Thus far, our Retro Recaps of the police serial CHiPs have helped us to learn that there is no one singular moment that brings forth the demise of a popular television series. Instead, it is a series of missteps that send a show off the airwaves and slowly but surely, we’ve been seeing those moments play out over the course of the past couple of seasons. For season five saw the saga try not once, but twice… to create spinoffs instead of focusing on Ponch and Jon, and already we’ve seen some serious missteps pop up in season six. Such as extensive casting changes and a strange push to water down the storylines. 
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But while it is fascinating to watch a show deteriorate in real time and come to understand how its mistakes drive audiences away, often times it is the big mistakes that audiences attribute to the end and understandably so. Because sometimes they are so goofy and outlandish and downright silly, that they overshadow the simpler missteps and it just so happens, that a big and wild misstep, one that is supremely out there, is featured in the next episode of this storied franchise. For ‘The Spaceman Made Me Do It’ is a story that tried to capitalize on the popularity of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Close Encounters of the Third Kind by having Ponch and Bobby kinda, sorta face off against aliens. Yes, you read that right. Aliens.

The kind that apparently needed a young girl to help them steal diamonds in order to get their navigational systems going and that’s how Ponch and Bobby found themselves caught up in this wild plot. For they were the arresting officers of the girl in question, named Jodi, and well… a fair chunk of her journey in this tale revolves around her desire for everyone to believe that she’s telling the truth about talking to aliens, and her time with Ponch and Bobby also brings forth some odd encounters with the unexplained. Such as flashing lights in the middle of the night and a wild finale sequence where Ponch and Bobby are forced to try and keep the aliens in question from abducting Jodi to their home world and well, all of this makes for one supremely strange and uncomfortable tale, largely because… none of this works.

After all, this is a fluffy crime drama, one grounded in reality. So, to see Ponch and Bobby questioning their place in the universe and dealing with aliens lurking about in the darkness is silly to say the least and it completely removes you from the episode as well. Because this isn't at all what the viewer signed up for when they tuned in. To make matters worse, this off-putting twist once again ruins what could have been a powerful and moving storyline. Because Jodi’s broken home life and desire to escape from all things reality, could have offered up some realistic and heartbreaking motivations for stealing, and a solid reason for Ponch to jump in and try keep her on the straight and narrow. But instead, a fascinating character study takes a backseat to low budget special effects involving a ‘spaceship’ and the ‘spaceman’ mentioned in the title.

If anything, this really was quite the difficult episode to watch., for obvious reasons. And while there is nothing wrong with stories about aliens, or science fiction in general… it simply has no place in CHiPs. For this was a saga about everyday cops doing everyday things and trying their best to actually make a difference in the world and this just doesn’t work here in the slightest and it really is a storytelling decision that stinks of someone behind the scenes, demanding that the show be ‘hip’ or ‘with the times’ and that’s just unnecessary. Because this series became a hit by being a police serial that defied the norm and what’s truly scary about this story, is that we are only three episodes into the sixth and final season of this saga, and if it is offering up stories this outlandish this early on, who knows what kind of wild stories await us down the line. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Earth at Night in Color’.
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When we think of the jaguars that roam the jungle, certain images come to mind. The kind that relates to strength. Because everything we’ve been taught about these majestic animals and seen of them in popular media, has led us to believe that they are the true kings of the jungle, and that they will stop at nothing to conquer their prey and defend their land. And this particular visage of the jaguar exists, simply because we’ve only seen bits and pieces of their true behavior, largely due to the fact that they are nocturnal animals that we cannot observe all that well in the middle of the night.

But shows like Earth at Night in Color are changing the narrative on animals like the jaguar, since the brand-new technologies this series employs… is giving scientists and documentarians an unprecedented look at how these big cats live. For now, they can carefully watch these animals in action under the cover of night and well, what we are now learning about these incredible creatures is downright fascinating for certain and it made ‘Jaguar Jungle’ quite the incredible chapter in this documentary. Since it showed us a side of these animals that few of us ever knew existed. For it turns out… that these fantastic felines can be quite vulnerable when all is said and done.

A lesson that this episode provided us with, by introducing us to a jaguar named Juru, who was injured when we caught up with him in this tale. For a grand fight with another big cat left one of his paws in great pain and that made life quite difficult for Juru. Because he could no longer move with the patented stealth that these big cats are known for, and that meant he wasn’t eating all that much. Which in turn left him without the energy he needed to defend his territory and of course, it also meant that his health was in jeopardy, and well… it is definitely safe to say that watching Juru fight to survive made for some powerful moments for certain.

For it is really is engrained in our minds that these felines are more or less invincible, so to see a jaguar struggle here was stunning and humbling for certain, since it served to remind us that life on earth isn’t easy for any particular species. But what truly made this unprecedented view into the jaguar’s life so supremely worth our while, is that despite the odds and outright hunger that Juru faced in this particular tale, he made sure to be patient in regard to his injury and take it easy for a little while. And by doing that, he was able to properly heal up and resume his duties as king of the riverbed and that is just a magnificent way to end this tale, since it puts the sheer tenacity and legendary status of these felines on full display.

If anything, this truly was the most dynamic chapter of this documentary to date. Since it really did offer up an unprecedented look into the everyday life of the jaguar. To the point where we were able to learn that even their mating habits aren’t as fierce as once believed, since a tender courtship was observed in the middle of the night. Which just goes to show that these cameras and their incredible technology are only going to revolutionize wildlife research, since they’re already changing our perception of and understanding of the natural world and the revelations present here definitely leave one eager to see what other stunning discoveries await us in the next episode of this fascinating and dynamic documentary. Until next time.

If there is one unfortunate lesson about the world that each and every one of us learn at some point during our lives, it would have to be that not everyone has our best interests at heart. Because sadly some people are selfish and see others as a commodity designed to further their goals, and they are eager to take advantage of others in order to make that happen. But while this lesson often breaks our hearts and leaves us angry and untrusting for a while, more often than not, we emerge from this lesson/scenario with only a few emotional bumps and bruises, and some newfound knowledge and that makes us quite lucky to say the least. Because there are some folks out there who learn this lesson in a supremely damaging manner, one that haunts them for ages on end, and it just so happens that the darker side to this lesson was explored in great detail in the next episode of CHiPs.
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A feat that ‘Tight Fit’ accomplished in quite the unique manner. Because early on, it seemed as though this particular story was going to go in a more lighthearted direction. For shortly after Bobby and Ponch busted a couple of crooks that made a grand effort to steal a photographer’s gear, Ponch was offered a job to model some sexy new jeans by a talent scout and that led to some supremely funny moments. The kind that saw Ponch posing as a professional model, complete with stone cold gazes and dance moves in order to sell these jeans and the fun didn't end there. Since the response around Los Angeles when his hunky billboards went up on the streets, led to plenty more laughs. But while it was nice to enjoy a few chuckles, these moments were critical for certain. Since they set up the unsettling exploration in question. 

For it turns out that a model named Sheila, that Ponch was working with, was having trouble with the photographer of this outfit, a dude named Geoffrey. And it first glance it seemed as though their bad blood related to Sheila owing Geoffrey some cash, since Ponch and Bobby overheard them talking about monthly payments. But once Ponch dug a little deeper, he uncovered some twisted machinations on Geoffrey’s part. Because this guy took a few photos of Sheila when she wasn’t of age, and no… they weren’t appropriate photos in the slightest, and he was using the existence of those photos to extort money from her so he wouldn’t make them public. But what truly made this segment of the story so powerful, is the sheer impact that this whole mess had on Sheila. Because the threat of having those photos leaked, caused powerful psychological damage, the kind that drove her to contemplate suicide over potentially having her life ruined.

Which is, a dark place for CHiPs to go, but this twist definitely expresses to the audience how a person that sees us as nothing more than a commodity or an ends to a mean, can cause us great harm in more ways than we can imagine. If anything, this plot thread made it seem for a moment that this series was getting back on track and offering up unique and thoughtful storytelling once again. But alas, that's basically as far as the series went in exploring the impact of this unfortunate reality. Because it resolved this whole situation in a quick and neat manner, and that’s a shame. Because had the episode focused exclusively on this matter, this episode could have offered up some powerful commentary on toxic masculinity and it also could have been ahead of its time by recognizing and addressing issues that the #MeToo movement has brought to light.

But instead, the show opted to shoehorn another one-dimensional Creep of the Week into the story, one that was all about stealing diamonds. All so that Bobby would have something to do in this story and look like a hero. Which of course, he does in the end since the California Highway Patrol gets their baddie, every single time in this series. But had this episode dumped that plot line, the other one would have allowed for this story to be ahead of its time and it would have shown audiences back then, that the series could thrive without Jon Baker on the streets and that it was still capable of touching upon topics that no other police serial dared to. But instead, this was nothing more than a frenzied attempt to make Bobby a big part of this series quickly, rather than allow for him grow and that’s unfortunate. Because it made what would have been a poignant episode, mediocre and pedestrian at best. Until next time. 

It is definitely safe to say, that television fans all hope for one particular thing when it comes to their favorite shows. In that, they want said shows to end on a high note and understandably so. After all, they’ve invested a lot of time into a particular show and seeing it go out with a bang makes for one satisfying experience. But while there are some shows that have come to a close in a dynamic and wonderful manner, that is sadly… not the norm. For a great many shows simply disappear from the airwaves due to cancellation, or they don’t stick in the landing and leave fans dissatisfied. Or… as is the case with today’s Retro Recap, the show in question can make some serious mistakes and fall to pieces right before our very eyes.
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Because we have at long last, reached the sixth and final season of CHiPs, which is a year of storytelling that featured all kinds of missteps from the franchise from beginning to end and this is a season that I’ve been hesitant to start… for several reasons. First and foremost, because sometimes you need to ‘read the room’ in regard to police serials and the political climate and also because… I knew deep down this was going to be a supremely rough watch. One that would engender a fair chunk of criticism and that’s just not fun, since we watch shows akin to this one to be entertained and find a little joy in our day, and we definitely try to keep things positive here at NTG. But alas, season six and its mistakes cannot be changed, and I did promise a detailed examination of what brought this popular series to its cancellation point and what’s wild… is that the season six premiere didn’t take long in exposing what kinds of foundational problems, helped to push this show off the airwaves.

Take the casting for instance. Because season six saw the departure of just about every single cast member outside of Erik Estrada, Robert Pine, Paul Linke and Lou Wagner and that’s problematic since so many members of the supporting cast that were featured in prior seasons were absolute fan favorites. But that’s not the only casting problem we run into in ‘Meet the New Guy’. Because this is also the first episode of the series that doesn’t feature Larry Wilcox as Jon Baker, who opted to not renew his contract and well, not doing enough to retain a series lead that was beloved by legions of fans… obviously had a major impact on the show’s ratings down the line and quite frankly, it’s quality as well. Since Larry and Erik had wonderful on-screen chemistry and the lack of that here, definitely has an impact on the tone of the new season.

Because the best friend vibe that permeated the first five seasons is completely gone here, instead replaced with a double dose of machismo. Because Bobby Nelson is another hot dog, hot shot rookie cop that wants to be a star and well… the show already has that, in Frank Poncherello and while Ponch mellowed out and matured over the course of the series, it was his desire to do things loose and Jon’s ability to ground him that made the series work so well. So, it feels quite strange to not have that present in an episode of this series and to complicate the characters further, Bobby is about as one dimensional as they come. Which is supremely problematic since the show wasted no time back in season one, establishing depth in Ponch and Jon, and he’s not the only one suffering from this particular problem.

For even the Creeps of the Week in this tale, and a troubled teen named Amy Kent have zero depth to them as well. Because we don’t even learn the names of the health club thieves or any of their motivations, they just show up, whip out a gun and rob the joint. And as for Amy, she’s just a mess. Because it would be one thing to introduce us to a troubled teen that’s eager to stay away from the cops because she’s naïve and thinks that she will be facing jail time for ‘stealing’ her own baby. But instead, this teen just does things for shock value, and there’s no rhyme or reason to her woefully strange actions and that makes her forgettable to say the least, and it makes the moment that Ponch and Bobby help her out, feel hollow, because we just aren’t invested in her story or her, in the slightest.

In the end, this is just a messy tale through and through. One that has the look of a classic CHiPs episode but doesn’t quite feel like one. An issue further compounded by the fact that there are also a lot of gimmicks to be found in this tale. Such as cameos and a push to up the sex appeal factor by having Ponch run around shirtless and well… this premiere just feels lost. As though the show no longer has any heart to offer the audience and, in a way, that’s one-hundred percent true. Because Jon was a huge reason that this series worked so well, and his absence weighs heavy on this tale and what’s worrisome about this premiere… is that we have twenty-one more episodes to go in season six and if the storytelling stays this hollow, then this re-watch is going to be a sour affair. So, here’s to hoping the stories find a way to become tolerable and if all else fails, at least we can focus upon the fact that this final season is going to feature police officers that don't abuse their power and make helping others a genuine priority. Until next time.

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

When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous new AppleTV+ series, Earth at Night in Color, we talked at length about how amazing it was that this series was able to capture crystal clear visuals in the middle of the night, and we expressed our wonder, over all the incredible learning moments that this series has to offer. Because only a handful of us out there were aware of the fact that lions roamed the grasslands at night to feed and raise their young and well, that kind of revelation definitely left us eager to explore what other nocturnal activities take place around the globe while we gently rest in the comfort of our cozy beds. And thankfully, the next episode of this dynamic new series wasted little time in showing us just that.

For the next episode of this fantastic series, opted to take us to the forests in Southeast Asia, where life in the trees doesn’t miss a beat when the sun goes down. In fact, life in the ‘Tarsier Forest’ in the middle of the night, resembles that of New York City more often than not. Since it seems as though little sleeps beneath the leaves, and thanks to the fireflies… the trees even light up in a similar manner to the Manhattan skyline and the bustling night doesn’t end with a light show. For tiny frogs come out in the middle of the darkness to fight for spots that offer them the best possible chance to feed and this was simply fascinating to watch, since it helped to demonstrate that world just keeps on moving while humanity naps the night away. 

But truly, the centerpiece of this particular tale was the spectral tarsier, a tiny little mammal that is uniquely designed to thrive in the darkness of the night. For these tiny little creatures have massive eyes and equally as impressive ears. Both of which are designed to help them see well in the dark and hear their prey as it moves about the forest and we spent a great deal of time with these little critters. Which allowed for us to watch them hunt with incredible precision and speed as they worked to get their daily caloric intake and we were even able to bear witness, to how they move as families whilst they work to find food. Since the mothers will carry their young with them and place them in safe spaces while the hunt continues along.

Which is a move that is not without risk. For owls roam the darkness as well, and if by chance they spot a baby tarsier, they won’t think twice about going after it. Plus, there are snakes that slither about the floor of the forest, the kind that can climb a tree no problem if it involves getting a little food in their bellies. And while that makes it seem as though this documentary was about to go to some sour places in order to tell a powerful tale, that’s simply not the case. Instead, the arrival of predators allowed for the audience to witness firsthand, how these creatures use noise and diversionary tactics to confuse and intimidate their enemies so that everyone returns home safely before dawn, and that is thankfully how this magnificent story ends.

But while it is nice to see every critter survive in this particular tale, what truly makes this story so worth our while… is the sheer fact that some incredible work went into play in capturing these stunning night shots. Because the crew missed nothing, and the camera's attention to detail made it seem as though we were watching this play out in daylight and that’s just incredible when all is said and done. As are the people that captured these shots, since they braved the dangers of the forest at night and used ingenuity to get the images in question and they truly deserve a shout out for making this episode happen. And now that our journey through the forest at night has come to a close, it should be interesting to see what other incredible nighttime activities take place in our next destination, as we continue along on our sweeping voyage through the darkness. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the finale of ‘Baby Chimp Rescue’.
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Each and every one of us out there, have some kind of dream or goal or accolade in our minds and in our hearts, that we dedicate ourselves to achieving. Because this particular goal (or goals) fuels us and fires up our spirits in a way we never thought possible and that fire is what motivates us to chase it. But while it is always delightful to talk about ‘the dream’ and how it drives us, since such a powerful notion is inspiring to discuss, what we don’t talk about enough when it comes to this concept… is why we keep plugging away at our goal. Because, achieving our dreams is no easy task, in fact at times the odds are against us and the endgame seems so far off in the distance. Yet… we continue to drive toward it.

Simply because there is something specific when it comes to our respective goals that truly motivates us to wake up in the morning and work upon them, and we’re not talking about fame and glory and buckets of cash. We are talking about a fundamental reason, related to our goals, that excites and energizes us, and it just so happens that this particular aspect of our dreams was explored in great detail in the series finale of Baby Chimp Rescue and with good reason. After all, we’ve seen Jenny and Jim Desmond face the kind of odds that would quite frankly, make most people quit a quest to save chimpanzees from being hunted and harmed. But regardless of the odds and the losses and the challenges they face, Jenny and Jim continue along, without giving it a second thought, and once we got past more trials and tribulations in ‘A New Beginning’, we finally came to understand what keeps them going and why they fight so hard for these animals.

As it turns out, their quest to save chimpanzees from rough fates relates to some deep-rooted moral concerns. For example, they want to right some serious wrongs that they’ve seen humanity commit. Because they initially came to Liberia to watch over primates that were used in heavy medical study and abandoned when the study came to a close. And seeing how scarred these poor animals were after that harrowing experience and realizing that more wrongs were waiting in the wings for the chimpanzees that live here, is what motivated them to chase their noble cause. Because helping these animals survive and thrive in a safe and healthy environment is indeed healing the souls of everyone involved (chimpanzees included) and it is righting a wrong in a world that can be cruel at times, and it was quite powerful to really come to understand their motivations for working this hard at their goals and to come to find… that they are in fact making a difference because of their efforts.

For this episode also informed us, how the government in Liberia is starting to understand that these gentle primates are not meals or pets. Since the justice system in Liberia is now prosecuting people that are breaking the laws related to chimpanzees, and the meat that is sold in markets is being seized and destroyed, and to make this episode even more inspiring… we also came to learn that donations are starting to pour in. And all of this is happening because of the fact that Jenny and Jim refuse to quit, and because their efforts to teach everyone that these animals are living and breathing beings with feelings and needs, are paying off and motivating folks to support this cause because now they understand it is just and true, and that really is an inspiring and beautiful way to end this series. Since it makes it clear that through hard work and dedication… our dreams can in fact, come true. 

But while that message is important and powerful in its own right, it is also critical to recognize what the realization of this dream will mean for the chimpanzees; something that we got a taste of at the very end of this tale. Because the Desmonds and their staff, took some of the chimps to the future site of the sanctuary to let them experience what their future home will be like. And seeing these chimpanzees apply what they've learned in their training sessions and take to the trees and smile with glee… is what truly makes all of these efforts worth it. For there is going to come a day, and soon, where these animals will live exactly as nature intended them to, and they will be safe and happy and able to thrive… all thanks to the dedication of two kind individuals that believe we can do better in regard to our relationship with mother nature and that failure, is not an option.

To learn more about Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue & Protection and their mission, or to support their cause, please visit their website.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two finale of ‘The Mandalorian’.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about how The Mandalorian has done a phenomenal job of reminding us exactly why we love the Star Wars Universe and all the incredible stories it has to offer and there’s been good reason for that level of intense discussion. Simply because season two of this series really has served as a ‘greatest hits’ reel for the franchise, since this year’s stories have cherry picked the best parts of the SWU and put them on display. Which has led to a satisfying and nostalgic viewing experience for certain.   
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But while it has been lovely to celebrate everything that makes the franchise great and see Din’s journey weave him into the connective tissue of the SWU, there is still one big question surrounding this series that has yet to be answered in that… what exactly does The Mandalorian want to accomplish as a series? After all, ‘The Skywalker Saga’ was a grand sweeping journey about the nature of good versus evil and the offshoot Clone Wars and Rebels were about the spoils of war and the battle for freedom under an oppressive state, respectively. But this series, has been a spaghetti sci-fi western from the get-go, one that works to pepper in some surprises along the way, and little else.

But it would seem that the series is finally starting to find a direction and purpose for Din Djarin. For ‘Chapter 16: The Rescue’ did indeed tip its hand as to what this story might focus upon in the future… after it once again paid tribute to the wonder of the overall franchise. Because there is nothing that fans love more than an epic final showdown between good and evil, and we definitely got that here. Because the battle aboard Moff Gideon’s cruiser was about as incredible as it gets, since we were able to see Din’s buddies take down Imperial Remnant in a satisfying manner before allowing for a grand final showdown between Gideon and Din, one that ended exactly as we hoped it would.

Plus, we would be foolish to not talk about the most epic moment of this tale, specifically… when freakin’ Luke Skywalker popped up aboard the ship to put down the Dark Troopers as only a Jedi can, all so that he could bring Grogu back into the Jedi fold. Which was just... an amazing sequence from beginning to end, largely because it featured the biggest cameo on this series to date, but also because it allowed for us to finally see Luke Skywalker in action, doing all the kickass Jedi things that we’ve wanted to see him do post Return of the Jedi, making this one of the coolest moments that the series has ever put together. One that oddly enough, helped us to understand what the future and focus of this series might look like in season three.
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Because, let’s be honest, Grogu’s departure with Master Skywalker really does mean that Din’s quest to save the kid has in fact, come to an end. Which means that the story has to shift focus from here on out and it would seem Din's newfound possession of the Darksaber and Bo’s request that he help her restore the wonder of Mandalore, is all related to the future of this franchise. Which means that this series might become more intimate in nature than we normally see in the SWU. Because a return home to Mandalore would force Din to ponder upon his place in the universe and what it means to be a Mandalorian since he would be immersed within a culture he’s never fully understood and if that is indeed the case, what a brilliant way to grow this story.

In large part, because it would be something bold and new for the Star Wars Universe to attempt since this franchise is often about giant moments, as evidenced by this finale. But it would also be brilliant, simply because it would allow for some serious character development to take place as we watch Din Djarin grow into a genuine hero, one that helps to rebuild an ancient race of powerful warriors and that kind of fresh potential truly is enticing. Especially when one considers that the series will likely continue to give us big moments and epic cameos that keep this series tied tightly to connective tissue of the Star Wars Universe. However, there is also a chance the series could surprise us and go in a completely different direction. But that is the wonder of this particular season finale. In that, by closing the chapter on the Grogu storyline, the possibilities are now endless storytelling wise, and it will be interesting to see where Din’s adventures take us, in season three. Until next year.

Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about how season three of Star Trek: The Next Generation was a game-changing year for this franchise and understandably so. Because this is indeed the year that TNG was regarded by many as top-tier science fiction, the kind that was fearless in taking risks with its characters and its storytelling. A fact that is outright reinforced by the quality writing that season three offered up, since every single story in year three does a phenomenal job of exploring the human condition in a bold and dynamic manner. But truly, what put this franchise on the map wasn’t its exploration of ‘what if?’ or its intimate examinations of our humanity. No, instead, what gave TNG its bold reputation… was the season three finale.

For ‘The Best of Both Worlds’ featured the return of the mysterious Borg and well, how this episode played out and the cliffhanger that it left us what is what brought about the reputation in question. Because in many ways this particular tale made it clear that science fiction didn’t have to always play it safe. That it could in fact, take some risks with the storytelling and add a sense of danger to a universe that is often comfy, and that it was okay to make the audience uncomfortable and worried. Because doing so would put the audience on an actual emotional roller coaster, one that they would be invested in from beginning to end and all of this was made possible by the simplest of storytelling decisions.

In that, this is a tale that removes the invincibility cloak that hangs over Starfleet. After all, this is an organization that beats the odds at every turn, regardless of how great or how dangerous. So, to see the crew of the Enterprise take a beating from the Borg and be forced to run and hide in Federation space is a striking decision to say the least. One that truly does add that sense of danger since they are finally facing off against an invincible foe that will indeed find a way to confront them at any moment. And of course, the decision to have Captain Picard be captured by the Borg only adds to the dangerous vibe surrounding this tale, since it more or less signaled the fact that no one was safe in this story. 

Which is another ambitious storytelling decision for certain. Because in the Star Trek Universe and science fiction in general, the leads are normally safe. For they are the heroes of the story and while they can be pushed and challenged and have brushes with death, we expect to see them on the series week in and week out. So, to see Locutus of Borg standing before the crew and demanding they surrender, was shocking to say the least. Because in that moment, no Trekker/Trekkie had a clue if Captain Jean-Luc Picard was ever going to sit in the captain’s chair ever again, and that sense of the unknown and the fear it produced was refreshing and powerful and brilliant and it truly meant that the series or television would never be the same again. 
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Because in many ways, the ‘TO BE CONTINUED…’ that pops up at the end of this tale would revolutionize storytelling for certain. For up until that point, season finales were indeed designed to wrap up the year in order to clear the slate for a forthcoming season. But now, stories could leave the audience hanging and leave them hungry for more and that likely means that this particular tale gave birth to the modern T.V. cliffhanger, a device that other big sci-fi shows such as Battlestar Galactica (which was written and run by TNG alum Ronald D. Moore) would use on a consistent basis. Making this finale transcendent in many ways since science fiction really didn’t have that kind of influence upon the industry until this episode came along.

But it just speaks to how good and how powerful this episode truly is and it really is quite impressive how well this tale holds up after all these years. Because everything in this finale is still brisk and clean and the big moments still send chills down your spine. Which means that this one was in fact… a perfect Star Trek tale. Because not only does it offer action and adventure and big challenges for the crew of the Enterprise to overcome, but it’s also filled with quality character growth, as evidenced by Will Riker’s journey in this tale and really in this end, this is one iconic tale for certain. One that leaves you hungry to continue the journey to see how Captain Riker will outsmart the Borg, regardless of how many times you’ve seen this episode and that is truly, quite the storytelling accomplishment. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 310 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’.
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When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous series that is, Star Trek: Discovery, the situation was uh… strange. For Emperor Philippa Georgiou had managed to travel back to the Mirror Universe, as part of an effort to save her life from the ravages of being too far away from home and it is safe to say that all of us in the audience were a tad confused as to where such a storytelling decision was going to take us. Because we hadn’t a clue as to whether or not this twist was designed to serve as a long and sweeping redemption story for Georgiou, or if this was a signal that the franchise was going to return to the weird storytelling ways of The Original Series. 
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But thankfully, ‘Terra Firma, Part 2’, was quick to inform the audience that this journey back through the Mirror Universe was in fact designed to be a redemption story after all, as evidenced by the Emperor’s actions, following her decision to let Captain Michael Burnham live. For Georgiou worked hard in this story to transform the Terran Empire into something quite unique for certain, since her time aboard the U.S.S. Discovery had in fact changed her for the better, and that motivated her to allow for her subjects to enjoy a little freedom at last and she was even quick to spare some of the enslaved races in the Empire, such as the Kelpiens, from their often gruesome fates. All because she came to realize that the old ways were wrong and once she finished with those reforms, she turned her attention toward her daughter.

Because Philippa made it clear that she wanted nothing more than to rule with Michael Burnham at her side, and she worked hard to teach her daughter to let go the old ways of the Empire and embrace this new path so that everyone could prosper in a more magnificent light. A lesson that sadly, never resonated with Michael. For in the end, she worked to turn some members of the crew against their emperor, which led to a bloodbath battle, one that left Emperor Georgiou near death before she returned to the 32nd Century. Wherein we came to learn that this entire voyage was indeed designed to see if she could be redeemed for her wicked actions in the slightest. And her decision to try and push the Terran Empire into bold new directions, helped Carl to understand the fact that she was a good person through and through, one that was worth saving. 

Which meant that this episode was also a farewell story for Georgiou. Because sadly, in order to survive, she needed to venture to a period in time where both the Mirror and Prime Universes were aligned and that motivated Carl, who also revealed himself to be the Guardian of Forever (more on that in a moment), to open up the portal to send her to the right place and time and that brought about the tearful farewell in question. One where Michael and Philippa were able to say goodbye to one another in a moving and proper manner at last, wherein they were able to speak to how much they meant to one another and what they’d learned from each other in their time together and well, you really cannot ask for a better goodbye than that. One that allows for Michael to continue her mission to save the Federation, all while giving Philippa the second chance she finally deserves. 
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But while that definitely brought about a logical and proper and downright satisfying conclusion to this unique and unexpected storyline, there were still more important moments to be found in this particular tale. Such as the fact that with Booker’s help, Stamets and Adira were finally able to access the Kelpien ship still broadcasting from the Verubin Nebula and that’s huge to be honest. Because now the Discovery has access to the precious sensor data of this mysterious vessel and that could go quite far in helping Starfleet come to understand the genesis of The Burn and how it could potentially be reversed and well, that means it won’t be long before the Discovery and her intrepid crew make their way to the nebula to uncover the secrets of this important and downright devastating mystery. 

But in the here and the now, it is best we celebrate one satisfying tale. Because seeing Georgiou redeem herself and reveal that she’s a better person now, for having left the Terran Empire behind, is about as Star Trek as it gets. Since this franchise has always been about bringing out the best in people. Plus, you cannot go wrong with the fact that the Guardian of Forever made an epic cameo in this tale and let’s be honest… that was one hell of a surprise. Since quite a few of us, this reviewer included, thought that Carl was going to reveal himself to be a member of the Q Continuum. But all fan service aside, this was a wonderful way to bid farewell to a wonderful character, one that is likely going to return to the Star Trek Universe down the line in her own series. And it will be interesting to see what kinds of interesting new adventures Philippa will get into someday, whilst her surrogate and daughter and family… work to restore the glory of Starfleet and the Federation. Until next time.

There are a great many things that mankind collectively fears. For none of us want to get supremely sick and watch our bodies wither away since we believe that we are the ones who are firmly in command and control of our bodies. And of course, we fear death, especially when we feel as though we’ve accomplished very little in life, and a great deal of us also worry about ending up alone because we definitely want to share our lives and our experiences with someone special. But of the many things that we are terrified of, there is only one thing in the universe that truly rattles us to our core: change. Because there is nothing that we love more than the status quo and when that is altered or challenged, we feel absolute terror. 

The kind that quite frankly, motivates us to do some dumb and horrible things, such as harm others in the hopes of keeping the status quo going. But despite our best efforts, when real change arrives, it simply cannot be stopped, and the only thing that we can truly do when it arrives is figure out how to accept it and live with it and all of this is relevant to our discussion today, simply because the power and the terror that comes with change was explored in the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, in the most unique way imaginable. For ‘Transfigurations’ examined this notion by plunging the crew of the Enterprise into a grand mystery, one that involved quite the miracle for certain.

For while the ship was exploring an uncharted portion of space, they came across a crashed escape pod, one that was host to a badly injured passenger. But with a little love and care from Doctor Crusher, the aptly named John Doe (since he was suffering from amnesia) was able to heal at a record pace. To the point where he was able to dedicate his time to discovering his true identity and where he hails from. A simple act that produced a touch of panic when John came to realize that he harbored quite the special power. In that, he could instantaneously heal anyone that was wounded or recently deceased and that particular power terrified him to no end because he simply didn’t understand it, and he wasn’t the only with concerns about this particular gift.

Because his people, a species known as the Zalkonians, saw John’s power as a threat to their way of life and their outright civilization, and their fear and attempts to end John’s life is what put him in his current situation. But the stress of being hunted once again, allowed for John to regain his memory and it also allowed for the exploration in question to get underway. For John finally recalled the fact that his people were undergoing a fundamental evolutionary change, one that was of course as unstoppable as the wind itself. And rather than embrace this change, those who had yet to experience it, feared it and reviled it. In part because it would allow for the ruling class on Zalkon to lose control but also because they didn’t understand it, or its benefits and it took the completion of John’s metamorphosis to make it clear that the final form of this mysterious species offered up freedom and beauty and that twist clearly has quite the message embedded within it.

For it speaks volumes to the fact that often times, change is a good thing. Since it can allow for wonderful things to happen, provided that we accept it of course and well, that message and every other element present in this story, made this quite the pleasant episode for certain. Because this one was also big on why it’s important to offer kindness and a helping hand to others since we never quite know where such an act will take us, and of course… it really does offer up some wonderful thoughts on change and how we need to be better about embracing it in modern America, since it is indeed on the horizon whether we like it or not, and its best to let it wash over us now and enjoy what it has to offer instead of continuing all this silly infighting. But all messages aside, what matters more is that we were able to enjoy another uplifting tale at just the right time. Because dark days are ahead for the crew of the Enterprise, thanks to the fact that the Borg have finally arrived in Federation space. Until next time.