Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Ten of ‘Andor’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
It is definitely safe to say that fans of the Disney+ series, Andor, have been eagerly awaiting one particular moment to take place in this show. Specifically, the moment when Cassian Andor finally embraces the role of the hero and inspires others to rise against the Galactic Empire and fight for what’s right and that moment has been delayed… simply because Cassian has been nowhere near ready for that. For he only took the Aldhani gig to get paid and he of course, tried to hide away before one bad day put him in prison and even then… he’s mostly been toying and debating as to when to lead a revolt within the prison’s walls to escape.
​
But all of that changed during this week’s episode. Because watching Ulaf die before him and coming to learn that the Empire was recycling prisoners for basically free labor until the day they die… was more than he could bear and well, that snapped something within him in ‘One Way Out’ and motivated him to become a different man. One that didn’t waste a single moment waiting for tomorrow and who inspired men to do more and be more and that transformation was seemingly instantaneous in this tale. Since he quickly informed Kino that the time had come to fight back and that he needed to be the one to tell everyone the truth.

Which shockingly, Kino did and well… that led to one powerful sequence of events. Wherein everyone stood tall and stood together when the time came to bring another man down onto their floor and that… led to freedom and rebellion. For the plan worked and the guards were unprepared and were forced to just back down as Cassian and his friends took floor after floor. But what truly made this prison break so incredibly special, was the leadership that Cassian exhibited. Because he guided these men to their freedom and he genuinely inspired them to fight hard and even got Kino to finally let loose and be the right kind of boss for a change, despite his unfortunate fate here, and that was just amazing to watch. Because that was the moment we’ve been waiting for, and now that Cassian is free… he can properly lead and properly fight the Empire and its evils. 

However, while that alone could have carried this episode from beginning to end, there were more important moments to be found here. Since Senator Mon Mothma was offered quite the indecent proposal to have her rebellion money shifted around properly, one that will force her to decide as to how far she is willing to go to fight. Plus, this episode also revealed that Lonnie from the ISB is working with Luthen to bring down the Empire, a reality that in part… informed us of the fact that there are those within the Empire who have grave concerns about its direction, and it also informed us… what the rebellion has done to Luthen as a man, since he made it clear that this fight is wearing deeply upon his soul. 

All of which added rich depth to this story. One that truly gave us everything we wanted. Since Cassian Andor is a rebel and a leader at last and found his voice and his strength at the perfect time and of course, it was also wonderful to watch him and his fellow inmates quickly overwhelm the prison and free everyone from a horrific fate and well, just like that… he’s free. And it will be fascinating to see if he takes a little more time to ponder his next moves or if he is ready to just rejoin the fight and be another hero in Luthen’s stable, and that is going to make the wait for next week’s episode as difficult as it gets. Because we are beyond ready to see the fight against the Galactic Empire, begin, and see Cassian Andor become the hero that inspired hope in Rogue One. Until next time.

Please enjoy a sneak peek of the new series, The English, which debuts on Prime Video tomorrow, 11/11/22.

​Please enjoy this super-sized sneak peek of Circuit Breakers, which makes its debut on Apple TV+, Friday (11/11/2022).

​Please enjoy this Sneak Peek from Episode 202 of The Mosquito Coast, which debuts on Apple TV+ tomorrow, (11/11/22).

​Please enjoy this Sneak Peek from Episode Seven of Shantaram, which debuts on Apple TV+ tomorrow, (11/11/22).

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘The Devil’s Hour’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
There is no greater fear for a parent than the prospect of having their child taken away from them by a nefarious agent. Because to have that happen, feels akin to failure for the parent, since they know it is their job to protect their baby at all costs, and of course… it strikes fear into their hearts that we cannot comprehend in the slightest. For no one wants to think about what it would be like to live in the silence of a home where a child has gone missing and is now out there, scared and alone, and this is in fact, so terrifying that few stories will touch upon such matters. Instead, stories that feature this, tend to lean hard into action and drive from the parents, the kind where they do not rest until they or the police find their baby.

Which is why the next episode of The Devil’s Hour on Prime Video is of note. For ‘Tchaikovsky’ is a story that opted to instead, dive deep into that moment and allow for the audience to experience that terror firsthand. For when we caught up with Lucy Chambers here, she was… alone and left to her thoughts and fears about what had become of Isaac and well, that brought about some harrowing moments for certain. The kind that saw Lucy, crumble under the pressure of ‘failure’ and fear, wherein hallucinations ruled the day. All of which hammered home how awful it would be to lose one’s child and how helpless and broken a parent would indeed feel in that scenario, and the horror of that moment didn’t end there.

For a desperate Lucy saw her son’s therapist to sort her thoughts and find direction and when that didn’t yield the results it wanted, she spiraled and leaned into those dark thoughts and hallucinations and oddly found strange inspiration. As though the flashes in her mind were perhaps guiding her. Which in turn only added to the sorrow of this tale. Since it seemed as though, we were about to bear witness to a true meltdown for Lucy, one where she broke completely and lost herself in her mind, akin to her mother. Who was also featured prominently in this tale, since she was having episodes of her own, to the point where she basically wandered out of her care facility to who knew where. But that… was all part of a surprise plan.

One that played into the greater mystery of this tale. Such as how Lucy and Isaac and even dear old mom, seem to be in tune with something else. Something that Gideon gravitates toward as well. For minute by minute, Lucy’s hallucinations became visions, the kind that led her to information that might in turn lead her to her son. Something she made the police aware of as well, much to Ravi’s disdain and skepticism. But it all helped to move this story in a fascinating new direction. One that finally made it clear that insanity is not an issue in Lucy’s family, they’re all gifted with a special brand of sight. One that led them to Isaac and perhaps more since Isaac’s abilities extend far beyond mere thoughts of tomorrow and missing flowers. 

Which really does transform the dynamic of this story and Lucy’s relationship with Gideon, since it turns out, he didn’t take Isaac, but he is curious about him, and all of this made for one incredible episode. One that really did move us with its harrowing nature and heartbreaking moments, since Lucy really did suffer here, but also shocked us with those closing revelations and well… once again this saga leaves us starving for more. Because it just keeps unfolding in a wild manner and keeps shocking us at every turn with amazing revelations and now that we’ve reached the end of this chapter, the only thing to do is dive into the next one post haste, so we can see what other surprises await us as this mystery unfolds further. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season five finale of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
One particular observation/question that has come up often during our discussions of the Hulu series, The Handmaid’s Tale, is what will take to finally enact change in Gilead? Because despite being embarrassed on multiple fronts, such as having their most ‘precious’ resource delivered to Canada and having a Commander’s business exposed to the world before that very Commander died at the hands of his former Handmaid… no one has really stood up to say… enough. In fact, despite finding an opportunity to rise up and take control and do the right thing, even Commander Lawrence has maintained a status quo where women are raped, and morals are forgotten in the name of advancing an anti-America agenda in this world. 
​
Which keeps that question permeating through and through, since we just don’t see anyone finally standing up and having enough of what Gilead stands for… to the point where they want to be an agent of change. But thankfully, that moment finally arrived in the season five finale of the show, and that made ‘Safe’ quite the powerful and heartbreaking affair. Mainly because in order to finally have people open their eyes and decide that enough is enough, great sorrow and suffering had to come into play. The kind that finally struck home and made the parties involved realize that they’re on the wrong side and that their support for that side has to stop, and the first person that crossed that particular threshold was Aunt Lydia.

For she did her best to get Janine placed in a home where she wouldn’t endure the horrors of the Ceremony and would find peace and happiness in these trying times. Which as it turned out, was to be the Lawrence home. Since Naomi Putnam was finally ready to marry Commander Lawrence and since Lawrence wasn’t keen on touching Handmaid’s in his home, she would in fact be safe and ready to live a good life. One complete with her daughter since she would move in. But alas, that bliss and gift all went to hell in a hand basket when Naomi Lawrence opted to push the bulls*it values of Gilead on Janine, which prompted her to snap, and she was sent packing yet again… with consequences. Wherein the Eyes grabbed hold of her for reconditioning again. But this time around, Lydia wasn’t good with such an act and demanded agency and answers and paid the price with physical pain. A move that seemingly changed her views on Gilead in all the right ways, bringing home a fascinating journey this year.

But she was of course, not the only one to say enough is enough. For Nick also changed his attitude toward Gilead, courtesy of the fact that the nation pushed things a little too far. For they covertly had a Gilead sympathizer come after June near her own home, and brutally harm her with their car. And had it not been for Luke’s quick thinking and aggressiveness, she may have suffered badly before death. But once Nick found out about such matters, all bets were off and that motivated him to haul off and give Lawrence a knuckle sandwich and… sign a deal with the United States to aid them at last. Making it clear that having the injustices that he turned the other cheek to… hit home, finally made a difference in helping him understand the need to fight against Gilead and the nonsense it stands for. 
​
As for June, well it finally appeared as though having Gilead come for her and being hammered constantly by anti-immigrant sentiment alongside having Luke face charges when the injuries, he rightfully inflicted on that man in family defense turned fatal… was enough for her to change her views on her role in this life as well. Because clearly, Gilead would keep coming and do everything to make her and her family suffer and of course… there was a chance that the darkness that consumed the United States could spread. Prompting her to just… run. Run and head to Honolulu and try to regroup and perhaps, be the voice she needs to be since now she had a complete story to tell, and well… she did that first option, and lost her husband along the way since he sacrificed himself to the police, to get her out of dodge. But she did find Serena on that train as they barreled toward an unknown but hopeful future.

One where perhaps they can speak out against Gilead and fight the fight where Lawrence and MacKenzie cannot harm her since Gilead’s reach, while far… has been impossible in the true remnant of the United States of America. But while we wait to see what comes next for June and everyone who’s life she’s touched, we can bask in the wonder of a shockingly hopeful finale. Because at last, we saw key players stand up to Gilead and tyranny in a way we haven’t seen before. Giving rise to the possibility that the sixth and final season of this brilliant and poignant show, might finally give us what we want, a fight against Gilead and its subsequent fall. Which is going to make the wait for season six a rough one since the stage is set for the final chapter in this Handmaid’s tale, and we are all dying to see how it comes to a close. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that 2020… was the year of the streamer. In part because of the obvious. In that, everyone was home for uh… a big reason in 2020 and that prompted us to just settle in and catch up on all the shows we had been meaning to pour over… or try something new. And new is what really made this year special for streaming services/networks. Because fans of television not only discovered some wonderful shows, they hadn’t made time for yet, but some stunning shows debuted. Ones that were truly original and genuinely unique and authentic and captivated us like never before, and one show that meets those criteria, would be the Apple TV+ series, Mythic Quest.
​
Simply because this quirky workplace comedy, quickly established itself to be so much more than just a parody or satire of the gaming industry. It had heart, it had incredible jokes and above all else, it worked hard to be a series that actually grew its characters, rather than just go the old sitcom or comedy route where the same shenanigans get recycled over and over. Which of course, won audiences over. To the point where they simply couldn’t get enough of the series. That in turn, gave life to a special quarantine episode and a second season once the world was safe again and it also brought forth… a third season and an announced fourth. All because this series truly tugs at something relatable within all of us.

But the good news, is that we are mere days away from season three of this series. For Friday will see the first two episodes of season three drop and to build excitement for this already beloved show further, we here at NTG thought it would be worthwhile to preview season three in a spoiler-free manner. Because to do otherwise is just mean. But what we will discuss, first, is the sheer fact that this is the boldest season to date of this show. After all, if you recall, some bombshells dropped at the end of season two, and since this series plays for keeps with its big moments, the aftermath of them are explored in detail here… keeping the story fresh and original and of course, they also allow for a staple to return to the forefront of this story.

In that, character growth is once again the focus here. Since everyone goes on unique journeys in season three that allows for them to discover a great deal about themselves and well, that of course engages you. Because let’s be honest, we care about these characters and we love where they’ve been and are dying to know where they are going and this show delivers on that front as always and as expected, the comedy is still top-notch in this show. Which is perhaps the best part of all, since we tuned into this series to begin with to just laugh our worries away and the comedy works here like a charm. In fact, there are several moments in the first episode that are so hilarious and so incredible, you will need to pause the show to get the laughs out. 

As an added bonus, you’ll also find the show’s trademark heart and some more big storytelling moves early on in the season. Reinforcing the fact that this is the show’s biggest season to date and of course, we are also treated to more amazing performances from a dynamic cast that can do anything, and thankfully the wait to enjoy more of this magnificent series is about to come to a merciful end, since Friday draws near and we here at NTG certainly hope you give this series a look if you haven’t checked it out before. Simply because it is that rare, authentic comedy with meaning, and if you’re already fan and ready for more… we hope you swing back here for our weekly recaps and additional pre-coverage of the show. Which includes interviews with the cast of the series, as we count down the minutes to the return of Mythic Quest.    

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season three finale of ‘My Life is Murder’. To revisit the previous episodes, click here.
​
One thing that fans of the Acorn TV series, My Life Is Murder can agree upon… is that season three is by far, the finest season of storytelling from this series to date. Which is saying a lot when one considers the quality that came before year three. But the writing, the acting, and even the cases… have simply been next level this season and well, that’s left all of us wondering exactly what kinds of amazing cases were in store for us in the season three finale. Because we all had a hunch that the cast and crew of this series were indeed saving the best for last and as it turns out… that genuinely was the case. For the final two episodes in season were as good as it can get, and they were even connected by a common theme.
​
In that, these two stories dug deep into how the fragile male ego causes more harm than good in this world and it used that concept to bring to life two tragic cases for certain. Both of which surprised us at every turn. For ‘Staying Mum’, a story about a fallen Manny, seemed to be about the competitive nature of suburban mothers at first. Since Alexa and her crew were faced with a bevy of suspects that were eager to one up each other and had swapped the Manny out often as a status symbol. But in the end, it turned out that one of the dads in this ultra-sassy and ultra-competitive group, couldn’t stand the fact that the Manny was in a better place than he was, and was in essence raising his own kids… a reality made worse by the fact he lost his job and well… that pushed him to commit murder and try and cover it up.

As for ‘Rising Angel’, well that offered up a different kind of prideful tale. One where an up-and-coming model died suddenly and tragically, and well… everything about this looked foul to the say the least and for a time… it really appeared as though one of two people had to be responsible. The model’s super jealous and possessive boyfriend, or the very super star model that the deceased admired. Because there was a chance that she felt threatened by the new guard. But in the end, the magnate and legend responsible for bringing everyone together for an epic modeling show was the true culprit of another heinous crime. Simply because he couldn’t bear the thought of having the truth about his humble beginnings exposed when the supermodel made it clear that she was either in his show… or she was telling everyone the truth about his past.

Which was… the perfect way to explore the fragile male ego and the toxicity that comes with that. Since both killers in both stories, really were prideful and of the belief that their image and their standing as men mattered more than anything else. When in reality, none of that noise mattered. It was just the toxic well that’s produced silly and egotistical crap time and time again that sadly… they drunk deeply from. Giving rise to a pair of murders that didn’t need to happen in the slightest. But thankfully, Alexa and her crackpot team were there to handle that nonsense and make these dudes pay the piper for being the worst kind of dudes imaginable. But what truly made these stories so impactful and so epic in nature, was how the cases were assembled.

Because this was some masterful writing for certain. The kind that really did keep us guessing and misled us at every single turn. Which of course, kept us engaged and on the edge of our seats to learn how these crimes came to be and well… this was the perfect way to end season three. For these really were the best cases of the season for Alexa to solve and they were full of meaningful and powerful moments for Alexa and her friends, and growth for that matter as well and really, the only complaint one can have about these two tales… is that they left us wanting more. Because this series just grabs hold of you and never lets go and hopefully we get some great news soon and hear that a fourth season is on its way… because Alexa deserves every chance to continue to grow and get beyond her pain and this show deserves as many seasons as necessary to make that happen.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1005 of ‘Doc Martin’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
Whenever a family member arrives at our doorstep, it is cause for celebration. For someone we deeply love and are connected to on a fundamental level is back in our midst and we get to spend precious moments with them and create memories. Which is why we cherish family visits during the holidays and welcome these arrival moments, because of what they provide us with. But what’s fascinating about this aspect of life, is that not everyone finds the same joy that others do in having a family member swing by, nor do they wish to spend any time with them in the first place. Which is shocking to so many of us since we don’t understand how on earth people could not want to be around their family in any capacity. 

But that’s just it… we just don’t understand. For we haven’t been privy to the moment that pushed a person to need to be free of a family member and we don’t understand the pain that person brought them in any capacity… or how hard it is for them to see that person face to face after years of distance from a bad memory. But through storytelling, we can get some idea, and that is why this is top of mind today, simply because it’s a problem that Louisa encountered in the next episode of Doc Martin on Acorn TV. A feat that this story accomplished… by outright surprising us. Since early on, it seemed as though this story was going to focus on Joe rekindling his love in an awkward manner while Bert worked to chase off a squatter so he could sell a rare camper for a lovely price.

Plot points that of course, went somewhere since Joe and Janice declared their love for each other and Bert got nothing in the end for handling the whole mess with the camper, in a foolhardy manner. But while all of that was going on, an unexpected visitor dropped by the surgery, specifically… Terry. That’s right, Louisa’s estranged father came by to say hello for reasons that were heartbreaking and conflicting in nature. For he was released from prison early because he came down with a terminal disease and wanted to reconnect with his family before his passing. Which put Louisa in a tough spot, because she wasn't happy to see him and was in essence being asked… no… forced… to reconcile years of pain and trauma in the name of being the bigger person. 

A task she was of course up to because she’s a great human being through and through. But the conflict that came out of such an act and the pain that resurfaced made it clear how hard it is to see a family member that someone cut out of their lives… return. Because whether that person has recovered from the trauma said family member brought forth or not, dark memories persist when that person shows up on their doorstep, and the whole point of keeping them at bay, is to be free of all of that, and of course, that same person is forced to handle this whole matter with kid gloves. Because there’s no trust here and being on guard must be a standard, for regardless of the promises made by that sour family member… the scorpion always stings, as the old parable informs us. And that’s why arm’s length is critical, and it is a good thing that Louisa didn’t get too invested here either.

Because thanks to Martin, everyone came to learn that Terry wasn’t dying. He merely had an illness oft mistaken for something terminal and that was of course… treatable. But that also meant, a return to prison. Something Terry wasn’t good with and when given the chance to run and burn the last bridge he had with his family… he took it. Further hammering home, the reasons why some people keep some family members as far from them as possible and well… while that was indeed heartbreaking for Louisa, it did make for one engaging tale. One that offered up great insight to those who might not understand this reality and affirmation for those that do, and it was wonderful to see this show touch upon a topic that few will and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this journey, the time has come to patiently wait for the next chapter in Martin’s farewell journey. Until next time.