It is definitely safe to say that the Acorn TV series, Darby and Joan, was an absolute breath of fresh air when it debuted in summer of 2022, and remains so. Simply because this series is unique and original, courtesy of a plot unlike anything else on the small screen, and it features characters that are as dynamic and as fascinating as they come. All of which gives rise to a story that felt like the perfect blend of classic television and the modern stuff we love and of course, fans of the series have been eager for more and while it took a little while… we’re getting that.
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Since season two of the show is ready to debut on Acorn TV at the end of December, and well, since we are so close to the return of Darby and Joan, Acorn TV thought it was high time to gift us with more than just sheer anticipation. Since they took the time to release a first look photo from season two, and a trailer. To get us ready for more adventures with two characters we adore and can deeply relate to, and since you’re a fan of this series and eager for a sample of things to come, here is that trailer and that photo, along with updated details on season two, courtesy of Acorn TV.

‘AMC Networks’ popular international streamer Acorn TV today revealed an all-new, official trailer for season two of the hit mystery drama, Darby and Joan, starring Emmy-nominees Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi. The new season debuts with a two-episode premiere, exclusively on Acorn TV, on December 30, followed by weekly episodes through January 27.
 
A year after their lives collided on an outback road, retired Australian detective Jack Darby (Brown) and English widowed nurse Joan Kirkhope (Scacchi) have forged a deep friendship amid shared investigative adventures. But Jack’s story has only just begun – he’s determined to clear his name of the unexplained cloud hanging over his career. Despite the potential danger – or perhaps because of it – Joan insists on helping Jack with his quest. As they travel through Queensland’s picturesque landscapes solving mysteries along the way, Jack and Joan’s relationship with be tested. An escapist adventure where a new mystery awaits around every bend in the road, Darby and Joan ask: can you find yourself in the middle of nowhere?
 
Acorn TV and CJZ commissioned season two of Darby and Joan which filmed earlier this year in the scenic Australia. A CJZ Production, Darby and Joan is an Acorn TV Original, supported by Screen Queensland’s Screen Finance Fund. Acorn Media International is the exclusive international distributor of the series.
 
Darby and Joan season two is executive produced by Matt Campbell, Claire Tonkin, Don Klees, Catherine Mackin and Bea Tammer, with series producer Elisa Argenzio and script producer Sarah Smith. Created by Glenys Rowe and Phillip Gwynne, the series’ writers include Andrew Anastasios, Giula Sandler, Stephen Vagg, Sarah Smith and David Hannam. Season two directors are Jovita O’Shaughnessy, Grant Brown and Rachel Ward.
 
The December 30th season two premiere and subsequent episodes of Darby and Joan will be available via Acorn TV in the U.S., Canada, UK (including Northern Ireland), Australia and New Zealand.

About Acorn TV
AMC Networks’ Acorn TV is North America’s largest streaming service specializing in premium British and international television. Acorn TV adds exclusive programming every week to a deep library of revered mysteries, dramas, and comedies – all commercial-free. Acorn TV’s recent slate is comprised of critically acclaimed commissioned and original series including popular New Zealand detective series My Life Is Murder (Lucy Lawless), acclaimed Irish crime thriller Bloodlands (James Nesbitt, co-executive produced by Jed Mercurio), British crime drama Whitstable Pearl (Kerry Godliman), Kiwi romantic comedy Under the Vines and British detective drama Dalgliesh (Bertie Carvel), to name a few. Current and upcoming Acorn TV Original Series include UK detective drama Harry Wild (Jane Seymour), Signora Volpe (Emilia Fox), The Chelsea Detective (Adrian Scarborough) and many more. The above add to a growing catalog of popular bingeable dramas including Jack Irish (Guy Pearce), Doc Martin (Martin Clunes), Deadwater Fell (David Tennant, Cush Jumbo), all 24 seasons of fan-favorite Midsomer Murders and highly-rated drama The Nest, among others.
 
“… glorious streaming service… an essential must-have” – The Hollywood Reporter
“Netflix for the Anglophile” – NPR
 
Acorn TV is available for $7.99/month or $79.99/year. Facebook: OfficialAcornTV – Twitter: @AcornTV – Instagram: @Acorn_tv’

It really is safe to say that Peacock is dropping some incredible documentaries and docuseries in 2024. For all year long they’ve treated us to comprehensive stories that are objective, powerful and thought provoking. In fact, they’ve outright released what are easily definitive looks at incredible cases in our legal system’s history and they are showing no signs of slowing down, as evidenced by the recent announcement they dropped our way.
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For hot on the trailblazing tale of Making Manson comes Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes. A two-hour docuseries that in the spirit of Making Manson, explores The Night Stalker case nearly forty years later, complete with recordings that will truly offer up the definitive look at this incredible and haunting case, one that will debut on December 10, and to properly do this announcement justice, Peacock also released a trailer for Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes. Which we will share with you now, to help you prepare for another deep dive into the world of a madman.

• Nearly 40 years after his summertime reign of terror on the streets of Los Angeles, the myth of the “Night Stalker” still looms large. Now, a series of prison recordings of Richard Ramirez unearths new truths in the Peacock original docuseries Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes.  

 

• Collected from more than 25 hours of audio recordings – most of which have never been heard before – and including revealing interviews with his family, friends and wife, the series explores the dark forces that led Ramirez to become the infamous Night Stalker.  

 

• Plus, some of the women impacted by Ramirez over the years share their experiences, from former friends to victims’ families, and his own niece, who speaks out for the first time in a documentary. The series also goes inside the confounding love story of a former teen magazine editor who fell in love with Ramirez and eventually became his wife. 

 

• Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker Tapes is produced by NBC News Studios. Executive producers are Amy Goodman Kass, Elizabeth Fischer, Alexa Danner, Andy Berg, Liz Cole. 

 
ABOUT RICHARD RAMIREZ: THE NIGHT STALKER TAPES 
In advance of the 40th anniversary of his murderous reign of terror and epic arrest, this project uses Death Row audio interviews with Ramirez as well as audio and video interviews with his family, friends and wife – most of which have never been heard before – to explore how a perfect storm of child abuse and twisted boyhood influences enabled a troubled young man from El Paso, TX to become the infamous Night Stalker. These tapes offer an unsettling and thought-provoking look into the mind of a brutal serial killer and, by the end of the series, will provide significant findings to the age old question of whether a monster is born or created – or both. 

ABOUT THE DOCUSERIES 
Premiere Date: December 10 
Executive Producers: Amy Goodman Kass, Elizabeth Fischer, Alexa Danner, Andy Berg, Liz Cole 
Produced by: NBC News Studios 
Format:  Binge, 2 episodes x 60 minutes 

It really is safe to say that the hit Apple TV+ series, Mythic Quest, really has tapped into something special with audiences. In part because of the amazing and relatable characters present within its world. Since we truly can tie ourselves to every single person in the show. But also, it is popular because it just understands people, and our love of video games and the wild nature of the workplace, and the best parts of us. Which is why it should come as no surprise that it has managed to land four seasons on the network, in fact, we are inching closer to the next chapter in the story.
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Simply because Apple TV+ recently took the time to announce the premiere date for season four and they even added to the richness of this announcement by letting us know that a new chapter in the saga is coming forth in 2025 as well. Entitled, Side Quest, this anthology style spin-off series will further explore the world of Mythic Quest in a dynamic manner and well, since you’re eager to learn more about this new series and when you can enjoy more of the host show, here are all the details you need, and some first look photos from both shows, to help you prepare for the return of this lovely franchise, and it’s new chapter.

‘Apple TV+ today announced that the fourth season of its hit comedy “Mythic Quest,” hailing from creators Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day and Megan Ganz, will make its global debut on Apple TV+ with two episodes on Wednesday, January 29, followed by one new episode weekly through Wednesday, March 26. 
 
Season four of “Mythic Quest” brings stars Rob McElhenney, Charlotte Nicdao, David Hornsby, Danny Pudi, Ashly Burch, Imani Hakim, Jessie Ennis and Naomi Ekperigin under the same fluorescent office lights as the reunited team at Mythic Quest confronts new challenges amongst a changing video game landscape as stars rise, egos clash, relationships bloom, and everyone tries to have a little more work work life balance.
 
Plus, as the upcoming fourth season of “Mythic Quest” reaches its finale, the much-anticipated anthology series, titled “Side Quest” (FKA “Mere Mortals”), will make its global debut on March 26 with all four episodes. An expansion of the “Mythic Quest” universe, “Side Quest” explores the lives of employees, players, and fans who are impacted by the game in an anthology format. The series stars Rob McElhenney, Anna Konkle, Derek Waters, William Stanford Davis, Bria Henderson, Rome Flynn, Leonard Robinson, Gary Kraus, Annamarie Kasper, Esai Morales, Shalta Grant and many more in the leading roles across each installment. 
 
“Side Quest” is developed by and executive produced by Ashly Burch, John Howell Harris and Katie McElhenney, with Megan Ganz, Rob McElhenney, David Hornsby, Charlie Day, Todd Biermann, Nick Frenkel, Michael Rotenberg, Margaret Boykin and Genevieve Jones also serving as executive producers.
 
“Mythic Quest” is executive produced by McElhenney and Day under their RCG banner, Michael Rotenberg and Nicholas Frenkel on behalf of 3Arts, and Margaret Boykin, Austin Dill, and Gérard Guillemot for Ubisoft Film & Television. Hornsby and Ganz also executive produce. 
 
Both series are produced for Apple TV+ by Lionsgate, 3 Arts Entertainment and Ubisoft. The first three seasons of “Mythic Quest” are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.
 
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have been honored with 523 wins and 2,373 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
 
About Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $9.99 per month with a seven-day trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*’

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 203 of Silo, which is available to stream now on Apple TV+
 
Episode 203 - “Solo”
Bernard turns to Judge Meadows for help. Billings begins to wonder if he’s being lied to. Juliette finally meets the man in the vault.

Few crime dramas have managed to captivate us the way that The Chelsea Detective on Acorn TV has. Simply because this series offers us so much. For it is home to some refreshing characters that are unlike any other in the genre, and it features cases that feel real and are complex and engaging and it also boasts a wondrous cast, led by Adrian Scarborough. And our love for those elements is precisely why the show is getting a third season and it is why we are getting a holiday treat.

For Acorn TV recently announced that there will be a Special Christmas Episode of The Chelsea Detective that airs on the network on December 16th. One that will feature a unique crime for DI Max Arnold and his incredible team to investigate and to properly do this wondrous news justice and build excitement amongst the fans, Acorn TV was kind enough to release some details on the special, and a trailer. All of which we will share with you now, to help you prepare for this magnificent early Christmas present.

‘Acorn TV’s captivating crime drama The Chelsea Detective, starring Adrian Scarborough (Killing Eve, The King’s Speech, 1917), returns with an all-new Christmas Special on Monday, December 16. The Christmas Special serves as the first episode of the series’ third season, which is comprised of four 90-minute episodes. Season 3 will continue in 2025 on Acorn TV.
 
The third season of The Chelsea Detective sees DI Max Arnold (Scarborough) and DS Layla Walsh (Vanessa Emme, Dublin Murders, Three Families) delving once more into the murky crimes of glamorous Chelsea. The team will investigate the tragic death of a 2000s popstar, the discovery of an ex-soldier’s body in an allotment, the brutal murder of an antiques dealer, and the mysterious case of a climate scientist found dead in a stolen car. If that wasn’t enough to contend with, things at home aren’t much simpler for the investigating duo either. Max tries a new approach in his personal life as he embarks on couples therapy with his estranged wife, Astrid (Anamaria Marinca). Meanwhile, Layla is still getting used to living in London, while her partner, Jon, is in Exeter. They might be enjoying their independent lives right now but will discover that navigating a long-distance relationship can be trickier than they first thought.
 
“Everyone Loves Chloe” – Season 3 Christmas Special – Premieres Monday, December 16 on Acorn TV
Chloe Carmichael, former popstar and one-time darling of the tabloids, is found dead in her Chelsea mansion flat in the days leading up to Christmas. They first suspect a drug overdose, but forensics soon establishes that Chloe had been drowned in the bath. Max and the team must contend with a string of potential suspects, including her hard-bitten manager, a conniving journalist and a Tory MP. Each of them has a secret connecting them to Chloe, but who was it that killed her? 
 
The Chelsea Detective, an Acorn TV Original Series, is created and executive produced by Emmy® Award-winning Peter Fincham (The Lost Prince, Smack the Pony, I’m Alan Partridge) and executive produced by Ella Kelly (Death in Paradise, Midsomer Murders). The four, feature-length episodes are written by Fincham, Glen Laker (Vera, Prime Suspect), Debbie Oates and Ian Kershaw (Cold Feet, Medici) and Nicola Wilson (Call the Midwife, Good Karma Hospital). The series is produced by Lauriel Martin (Dodger, Smothered) and the directors are Jennie Darnell (Payback, Trigger Point) and Richard Signy (Death in Paradise, Silent Witness).
 
The Chelsea Detective is produced by Acorn TV’s Acorn Media Enterprises, Germany’s ZDF and the BBC Studios invested indie Expectation. Acorn TV, AMC Networks’ acclaimed and fast-growing streaming service devoted to British and international mystery and dramas, serves as the exclusive home for the series in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. BBC Studios distributes the series internationally.

About Acorn TV
AMC Networks’ Acorn TV is North America’s largest streaming service specializing in premium British and international television. Acorn TV adds exclusive programming every week to a deep library of revered mysteries, dramas, and comedies – all commercial-free. Acorn TV’s recent slate is comprised of critically acclaimed commissioned and original series including popular New Zealand detective series My Life Is Murder (Lucy Lawless), acclaimed Irish crime thriller Bloodlands (James Nesbitt, co-executive produced by Jed Mercurio), British crime drama Whitstable Pearl (Kerry Godliman), Kiwi romantic comedy Under the Vines and British detective drama Dalgliesh (Bertie Carvel), to name a few. Current and upcoming Acorn TV Original Series include UK detective drama Harry Wild (Jane Seymour), Signora Volpe (Emilia Fox), The Chelsea Detective (Adrian Scarborough) and many more. The above add to a growing catalog of popular bingeable dramas including Jack Irish (Guy Pearce), Doc Martin (Martin Clunes), Deadwater Fell (David Tennant, Cush Jumbo), all 24 seasons of fan-favorite Midsomer Murders and highly-rated drama The Nest, among others.

Acorn TV is available for $7.99/month or $79.99/year. Facebook: OfficialAcornTV – Twitter: @AcornTV – Instagram: @Acorn_tv’

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode Five of You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías), which you can stream on Apple TV+ today!
 
Episode 106 - A Difficult Decision
Elisa breaks under pressure, and what she tells Garza and Quirós changes everything—but it’s not enough to force Commissioner Jordan’s hand.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘Brilliant Minds’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Healing is a word that carries with it a supremely black and white view in our minds, and understandably so. Because just about every injury we deal with regarding with that word, follows a very baseline course in our minds. For instance, if we cut our hand, we go to the hospital and get stitches for the wound and we heal. If we need knee surgery, we have our knee repaired and we heal. And if we suffer through grief and loss, we heal from it. But as time marches on, it is becoming clear that we cannot think about healing in such basic terms. Simply because it is not a simple and quick process. There is irritation as the wound closes and stitches must be removed, and we must go through physical therapy for our knee surgery and mental therapy for our loss. For healing is a genuine process, and sometimes… we are not the same when we heal.

For we may have a scar when that wound heals and we may not regain full use of our knee after major surgery on it, and our worldview is changed when we lose someone. So, how then should we view healing? Well perhaps we need to see healing as the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one, so that we can go about life differently in that new chapter, and what that looks like, is top of mind today, simply because it was showcased in the next episode of Brilliant Minds on NBC. For ‘The Colorblind Artist’ saw Dr. Wolf receive a very specific request from the agent of world-famous artist, Gabriel Ferguson. Wherein she wanted Wolf to meet Gabriel because he wasn’t himself after an accident and his career was about to falter and potentially end and well, what Wolf learned about the man truly hammered home that fascinating lesson.

Because it turned out that Gabriel had been through it in the past year. For a devastating car accident ended the life of his beloved wife, and the toxic fumes he inhaled while waiting for help, damaged the pathways in his brain that allowed for him to see colors. All of which in turn, he believed, robbed him of his ability to create art and of course… to feel anything really. Because he was hurting, his life was changing and that meant it fell to Wolf, to help him understand his worth in this new chapter of his life and how he could find his way back. Since his body adjusted and gave him new elements to his sight, and while it was slow going to get through to him, eventually, Wolf helped him to understand that he lost nothing from a talent perspective and that he could find ways to honor his wife and heal from the pain of losing her. Through art and through living and that give rise to incredible new creations… that offered new perspective on the world.

But what mattered more is that Wolf correctly pointed out the central theme. That the loss of someone we care deeply for, and major injuries are truly the end of chapters for us. For we won’t be the same emotionally and physically and we must understand that and accept it. Because we still must go on and we still have to honor those we’ve lost and what better way… than by embracing that new chapter and thriving within it and learning what positive things we can find within it. Which made for a beautiful story, one that also featured some other musings regarding new chapters. Since Van and Ericka struggled to learn that new chapters in romance aren’t easy and can often go the wayside when there isn’t enough communication and understanding what that new chapter entails, and Carol also learned… that sometimes, new chapters mean absolutely closing the old one through and through.

Since she started to see the toxic nature of sticking with the patient that slept with her husband, and that prompted her to close that uncomfortable chapter, with a bang no less. Since her car was vandalized in response to sending her patient away, that will absolutely bring about some twists and turns in the new chapter for her. All of which, made for one engaging episode. One that in a way, pulled the show back to its core roots. Not to say that it was straying, but it has loosened up a bit to tell more personal stories about the staff and close out the mystery of Roman/John Doe. But great shows always know how to ground themselves and get back to basics and this one did so in a magnificent and beautiful manner, by informing us that healing is so much more than a simple moment. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 306 of ‘Happy’s Place’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular aspect of shows and stories about healing that is genuinely problematic, is what they put on display regarding the healing process. Because in many ways, these tales present healing as an incredible and damn near impossible excursion. One that could be compared to scaling Mount Everest without support and that’s just awful. Because it makes it seem at times as though a healing journey will be beyond difficult and painful to go through, and while there is some merit to that… that’s just not how healing works. It is a long process yes, and it can be challenging, but it isn’t impossible to do and sometimes… there are little moments and acts we can take part in that help with the process and when you do enough of those, you make more progress than you know.

For instance, just… going back to places that elicit good memories and speak to our journey can help us to heal, and that is a simple act. As is talking about what wounded us and sharing in the wonder of memories with others can be helpful, especially when grief is involved, and that’s why Happy’s Place on NBC is such an important sitcom. Because it is showcasing those very real moments. As evidenced by how last night’s episode of this magnificent series played out. For ‘Happy’s House’ saw Isabella make quite the ask of Bobbie. In that, she wanted to see her late father’s home. The very one that Bobbie grew up in, and that was tough for Bobbie to take part in. Because so many memories were within its walls. But she knew, it wouldn’t hurt to be back there and share the family’s history with her sister, so she said yes to that excursion.

Which did indeed bring about, some powerful, very real moments of healing for this duo. Because while within the walls of Happy’s house, Bobbie was able to share fond memories of growing up and what her relationship with her father was like, and how he went the extra mile for her. Which also, drew up some sadness. Simply because such musings made it seem as though daddy never cared about his other daughter and that made Bobbie wonder if she was seeing her dad in the wrong light. But thankfully, it was discovered, with Gabby and Takoda’s help, since they stopped by to fix the house and search for a mysterious penny… that Happy did in fact, give attention to his other child. Since he attended her graduation and that brought peace to Isabella and neatly wrapped up the lesson.

Because throughout this whole journey, we saw Bobbie reflect upon the past, upon her daddy and the many charming moments they shared together, and that helped. As did coming to learn that Isabella wasn’t forgotten. For that reinforced he was the man she thought he was, but more importantly, reflecting on the person they were, thinking about the wonder they brought into our life… that heals. For it reminds us of the wonderful impact that person had upon us and how they made us better, made us more and made us into a special person. And we carry those memories always, and we honor them by thinking about them and being the person, they knew us to be. Granted, that doesn’t fix it all, because they’re still gone and that void is still there, but the good stuff helps, and the good stuff eventually replaces the ache and that is why… those little moments are just as important to healing and make it less complex a process than we think.

All of which made, for a wonderfully beautiful episode for certain. One that offered the audience so much. Since we learned a ton about Bobbie and saw Isabella find joy through her father’s surprise actions, and we were even treated to some amazing comedy. Since Gabby’s search for that penny was legendary sitcom stuff and of course, we have to talk about Emmett and Steve’s journey here. Since their newfound bromance and bonding over football speaks to how communication is paramount to making new friends and bonding with people, because you never know what you share in common until you say something and well… this really is the show’s finest episode to date. Because it had it all. Beauty, depth, fine lessons and fine laughs and it does leave us eager to see what other wonderful moments of healing await us, as season one continues along. Until next time.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 306 of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

While Latin culture as a whole is filled with incredible beauty, and rich traditions that are worth exploring and practicing, there are some ugly sides to the culture that are not explored all that often. Granted, this can be said of many cultures in our world, but for the sake of today’s discussion, it is important to discuss the fact… that Latin culture is filled with misogyny. For truly, the men are the focus in this culture, and that promotes toxic behavior and true gender inequality that has gone on for generations on end and is only now becoming a subject of discussion because so many are starting to understand that it needs to change.

But how then, does something that has been expected for generations on end find change? Well, it just so happens that the next episode of Lopez vs Lopez on NBC, took the time to answer that question in a powerful manner. A feat that ‘Lopez vs Orlando’ accomplished by putting this toxic aspect of Latin culture on display, in part through Mayan’s cousin, Orlando. Who… was a great big man child. Yes, he was grown, and yes, he was capable of living his own life. But years of entitlement and spoiling from his mother and even his Tia Rosie, prompted him to make others in his life work for him and wait upon him and foot. Especially women. Which Mayan was not good with, and she wanted to see that change, and she wasn’t the only one who was dealing with the toxic nature of Latin Culture.

For Chance was also getting a good taste of it. Since he came along with George to see how grandpa’s workday goes, and while there, he saw George rip into Momo and Oscar and treat them like dirt and use anger to get stuff done. Because disparaging talk, insults and a general sour vibe is part that machismo aspect of the culture and well, both of these journeys collided to bring forth the complex answer to that all-important question. Part of which involves, showcasing what kind of impact toxic masculinity in this manner has upon others, especially children. Since it can teach them it’s okay to act this way and talk down to people, and if we stopped it right there… we could easily alter course and send young boys down a different path. Which George recognized when he saw the always sweet Chance mimicking that behavior with some classmates. 

That of course, prompted George to stop his own toxic behavior and teach Chance how he made a mistake he needed to correct and while that helped us to understand how to stop future generations from picking up this ugly mantle, Mayan found a way to get someone who grew up with it their whole life, to reject it. Which she accomplished by exposing Orlando to Rosie. In fact, she got him to admit how he would go the extra mile to make others work and manipulate them into waiting on him in a manner where they were akin to servants. Which shocked Rosie to no end but showing people the light is sometimes the only option we have to stop something awful in its tracks, and while that did hurt Rosie for a bit, she eventually understood what Mayan was trying to accomplish and agreed to change her ways and end the cycle of nonsense.
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All of which made, for a brilliant story when all is said and done, and a bold one at that. Because we don’t as a society speak all that much to the nature of toxic culture in our world or how to stop it, and it is most certainly not talked about often, if ever, in Latinx homes. Because that’s just ‘the way of things’ and it is accepted when it should not be. For its 2024, and it is a new era of change, regardless of what some may say or believe, and it was just refreshing… to see this show tackle something that is taboo in Latin culture and in the everyday world, in a perfect manner no less. For it offered respectful and direct answers that can indeed impact change, and that continues to reinforce why this show is so special and why it deserves all the praise it can get. For it really is revolutionary in its storytelling, and this level of intelligence leaves us hungry for more of this show, and it’s amazing observations about our world. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 709 of ‘Outlander’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular phrase we hear often in this life, and rightfully so, is how one cannot go home again. And we hear it often because so many of us wish to recreate the past and go back to simpler times that bring us joy and bring us wonder. But truly, we can’t go back there. For yesterday is yesterday and every single time we hear that phrase it is because we have yet to embrace the lesson, embrace the moment and embrace tomorrow. For that is what lie ahead. If anything, the importance of this lesson is top of mind today, simply because the next episode of Outlander on STARZ took the time to explore… the importance of that lesson and what happens when we finally embrace it.

A feat that ‘Unfinished Business’ accomplished by returning the Fraser family to Lallybroch at last. Which brought forth, warm reunions and joy, and a sense of belonging for everyone once again. For there is some majesty when we reunite with family, the kind that reminds us of the ties that bind us and fulfill us. But of course, it did not take long to dive into the lesson, and Young Ian was the one who handled why we hear it so often. Since he was filled with remorse and sorrow over how things could never be the same here because of what’s been lost, and how perhaps he owed a penance by remaining home. Which was a fine reminder of the torture that we put ourselves through when we expect the past to come to life, and thankfully, his journey served as the springboard for the positive lesson at hand.

Simply because, there was so much wonder to be found here, and so much truth about how time marches on and changes everything for us. Especially when one considers that Ian Senior was quite ill with consumption. A revelation that shattered everyone’s understanding of what this homecoming was to accomplish, and it quickly inspired Jamie and Claire, to understand there would be no ‘going home’ here, just going forward and that prompted them to work to resolve the past to prepare for tomorrow. Which for Jamie, involving visiting a former wife and doing his best to make amends for his mistakes so that everyone could move forward and find peace. Which also involved all kinds of contracts and the dissolvement of old agreements; to make everyone free and it was refreshing to see Jamie embrace the lesson and truly inspire others to do so in the process.

Since Claire realized that the only way forward beyond this moment was to be honest about everything really. Because she has for ages hidden the truth about her origins in this land and that prompted her to use her knowledge for good and save lives and oddly, hammer home the helpless nature of fate. Since there were pleas to cure Ian Senior with means that had yet to be invented. Yet, that understanding that time claims us all and that we spend too much time thinking about yesterday and hanging onto the past… through the impending doom of Ian Senior, prompted so many to push Young Ian to forget about his troubles, and live for the moment. By going back to America, with Claire no less, who was called upon… to aid an ailing friend, so that Young Ian could live, and love and forge that future he was trying to deny himself. 
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But of course, since this show always explores more than its central theme, it made sure to catch up with Roger and his journey to find his son and that went into some wild territory. Since there were no clues on the other side of the time jump, and he managed to go farther back in time than expected. To the point where Jamie was off to university, allowing for him to spend time with long gone family members and his thoughts. Mainly because he felt lost here and unsure of what comes next since truly, there was nothing to go off of and there was the real possibility that he was in the wrong era, period, and his baby boy was roaming about elsewhere in time. Setting the stage for a harrowing journey down the line. 

However, while we wait to see what comes of that, we can celebrate, one fascinating tale. One that truly offered up an important lesson we can all take something from, and it was likely designed… to move this show into its final chapter as well. For we are indeed inching toward the end, so what better way to prepare our heroes for their farewell journey than by having them confront the past and grow before our eyes. For then they are ready for whatever final challenges lie ahead. But even if that is not the case, growth is wonderful to see on screen, and it was powerful to see everyone embrace the future and the moment and come what may, and it will indeed be interesting to see what other lessons lie ahead as season seven of this magnificent show continues along. Until next time.