Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 302 of ‘Jack Ryan’. To revisit the season three premiere, click here.
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When we last settled in to watch the wondrous Prime Video series, Jack Ryan, we were presented with quite the shocking tale. After all, Sokol was alive and well in the world, courtesy of the reveal that the device was completed and courtesy of the fact that the Russians were ready to kill one of their own to start the process of resurrecting the Soviet Union. Which was a scary plot in and of itself, one that was further enhanced by that shocker involving Jack. Wherein he was in essence, dumped and burned by the CIA in the hopes of giving the spy world some kind of a fall guy for failing to secure a defecting scientist. A move that left all of us pondering upon one burning question… what comes next?
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For this is indeed undiscovered country for Mister Jack Ryan and well, thankfully the next episode of this series informed us that what comes next, is independence for Jack so he can handle what will be a geo-political nightmare if allowed to persist. But of course, he had to gain that independence in ‘Old Haunts’, and that involved… running from the law for a bit. Simply because, Wright was eager to bring him in and send him home to answer for doing the right thing, and that meant he had to move fast to evade her. Thankfully though, he was able to get some cash from Greer, who of course had Jack’s back… and he was able to reunite with an old friend.

Because Tony, who popped up back in season one of the series, was now living in this city and paying the bills as best he could. And it was up to him to harbor Jack until he could secure his out and an ally in helping him bring down Sokol. Which of course, was easier said than done. After all, the Russians were actively searching for the man that knew too much and that led to some harrowing moments for certain. Wherein poor Jack was forced to hide in the worst possible place to steer clear of the Russians and the Greek police who were actively working to bring him in since the Russian Federation put a Red Notice upon him. But thankfully, Tony came through and the contact he was trying to reach did as well, and that led… to a bittersweet ending to this tale.

One that saw Greer pay the piper for his actions. Because Wright made a point to put surveillance on him and that allowed for her to learn that he was helping Jack behind the scenes. A surprise that thankfully didn’t cost him his job but put him on a plane away from Greece and away from this whole mess, so she could go after Jack without restriction. But that will of course be no easy task for her. Because Greer really did give his old friend enough time to set the stage for the future. Since Mike was kind enough to rescue Jack from the quagmire and give him sanctuary to plan how to bring down what may be the greatest threat the world has ever faced.

If anything, this was just… a simple, down-home episode of Jack Ryan. For there was nothing complex to be found here. Just a cat and mouse game, tension, and some cool throwbacks to the first season via Tony. Plus, it offered up some fascinating answers and reveals regarding the Sokol plot and who is actually giving Jack intel on the program and leading him toward the chance to bring it down and well, that made for one engaging tale. One that definitely locked our attention and left us eager for more, so we can see how on earth Jack and Mike and anyone else willing to join the fight against the past, will keep it from returning. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Whitstable Pearl’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular aspect of crime dramas and crime stories that isn’t discussed enough, is how cold they can sometimes turn out to be. Which is somewhat understandable, since they are often about unpleasant topics, so being emotional could backfire for the viewer/reader and leave them in a tough place emotionally. So, instead, these stories detach from emotion and keep things clinical. Leaving all of us to wonder what would happen if by chance, real emotion and realism in general was injected into them, and the crimes committed in these stories. Would such a decision in fact, break us and make us uncomfortable? Or would it instead surprise us and move us and plunge us deeper into the world that the hero or heroes, inhabit?
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Well as it turns out, those are questions that the Acorn TV series, Whitstable Pearl, was eager to answer in its next episode. Because ‘Hidden Treasures’ presented us with a unique crossroads for both Pearl and Mike, since neither side was talking all that much with Mike’s new edict in play and that allowed for this story to explore crimes that were intimate in nature and were emotional to boot. For instance, Mike and Nikki investigated a case, without Pearl, that turned out to be quite sorrowful in nature. Wherein a husband and wife that owned a local shop in town, claimed to have suffered through a robbery. But after digging into the clues, they came to learn that the husband set up the robbery to get the insurance money to keep the business afloat. A crime that served as a sobering reminder of the world and where it is at today and how desperate some have become to keep going with the odds against them.

Oddly enough, Pearl dealt with a case in a similar vein during her journey this week. Because strange occurrences were happening at Dolly’s, to the point where both mother and daughter thought maybe by chance… Dolly was losing control of her mental faculties. Prompting video surveillance that eventually revealed, she was fine, there was just a visitor in her home. A broken man named Bill that harbored a sorted past and was desperate for a do-over in life. Which Dolly granted him since she opened her doors and her heart to Bill. A move that Pearl didn’t care for since she really had suspicions about him, but her best work turned up nothing but a trail of mistakes and remorse. Leaving her to simply let things be and to keep eye on this from afar. Which was… another unique and moving storyline about second chances and the stigma that our past can carry.

Yet while those two storylines could have been enough to carry this episode and move us every step of the way… there was still more intimacy and humanity on display here. Since Mike was in a tough spot in this tale. Because his love for Pearl and the pain he still carries prompted him to reach out to her in an hour of need, and be near her, despite his past claims. Which of course she was happy to oblige, but it was costly for Mike. Since his new love was beyond frustrated by this and because Pearl isn’t ready to be with him again just yet, but this too was powerful and spoke to how broken Mike is at the moment and how much work he needs to do and really, in the end… this was simply stunning to watch and supremely real and raw for certain and in this episode deserves a standing ovation for everything it sent our way in this tale.

Simply because… this is… a crime drama that defied convention. For it was intimate and human and really explored how life can drive some to commit crimes in the name of noble ideas, such as the case that Mike and Nikki investigated, alongside a grand look at the stigma that hangs over those who have done their time for crimes committed, and of course… just what it means to be human. How hard it is for us to heal and how that keeps us from connecting to others or how it connects us to the wrong individual, and it was wondrous to know this is what crime dramas could be like if they went this route, and it really does leave us eager to dive into the season two finale. To see what other bold storytelling awaits and to see as to whether or not, Mike and Pearl can finally be honest with their emotions for one another. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Leverage: Redemption’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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As we continue our journey through season two of the hit Amazon Freevee series, Leverage: Redemption, it is quickly becoming clear that this is going to be a special season of storytelling. Simply because it is obvious now that the writer’s room of this show, is eager to mix things up and try out new stories that not only offer different types of catharsis regarding the ills of the world, but also allow for us to learn more about the characters and watch them grow like never before. As evidenced by Eliot’s push to be the impromptu caretaker for ailing gamers and by exploring Sophie’s past and her transition to leader of the team, and this push to change things up, was further reinforced by the next episode in this dynamic series. 

For ‘The Date Night Job’ opted to explore how heroes in this vein, date and grow in their relationships, but not before… taking the time to offer up another villain and heist for the team to deal with. Since this is a story that saw the team assemble at an off the books gallery to encourage a fun date for Parker and Hardison, only for them to deal with a mission grounded in greed. Since there was an opportunity for a greasy tennis pro named Justin, to go after the life of the heir apparent to the family fortune he married into. Which was… a disgusting act to say the least since Mason, the heir, was but a kid, and well… that’s why it is a wonderful thing that Justin got his just desserts, and he really was a refreshing change for the team to face off against. Since we don’t oft see villains this unintelligent and this gross on the series, and he definitely served as fine practice for these professional do-gooders. 

Not to mention, to really dive into interpersonal relationships and growth, such a villain was quite necessary. Because featuring a villain that is a touch more pedestrian in nature, allows for the heroes to become the focus and that brings us to the dynamic moments with Parker and Hardison featured here, and Breanna for that matter as well. Since they are the folks who explored how love works when you’re a hero that saves lives anonymously, and that examination brought forth some fascinating moments. Wherein we came to learn that in order to find love when this is your career, one would need to date someone who is understanding and open-minded to one being on call. Because this is going to pull one away often and Breanna may have found that kind of partner. Since her date in this story was kind and gentle and truly knew that it was best to flexible when there is a spark. 

Plus, Parker and Hardison made it clear that love in this environment, requires making time for one another and being there to keep the spark alive. Which is imperative to a healthy relationship. Informing us that once the right partner is found in this industry, the regular romantic stuff still needs to happen. But what truly made these explorations worthwhile, was the subplot that motivated Parker and Hardison to go on a date in the first place. Simply because Hardison was heading into space to do some satellite repair work and well… adding that here, and having Parker express her fears and worries about such matters… brought the depth and humanity that we love about this series to the front of the story once more, and just made for a touching and important plotline.

If anything, all of these elements truly made this a different kind of episode of the show, one that really went above and beyond for the fans. Since we love this team and love being privy to special moments in their lives and we got that here in spades, alongside what we crave, and it was all handled in a fun manner as well. Because let’s be honest, who didn’t enjoy a hearty laugh over Parker’s desire to taste every T-Rex skull she comes across? But all that aside, what matters most is that season two of this series is clearly determined to continue to take this saga to new heights and enrich the characters further and it will be wonderful to see what other surprises in this vein await us as season two continues along. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the finale of ‘Dangerous Liaisons’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One thing that fans of the STARZ series, Dangerous Liaisons, can agree upon… is that the series will forever stand as a definitive look at the concept of revenge. Simply because this series… explored every single facet of this dark act and all the ups and down it can entail. For we’ve seen Valmont and Camille swell with joy over the opportunity to make those that have hurt them pay, and we’ve watched them suffer as the dangers both external and internal regarding revenge, presented themselves to these star-crossed and toxic lovers. In fact, the series has been so thorough in its examinations, that all were left wondering, if it had one last lesson to send our way for the finale, since no stone was left unturned in this journey.
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But there was indeed one final lesson left for us to learn about revenge, one that just so happened to be simple and sublime in nature. But before we dive into that very lesson, it’s best we discuss the other critical event that took place in ‘It’s War’. Because this is at its core a prequel story to the iconic novel we know and love, and of course… Jean is nowhere to be found in that tale, but Camille held the title of de Mertueil, and the enjoyed the power of that name and the wonder of Jean’s estate. Leaving all of us to wonder what became of Jean in the time between this story and the ‘ending’, and this episode informed us of that. For we came to learn that Victoire was not in fact, murdered… but chosen to be trafficked in the Labyrinth Club and when Camille discovered this, she was beyond furious.

For this was not what she signed up for in matters in power, and she could only ponder upon how many more women suffered at his hands, and those worries and her care for her dear friend… led to an explosive confrontation in her new home. One that ended, in Jean’s death. Which in turn, gave Camille newfound power and direction, the kind that gave Majordome, power and agency untold. The kind that allowed for him to reclaim his birth name of Etienne and to declare loyalty to the woman that ended the madness that Jean created, by taking that corpse and tossing it on the road so it would seem a drunken accident occurred. Giving Camille and this household unprecedented freedom to operate as its new owner saw fit. But before Camille could enjoy those spoils, all things revenge had to be handled at the all-important Opera. 

Where at long last, Jacqueline was forced to watch in horror as the story of Camille and the pain she endured played out on the stage, in front of the Queen. In fact, the drama was so very real regarding this play that Chevalier added a little spice to truly make it worth Camille’s while, by calling out Jacqueline mid play. A move that was met with controversy and shock and pain for Jacqueline, the kind that was only amplified further by the moment we and Camille have been waiting for. Wherein she finally confronted her tormentor and unleashed her fury through poisonous and hurtful words. Completing her revenge and shockingly, that bile, combined with Jacqueline being committed for the embarrassment this brought forth, made it seem as though… there was no lesson to be learned. Especially since Valmont would soon be at her side.
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But alas, the lesson was indeed waiting for us. For Camille’s desire to forge ahead, regardless of consequence and regardless of cost… came back to bite her at last. For Gabriel as always, put in extra regarding the cases he works upon, and that brought him to Camille’s new home and seeing her again… after she had ‘died’, with the understanding such an ‘end’ was designed to wound him and take vengeance upon him for his overzealousness, was enough for him to use this moment to gain leverage against her in the name of his wounded heart. Wherein she was forced to cast Valmont away and shatter their love. All in the name of maintaining her freedom and her future, one that took on new life post revenge. For not only was she alone in this massive house, with no one close to her, but the burn of revenge wasn’t cooled in the slightest.

That means, that the lesson at hand… was what kind of hell and destruction revenge will bring into our lives when we refuse to let it go. Which is… quite simple in nature, but that’s the thing… it is supposed to be. For there is no positive outcome to this kind of revenge, or this kind of obsession with it. It consumes us, it rips us to shreds and leaves us a former shell of the person we once were. Which makes this a tragic ending for certain, but the right one. For what would a show about revenge and toxicity be without taking the dangers of that to completion? So, now that we have the full picture, we can properly bid farewell to this series and revisit it as we see fit. For this is the end the journey, and what a powerful and fascinating journey it was, since shows so rarely look at toxicity and the dangers of revenge in such a dynamic and honest light.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season one finale of ‘Three Pines. To revisit the previous episodes, click here.
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Anyone that has become a fan of the Prime Video series, Three Pines, can agree upon one simple fact regarding this show. In that, it has been a breath of fresh air for the crime drama. For its humanity, ingenuity and outright creativity has allowed for this show to really separate itself from other shows in this genre and provide us with an engaging and powerful experience. One that has undoubtedly motivated so many of us to settle in and watch this series as soon as possible on a Friday, to enjoy everything it has to offer. But while it has indeed been wonderful to engage with a series in this vein that defies convention, there is one universal constant when it comes to crime dramas, that no show in this genre can escape.
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In that, it is only a matter of time before convention comes into play. Because no matter how much creativity a crime drama injects into its storylines, eventually… the case must be solved, and the criminal must be confronted. But that doesn’t mean that creativity still cannot find its way into such an important moment, as evidenced by this show’s season one finale. For ‘The Hangman’ is a story that did indeed provide us with the confrontation and resolution we’ve known is on its way, in the most creative and thrilling manner possible, and only after… one last standard case took place in the somewhat disturbing little berg that is Three Pines. For a man named Jim, who went by the pseudonym Arthur Ellis, died horribly in the woods near the town after storming into the local bistro, demanding justice, and a spilling of secrets.

Which of course, brought Armand and his team to the town once again. Wherein they came to learn that Jim was indeed there to settle an old score, one that revolved around the fact that he was robbed of a future with his family courtesy of four drunken college students that slammed into his car one fateful night, killing his wife and child since they were in the car with him, and those kids of course… evaded accountability thanks to their ties to money and their ability to have a top-tier lawyer. But Jim knew that time was on his side, and he would indeed have his revenge and after killing two of the four people that ruined his life, he came to Three Pines to handle Angela and Mike Blake, the final two involved. But they clearly turned the tables upon him and met their end as well. For a high-speed chase when their identities were revealed, one spearheaded by an inebriated Jean-Guy, who was in a bad head space since his wife left him… brought forth that bitter and somewhat concerning end. For they were terrified during the chase and went off a bend and landed in a manner that killed them both. 

Which of course… is a move that will bring forth questions in any upcoming inquiry, but that will have to wait. Because the Two-Rivers case was finally solved in this episode, and ironically, it was Jim’s death that led to this. Since Blue’s family was searching for the area, they believed she died to find her remains, and found Jim instead and soon… clues in the area led to the reveal of a pair of bodies that belonged to Tommy and Blue, and the forensics… revealed a stunning truth. In that, Pierre Arnot, a man that Armand trusted implicitly… was involved in this heinous crime and even pulled the trigger on Blue. But despite Armand’s best efforts to bring Pierre to justice, he used his standing in the department to deflect and make it appear as though Armand was somehow responsible. Which brought forth that all-traditional showdown, courtesy of a tip from Yvette. One filled with tension and additional murder since Pierre crossed more lines. 

But where the show made sure to stand apart from the rest… was through the cliffhanger it sent our way. Because despite Armand’s best efforts to talk Pierre down and get him to agree to come in quietly, Pierre shot his old friend rather than be captured. Leaving all of us to wonder… if Armand Gamache will survive his wounds and of course… if the monster that took a life for no reason, will ever face justice and that… is a hell of a way to end an inaugural season of storytelling. For it did find a way to refresh the unconventional, and it of course… leaves us demanding more and hopefully we hear a season two announcement soon. So, we can have those burning questions answered at last and of course, to enjoy more of a quality crime drama, that is eager to provide the audience with meaning and original moments and inventive cases. But in the meantime, we can savor one epic finale and one amazing season of storytelling, one that gave us a gumshoe for the modern era, and a world that we cannot wait to dive into further.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘The Mosquito Coast’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It really is amazing, what a single moment of inspiration can do for us. Because just like that… we feel as though we can take on the world and accomplish anything, and that’s largely thanks to the fact that inspiration really does offer objective clarity. To the point where we realize we need a change and need to act accordingly and really… the positive fallout of inspiration is top of mind today, simply because the Fox family was enjoying its wonder in the next episode of The Mosquito Coast on Apple TV+, and that made ‘Dead Totems’ quite the fascinating tale. Simply because… the family really did take incredible action after finding their inspiration last week.
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For Allie’s rebuild of Sandpiper for Guillermo’s nefarious purposes… not only gave him direction as to where he might be able to take his family, but it inspired him to buy time through leverage. Because he saw some interesting patterns in the data, the kind that pushed him out into the jungle to really understand how the landlord conducted his business and why it was so important to protect this land. As it turned out, Guillermo’s land is rife with ancient artifacts that he sells through black market channels, and he also… uses its private nature, to cut drugs with caffeine to benefit his bottom line. Information that Allie planned to use against Guillermo, all because Allie was inspired here to do more and take control, and oddly enough… this flash of inspiration, also made him a father for the first time in the course of the series. Because Charlie tagged along and that gave them a chance to talk and a chance for Allie… to console his son and help him in a time of need, and that was wonderful to see happen, at last. 

But of course, there was mention of the family being inspired here and Margot was no exception to that statement. Because she realized that Richard still cared deeply for her, and she could use that to her advantage and potentially give her family the freedom and absolution it desperately needed. Which motivated her to push and push hard to get Richard to explain what the plan was and to include her. Since that would give her enough to turn him over to the Feds. And when he refused, she merely pressed harder and even dug through his personal effects. For she would not be denied here, she would have her pound of flesh and well… her persistence eventually paid off. Because despite his reservations about including her in what appeared to be a supremely explosive plan… Margot was able to get him to include her, all because she too… finally found inspiration in getting her family out of this mess.

However, while that did make for some fascinating storylines for certain, they were overshadowed greatly by Dina’s actions in this tale. Because her ugly talk with her dad and her lack of freedom in general, prompted her to spend time with Adolfo to just… live. To see what the world happened to be like and look like and that brought forth some heartfelt and wonderful moments for Dina. Since she was treated right by Adolfo and was able to just… have a little fun for the first time in her life. But there was of course, more to her actions. Because it wasn’t enough to just get a taste of living, she needed to be free, and she revealed to her suitor in the most powerful way possible… that this was also a day designed to get her far away enough from her family… to run. Because her mother’s lies and her father’s ego, were more than she could bear, and they inspired her… to leave everything behind in the hopes of finally being free.

Which was… quite the incredible storyline for certain, one that truly saw Dina go the extra mile to get what she wanted in the name of the episode’s theme. But what’s equally as important and powerful here, is that she has taken an action that will rattle her parents. Because conflict aside, we can agree that Allie and Margot do care for their children, in poor fashion yes, but there is a love there and having it rebuffed in this manner will hurt and could potentially put a wrench in their plans. Which means it is going to be another painful wait for next week’s episode of this dynamic and engaging series. Since we are all eager to know what will come of Dina’s bold plans and the plans of others as we barrel toward the season two finale of one fascinating year of storytelling. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Echo 3’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that fans of the Apple TV+ series, Echo 3, have been waiting on pins and needles for this week’s entry in this harrowing story. Simply because last week’s episode left us with one hell of a cliffhanger. Because it is a huge deal that Prince, Bambi, and Mitch finally found leverage over their enemy by kidnapping Tariq’s younger brother, Momo, and that of course left all of us wondering… what that leverage would do. Would it finally bring Amber home? Or would it potentially cause an international incident since Mitch and the fellas were basically handling this without approval from the White House or the Pentagon? Well as it turned out, ‘Red Is Positive, Black Is Negative’, wasted little time in letting us know… that the response to this was… minimal.
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For when we caught up with Bambi and Prince, and Roy in this tale…. there was no phone call to the lads regarding Momo’s release, just aching and painful silence. The kind that worried Bambi to no end since he expected this to go quicker and smoother. In fact, life was so boring at their safe house that they were able to welcome Amber and Bambi’s mother, Maggie, into the fold. Simply because she made an impromptu trip to see her son and learn about what was to come regarding her daughter. But alas, the lighthearted nature of this sequence, and the calm it provided wasn’t meant to last. For Tariq basically took his time in the hopes of letting this group of heroes become comfortable. Which they did and that led to an ugly sequence of events. Wherein Roy was lost to commandos who finally broke in to bring Momo home, but not before he took a couple of them out and left the last one for Maggie to handle.

Which in turn, prompted Prince and Bambi, to up their game and try to motivate Tariq to let their beloved Amber go… by bringing harm to Momo. A move that was no easy task. For while both of these men were fully aware of how to inflict harm, that wasn’t really in their standard wheelhouse. Which is why they turned to Mitch for help shortly after they brought Momo out to the countryside to a remote location where screams would go ignored. But alas, on the big day, Mitch merely made the call to Tariq and let these two men improvise and this was… an ugly and harrowing sequence. One that saw both men push themselves to their own moral limits in the hopes of bringing Amber home, with minimal results. For they were not prepared for Tariq’s resolve and outright desire to stand stall in the face of adversity… and that meant… that they needed a Plan B. One that didn’t involve such dark acts.

That prompted Bambi to shoot off an important text… to Foster. After all, she could step in and move mountains, such as giving this duo enough time with a crew, to perform an all-out assault on the compound and free Amber without anyone in the Venezuelan government having any inkling of what happened for hours on end. Which is what Bambi requested and was denied quite promptly. But not because she didn’t want to help, this was more so out of concern… that something more was at play here. Because… her objective look at the situation and the ties these men shared with the military and the government, made it seem as though they were pawns in a grand plan. One designed to start a fresh war for the United States, the kind that would allow for the U.S. Government to step in and perhaps perform a regime change in Venezuela.

A reality that could cost countless lives, and potentially break both men with that burden. Which is why she implied, that if they instead stayed the diplomatic course… there was a better chance of getting Amber home. But those were words that didn’t really phase Bambi, of course. Because it’s all about Amber’s return in his mind, but Foster did bring up some good points here and it might explain how on earth these two gentlemen have been able to operate with impunity in South America without having officials left and right bearing down upon them. Not to mention, it would also explain the roadblocks that Violeta ran into here when she returned to work and well… all this episode does, is once again leave us on the edge of our seats. Simply because, one bold act led to a bevy of surprises here. The kind that may have revealed that bigger plans are at work here, and that once again… will have us counting down the days to next week’s entry in this story. To see where this latest twist will take us. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 308 of ‘Mythic Quest’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is always a wonderful thing when a television series makes a point to connect every single moment it presents us with, in a smooth and subtle manner. Because it simply means that the people behind the scenes, genuinely want to create a tapestry of sorts, and one particular series that does an incredible job of connecting the dots is Mythic Quest on Apple TV+. Because everything that happens in this show, is never forgotten, and there are lasting consequences and changes that come forth from every decision and action. Which has in fact, created a rich world that feels real and moves us at every turn in the most unexpected ways imaginable… and this is top of mind today, simply because this week’s episode, ‘To Catch a Mouse’, features that connective tissue once again.

Which was quite the surprise. Because at first, this seemed like another day in the life story. Since David had a rat sneaking about in the MQ proper and wanted Jo to handle it. Which she did with Brad’s help. That of course, led to plenty of laughs, the kind that only this show can produce since this dynamic duo set up the most elaborate of traps, wherein they emptied out the office and attempted to make the rat feel comfortable with its surroundings so it would show itself and of course… be captured. A plan that mostly worked, save for the fact that everyone was struggling with being outside in some wild heat, which brought everyone back inside and ruined Jo and Brad’s immediate chance to capture the rodent, but not before they had a quick glimpse of the rat. One that helped them to understand it needed a nest for its babies. That of course, allowed for them to capture her, and her new family, and gift them to David, who appeared to be ready to take them home to feed them. Which was a plot that was supremely hilarious in nature and oddly enough, the funny didn’t end there.

Because downstairs at GrimPop, Poppy and Ian were battling it out as only they can. Because they found themselves at odds over generalized environmental settings in the office and they were also at odds over simple daily work decisions and habits. To the point where they drove off Dana since they asked her to mediate their silly and constant disputes. But a strange attempt from Ian to bring peace to their day, is what allowed for this episode to begin to explore something far more critical. Specifically, how the foundations of their working relationship are beginning to crumble. Courtesy of the fact that the change in their working dynamic has brought forth struggles to one party in this partnership. Because Ian finally outright admitted to Poppy, when she called him to the carpet regarding his constant absences and desire to work on other things… that he actually didn’t want to work on her game.

Also that he gave it his best shot… but just couldn’t bring himself to work on someone else’s project. An admission that hurt Poppy dearly and truly projected an air of uncertainty, regarding the future for this once strong duo. Because they were supposed to be the left and right hands of a powerhouse brain. One that thrived when they did their thing, as they learned long ago when they first met. But clearly, that give, and take doesn’t go both ways, and that definitely leaves their working relationship and future up in the air. Simply because… if they cannot truly aid one another in what they love to do, there simply is no point to continuing their partnership and possibly even their friendship. Which is a stunning turn of events, considering how well these two normally work together, but it… does indeed speak to the connective tissue of this season’s storytelling.

Because this… makes sense. For what we learned about them in ‘Sarian’, helped us to understand their quirks and proclivities now, and how they function and operate and how they also have… room to grow. Which what this moment presents, a chance to move beyond the survival mechanisms they have used for so long and barely dropped for one another. And kudos to the show and the writing staff for taking a story that could have been just a one-off and find a way to tie it into now and use that to more or less… set up a grand conflict for the end of season three. One that could once again bring great change to this series, and that is going to make the wait for next week’s story unbearable, as we wait to see if Poppy and Ian can move beyond their roadblocks and truly grow as coworkers and people… and friends. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘Gangs of London’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that the fan base of the AMC+ series, Gangs of London, was filled with worry when season two of this show got underway. Because without a true leader at the top of the London underworld, and our beloved characters scattered to the wind thanks to the season one finale, we all thought chaos was going to reign. That the investors would let anything, and everything happen as long as their pockets were lined with cold hard cash and well, that didn’t turn out to be the case, initially. Because Koba kept things in line and the Investors had a decorum they abided by. But we were right to fear the chaos. Because it was always on the horizon… it merely took a few weeks to get there.
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For this week’s episode, and some of last week’s, more or less saw London be plunged into utter chaos. For without the Investors there and with Koba on the loose, bad things began to happen in this town. The kind that saw Lale suffer and saw, a mother turn her back on her son and that decision, is what led to the chaos in question, in this tale. For when we caught up with everyone in this week’s episode, things were grim in London. For Marian used Luan’s guile and intelligence to steal and hide Asif’s precious heroin. Which of course, generated panic between Sean and Koba. For no product would devastate their new empire, and that meant they had to fly to France to negotiate with one Asif’s contacts to get some emergency heroin before it was too late. 

A move that made them, vulnerable to say the least. Which Elliot was happy to take advantage of. For he knew this was a proper chance to avenge his father and put an end to the Wallace Empire once and for all. So, he tagged along and used his contacts to keep an eye on the duo and realized that Saba had joined them on this trip, and that would give him the upper hand. Because she hated this duo deeply and was only going along to keep family safe. Which Elliot used to his advantage and signed her up to help in his fight, and even formulated a grand plan with her, one that sadly… fell to pieces. Because she didn’t have the right intel in hand, and while the ugly fight that ensued allowed for the deal to be scuttled, mortal enemies still lived and that wasn’t enough for Elliot, he needed revenge and Shannon helped him move forward with a new plan in getting it.

Wherein he came face to face with Billy, who actually turned on his mother in this tale when he discovered her plans and paid dearly for it. Since she locked him away… where Elliot could get to him and slice off his arm to make a point that he wanted a meeting with Sean, the kind where only one would be left standing. Which was… a powerful way to end this tale and a true exclamation point on the show’s point that chaos has come to London at last. Because nothing is going according to plan for anyone, and enemies are chomping at the bit to invade the market and take control, and the one family that should maintain order, is falling to pieces and fighting internally. Not to mention, an old foe has them in a compromised position and is ready to teach them a valuable lesson.

Which perfectly sets the stage for next week’s season two finale, and of course… hopefully we can see some resolution come forth, especially for our burning questions. For we don’t know if Lale is alive, and we simply don’t know what is going to happen to anyone at this point. For there are no future plans on the books at the moment, nor is there any leadership present in London. Just bloodshed, anger, and a thirst for revenge and that is a recipe for an explosive ending to this chapter of the journey. One that is going to undoubtedly be ugly, breathtaking, and potentially earth-shattering as well. And that means, the wait for next week’s episode is going to be excruciating for certain. As we wait to see if order and some semblance of peace can be restored to London… or if disaster and more chaos awaits. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Litvinenko’.
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There was a time, where the supervillain was a concept relegated strictly to fiction. For it just seemed impossible that imaginary men like Lex Luthor or others could ever be a reality, and even the one man that could have qualified as such, was so decidedly defeated by the forces of good in the Second World War, that he remains seen as the weak man that he always was in life. But the arrival of the 21st Century, brought the supervillain into our everyday world. Since September the 11th was indeed put together by a woefully evil monster that cared little about human life and more about rotten ideology and as you read this, another cartoon of a man is waging an illegal war in the hopes of reshaping a sour legacy. One that became sullied by some interesting actions back in the day.
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For back in 2006, Putin’s fragile ego was exposed to the world, when he began to systematically eliminate former citizens of Russia that spoke the truth about his crooked regime. A move that is indeed about as supervillain as it gets, and almost seems impossible in a way, especially considering the circumstances as to how some of these people died. But what he did was real, and it is important we spotlight a weak man and his cruel actions to help us spot and prevent the rise of his kind going forward, so supervillains remain in the comics. Thankfully there is a television series out there that chronicles such matters to help with that, and that makes Litvinenko on Sundance Now, quite the powerful and engaging tale.

Because this is a story that plunges us into the final days of one Alexander ‘Sasha’ Litvinenko. Who wrote a book about Putin and his stupidity, and that book was enough to enrage the little man in Moscow, who in turn… ordered his assassination through poison. However, that is nothing more than basic knowledge regarding this story. Because everyone saw the news, and we heard about how Putin and his men were responsible and that was kind of that. But the details matter, as does the victim and that’s where this series premiere shines. Since it gives us time with Sasha, played brilliantly by the equally as brilliant David Tennant, and we get to see what kind of a man he was and what he wanted in this life. 

Not to mention, we get to know the men who were involved in his case, and that too is important. For what we tend to forget, is that there was a manhunt for the puppets responsible for this heinous crime and that means… we also get to meet Brent Hyatt and DS Jim Dawson, a pair of investigators that are at first, skeptical of the idea that an everyday man could have been poisoned in the middle of London. But Sasha’s conviction and honesty regarding what’s happened, plunges them into an incredible world. One of espionage and evil and that compels them to take this case seriously. Because a true wrong has taken place here, and it must be righted. Which of course, leads to a powerhouse and heartbreaking finale to this opening chapter. One where Sasha passes away from the horrific radiation, he’s been subject to, but also where… heroes make a decision.

In that, they are clearly ready to go after the attackers and bring forth some semblance of justice in this madness and that sets the stage for one incredible miniseries. One that will clearly explore every moment of this manhunt and truly ponder upon how evil rose in this century and continues to do its best to terrify so many. All through wild acts that one would think we’d only see in the movies or on television. And well, the fine acting here from everyone really, and the structure and design of this series… compels us to continue the journey. So that we see evil vanquished through justice, and so that we can be reminded of the fact that it doesn’t always win. Something we definitely need right now, as it works to thrive and survive. Until next time.