It’s always a wonderful thing when we can settle in and enjoy a new adaptation of a classic story. Because it means in part, that the story in question is timeless in nature and its return allows for a new generation to pour over its details and its wondrous past by seeking out the other tellings that have come forth. Not to mention, it means… that we get to enjoy a fresh take on that iconic tale, one that will undoubtedly feature new ideas and new concepts, or spotlight something that we’ve all missed by looking over it so many times. But any way you slice it, it’s just a treat to see what a new creative mind can do with a classic story, and this is top of mind today, simply because Peacock is now home to a new version of a classic tale.
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For the first five episodes of The Day of the Jackal debuted on the network today, and well… we absolutely need to spotlight the wonder of this new series. Since it accomplishes a great many things in those first five episodes. Such as bringing back to life the age-old story of good versus evil that the original novel brought forth, courtesy of a plot that mostly resembles what we know about this story. Wherein the Jackal (played by Eddie Redmayne here), a brilliant assassin that can slip in and out of any situation due to his masterfully cool mentality and mastery of disguises, arrives on MI6’s radar when he takes part in the bold assassination of a controversial political candidate in Germany. Which leads to an intense cat and mouse game between the Jackal and MI6 Agent, Bianca (played by Lashana Lynch), as she works to stop him from killing again to bring him to justice.

Which while that isn’t quite the exact plot of the original, the chase was the key, and the chase is here front, and center and it is powerful and engaging to watch these two dance their dance and it is so compelling that it quickly immerses us within a plot that is also updated for modern times. For this has less of the fanciful nature of Frederick Forsyth’s original novel and more of the fury of our world. Since it harbors fascinating commentary on the current political state of the world and its explosive nature, which the Jackal represents here to a tee, and that only adds to the wonder of this story. Since it compels you to finish the journey and see what else it has to say about the escalating violence and rhetoric that now is part of our political world and that lovely twist, is worth the price of admission of alone and is further enhanced… by another surprise from this story.

Because unlike other iterations and adaptations of this story, this one knows how to ebb and flow and be methodical in nature in telling its story. Which isn’t to insult the other stories, but there is something to be said about slowing the plot and giving us time to get to know the characters. Since it helps us to understand what drives Bianca and why she cares so much about justice and of course, it helps us to learn about the Jackal. About how much prep he puts into his kills and into his escape and how meticulous and careful he is about his work. So, he can enjoy his anonymity, and it even gives us a human side to the monster. To remind all of us that men of the Jackal’s stead aren’t born as blood thirsty monsters, they’re molded into them, and this is the chilling end result of that molding and whatever compels men like the Jackal to choose this life.

All of which makes for a supremely compelling new series. One that does indeed put the viewer on the edge of their seat with the action, but leaves them there in the gentler moments, where we learn about what makes these folks tick in an equally as compelling manner. Which may relate to the fact that this show is filled with powerhouse performances. Since Lashana Lynch is simply amazing as Bianca and truly sells the honorable nature of her character and her desire to make the world a better place, and Eddie Redmayne is simply chilling as the Jackal. Since he properly showcases the cold tension that a man of such stature needs to carry to do the work he does. Which makes this, an explosive must-see series. For this one really is impressive and really does demand your attention, courtesy of a delectable twist on a classic story.

Please enjoy the first five minutes and the synopsis of the Season 2 Premiere of Silo, which debuts on Apple TV+ on 11/15/24!
 
Episode 201 - The Engineer
Juliette finds sanctuary in a silo long ago destroyed by war, thinking she’s alone. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘Midnight Family’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular act that we all take part in, that perhaps we shouldn’t… is putting a lot of weight into the end of chapters that either don’t mean anything to us… or have already ended. And what makes this problematic is twofold. For starters, it means we pour our heart and soul into the end of a chapter that we are going to forget about. After all, we all have that one job in our past that we made a big show of leaving, only to never think about it again. And of course, when we drag out the feelings and vibes that accompany a chapter that’s already ended, it can lead to trouble. Because if we no longer care the final word can lead to mistakes and an even worse ending, as evidenced by the next episode of Midnight Family on Apple TV+.

For ‘The Last Call’ saw the Tamayo family preparing to bid their days in the ambulance goodbye. In fact, they sold the sucker and had it ready to be turned over. Which in turn allowed for some serious changes to take place in everyone’s lives. Since Ramón settled into his new life in a new job, comfortable in knowing he had a great career as a paramedic. Plus, Gaby was at her boldest now. Because she knew her path and she knew how to get there. Which prompted her to seize the day and make amends with Bernardo and the school and secure another chance at taking that important test. So, she could finally be the doctor she wanted to be. Of course, Julio went back to school and knew he needed to finish that to follow in his father’s footsteps and Marcus… well he made some attempts to embrace the future.

Because he and Cris were ready to leave the country and start over in the United States, but one small problem changed that course forever. Because the cops wanted to rustle up some trouble and some fines for the truck and Marcus’ fury over that led to a physical altercation that harmed Cris. To the point where Marcus took her to the hospital. Wherein they had a hard talk about his temper and the promise he made to Julio. For in the midst of all of this, Julio begged for one last call, one last night on the rig before sending it off to new owners. And Cris wanted him to stay, wanted him to be near her at a time that she needed him. Which at first, Marcus outright agreed to. In fact, he even went so far as to disappoint Julio by letting him know that the last ride would be short one Tamayo.

But little Julio begged and begged, and despite having free will, Marcus came along for one last harrowing ride. One that should have been celebratory and should have been beautiful. But instead, it was tense and no one outside of Julio really cared. Because they moved on the instant, they decided they wanted different paths and this was just going through the motions, and the excessive apathy and lethargy over the job, along with a big fight between Cris and Marcus, led to disaster on this night. For a moment of distraction on the road, was all that fate needed, to bring forth a collision between the ambulance and a dump truck. Which badly damaged the vehicle and left fates unknown. For there were no signs of life from the Tamayo family as their truck sizzled and settled on the very roads they used to save lives.

All of which served as a hard reminder… of the universe’s cruelty and how trying to drag out what’s already done brings forth nothing but trouble. But before we speculate further on the fate of the family, we can celebrate one powerful episode. One that not only showed us growth and new chapters for the family, but happiness for all of them, before that ugly moment. For Gaby was joyous in getting back into her schooling, and Marcus did have some measure of happiness with Cris at his side and Ramón did find peace at a desk job, and it gave him focus on the future, and even Julio was ready to walk a new path with contentment in his heart. Which makes that ending so devastating and so worrisome and it will make the wait for next week’s season finale as tough as it gets. Because we simply want to know if they’re okay and if they will get their new chapters… or if one last ride will be more costly than it was worth. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Where’s Wanda?’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.

One particular aspect of the magnificent new Apple TV+ series, Where’s Wanda?, that we don’t talk about enough… it is the sheer fact that this series does an amazing job of asking and answering some big questions when it comes to its characters. For instance, it pondered upon what happened to Wanda, only to inform us that she survived. It asked if Dedo and Carlotta would be okay and let us know they would, and in the last few episodes, its pondered upon who is King? And will Wanda survive the web of deceit surrounding her? And well, it just so happens that this proud tradition of answering the hard questions… was extended to the show’s season one finale. 

For ‘Wandafest’ brought everything to a head as the town celebrated Wanda Klatt as though she was long gone from this world. Which brought about some beautiful moments and some unique ones as well. Since Katarina made a point to announce she wanted to change the town’s fortunes and protect everyone, so this would never happen again by running for mayor, and it also brought forth a musical performance from Rüdiger that was pretty sweet in its own right. But what mattered more, was that the festival was indeed the perfect moment for Ole and Dedo to remove the cameras and free everyone from being spied upon and well, as they did that, Wanda made her way back home.

For she was out of the house and eager to see her family and tell them of the trouble she faced and what was going on this town and well, that led to trouble for certain. Because she didn’t get ahold of Rauch when she called the station, she got ahold of her scuzzy partner. Who was quick to capture her and bring her to Lukas. So that they could bring her back to King’s lair and deal with her accordingly and well, that led to the family learning that Wanda was alive. Because the camera in Lukas’ home wasn’t out yet, and that allowed for Ole to see it all, and it also allowed for Rauch to discover the spying nest. Since she dropped by. But she would sit this one thanks to Dedo and his decision to strike her, allowing for the family to handle family business, and with Chris’ help… they most certainly did.

Because mom and dad were able to find their daughter and be near her, and while they were captured by Lukas, that didn’t matter. Because Dedo was ready and willing to do what was necessary to save his little girl from future trouble. Because he was done with being weak and being passive in life, and that allowed for him to stop Lukas in his tracks and for the police to finally get involved. Because Dedo did swipe Rauch’s phone and when she came to, she tracked him down and shut down the operation. Which finally allowed for Wanda to come home and be with her family. So, she was all right after all, and well… oddly enough, her rescue led to another surprise. Specifically, the truth about King. Because in the closing moments of this tale we learned… that the new candidate for Mayor, is the King, and she has Ole.

Which could lead to more wild moments and more trouble down the line if the show suddenly becomes Where’s Ole? But that aside, this was… a magnificent season finale. One that brought every moment and every detail together in a powerful and meaningful manner. Because no thread was left unturned and we truly did walk away from this one with satisfaction, and all we can hope for now… is a second season order. To further explore the life and times of these characters and to dive into the lasting power of trauma and of course… and to see how this town handles the King. Who has clearly caused more trouble than she’s worth. But while we wait for that good news, we can bask in the wonder of this amazing season of storytelling. One that truly impressed and wrapped up this wondrous season in a neat little bow.

Learn more about Wanda’s journey this season, courtesy of our interview with the actor that plays her, Lea Drinda.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías)’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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As the inaugural season of the magnificent new Apple TV+ series, You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías), continues along… it’s becoming clear that this show is eager to accomplish two key things. First, it wants to celebrate the best parts of the crime drama by taking us on a breathtaking and intense ride, and second… it wants to surprise us at every single turn. As evidenced by how its episodes provide us with shocking turn after shocking turn after dropping our jaws with amazing actions sequences and once more… this was the case during this week’s intense and engaging episode.

For ‘Face-to-Face’ was all about one epic manhunt. For Fran and Rebeca and the rest of the department were closing in on Dante. For a citywide net was deployed and the clues and the calls were starting to come in, and Dante himself… felt the pressure. Because every camera made him nervous and every attempt to check on the latest news put him at risk, until finally, the police closed in. In fact, they pretty much had him dead to rights on the outskirts of town before some epic moments took place. Such as the fact that the people of the city were working to protect Dante because he was seen as quite the hero. For everyone truly believed he did the city a service and deserved better.

Which helped him sneak away for a moment and step into quite the pursuit. One where Fran and Rebeca were lost in the woods and fighting tooth and nail to find him and well, that cat and mouse game brought about the action and adventure we love about the genre, and truly, we were on the edge of our seats with how this played out and how intense it was, and once it came to an end, with Dante escaping no less… did the show shift gears into the surprises in question. Because Dante did have a moment to breathe and speak to these detectives, wherein he said that nothing was quite what it seemed and that the eyewitnesses had more to say.

Sadly though, that was damn near impossible to make happen. Simply because, the clock had run out regarding how long the police could hold them, and they had to be released. Which likely meant the truth would never be uncovered. But thankfully, quite the opportunity dropped into Fran’s lap. For while all of this was happening, Matías was doing his best to ditch his ride and get out of the country. Because he did not want to answer for his crimes. But his girlfriend convinced him, he should stay and work with the police for a shorter sentence, so they could be together and do something honest, and he did just that. By informing Fran that Dante wasn’t the shooter and that he wasn’t the hero of the story. 

All of which hinted at the possibility that everything we’ve known is a lie, and that nothing is what it seems and that… that is exciting. Because it means the unconventional nature of this story is going to continue to grow and continue to surprise us through and through, all while paying tribute to what we love about the genre and well, that leaves all of us excited for next week’s tale. To enjoy more epic moments that take our breath away and to inch closer and closer to the truth and to discover what is going on, and that is going make the wait for next week’s episode quite painful. Because this series continues to impress and continues to engage us with its evolving and jaw dropping mystery. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Shrinking’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there must be one theme to associate with the second season of Shrinking on Apple TV+, it will have to be… the pursuit and the power of truth. Because for the past five weeks, we’ve seen everyone in Jimmy’s orbit search for truth. Truth regarding their emotions, truth regarding their desires and needs in this life, and the show is clearly not planning to deviate from that particular theme. For this week’s episode of the show, once again saw everyone search for truth regarding a particular aspect or need in their lives, and that made for another powerful story that showcased more of the bittersweet nature of healing. 

A feat that ‘In a Lonely Place’ accomplished through several key plot lines, one of which involved Sean’s father. For in the wake of Sean’s beatdown, which required hospitalization, Jimmy and Paul decided to go the extra mile to get Sean and his family to heal. Which brought them to Sean’s dad’s favorite fishing spot to dole out some truth. In that, Sean needed his father, needed to connect and communicate with him and how this wasn’t about therapy or weakness, it was about a son in desperate need of his father, of the man he looked up to and took guidance from, and he needed that guidance now more than ever. Whether or not dad had it. Because father’s have that strength, and that truth worked, and connected the two at last.

While Paul and Jimmy made that happen, Gaby finally had an honest talk with her sister, about why she stepped away and why she didn’t make helping out a priority. To properly apologize and to prepare for her own takeover of family affairs, to give her sister a break and truly, the centerpiece of this truth bomb, came forth via Alice. Who learned from Brian that Louis came to the house and wanted to talk more and finally… that brought her face to face with the man that killed her mother to have a frank and earnest talk about the pain that day caused, the memories left behind and how forgiveness is the only way forward. Which she offered to Louis in an effort to heal herself and help him, since it was obvious that Louis was not in the best place mentally or life wise. 

Yet as this series is wont to do, it always looks at the up and the downside of truth, and Liz handled the more sorrowful aspects of this. Mainly because, the truth she was facing was that she made mistakes and that her life was changing at a rapid pace and people were resisting her style and resisting her wares, something that was new to her and she felt lost and scared. Scared enough to put up walls and scared enough to seek comfort elsewhere. Because that’s what we do when we see a truth we do not like, we run, we hide, until we are ready to face it. The only question that remains is what will help her to do so before fear makes her do the funny things that we all do. Because Liz doesn’t deserve that kind of strife.

But life is fickle like that, and so we are, and all of this made, for another powerful story about healing. About how hard and emotional it can be, and how much effort goes into making it happen. Because everyone here worked overtime to get to a better place or avoid their truth as necessary and well, this was just amazing to watch play out. Because this show really is capturing the healing experience and it really is exploring it in a frank manner that we need to see on television, and it will be interesting to see what comes next from the truths presented here, as season two of this brilliant show continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘St. Denis Medical’.
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It is definitely safe to say that medical sitcoms, struggle to find something that their dramatic counterparts have in spades. Specifically, a genuine sense of humanity and it makes sense as to why. After all, sitcoms are all about the laughs, so they tend to lean toward that over anything else, and while this isn’t a bad thing by any means… it does often deny us that sense of the human condition we require to deeply connect with a show in this vein. In fact, to date, really only a handful of medical sitcoms have figured out that formula and even then… they have to lean heavy into drama to capture what the audience needs. 

Which leaves one to wonder, will there ever come a medical sitcom that makes us laugh but also connects with us on a deep level in a seamless manner? And well, the answer to that question is yes and that show has arrived at last. For St. Denis Medical arrived on NBC last night and it truly does accomplish that incredible feat. Courtesy of some simple and satisfying storytelling devices, such as the fact, that this is not the traditional medical sitcom, it’s handled in a mockumentary style. Wherein we step into the world of the fictional St. Denis Medical to meet its staff in ‘Welcome to St. Denis’ and ‘A Very Robust Personal Life’ in an intimate manner. Which allows for us to quickly get to know them, and what they stand for, and yes, enjoy some serious laughs along the way.

After all, this is… a very quirky staff. One full of personalities and proclivities that truly entertain, and what other medical show features a talented surgeon that is eager to get the day started with a little ‘Intergalactic’ from the Beastie Boys, or an administrator that is looking far ahead to the future, regardless of how ready or not ready her building is for upgrades. Not to mention, it’s always hilarious to see a rookie go wrong end up for an epi pen and fear medical procedures that are commonplace. Because those are all, in some capacity, relatable moments that we can easily connect to. Because we too have our weird start of day rituals and ambitions and do and say silly things at work, and those moments bring forth the quality comedy in question, the kind that really does leave one in stitches.

But truly, it is the heart that this show exhibits that makes it special and makes that perfect medical sitcom, one we can deeply connect with, and that comes courtesy of two key moments in both episodes. For instance, in the pilot tale, Alex really surprised all of us. Because she was so desperate to get home and get to the play to see her little one wow the crowd. But a sick woman in the parking lot, prompted her to just worry about that person, in that moment, and show us the amount of heart, her, and so many medical professionals have and how someone else’s well-being truly comes first for them. Not to mention, the value of that care was put on display at the end with that beautiful thank you at the end.
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Not to mention, the next episode took the time to ponder upon something rarely discussed in medical sitcoms. Specifically, the psychological impact of what these folks see and have to deal with on a daily basis. Because they do see suffering, they do see pain, and they are human beings. Who yes, have to compartmentalize and bury at times. But that doesn’t mean it goes away, and it was just lovely and just powerful to see them all feel something in the second episode from last night, and deal with death and understand the career path they’ve chosen requires more from them from an emotional standpoint. And we really don’t see this in medical dramas or sitcoms in the raw manner we saw it here, and that all made for a brilliant series premiere.

One that informed us that Justin Spitzer and Eric Ledgin have another hit on their hands, and that they are the true masters of creating this kind of sitcom. Where we laugh, cry, and outright desire more and truly, we all want more of this charming new series. Because it really is wonderful and fun, and it really does connect with us on a fundamental level. Thanks in large part also to its talented cast, who sell the moments in question with a gravity that is rare to find in sitcoms. And well… all we can do now, is wait patiently for next week’s episode for more of the heart, charm, and outright hilarity that this series is going to send our way… as season one of this refreshing new sitcom, continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘The Irrational’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also contains discussions regarding suicide and suicidal ideation, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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We like to believe that when we harbor a strong moral core, we are immune from making utterly rash decisions, and it makes sense as to why we hold to that. After all, a strong moral core can guide a person and quickly inform them when there’s a chance to do something silly, that perhaps they should not. It is in essence, a little cautionary angel on our shoulder, keeping watch and whispering into our ears that we should definitely not do the thing, because that would go against our code, and everything we believe in. But alas, that is nothing more than aloof thinking really. Because we are human beings, and the right circumstances will always make us do irrational things. In fact, a strong moral core might push us deeper into an irrational rabbit hole, as evidenced by this week’s episode of The Irrational on NBC.

Which ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ explored by way of a shocking case on campus. In that, a brilliant student, one committed to making the world a better place through an improve organ donor selection system on campus, and a bill she was drafting to help people secure organ donations, died in an apparent suicide. Which shocked the school to the point where Alec was asked to figure out how this could have happened. Especially since other students had recently succumbed to such ideations and well, digging into the case, immediately threw up some red flags for Alec. Simply because, there were no warning signs for this student to commit to such an act, and forensics tests showcased that she didn’t commit suicide, she was outright murdered and that brought forth a fascinating investigation.

One that also showcased how irrational we are without a moral core. Since this student belonged to a sorority and her sisters covered up her death to keep the charter alive and keep their noses clean since they were doing illegal things within the walls of their house. But that led to the truth, and the central theme in question. Because it turned out, that all of the deceased’s hard work in creating an honest organ donor program went up in smoke when some rich dude bro bribed his way to new liver, and a nurse and fellow sorority sister, a person who signed up to help people… because of a good moral center, was the one responsible for this atrocity. So, rather than do the right thing and let that core fix this, this nurse instead chose… to preserve the look of her moral center by killing an innocent.

Which speaks to how that moral core means nothing to a human in severe distress, since that nurse was going to be exposed and lose her job and be shamed and that could indeed make someone snap and want to preserve the image, they are a moral beacon. All of which made for an incredible case, one that was once again balanced out nicely by growth moments for some of the other characters. Which in this case, was just Phoebe. Because the consequences of doing the right thing came forth in this tale. Since that scuzzy professor let her go from her post for blowing the whistle on her, and she of course… blacklisted Phoebe to try and keep her from working anywhere on campus. But she worked with Kylie to persevere and discover a few truths about herself before doing what should have been done ages ago.

In that, she spoke with Alec honestly about rejoining the team and what she would need to be successful in this job to manage her anxiety and Alec was happy to accommodate and welcome her home and even Simon, endured some growth here by facing his own sordid past regarding suicide in his family. Which brought forth, another amazing episode from one amazing series. Since it spoke to how few things keep us rational when we are backed into a corner, and how important it is to understand that. So that we don’t think we have a saving grace and will hopefully take a moment to think logically before acting. But that aside, it was also nice to see Phoebe come back to the department and see everyone working to lift one another up in this tale, and truly, this leaves us eager for more of this magnificent series and its amazing explorations regarding the human condition. Until next time.

​Please enjoy this super-sized, nine minute sneak peek of The Day of the Jackal, which debuts on Peacock tomorrow!

​Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode Four of You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías), which debuts on Apple TV+ tomorrow! 
 
Episode 104 - Face-to-Face
The police are ready to arrest the man they believe to be the vigilante—until a new witness comes forward with shocking information.