Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Mammals’. To revisit the series premiere, click here.
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When we find ourselves heading into a new relationship or make strides to find ‘The One’. We all speak to certain red lines and unforgivable sins that will immediately push us to end the relationship to save us from hardships or strife. For some, a lack of attention or communication from and with their lover is enough to bid them farewell. While others look at their moral code as the line in the sand. But one that we all hear about often or have spoken to ourselves, is infidelity. For the collective thought there is that choose another lover beyond us, is a cardinal sin that can never be forgiven, and the lack of trust it engenders, is enough to just… say goodbye. So, we can move on and find someone that actually wants us.
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But what is fascinating about those boundaries, is how quickly people are to abandon them and yes, that includes cheating and such. Because time and time again, we’ve seen people go back to those that were unfaithful and give them a second chance and work through it, and some of us have done it as well and the question is… why? Why would we be so yielding over something that we once stood behind so fiercely? Well, it just so happens that the next episode of Mammals on Prime Video explores the answer to that very question and that makes this particular chapter of Jamie’s harrowing story, quite powerful and fascinating to say the least.

Because when we catch up with him, here, he has more or less… rationalized a way to bring everything back to normal. By proving these were isolated incidents that can end, so they can figure out a way forward. Which prompts him to chase off the other lover under the threat of revealing his infidelity and have Jeff dig deep and try to figure out the true identity of Paul. Which leads to more disaster for Jamie. Since he comes to learn that Amandine has a real appetite for other men and that her infidelity goes far deeper than he ever knew. Which in turn brings out the worst in him by the end of this tale, as evidenced by what happens when his fury and pain boil over the reality that another tryst is likely happening in that very moment. 

But what matters more, are the nuances of this journey, since they speak to why people stay with those, they love, when they cheat. Which in this instance, relates to the reality that… Jamie really does care for her and has invested so much time and energy into everything. Which in turn, has him wondering what can be saved and salvaged and what kind of repair that can require. Combined with a hard belief that there is a way back from the abyss because of that sense of familiarity and comfort. Which means that more or less, people hang on, because it is all they know. Because being single and accepting the reality and the hurt that you’re not compatible or cannot meet each other’s needs is devastating and terrifying. So, it’s best to just hang on and hope for repair and resolution.

However, that way of thinking and that kind of attempt at salvation, is always a waste of time. For the scorpion always stings because of their nature. Making his hopes bleak and foolish in nature, and well… that is brilliant in its own right. For this is clearly a story that reflects modern love and problems that so many have dealt with, and this story deserves a round of applause for not holding back and giving us this particular problem in the raw and well, now that Jamie is in a position to listen to reason and see the real situation at hand, it will be interesting to see what he does next, and how he handles what looks to be the end of a grand love affair. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘The English’. To revisit the series premiere, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating Prime Video series, The English, we talked at length about how the show set the stage for quite the powerful parable. One that would explore the nature of revenge, and how it consumes us and pushes us to take part in acts that won’t provide us with peace or real closure, just darkness. The kind that hangs heavy in the soul. Which also meant were likely in line for one heartbreaking character study as well, one that would help us to see how Cornelia Locke lived with that fury in her heart and well, it is important to revisit such matters, simply because the next episode in this harrowing journey… outright surprised us. 
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For ‘Path of the Dead’ is a story that informed us… that the series premiere outright fooled us. For Cornelia wasn’t fully consumed by revenge just yet, simply the idea, despite the fury she put on display in that premiere. Which in turn made this episode tragic in nature since it put her at quite the crossroads. For while she and Eli were heading toward their destination, they encountered some serious surprises… the kind that more or less left Cornelia pondering upon whether or not she would in fact let revenge consume her soul. All thanks to an encounter with a trio of bandits that well, had done some horrible things.

In that, they killed an innocent couple on their way to their new home, orphaning a little girl, and a little unborn baby. A disgusting reality that Cornelia and Eli uncovered… after being forced to put that trio down. A move that rattled Cornelia since this was a touch tougher than killing a pig and making threats. In fact, it was so ugly an act that she basically scrambled to see how by chance, they could do something right for a change. Which isn’t the kind of attitude and thought process one would find from someone consumed with revenge. Giving rise to some touching moments that informed us of the kind of person Cornelia actually is… and why Eli was quick to help her. 

For he too has lost a family under painful circumstances and well… in an attempt to engender good will and hope, she worked with a local Indigenous American couple that could help them arrange safe passage for these now orphans. An act that Cornelia wanted to take part in, despite Eli’s desire to keep moving forward. But she genuinely wanted to do some good and pushed to make that happen… leaving all of us to wonder, if she will indeed return for revenge or if this is nothing more than a chance to escape it and take to heart the kindness and wisdom that Eli spent a great deal of this episode imparting upon her and of course… only time will tell. For once the mission is over, she will need to decide what comes next and it will be fascinating to see what that is. 

But while we wait to learn what Cornelia will do next, we can bask in the wonder of a brilliant and surprising tale. One that took the time to shock us with a complete flip and have our broken hero struggle between the light and the dark and that was wonderful to see here. Since it means there is hope for someone who is genuinely good… or this really is going to be a tragedy for the ages, if the darkness returns and consumes her and leads her to commit horrible acts. Which in turn, compels us to continue the journey post haste, to see what this beautiful and haunting Western is going to provide us with when it comes to Cornelia’s true fate. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1006 of ‘Doc Martin’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We like to believe, that our lives will always be steady and filled with routine. For we are creatures of habit through and through, and once we’ve found our groove, we are happy and tend to do our best to ignore change and any of the surprises it can send our way. Simply because, we’ve found that habit and that comfort through and through, so why bother worrying about anything else other than what makes us content in the moment. But time and time again, we’ve come to learn in some capacity that the status quo will never remain. For change really is the only constant in this universe and this life and one way or another… it will find us and task us. 

If anything, that particular surprise is top of mind today, simply because Doctor Martin Ellingham and his lovely wife Louisa had to deal with that very surprise in the next episode of Doc Martin. For when we caught up with them, here, they were off to London for a conference in which Martin was going to be the keynote speaker. Which was quite the honor, one that would require them to be away for a bit. Which meant that this was Janice’s time to shine. For she was in charge of the kids in their absence, and she did a wonderful job while they were out, and initially, that plot thread made it seem for a brief moment this was going to be another day in the life tale for Martin and his friends. 

After all, even Martin and Louisa’s arrival in London seemed pretty by the numbers. Complete with a quirky moment of medicine on a plane that backfired for Martin, and the fact that Sophie was at the conference and ready to tussle over their romantic past, only added to that reality. But as this episode continued along, and we began to see how the folks at this conference really revered Martin and treated him with the highest caliber of respect, it became obvious that this story was going to be something far more than just a quirky adventure to London… it was going to be about how change finds us and tasks us as life goes on. 

For Martin was asked before leaving the conference, to become a dean at a university. Simply because his knowledge and professionalism were too great for the university to ignore. Putting him in quite the difficult place. Because to accept such a job would mean great change to his life, such as bidding farewell to Portwenn and upending his life. All because the universe will never let our lives stay a constant, it expects us to be in motion and pushing ahead. And while Martin didn’t make a decision here as to whether or not to accept the job, the stage is set for one big decision. One that will change Martin’s life one way or another. For if he accepts, a new chapter begins, and if he decides to stay at home… nothing will quite ever be the same.

Simply because he will now know what he means to the medical community and others will learn of this move and treat him with new reverence. So, one way or another, change is coming to his life and kudos to this show for pointing out how quickly it arrives and how big it can be sometimes. But of course, this is a move that also likely serves to set up the series finale of this incredible journey. Since such a surprise will undoubtedly push Martin toward a new chapter in this life, one that follows one of the two paths outlined a moment ago and that… compels us to continue the journey. So, we can see what path Martin chooses and see how his journey and this chapter of his life, comes to a close. Until next time.  

It is definitely safe to say that the AMC+ series, Gangs of London, is an absolute breath of fresh air when it comes to crime dramas. Simply because this is a series that has chosen to go with substance over style. Wherein there are no slick characters that ooze stereotype and trope, instead the people that populate this world… feel real. As though they could be our friends and neighbors, and they hurt, and they struggle like the rest of us… they just so happen to settle their scores through pure fury and with weapons fire and the wonder of this series doesn’t end with its rich characters and fascinating universe.
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For this is also a story that truly showcases the violence of that world, through stunning visuals and complex action sequences that take our breath away and leave us uncomfortable. So that it doesn’t stylize the world of the gangster, it instead teaches us how dangerous and harrowing it is, and that it takes a certain mindset to function within it and well… this series did such a fine job of enthralling us with its unique storyline and characters and fascinating presentation in its first season, that we’ve all been eager to enjoy more of this universe and learn what became of Elliot Carter after that explosive finale and well… there’s good news regarding that. For the wait for season two is nearly over, since Thursday will see the season two premiere of Gangs of London drop on AMC+ and in anticipation of its arrival, we here at NTG thought it would be worthwhile to preview this new season in a spoiler-free manner, of course.

Simply because… this is a much bigger and bolder season of storytelling, which is saying a lot when one considers how epic season one was, but this year everything really is far bigger and far more stunning. For this is a season full of shocking twists and turns that you simply do not see coming and it really does feature incredible moments that take your breath away and drop your jaw and that alone makes season two worth watching. Because that’s the kind of stuff that straight up grabs hold of our attention and refuses to let go, but what’s amazing… is that season two has so much more to offer than just epic moments and surprises that leave you in stunned silence.

For this is a season of storytelling, that does the show proud. Because this is a flawless follow-up to season one. Which in turn allows for character growth and development to take place. After all, there are consequences for everyone’s actions from season one, and those shape some fascinating decisions in season two, the kind that forces everyone out of their comfort zone to find peace and agency, and whatever else they are searching for in this season. Allowing for this season to stay true to its roots and provide us with realism and relatable moments that further invests us, as we hope for everyone to find whatever it is they are seeking and that is further enhanced by another element that is critical to the success of this series, the acting.

Because every single cast member here, turns in some stunning work. The kind that truly moves a viewer and allows for us to feel for these characters and some of the difficult plights that they go through, and it of course… compels us to continue the journey. So, we can see more fine performances from a cast that has incredible scripts and wonderful direction to work with, and of course… to see where this bold story takes us in season two, since this year’s stories really are as epic as they come. Courtesy of those aforementioned big moments, and some action sequences that rival big-budget action films. But the best news of all, is that our wait for season two is nearly over.

For this brilliant and dynamic series returns to the airwaves on AMC+ this Thursday, November 17, 2022, with a two-episode series premiere. And we here at NTG hope you give it a look and check back here with us to geek out about the show via our weekly recaps, and to check out our additional coverage of season two. Since we have interviews with Director Corin Hardy, and cast members Sope Dirisu, Narges Rashidi, and Waleed Zuaiter, to share with all of you, as we celebrate the return of one of the finest crime dramas on the airwaves.

Caution: This article contains spoilers or Episode Two of ‘Dangerous Liaisons’. To revisit the series premiere, click here.
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Whether we like to admit it or not, there will come a point where we find ourselves immersed in some kind of toxic relationship. One that takes us on an emotional and harrowing ride and when it ends, we are outright besides ourselves. For we cannot believe we let the wool be pulled over our eyes, nor can we reconcile how easily we were led astray by someone that wanted something we could never give them. And when we are at that point, we are at our lowest. For we feel used and broken and we don’t know how we will ever recover. For the heart is genuinely broken and that damage spreads to every inch of us and all we want in that moment is to reclaim our power and agency over our lives. 
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But how do we find that? Well… there are several ways. One of which, involves time. Time to heal, time to reconcile our thoughts and emotions on the pain we just experienced with a professional to guide us. For that is the only way to properly reconcile the pain and suffering that a toxic relationship sends our way. But time isn’t always an option for us, since the world has us in motion constantly, so we either tend to deal with this on the fly, combined with therapy and self-work to heal, or some… go a far more unique route. Wherein they quickly work to reclaim agency through stunning acts, sometimes ones that involve revenge and it is that latter option that is top of mind today, simply because that’s how Camille worked to deal with her pain during last night’s episode of Dangerous Liaisons on STARZ.

For ‘Conquer or Die’ saw her strenuous life be amplified further. Since shortly after settling into her new home and new life with Genevieve de Merteuil, Genevieve passed away in a terrible fall, leaving Camille beside herself and afraid of what fate awaited her and Victoire. For surely there would be a push to get them out of the house as quickly as possible, and that assumption was indeed correct. For the staff, led by Majordome, did everything within their power to have the duo ejected and well… that’s when Camille began to ponder upon how best to maintain agency and power and safety quite frankly. For the streets would cause her great harm and well, she decided that taking her pain and the man that caused it and using all that to her advantage would be the best way to recover and reclaim her life.

Which in turn prompted her to use the letters that were now in her possession to garner knowledge, the kind that would be easily weaponized and that plan paid off in spades. For when others made efforts to embarrass or threaten her, she used what was in those letters to gain compliance and alliances and peace for that matter, and her quest to use them for power and security didn’t end there. For when Jean, the man of the estate returned home and tried his best to send her packing as well… she used the words in the final letter from Genevieve to stay within her home, since her last words would bring shame to the house if revealed. All of which made for a powerful lesson on how we can sometimes use a worst-case scenario to our advantage.
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But there was mention of this story also offering up a shot at revenge and well… that came through the long way round. Because the very person that Camille singled out over her revealing letters, Florence de Regnier… was mightily displeased that such truths leaked. Which in turn prompted her to teach Valmont a supremely valuable lesson in humility. One that involved a chilly and naked walk home for double crossing her. Not to mention, his arrogance only added to his mess. For he straight up disrespected Gabriel when he came calling with questions about Camille’s whereabouts and paid dearly for it. Since Gabriel happens to work for the King at a higher level and used the map scandal to send Valmont packing. Thus, forcing him to scheme and work to put food back on the table. 

However, while it was indeed satisfying to see the player get played by the game and finally enjoy a taste of humility for his ego and desperate nature, make no mistake about it… this was Camille’s tale. One that saw her truly find a way to heal and gain some sense of purpose and belonging at last. Granted, one can debate the finer points of whether or not her acts are morally sound… but this isn’t a show about doing the right thing. It’s about broken people trying to get by and in an era where women and BIPOC individuals were second class citizens to white men… you do what you gotta do, and toxicity is the focus of this tale, we just haven’t explored the dark side of it… yet. But we will. For it is only a matter of time before Valmont strikes back and before Camille counterpunches, and it will be fascinating to see where this story takes us in the weeks to come, now that Camille is ready to do whatever it takes to have what she needs and wants. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 305 of ‘Step Up’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We definitely have a unique perspective and belief regarding what tough times mean to us and do for us. For we truly and collectively believe that darkness serves to bring forth our finest hour. Where we stand tall in the face of adversity and challenge it and defeat it head on. For we are strong creatures that overcome just about anything, and that knowledge inspires others and pushes them to fight hard when the chips are down. But the big problem with that particular belief, is that such actions really only come at the end of the journey. Where we have had enough of the pain and suffering and really want it to end and take action to make that happen, and what we really need to recognize and be honest about… is that everything before that point is messy and painful and filled with pure foolishness, before we get to that point. 

For the middle of it, is when we are truly hurting and say and do things that wake us up and push us toward a better tomorrow. And acknowledging that helps us to really understand what the road back looks like and how hard it actually is. Since some of those foolish actions on our part are irreparable in nature, and end friendships and relationships because in that moment, we are incapable of recognizing our pain and our plight and that part of the journey is top of mind today… because it was put on full display during last night’s episode of Step Up on STARZ. For ‘Never Scared’ saw Sage’s trial get underway. Which should have been a simple affair. For the prosecution had no hard evidence to tie Sage to the murder, so a little clean testimony would have solved everyone’s problems. 

But alas, DA Baxter was more formidable than anyone expected, and she needled Collette and Sage to admit to things that were counterproductive to their relationship and brought up old wounds that neither side had bothered to heal. Not to mention, she was able to get Sage to snap on the stand and she even was able to coax some powerful testimony out of Rigo, all of which was damaging and hurtful and put everyone… in that dark place where hurt surges and bad decisions are made as the pain in our hearts rules the day and drives us. Which is why, Collette basically broke in this tale, and in the midst of feeling lost and used by the man she agreed to marry, and filled with guilt over one devastating act, turned to Rigo for affection and physical relief and perhaps… to feel something good, to try and make amends in some form or fashion and that made for one powerful tale.

One that really made it clear that these characters have been hurting for a long time and have forged ahead without ever dealing with their pain or emotions in the hopes of just… getting by as best they can. Like so many of us try to do now and again. But that can only take one so far and eventually we break and do the stupid stuff that comes back to haunt us and well, nothing will ever be the same after this episode. Since Rigo and Collette have crossed a powerful line for certain, but so did Sage with his cruel words toward Collette and it was just powerful to see this raw and honest mess on display. One that reminds us of the humanity of this show and why we love it so. Because it’s more than just a deep dive into the world of dancing and our dreams. It’s also about how hard life can be, sometimes presented to us in the most extreme manner of course.

But that’s okay, because big moments get our attention and really, kudos to the show for going this route and making this trial more than a simple back and forth between the DA and Sage. Not to mention, it also allowed for Marquise and Angel to have a little depth in their journey and helped us to learn about Angel’s past and why she’s here and of course… it found a way to hook us yet again. Since it did feature one hell of a bombshell at the end of this story, one that leaves us wondering if someone is about to be honest about their actions, or if they’re instead just going to pawn off something ugly on someone else to try and close this chapter in a toxic manner. Time will tell of course, but while we wait, we can celebrate season three’s finest episode to date, for this was quite deep and kudos to this show for upping its game and giving us so much more in a dynamic and powerful manner. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Mood’. To revisit the series premiere, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating BBC America series, Mood, we talked at length about how this series… offered up quite the unique and powerful story. One that more or less took us on a journey none of us know of. One that highlighted the plight of the modern generation and how being caught in a current generational war between the old guard and the new… has left them in a tough and listless place. Where they are unsure of where they want to go and who they want to be, and what role they want to play in the new world they will soon inherent. Which was a brilliant way to introduce us to Sasha’s world since it was so honest and raw, and downright poignant and well… it is important to briefly revisit all of that, simply because the next episode in this cerebral series… built upon that foundation. 
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For ‘Babygirl’ is a story that then asks… what becomes of folks from this generation when they try to set out on their own and forge a path in this chaotic world at war and as it turns out… they struggle. For when we caught up with Sasha in this tale, she was… just surviving, somehow. For while she had a place to sleep and food to eat, her living situation wasn’t exactly safe. After all her host was suffering from mental illness and didn’t believe that the right medications would help with that. Which in turn led to dangerous and concerning times for Sasha. Since he went so far as to proposition her for sex, and he even violated her privacy by swiping her notebook with lyric notes to weaponize against her when the moment was right. Which forced Sasha out onto the streets and a future unknown. 

Because her mother of course had a very specific set of rules for her to return home, rules that she was done playing by and well… that’s when we saw Sasha at her lowest and floating about in this life without direction or hope. Which was powerful to say the least and heartbreaking since… this episode helped us to learn a lot about her and how she’s quite the good person, just someone who makes use of defense mechanisms to get by when it comes to people since they have hurt her often, which at times can stunt her progress. But thankfully, a lifeline came her way in the form of Carly. Who with a little pressing, accepted Sasha into her own home where Sasha could earn her keep by helping Carly maintain her thriving online business.

A move that well, only helped to confuse Sasha further. Because despite having safety again, and getting along with Carly, and helping her with her business in a safe and practical manner… the allure and conflict of what Carly does was hard to ignore. After all, thousands upon thousands of pounds were in her bank accounts and more was ready to be transferred over and seeing how easily she was able to garner cash and attention left Sasha wondering if this was perhaps the answer to her own cash problem. After all, she needed money to survive, as all do, and such a move would help fund her studio and get her resources to get her music out there. But she simply was not sure… this was right for her or proper from a moral standpoint, despite even jumping in on the fun in a lowkey manner one drunken night. 

All of which just speaks to… the lost nature of Sasha and a generation, who are held down by social resources that are outdated and outmoded and basically told to pull up their bootstraps and fend for themselves, when they are ironically shunned when they ask for help or try to do so, and that… made for a brilliant tale. Since it spoke to how hard it is for anyone to get by right now in the midst of this messy transition and the power of hustle culture and the allure of it. All while questioning whether or not that kind of work is for everyone. But where this episode truly shines is in its no holds barred presentation of such matters. Since it offers no easy answers, just a slice of life and a hope that Sasha can find her way, in some way and truly, this episode leaves us eager for more. So, we can see what path Sasha takes and whether or not she can sort out her life and her dreams and goals at a time where just making it through another day is her priority. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Criss Angel’s Magic with the Stars’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One would think, that trying something that is out of one’s comfort zone… would prompt caution and trepidation. After all, there’s no comfort or familiarity there, ergo… low confidence… so we deem it best to just take it slow and see what happens. But when the circumstances are right and something big is on the line, stepping out of that comfort zone could potentially bring forth one’s finest hour. For it could potentially push a person to new heights and really motivate them to buckle down and give their absolute best and for proof… look no further than the past couple of episodes of Criss Angel’s Magic with the Stars on The CW.
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For last week’s tale saw Lolo Jones, an Olympic Athlete, push herself like never before to earn a big win over a seasoned acting veteran and this week… saw a pair of singers that were uncomfortable with magic, take the stage and drive themselves to be the best nouveau magician they could be. But not before a hard wakeup call took place in ‘Submerged’. For the opening act, a Shock Illusion, came into play. One that Ginuwine performed well by working the crowd and throwing on the charm and sadly his opponent, Jeff Timmons (98 Degrees) just went for it and tried his best to get through the presentation in a quick and clean manner and that brought forth some low scores, making it appear as though Ginuwine was going to ride that pony to the finish line. 

But Jeff wasn’t good with just sitting back and letting that happen and he stepped up his game in the Close-Up Magic Round and really did a phenomenal job with his illusion, Card Stab, and it’s a good thing he did. Because Ginuwine was Captain Charm once again and had fun and kept it both loose and engaging. But Jeff did enough to keep the competition close and well, this was our first example of how being out of one’s comfort zone can bring the best out in someone. Because it cannot be emphasized enough, Jeff really stepped up his game in round two and clearly wanted to stay in this and win it and that wasn’t the only moment where we saw this take place. 

Because the Grand Illusion of the night, the Submerged Illusion, where both men would get one breath before being submerged in water, wherein they had to unlock themselves from chains and the very box they were trapped within… put Ginuwine in a tough place mentally. For he was genuinely out of his comfort zone and worried that he might not be able to do pull this off. Which led to trouble since he pushed too hard and struggled and stayed under for too long in the practice round. Which motivated Criss and the safety team to pull him out, where he then passed out. Leaving Ginuwine to wonder if he should walk away from this challenge. But he wasn’t going to quit, he wanted to make this happen and during a tense presentation… he did it. He pulled off the illusion without an issue. Once again proving how getting out that comfort zone can inspire us to do incredible things if we seize the moment.

As for Jeff, well he was so motivated on this night that he actually decided to up the ante during his run through the illusion and add more locks to the whole thing. Which brought forth more tense moments. Because he took his time after that one breath. But he also completed the illusion without incident and that led to another tough decision for the judges and Criss. But of course, we won’t be revealing the winner here. No, we’re just here to discuss what turned out to be on inspirational episode. Because it was so uplifting to see these two talented and iconic singers push themselves to be the best on stage and fight to win, and that’s something we can take into our everyday lives… while we wait to see what other incredible illusions and inspirational themes await us as season one of this delightful show continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 312 of ‘Central Park’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular complaint that we tend to hear in this day and age, is that technology and our sprawling cities have removed the sense of community that those same folks believe was once the champion of the day. As though the march of time has yet again ruined a portion of modern living that somehow made us a better people. But the fact of the matter is, those folks are outright wrong, community and unity still exist in this world and in our modern lives, it just requires a closer look to find it than we might expect. In fact, sometimes it exists and thrives in our world through something as simple as a kind and gentle act, like the one that Owen and Cole took part in this week’s episode of Central Park on Apple TV+.
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For when we caught up with those two in ‘A Hot Dog to Remember’ they were tasked with quite the kind act. In that, Louie, a long-time hot dog vendor in the park, one that had been selling dogs for years… was about to cross a big milestone. For he was about to be one of the few vendors to work within the park for a total of thirty years. Provided of course, his cart was on point and ready to go no later than the lunch rush on this particular day and that was going to be a problem. Simply because his daughter was graduating college on this same, important day, and he needed someone to help him set up the cart in time for the lunch rush, and he asked for Owen’s help in the matter.

Who of course, was happy to help and worked with Cole to get the cart ready. A decision that taught the both of them, the hard work that goes into being a street vendor in the Big Apple and this was a decision that required help. Because these two didn’t know the ins and outs of vending and they ran into trouble along the way. The kind that included a bent wheel courtesy of a sour and surly bologna vendor that couldn’t hold a flame to Louie in the class department. But thanks to the help of the community around them, who wanted to see Louie succeed at reaching that milestone, they were able to complete their mission and set up in time for Louie to do his thing and make history. Reminding us of the fact that little moments such as these happen all the time and keep communities together. 

But while that was a lovely plotline to enjoy, one that truly reminded us of how community has evolved to smaller acts that we don’t recognize enough, this is a story that also featured other adventures for other characters. For instance, Bitsy Brandenham had her team working overtime to finally clean up her visual imagine on the web. For every single year, the local map car caught her doing something embarrassing, such as say… walking into a spider web and she was done with that. She wanted to be seen as elegant and well, that went about as well you might expect. Since she ended up stepping into the moment when a bride and groom had rice thrown their way, which landed on her and prompted the birds to go for the rice… right as the camera drove by. 
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Not to mention, Paige went on quite the quest in this tale as well. For while the boys were playing hot dog vendor, she was getting notes from her publisher. Since she just turned her first draft in, and well… they threw a doozy her way. One that challenged her ending’s plausibility. Which in turn prompted her to take Molly and her friends to the Coney Island coaster to prove the ending was in fact, quite realistic. Something that made Paige nervous because there was a chance, she might have to ride the coaster, and lose her lunch in doing so, and she did, and oddly, a little stomach toss inspired a new ending and a fun day with her daughter. 

All of which brought forth, a wonderfully diverse episode. Since this episode had deeper meaning through the hot dog plotline and laughs galore to be found through Bitsy and Paige’s journey and well, that’s precisely why we love this show. Because it mirrors the randomness of the world and it does so in a hilarious manner through and through and well, that’s really all there is to say about this particular tale. It’s just a satisfying stand-alone story, one that sadly reminds us… that journey’s end awaits again. For there is but one more episode left in season three to enjoy, one that will undoubtedly be as epic as the other finales in this saga, for this series always delivers, and it will be interesting and melancholy to see what kind of story awaits us when season three comes to its end. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The Peripheral’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the Prime Video series, The Peripheral, is taking an unconventional route in telling its grand and sweeping story. Because even though we are halfway through season one, we still don’t have a complete picture as to why Cherise’s dark forces are so keen on hunting Flynne Fisher and her family. Nor do we really know of the importance of her stub and the other stubs that are clearly being created throughout the fabric of time. Simply because this show is just… enjoying itself and taking a wild ride through a future world that is as fascinating as our own and well, it would seem this unconventional approach to storytelling isn’t going to end anytime soon, as evidenced by how this week’s episode played out.

For ‘What About Bob?’ spent a fair chunk of time, exploring the life and times of a man named Bob. Who appeared to be nothing more than a simple retiree who was settled down in Florida and enjoying his twilight years. But a call from Cherise’s forces and some hard threats regarding his daughter, allowed for this ‘old man’ to return to his former career… as a hit man. Because they wanted the best to bring down Flynne and after handling some ugly business with an old friend who helped to push him out of retirement, this highly skilled assassin, one who dropped a handful of men in close quarters without getting so much as blood on his blazer… set his sights on Flynne to ironically, keep his own family safe.

A move that well, failed miserably. Because despite setting up the perfect trap with the perfect weapon, the sonic blaster from the future… running into Billy Ann and being sucked into her rivalry with Burton… screwed the whole thing up for Bob. Since he couldn’t quite be as smooth with Billy Ann poking about and that let Flynne see the trap he’d laid and in the ensuing gunfight, one that Billy Ann took part in, our heroes were triumphant and left stunned. Simply because they didn’t know how to shake Cherise and stop these attacks and just… live their lives and well, that finally brought forth a desire on Flynne’s part to end this madness at the source. 

That meant, it was time to return to the future and talk with Wilf and find out where Cherise was holed up. So, a good old-fashioned face to face confrontation could take place and while that should have yielded answers for Flynne at last and resolution, it most certainly did not. Because while Cherise claimed that her desire to harm Flynne related to the fact that she stole from her, that just doesn’t seem like a good reason to traverse seventy-some years to bring harm to them, for no one is that petty. Plus, Flynne’s push to make a point about her prowess in a Peripheral ‘suit’, will only embolden Cherise further to continue the fight. In fact, it might make things worse. 
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But above all, we are no closer to answers in the slightest. Instead, the only facts that came out of this tale is that strange things are happening in other stubs, dangerous acts in fact. Leaving one to wonder if Flynne’s stub holds more significance than we know. And of course, the only way to know, is to continue the journey and wait patiently for next week’s tale and we undoubtedly will. Because regardless of the slow burn approach to answer here, we are indeed invested and the answers will come when the time is right, and that means we can be treated to more mind-bending science fiction visuals as we inch toward the truth and Flynne’s purpose. Until next time.