A move that left us on pins and needles and desperate to see what would come of that possibility and thankfully, this week’s episode wasted little time in letting us know that someone in that courtroom was indeed ready to do the right thing regarding Sage’s future. 
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It just so happens, that Collette had minimal involvement in such an act. For when Marquise took the stand, he completely torpedoed DA Baxter’s attempts to basically bend the law to her will, and that allowed for the case to be dismissed and for Sage to walk free… much to Rigo’s dismay. For now, there would be no justice for his father, and of course… he would reap what he had sown. For Sage was quick to inform Rigo that the diss tracks and overall power play on Rigo’s part, was going to cost him dearly. To the point where the Chicago leg of the tour was the end of the line for him and Sage’s relationship. A move that made it seem as though, this story was about to shift and push Rigo out of the door, since Sage was back in charge and living large and Rigo was ready to quit.

But that would have been a cop out for a story that is eager to explore the human condition and how everything we do harbors consequences both good and bad and well… Sage getting out of jail and making every attempt to just make life seem as though nothing bad happened and would go on as normal, expanded heavily on last week’s theme. Because that meant that the issues that have boiled up between Sage and Collette, weren’t being resolved in the slightest, nor was the lingering hurt between them. And that… began to inspire the unthinkable. In that, Collette was fully prepared to just push her own agenda and nurture Rigo’s career because of his talent and their newfound bond, and because it gave her fulfillment and recognition, and well… that led to some stunning moments.

The kind that saw her leave for the tour without Sage and truly encourage Rigo in a deeply connected manner, one that allowed for him to go out and give the performance of a lifetime, with Marquise’s words no less since Rigo saw that as payback. But what mattered more here, is that when the time came to offer thanks for having the grand opportunity to sing before a packed stadium and enjoy the singer’s life, he felt the need to repay Collette through tribute and the sharing of a powerful moment. Wherein she joined him on stage to sing the song they crafted a few weeks ago, cementing a new relationship on all levels, regardless of the unspoken darkness that Rigo isn’t aware of regarding Collette’s actions. All because Sage won’t take a moment of his day to acknowledge people and give them what they need.

Which likely means, serious tensions and trouble are on the horizon when it comes to Sage and Collette’s already strained relationship and that won’t be the only relationship firing off some hardcore drama. Since Odalie also took the time to intervene to keep Angel on the tour and the gravity of that was not lost on Angel, to the point where another kiss came into play, one that was deeper than a viral moment and well… all this episode did is once again, leave us desperate for more of this dynamic series. To see what becomes of these fragile characters and the seemingly new chapters they are about to begin in their lives, as season three of this brilliant show continues along. Until next time.