It is definitely safe to say that television fans are a bit spoiled in this day and age. Because not only are we able to watch a bevy of shows about topics that interest us, but they also often feature A-list names and have high production values. But what matters most in 2020/2021, is that the storytelling on television is simply top notch. For week in and week out, we are treated to engrossing, arc-based writing that takes the time to reward us with fulfilling and powerful endings when a show’s season has come to an end. And really, all of this is relevant to our discussion today, simply because the next episode of CHiPs takes the time to remind us of exactly how good we have it now. 

For ‘This Year’s Riot’ harkens back to a time when television executives and writers and producers, thought that audiences would be mortified if shows didn’t offer up something new and exciting and different every single week. To the point where shows would do ‘special episodes’ and vacation themed stories where our characters got away from the trappings of their usual environment, in order to keep things interesting, and oddly enough, both of those elements are present in this particular tale. Since Ponch and Bobby are assigned to work the streets of Ocean Island for the weekend, which of course allowed for them to let loose and party with their fellow CHP officers when they weren’t on patrol and well, it is definitely safe to declare this episode to be pedestrian at best, and that’s not a bad thing by any means.

Because it means that there are no horrible mistakes to be found in this particular tale, which definitely helps to ease the sting of sitting through ‘Something Special’. Instead, this episode features a bevy of run of the mill plot lines here for Ponch and Bobby to be involved in and they work because they’re so harmless and cliché. Such as the everyday dude who cannot stand the thought of sharing his beach with other people, to the socially awkward teenager that can’t get the girl, so he does something stupid to try and impress her. Which in this case involves doing drugs, Molly to be specific, but we’ll get into that in just a second. Since the big ‘wow’ plot line for this vacation themed tale involves someone that is breaking the law in a unique manner, by trying to make her private beach a nude one, forcing Bobby and Ponch to step in and make sure that the law and decency is upheld.

Which is a plot thread that definitely prompts an eye-roll in this day and age, since America is far more liberal now. But back in conservative 1982, that was undoubtedly a crowd pleaser, as was the whole drug thing. Because everything involving the sale of Molly on Ocean Island served as a visual time capsule of sorts. For the 1980s was an era where drugs were viewed in a supremely negative and fearful light, and that’s exactly why this plot thread is filled to the brim with anti-drug messaging and some over-the-top moments designed to show off the ‘dangers of drugs.’ All because that was the zeitgeist of the time and it was supremely fascinating to see ‘Just Say No’ in action again and be reminded of how much fear-mongering came into play in regard to hammering home the message. 

If anything, all of these elements make this particular episode quite the fascinating watch at times. Because it is pretty darn awesome to travel back in time in this manner and see how far we’ve come when it comes to how we view drugs in America and our attitudes toward our bodies. But outside of those elements, this is just an average episode of CHiPs and honestly, that’s just great. Because even a so-so episode of this series is ten times better than what season six is offering us thus far, so it is best we just sit back and bask in the wonder of this episode’s mediocrity while we can. For what comes next is another grand and manipulative mistake, one that really does remind us as to why this was the final season for this storied franchise. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 312 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’.
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There are a great many reasons to love the Star Trek Universe and all of the characters and stories that it has to offer. But out of all of them, one that truly stands out above the rest, is the sheer fact that this franchise can provide its fanbase with some supremely diverse storytelling. For it feels the need to comment upon our world and our society, it can do so no problem, and if it wants to offer up a drama, the kind that leaves us in tears… well it can do that too. And to top it all off, if a story in the STU wants to entertain the fans with an action-packed adventure that leaves us on the edge of our seats from beginning to end, well it knows how to make that happen as well, and it just so happens that this final possibility is one that is supremely relevant to our discussion today.

For the next episode of Star Trek: Discovery,  ‘There is a Tide…’, offered up a full hour of big-time action and awesome moments, many of which showed off Michael Burnham’s skill as a warrior and a tactician, once she and Booker were ‘safely’ aboard the U.S.S. Discovery once again. Because the instant she was loose on the ship, she was quick to beat the crap out of Osyraa’s lackeys and take some brutal punishment in the process by way of a knife to the leg. But bleeding and pain wouldn’t stop Michael from getting to her ultimate goal, which was Lieutenant Stamets. For she knew that if he was safe and away from the ship, Osyraa’s plans to use the spore drive would be crippled and she was in fact able to rescue him, but at quite the cost.

Because Paul was adamant about not leaving the Discovery in the slightest. Mainly because he knew that Adira and Hugh and Saru were still on that dilthium rock and running out of time and he could easily jump the ship back to save them. But the greater good was Michael’s only concern here and judging from her and Paul’s conversation at the end of this tale, the cost in question might involve Paul’s trust and friendship, since he made it clear he may never forgive her for jettisoning him into space, in the name of protecting the galaxy. But while that definitely made for some juicy drama… Michael’s journey in this tale really did offer up some epic moments.Since she went all John McClane aboard the ship and took out quite a few of Osyraa’s various lieutenants and what’s truly amazing about this particular tale, is that it had more heroic moments waiting in the wings for us.

For while Michael was working to save Stamets, Ensign Tilly and the bridge crew were working on a loose plan to re-take the ship and that was no easy task. Largely because they were trapped in the Ready Room with no clear way out, and also because, Tilly was still trying to sort out how to lead this revolt in a confident manner, after failing to keep the ship safe. But thankfully, the arrival of Book and the realization that she could do nothing about the past, motivated Tilly to step up and fulfill her role as first officer and inspire the crew to fight back in an epic manner. Because Book and Ryn did a wonderful job of buying the bridge crew the time they needed to get into the belly of the Discovery, and the bridge crew were quick to get their hands on a bevy of weapons before uniting with an unexpected ally, and while that team up is what brought an end to this action-packed tale, we would be remiss to not discuss the other fascinating storyline present in this tale. One involving Osyraa.
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Because this particular story took the time to reveal her true intentions when it comes to her plans for the galaxy and the Federation and believe it or not… part of them actually involved peace. For she was quick to negotiate with Admiral Vance in this story and offer up a cease fire agreement and a plan for unification between the Emerald Chain and the United Federation of Planets and this was stunning to say the least. Because the prevailing belief was that Osyraa was about as evil as they come and only wanted to rule the galaxy with an iron fist. But this did indeed show a softer side to her, and a selfish one to boot. Because she knew that an appealing plan for peace would not only help her get into a better position of power, but also keep her out of jail, since she would be seen as a hero for forging peace between two warring factions. But thankfully, the admiral saw through the pomp and circumstance and called her to the carpet on her plans to evade responsibility for her actions… leaving her on frosty terms with the Federation and without much hope for a future since the Chain is so close to depleting its dilithium reserves.

In the end however, this really was quite the entertaining tale for certain. Because the action was simply top notch, as was the tension present in this tale. Because for a good while there, we really didn’t know if Osyraa was going to try and blow Federation Headquarters to pieces and if she was going to harm the crew in the slightest and well, thankfully she didn’t. But what matters most is that this episode did a phenomenal job of setting the stage for an epic season three finale. One that should see all of the plot lines introduced in season three, converge in the Verubin Nebula and truly this wonderful tale and everything that’s been building up this point, is going to make the wait for next week’s finale a difficult one for certain. Since we are all dying to know how Michael is going to save her friends and the Federation. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say, that our journey through the sixth and final season of CHiPs has provided all of us with some incredible lessons on what can cause a popular television series to go off the air. For now, we know that massive cast changes are something that displeases an audience, since they enjoy tuning in to see their favorite characters week in and week out. Plus, we’ve also come to learn that toying with a tried-and-true formula and going for gimmicks is something that can tick off an audience as well, since it speaks volumes to the fact that a particular series is no longer interested in offering its fan base what they love, it just wants to up its ratings and stay relevant. 

Which are some sound lessons for certain, the kind that this reviewer expected to see more of, as we continued this fascinating journey. But as it turns out, this particular series had a new lesson in failure waiting for us within the framework of its next episode, and this one was quite the doozy for certain. Because ‘Something Special’ wasted no time in informing us of the fact that if a popular television series is going to explore something charitable and relevant to the world, that it has to focus on that and only that. Otherwise, it will be viewed as insensitive and cold, and audiences will come to think that a great cause is only being featured, to once again play the gimmick card and draw people in. And this episode accomplished that incredibly upsetting feat, by woefully mishandling a story involving the Special Olympics and people with disabilities.

Which is stunning to say the least. Since this show has in the past, made an effort to be ahead of the social curve by spotlighting topics and individuals that most mainstream/popular shows in the 70s and 80s avoided acknowledging or discussing in the slightest. But alas, this episode basically opted to use the aforementioned storyline as a 'feel good' bumper to a pair of plot lines that quite frankly… felt out of place and unimportant to say the least. For one involved a daredevil that everyone was eager to help, because he had a super important stunt coming up and let’s be honest, this is a plot line that goes nowhere and has zero gravity and depth. And the other storyline involving an angry and jaded former car factory worker, honestly felt as though it belonged in a different episode and that’s really frustrating when all is said and done.

Because the plot line involving a young man with a disability had the potential to really make this episode ahead of its time, since it observed how people with disabilities are sometimes viewed by the general public in a negative light. For Nicky Grieve, the young man in question, was deemed to be a burden and a failure by his father, and that’s a bold thing to insert into a television series since few shows would ever have the guts to call that particular prejudice out in the slightest. But rather than properly explore the root cause of that unfortunate line of thinking, and examine how and why it is wrong, this is when the story opted to take that 'feel good' route that we mentioned a moment ago. By resolving dear old dad’s concerns in a prompt manner so that this whole storyline ends in a hunky-dory, love conquers all manner. Which straight up glosses over the negative stuff, and that’s just awful for so many reasons. 

For it really is a gimmick through and through, and it presents people with disabilities as weak and unable to function, rather than presenting people with disabilities as individuals that are just living their lives. And to make matters worse, some of the words used to describe Nicky in this tale are woefully outdated and considered inappropriate now, making it awkward to hear and really in the end, this is a true low point for the series. Because it really does make every misstep possible in regard to the subject matter, and the excessive plot lines present here make the episode feel frenetic and disjointed and well in the end, this really was a tough one to sit through. Largely because it speaks to how far the show has fallen in season six, but also because we have sixteen more episodes to go in this final year of storytelling and seeing something this rough now, leaves one to wonder… if things are going to continue get worse, well before we reach the finish line. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the finale of ‘Earth at Night in Color’.
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The age-old phrase, ‘burning the midnight oil’, is one that still carries great weight in our modern world. Simply because mankind believes in hard work and keeping at it until the job is done, and that’s why a great deal of us work into the wee hours… so we can keep our bosses happy and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. But what truly makes this phrase so unique and so incredibly fascinating, is the sheer fact that it actually applies to the natural world as well. Which sounds impossible, since the prevailing belief is that animals don’t have 'jobs' that would require them to 'work' late into the night.

But believe it or not, there are goals that require them to keep going after the sun goes down, and thanks to the finale of Earth at Night in Color, we got to see exactly what burning the midnight oil looks like in the animal kingdom. A feat that ‘Cheetah Plains’ accomplished by transporting us back to where our journey began in this series; the Massai Mara grasslands in Kenya, all so that we could see why the Cheetah will in fact, ‘work’ late. An act that more or less relates to food. Because despite the incredible speed that these felines are known for, a great deal of their hunts ends in outright failure. Which means that when these big cats are indeed starving, they will continue the search for food, once the sun goes down in order to feed themselves and their families. 

Which should make it seem as though their problems are solved with ease, since late night prey should be easy to track down. But alas, a late night search for food brings forth all kinds of challenges for these intrepid hunters. Partly because their sight isn’t quite attuned to night hunting and also because… the silence of the night allows for their prey to hear them coming and avoid them accordingly or make use of the cheetah's movements, to ensure their own safety. Since there are wildebeest in this part of the world that follow cheetahs at a distance, all so they can anticipate any sudden movements and avoid any danger. A plan that tends to work, most of the time.

But while a slip-up definitely helps these hungry hunters out from time to time, that doesn’t necessarily mean they will get to enjoy their newfound meal. For hyenas are quite active at night and they tend to travel in massive cackles of up to sixty and that tends to force the cheetah to abandon its catch to ensure its own safety when the hyena decides it wants their kill and oddly enough, the hyena tends to cause more trouble for this feline than we previously knew. Since they are bold when they travel in numbers and tend to attack and eat Cheetah cubs in the middle of the night since they are easy prey, and that almost happened in this tale. But thanks to a wonderful assist from a feisty and irritated elephant, this particular group of cubs managed to remain safe. 

As did the brothers that this episode focused upon. For eventually, they got their kill, and even managed to peacefully share it with a hungry hyena and well… all of these elements made for one incredible tale. One that really did show us that some animals are willing to ‘work late’ into the night, if it involves enjoying a full stomach and it was simply fascinating to see how these big cats’ function in the middle of the night. But alas, there is a complaint that needs to accompany this episode, in that… this is the end of our journey and that’s a shame. Because this was a genuinely fascinating series, one that really did offer up an incredible look at an aspect of our world that has remained hidden for so long and hopefully, AppleTV+ takes the time to provide us with follow up to this documentary. So that we can continue to learn exactly what goes on in the world, when we’ve retired to our beds for the night.

There was a time, when the entertainment industry viewed epic novels and comic book stories in a far different light. In that, these stories were so powerful and sweeping in nature that the only way to properly adapt them, was to give them their own motion picture. A notion that quite frankly, offered up some interesting results, back in the day. For some of these adaptations, simply didn’t do the story justice on the silver screen, because two hours was just not enough time to capture the scope and gravity of a particular tale. But thankfully as time has gone on and special effects and storytelling have evolved, big ideas and epic stories are finally receiving the adaptations they deserve.

Partly because studios are now committed to creating film franchises that properly encapsulate everything that an adapted story accomplished in print, and also because… creative minds everywhere have come to realize that some stories translate better to the small screen, and that's allowed for television to become quite the useful medium for epic storytelling. Because being able to split a story over multiple weeks, pays proper tribute to the story in question. Since now, detailed world-building can take place, as can quality character development, and as an added bonus, big moments from said story can play out in an organic manner. And really, all of this is relevant to our discussion today simply because we are days away from enjoying a brand-new television adaptation of a beloved and grandiose story.

For The Watch, a series inspired by Terry Pratchett’s Discworld fantasy novels, will make its debut on January 3, 2021 on BBC America, and we here at Nerds That Geek had the distinct honor or being able to view some episodes of this new series early, and we wanted to take a moment to share with all of you what you can expect from The Watch, in a spoiler-free manner of course. And really, the first element of note that allows for this series to shine, is its world-building. Because Ankh-Morpork comes to life in this series in a dynamic and beautiful manner, providing the audience not only with a visual feast by way of the wild creatures that populate this place, but this series is quick to establish what this world is all about and how this city is structured and that allows for the viewer to immediately got lost within this series and its wonder doesn’t end there. 

Because this is a show that is also filled to the brim with colorful and dynamic and quirky characters. The kind that truly stand out because of their unique abilities and proclivities. But what truly makes them worth the audience’s while, is the sheer fact that they have depth. For none of them are there to serve a gimmick in the slightest. Instead, they have hopes, dreams and demons in their past that they are all trying to grapple with and that oddly enough makes them relatable in many ways. Because each and every one of them are outcasts in their own special way, and they all have fears and concerns that we’ve shared in, and all of that really does help to immerse the viewer in this world and in this story. 

But truly, the best part about this series, is that the storytelling is top notch. Because there is a grand mystery for Captain Sam Vimes and his intrepid officers of The Watch to crack. One that is engrossing and dangerous and special in its own right, and the early episodes of this new series do a wonderful job of not giving everything away too early, which in turn will allow for said mystery to unfold in a wonderful and epic manner. And as an added bonus, taking time to solve this incredible mystery will allow for the audience to properly explore this rich and dynamic world, and get to know these intrepid characters inside and out and see what they are capable of and really, in this end, all of these elements make this a downright fascinating series for certain. 

Because it really does a phenomenal job of setting up a grand adventure, one that will be filled to the brim with intrigue and danger and oddly enough… tons of laughs. Because there are also a lot of comedic moments to be found in this story, the kind that work since the jokes are timed perfectly and well, this reviewer is definitely sold on what this wild new series has to offer. Simply because The Watch is unique and fresh and fun and it is absolutely going to take the audience on a wild ride, one that goes to places you don’t expect a fantasy serial to venture into, and it will be quite fascinating to see what kinds of storytelling surprises await us in the weeks to come, as Captain Sam Vimes and his rag-tag band of officers’ work to solve one incredible mystery. 

Over the course of the past week or so, these Retro Recaps have focused heavily on a great deal of the mistakes and missteps that the sixth and final season of CHiPs has made, and rightfully so. Simply because this final year of the series has been riddled with glaring issues, the kind that are quickly helping us to understand why the show was cancelled back in 1983. But while it is important to recognize and critique those mistakes, it is equally as important to celebrate when the show does something right. Mainly because, it helps to remind us why we’re seeing this journey through to the end and it does leave one nostalgic for why they fell in love with this series in the first place, and it just so happens that today’s Retro Recap, is one that is grounded in celebration.
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Because ‘Speedway Fever’ took the time to revisit an element from the first five seasons of the series that each and every one of us adored. Specifically, what makes our heroes tick. A feat that this particular tale accomplished by introducing us to Bobby Nelson’s younger brother, Bruce. Who, ironically, would also become a fixture on the series later on in season six. But what made his introduction here so important and poignant, is that it finally made Bobby a multi-dimensional character instead of a gimmick, since we were able to learn that he comes from a family of police officers and is proud of that fact. And we also learned that he is a responsible big brother, one that does actually believe in the rules and following them at the end of the day, since he expected his baby bro to follow them to a tee at the CHP Academy.

Something that became a focus of this tale, since Bruce was struggling mightily with living a dual life as a championship racer and CHP Cadet and it was simply fascinating to watch him try and navigate the tough world of rules that the Highway Patrol expects of its officers, and it was equally as wonderful to see Bobby finally speak to their importance. Because it finally helped us to understand Bobby’s incredible enthusiasm and why he’s so eager to make a name for himself, all so that he can be a role model to his baby brother, and to uphold the family’s high standing as servants of the law, and it was simply amazing to watch Bruce grow before our eyes and choose to follow in his father and brother’s footsteps by the end of this particular tale, thanks to one unique and fascinating twist in regard to his journey.

Because one of the key reasons he decided to stick with his difficult training, was because he got to see how crime impacts people’s lives firsthand, by being best friends with this episode’s Creep of the Week. For his best buddy Ray was using his status as a racer to woo a woman that worked at a courier company. All so he could get information on the company's routes, in order to rob the couriers of their precious cargo, and coming to discover that his best friend was eager to harm people and show no remorse for it, really did change his outlook on the world and it helped him to understand how he could make it a better place by becoming a Highway Patrolman. But what matters most, is that this plot thread added depth and gravity to this particular tale and truth be told, this episode actually managed to top the last one.

Because this one felt like a classic episode of CHiPs through and through, largely because it featured the perfect balance of character development and action and compelling moments and that really made this story quite refreshing when all is said and done. Because this one featured everything we love about the show and it was nice to see its core elements on display instead of dealing with gimmicks and cameos or half-hearted storylines and well… hopefully this means that the series is going to provide us with a streak of episodes in this vein so that we can properly start to say goodbye in our minds to this wild and delightful journey, before the goofy stuff returns. But until that unsavory moments arrives, we can definitely bask in the wonder of this one and every magnificent moment it had to offer. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Earth at Night in Color’.

If there is one particular belief that a vast majority of mankind shares in, it would have to be that we are the true masters of our domain. After all, we are the apex species on the planet, and our ability to work together and in an intelligent manner, has allowed for us to accomplish outright wonders. To the point where we are able to fly like the birds with the help of planes and traverse the stars by way of powerful rocket technology and we are the only species on the planet that is able to cheat death by way of our medical science. But while it is incredible to ponder upon our accomplishments and how well we control our destiny, we are not the masters that we think we are.
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Because the fact of the matter is, nature is the true master of this planet and regardless of how much progress we make or how dominant we are, it will indeed find a way to thrive and survive without our guidance and for proof… then look no further than the next episode of Earth at Night in Color. For ‘Wild Cities’ took the time to show how active and busy the world is after a vast majority of us retire for the night… in our own backyards. For animals have indeed come to learn that when the sun goes down, we disappear from the world and that is the perfect time to come out and find something to eat and live a peaceful life and well, seeing all of this in action made for one fascinating tale for certain. 

One that allowed for us to understand, just how intertwined our modern world is with nature. Since foxes and bears and everything in between emerge from the hills surrounding Los Angeles in order to go about their nightly business. Which might include taking a dip in whatever pool they find nearby, since our luxurious creations affords them the opportunity to cool off in the middle of summer, or it even allows for them to enjoy a cool drink if needed. But while it was amazing to see how animals make use of some of the conveniences of our carefully created world, two vignettes in this particular tale really helped us to understand how nature has learned to adapt to an environment where man is everywhere.

Take for example the mountain lion named Nikita that roams a small segment of hillside property surrounded by Los Angeles freeways. For she has figured out how to make use of her new environment to a tee and is able to patrol and eat and live in relative comfort whilst the world around her rushes about and that’s simply incredible. As are the falcons that make use of Chicago’s glittering skyscrapers to help them hunt. Since the peregrine falcon will carefully watch and wait for migrating birds to get lost within the concrete and steel jungles that we’ve created in order to snag a meal and it is simply amazing to know that nature is finding new ways to thrive and function in places where mankind believes it has complete control. However, while it was indeed incredible to see all of this play out, we would be remiss to not point out that our attempts to completely conquer the landscape is not without its drawbacks.

Since the show also took the time to show us how many birds are injured and killed by the glittering skyscrapers in downtown Chicago. A surprise that outright reminds us that we cannot look at ourselves as emperors of the world, but partners that have to make extra efforts to care for the many lives that still go about while we rest in the evening. And it was lovely to learn that some buildings in the windy city are going to power down during migration season to help innocent little birds find their way and really in the end, this really was quite the amazing episode. For it really did do a phenomenal job of pointing out how little we actually control in this world since nature always finds a way to make use of our environment and now we have a wonderful understanding of just how busy our world truly is, since nature has plenty to do while the 'masters' of this planet retire for the night. Until next time.  

Thus far, our journey through the sixth and final season of CHiPs has been frustrating to say the least. Because not only has our dynamic duo been dissolved, allowing for the magic and chemistry of Ponch and Jon to outright disappear, the series has been struggling to reclaim its voice. For instead of offering depth and commentary in the stories, the kind that allows for the audience to genuinely care about the case that the CHP is currently investigating; the series has opted to use gimmicks or packed episodes to try and captivate the audience. Which means that the end result has been a supremely hollow experience, one that leaves the viewer longing for the good old days. 

But while these strange and desperate storytelling decisions make it seem as though everything, we loved about this series is going to fade into oblivion, believe it or not, this show still has stories up its sleeve that invest the viewer and for proof… look no further than the next episode of this storied saga. For ‘Rock Devil Rock’ is the first episode in season six that actually feels like a traditional tale in this series. Simply because it actually takes the time to focus upon the victim and the villain in this tale, allowing for us to care about what happens in the story, which is quite the feat when all is said and done. Largely because at first glance it seems as though this particular tale is going to be an outright disappointment.

After all, it seems quite gimmicky out of the gate, since the California Highway Patrol, or rather, Ponch and Bobby are assigned to protect a hard metal rock star named Moloch who is reviled by some, since he sings music about the Devil and whilst dressed up like a second-rate Gene Simmons. But once we get past the silliness of that, it turns out that poor Moloch is being target for assassination by his agent/manager. Simply because this guy has had it with talent coming and going in this industry, to the point where he’s decided to create and kill a popular and immortal character. Which in this case is Moloch, all so that he can just sit back and collect endless paychecks and never deal with talent issues again and well… finally having some motivations for the villain in a season six story really does invest the viewer at last, as does getting to know the victim.

Because Moloch really is an innocent here. In fact, he’s just a musician looking to strike it rich and the odd realism of both of those storylines, since we’ve seen jaded people in their profession do horrible things to benefit themselves and take people for a ride in process, really does have you rooting for Ponch and Bobby to save the day. But while it is nice to finally feel a more traditional story play out for a change in season six, the wonder of this tale doesn’t end there. Because this is a story that also features an organic and quality cameo by way of Cassandra Peterson, who created the iconic character, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. And she is here in this tale to DJ the CHP Halloween shindig and her arrival in this tale, just works through and through and offers up some proper laughs as well. 

Plus, we would be remiss to not point out that a plot thread involving a kid named Flippy (one that seemed to be a throwaway moment), leads to a grand payoff. Since his noble actions lead to the most epic action sequence in this tale and well… in the end, it really is best to declare this episode as the finest that season six has offered to date. Because it is filled to the brim with heart and depth and the action we crave. However, while that should offer relief and joy, it sadly only brings about frustration. Because clearly the show could have stayed the course and offered up more episodes like this, but it consistently told tales that served as the anthesis to what made this series so great. But the good news, is that season six did finally give us something worthwhile for certain and it’s best we hang onto the wonder of this one before things go south again. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Earth at Night in Color’.

When we think of nocturnal animals, we think of evolution. Because some animals have learned that the dark provides them with everything they need, and they’ve slowly adapted and grown to make it their domain whilst the rest of the world gently rests. But what we rarely consider, is our impact on evolution. Because sometimes, our aggressive proclivity to use nature’s beings for their resources, motivates various species to change, so they can outright thrive in peace, and for proof that this is the case… then look no further than the next episode of Earth at Night in Color.

For ‘Bear Woodlands’ introduced us to the brown bears of the boreal forests in Europe, who have made the bold move to adapt and evolve to function at night. Simply because… mankind has hunted these animals aggressively for far too long, and it finally occurred to these animals to change their body clock and awake in the cover of darkness, in order to avoid mankind and its predatory ways and well, it worked. For now, these bears roam the night no problem and thrive under the cover of the stars and this adaptation is so intense and so involved that even their young have deviated from normal behavior. For when they play, they do so in silence, in order to avoid the risk of being discovered by any predator.

But while it was fascinating to learn that these proud bears have adapted to survive in unique and fascinating ways, what would an episode of this series be without showing us exactly how they thrive in the darkness? And that was accomplished by having us spend time with a specific brown bear named Alvar. For this big fluffy bear went on quite the journey in this story, one that saw him awake from his hibernation in a weakened state and he quickly worked hard to find a meal on a consistent basis and find a mate and well, it was quite amazing to watch him push hard regardless of the odds, to find success in both endeavors. And thankfully, his perseverance allowed for him to eventually find a mate in a gentle and playful manner and of course… he eventually found food as well.

So much in fact that he went from being an average sized starving bear, to one that suddenly owned the landscape. For by the end of this tale, Alvar was a massive bear, one that actually managed to engender fear in the predators that he once stole from. For the coyotes in this forest quickly came to understand that no coyote should mess with a bear ten times their size, especially a hungry one. And they also learned that if said bear wants the meal, they worked hours on end to bring down, it’s best they simply hand it over and well, in the end, all of these elements made for one fascinating and engrossing story. One that offered up a unique look at life in a place where the night seems endless and one that taught us a powerful lesson.

In that, we really don’t ponder enough on how our modern world has impacted the natural one. Because it is definitely safe to say that few of us had a clue that nature has taken the time to adapt in the hopes of avoiding us and seeing that in action, definitely gives the viewer pause and leaves them pondering upon how else we’ve managed to impact the natural world. A notion that we won’t have to wait long to explore, for the next episode in this phenomenal documentary is going to take the time to dive into just that. By showing us just how nature has learned to thrive at night, within the confines of the incredibly complex cities we've constructed. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 311 of 'Star Trek: Discovery'.
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When bad things happen to us in life, it is quite natural for us to look for a specific reason as to why tragedy befell us. Simply because it gives our minds something to focus upon while we process the unfortunate reality of the situation. In that, there aren’t forces working against us or that what just happened to us isn't some kind of retribution generated by karma. No instead, the universe is and will forever be an unforgiving place where chaos reigns supreme and here and there, we are the victims of its random machinations whether we like it or not. And sometimes, this concept can be quite overwhelming, so much in fact… that popular media tends to stay away from it.
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Because having a conspiracy or a particular villain be behind all the bad things in a story, helps to create that sense of escape that is definitely necessary when we use stories to help us get through tough times, since this particular trope brings order to chaos in our minds, and helps us return to the situation at hand with a fresh set of eyes. But while most stories are keen to offer up a touch of inadvertent therapy by creating reasons for tragedy, once in a while you run across a tale that is brave enough to point out how the universe sometimes just does what it does, and oddly enough this week’s episode of Star Trek: Discovery is a tale that meets that particular criteria. For ‘Su’Kal’ more or less gave us an understanding what caused The Burn, and its origin… was not at all what we expected it to be. 

Which is a reveal that was made possible, by sending the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery to the Verubin Nebula at last, mainly because the data linkup revealed the fact that a life sign was aboard the crashed Kelpien ship. And it was Captain Saru’s hope that perhaps the survivor aboard that vessel had an understanding of what caused The Burn and well… what the away team found when they boarded the ship was fascinating to say the least. For this particular vessel was equipped with advanced holographic systems, the kind that were in full use in order to help the surviving Kelpien (who shared the namesake of this tale) cope with the fact that he was alone and to keep him safe until help arrived. But another important purpose of this simulation, is what brought about this grand exploration of chaos. 

For eventually, Saru and Michael and Dr. Culber came to realize that the only way to end this program and rescue Su’Kal from this lonesome world, was to have him complete the simulation by facing his fears. Something that he had refused to do thus far, a decision that definitely stunted his emotional growth and made any dealings with him, quite difficult. And when the Away Team made a move for that to happen… something quite stunning occurred. In that, Su’Kal emitted a powerful psionic blast, one that the Discovery was able to detect. Which made it clear that the radiation in this nebula had altered Su’Kal’s DNA when he was in the womb, and that likely meant that something that happened in his childhood, motivated him to push forth a similar blast. One that would have caused all dilithium in the galaxy to detonate, making him the likely source of The Burn.

Which was quite the stunning revelation for certain, one that few of us ever saw coming. For so many fans have theorized that a Federation experiment or some kind of unseen force made this happen for nefarious reasons, when in fact… it was all about that chaos and a child that didn’t know any better. Which is a bold way to handle an event this big and what’s truly amazing about this particular episode, is that it had more stunning moments to send our way. Such as the fact that Osyraa snuck up on the Discovery in this tale and used her scans of the ship from their prior encounter to do something supremely bold and chilling. In that, she straight up boarded the ship and seized it with ease, so that she could finally have her hands on the spore drive and that’s where this story ends, with a powerful weapon in enemy hands, and with the Away Team stranded in a hostile and dangerous part of space.

If anything, this really was quite the unique episode when all is said and done, largely because it featured a lot of brave decisions, storytelling wise. After all, you rarely see Federation ships be captured by the enemy, and chaos simply isn’t the cause of most of the galaxy’s problems. But all of that changed here and these are welcome surprises for certain. Because now it seems as though we are in uncharted and unpredictable territory, where no one is safe and anything can happen. Which is something that outright leaves the viewer excited and eager to see where next week's story is going to take us. Because there is a chance now that Federation Headquarters is in grave danger, and of course, our heroes are facing insurmountable odds and well, that's going to motivate all of us to countdown the minutes until next Thursday, to see how exactly how this brave and intrepid crew is going to overcome the odds in order to save the Federation and the galaxy. Until next time.