Sometimes when life is tough, we often wonder what our world would look like if we made different choices, and we ponder upon another version of us out there, one living a wildly different life because they took the opposite path that we did, and it really is fun and likely healthy to take a moment and explore those possibilities in our imagination. In part because it does indeed help a troubled mind get lost for a moment and sometimes it allows for us to reconcile any choice that we regret. But while that particular exploration is one that we often save for ourselves, creative folks love to dive into such matters in grandiose and epic fashion and for proof, look no further than the next episode of Star Trek.
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For ‘Mirror, Mirror’ saw Kirk, McCoy, Scotty and Uhura be plunged into quite the unique situation, since an ion storm thrust them into an alternate universe, one where the Federation was a twisted and evil empire and where their ship mates were quite frankly, bloodthirsty bastards that lusted for power and well, there’s a lot to like about this particular episode of the series. For starters, it’s the first on-screen appearance of the Mirror Universe and the Terran Empire for that matter as well, and that’s a huge deal and really what I liked about seeing this universe for the ‘first time’ all over again, is how well it establishes the rules for the Mirror Universe. Because everything presented here is followed to a tee in other shows and while Star Trek: Discovery did indeed build upon everything featured here, it stayed true to the core elements laid out here.

But all geeking out aside, this introduction to the Terran Empire offers up plenty more magnificent moments for the audience to chew upon. Because this is actually quite the tense story when all is said and done, one that puts the lives of some of our favorite characters in danger since kindness and understanding has them marked for assassination by a woefully different and bearded Spock, and the race to get back to their own universe adds a sense of urgency to everything that happens here and the performances are also phenomenal in this tale. For this intrepid crew is lost in this new and violent universe and it’s quite amazing to see them try and keep a level head when being presented with this level of barbarianism and that leads to some powerful moments where the actors convey their respective character’s frustration and their fury at seeing a world like this in subtle and magnificent fashion.

Plus, there’s a real treat to seeing this cast shed their good guy and good gal images and it allows for them to have a little fun on screen. Because it is supremely wild to see Hikaru Sulu devolve from an honorable man into a horndog that obsesses over Uhura and loves to engage in games of treachery. Or to see the eager Ensign Chekov transform into a scheming little monster that’s ready to kill to ascend in rank and of course, you can never go wrong with a Spock that is torn between two worlds, one of logic and one of duty, and see him struggle to navigate a world that he is trapped within. If anything, all of these elements simply make for a well-written and deeply layered story that honestly stays with you for quite some time after it’s come to a close.

Because this one really leaves you wondering what kind of choices humanity would have to make in order to go down a path this dark, since the Terran Empire really is a savage and brutal organization to say the least and I think the other elements you focus upon when watching this one, detract from the fact that the entire planet below was moments away from burning from phaser fire and that’s chilling and that’s bold and that’s really the best word to describe season two thus far. For it really does continue to challenge the audience in new ways and it keeps offering up fascinating and unique stories that captivate and I am loving every second of it. Because this is the Trek I was waiting to find and it’s a true delight to see the series hit its stride and I am so ready for more of these unique adventures with the intrepid crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise. Until next time.  

While a great many elements go into making a story worth our while, I think we can all agree upon the fact, that how a particular tale comes to a close is what matters to all of us the most. For the ending is our final impression and memory of a story, and if it fails miserably, everything that came before it is forgotten and discarded, regardless of quality. Which is why I think we approach the final book in a series, or a series finale of a show or closing chapter of a film with trepidation and low expectations, so we minimize the potential for disappointment. But sometimes you get the funny feeling that you’re going to be treated to something special when you arrive at that all-important final chapter. Where it seems as though something incredible is about to unfold, and that’s precisely how I felt settling in to watch the series finale of The Man in the High Castle.
 
Because it really did seem like this final season of the series had finally figured out how to bring this sweeping saga to a close in appropriate and logical fashion and ‘Fire from the Gods’ confirmed this fact. For the closing chapter in a harrowing four-year saga didn’t rush to the end and give the audience a cop out ending in the slightest. Instead this one bought everything to an organic and natural resolution, one that focused heavily on a pair of characters that had yet to properly grow or choose sides for that matter in John and Helen Smith. After all, these two have been waffling between living the ‘good life’ that the Reich provides while trying to wrap their heads around the atrocities they support, and that conflict allowed for everything to come to a head in this tale in an impressive and outright unique fashion.
 
For at first, it really seemed as though John Smith was going the extra mile to potentially put an end to the Reich in America and move the country in a new, less terrifying direction. And after everything he’s experienced this season, a happy ending for John would have been welcome and satisfying to see on screen. But instead his ascension to Reichsführer allowed for him to embrace his cowardice further. For at no point did he order a different path for the nation, he instead stuck to the plan to invade the West Coast in swift and furious fashion, and he had no qualms with letting the Reich’s twisted desire to keep the nation ‘pure’, come to fruition since concentration camps were going to be erected as well, something Helen discovered during another search of her husband’s office. Which meant the Pacific States were facing a horrifying fate, complete with a fight they would never win, which meant that someone needed to step up and play the hero.

As it turns out, that person was Helen. For after her daughter saw a broadcast from the Pacific States, wherein the BCR implored everyone to stand up as they did and push the Reich back across the ocean, she had an honest talk with her mother about what was coming for the West Coast and what already happened in the GNR and being forced to face such atrocities shattered Helen to her core, and she finally did the right thing. For she called Juliana and let her know what time John would be on the bullet train to the Poconos facility and unfortunately for Helen, she found herself on that train as well. Not because John was aware of the treachery heading his way, but because he wanted her to come with him to the Earth where their son was alive, so they could kidnap him and bring him to the Reich and that… was the last straw for her. Because she couldn’t stand the thought of an alternate version of her son being forced to live in a world such as this and she quickly confronted her husband for his cowardice, and for ordering the deaths of so many and she fully admitted to the fact that she sold him out to the Rebels in order to put an end to this madness mere moments before the assault began, and that final battle is what set this story up for its satisfying conclusion.
 
For eventually, John Smith found himself in the woods, alone and afraid and with his wife gone forever, thanks to the train crash that the rebels helped to create. And as he bled, and shivered with fear he finally was able to take inventory of his mistakes and his life and in his final moments with Juliana, he spoke to the irony of his path in this world while other John’s on other Earths made better decisions, before taking his own life, and just like that, the Greater Nazi Reich came to its end. Because Bill immediately seized control of the GNR and seemingly denounced Nazi ideology by abandoning his swastika and cancelling the invasion of the West Coast, implying that a cold war between the Reich and whatever America was about to become was underway. And seeing this nation back on a hopefully better path, one free from Fascism was wonderful and satisfying and you can’t ask for a better ending than that in a world this messy.
 
In the end, my only complaint when it comes to this finale, are its strange final moments. Because the whole permanent opening of the portal didn’t really make any sense, nor was it explained in the slightest. It just… happened and that’s that I suppose. But it’s a mistake that I can forgive, because everything that came before it was exactly what the audience wanted. For tyranny fell, and heroism and good prevailed and this world finally gets its second chance and I’m good with that, and well… that’s it, ladies and gents. We’ve come to the end of this wild story, one that captivated us like never before and one that shocked and stunned us on a regular basis, and it is strange to know that this is the last time we will be discussing this harrowing tale. But every story has its end and it’s a wonderful thing that we were treated to the satisfying conclusion of a tale, that rarely offered us any measure of joy.

One of my favorite elements when it comes to Science Fiction as a whole, is the genre’s ability to play ‘what if?’ and explore some of the dangers that come with science when we allow for it to grow in unregulated fashion. Because that particular exploration allows for some powerful storytelling to take place, the kind that truly gives us pause and over the years it’s helped for us to ponder upon the power of artificial life and our role in creating it in the first place. But while that particular exploration in fiction makes for powerful tales that leave you thinking long after you’ve turned off your T.V. or left the theater, sometimes watching A.I. go mad because it deems us as evil is a bit cliché, especially when one considers there are far more powerful stories out there to tell.
 
Which is why I was so appreciative of what the next episode of Star Trek had to offer. For ‘The Changeling’ provided the audience with an incredibly unique tale about artificial intelligence gone wrong. Which was quite the pleasant surprise since at first glance it seemed as though this story was headed into some fairly familiar territory. After all, the NOMAD probe was quick to wipe out every living being on four separate planets because they were inferior creatures in its eyes, and it seemed hellbent on taking out the crew of the Enterprise for similar reasons as well, making this robot seem as bloodthirsty and disdainful for organic life as the Terminators that would arrive on the silver screen seventeen years after this episode aired on television.
 
But NOMAD’s arrival aboard the Enterprise is what moved this particular tale out of the cliché and into more fascinating territory. Because as you come to learn more about this interstellar explorer turned murderer, the more sympathy you feel for it. For its current state is nothing more than a matter of circumstance and chance and the potential of what could come from its interactions with the crew is what truly draws you into this story. For its belief that Kirk is its creator, means that there could be some measure of salvation for this being. That with the right guidance and understanding it could in fact, become an asset to Starfleet, and the kindness and understanding that Kirk showed this being was simply fresh and inventive in its own right. But despite his best efforts to save this being from the darkness it didn’t understand, there was no salvation to be found.
 
For NOMAD truly wanted nothing more than to cleanse the universe of impurities and mistakes and that made Kirk’s gambit to beat it by pointing out its faults, nothing short of brilliant. But while NOMAD is gone forever, the lasting message present here is what I enjoyed the most about this tale. Because in many ways, this episode points out that there is a real possibility that eventually machinery will reach some form of sentience alongside mankind, and rather than shun our newfound creations, we should show them a better way, much like Kirk did in this episode. In the hope of course that they will eventually understand that the universe operates in grey as opposed to black and white and it was quite nice to see this series view A.I. as a creation that could benefit mankind if treated with the same respect and care that we show our children, as opposed to being feared as it is traditionally portrayed within the genre.
 
Granted, some may see that as sappy and silly, but Trek has always been about keeping things positive and looking toward a better tomorrow and Kirk’s approach to NOMAD fits that to a tee, and really in the end, this was a fairly solid episode. If anything, my only complaint when it comes to this one is the whole memory wiping plot thread involving Uhura. Because uh, having her brain wiped clean is kind of a big deal, and while it is fine that she can re-learn the majority of what she lost and return to duty no problem… are we not going to talk about the fact that she lost all of her memories? I mean sure, there’s pictures and such to help refresh her, but this seems like a big moment that the series never revisited again and that’s just weird. Because that’s a long road back for Uhura. But this is something that the series and its follow ups are known for; introducing a life changing moment that is quickly forgotten, so I suppose that too is in line with what Trek accomplishes. But all rants aside, I did enjoy this one, and now that NOMAD’s saga has come to a close, I’m off to enjoy a true classic in this series, one involving a bearded and evil Spock… until next time.  

​The more time I’ve had to think about the back half of season four of The Man in the High Castle, the more impressed with it I’ve been. Because in many ways, the gigantic twist involving the Pacific States resolved a major plotline that’s hung over the entirety of the series, and that’s bold, and I think it is safe to say that we all expected this final season to show us a grander battle against evil than this. But in many ways the exodus from the Pacific States is a genius stroke of storytelling. For it reminds us how quick evil is to retreat when people stand up to it, and it’s also opened the door for a grandiose finale that focuses heavily on the Greater Nazi Reich, and whether or not John Smith will give into the good within.
 
For that too is a plot thread that the series has been toying with since day one and it would seem that the final two episodes of this series are indeed going to focus heavily upon that. Because ‘For Want of a Nail’ spent a lot of time in the Reich, examining the perilous situation that John and his family now found themselves embroiled within. But before we dive too deeply into that, let’s take a moment and recognize the fact that this particular tale didn’t completely forget about the Pacific States. For we did get to see Kido begin to reconcile his past while being trapped in the very room where he poisoned so many, and we did see how the BCR is working to keep everyone safe with the impending invasion coming from the GNR and it was nice to see where these characters are at with trouble on the horizon.
 
But what happened in the Reich matters since it set the stage for the series finale and my goodness, did our journey there offer up some powerful moments, several of which involved Helen Smith. For she took Juliana’s message about how her husband is keeping secrets to heart and discovered the films in his office, which in turn led to a tense meeting at a nearby hospital, wherein Juliana tasked her with quite the mission; to give the Resistance a time when John would be on the bullet train to the Poconos Facility so they could finally bring him down and save lives in the process. Because Juliana made it clear, that the invasion of the West would result in more concentration camps and the wholesale slaughter of the innocent and while Helen really didn’t commit to the cause, thanks to an interruption from the lethal nursemaid at her side, the seeds were planted and hopefully the revelation uncovered at the Smith home will help her make a decision. Because Helen came to learn from Bridget that her home was bugged by Hoover and well, that led to one stunning twist.
 
Because Hoover passed along everything that John and his wife have discussed to the Führer and that made John’s trip to Berlin… awkward to say the least. For he was more or less shunned upon his arrival and removed from key invasion meetings, and when he was finally presented with the plans to conquer the West, his input was instantly disregarded and mocked, and it quickly became clear that Himmler was behind this. Because he doubted John’s loyalty to the cause, and wanted to see how he would handle himself under incredible pressure, something that he cranked up to the Nth degree by having tapes from his home played at the meeting and well, how John responded was fascinating to say the least. For on the plane ride over, he made a deal with Goertzmann that would ensure safety and security for both men, and in a stunning twist of events, John killed Himmler (and eventually Hoover) while his buddy handled the rest of the Reich’s senior leadership, all so that both men could seize power, and have exactly what they wanted. For now, Goertzmann would be the new Führer and John would control North America as he saw fit and just like that, a new dawn arrived for this twisted empire.
 
But despite this stunning turn of events, a few big questions remain. Specifically, was this power play designed to help John free America or the Reich’s iron grasp? Or did he do this to finally get the power that part of him craves? Time will tell of course, but make no mistake about it, this was one hell of a move on John’s part. Because I honestly didn’t think he had this kind of ruthlessness within him, and honestly, I have to applaud him, despite his constant waffling. For he just rid the world of some of history’s greatest monsters and while the end of the Reich would have been far more satisfying, you take the wins you get, I suppose. Either way though, the stage is now set, and the fate of America is in John’s hands and it should be interesting to see what he does with it as this powerful series comes to a close. Until next time. 

​If there’s one particular saying that television shows more or less live by, it would have to be; ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ Because T.V. shows love to stick with what works, since formula has proven time and time again to be a successful venture, for fans do indeed eat it up. But while formula brings us comfort and familiarity, personally I’m a bigger fan of shows that take the time to challenge the norm, that find ways to tweak said formula or use it to guide the audience into a far more powerful story. Because those are the types of television shows that truly want do something special storytelling wise, and if they’re successful in this bold endeavor, they could potentially become iconic as the years roll on and this particular storytelling gambit is precisely why I had such a great time watching the next episode of Star Trek.
 
Because ‘Who Mourns for Adonais?’ is a story that immediately started out in familiar fashion. For the crew of the Enterprise was on a routine survey mission, doing their science thing when they encountered a powerful omnipotent being that had the ability to achieve wonders with the snap of their fingertips and well, we really have been here before. After all, season one introduced us to three beings that could achieve that particular feat by way of the episodes; ‘Charlie X’, ‘Where No Man Has Gone Before’ and ‘The Squire of Gothos’, so why not feature another omnipotent being in season two? Because obviously it works, and the familiarity of this plot line was only further enhanced by the fact that Apollo had a powerful object driving his majestic abilities. 
 
But it didn’t take long to see that this particular tale was going to offer us more as the hour rolled along, especially after Kirk and his away team beamed down to the planet’s surface. Because this story in essence featured a unique parable on how humanity as a whole is easily seduced by powerful leaders with ill intent in their heart, when promises of peace of prosperity are sent our way, as evidenced by Lieutenant Palamas’ journey in this tale. For she quickly bought into everything that Apollo promised her and he made sure to show her his softer side and offer up a sorrowful lament when things didn’t go his way and really Apollo is reminiscent of despots and dictators and snake-oil selling presidents when all is said and done. And it was fascinating to see an educated and intelligent Starfleet Officer be sucked into this ideology with little effort and I suppose it just makes it clear that men like Apollo know exactly what to appeal to in people in order to garner their loyalty.
 
Yet while there is a powerful parallel to modern America to be found in this tale, it is purely unintentional. For this was made in the sixties, and that comparison is only available because men like this iteration of Apollo continually rise and fall in both America and around the world and really the lesson inherent that this episode was trying to get across, was that… their rule can never last. For eventually mankind wants and expects more out of life than merely paying tribute to a single person that really doesn’t give a hoot about them and when they desire more, they quickly turn their backs upon these men or revolt against them, allowing for the idiot in question to fade away from memory just as Apollo did in every literal sense here and really in the end, I appreciate the fact that this series decided to take this story into such metaphorical territory because it really did make for one brilliant tale.
 
Plus, it was also nice to see this episode buck the omnipotent being trope that the series established in season one and I loved how it featured quite the awesome twist when it comes to Apollo. Because there really is something quite cool about seeing Earth’s history be tinkered with in science fiction and making the Greek Gods of yesteryear, aliens from another world is magnificent storytelling, as was injecting the message into the story that eventually… we outgrow legends, but not necessarily what they stand for. Either way, this was another pleasant surprise to watch and the quality of the writing and the pacing of this young new season continues to impress and it really does feel like Star Trek arrives in its second year and I am definitely excited to see what other incredible stories await me down the line. Until next time.  

I have to admit, that I was supremely excited to start the next episode of The Man in the High Castle. Because after four long years of waiting, revolution has finally come to North America, and that opens up all kinds of possibilities for this normally harrowing tale. For now genuine hope is a real possibility for this world, and others might be inclined to rise up against the Reich and put an end to this nightmare, and that level of powerful storytelling potential is what ignited my excitement in the first place and it just so happens that ‘Hitler Has Only Got One Ball’ did not disappoint in the slightest when it comes to taking this story to places that it has never been before.
 
Take for example Inspector Kido’s journey in this particular tale. Because the end of the Empire’s reign in California, prompted him to reflect upon his time in the bay area, and how he was harder and colder than perhaps he needed to be. Which was quite the revelation to say the least since guys like Kido tend to not ponder upon ugly deeds, they do them and move on. But clearly seeing what the occupation did to his superiors prompted him to look at life differently, as did the current situation with his son. For his baby boy was now in the hands of the Yakuza and it was up to him to set that relationship right. But sadly, a father/son reunion will have to wait for a bit, for an unexpected side effect to freedom is making Kido’s life difficult. For people that suffered under his rule opted for a measure of revenge once the Empire made its exit. And while the BCR was willing to save his life, it wasn’t for heroic reasons since it would now seem that Kido is going to stand trial for crimes against humanity.
 
But while that was fascinating in its own right to watch, the long reaching impact of Japan’s withdrawal from the Pacific States slightly overshadowed Kido’s plight. For this motivated Juliana and her rag-tag band of rebels to begin the process of making contact with Helen while the Reich is distracted and that’s honestly a sound plan. Because as expected, the Reich is licking their chops at the prospect of conquering all of North America, which is chilling for certain. For no good can come of a ‘government’ that believes one race is the only race, meaning that the freedom everyone out west is enjoying right now might be short lived. But while the implications of what comes next are unsettling, there is the potential for some light to shine through these gathering clouds and it may beam from John Smith.
 
Because the walls are continuing to close in upon him when it comes to senior Reich leadership, as evidenced by the fact that Himmler sent Goertzmann to New York to escort John back to Berlin for a meeting on the Pacific States, and to complicate matters further, Hoover is making life difficult for Smith as well. For the smarmy spy is starting to uncover the fact that others are beginning to wonder if the American Reich can be beaten or will fall in the wake of the BCR’s powerful stand, and he’s finding this information out by spying on citizens of the Reich. Something that is unfortunately being extended to John since Hoover is determined to see this sham of a nation continue and he will undoubtedly use the information he’s gathered against Smith in Germany and well, John has quite the decision to make now. Because his trusted friend and confidante, Bill, made it clear that Smith could declare independence from Germany and Berlin couldn’t do a thing about it with all the nukes being stored in America. Which means that John is going to have a choose and side and fast, and this could signal his redemption.
 
But all drama and intrigue aside, it really was fascinating to see a world filled with hope for a change. Because the people of California are finally free, and it was quite incredible to see how quickly they gained that independence. But trouble is still on the horizon for the good people of California, for it won’t be long until the Reich makes its devastating move on the remainder of America and at this point, it really feels as though their fate is in the hands of John Smith, and that is unsettling to say the least. Because he still hasn’t chosen a side, and he still indulges in his dark side far too often and it should be interesting to see if John finally does the right thing or lets the power of a poor ideology consume him. Until next time.  

​I suppose if there was a single word to properly discuss the first season of Star Trek, it would have to be: inconsistent. Because the adventures of the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, in year one of their five-year mission, were all over the place, to the point where there were moments and storylines that outright went against everything the Federation and in turn Starfleet, stand for. But it is understandable as to why this occurred. For this was the true genesis of the franchise, and it was still trying to find its legs and its direction, but that certainly didn’t stop me from feeling a sense of concern as I settled in to start season two of this iconic series.
 
Because I was truly worried that one of my favorite shows as a child, was simply not as good as originally advertised, and that our journey with this ship and its intrepid crew would continue to disappoint as the episodes rolled on. But it didn’t take long for any worries in my mind to melt away, because ‘Amok Time’ was quite the special season premiere, simply because it finally felt like Star Trek. Which means that clearly some re-tooling in-between seasons one and two went down. Because I couldn’t help but notice that the pacing of this episode and the overall quality of the writing was night and day, and I love the fact that this story sucked me right back into this universe with minimal effort and that it finally established something that everyone agrees is critical to the series; the bond that Kirk, Spock and McCoy share.
 
For their Biffleship, one that would drive some of the finest stories in the overall Original Series saga was established in this tale. And it was just magnificent to see Kirk and McCoy really try to understand the Pon Farr and Spock’s declining health because of it, and working to understand the situation is something that great friends do when one friend isn’t quite themselves and this push to support one another, was further enhanced by the fact that Kirk ordered the ship to Vulcan to give Spock what he needs. But truly, the best part when it comes to how deep this friendship goes, is the regret and shame and outright devastation that Spock felt when it appeared as though he killed Kirk. Because he knew what he ‘lost’ and it made the outright joy he displays, when he finds out that Jim is okay, all the more satisfying. And this really did cement the bond between these men and now; every risky venture they ever dealt with in the name of friendship makes perfect sense.
 
However, while the story was powerful and delightful in its own right, there were still plenty of geek out moments to be found in this particular tale. Because this is an episode that features the first on-screen appearance of Ensign Pavel Chekov, a young man that would quickly become a fan favorite and an important part of this crew, and of course we get to see Vulcan for the first time ever in this episode and that was… breathtaking. Granted it may help that I was watching one of the newly enhanced episodes, with updated special effects. But let’s be honest, the fact that we get to see Spock’s home world and T’Pau and some of Vulcan’s proud, yet outdated traditions, turned out to be a sheer nerdy delight and oddly enough, this visit to his world and seeing said traditions, also injected a little social commentary into this tale.
 
Because in many ways, the Vulcan need to pair children as mates early on in life, and the sheer trouble that came out of this, speaks volumes to how there are there are ancient traditions all around the world, that no longer have a place in modern society. And that perhaps we need to evaluate them and make the right changes to them, the kind that benefit a modern world, or we need straight up abandon them altogether. In the end however, this really was a wonderful way to kick off season two of this storied franchise, because everything just works in this particular tale and more importantly, I love the fact that everything finally feels natural and organic in this series and this wonderful premiere has me excited to see what kind of storytelling wonders await us in year two, of the five-year of mission. Until next time. 

​For a little while now, we’ve talked a lot about rewards. Specifically, having a television show finally provide the fans with everything they’ve hungered for, especially in their final season and there’s good reason for that. For slowly but surely, The Man in the High Castle has been taking the time to give the audience everything it could ask for and more since the plot is moving along at a breakneck pace, and big moments, the kind that outright change the course of the narrative, have been building for some time now. But this last episode of the series, quite frankly left my jaw on the floor since it featured something that every fan has been waiting for since we first tuned into this fascinating series.
 
Because we’ve all been on the edge of our seats, waiting for someone to finally rise up and stick it to either the Empire or the Reich and ‘No Masters But Ourselves’ finally featured that awe-inspiring moment, one that clearly is going to change everything for the remainder of the series. But before we dive too deeply into that, let’s take a moment and discuss some of the other important moments present in this particular tale since it also featured some careful and relevant reflection from some of the characters, especially when it comes to Helen Smith. For she came to realize that sometimes the only way to enjoy a little slice of peace and safety in life, is to go with the flow, which prompted her to meet with the Führer’s wife.
 
Which was… tense to say the least since neither woman respects the other. But Helen needed to know how she could take some of the heat off of her husband and her family and oddly enough, she took Margarethe’s advice to heart and made a special appearance on Reich TV, all to show the GNR that she was indeed dedicated to the cause and her role as the nation’s most powerful housewife and despite being pressed and surprised by the host of a cooking show, her gambit worked and people suddenly adored her and her family. It was of course a move that John chided her for, because of the risk inherent. But it was nice to see Helen take a moment and examine her life and her role in keeping her family safe, and it is good to know that she will indeed go the extra mile in order to make that happen.
 
But the best part of this story is everything that happened in San Francisco in this tale. Because as Kido picked up the pieces from General Yamori’s power play, the BCR made its move, cautiously of course. For they understood what this move might mean, in that, friends could die, and retribution could be swift and brutal, but they had to make a stand. They had to show the Empire that its people would no longer be oppressed and well, their attack was a rousing success. Because up and down the coast, critical parts of the oil pipeline and carefully chosen targets were blown to bits in epic and stunning fashion. But what matters more here, is what came out of this powerful strike, for Kido told the princess that perhaps the Pacific States were not worth this level of sacrifice and the Emperor agreed and announced that the Empire would be leaving the Pacific States in an orderly fashion.
 
Which is… about as stunning as it gets. Because season one of this series, made it seem as though the Empire would never ever step away from this prize. But the efforts of the BCR has clearly changed hearts and minds and at last, people are about to enjoy their first taste of freedom in two decades. Of course, the Reich is likely licking its chops at the opportunity to conquer the last segment of the former United States, but in the here and the now, this is a hell of a victory for the BCR and the brightest moment yet in the series. For it just goes to show that the bad guys can indeed be defeated, and it should be interesting to see what comes out of this poignant moment in the few remaining episodes of this incredible series. Until next time.   

​Over the course of the past four weeks, The Mandalorian has done a phenomenal job of providing its audience with a fresh and inventive story that for the most part, has stayed away from making heavy use of throwbacks and fan service when it comes to other stories featured in the Star Wars franchise. Which honestly is a surprise to me, since modern entries in the saga are big on nostalgia and prior events in this galaxy, far, far away. Which by no means is an insult to the franchise as a whole, it’s just wonderful and awesome to dive into a story that features its own path. But I suppose I should have known that escaping something as powerful as the rich legacy that this series provides was downright impossible, especially since the latest chapter in Mando’s tale took us right down memory lane.
 
For ‘Chapter 5: The Gunslinger’ found our intrepid hero dealing with more fallout from his decision to turn his back upon the Guild since the story opened with an epic firefight in the depths of space, one that saw Mando in quite the precarious place. That is until opportunity provided him with the chance to win this ugly battle and with the firefight complete, he needed to repair his vessel and fast, and that prompted him to set down on the nearest habitable planet, and wouldn’t you know it? That safe haven just so happened to be the legendary Tatooine. Which is fan service and nostalgia enough in its own right, but the series had plenty more to provide the audience with than the mere cameo of this world. Take for instance the fact that the hanger he landed within in had that familiar, New Hope feel.
 
But his first major stop in Mos Eisley, took the nostalgia to a whole new level. Because Mando quickly found himself standing in the very cantina where a young kid named Luke Skywalker and a Jedi named Obi-Wan Kenobi met with a smuggler named Han Solo and his buddy Chewbacca, and it was quite wild to see how this cantina has changed after all these years and it was equally as neat to see someone sitting in Han’s old chair. Granted, I know it was never ‘his’ per se, but this was the spot he was chilling in back in the day, and the person in question, a man named Toro Calican, even struck a Solo-esque pose before offering up a unique opportunity for Mando. For Calican was a rookie bounty hunter, and he came here to bring down a renowned assassin known as Fennec Shand, all in the hope of making a name for himself in the Guild and well, who better to show him the ropes and reap all the riches than a Mandalorian?
 
Of course, the agreement these two came to, should have signaled the end of the nostalgia factor in this tale, but a little visit from Tusken Raiders kept it going for a touch longer before the story made Fennec the focus and my goodness, what a worthy opponent she turned out to be. Because she was ready for their arrival and did everything, she could to maintain her freedom. But Mando is wise in combat and found a way to outsmart her and capture her. But he was ill prepared for the fact Calican was all about the glory, and when presented with an opportunity to bring Mando and the child in, he seemingly killed Shand and made the mistake of trying to go toe to toe with a Mandalorian, a lesson that cost him his brash and foolish life.
 
But while Mando and Baby Yoda’s exit from Tatooine should have signaled the end of this tale and the throwbacks, this episode still had one last surprise in store for us. For the closing minutes of this tale implied heavily that a Mandalorian we are familiar with, might be alive and well after all these years, since those jingling spurs were reminiscent of the one and only Boba Fett. But for now, however, all we can do is speculate that it might be him and bask in the glory of one fun tale. Because this really was a grandiose love letter to Episode IV and while some may lament the nostalgia here, I enjoyed it, simply because it featured tidbits and not direct tie-ins and I wonder if we will see more throwbacks in this manner, as the remainder of season one rolls on. Until next time. 

​I think it is safe to say that sometimes, we often forget something quite important about police officers, in that… they’re human beings and make mistakes like the rest of us, and it is easy to understand why we forget this particular fact. Because we all have high expectations for officers of the law, since they are supposed to represent the best of us in modern society and it is quite shocking when they fall from grace and put their humanity on display. But whether we like it or not, even the best ones will misstep at some point in their career in law enforcement, something that was explored in a fascinating manner in the season three finale of CHiPs.
 
Because ‘Dynamite Alley’ saw Bonnie Clark potentially make quite the mistake early on in this tale. For she was driving back from Bakersfield on minimal sleep and a cold, and despite talking with a nice young man named Corey via CB radio, she found herself surprised by a truck appearing out of nowhere, one that seemed determined to run her off the road and was apparently successful in doing so since she found herself in a terrible wreck. But thankfully Ponch and Jon were able to get to her and provide first aid before the ambulance got there and after she healed up is where some concern comes into play. Because there was no concrete evidence that a truck was on the road and Corey really didn’t have much to say on the matter, leaving everyone to wonder if Bonnie was seeing ghosts.
 
But the only way to know for sure if she was at fault or if the truck in question was real, was to dive into a grand investigation surrounding the matter. Which brought Ponch and mostly Jon to a trucking company that Bonnie swore she saw a logo for, before careening off the road and that turned up some fascinating possibilities. For one of the drivers just so happened to be in Dynamite Alley the day that Bonnie crashed, and she had recently cited him multiple times, making it seem as though this was indeed his fault. However, despite the fact that the evidence was starting to point his way, there was just one problem; Bonnie told everyone that she had seen the company’s logo on the back of the truck in question and sadly… the company never once put said logo on the rear of their trailers.
 
Which meant Grossman, who was working on a new article about fatigue and its impact on driving, and Ponch and Jon and Getrear, needed to work with Bonnie to help her recall exactly what happened on that fateful day. But as the careful interrogation rolled on, it quickly became evident that something was amiss with her recollection of the day and Corey eventually dropped by to outright confirm the fact that Bonnie was indeed seeing things before the crash. And his admission of the truth came late simply because he wanted to be loyal to Bonnie, but he also knew that lying would put someone innocent in jail and just like that, the matter was closed, and Officer Clark had to own up to the fact that fatigue and illness forced her to smash a cruiser.
 
Thankfully though, she escaped with only a few bumps and bruises and I’m sure some sort of note on her record about her mistake and I’m certain an off screen talking to from the Sarge about taking care of one’s self. But when all is said and done, this really was a fascinating episode to watch. Because not only did it present us with a grand mystery, one that featured a different kind of Creep of the Week since the truck driver in question was a jerk, but not a criminal, it really did humanize police officers in way I can’t say I’ve seen on television all that often. If anything, this was the perfect way to end season three of this series since year three has focused heavily on the human condition and now that this year’s journeys on the highways are in the books, I look forward to seeing this series and its storytelling continue to grow and impress us in season four. Until next season.