Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Under the Vines’.
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Over the course of the past couple of weeks, the Acorn TV series, Under the Vines, has done a phenomenal job of teaching us some critical life lessons. Such as the fact that change is the only constant in the universe, and how we respond to it determines a great deal for our future. Plus, the series has dug deep into how our external problems don’t disappear when we make an attempt to start over in life and the show is showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to this quality exploration of the human condition and the power of the fresh start, as evidenced by this week’s delightful and engaging new episode.

For the next chapter in Daisy and Louis’ adventures in New Zealand, opted to expand further on the past and how it can influence our fresh start in a negative way, if we don’t deal with the demons we carry inside or the bad parts of the life we are trying to leave behind. A feat this story accomplished, by having the dynamic characters that populate this world, deal with those exact problems. Take Louis for instance, who spent a fair chunk of this tale sulking and drunk, all because the end of his marriage put all of his flaws and demons on display, and he genuinely believed he was a failure that could not accomplish anything. But with a little push from everyone at the winery and some harsh words from Daisy… finally forced him to really ponder upon his life and his flaws.

As for Daisy, well… her journey was a bit more heartbreaking in regard to the episode’s theme. Because in an effort to garner a little clout for the winery, she called upon her bestie to come down and do a photoshoot with her that would get social media buzzing about Oakley and its offerings. Which was in fact, a healthy thing to do. But it didn’t take long for his influence to pull out the worst in Daisy, since she was quick to return to her high-class ways and revel in the majesty of the lifestyle that accompanied that. And because she was quick to return to old habits that were never fully addressed or abandoned, eventually she neglected others and even missed out on an important party for Nic’s wife and that hurtful faux pas and her bestie’s immature behavior toward Gus… provided her with that all-important wake up call.

Which meant that the back end of this episode, saw our characters deal with their past in a beautiful and inspiring manner. For Louis finally came to understand what was in front of him and how little the past or past mistakes mattered, and Daisy… well she came to realize that in order to properly embrace her fresh start, every element of the vapid lifestyle she once enjoyed, had to be abandoned and once they both reached these respective epiphanies… wonders happened. For Louis quickly dug into the winery and its offerings to finally become a functional and valued member of the team and Daisy, let the past go and embraced her friends and her mission and for the moment… there is peace once again at Oakley. 

But what matters more, is that this was a brilliant exploration of how we genuinely think a fresh start will wipe away all of our problems, and the genuine shock that finds us when we realize… it most certainly does not. For the past cannot be erased and our internal problems fester and it was wonderful to see these characters finally start to deal with such matters so they could properly enjoy the wonder of the opportunity they’ve been given, and how it might heal their souls. And now that Daisy and Louis are finally on the right track from a self-care perspective… the sky is the limit and they can focus on making the most of their fresh start and it will be quite interesting to see where this series is headed next, now that its two most important people are ready to move into the next chapter of their story. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Power Book II: Ghost’.
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One particular lesson that each and every one of us are forced to learn over and over again in life, is that we will never be able to control every facet of our lives, and this lesson keeps coming around… because we keep trying to exert complete control. But no number of unique approaches and different strategies or clever games with those we wish to bring into our fold, will ever help us to achieve an unachievable goal. For the universe is bound by chaos and people have their own agendas and beliefs as to what they want out of life and really, this unfortunate and uncomfortable lesson/reminder is top of mind today… because it is one that several characters were forced to learn in the next episode of Power Book II: Ghost.
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For when we catch up with Monet in ‘Coming Home to Roost’, she is furious over everything that has happened without her knowledge and once the charges against Zeke are dropped and he is free to go… she quickly decided that the time had come to exert complete control over her life again. Which is why she rebuffed a grand push from Mecca to offer her children and herself financial security and why she also went hard on Tariq’s punishment. To finally feel that sense of power and direction again and well… it didn’t take long for all of that to fall to pieces. For Tariq’s pushback and that of her kids left her beside herself and helped her to understand at last that her push to control… pushed everyone away and that she had yet to really come to understand what her little ones wanted out of life. 

Which in turn motivated Monet to go ahead and take Mecca’s once-in-a-lifetime deal but even that final attempt to exert control and security for her family… exploded in her face. Because behind the scenes, Davis MacLean and Cooper Saxe were working hard with the family’s drug money to get Lorenzo released from jail and wouldn’t you know it… they actually managed to pull off that particular feat. Which led to a bombshell ending for Monet in this tale. Wherein she was face to face once again with a man she clearly no longer loves, trying to reconcile what comes next since Mecca is back in her life and has power over her through his deal. Putting a perfect bow on a story that deeply analyzed the power of chaos and our inability to control the bigger aspects of our life.

But what made this episode so incredibly fascinating, is that it still had more to explore in regard to control and our illusory belief that we can obtain it and that was handled by way of Tariq. For his journey in this story spoke to how easy it is to lose ourselves within this concept and how doing so allows for chaos to seize the day and it accomplished that… by having him dive full bore into his family’s drama. Because he thought everything in his life was so on point, that the situation with Yasmine could take priority. In fact, he was so engrained in this belief that he was able to stand up to Monet after she put him in danger twice in this story, and talk some sense into her since he genuinely thought he was in control of the situation through and through.
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However, while he was able to walk away from an angry Monet and even get his sister back into his life with some creative maneuvering in court and in life… his belief that was everything was peachy keen and running smooth was as false as they come. For Kamall and Jenny and Detective Whitman were working some new angles on the case with Carrie, and they came to the conclusion that Tariq was in fact… the one responsible for Professor Reynolds death, since it was clear Jabari was close to discovering some secrets about Tariq’s life and well… by keeping his eyes away from the business and the potential trouble surrounding him and firmly believing the situation was in hand, the worst case scenario came to fruition for Tariq. Since Kamall found the badge that Cane planted in Tariq’s desk, allowing for the police to put Tariq St. Patrick behind bars.

Which is… a hell of a way to end this episode for certain. Since it truly puts Tariq on the same path as his late father and leaves all of us wondering what will become of Tariq now that he has officially crossed a line that even his father was concerned about. Since dear old dad penned a letter confirming his worries to Tariq, that was to be delivered the instant this day arrived. Plus, we also have to worry about Monet because her empire and her future is on the verge of crumbling and well, the downside to this powerful and engaging episode… is that we have to wait two weeks to obtain any kind of resolution. But that’s okay, because this series is going all out in year two, to bring every plot thread to a logical and powerful conclusion and what comes next for Monet and Tariq… will be absolutely worth the wait. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 209 of ‘Hightown’.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that season two of the STARZ series, Hightown, has been filled to the brim with dark moments. Which isn’t an insult by any means, since this is a show about the dangers of drugs and the struggles that come with addiction, so darkness and ugliness has to be expected and this show handles it in such a brilliant manner, that these difficult stories leave us on the edge of our seats and hungry for more. But the heavy losses and tough moments these characters have had to face this season… does leave one wondering… as to whether or not anything positive will come out of the Great White case or if this show is going to wow us all and go all-in on the ugliness of the drug underworld.
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As it turns out, we are finally closer to having an idea as to which way season two is going to swing, courtesy of last night’s episode. For ‘Small Craft Warning’ hinted at the possibility of a happy and satisfying ending finding its way to the cape, one where Frankie Cuevas would finally be behind bars for a very long time, and all it took for that to happen… were some heroic acts by a pair of individuals that have long operated within the grey. One of which, turned out to be Renee. Because shortly after Frankie decided her phone worked better inside of a microwave and after assigning his lackey to follow her everywhere… Renee finally decided she had enough and used what little time she had at a pre-arranged meeting with Ray, to spill the beans on the latest plan with Charmaine.

An admission that sprung Ray into action like never before, to keep Renee safe from harm and with Jackie’s help, Alan agreed to an operation that could potentially bring Charmaine in at last, with product no less, and that led to one intense sequence of events. Wherein Jackie and Ray took to the water to see if by chance Charmaine and Frankie were using boats to sneak drugs onto the cape, and while they came up empty handed, Alan most certainly did not. For he saw Charmaine hop off of a bus to try and escape capture, a move that failed miserably and allowed for her and the drugs to be placed in police custody. But alas, Charmaine’s capture wasn’t enough to bring Frankie to justice since Charmaine wasn’t talking and that’s when the second unlikely hero of the night stepped up to the plate.

Because a conversation that Osito had with Charmaine earlier in this tale, one where she admitted she was thinking about a change of scenery, motivated Osito to make some changes to his life as wel. Which is why he handed over vital information that she provided him with to the police, so he could arrange a bail hearing and finally get out of jail and get that fresh start and well… that led to everything the CCINU could possibly need to issue a warrant for Frankie. Since Ostio’s intel led the police to Lance and Daisy’s final resting place, and they also found Jorge as well, making it seem as though Frankie was somehow involved in his death, and as soon as the judge signed off of everything, they needed to execute an arrest, Alan led his team to Xavier’s post haste and thank heavens they hurried.

For Frankie had spent the day preparing to run, since he had Renee retrieve the bug out bag of cash that Jorge left behind and he quickly snagged his son in the middle of the night before having everyone meet at Xavier’s to discuss the future. Which involved a trip to the Dominican Republic to lay low until the heat cool down around the operation. A move that Renee didn’t like in the slightest and thankfully, before she was whisked away to a part of the world, she wanted no part of… the CCINU showed up and put Frankie Cuevas in handcuffs and shattered his world in the process. For not only was he led out in handcuffs, but he was able to witness Ray and his wife embracing as lovers do, while he was hauled off to jail and let’s be honest… it doesn’t get much more satisfying than that.

Because the bad guys didn’t win in this episode. In fact, they were finally arrested, and the operation was brought to a screeching halt and that really is a wonderful way to end this particular tale. But what also makes this one so extremely exciting, is the sheer fact that there is more story to tell. For the season two finale awaits us and truly, anything could happen. For Frankie Cuevas is as cunning as they come and might have a trick or two up his sleeve to get himself out of jail or… he might finally spend his life behind bars and this long-standing and harrowing chapter on the cape can come to a close and give the characters some rest before the next case drops into their laps. But while we simply don’t know and have to tune in to find out, what is certain… is that the finale will be a quality story none the less and leave us in shock. Because this is a series that knows how to wow its audience and it will undoubtedly go all out come next week. Until then.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Wild Patagonia’.
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Over the course of the past couple of weeks, the BBC America series, Wild Patagonia, has done a phenomenal job of giving us a comprehensive view of a fascinating part of our world. For we now know that Patagonia is a section of South America that boasts some incredibly unique landscapes for certain, thanks to the power of the Andes and how they trap and transform the winds that sweep off of the Pacific Ocean. Plus, we have also come to learn that despite the harsh conditions the Andes create, life thrives here and even humanity has figured out how live alongside nature in a place that one would think would be off-limits to mankind. 
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But what is genuinely fascinating about this documentary, is that its first two entries only scratched the surface of how harsh and how difficult this environment is to survive within and for proof… then look no further than last night’s episode. For ‘Life on the Edge’ took us to a part of Patagonia that demands both awe and fear with the chaotic beauty that it puts on display, specifically, the eastern coast of Patagonia. A place that features a diverse and incredible climate since there are dry and arid beaches in this part of the world that transform into incredibly harsh and chilly environments as you approach the southernmost point on the planet. Which are environments that shouldn’t support life in the slightest but there are rich nutrients that the volatile seas churn about here and well, it is those nutrients that allow for life to thrive.

For the seals that hang out in the northern part of region, know that food is plentiful in the water and that makes the beaches a wonderful place to raise their young, despite the fact that danger surrounds them. For killer whales also know that seals are plentiful here and that leads to incredible struggles for certain, but neither animal will budge in leaving this segment of Patagonia because of the rich bounties it offers and they aren’t the only ones that put up with strife in order to call this place home. For Rockhopper Penguins, which live closer to the edge of the world, will also tolerate the daily struggles of life in the harshest region of Patagonia, because of the bounties the churning seas offer them and their young. However, it isn’t just seals and penguins and birds that have found a way to thrive in this harsh and desolate part of the world, mankind has figured it out as well.

For generations of fishermen know that if you want some of the best crabs possible to take to market, the waters off of Cape Horn will provide them. Which motivates these brave souls to swing by Puerto Toro, a place that a single family calls home, so they can use its port as a launching point to spend cold months at sea to try and capture a king’s bounty of crabs and it was fascinating to see people work hard to make a living in a place that most will avoid, and come to find, that they aren’t the only ones braving tough conditions to pay the bills. For further north near the seal colonies, there are people that make a living by diving for mussels, an act that should be a simple task, but is sometimes complicated by wildlife passing through. 

If anything, all of these elements made for one fascinating and powerful tale. One that made it clear that Patagonia is one incredible place. Because churning oceans and bitterly cold shores and ugly deserts, should not support life in the slightest. But they do and watching these animals go about their daily business regardless of the danger surrounding them, and watching people make the voyage into the icy waters at the edge of the world, humbles a viewer and leaves them in awe. For it truly speaks to the majesty of this world and the enduring spirit of the species that populate it and it really is incredible to know that regardless of the environment, somehow, some way… life will find a way to settle in and thrive for generations on end.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season one finale of ‘Leverage: Redemption’.

When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous IMDBtv series, Leverage: Redemption, the situation seemed quite grim. After all, Team Leverage had taken a hard L since their mark managed to escape proper prosecution… by outright murdering innocent lives to cover his tracks, and to make matters worse; it appeared as though one of their own had turned to the dark side. Since Harry Wilson opted to work with R.I.Z. to help them further their horrible interests. Leaving all of us to wonder if Harry had truly committed to evil or was playing a long con. Plus, we were also curious as to what the team would do next, now that they were down a man and lost to the wind and thankfully, the season one finale of this show… wasted little time in answering both of those questions.
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For when we catch up with the team in ‘The Harry Wilson Job’, they’re not good with how this last mission ended. To the point where they are continuing to dig on what happened and well, what they uncover only infuriates them further. In that, it would appear that Ethan hired R.I.Z. to have their cyber-attack team plant a worm inside the rig’s systems. The kind that would overload hardware and blow the rig’s infrastructure to smithereens. Which in turn, motivated the team to dedicate themselves to taking down both parties, regardless of how long it might take. But after months of planning to break into R.I.Z. HQ to snag the files that would prove they committed this heinous act; the team was left empty handed when the time came to strike.

Because it seemed that Harry had provided his new bosses with all the intelligence on Team Leverage, they needed. Which made a little chat with Harry a priority and that… brought forth some welcome twists. Since we came to learn that Harry basically went undercover on his own to bring down this awful organization and he had help in gathering evidence against this despicable company… by way of Hardison. Which meant the team was finally reunited at last. But there was little time for celebration, because… R.I.Z. was planning to bring about the worst-case scenario. Wherein the Southeastern Power Grid of the United States would be disabled with their worm, so the highest bidder could purchase the worm and destabilize the world and well… at first glance, it appeared as though the team might fail in saving the world.

For Bligh, the head of R.I.Z., anticipated a double cross on Harry’s part and firmly believed she had the situation in hand. But alas, she wasn’t prepared for Sophie to use chaos to her advantage and by underestimating the team, Bligh paid the price dearly. For the truth was revealed and the evidence needed to bring them down was safe with our heroes, giving this team their biggest win to date… one that sadly came at a cost. For Harry Wilson decided that the time had come to step away from such work and figure out how to heal on his own, since this mission clearly compromised him, but the mission wasn’t a total loss. For Hardison was home at last and Sophie, decided to stay and continue the fine work this team takes part in. However, despite the bittersweet nature of losing a member of the team, the door is still open for Harry Wilson to return at any time and hopefully, he does.

Since Harry has indeed proven himself to be a valuable member of the team and is as brave and good as the rest of them and speaking of the team… how awesome was it, to really see them shine here? For they were fearless and bold and brave in every sense of those words, and they let nothing stand between them and evil and that makes this brisk and tense finale, their finest hour to date. Wherein they truly rose to the occasion and embraced the good they have searched so desperately to fill their souls with, and the best part is, this isn’t an ending in the slightest, it is a new beginning. For a second season of Leverage: Redemption is on its way and this writer and the countless fans that tuned in to this revitalization of the show… will undoubtedly be counting down the minutes to the return of this magnificent and wholesome series. So, we can once again watch the little guy get his day in the sun, courtesy of the world’s finest heroes. Until next season.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘The Wheel of Time’.
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There is a prevailing belief in our minds that heroes simply answer the call of the struggles that are before them, and that belief exists, because of what we see play out in real life. For when crisis or dark moments strike, we see heroes rush toward the danger without giving it a second thought or an ounce of fear or concern and that truly allows for us to believe that heroism is in their blood and is their outright nature. And this belief is so strong and so widely accepted that this is how heroes are born in storytelling as well. Since so many of them in print and on screen, know that they are the ones that can save the day and be a champion for good and they do so without giving it a second thought.
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But while that often provides viewers with uplifting tales that keep hope alive and gives us cause to believe that heroes will appear whenever we need them, this belief is simply wrong through and through. Because heroism isn’t just born in the moment and there isn’t some magical gut feeling that inspires them to become one. It is in fact, a choice. One that is weighed heavily since there is inherent risk that comes with being a hero, and even in the moment when they are called to duty, there is fear and doubt in their minds because of the danger. We simply don’t see that on the news, and really, this more realistic side to the hero’s journey is top of mind today, because it served as the focal theme of this week’s episode of The Wheel of Time.

But is sure didn’t seem as though that was going to be the case early on. For when we catch up with our friends and possible heroes in ‘The Dark Along the Ways’ they’re dealing with plenty of fright. Because they come to learn that strange happenings are taking place in the Ways and that they simply aren’t safe within its endless void. In fact, it turns out that the Trollocs have been using this space between spaces to navigate the world and their arrival and that of the Black Wind known as Machin Shin… motivates Moiraine to get everyone out of the Ways as quickly as possible to a stronghold near the Eye of the World. But not before the wind takes a moment to whisper what should be doubtful nothings to these weary travelers, who thankfully make it to their destination.

Which is where the tough decision revolving around heroism must be made. For Moiraine tells each and every one of them the truth about what will happen when they arrive at the Eye and that they have to decide if this is a path they are okay with walking, and that leads to a bevy of fascinating and powerful moments. Wherein these good people fight amongst one another out of fear and let their emotions pour out. To the point where Nyaneve and Lan become an item and where all of them are indeed faced with quite the decision. In that, do they stand tall and walk with Moiraine to the Eye of the World and face certain doom in the name of saving all of mankind… or do they return home and wait to see if darkness wins?
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Thankfully, in the end, they all chose to stand and fight and be heroes… but that point might be moot. For in the middle of the night, Rand made his choice as well and while he too chose to rise to the occasion, he did so for vastly different reasons. Because he spent the night thinking about his life and all the odd little things, he has recently experienced when it comes to his newfound strength and the Power of the One, that he can in fact, control. Plus, he also thought a lot about what the Wind told him. Since it claimed he was the Dragon Reborn and well… it would seem that he is. Since everything lines up perfectly and that motivated him to speak with Moiraine about this, who in turn… decided the right thing to do in this instance, was to leave everyone else behind to spare their lives, while she and Rand forged ahead toward the Eye to take on the Dark One at last.

Which is, a heck of way to end this tale since clearly, this duo is facing quite the harrowing journey to the Dark One’s lair but that’s how this one closes out none the less. With heroes divided and evil in the path of two brave heroes that made the choice to potentially die rather than let others suffer and it doesn’t get more heroic or inspiring than that. But what matters more here, is the journey that brought Rand to this point, since he really did have to figure out what matters in this life and why the risk is worth the sacrifice and it was quite wonderful to see him grow before our eyes in this story and choose the right path at last and well, now that the Dragon Reborn is revealed… all we can do is wait impatiently for next week’s season finale. Wherein good and evil will battle at last… at the Eye of the World. Until next time.  

It is definitely safe to say, that Gangs of London was one of the most refreshing crime dramas to hit the airwaves in 2020. For its gritty nature and desire to truly immerse us in the world of crime that the Wallace Family resided within, brought forth a fresh and original and harrowing story. One that managed to utterly shock us and leave us hungry for more, and AMC+ is so aware of the fact that fans of this series love it through and through, and are incredibly eager to see more of this harrowing world, that they offered up quite the gift today.
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For earlier, AMC+ released a little bit of news about the upcoming second season of this series, alongside some first-look images of season two and an in-production teaser. So, without further ado, here are all those goodies for you to enjoy, courtesy of AMC+ and hopefully this tides all of us over as we wait with bated breath for the season two premiere of this dynamic and powerful series.

‘AMC+ today revealed first-look images and a behind-the-scenes tease of the highly anticipated return of Gangs of London. The critically acclaimed first season became an international sensation and season two is set to air on AMC+ in 2022.  
 
The in-production teaser and first-look images offer unique insight into the world of season two, as the gangs battle to decide who will win the soul of London. Set one year after the tumultuous events of series one, the second season charts London’s map and soul being redrawn.  
 
Since the collapse of the Wallace Dumani empire, order is lacking and the energy and chaos of a gold rush threatens the city with gangland anarchy. As The Investors step in, a new gang leader is tasked with restoring the status quo.  
 
- Season two will see the return of Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Paapa Essiedu, Lucian Msamati, Michelle Fairley, Orli Shuka, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Brian Vernel, Narges Rashidi, Asif Raza and Valene Kane. 
 
- Joining the ensemble cast include Waleed Zuaiter (Baghdad Central, The Spy) as Koba, French rapper Jasmine Armando in her first TV role as Saba, Fady El-Sayed (Baghdad Central, A Private War) as Faz, Salem Kali (Un Prophète, Dealer) as Basem and Aymen Hamdouchi (SAS: Red Notice, Criminal: UK) as Hakim. 
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The award-winning series is created by Gareth Evans and his creative partner Matt Flannery. Gangs of London is a Pulse Films production in association with SISTER for Sky Studios and AMC.’  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Anna’.
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There is a prevailing belief in our world that children and teenagers, simply don’t understand the heavier stuff that adults do and there is merit to that belief. After all, kids and teens, simply don’t have the emotional or physical or mental development to really comprehend say… the nature of death and what it means to live a full life. Which is why we spend so much time as adults, doing our best to teach young ones what all of that means, so they can properly handle such matters when they arrive in their lives. But what’s fascinating about this belief, is that it isn’t entirely correct. For children and teens… have a tendency to understand more than they let on, especially when they’re forced to grow up quickly.
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If anything, the reality of what kids and teens understand is relevant to our discussion today, simply because it was put on display in the next episode of Anna. For ‘Cats Are Superior’ saw an old friend of Anna’s, face death and comprehend its complexities, shortly after the whole mess with Angelica was finally resolved. For Katia and Anna decided that if someone was going to die in this mansion, it needed to be the little monster at the top. Which is why they put together a plan that would catch Angelica off guard completely, so that they could isolate her and attack her… and subsequently end her life. Allowing for a changing of the guard to take place at the mansion since Katia took over while Anna returned to the world.

Wherein she learned that Astor never made it to Pietro’s lagoon getaway, mainly because he had discovered a new friend that helped him to play all day long, and she also came to discover that Pietro was dying. For the Red Fever took hold at last and well, that motivated Pietro to leave his creature comforts and visit a place that an old friend spoke of, the Mount Etna crater. For he was taught by this old friend that this was a place where the souls of the departed collected one last time before using the volcano’s throat to travel to the next plane of existence. A belief that seemed grounded more in the fantasy worlds that we believe children and teenagers spend their time buried within. But a gentle and heartbreaking set of moments proved instead that Pietro understood plenty about death and the gravity of the end.

Because Pietro took the time to ponder upon his life and where he’d been in his short time on this earth and whether or not he’d led a full life after all, since he understood fully that was the point of living on this tiny blue rock we call home, and that was quite the profound set of statements to hear come out of his mouth and it helped to prove that people of that age, know more about heavier concepts than we know. And his final moments in this life, helped to reinforce that. Because his request to have Anna describe to him the sight of souls entering the volcano, served to remind us of how we are desperate to recapture our youth and what brought us joy when we know the end is near and that made for some powerful moments for certain, the kind that ended in sorrow when Pietro finally asked Anna to end his suffering. A request she was reluctant but able to grant.

In the end however, this really was quite the incredible story for certain. Because it truly put the power of the human condition on display by showing us how there are things in our life that are so profound and so powerful… that we understand what they mean at any age and that adds depth and perspective to those big moments and leaves all of us pondering… if perhaps we need to have more mature conversations with younger folks in regard to such matters. Since they do indeed comprehend the bigger stuff and might benefit from a genuinely honest chat. Plus, another reason this episode takes one’s breath away… is because, it ends in such a lost and hopeless manner. For Anna is on her own and far from home and her brother is lost to her and that leaves one to wonder, how exactly this first season is going to end. Since there is no greater challenge at stake here, just a broken and desolate world where young ones are waiting to die, and it will be quite interesting to see how this brilliant series uses that bleak reality to bring this season to a close. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 405 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’.

The DMA is moving, but Stamets and others are now able to track the anomaly through its energy signatures. All is going well, until the DMA disappears for 4.2 seconds. It literally just vanishes from all scans, only to appear a thousand light years away from where it had been. After talking it over with Book and Captain Burnham, they realize that the DMA is not a naturally occurring phenomenon. That’s right, it was made and by some unknown entity. As it stands, the DMA is going to hit a system, and Captain Burnham has been sent to lead the evacuation of the colonies it would hit. This leaves Saru in charge of the conn.
 
They also bring aboard Ruon Tarka, a scientist on the cutting edge of technologies who's there to help determine who made the DMA, much to Stamets’ dismay. Still, Paul is a professional and is all too unhappy to get Tarka up to speed on what they’ve discovered so far. Tarka, is an eccentric person who doesn’t quite grasp certain niceties and purposefully discards them in favor of results. Tarka has already seen everything Stamets has to offer on the DMA, so he shuts him down quickly and proposes his own theory. They need to build an active model of the DMA to really see how it’s working. Stamets agrees, because he’s curious himself and desperate to find an answer, especially for Book.
 
Saru stands watch with Reno, ready to step in and shut things down when needed. The experiment is of course on the smaller scale compared to the real thing, even so it requires a lot of power. So much so, they reconfigure a few things to get the power they do need. It’s not enough. The experiment isn’t stabilizing. With just 5% of the containment field intact, Saru cuts the power completely and shuts down the experiment. It’s enough for Tarka to know just how much power is needed to make the real thing work. Whoever made the DMA, is possibly using a hyper giant star. That’s not good.

As for Captain Burnham, she and Book take to the surface of the Radvek Chain. The people there have 6 prisoners they keep underground, and they refuse to release them. The magistrate claims that they’re examples, and it keeps crime down. Burnham sees them as people and refuses to leave them to die, regardless of their crimes. She and Book not so easily break into the prison and free the prisoners. That’s when Burnham learns that their crimes were petty. Stealing food in an act of desperation, counting cards, literal petty crimes that do not deserve a life sentence.

One prisoner, Felix, speaks out as an advocate for the other 5. He will not let them go back to rotting in prison for crimes that don’t deserve it. Burnham reviews the Federation rules and realizes that she can help these people. Their cases would be taken to the Federation and not the magistrate. They all agree that they want their cases reviewed and Burnham takes them on as refugees. All but one. Felix refuses to go with them. Turns out he is the only one who deserved his punishment, in his eyes at least. He killed a man who had helped him. In his own self-appointed punishment, he refuses to leave the colony.
 
Book is not okay with leaving Felix to die, but Burnham realizes it’s neither of their choices to make. Felix gets to decide how he lives or dies, and she isn’t going to impose her will on another. Book isn’t so understanding. Sadly, the DMA hits the colonies and pushes them into the nearby star. The Discovery escapes just in time to avoid the DMA altogether. Burnham then returns an item Felix gave her; it belongs to one of the women they rescued. At least she fulfilled Felix’s final wish.

With all this going on, realizing the DMA was created by someone and not naturally occurring, Dr. Culver is stretched a little thin. He seeks council himself, mostly because he feels like he’s lying to everyone and failing them. Being the ship’s Doctor and therapist is weighing heavily on him, and Hugh isn’t sure how much more he can take. Realistically, not much. He isn’t okay and he needs to step away for his own health. However, he’s throwing himself heavily into his work to avoid dealing with his own unresolved feelings.
 
Turns out dying and coming back to life is a hard thing to come to terms with. Hugh is struggling way too much with that very thing and he isn’t really talking about it, and he’s even more not dealing with it. It’s only a matter of time before he can’t run anymore. At least he confides in Paul a bit at the end of it all. He really does need a break from being therapist and doctor. Perhaps a dedicated ship’s therapist isn’t such a bad idea after all.

​Please enjoy a pair of sneak peek clips from Episode 205 of Power Book II: Ghost, which will air on STARZ on December 19, 2021, at 9 p.m. EST.