Ask anyone on the street what they know about Charles Manson, and you’ll get back one constant answer. In that, he was a crazed lunatic that inspired a bunch of people to commit mass murder. Because well, that’s what we associate Charles Manson with. His precious family that he ‘raised’ at an abandoned movie ranch on the outskirts of Los Angeles, and the Tate-LaBianca murders that his followers committed at his behest. For that is how that story goes, and the man is iconic for his involvement in this act, and it was so heinous, that it has remained part of American Lore for well over fifty years, to the point where it is even enshrined in motion pictures.
​
But that’s really all we talk about, Helter Skelter and the madness of one of America’s earliest cult leaders and few think upon Charles and his family beyond that, but that should not be the case. Simply because the crime that was committed, and the circus that followed it, has a lot to offer us from a lesson standpoint, and that is why, director Billie Mintz has taken the time to assemble a powerful, three-part docuseries about Charles Manson, and his life, and so much more. So that we can properly understand the why behind this crime and why it has influenced popular culture and the modern world, and that makes Making Manson on Peacock, an absolute must-watch for certain. Because in large part, how comprehensive a story it is.

For this series takes the time to explore something that few stories about Manson ever have, his childhood. Those formative years that we now know are critical to creating the monsters of the world, and it isn’t presented by way of some quick historical re-telling of the matter, it’s from Charles’ own mouth. Since there were, twenty years’ worth of tapes of conversations between Charles and his perhaps only friend in the world, and through those tapes, we learn of foundational damage and once the show gets beyond that… do we come to understand the chaos of the ‘family’, through testimony from the family members, and a deep dive into the hideous nature of the crimes committed and the wild trial that followed. One that was soaked in the same media attention big crimes receive now, complete with the circus atmosphere and grandstanding of certain individuals.

All of which offers, a complete perspective and understanding of these crimes, much of which has remained hidden for some time, and it also poses some questions about the validity of the trial and of Charles’ role in the murders in question. Not to exonerate Charles mind you, or to paint him as some of kind of saint that was nothing more than an innocent man caught in a whirlwind of lies. No instead, the point here is to humanize a man that has become larger than life, and a caricature of himself. To help us understand what creates bad people in this world, and how cults form and how sensationalizing crimes and the people involved in them, creates more harm than good. Because that is what a good documentary does, it presents everything in an objective light. 

Which brings forth, an incredible docuseries, one that really does provide us with the complete picture of Manson and his life, and his actions and truly… this is likely the definitive look at his crimes. Since beginning to end is put on display, and perspective from critical individuals is provided to us and you really cannot ask for much more from a documentary, and it is great that this story finally exists. Because it does set the record straight regarding one of America’s most infamous criminals and most infamous crimes, and now people can fully understand how this came to pass and why we remain obsessed about Charles Manson, decades after lives were lost, and decades after Charles took his last breath.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘St. Denis Medical’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
​
For the most part, new comedy shows that have a something to say about their respective environments and industry, tend to wait a little bit before diving into hard satire and commentary, and understandably so. After all, the series is indeed new and working to establish its audience, so it stands to reason to lean into the jokes and learn about the characters, so that the audience can be eased into the more powerful stuff down the line. But St. Denis Medical on NBC is looking to defy that edict, as evidenced by last night’s fascinating and downright funny new episode.

Simply because ‘Weird Stuff You Can’t Explain’ dove headfirst, right away, into something we as a society barely discuss. In that, while the medical world is a place built upon science and execution, it is often tied heavily to faith and religion. After all, people come out of surgery thanking God, not their surgeon after life-saving surgery. Plus, people pray heavily when their loved ones are hurting and healing. Making it clear that it is a big part of the medical experience, but why? Since again, it is a surgeon and their training that brings forth that lifesaving moment, and it is time and medications and other treatments that finish the healing process.

Thankfully, the show pondered upon that question in a supremely hilarious manner through two key storylines. One of which involved Matt and how his keen insight exposed the hospital’s chaplain as a fraud. Since he discovered that Chaplain Steve didn’t know his scripture and that was because Steve didn’t graduate ‘priest school’ if you will, which cost the chaplain his job when Joyce discovered this. Not to mention, a surge of prayer on this day in the hospital, prompted Dr. Ron to challenge such matters by declaring a hex upon the hospital. Since there was no way that either concept would have bearing on the day’s events. But of course, there was fallout from both ideas and that led to the why behind such matters.

In that, it isn’t enough for people to just think that science will save them. They sometimes need a little more to hold to. Which may involve a prayer to the Lord above or keeping certain items around for good luck and blessings, such as say… a nine-foot tall cross. But it’s all about, just ignoring the chaos and randomness of life if only for a moment and holding to the possibility that something more out there is listening and ready to help. Just to have that sliver of hope, so that the fear doesn’t overwhelm us and that brought about, some surprises. Since Steve was reinstated as chaplain, with the understanding that he would finish school and beat Matt down if he ever saw him in a dark alley, because he did bring that comfort to people in need, and even Dr. Ron put a little faith out there.

All of which made, for a stunningly brilliant episode of this new show. In part, because it went right into a grand examination of something we don’t see discussed in television all that often, but also because of the level of class it handled such topics with. Because this could have gone into rude territory, and poked fun at folks who do harbor faith, or it could have insulted science. But this was a balanced and funny story about how faith and medicine are forever intertwined and that’s okay. Because healing is scary, and we all need something to hold onto when healing is taking place, and it was just wonderful to see this bold story on display and it leaves us eager to see what other storytelling surprises await us as season one of this show continues along. Until next time.

Please enjoy this exclusive clip and synopsis of Episode Five of You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías), which you can stream on Apple TV+ today!
 
Episode 105 - Theater
Matías’ account of events pushes Garza to drastic measures in search of the truth. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Three Premiere of ‘Night Court’. To revisit the Season Two Finale, click here.
​
One particular act we work hard to take part in, in this life, is to be honest with the people we deeply care about. Because honesty matters and no one likes being lied to, but sometimes… following that edict just isn’t one-hundred percent possible. Not because we make a conscious choice to harm them by outright keeping truth from them, but because… we sometimes encounter little nuggets of truths that could deeply harm the person we care about. So, we deem it best, to keep that truth from them to protect them, and perhaps see if we can process it in a manner that will soften the blow when we are ready to tell that truth. Because caring for someone involves that now and again, and it is not an easy process to navigate, as evidenced by the season three premiere of Night Court on NBC.

For ‘The Judge’s Boyfriend’s Dad’ picked up shortly after the season two finale where Jake’s mom, Susan, hinted at the very real possibility that Dan Fielding, might be Jake’s actual dad. A reality further enforced by the fact that this duo was able to mimic one another to a tee and well… that put Abby Stone in that tough place. Because this was… a lot for her to process and would of course, be a nightmare for Jake and Dan to process. Since he has spent years looking for his biological father, and Dan has never expressed a desire to be a father So, she decided to keep that truth at bay for a hot minute, so she could figure out if this true. Because if it wasn’t, then this was no big deal, but if it was… she would need to deliver such a bombshell gently to her beau and mentor and well, that process went about as well as one might expect.

For she thought an honest talk with Susan would bring about the truth but that instead… confused the hell out of her. Since Susan did speak to potentially being quite intimate with Mr. Fielding. But alas, she was also drugged out of her mind from surgery and said a lot of weird things, such as implying that she may have been very intimate with a cute judge that was also a magician, which horrified Abby to no end for obvious reasons. Which prompted her… to go to extremes to get the answers. In part to also make sure Jake wasn’t her brother, so she had Gurgs test her DNA and steal Dan and Jake’s DNA in a hilarious manner to put to rest once and for all, if Dan was Jake’s dad or not. All of which brought forth, a very honest and powerful examination of how hard it is to be in that position where we know something about a special someone that could change their life and how hard it is to carry that burden.

But of course, you’re likely wondering how that ends, and well… we’ll get to that in a moment. Because there was another important plotline present in this story that we absolutely need to talk about. In that, we came to learn that Olivia stepped away from Night Court to take on a fancy new job. One that paid her handsomely and that meant the court needed a new prosecutor and they found one. A familiar one… in Julianne Walters. Yes, that’s right. The woman that was in this court often of her own accord, and eager to bring Dan Fielding to his knees, was granted a second chance at life through Abby’s second chance program and opted to take that opportunity to resurrect her work in law and work across from Dan. Which led, to some amazing comedic moments, the kind that revealed that big secret that everyone was keeping, in that, all believed Dan was the judge’s boyfriend’s, dad.

Which meant… this one ended on a cliffhanger, and a good one at that. Since Abby had the test results in hand the moment Dan found out the truth about what was happening around him, and all of this led, to one amazing premiere. For this one featured that perfect blend of comedy and humanity that this series has quickly become known for, and it engaged us every single step of the way, simply because… we too must know. Is Jake, Dan’s son? Because that would be a huge plot twist, and alas we must now wait to find out. But while we wait, we can revel in the wonder of this magnificently written story, that eased us into a new chapter for the cast with Wendie Malick joining the cast as a regular and did not miss a beat with the comedy. Since the jokes worked so well here, and now that we’ve reached the end of one delightful premiere, we can turn our attention to Jake and Dan, as we wait to see if they are father and son. Until next time.

Learn more about the show’s new prosecutor, courtesy of our interview with Wendie Malick.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode Five of You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías), which debuts on Apple TV+ tomorrow! 
 
Episode 105 - Theater
Matías’ account of events pushes Garza to drastic measures in search of the truth. 

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Inspector Ellis’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we’ve talked at length about the refreshing nature of the new Acorn TV series, Inspector Ellis, and rightfully so. Because this has been an outright refreshing crime drama, courtesy of a supremely unique look at the crime world since this show has gone behind the scenes if you will, to explore the mistakes that police departments make and how ego and nonsense can lead to a slowdown in solving a critical case. Which has forced Ellis and Hardy to work hard to overcome such silliness to bring justice to the fallen. If anything, this is so well engrained in the show, that it is precisely what we expected to find during the show’s season one finale.

Because ‘Brindleton’ saw our dynamic duo descend on that very city to help with a perplexing case. One where a newlywed couple had gone missing near a river that had claimed many lives in the past. But of course, there was suspicion surrounding that, and worry that more infighting and nonsense was going to be the focus. But soon Ellis and Hardy came to learn, that wasn’t the kind of chaos they were going to encounter. For they were welcomed into the office with open arms and given everything they needed to solve the case. Which was refreshing for a change but did indeed bring about the different measure of chaos. The kind that involved the town itself. For this place was an ocean of secrets, and also a hotbed of activity for true crime enthusiasts and wannabe podcasters, and that made life difficult when the bodies of that couple were discovered.

In part because those true crime enthusiasts were jumping at every lead and pestering people around town. All while the department tried to lock down facts and uncover why a missing hand was part of this mess and that truly allowed for this finale to accomplish some wonders. In that, it suddenly became a classic procedural, one that required Ellis to dig deep and really use her skills to solve this case, and it also allowed for the show to shake things up and showcase that it isn’t a one-trick pony. It can be a wondrous standard crime show and well, this worked. Because it gave rise to an engaging case and entertaining story that saw our duo, cut through the nonsense of these enthusiasts and really dive into what caused three people to die in this town, and reveal the truth behind those many, many secrets.

Since two of the deceased hailed from this town and once spent time with others in a band together and did their best to hide, their tight connections, the things they learned about one another… and for one member of the band… the unhealthy love he harbored with the deceased bride. For she was his one and only in his mind and through the amazing digging that our heroes took part in, they came to learn this was a crime of passion. One where everything escalated far too quickly and that led to a mutilated death, and eventually, murder in the moment and a drowned bride who dove into rocky waters to save her badly wounded husband. All because someone could not let go of their heart’s desire and that made for a tragic case for certain. One that also spoke to one other unique storytelling element.

In that, sometimes cases don’t get solved because departments are overwhelmed, and their staffs are unprepared and not trained quite right. Since that did add to the chaos and allowed for our heroes to be mentors instead of enemies of the state and that truly gave rise to a compelling finale. One that felt like a classic crime story, with some wonderful updates to the formula, and of course, it once again let Sharon D Clarke shine as Ellis, since the good inspector really put her skill set on display here like never before and hopefully, we get more of this show. Because as of press time a second season has not been commissioned but it needs to be, because this show is a breath of fresh air and engaging as can be, and hopefully we get some good news regarding that soon. So, we can enjoy more incredible moments with one brilliant inspector. 

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eight of ‘Brilliant Minds’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
It is definitely safe to say that we are entering a brave new frontier in the medical world. Simply because we are finally acknowledging that mental health is something that needs to be maintained in a manner akin to our physical health. Which means we must indulge in actions that keep our mind sharp, keep our emotions healthy and if such matters need treatment, we should address it with the same urgency as a badly sprained ankle. Because the fact of the matter is, mental health is paramount and it determines so much about how we live our lives, how we thrive, and whether or not our tomorrow will be a good one or a sour one, and for proof as to how this works, look no further than this week’s episode of Brilliant Minds on NBC.

Which the ‘The Lovesick Widow’ explored in beautiful detail, courtesy of several key storylines all tied to one important element that we need to thrive… a deep human connection. Be it romantic or physical. And the first storyline that pondered deeply upon such matters, involved a patient in the hospital that was presenting some interesting and unique symptoms. For June, an elderly woman, was in the hospital for observation regarding a stunning libido. One that got her booted from her retirement home and of course, everyone wanted to know what caused this surge of sexual desire. Since it was sudden, and her family wondered if it was related to something serious, and while it wasn’t immediately life threatening, there was a medical cause related to the matter.

In that, June had an uncured form of syphilis, which can bring about a heightened sex drive in later years when gone untreated, and well, her family wanted treatment to take place, and her to move in with them, but she did not want any of that. Because for the first time ever, she felt free, she felt desired, and she felt happy and the thought of letting go of that… depressed her deeply. To the point where the solution to keep her vibrant was to give her, her freedom and work with her on treatments to keep her sex drive high. Because human connection in that manner gave her life, gave her what she needed emotionally and mentally. All because we do get a thrill when we feel desired, and it does boost our mental health and that was a great and unique way to teach us that lesson, and it was wonderfully complimented by more romantic journeys in this tale.

For Ericka talked with June often and received some solid advice on taking a moment to enjoy life and find connections period because they’re so special, and she listened to that advice by going for it with Van and she did find that spark and that thrill that nourished her mental health to a tee and even Dr. Wolf participated in such matters. Mainly because his mother ran interference on his budding relationship with Dr. Nichols, and that reminded him of the fact that she denied him this before and put him in a fragile place because of it. But having Roman pass away on his watch and seeing the joy that June exhibited when she was close to the men that adored her, reminded him to reach out and grab his happiness and find value in love and he did, and it was just wonderful to see Dr. Wolf go for it for a change and fulfill an emotional and mental health need. 

All of which made, for a supremely progressive and uplifting tale when all is said and done. Even with Carol’s somewhat Since it did remind us of the power of connection and what that can do for our minds and our souls, and it spoke to the healthy nature of sex and the importance… of living life to the fullest and embracing what brings us joy. All of which was just delightful to see here, especially after last week’s devastating story. Not to mention, it was so sweet and so delightful that this episode just took a moment to pay tribute to Leonard Nimoy and his family and Zachary Quinto’s role in the Star Trek Universe. Since Leonard’s widow Susan played June here, and the little shoutout to Zachary’s resemblance to Leonard was also a joy and a fitting bow on a positive and uplifting story about the wonder of what it means to connect with someone that sends our heart a flutter. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Sweetpea’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
If there is one particular question that was on everyone’s mind when they tuned into the fascinating STARZ series, Sweetpea, the other day, it was… would Rhiannon find redemption for the horrible things she’s done? After all, she stopped herself from killing the one person that put her down a dark path to begin with, and instead worked to save her through a touch of manslaughter. Which freed Julia from the hell she lived within and would undoubtedly make Rhiannon a hero of sorts, prompting the real possibility that she might be redeemed, and well… it just so happens that the season one finale of this incredible show, took the time to finally answer that question in a complex manner.

Because early on in ‘Life 2.0’ it really did lean toward… redemption. After all, Julia and Rhiannon’s story worked and eventually, they were released, and no trouble came forth for Rhiannon. Despite the tough efforts of Marina to get her to crack and confess. Which in turn, led to joy. Where Rhiannon was finally one with the popular crowd and lusted after by men and able to just… enjoy her life for a change. That led her to believe that a new chapter was beginning, especially since she was cemented at work as someone more as well, and all it took, was losing her mind for a bit and killing a couple of rotten asshats. But soon it became clear, that the real answer to that question… was a hideous no.

For Julia began to think deeply upon the fact that despite being saved and being free from her awful relationship with her now dead fiancé, her new ‘bestie’… kidnapped her and held her at knife point and put her through utter hell to make her free, and that was enough… to leave her life behind. Not to mention, Craig wasn’t the romantic savior she expected him to be, he was just an opportunist and that left Rhiannon to wonder, what then did she accomplish and what redemption did she find? But a twisted encounter with Marina, who decided to break and enter and get evidence of what happened, helped her to forget about that. Because she truly enjoyed the thrill of getting away with it, of being seen in a different light, and well, that’s when things took a turn.

Because that little boost of confidence helped her finally seal the deal with AJ and allowed for her to believe that a real love was in the cards. But AJ’s desire to get the scoop and write the final piece to this led to a horrifying discovery. In that the woman he was enamored with, was a monster. One that he was far too close to and where justice needed to be served and that led, to exactly what Marina said would happen… a fresh kill. Because keeping her secret, keeping this delicate little lie she constructed, was more important than consequences and truth. Which committed her to true darkness and made it clear, there would be no redemption for her.  Especially not with her sister walking in the door.

All of which brought about, a sour season finale, but also… the right one. Because there’s nothing quirky or kitschy about murder, it’s the darkest act we as a species commit. And no matter how much we think it will solve our problems or change our lives for the better, it won’t. It just creates more darkness, more suffering and an emptiness that cannot be filled and consequences. As to what those will be for Rhiannon, well we need a second season to figure that out, and hopefully the series gets a second season order. To further explore what lie ahead for this budding serial killer, and to continue this unique tale. One that truly dug into murder and the demons we carry like never before.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Finale of ‘Three Women’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
Over the course of the past nine weeks, we’ve enjoyed quite the powerful examination of what life is like for women in the 21st century America via the STARZ series, Three Women. Wherein we’ve come to learn, that life as a woman is messy. Primarily because of the many conflicts society imparts upon women. After all, women are expected to be loyal and loving but cannot enjoy desire, and women cannot cross certain lines when it comes to being bold, and women can be playthings if men so choose. All of which is counterintuitive to what we teach people about life and the pursuit of happiness, and that’s led to some powerful stories for certain in this series. The kind that has raised quite the big question.

In that, what then has the point of this journey been? Which is not to insult the show or insult the stories that have been put on display, but that is a valid question. For every story has a goal in mind and every story must bring that goal together and they usually do that through tension and conflict that is building toward something greater for certain. But this show has been unconventional in its structure and hasn’t had that traditional build toward something more. Leaving us to wonder what the story has been eager to accomplish, and the series finale of this saga, did not seem to lend to an endgame. At least, not right away. Since ‘her name’ focused on different types of resolution for the fascinating characters in this show. For instance, Gia had her baby early and hit the road with her, to meet Maggie and get her story. Which infuriated Jake and led to some ugly moments for certain that were hurtful for Gia but spoke to what Gia needed in life and the lengths she was prepared to go to get it.

Plus, Sloane worked to claim agency in a new manner. Wherein she was less brash with people and more open to unity and forgiveness and grace, and kindness. Since she disarmed Will’s beloved rather than escalate, to make a point that she wasn’t inhuman and made mistakes, and she of course, worked to patch things up with her husband and find common ground that addressed her concerns and his, so they could be partners again. Also, Lina finally came to quite the epiphany about her quest. In that, while it was lovely to be desired, there had to be more. There had to be romance and attention and a feeding of that desire beyond mind blowing sex. She needed that connection and that wasn’t present with Aidan, and it led to her focusing on the wrong things and that caused wild harm, to her son. So, she broke it off, to find her needs.

Not to mention, Maggie did tell her story and that meant, Gia wrote her book a
nd clearly overcame her cancer. All of which were baseline endings, that seemingly do not speak to a theme, but Gia’s final thoughts and really, the actions taken here… does in fact… speak to a message and a goal for this series. It was just simply delivered unto us in a subtle manner and requires one to think upon the whole of the work and not just the finale to understand… this was about taking part in something that has needed to happen for a very long time. Because let’s not mince words, we don’t listen to women, we don’t acknowledge the wants and needs of women, and we most certainly don’t care to nurture those and give women a chance to thrive and life a full life free from the bullshit standards we impart upon them.

Which means… this series was designed to do that. To make sure that these stories were heard, and we had to damn well listen, and we had to acknowledge the wants and needs present here and watch them be nurtured as a part of an effort to send up a great big middle finger to the patriarchy and all of its nonsense. Because it is time. Time to listen, time to let go and just let women live their lives. Because women are not breeding vessels, or property, or anything less, and women deserve to live their lives as they see fit because it is no one’s business but that of the individual, and that made for a satisfying ending for certain. One complex and powerful and will stay with us for some time. Courtesy of an honest story, that held nothing back in showcasing the lives of three women, and the lives they finally get to lead.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Happy’s Place’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
For the most part, the new hit NBC comedy, Happy’s Place, has focused squarely on the experiences of two key characters, Bobbie and Isabella and rightfully so. After all, they just learned they are half-sisters, they are both dealing with powerful grief and confusion and their journey through that is important and engaging. But while that is worth watching and deeply engaging, this is also a series that boasts an amazing cast that play equally as dynamic characters, and the best sitcoms out there know to offer explorations and growth for those character as well, and since this is a sitcom with sitcom legend Reba McEntire in the lead, you darn well know it was a matter of time before that happened.

In fact, the most recent episode was the right time for that to start. Since ‘Ladies’ Night’ focused upon the life and times of Gabby, who was going through it in this story. Because she was on the dating apps, and she was having awful luck. Since a recent chance to date ended with being stood up at the restaurant, and she was crying a plenty and that prompted the bar to stand behind her and try and help lift her up. Which Isabella tried to do by changing up Gabby’s dating profile to look far more appealing and magical, and when that didn’t work, because dating apps are just the worst, Bobbie thought she would give support a whirl and tried to showcase how Gabby didn’t need anyone to complete her life. 

Courtesy of a women’s empowerment mixer, where Gabby could see how many women out there were living life fine without love, because we don’t necessarily need that to be whole. But that went poorly, and Gabby thought that a different romantic message was being sent, one that wasn’t for her, and well, while she did indeed learn plenty from the women at that mixer, she was still sad and soon, mad. Because no one in the bar really took the time to understand why she was sad, they just imparted wisdom and action upon her, and while their actions were indeed from a place of love and care, there was more that Gabby wanted here than just a husband. She actually wanted to start a family and have a baby, and her frustrations came from the fact that no one asked her what she wanted.

Which led to a beautiful sequence for certain, wherein the entire team apologized to her in a manner that looked like an intervention. But it was filled with kind words and remorse for how everyone recently treated Gabby, and an understanding that they needed to tell her such good things more often. Which helped Gabby find some joy, some value again since she felt she did not have that in the moment, and support. Because she still wanted her family, and the team let her know they would back her in that too and that made, for one beautiful story. One that truly showcased Gabby for certain and let Melissa Peterman shine as an actor, but it also offered us just so much more.

Since this was a very realistic story about how we get down in the dumps sometimes, how our callings can help create that and how hard it is sometimes to navigate life when we’re going through it. Since our friends don’t always know exactly how to help us, and maybe sometimes… they can’t. So, we just need their support over anything else so we can find our way through the storm. Which Gabby did here and well, this just goes to show that every character matters in this story and will get screen time and their own episodes and that’s wonderful. Since it means we will be treated to a complete story about amazing people and the lives they lead in that tiny little bar in Tennessee. Until next time.