 Omar Epps and MeKai Curtis as Detective Malcolm Howard and Kanan Stark in Episode 301 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ – ‘Home Sweet Home’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.) Please enjoy a sneak peek of the season three premiere of Power Book III: Raising Kanan, which debuts on STARZ tomorrow, 12/1/23!
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Written by John Edward Betancourt Jenna Coleman as Liv Taylor in Episode 104 of ‘Wilderness’ – ‘Home Sweet Home’. (Photo Courtesy of Kailey Schwerman/Prime Video.)
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Wilderness’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
If there is one fundamental question that the Prime Video series, Wilderness, is eager to explore, it would be… whether or not an everyday person can live with committing the ultimate of sins. Because we know that a dark and twisted person can handle that, since they’ve no regard for human life. And to a certain extent, some people can cope with it, when they’ve been trained to do so. Such as soldiers or law enforcement. But the everyday folks of the world, who do not have machinations for mayhem and were never asked to defend their country with a rifle… there’s a real challenge there. For we have downtime, and our thoughts and a sense of right and wrong and yet as it turns out… it would be quite possible for us to live with such an act, as evidenced by the next episode in this fascinating saga. For ‘Home Sweet Home’ picked up shortly after Liv and Will left the whole mess at the lodge behind and made their way to Vegas for the next leg of their trip. Wherein Liv tried to reconcile Will and Cara’s affair… and the fact that she sent Cara tumbling to her eventual death. Which sent her into a dark place in Sin City, the kind that prompted her to drown her sorrows in booze because for a time there… she could not live with it. For she had taken a life, in a moment of anger no less and it seemed that what we were about to witness, was Liv’s downward spiral and eventual accountability. But on this night of stress and sorrow… Liv used every coping mechanism in her mind to ponder upon the possibility that this was nothing more than accident and if she told herself that enough, she would believe it, and go on. Which gave her peace and motivated her to find leverage over Will by setting the standard that he had to behave as a husband and obey, or he’d go to jail. All of which made it clear that with enough self-deception and outright bargaining and deal-making in life, we can find a way to cope with what we’ve done. For the human psyche is flexible and when in trouble, adaptable and eager to embrace survival mode. And while not everyone will go the Liv route, and will collapse and be open about their sin, or avoid the act period, all it takes for those dedicated, is that desire to survive to fix that. Giving rise to some fine commentary on the grey area that exists in the world, and how people are able to sleep at night after committing terrible acts. Simply because they figured out how to cope with such an act, and that made for a dark story for certain, one that did offer some catharsis for the audience… regarding how awful it feels to know people can do this. But more on that in a moment. Because we need to discuss the fact that this story went to even bleaker places, thanks to what came next. Because despite the fact that everyone was moving on from Cara, the police sure weren’t. For now, there was concern she was murdered, and that meant the police were once again getting involved and that pushed Liv to her breaking point. In part because she once again had to face the reality that she did something awful and took a life, but also because… it forced her to take part in darker acts. Such as searching Cara’s personal effects, even at her home. Because good ol’ Will gave into her every whim and even gave her a key to the house, and they had to scrub any ties to Cara to keep the police from sniffing around, and it worked, since Garth was eventually arrested. All of which made for a bleak episode, one that disgusted the audience and made us wonder if by chance… there can ever be some kind of sense of justice for people like Liv, for those folks who live in the grey, and there is. Simply because, we were privy to the fact that people in her shoes… have to reconcile every single day what they’ve done. Because it doesn’t go away, and it doesn’t become second nature like breathing. It hangs there, it aches, and it does create a void in their souls and hearts. The kind that prompted Liv to push her bestie away at a time when she could have saved Liv. All because of the cognizance that Liv carried and well, now that it seems that life will soon be back to normal-ish for Liv, despite the arrival of her mother… it will be interesting to see what the long-term impact of living with such an act looks like as this fascinating season comes to a close. Until next time. Watch ‘Wilderness’
Written by John Edward Betancourt Mimi Rogers and Titus Welliver as Honey Chandler and Harry Bosch in Episode 202 of ‘Bosch: Legacy’ – ‘Zzyzx’. (Photo Courtesy of Greg Gayne/Amazon Freevee.)
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘Bosch: Legacy’. To revisit the Season Two Premiere, click here.
When we last settled into enjoy the magnificent Amazon Freevee series, Bosch: Legacy, we were left with quite the grim situation. After all, Maddie Bosch was buried beneath the Earth because she’d come close to discovering that Kurt Dockweiler was a serial monster, and no one was even remotely close to knowing where this idiot had buried her. Simply because Dockweiler was in the midst of a power play. Wherein he was clearly ready to use Maddie as leverage to maintain control of the situation and likely his future and well, that left all of us wondering, how Harry was going to save his little girl with pretty much nothing to go on. Which is a worry that was further compounded, early on the next episode of this series. For Dockweiler did indeed make it quite clear in ‘Zzyzx’, that he had a special plan in mind regarding Maddie. In that, she was leverage, and if the District Attorney’s office provided Dockweiler with the perfect plea deal, she would live, and there would be no proof of life as a show of good faith. The city simply had to abide by his terms. Because he was terrified of going to prison as a sex offender, and well… that put everyone in a difficult place. Because it meant Maddie was suffering and scared, and in real trouble and that prompted Harry to enlist every ounce of help he could to get answers. That brought Honey into the fold to have her run interference and interrogation on Dockweiler’s attorney to try and find something out regarding Maddie’s whereabouts, and while she did that, Harry broke into that lawyer’s hotel room to try and get that same information, and all he came away with was unique information regarding Dockweiler’s adoptive and abusive past, and maps where he grew up. Which seemed like something worth diving into at a later time, when Maddie was safe, and not having something concrete in that moment… pushed Harry to extremes. To the point where he used his own brand of justice to threaten Dockweiler face to face before being sent away, without any answers regarding his daughter’s whereabouts. But ironically, those maps, and the decision to hack Dockweiler’s data, brought about some miracles. For the data hack flipped on a camera in the wooden box Maddie was confined in, and showcased to the world the tough situation she was in, and while she was indeed low on air and short on time, she kept a level head as the world watched her sweat in fear, and figured out how to carve a clue into the wood she was surrounded by. For she had a basic recollection of what she saw and heard near her when she was above ground and being transported to this site, and that clue, led dear old Dad to understand… she was near Edwards Air Force base, and those maps… could correlate a possible position. Which did indeed bring Harry and Honey to the desert, wherein they were able to find Maddie in the dirt and free her from that prison. Giving rise to a happy and heartbreaking ending. Simply because Maddie has a long road ahead to heal, both physically and mentally. Since that kind of experience will absolutely leave some lasting damage. But the important thing is, Maddie is alive and Dockweiler’s worst fears were realized and now… the Bosch family can move forward and continue to build on this next chapter in their lives. And it will be genuinely interesting to see what that new chapter is going to look like as season two of this incredible series continues along. Until next time. Watch ‘Bosch: Legacy’
Written by John Edward Betancourt If there is one time of year that we tend to watch the most television and the most movies, it would have to be December. After all, it’s cold, and there’s snow. Not to mention, it’s the heart of the holiday season. Which means we’re home, we’re indoors and we’re surrounded by family. And there are few greater traditions we take part in, then celebrating storytelling with that family, through binge watches, holiday movie watches... the works. Which is why networks are eager to put together a robust programming lineup for December. One that gives families everywhere plenty of holiday movies to watch… and also other options. So that variety remains the spice of life and STARZ most certainly has assembled quite the December 2023 lineup for all of us. Since you’ll find incredible epics, delightful comedies, and season premieres of big time-franchises, alongside some holiday cheer. So, to help you properly prepare for all the family viewing time ahead, here is that amazing lineup, and some epic promos, courtesy of STARZ. ‘STARZ announces its programming highlights for the month of December, featuring the season two finale of “Shining Vale” as well as the season three premiere of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” followed by new episodes all month long. On the film front, Joy Ride, The Northman and Downton Abbey: A New Era join the STARZ app this month and catch up on the first four films in the Hunger Games franchise, available on the STARZ app beginning December 1, before seeing the latest installment in theaters. Celebrate the best of STARZ this month with new movies, fan favorites and STARZ originals, and get ready to “Tis the Season” with a “Not So Silent Night” and have a “DysFUNctional Holiday” with some of your favorite comedy, action and drama films to get you into the holiday spirit.’ ‘Hunger Games’ Collection ‘Tis the Season to be Naughty’ ‘Not So Silent Night’ ‘DysFUNctional Holidays’ STARZ Original Series All Photos and Key Art Courtesy of STARZ. “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” returns for its third season on Friday, December 1 with new episodes all month long, available Fridays at midnight (ET) on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms. On linear, they will air on STARZ at 8:00PM ET/PT in the U.S. and Canada. Over the last two seasons of “Raising Kanan,” Kanan Stark has slowly learned the truth about not only his mother, but also himself. It has been a tortuous journey for him and everyone around him. With each new revelation, Kanan has been forced to confront his family’s seemingly never-ending web of secrets and lies. He has spent much of this time in a state of denial, but now, Kanan’s blinders are finally off, and he doesn’t like what he sees. In season three, Kanan finds himself grappling with the very notions of right and wrong. Good and evil. Fidelity and disloyalty. And he’s not alone. Every member of the Thomas family must confront an existential crisis that challenges their very identity. Whether it’s Marvin, who’s still trying to redeem himself, or Raq, who’s finally coming clean, or Lou, who’s wrestling with his own evil, or Jukebox, who’s simply trying to break free from her family’s pathology, they are all attempting to redefine and reinvent themselves. They won’t all be able to complete this intensely personal quest, but for those who do, the destination may reveal the most terrifying secret of all. There is no right and wrong or good and evil. There are no absolutes. In the end, there’s just you.
 “Shining Vale” concludes its second season on Friday, December 1 with the season finale available at midnight ET on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms. On linear, it will air on STARZ at 9PM ET/PT in the U.S. and Canada. In season two of “Shining Vale,” Pat is released from the psychiatric hospital early when her insurance runs out. She returns home, determined to pick up the pieces of her broken family, but quickly finds out her children don’t need her, Terry doesn’t remember her and to make matters worse, Pat’s new neighbor Ruth looks exactly like Rosemary. Meanwhile, the house starts to reveal the shocking secrets of its dark past. Every mother feels like they live in an insane asylum, but Pat may be right!
 Notable Film Additions to the STARZ app in DecemberAvailable December 1:
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Notable Film Stunts and Collections available on the STARZ app in December
Notable MarathonsSTARZ
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About STARZ STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading global media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. In 2018, STARZ launched its international premium streaming platform STARZPLAY, now LIONSGATE+, to provide subscribers access to bold, curated storytelling. LIONSGATE+, coupled with the STARZPLAY ARABIA joint venture in MENA and Lionsgate Play in South and Southeast Asia, has a footprint that extends across the globe. STARZ and LIONSGATE+ are available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies around the world. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company. Written by John Edward Betancourt  Key Art for Season 3 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ Courtesy of STARZ. It is definitely a wonderful time to be a fan of the Power Universe on STARZ. For Power Book IV: Force just wrapped up a powerhouse second season of the show, one that wowed fans everywhere with Tommy’s incredible moves to be the King of Chicago. And of course, Power Book II: Ghost took the story in a bold new direction that put the heat upon Tariq St. Patrick like never before and we are of course… days away from season three of Power Book III: Raising Kanan.
Oh, and… there’s going be more adventures with Kanan happening on the horizon. For recently, STARZ also announced that production has begun on season four of Raising Kanan, letting all the fans know that truly… Power Never Ends. And well… to properly celebrate this wonderful news, here are all the details on this surprise season four announcement of this beloved show, to further build excitement for season three, and the fourth season that lies ahead… courtesy of STARZ. ‘STARZ announced its prestige family crime drama “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” is kicking off production on the fourth season ahead of its highly anticipated December 1 season three premiere. Production will begin this week in New York. “We’re thrilled to continue Kanan Stark’s story, and for fans to see how the events of his formative adolescent years continue to mold him into the cold-hearted villain they were first introduced to in ‘Power.’ We are quite sure that after viewers see the battle lines being drawn between Raq and Kanan on this epic upcoming third season that they will demand more,” said Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming for STARZ. As previously announced, season three will premiere on December 1 with new episodes available weekly on Fridays at midnight ET on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms. On linear, it will debut on STARZ at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT in the U.S. and 9:00 pm ET in Canada. Set in the early 1990’s, the third series in the “Power” Universe tells the origin story of fan favorite character, “Kanan Stark,” and his entry into the criminal world through his mother, who ruthlessly runs the family’s drug empire. It stars MeKai Curtis in the titular role of “Kanan,” Tony® Award winner Patina Miller as his mother, Raquel “Raq” Thomas, Omar Epps as “Detective Malcolm Howard,” London Brown as “Marvin Thomas,” Malcolm Mays as “Lou-Lou Thomas,” Hailey Kilgore as “Jukebox,” Joey Bada$$ as “Unique,” Shanley Caswell as “Detective Burke,” Antonio Ortiz as “Famous” and Grantham Coleman as “Ronnie.” Sascha Penn will return as showrunner and executive producer for season four. The “Power” Universe series is executive produced by the creator and showrunner of the original “Power,” Courtney A. Kemp through her production company End of Episode, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson through G-Unit Film and Television, and Mark Canton through Atmosphere Entertainment MM. Chris Selak and Kevin Fox also serve as executive producers. Lionsgate Television produces the series for STARZ. Follow “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” on Social Instagram: @RaisingKananStarz Facebook: @RaisingKanan Join the conversation with #RAISINGKANAN and #STARZ About STARZ STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company. About Lionsgate Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium global subscription platform to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world. The Company's film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by an 18,000-title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.’ Written by John Edward Betancourt Still from Episode 101 of ‘Steeltown Murders’ Courtesy of Acorn TV.
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Steeltown Murders’.
One unfortunate truth about our world, is that second chances aren’t something we really enjoy in everyday life. Because we only get one shot to pull this whole thing off, and we make mistakes along the way. The kind that can never be corrected and even if they could, our obsession with perfection would probably allow for the whole thing to be mucked up. So, we do our best to live with the choices we’ve made and hold to the fact that opportunities will indeed slip through the cracks. But you’ll note that there was mention of the fact that everyday life tends to not afford us second chances, and there is good reason for putting that in print. Because in reality, there are some second chances in this life, in specialized parts of our world. For instance, in sports, a team can get another crack at a championship thanks to the structure of that world. Not to mention, science often gets multiple opportunities to get things right, thanks to the ever-evolving world learning operates within. And… even law enforcement gets second chances now and again. Because sometimes, new evidence comes to light and a criminal that eluded the police before can be brought to justice, and sometimes… science even helps with that, courtesy of the advances in forensics that continue to come forth. If anything, the specialized second chances some receive in this life is top of mind today, simply because it is the focus of a new series on Acorn TV entitled, Steeltown Murders. Which is a four-part mini-series based on true events, ones that were set in motion back in 1973 in Wales. Wherein an intrepid young cop named Paul Bethell was involved in solving three ugly murders in his town. Ones that involved heinous acts and young women that had their whole lives ahead of them, before they were robbed of that by a monster. And despite the best work of his division, there were no answers to come to light regarding who committed the disgusting crimes that took three innocent lives and Paul simply went on with his career. But in 2002, those very cases were suddenly the focal point of a newly revamped CID department. For they had new DNA evidence available to make use of, and that meant Paul was granted a second chance to find this monster. Which prompted him to enlist a fresh set of eyes and an old pair that worked with him on the case back in the day, to finally put this rest. Which gives rise to a fascinating story. One that plays out in both the past and the present, to give us context of some of the missteps the police made in the 1970s, while also showcasing, how important this second chance is to Paul. Since it energizes him like never before and allows for him to really dig deep and look at clues that were forgotten back then because of the wild nature of the times. But most importantly, this is indeed a very human story. One that speaks deeply to the injustices that so many suffered not that long ago when science was unable to show without a doubt who was responsible for certain crimes… and how much a second chance can do for the psyche of hardworking cops like Paul. For this revelation truly does give him a new lease on life and a sense that perhaps peace can finally come his way over a case that meant a lot to him, and it ends… in a fascinating manner with a potential suspect. Giving rise to the reality that second chances have their merit in this world when law enforcement is granted the chance and well, it will be genuinely interesting to see what Paul learns about this suspect and uncovers regarding this awful case, as this mini-series continues along. Until next time. Watch ‘Steeltown Murders’
Written by John Edward Betancourt Still from Episode 203 of ‘Hidden Assets’ Courtesy of James Pierce/Acorn TV.
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Hidden Assets’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
If there is one magnificent truth about the criminals of the world, it would have to be… they don’t respond well to pressure. Which some might disagree with, since we’ve seen criminals handle tough times. But everyone has their breaking point, and that includes people that do nefarious things. Because they don’t want to be exposed, they don’t want to go to jail… so when the heat is really on, and the pressure is sustained, they push hard to either disappear from the world or to complete their crime. Which means… mistakes come into play, and people begin to get exposed and well, that particular truth is top of mind today, simply because it was put on full display in the next episode of Hidden Assets on Acorn TV. For DS Wallace and CI De Long were hellbent now on getting the case reopened and properly identifying the man responsible for the latest wave of hits on old Melnick associates and well, it didn’t take long for them to finally identify him as Aubrey Cline. Who was originally Melnick’s driver and now he served at the pleasure of whomever was pulling the strings to kill people. And thanks to the connections the boss had, he was warned that he was identified, and that put Cline in a bevy of uncomfortable situations. For the pressure was on and he was indeed confused and unsure of what to do next. But he did his best to float about Europe and take orders in the hopes of being able to bring down Bibi, which was his ultimate goal. But it was nice to see this smooth killer, staying out of sight because the heat was on, and that did lead to mistakes. But more on that in a moment. Because the pressure also began to build for who is pulling the strings. For the audience learned in this story, that Melnick’s beloved protégé, Frances Swann, picked up her mentor’s illegal legacy. For she denied Cline’s involvement with the company, but of course made contact with him to discuss the need to eliminate Bibi from the face of the Earth, and she of course… was going full steam ahead to lock up the dock deal that would net the company an ungodly amount of money. Only to run into different levels of pressure herself from the press and the public, prompting her to ramp up her plans and push everyone harder, and it was just fascinating to learn that Frances is the agent of evil of this story and is beyond eager to have it her way, and that will lead to trouble since she’s in a rush. However, while that reveal was fascinating, as was seeing how the heavy crumbles a bit under pressure, we did make mention that pressure leads to major mistakes and that Cline was involved in one, and well… that came about when Cline returned home to deal with Bibi. Because in order to get close to her, he had to follow Wallace to ‘Brannigan Manor’ and he was indeed spotted and was forced to improvise and that led to the chaos in question. Because he was unable to bring down Bibi, and everyone was alerted to his presence and that led to a harrowing cat and mouse game on the property. One that might end horribly since sadly, Wallace was in his sights at the very end of this tale. Giving rise to an unsettling cliffhanger, and one amazing episode. Because just like that, the heat is on, and the bad guys are dealing with some fine pressure and not getting their way. And if Wallace survives… that should lead to even more mistakes. The kind that begins to expose how Swann and Melnick got their backing and who else is involved in this outright madness, so justice is served. All courtesy of the fact that CAB and Antwerp finally have something to go off of, and that means… we need to hit play and dive into the next episode post haste. To ensure that Wallace is fine, and to see where these mistakes lead our heroes in their quest to bring everyone involved in the ugly events of season one… to justice. Until next time. Watch ‘Hidden Assets’
Written by John Edward Betancourt Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb in Episode 302 of ‘Slow Horses’ – ‘Hard Lessons’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Three Premiere of ‘Slow Horses’.
It is definitely safe to say, that the spy genre is one that feeds deeply off of tropes and cliché and with good reason. Because in reality, there really is only so much a writer can do with a spy story. For real spy work is classified and secret, and possibly nowhere near as entertaining as the stuff we see in television, so sticking with tried-and-true formulas keep these stories popping. Not to mention, we do love the stuff these stories have to offer. For the betrayals and twists just keep us engaged and so… few complain about familiar territory. But that does mean, we need to applaud and recognize when a spy story finds a way to modify those formulas in a way that makes them feel fresh and original. Simply because it speaks to a show that wants to impress and wants to stand out from the rest, and that is precisely why we need to celebrate the season three premiere of the beloved Apple TV+ series, Slow Horses. For ‘Strange Games’ and ‘Hard Lessons’ took a classic trope and made it feel… supremely personal and found new ways to make it exciting and dynamic and this was all made possible… by way of a potential revenge/get rich quick plot. One that came to life in the past by way of a man named Sean Donovan. Who was a spy and failed miserably at stopping a secret file from coming to light. Mainly because he fell in love with the mark and that love mucked everything up and delayed him and led to her death as well. Following that, Sean fell in with a different crowd, a private one for that matter and clearly… his ties to what once was, somehow motivated him to go after Slough House for reasons that weren’t made clear here. But it did lead, to those moments worth celebrating. Since he followed Catherine Standish about town and posed as someone who needed support to gain her trust… and abduct her. To of course, make demands of River and put the team in utter disarray. Since his actions and the actions of his cohorts prompted Jackson to be on full alert and do everything within his team’s power to expose that they were being watched and toyed with and it also… put River in a very tough and outright scary place. Specifically, the Park.  Sopé Dìrísú as Sean Donovan in Episode 301 of ‘Slow Horses’ – ‘Strange Games’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)
Because Sean wanted River to find some important files that meant River had to sneak into the Park and find his way to the records room. Which was… a disaster really. Since old haunts and old ‘friends’ were eager to poke and prod, and harass him, and demand time with him to humiliate him. Which led to an epic chase within this iconic place, one that resulted in no yield for River. Just frustrations and a showdown with the folks he cannot stand there. All because… Sean and his associates are playing some kind of a long revenge game. One to get them rich and one that will outright stick it to Jackson Lamb. For reasons we don’t know yet, but it’s only a matter of time before we learn them.
Since this show reveals all, but what matters most… is that this premiere really did offer up a refreshing twist on the age-old revenge trope in this genre. For time and time again we’ve seen old agents try and get back at the country that forgot them or someone that exposed them or didn’t give them the respect they wanted. But here… this was personal and intimate. Because Sean flat out said, he wanted a piece of Jackson, and he made sure to properly get his attention by going after a true cog in the Slough House machinery, and we don’t see that kind of targeted and vengeful attack all that often in this genre. Not to mention, he has the team all over the place and worried, and well… that’s new and chaotic and truly invests us in the mission ahead. As did the more intimate moments here. Because as always, the innerworkings of the lives of these characters were on display, and some fascinating follow up to last season’s events came into play and well, all of those elements blended together to give us… one amazing premiere. One that set the stage for a different kind of problem for Slough House to handle, one that absolutely brought about a bevy of questions regarding Sean’s motivations and why he’s going after this offshoot branch of MI5 over anything else. But what matters most, is that this lovely set of tales were presented to us in an intense and epic manner, one that kept us on the edge of our seats and has us eager for more. So, we can learn the answers and see how this group handles being compromised and attacked by entities unknown as season three of this brilliant series continues along. Until next time. Watch ‘Slow Horses’
Written by John Edward Betancourt Alycia Debnam-Carey as Alice Hart in Episode 104 of ‘The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart’ – ‘Part 4: River Lily’. (Photo Courtesy of Glendyn Ivin/Prime Video.)
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
It is definitely safe to say that the powerful Prime Video series, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, is deeply exploring concepts that are rarely explored in visual storytelling. After all, we’ve been privy to a grand and sweeping examination of how childhood trauma and abuse persists in this world and how it is generational in nature. One so detailed that at times, this series has been rightfully uncomfortable, but that is the point. For the time has come to showcase this problem and have those conversations and that has indeed made for powerful storytelling that has been so detailed, one important question has yet to be answered by the show. In that, the promo materials and even the series premiere, hinted at a story that was going to ponder upon, what is the lasting impact of childhood trauma and abuse? Well as it turned out, that was apparently by design, and the next episode of this incredible story was the right time to ponder upon that, and ‘Part 4: River Lily’ made it clear… that it has a profound impact upon our lives… even when we go to great lengths to escape it. Which is what twenty-four-year-old Alice did in this tale. Because at long last, she learned the horrible truth about how June manipulated her life, and her love life and that was more than she could bear. So… she left. She took the truck and drove as far as she could go and settled in. To be free of the abuse, to be free of the trauma and for a time, it seemed as though the call that so many of us would make, and have made, did the trick. Because there was peace, and time to reflect and it really seemed as though Alice’s whole life was on the right track, to the point where even love would be a real possibility for her. But despite finding peace, making friends, and enjoying outright freedom at last… that impact followed. For Alice struggled with trusting others, isolating her in ways she did not know were possible. Not to mention, she gravitated to unhealthy behaviors and habits. The kind that spoke to how the severe damage that June imparted upon her, would not be escapable and more importantly, it informed the audience… that childhood trauma really does form unique psychological paths for us. The kind that creates unhealthy routines and habits and toxic behaviors that we pay forward because… that’s all we know. And in order to be free of that, we have to confront that truth, resolve it and take the time to heal from it all, and well… whether or not Alice is going to do that is up in the air. For right now, she doesn’t know herself, or what she’s experienced, and that means she is likely in for some tough days ahead. But while we wait to see what comes from her struggles, we can celebrate a powerful episode, one that also took the time to explore some of the fallout that June rightfully deserved for hiding the truth from so many and for imparting further abuse upon her family. Since we learned in this tale that Alice’s baby brother lived and was adopted by Sally Morgan to give him a fighting chance and of course, June cared not about him. For he didn’t fit into her narrative, and she shunned him, and wounded him. Which is why it was so satisfying to see everyone finally call her to the carpet when they learned about that adoption and how she motivated Alice’s exit. Because that’s what an abuser deserves, plain and simple… having their nonsense confronted and exposed. But what matters most, is that the show pivoted and moved us toward an important exploration. Because this is what we need to be looking at, and this needs to be discussed in our world and what better place to do it, than through the next chapter in Alice’s life. One that will soon come crashing down because of the toxicity stuck within her soul that she doesn’t even know is there. For childhood trauma and abuse are nothing short a virus really, and hopefully… Alice can indeed spot the cycle of abuse and understand she’s been a victim of it and did nothing to deserve it. Either way, this series continues to impress and continues to go places no other show will go, and that definitely motivates one to hit play post haste, to see exactly where this incredibly honest story is going to take us next. Until next time. Watch ‘The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart’
Written by John Edward Betancourt Still from Episode Four of ‘Planet Earth III’ – ‘Freshwater’ Courtesy of BBC America.
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Planet Earth III’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
When we think of the freshwater that is part of our everyday lives, we think of how refreshing it can be, since we consume it often without giving it a thought… and rightfully so. After all, we need water to live, and it is plentiful enough on planet Earth that we can chug it down no problem. But we also think about how it brings us comfort and joy. After all, who doesn’t love a good hot shower? Not to mention getting out into the world and floating atop a lake is peak relaxation and the daredevils out there love a good white-water ride. And we think in those terms, because… we are the masters of this planet and it serves our needs and bends to our whim and well, that’s allowed for us to forget a few things about our water reserves. In that, the lakes, rivers, and streams that make up our world, were here long before us. For water is more than a human element, it is an element that is critical to all life on Earth, especially freshwater. Since there are so many animals that make use of it as well, in ways we sometimes aren’t aware of, and it is supremely important that we remember that. In part, because we need to be reminded now and again that we are part of something bigger and are fortunate enough to be the dominant species. But also… to make sure we properly appreciate nature through the understanding… that the lakes we relax atop, are home to so much more than inflatable rafts and cold beer and that’s why this week’s episode of Planet Earth III is of note. Simply because ‘Freshwater’, helped to educate us on such matters. All by showcasing how the freshwater spots of our world that we would normally snap a few pictures of, are indeed thriving ecosystems, and a cradle of life for so many. For instance, there are frogs in the tropics that use freshwater as a nursery. For they breed in the trees above and that allows for their tadpoles to drop into the water and grow and start their lives. Plus, there are fish that will brave waterfalls to ensure their survival, and there are even species of birds that live atop lilypads in some parts of the world, despite the risk that a handful of predators pose. Because freshwater does so much to sustain, and even predators have figured out how to adapt to it. Since there are alligators that know the best bodies of freshwater to hide in to snag a meal. All of which is proof positive that freshwater really is teeming with life and is more than a recreational choice for humanity. Which also means… that we need to treat it differently and offer it a touch more respect. Because we have in some ways, created some trouble by being masters of the domain here. For we of course, have altered the course of streams and rivers, and dammed up some spots in the name of progress and our needs. Not giving much thought to what nature also needs, and that’s brought about trouble in some parts of the world. Such as in Pakistan where the rare dolphins that thrive in freshwater there, are finding their ways into urban streams because of the canal system there. Prompting thankfully, our help in getting them back where they belong. But if those dolphins are running into problems, imagine what’s happening to other species that once relied upon a stream to function, only to have it diverted in the name of progress? Which is a question that puts an exclamation point on a supremely educational and poignant episode of this series. One that deeply spoke to the need for balance between humanity and the world we are blessed enough to live upon. For there is simply so much happening in the freshwater regions of our world, and clearly, what goes on there has been happening for ages on end and deserves to continue without concern. And now that we know we need to do better to help these areas thrive, it will be interesting to see what other lessons in balance await us as this fascinating journey around the globe continues along. Until next time. Watch ‘Planet Earth III’
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