Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1008 of ‘Chicago Med’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that Thanksgiving no longer holds the weight that it once did in American life. After all, we now have a better understanding of what was taken from Indigenous Americans in order for colonists to ‘give thanks’, and the past eight years have divided families since there are some who believe politics are now part of an identity and are happy to back the wrong horse in the name of ideology. But there are still reasons to celebrate Thanksgiving, if we focus on the core of it. In that, it is about being thankful for what we have and what is in front of us, and it just so happens that Chicago Med took the time to remind us of that during this week’s fall finale of the show on NBC.

A feat that ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ accomplished by having the past and some important cases arrive at the hospital. For instance, a couple that was on shaky ground came to understand the power of the moment in the ED. Because their day was a weird one. Where, after finally going on a date after years of toying around with dating, they were on the brink of losing everything thanks to an accident. Which informed them both, to cherish the moment and be thankful for what we have within it. To the point where they got married right there, in the ED, and thanks to Dr. Lenox’s skill as a surgeon, they have more days to be thankful for. Which was a nice way to explore how to be thankful and present during this holiday, since Thanksgiving was the backdrop for this particular tale.

Yet, it also spoke to how it is okay to have somber thanks on this day. Since we learned that Dr. Lenox lost some important people in her life, and her family was shattered because of it. But she made sure to be thankful for the time they had regardless on this day. Plus Dr. Ripley seemingly figured out a way to get Smitty into the hospital for a little thanksgiving of his own. Because Smitty was down bad this holiday, courtesy of news he was staying in jail and away from his family. So, he and Ripley seemingly worked out a painful way to get him to the hospital through a fight, so he could see his family and make a few lasting memories before his health got worse. Which was another fine reminder of cherishing that moment and what we have.  

But of course, since this show explores all sides of the human condition, it also showcased how this holiday can be a sour time as well. Since it can be a period where the past comes back to haunt us, and we are forced to confront it. As Dr. Charles did here with the return of Sarah. Who once again, caused trouble with her garbage views on mental medicine and that forced Dr. Charles to face her chaos again and react accordingly to help a patient. Not to mention, this episode revealed Goodwin’s stalker. Who as it turned out, was the wife of the woman who Goodwin decided wouldn’t receive a transfusion during the fallout of the boating collision. For she could not stand that her wife was gone, and the holiday clearly made that worse and she brought Goodwin within an inch of her life as part of the plan for vengeance. But had it not ironically been for Dr. Archer, who had his resignation on his mind, he might have died in her office.

Granted, she may still die, since this episode leaves us on a scary cliffhanger. But while we wait to see if Archer can save her in time, we can revel in a smart midseason finale. One that perfectly hammered home the bitter moments of the holiday when the past haunts and when people have little to be thankful for. Along with the majesty of the holiday when we don’t think about its divisive nature. All of which gave rise to a powerful tale. One that moved us and featured some lovely moments for certain, and it is important to recognize those now. Because in a day or two, our minds will be focused on one thing, Goodwin, and whether or not she will make it out of the midseason premiere alive, when Chicago Med returns on January 8, 2025. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Finale of ‘Midnight Family’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that the Apple TV+ series, Midnight Family, sent a lot of important messages our way this season. For instance, we came to learn that the Mexican health care system has some serious flaws. Since it requires independent ambulance drivers to help get people to medical care. Plus, it also taught us a lot about family and how complex and difficult that can be to navigate, especially when a tight knit family is beginning to step into new chapters. All of which has made for an engaging series, one that in many ways reflects life and the ups and downs and injustices we all face and well, it turns out the show had more one lesson to send our way this season.

For ‘Limited Time’ made it clear that perhaps the cruelest lesson of all in this life, is that we can do everything right and find ourselves on a good path, and fate can rob of us that and take us down a dark path that changes everything. And it brought forth that lesson, by putting the Tamayo family through their darkest hour. For while everyone survived the crash, most of them were in bad, bad shape. Marcus had a busted jaw, Ramón had a fractured skull and Marigaby was bleeding badly from a puncture wound, and help wasn’t coming right away. Because only Julio was well and had to try and triage his own family before calling for help and that brought forth, that sour lesson. 

Because despite making it to various hospitals and getting stabilized, things did not go well for the family. For instance, Marcus tried his best to get in touch with Cris and save their budding family, and when that didn’t work, he left the hospital early to find her. Only to learn she left and wasn’t giving him a second chance. Because he chose the ambulance over her. Not to mention Ramón’s horrible injury and the stress of the situation put a real burden upon his heart. To the point where he was rushed into surgery and seemingly died on the table. Which was stunning to say the least, but understandable since that kind of trauma employs so much strain upon a person. 

Not to mention, Marigaby also faced an uncertain tomorrow. For her injuries were bad, and she was likely bleeding internally, and she was at an inferior hospital. Which prompted her loves to come see her and move her into a better facility, to try and save her life. For she was helpless here and unable to do anything but wait and let go and hope that she beat the clock. All of which made, for a dark, dark ending. One that saw broken hearts and lives change, all from a single moment. For had those trucks not collided, Ramón would be in his office, Marcus would be with Cris and Gaby would be passing her test. But that’s not how the world works, and fate can do this kind of damage in a moment, and that was sobering to see play out.

Simply because, stories like this, are supposed to end happy. For everyone found growth, and everyone pushed toward being better. Not flawless, but better, and to see all that work disappear in an accident is stunning. But that is about as real as it gets. For this happens often, and it adds reverence and gravity to the story and reminds us… to cherish the moment and to cherish life. To support those who try and save it and well, this may indeed be the end. Since there has been no word on a second season and if there isn’t one, this would serve a complete ending to a limited series and really hammer home the lessons at hand and this show truly deserves a round of applause. For offering up a finale this brave, this bold, and this real, in an era of storytelling where realism isn’t always welcome.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías)’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one particular question that fans of the new Apple TV+ series, You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías), have had on their minds since last week’s episode, it would have to be… what the hell happened on that bus? Because Matías’ confession to Fran made it clear that all was not what it seemed on that wild night, and that Dante was not the hero we thought he was. He was an opportunist that found a way to quickly escape without being harmed and well… we simply had to know the truth. Because two different accounts meant someone was lying and well, the next episode in this amazing series wasted little time in answering that all-important question.

For ‘Theater’ picked up shortly after last week’s story. Where Matías was wrapping up his testimony to Fran, and while that was happening, the press and the families of the victims on the bus, were getting to put this all behind them. Because the chief was good with Rebeca’s account on the matter, and that would close the case and get these folks home to recover and move forward. But hearing what Matías had to say shook Fran to his core and it made him understand that someone was lying to him, and that prompted him… to try and keep the case open and keep the victims in the station to get to the bottom of what really happened. Which simply wasn’t going to happen because of the chief’s edict. So, Fran got creative.

In that, as the victims were about to be taken outside, he tasked them with joining him via another exit. So that the press would not harass them. Which was… only partially the truth. Because while the press was left outside waiting, the group was ushered into the evidence garage and put back aboard the bus where they were traumatized, for quite the unique interrogation. Because in that moment, Fran laid it all on the table. That he knew that Dante was not ‘The Justice’. That he escaped early and committed no measure of heroics and that something sinister happened on this bus on that night. And that everyone was going to stay inside its confines until the truth was set free, and that was rightfully met with hard resistance.

Because everyone continued to declare their innocence and well, that prompted Fran to let loose with his temper like never before to push this group hard to finally break and offer the truth. In that, they had lied. They had seen Dante’s face, and he did escape early. So that he could avoid facing charges for opening fire and dropping one of the robbers, and they also admitted… there was a group cover up and some bad things happened on that night. Wherein, fury and fear and a chance to take charge of the situation, led to murder. For Balter and Elisa, both put a bullet in the remaining two criminals, and the group saw a chance to collectively pin it on Dante and go home and live their lives. But alas, the truth always comes forth and nothing will be the same going forward.

For now, we know, as do the police, that there were no heroes on this night. Just a group of scared people who made choices that are squarely in the grey and for reasons we cannot relate to. Since we have not been in that situation and that is what could lie ahead, an examination of why, and likely more surprises. Because that is where this series thrives and what it enjoys sending our way. But while we wait to see what twists come forth from the truth, we can celebrate one intense and engaging tale. Because man, Fran just went wild here and being in the bus with everyone was a tense, heart racing experience. One that does leave us ready for more. To see what lie ahead now that the truth is out in the open. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘Shrinking’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It really is quite amazing, what the hit Apple TV+ series, Shrinking, is accomplishing from a storytelling standpoint in its second season. Simply because, it is offering up the most comprehensive examination of our relationship with the truth to ever grace television. To the point where we are seeing its importance and its folly on display and clearly, there will be no backing off when it comes to the show’s exploration of this concept. As evidenced by this week’s episode of the show. For ‘Get in the Sea’ pondered deeply on why it is so important to be truthful with the people we love, regardless of the risk, because to do otherwise, will cause great harm.

Which was put on display in this story by way of several key storylines. One of which, involved Brian. Who was in a bit of a panic in this story, simply because… the baby was on its way. For a mother to be that didn’t want her child, selected Brian and Charlie to be the new parents and he lost it, plain and simple. Because he did not feel mentally ready to be a dad, and he wasn’t sure how to express that since Charlie had that baby fever. So, he did his best to bury such concerns deep down. Only for them to haunt him and prompt him to block Gaby from getting a little intimacy time with her new beau. Who, oddly enough, helped Brian to speak his mind and in doing so, he came to learn that Charlie needed time to prepare for this mentally as well and had there not been truth, a life-long mistake would have been made.

Plus, even Liz got in on the truth game in this story. Because she was spending more and more time with that old friend, hoping to just escape her troubles and her worries. Something that Paul noticed while out and about, and he made sure to say something about the dangers of being around a guy that was clearly interested in sex at this precarious time in her life. But you know Liz, she only thinks she knows best at this point in time and that brought about, a kiss. One she did stop, yes, but a kiss none the less and with Paul’s advice again, she told the truth to Derek and faced the consequences. Which were rough, since the normally chill Derek really let Liz have it over this in his own powerful way. But it did speak to the importance of being truthful at all times.

Which of course brings us to the negative storyline involving the lesson at hand. For this show always offers both sides of the equation and it was Alice that showcased what kinds of penalties we face when we don’t tell the truth. But it didn’t seem like that right away. Because she made up with Summer and found peace there and was seemingly doing better all round, really. To the point where she and Brian were actively hanging out with Louis and building that relationship, and well… advice from her dad on solving her problems with Summer, served to remind her of the lesson, and she was prepared to tell her dad that she was hanging out with Louis. But it was too little too late. Because Jimmy saw his best friend, and his daughter, sitting and laughing with the man that tore their lives apart.

That means, the penalty can be devastation and real harm to someone, and Jimmy will be hurt deeply by this. But before we ponder upon that fallout, we can celebrate another amazing tale. One that truly explored the power of being honest with those we care about, and the benefits and the folly, and it still found ways to make us laugh. Courtesy of Gaby’s romantic goofs in this tale, and through Jimmy’s attempts to keep his hot streak going. But alas, some serious stuff does await on the horizon. Because this was a huge mistake on Alice’s part. One that will indeed create a familial rift in this delicate time and send Jimmy into darkness, and it will be fascinating to see how and if they repair the damage done here, by keeping the truth at bay. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that there is a healthy buzz surrounding the upcoming new Peacock series, Laid. Simply because, when Peacock let it be known what this series is about and what it stands for, everyone’s ears perked up. Because at last, something fresh and original was coming to the romantic comedy genre, something truly modern and truly innovative and that has indeed left everyone wondering what to expect from this show and wondering how great it is going to be, and Peacock is more than happy to help us with that.
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For earlier today, they released the full trailer for the show, and a bevy of new images. All so we can finally understand the wonder that awaits us with this series. One that will allow for a holiday binge, since all eight episodes of Laid will be released on December 19, and since you’re here because this show has caught your attention as well… here is that trailer and those new photos. To help you count down the days to what will easily be the most original romantic comedy series to hit the airwaves in ages, courtesy of Peacock.

ABOUT LAID

A woman finds out her former lovers are dying in unusual ways and must go back through her sex timeline to confront her past in order to move forward – “Laid” is a f*cked up rom-com where the answer to “why can’t I find love, is there something wrong with me?” is a resounding “Yes. There is. The problem is definitely you.”

Premiere Date: December 19, 2024 (Binge)
Co-Showunners / Executive Producers / Writers: Nahnatchka Khan and Sally Bradford McKenna
Executive Producer / Star: Stephanie Hsu
Executive Producers: John Davis and John Fox for Davis Entertainment   
Executive Producer: Jennifer Carreras for Fierce Baby   
Executive Producers: Marieke Hardy, Kirsty Fisher, and Liz Watts for Porchlight Films   
Executive Producer: All3Media International    
Principal Cast: Stephanie Hsu, Zosia Mamet, Michael Angarano and Tommy Martinez
Key Guest Stars: Andre Hyland, Kate Berlant, David Denman, John Early, Ettore “Big E” Ewen, Chloe Fineman, Olivia Holt, Simu Liu, Finneas O’Connell and Alexandra Shipp
Studio: Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group    
Format: Comedy Series / 8 x 30-minute episodes
 
A NOTE FROM NAHNATCHKA KHAN & SALLY BRADFORD MCKENNA (CO-SHOWRUNNERS / EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS / WRITERS) 

When we started to develop LAID, we were intrigued by the idea of bringing back the old-school, traditional romantic comedy (swelling music! kisses in the rain! Anne Hathaway or someone who is also appealing!), but because we were living in such a dark time (pandemic! industry strikes!), we felt it needed to have some kind of twist. Sure, it could be optimistic and heartwarming and make you believe in love again, but it should probably also have suspense and death and blood. The premise of LAID -- a woman discovers all of her exes are dying in mysterious ways -- seemed exactly what we were looking for: a f*cked-up rom-com.  
 
Please enjoy as Ruby (Stephanie Hsu) searches for love, along with help from her best friend AJ (Zosia Mamet) who makes Ruby’s sex timeline so she can track down all of her exes -- the guys, the girls, the one-night stands, the man she only remembers as “Green Day Shirt,” John Early -- to tell them... they’re going to die. It’s truly the love story for our times.  

Please enjoy this super-sized sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 709 of Outlander. Which returns to STARZ tomorrow!
 
EPISODE 709: Unfinished Business **SEASON PREMIERE**
Airdate: November 22 on STARZ 

Jamie, Claire, and Ian return to Lallybroch. Young Ian reconnects with his family in a time of need, while Claire deals with the fallout from a long-held secret. Roger and Buck search for Jemmy in the past

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 202 of Silo, which debuts on Apple TV+ on 11/22/24!
 
Episode 202 - “Order”
In Silo 18, shock and unrest take hold in the wake of Juliette doing what no one’s done before.

If there’s one thing that parents want for their young children from a learning perspective, it’s making sure they can find new ways to learn when school seems far away or happens to be on break. Because we know that young minds need to be nourished and need to be stimulated often, and being able to quietly teach children something during those precious down hours just helps with that and puts them in a position to grow and get ahead with their schooling. Which is something that Apple TV+ is aware of, and why today’s news from them is quite important.
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Simply because earlier, they released the trailer and premiere date for their upcoming new preschool series, Wonder Pets: In the City. A show that is designed to offer learning through fun, since the characters are a delight to watch and the musical adventures present in this show, allow for kids to celebrate and champion our differences and learn some lessons along the way as they bop to toe-tapping tunes. And well, to help you see how much this will benefit the learning experience during the busy, busy holiday season… here is that trailer and all the details on this new series, courtesy of Apple TV+.

‘Apple TV+ today revealed the trailer for “Wonder Pets: In the City,” the all-new animated preschool original series premiering globally on Friday, December 13. The adorable new series invites kids and families to come together to meet charming new characters and go on exciting adventures that spark curiosity and celebrate our unique differences.
 
“Wonder Pets: In the City” introduces a trio of heroes: Izzy the Guinea Pig, Tate the Snake, and Zuri the Bunny. These heroic classroom pets live in a kindergarten in New York City and travel all around the globe in their amazing “Jetcar” to rescue animals in musical, mini-opera-themed adventures. When the going gets tough, Izzy, Tate and Zuri always remember to combine their talents and abilities and work together to save the day – because together, there’s nothing they can’t do! 
 
Produced by Nickelodeon Animation, “Wonder Pets: In the City” is developed by Emmy Award Winner Jennifer Oxley who serves as executive producer alongside Steve Altiere (“Pretzel and the Puppies”), and Grammy and Emmy Award winner and co-executive producer, Jeffrey Lesser. The new series features the voice talents of newcomers Victoria Scola-Giampapa as Izzy, Vanessa Huszar as Zuri, and Christopher Sean Cooper Jr. as Tate.  
 
This music-forward series also features Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning composers and is accompanied by the FILMharmonic Orchestra.
 
Award-winning all-age offerings now streaming globally on Apple TV+ include celebrated live action animated hybrid special, “The Velveteen Rabbit”; the Academy Award and BAFTA Award-winning animated short film “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”; Oscar-nominated and BAFTA Award-winning animated film “Wolfwalkers”; the BAFTA Award and Humanitas Prize-winning “El Deafo,” BAFTA Award-winning “Lovely Little Farm,” “Duck & Goose,” “Get Rolling With Otis,” Spin Master Entertainment’s “Sago Mini Friends,” GLAAD Media Award-nominated “Pinecone & Pony,” “Frog and Toad,” The Jim Henson Company’s Emmy Award-winning “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock,” “Harriet the Spy” and “Slumberkins,” Sesame Workshop’s “Helpsters,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Entertainment’s “Wolfboy and the Everything Factory,” Jack McBrayer and Angela C. Santomero’s Emmy Award-nominated “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show,” Peanuts and WildBrain’s Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy in Space,” “The Snoopy Show,” Scholastic’s “Eva the Owlet” and Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series “Stillwater” from Gaumont. Live-action offerings include Bonnie Hunt’s DGA and WGA Award-nominated “Amber Brown,” DGA Award-winning “Best Foot Forward,” “Surfside Girls,” WGA Award-winning “Life By Ella,” Sesame Workshop and Sinking Ship’s Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter,” Emmy Award and Environmental Media Association Award winning “Jane,” and Scholastic’s “Puppy Place.”
 
Also included are “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times bestselling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers, and specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown,” “Snoopy Presents: Lucy’s School,” Humanitas and Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), With Love,” “Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie,” “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” Emmy Award-winning “Snoopy Presents: Who Are You, Charlie Brown?” and “Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne.”
 
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 your 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 earned 523 wins and 2,374 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
 
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 free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*
 
For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.
*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until canceled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visitapple.com/promo for more information.’

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode Six of The Day of the Jackal, which debuts on Peacock tomorrow!
 
EPISODE 106  
Written by: Charles Cumming  
Created for television by: Ronan Bennett 
Directed by: Paul Wilmshurst  
Logline: Following his shootout with Bianca, the Jackal must escape his captors and regroup ahead of his hit on UDC. Meanwhile, Bianca tracks his trail of devastation through the Hungarian countryside. 

It is definitely safe to say, that most fictional stories about people that take on a serial killer, in any capacity, end in a supremely similar manner. Wherein the good citizen or citizens or detective chasing this killer… confront the monster at last. Which gives rise to an epic showdown where good usually conquers evil, and thus the killer goes to jail for the rest of their days or takes their last breath, depending on how the writer decides to end the story, and well… that’s that. There are some brief moments of reflection before the hero or heroes, just pick up the pieces and move toward an unknown future as the story fades to black or the page reads THE END.
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Which makes for amazing entertainment for certain, and some satisfying endings… but they are incomplete finales at best. After all, anyone who comes toe to toe with a killer, would be transformed from a psychological standpoint. Because that’s a harrowing brush with death, and life changing to say the least, and it would be worthwhile to explore something that powerful and moving. Not to mention, what is life, like for a killer when the killing stops? Because that too would be an adjustment worthy of a good story and well, at long last… it would seem that one particular series is eager to ponder upon such matters.

Which are feats that season two of Based on a True Story accomplish, by way of a unique new plot. Wherein we reunite with Ava and Nathan, after some resolution regarding their little problem in knowing an outright serial killer. Which allows for us to quickly see, who we would become after facing such a stressful situation and at the same time, who a killer would become when murder is no longer part of the order of the day since Matt is faced with that prospect as well in this season, and that brings about… an incredible new season of storytelling. One filled with deep reflection for the characters as they begin to ponder upon a new chapter where survival and fear is no longer the order of the day and that alone is worth the price of admission for season two.

Since it finally takes us into that part of the story we never see and does so in a compelling and oddly realistic manner. But of course, while those elements would be enough to carry this season from beginning to end, it features so much more for us to chew upon. In fact, the show’s trademark commentary and depth regarding the human condition in the modern world, is present here, and it dives into new territory as well. The kind that is supremely reflective in nature and deeply fascinating, and much of that relates to the many journeys present here, and yet there are still more wonders to discuss. Since season two also features some bold surprises, and that trademark black comedy that made season one so enjoyable here, is also present.

Not to mention, the cast elevates their acting game in season two, which is no small feat. Since they were so good in season one. But now, they’re comfortable with their characters, and that allows for them to take their performances new places, and all of this brings forth, a magnificent season of storytelling. One that is bold, thoughtful and downright entertaining. Courtesy of great humor, grand ideas and moments that you’ve likely noticed we’ve steered clear of breaking down in detail. Because spoilers here would be cruel, and you need to experience the majesty of this new season firsthand and the good news is, you don’t have to wait much longer. For season two of Based on a True Story drops on Peacock tomorrow, and we cannot wait for you to see it, nor can we wait to share our interviews with Executive Producer Michael Costigan and Actor Liana Liberato (Tory), as our celebration of the release of season two of this magnificent show continues along. Until next time.