Please enjoy this sneak peek from Episode Six of Echo 3, which debuts on Apple TV+, tomorrow, 12/16/2022.

​Please enjoy this Sneak Peek from the season finale of Shantaram, which debuts on Apple TV+ Friday, 12/16/22.

For the most part, cult classics never get a chance to expand upon their story, one that was later discovered by endearing fans. Because by the time that discovery occurs, too many years have passed. Removing any possibility of getting the proverbial band back together. So, we tend to just enjoy that cult classic as it stands and wonder what could have been if the story were allowed to continue for just a little longer. But what’s amazing, is that this era of peak television and the demand to see iconic stories continue regardless of the passage of time, is finally allowing for this long-standing wish to be granted.
​
In fact, earlier today, we finally got our first look at one that we’ve been hoping and waiting for and wanting for ages. Because STARZ released a teaser trailer for the upcoming third season of the highly beloved cult series, Party Down, complete with a release date no less. And since you’re eager to know what the next chapter in this revival is going to look like… here is that teaser and more details on season three of the series, courtesy of STARZ, to help you count down the days to the return of this iconic and beloved show.

STARZ announced today the long-awaited return of the hit comedy series “Party Down” is set to premiere on Friday, February 24 at midnight on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms and internationally on the LIONSGATE+ premium streaming platform in the UK, Brazil and Latin America. On linear, it will debut on STARZ at 9:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and Canada. The third season will consist of six new episodes and to celebrate its return, a first look teaser and photo reuniting the Party Down catering crew were released earlier today.

Ten years later, most of the Party Down catering team have moved on, including actor/bartender Henry Pollard (Adam Scott, “Severance,” “Parks and Recreation”). After a surprise reunion, the gang find themselves once again stoically enduring the procession of random parties and oddball guests all over Los Angeles.
 
Scott reprises his role alongside original cast members Ken Marino (“The Other Two,” “Veronica Mars”), Jane Lynch (“Glee,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), Martin Starr (Knocked Up, “Silicon Valley”), Ryan Hansen (“Bless this Mess,” “Veronica Mars”) and Megan Mullally (“Will & Grace,” “The Great North”).
 
Previously announced new cast members joining in on the fun include Jennifer Garner (The Adam Project, Yes Day) Tyrel Jackson Williams (Thunder Force, “Brockmire”) and Zoë Chao (“Love Life,” “The Afterparty”). James Marsden (Disenchanted, “Dead to Me”) is set to recur as a guest star.
 
The third season is executive produced by “Party Down” alumni Rob Thomas (“Veronica Mars,” “iZombie”), John Enbom (“iZombie,” “Benched,”), Paul Rudd (Ant-Man, Ghostbusters: Afterlife), Dan Etheridge (“Veronica Mars,” iZombie”) and Adam Scott (“Severance,” “Parks and Recreation”). Enbom also serves as showrunner. “Party Down” is produced for STARZ by Lionsgate Television.
 
The first two seasons of “Party Down” debuted on STARZ in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Both seasons remain available on STARZ and for download or streaming via the STARZ app. 
 
Follow “Party Down” on Social
Twitter: @PartyDownSTARZ  
Instagram: @PartyDownSTARZ
Facebook: @PartyDownSTARZ
Join the conversation with #PartyDown and #STARZ
 
About STARZ
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading global media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. In 2018, STARZ launched its international premium streaming platform STARZPLAY, now LIONSGATE+, to provide subscribers access to bold, curated storytelling. LIONSGATE+, coupled with the STARZPLAY ARABIA joint venture in MENA and Lionsgate Play in South and Southeast Asia, has a footprint that extends across the globe. STARZ and LIONSGATE+ are available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies around the world. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company.
 
About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium global subscription platform to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world. The Company’s film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by a 17,000-title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The English’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
One thing that fans of the Prime Video series, The English, can agree upon, is that it has taken us on quite the unique storytelling journey. Simply because a story that started out with an implication that it was going to be about the downward spiral that one suffers through when revenge slowly consumes their soul… transformed into a powerful character study about the moments that change our lives, and a brilliant story about the aftermath of Manifest Destiny’s impact upon the Indigenous Americans of the American West. Leaving all of us to wonder why exactly the revenge concept was somewhat removed from the forefront of the story and well, the next episode in this dynamic western opted to address that concern.
​
That is… after handling some ugly business. Because Cornelia wasn’t doing anything else in this life without Eli at her side, and of course… he was behind fortress walls and preparing for a mission to bring retribution against Black-Eyed Mog to gain his freedom. Which meant that ‘The Buffalo Gun’ is a story that immediately dove into violence. The kind that saw Cornelia step in and work to help her new close friend… by handling the Mog situation herself. Wherein she was mostly successful in blasting that family into oblivion, since she hurt herself along the way, and because an assist from a young man that this family was keeping as a hostage… is what truly put an end to the family line. Which in turn, allowed for Eli to have his freedom and once this duo was reunited… it was back on the road to Wyoming, wherein quite the twist came into play.

In that, Eli and Cornelia were forced to meet with a man named Mackay, since he kidnapped the young man that helped Cornelia and followed her thereafter, in the hope that perhaps he could… ‘train’ the young man into a life of servitude in his own household. Which led to violence and ugliness and a painful reunion between mother and son and some revelations. In that, the revenge plot here has been lessened simply because… there’s no exploration to be had regarding what it looks like to be consumed by revenge, for Eli and Cornelia, are already there. Since Eli was quick to shed blood when needed with a powerful rage that spoke volumes to the pain and justice he needed to see in this life and Cornelia, is wasting away from her injury. Simply because she doesn’t care if she lives or dies, she just wants to complete the mission… and that is indeed the thought process of a pair of individuals that are truly consumed by the power of the vendetta.

Which of course gives life to new questions regarding this series. Such as… will the finale in essence be a grand tragedy that shows us that revenge truly cannot be escaped when one reaches this point? Or is there hope and salvation if the right things come into play, such as love and purpose, since Eli did make it clear that he cares deeply for Cornelia and obviously… she feels something for him, too. In fact, this episode did help us to learn how deep their bond has become, since feeling an emotion as positive as love nearly broke Cornelia in the middle of the night. Giving rise to the potential hope that maybe, just maybe… that can overcome the darkness and perhaps save them from taking any more lives when they reach their destination.

But of course, the only way to know for certain, is to continue the journey but before we do… we can celebrate another powerful and brilliant chapter in this tale. One that really did surprise us and stayed true to the commentary it’s been peppering in. Because once again, we were privy to the horrors and sheer indignity that Native Americans suffered through, and the sheer audacity that accompanied those injustices, courtesy of Mackay and his twisted line of thinking. But alas, that likely may be the last of the commentary we will receive on such matters. For we aren’t far from the answers we seek. For the next chapter in this saga, is the show’s finale and it will be fascinating to see which way our characters lean when this long and winding and difficult journey comes to its conclusion. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season finale of ‘The Devil’s Hour’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
It is definitely safe to say, that the first five episodes of the Prime Video series, The Devil’s Hour, has left its audience with more questions than answers. For we simply haven’t a clue what makes Gideon tick, nor do we know what drives him. And we certainly haven’t a clue as to how Lucy Chambers relates to him nor do we understand the strange occurrences she and her emotionally struggling son Isaac continue to run into, and well… there’s been good reason to keep all of that hidden. For this is a story that was carefully crafted from the get-go, all so that the end of the journey… would bring forth the answers we seek.
​
For the show’s finale, ‘Amor Fati’, wasted little time in informing us of the fact that Gideon is a man that has discovered something powerful about life and its meaning, in that… it is cyclical, and not in the metaphorical sense. We quite literally, cycle through the same life, over and over and are presented with powerful choices along the way that determine our fate and our future and some people… manage to retain their memories from their last adventure and can use that to their advantage, as Gideon has done. For he truly spent countless lifetimes learning how to strike it rich through gambling and how to heal his soul through helping others. Which is why he obsessed over key moments in the world and why he intervened in bad events often. To save lives, change courses and that finally answered our questions about Gideon and his abilities. 

However, that didn’t quite clear up why he was so obsessed with Lucy Chambers… but it turned out, that her life and the choices she made in her path, such as settling down and having Isaac, brought forth concern from Gideon. Because in his travels, he had never seen a child that was in essence, an anomaly of sorts. One that had no purpose or direction or loop like the rest of us, and that made him dangerous and scary since being detached from the circle we all follow… gave him unlimited abilities that could cause harm and trouble. A revelation that left Lucy stunned and made it clear that Lucy’s abilities to also remember other lives and other paths, made her something of an equal to Gideon and someone he wanted to be near to potentially help him.

But alas, coming to understand her son and a hunch in the back of her mind regarding him, led to a panicked rush home on her part and rightfully so. Because something told her, this kind of revelation and the struggles she’s had with Mike had to be a signal for trouble and she was right about that. Because a difficult moment between father and son, one where Mike couldn’t reconcile his son’s coldness… prompted Isaac to just… set the house ablaze to feel something. A move that led to his potential end and the reset button for Lucy. Since she rushed into her burning house and met her end… for this, ‘knot’, as Gideon put it. Giving rise to a unique ending, one that saw a vastly different Lucy following a vastly different path because of what she subconsciously learned from Gideon.
  
But of course… while we did get answers at last and an understanding of this world, that ending throws one for a loop and leaves one wondering, what then was the overall point of this season of storytelling and oddly, the answer to that is simple. In that, this is a story that speaks to the choices we make and how every single one can take us down vastly different paths both good and bad. So, it is best we take a little bit of time to reflect upon the potential pros and cons of some of the calls we make and really do our best to make an educated guess on which path we should attempt to take. To try and have the best life possible, one that is fulfilling and joyous and that’s a fascinating message to inject into this tale. One that has come to an ending that is as unique and as compelling as the stunning subject matter that came before it, and it is a shame we’ve reached the end since the acting and writing present here, and the care that went into it… leaves us hungry for more and it will be interesting to see if there was a surprise injected into this story that can bring forth a second season or if we have indeed reached the end of the line of this particular loop. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘Leverage: Redemption’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
Over the course of the past two years, we’ve talked at length about how the Amazon Freevee series, Leverage: Redemption, does a wonderful job of providing the audience with catharsis. Because this is the only television show out there, tossing out concepts that we would love to see. Which in this instance involves bad people that normally get away with murder in the everyday world, paying the piper for their sins. For that is what we all want in this day and age, and that catharsis is so satisfying that the show hasn’t deviated from it in the slightest nor has it toyed with how the formula for their penance goes. That is, until the next episode came along.
​
For ‘The One Man’s Trash Job’ is a story that quite frankly… fooled us for a bit and made us believe that maybe just maybe, the formula was about to be shaken up and the bad guy might win for a change as he does in real life, and it accomplished that deceit…  by introducing us to one of the worst villains the team has faced to date. Because Clyde Hammond just so happened the epitome of scum. Because not only was he an opportunist that opted to drop trash in the open seas to make a quick buck. But he dumped it anywhere he pleased, including local harbors if it meant people would stay out of his supremely shady, other business. Which was basically importing antiques illegally and he was on the team’s radar for trying to cause harm to an innocent whistleblower, and wow… did the gang have trouble dealing with this guy.

Because not only was he paranoid and eager to cause trouble if by chance the situation called for it in his mind. But he had a con man named Arthur Wilde on staff to help him with his schemes and Arthur, of course, knew Sophie from back in the day and that led to all kinds of horrific conflict between the two of them. The kind that left us wondering if the job could be pulled off in the slightest. But thankfully, the team figured out a way to bring Arthur into the fold in a manner that was beneficial to him as well, and with his help… the team was able to pull off an epic finale to the con. One that saw everyone pitch in, in fun ways to really make a mockery of this fool and give us at last what we wanted. All of which made for a brilliant tale for certain, one that definitely went deeper than expected regarding a couple of plot points.

For instance, the fact that the bad guy was resourceful and intelligent in the right and wrong ways, really did add a sense of painful realism to this tale. Because that’s a lot of what we see from the worst in our world and going that route and playing with our emotions made it clear… that Dean Devlin and his fine staff of writers, want to really make the catharsis this season, special and impactful. So that the cases never feel stale or cliché in the slightest and so that we walk away from these cases with a stronger emotional investment and a stronger sense of satisfaction regarding their joyous outcome, and well, it was mission accomplished here for certain. Because that realism created genuine worry and concern, and wow was it amazing to watch Clyde pay the piper in an embarrassing manner, and the wonder and depth in this episode, didn’t end there.

Because this is another episode, that dug deeper into Sophie’s past and what makes her tick and drives her today. Giving rise to what appears to be a secondary theme for the season. Specifically… confronting our past, especially the parts we don’t like. Since that gives us perspective and promotes growth, and it was fascinating to learn how far Sophie has come from her time with Arthur, and it will be interesting to see who else has their past put on display as what is shaping up to be an incredible season rolls along. One that is clearly going to offer all kinds of depth regarding the characters and up the ante regarding how it tells its wondrous stories and that is definitely a fine motivator to continue the journey post-haste... to truly bask in the wonder of everything this series has to offer. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Whitstable Pearl’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
For the most part, crime dramas that revolve around murder… tend to feature a complex case. One that explores a horrifying aspect of the human condition. Such as how infidelity and a broken heart can drive us to commit to the ultimate crime, or how money and need can motivate something similar. Which are of course compelling reasons to tune in, since that does teach us a great deal about the darkness within and how sometimes people are closer to it than we give them credit. But not all murder is cold and calculated or grounded in notions of evil. Sometimes… it is nothing more than a mistake, one that brings forth regret and delayed justice for the fallen and that particular type of end to a life is top of mind today because it was featured in the next episode of Whitstable Pearl.
​
Which made ‘The Offer’ quite the fascinating tale. Simply because it really seemed as though we were going to be treated to a more traditional crime story. For this is a tale that featured a woman named Molly who was public enemy number one in Whitstable for greed related reasons. Because her mother had recently died, and rather than sign over the family pub to the city to be run by the community, which was agreed upon before her mom died, she decided to go for broke and secure her future by selling it the highest bidder. Which turned out to be a supremely rich developer, much to the chagrin of the other bidders in town and well… it didn’t take long for this deal to go south and quick, when the developer showed up one morning… dead on the beach.

That of course, sprung Pearl and Mike into action, in part because Pearl was hired to investigate some nasty letters that came Molly’s way before the sale, and those letters of course… made it appear as though this killer was going to harm her for all of her actions. But as Mike and Pearl continued to dig into the case and look at the suspects, which included members of the local community committee, and a very scattered chef that at was desperate for a shot to have that pub… it became apparent that greed and want really weren’t at play here. Not to mention, the person behind the notes just wanted to send a message and do their best to hammer home the sour nature of going back on a deal and the hurt it creates. Leaving this duo without an idea of who might have done this.

But news regarding the injuries of the deceased and some odd behavior from the realtor of the sale, a woman named Ruby, piqued Pearl’s interest. In fact, her behavior since the incident and desire to keep out of the spotlight, and the fact that she was without a car suddenly, got Pearl wondering why exactly she was working to keep such a low profile when she was everywhere to be found mere days ago. As it turned out, it was because… she was responsible for the death in question. Because sadly, she got behind the wheel with a lot of alcohol in her system on that fateful night, and hit the deceased with her car, causing great injury to him and worry about her well-being, and she panicked while drunk… and just threw his body in the ocean. A move that speaks volumes to how sometimes death occurs in our world without cold calculation and malice in our hearts.

It can happen instead, because of poor choices and a lack of foresight, but the penalties are definitely the same and, in some cases, such as this… worse. Since Ruby will have to carry that choice for the rest of her life and in the end, this show deserves serious credit for going this route. Since that kind of murder, is a touch more realistic than most crime dramas will go near and it really did produce some emotional moments, especially when Ruby admitted to her crimes. Not to mention, this episode deserves credit for making it clear that Mike wants Pearl back as well… since that’s a question that’s been hanging heavy over season two and well, all this brilliant tale does… is leave us eager for more. Because season two of this series has been bold and pioneering and it will be fascinating to see what kind of other unique cases await Pearl as year two continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 309 of ‘Step Up’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
As time rolls on and more seasons of the STARZ series, Step Up, play out on our television screens… it is becoming apparent what this show really wants to accomplish. In that, it not only wants to be a grand story about what it means to chase your dreams and the wonders and follies that come with such a chase… but it also wants to be about life. To chronicle its beauty and wonder, and its darker moments as well and the mistakes we make along the way. Because that is precisely what everyday life is all about and few stories out there truly work to capture the ups and downs it entails. But this series has offered up quite a few of those pertinent moments as season three has played out and it perhaps put forth its finest examination of such matters to date, in its next episode.
​
For ‘Bring ‘Em Out’ really is an hour of storytelling that focused upon the choices we make in life and how they can quickly lead us to growth and joy, or sorrow and unexpected misery. The kind we don’t realize we’ve been inadvertently sucked into, as evidenced by Collette’s journey in this tale. Because she had the chance to hear a real banger that Rigo ‘wrote’ entitled ‘Unchosen’, and firmly believed that this was going to be what made him a true superstar. To the point where she set up a massive event to unveil the song and well… that turned into an outright disaster thanks to Sage and his surprise, but more on that in a moment. Mainly because… what followed that stunning twist were the life comparisons in question. 

Because in the wake of everything falling to pieces, Collette was in essence, ready to go to war with Sage over what happened. To the point where she prompted Rigo to fire King, out of the belief he was involved in this Sage related snafu, and she was even pondering upon signing those documents that Sage put together regarding ownership of High Water. All because, Rigo duped her. For he didn’t say a word about who REALLY wrote ‘Unchosen’, nor did he come clean and save King’s standing by being truthful. Which means he is taking her along for a ride emotionally and mentally in the name of fame and fortune and that’s real. Because we’ve all been in that kind of relationship where we ride or die for someone under false pretenses and that of course… always ends in a hurtful manner for certain, the only question is how long the good times will last for Collette.

As for the other slice of life moment present here, the positive version thereof, well that was handled by Sage. Because DA Baxter was locking him out of locations for his own shows, and of course… he was in a reflective place after being shoved aside by his former love. And well, that taught him… to embrace the hand that we’ve been dealt and make the most out of it and that prompted him… to hit the road with an impromptu tour that could reach the people and even give back to the community, and to give Marquise agency. Since Angel warned him of what was about to happen. Which pushed Sage to get Marquise to perform ‘Unchosen’ and get the jump on Rigo. All of which really did hammer home how life’s little surprises can benefit us greatly since it got Sage back to basics here and let him reconnect with the community and embarrass Baxter in the process and even inspire others… to hang onto what the community needs since Al is keeping the wing business.

If anything, this really was just another realistic episode from a series that continues to give us that sense of experience over entertainment and it continues to succeed at this. Because all of this felt natural and relatable and gave us plenty to ponder upon and of course… it also set the stage for a powerhouse season finale. Because now… Collette is beyond fired up, sadly, all because Rigo has played her for a fool with talk of love and vendetta, and even Angel and Odalie are heading for a reckoning. Since Angel leaving Odalie at Rigo’s event led to a rash decision on Odalie’s part and well, in the end, all this episode does, is leave us desperately counting down the minutes to next week’s season three finale. So, we can see how this season about life, brings all of its wonderful lessons… together. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Dangerous Liaisons’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also contains discussions regarding sexual assault, which may be triggering to some individuals. 
​
Over the course of the past five weeks, the STARZ series, Dangerous Liaisons, has done a phenomenal job of exploring the nature of revenge and how it consumes us and draws us to toxic behavior and people… courtesy of Camille’s winding journey. For we have been privy to every single moment of the corruption of Camille’s soul, and we’ve of course, seen her play wicked games with Valmont and his heart and his feelings for her as well in the name of retribution. Making this a supremely unique story for certain, since so few shows and stories revolving around revenge take us to such dark and twisted places, and few will also dare to express the rush and the joy that comes with playing games with people’s hearts when vendetta has consumed your own. 
​
If anything, this vengeful downward spiral for Camille, has in many ways… inferred the possibility that she is something of a villain in the making. Since that kind of consumption and resumption of darkness cannot be good for a person in the long term, and this week’s episode only seemed to further reinforce that she was taking this quest to a new and ‘evil’ place, if you will. For ‘You Are Not My Equal’ is a story that saw Camille take her plans for revenge against Jacqueline to the Nth Degree. For a grandiose ball was on the horizon and in the wake of destroying one life to gain agency, Camille was prepared to attend that party and use its setting to bring down her nemesis. Which left Victoire and Valmont worried about Camille and her future, since this was some supremely toxic behavior to see on display, almost obsessive really, and that prompted both of them to take some extreme actions to ensure she wouldn’t be lost to this darkness.

Which involved making their way to the big ball, where Valmont would rescue Jacqueline while Victoire would do her best to talk to some sense into her longtime friend and well… one of those two missions were accomplished. Since Valmont was indeed able to resist Jacqueline’s earnest desire for him and get her out of there before disaster happened, while Victoire failed to talk any sense into Camille. For she was hell bent on power and revenge and it seemed that by the end of this night, darkness would consume her. In fact, her pursuit of Jacqueline almost led to another shot at wounding the family by wounding Henri. But the fact that it was Valmont in disguise, who did so to find out why Camille was so determined to harm this one family, took this particular episode and the tone of the series in a whole new direction. 

For when confronted regarding the why behind her toxic behavior, Camille finally relented and explained what really happened in the de Montrachet household all those years ago. In that, after finding comfort and peace at last, Henri’s lust for her led to Camille enduring assault and pregnancy from his actions and more heartbreak as well. Since she carried the child to term, only to learn that her little one passed away in the middle of the night while they slept together and bonded. And of course, with no child to care for and the ‘embarrassment’ complete, Jacqueline threw Camille onto the streets to fend for herself, and the rest as they say… is history. But what matters more here, is that this revelation changed everything for both Valmont and for the audience as well.
​
Because just like that, Valmont was furious over this injustice and vowed to do as needed to help Camille and for us loyal viewers at home… we are now left looking at Camille in a new light. For she is not a monster in waiting or a being drunk with power. She’s broken, she’s hurting, and she wants rightful agency and justice over a disgusting and painful act… and well… so do we. Because what Henri did was disgusting and his wife only made it worse, and that cannot stand, and this show deserves serious credit, for teaching us about the nature of revenge… so that we can also come to understand that sometimes… it can be justifiable.

Especially in a situation such as this, and well… that is going to make the final episodes present in season one of this series, vastly different for all of us. In part because Victoire made quite the powerful decision in the name of friendship and salvation, one that could complicate the now pending marriage between Jean and Camille, and that’s compelling and unexpected drama for certain. But more so because… we are now vested in this story for vastly different reasons. Because just like that… we are less concerned about the fallout of revenge and more concerned about the need for justice, and that will lead to what is undoubtedly, a supremely conflicting ending to this first season. One that will pull at our moral concerns regarding revenge’s place in the world, and our own need to see justice be served for a woman that did not deserve any of this in the slightest. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season finale of ‘Mood’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also contains discussions regarding sexual assault, which may be triggering to some individuals.
​
There comes a point in our lives, when we come to realize that the path we are on, regardless of the success or payout it has sent our way… is no longer sustainable. It could be related to health reasons, both mental and physical, for if the gig requires long, long hours, that’s never good for the body and if the job is supremely stressful, well that is never good for the mind or the soul. Or it could be a gig that is toxic in nature and leaves us in a dark place quite often because of that or worst of all… it could be a job that is outright no longer safe for us to be around. Where our well-being in every sense of the world is now in danger, and when that day comes… we often find ourselves in a difficult place mentally. 
​
Where we don’t understand how we let ourselves get into a situation where we are oft exhausted and downtrodden, or scared for our lives and our mental health on a daily basis and that forces us to face a crossroads. One where we have to decide to either stay on the path before us or do our best to change course and change who we are to never face such darkness again and that is top of mind today, simply because that was the journey that Sasha went upon in the season finale of Mood on BBC America. For ‘Fuck the Fake Shit’ saw Sasha at her lowest after getting back from that nightmarish weekend that Carly kept everyone hostage at, and she really didn’t know what was to come next. Which prompted her to just… escape for a hot minute and see if she could sort things out and that took her to some surprising places.

Because at first, she thought her pseudo boyfriend would by chance take her in and play domestic while she sorted life out. But he was just interested in keeping her around for sex, and that put her on the street and eventually… into the home of Anton’s mother. For she was the only person around that showed her grace and kindness and a genuine desire to help her heal and that allowed for Sasha to take some time and reflect on her journey and everything that made her who she was in this moment. Which brought up tough memories of Anton’s brother and the line he crossed when she was a child, and how that awful moment jaded her and pushed her to not trust and act out negatively in life. And that time away and those honest moments with herself, helped her to understand how that moment robbed her of her self-worth and pushed her to perform acts that gave her a false sense of that and until she found agency and value… this was to be her path. 

So, she took her time. She healed and faced her pain as best she could and eventually… found that worth. Found that agency. Plus, she even came to understand that if she really wanted more in life there would be no shortcuts, no easy path forward. She would have to work for her dreams and do things out of her comfort zone and those epiphanies… allowed for her to walk away from sex work and confront Carly for the things she did and even offer her forgiveness and clarity… before chasing what she wanted in life. A move that paid off in spades, since she finally found herself surrounded by good friends for a change, not just coworkers out to get paid, and she even garnered an honest shot at building a music career by taking a chance on a prestigious open mike night. 

All of which, put her on a healthy and sustainable path, one that would show her a different life free of guilt and anger over an act that was committed against her will and wishes and that is… a powerful way to end this season of storytelling. Since it speaks volumes to the importance of self-work and self-care in life when we are uncertain of why we are on destructive or dark paths, and a need to examine the root causes of our pain. So, we can address them and resolve them and find a peace we never thought possible. Making this a powerful finale for certain, one that offers the viewer plenty of advice and a realistic ending as well. Since while Sasha does indeed find clarity, she doesn’t just magically heal overnight and find sunshine. She merely takes a big step forward toward a better tomorrow… as would anyone working to heal from the ravages of the past and the lasting pain it leaves upon our soul.