Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 308 of ‘Step Up’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Often times in popular media, the breakup is portrayed in one of two ways. It is either a disaster or a smooth transition into a new chapter and it makes sense to as to why we see that black and white approach to such matters. Because in storytelling, breakups are used as catalyst moments. The kind where a disastrous end to a relationship opens a character’s eyes to what they really need to find in life and love and the simple breakups in a story, are designed to offer up a change of pace for a character. So, they can go upon a journey of discovery and snap out of complacency and such. Which while impactful in nature to the story… only adds to the romanticization of all things love and fails to inform us of the reality of breakups.
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In that, they are messy and irritating and ugly and can cause us trouble and strife, and that’s why this week’s episode of Step Up on STARZ is of note. For ‘Who Can I Run To?’ is a story that focused on all of that by taking us into the relationship woes of several characters. Obviously, Sage and Collette had to be part of that examination, since this episode featured the end for them now that Collette knew what she wanted and well, it didn’t take long for a seemingly amicable breakup to go south. Because it prompted Sage to flex up on her and Rigo when he learned of their love and punish them for even remotely being a thing when he was still with Collette. A move that reminded us that amicable breakups are rare since hurt is always involved and that leads to messy and mean moments for certain.

Not to mention, sometimes when we break up with someone because we’ve found someone that appears to meet our needs better, we get to learn that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. As evidenced by Odalie’s journey in this tale. Because now that she and Angel were a thing, Angel wasn’t quite as willing to put in the work. In fact, she isolated a lot and got into her own head about her sorted past, which was finally put on display for us. And she of course… still had at thing for Marquise who resurfaced here. But more on that in a moment. Because what matters more about this plot thread, is that Odalie really did get a crash course in how sometimes the next relationship we head to isn’t all that it is cracked up to be, making the breakup that came before it, even more painful.

But since this world is always in motion, there was more happening behind the scenes here to move the plot along. After all, DA Baxter popped up again to make folks nervous with her stance on crime. Not to mention, Sage and Poppy made up and Sage is now facing a new threat in Collette. Since she made a push to take control of the tour and put Rigo center stage, teaching Sage a valuable lesson in letting his personal and business life mix. But he may have a counter punch ready for this. Since Marquise recorded under the guise of a pen name to get some clout going and Sage is ready to use his lyrical skills to accomplish wonders in the studio and on the stage. Setting us up for a fight between two bitter lovers.

However, while we wait to see where that goes, we can celebrate another brilliant tale from this brilliant series. Because once again, this series offered up some lovely life lessons. The kind that resonated with us courtesy of some real-world scenarios that we could relate to. Since we’ve all jumped relationships to learn we made a mistake in doing so, and we’ve all had that nasty breakup that has caused us more harm than good, and that really does compel us to continue the journey. To see if emotion or logic will win out in the weeks to come, now that clearly, the fate of High Water and what it does for the community and dreamers… hangs in the balance… courtesy of some emotions. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Dangerous Liaisons’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are few things in this life, that motivate us better than having our backs against the wall. Because when we are cornered and unsure of what will become of us, we find clarity and direction and we are able to think fast and pull off miracles to get what we need to feel better about our day or our future. Which is a trait that we quite frankly, celebrate in modern society, since it speaks to the wonder of the human mind and spirit and of course… inspires others since they see such acts as nothing short of miraculous, and hope to replicate them if by chance they ever find themselves in a similar situation. But while there is much to gleam from such acts… they are not always ones to celebrate.
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Because sometimes, those that are cornered aren’t noble in nature and to regain agency and direction in life, they’ll commit to dark acts and hurt others in the process. Which means that in the end, finding oneself in an impossible place, should be more of a grand opportunity to take a beat and look at the situation objectively, so that our wild push toward agency is handled with class and that is precisely why this moment is featured in the next episode of Dangerous Liaisons on STARZ. So that we don’t follow in Camille’s dark footsteps in such matters. For when we caught up with her in ‘The World Should Be Afraid of Us’, that cornering moment came to fruition, shortly after she thought she was about to obtain everything she ever wanted.

After all, Valmont was playing by her rules and going after her former head of household, and she was on her way to meet with Jean and obtain her goals at his engagement party and that… went shockingly smooth. Since he quickly agreed to her terms upon her mention of the Labyrinth and its power. Not to mention he asked Sevigny to find her a room and well… it doesn’t get much better than that. But alas, while she was patiently awaiting Jean’s lawyer to draw up the details, Valmont stumbled upon an ugly truth. In that, he was a pawn for Camille’s vengeful plans, and all of this was deigned to ruin Jacqueline and leave him high and dry no doubt and that prompted Valmont to do something quite daring… and call Camille out at Sevigny’s home.

Away from prying eyes of course, for this was a personal matter. But it all but collapsed her plans for revenge on the woman that hurt her, and things only got worse from there. Because Sevigny made it clear that everyone was stalling in getting the lawyer up to the estate. Simply because this was an opportunity to isolate Camille so that she could finally be properly embarrassed and informed that there would be no more handouts or attempts at blackmail and with her opportunities at power and agency removed, she was indeed backed into a corner and unsure of where to go next, and that brought forth the darkness. Because once she was left to her fear and own devices, a wild idea came into her mind, one brought forth via a slip up from Sevigny. 
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For she spoke words that were familiar in nature, as though Camille read them in a letter, and as it turned out… she had. Words that incriminated Sevigny since she spoke in that letter of a grand affair with the queen and armed with that in hand, she went to Sevigny and made her demands and when those went unanswered it was off to Jean. Wherein she informed him of what Sevigny had done and how that would bring him embarrassment without action and how he could also… find an ally in Camille… if he did everything to put her under the protection of his name. And just like that, Camille had agency again and found direction and purpose… but at great cost.

After all, Sevigny was left in ruin after this whole debacle since her transgressions were made public. And of course, Ondine was still twisting in the wind and looking the fool for attempting to make a romantic move on Jean at Camille’s bequest, and of course, Valmont was oddly… in worse shape than he’s ever been before. For he committed so much time to nothing really since Jacqueline has no interest in crossing the line for desire, and old wounds were opened for him as well. Making it clear that just going for it when we are in trouble to ensure our safety and future, is dangerous and devastating. Especially if we are in a dark and ugly place, since lives will be impacted, and we might lose something of ourselves. Which is what this series is likely going to explore next, once the dust from Camille’s scorched earth decision, settles. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Mood’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also contains discussions regarding violence against women, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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There are times in our lives, where we sign up for a job that wows us and impresses us to the point where we believe… this could be... the one. The one that will provide us with everything we need from a financial and emotional standpoint, only to learn… that simply is not the case. It could be that the money isn’t what we hoped it would be in the long run, or the work/life balance of the gig is subpar at best. Or at the very worst, we learn the gig is toxic in nature and will impact our mental health and potentially put our regular health at risk and that’s when… we find ourselves at a crossroads. One where we simply have to decide what comes next for us now that this isn’t working out.

If anything, that crossroads and that epiphany are top of mind today, simply because that is precisely what Sasha encountered in the next episode of Mood on BBC America. But it sure didn’t seem as though that was going to be the case early on in ‘Bitches in Cages’. For when we caught up with Sasha and Carly in this tale, they were off to a weekend excursion, where they would make stupid money for hanging out with a bunch of guys for the weekend and well… being in an exotic location, one that was beautiful and isolated… seemed like just another perk of the job for Sasha. Not to mention, there would be good food and friends nearby, so there really appeared to be no way that anything could go wrong during this trip. 

But alas, that simply turned out to not be the case. For their passports were confiscated by the host of this party and well, it didn’t take long for things to go terribly, terribly wrong. For Esmeralda had a horrible encounter with a Sheik at the party, since he decided that physically abusing her during sex was of no concern since he and the group were ‘renting’ them for the weekend. But that was a line that Sasha was not good with anyone crossing and she and the other girls confronted Carly about this, since she set the event up… and tried their best to leave… to no avail. Since Carly did nothing really to help them and to top it all off, their passports were still in the host’s hands and things only got worse from there, believe it or not.

For the last night of this weekend getaway, was filled with worry, drugs and more lines being crossed. The kind that saw Carly perform some illegal sex acts and everyone’s moods simply slid into darkness. Because this wasn’t a fun party, this was… abuse and trafficking in its own way since they were indeed rental property and at the whim of others, and that put Sasha at her lowest and left her wondering what she was doing with her life. A concern that was further confounded by the reality… that Carly didn’t have her best interests in mind. For it turned out, they did get their passports back after raising concerns. They were given to Carly, who just hid them to get that money and that was stunning for Sasha to witness and it of course, put her at a crossroads.

Because it was obvious in the closing moments of this tale that Sasha was indeed, contemplating on her career choice. Because she didn’t sign up for physical abuse or to be controlled in this manner, nor did she sign up to be utterly betrayed by someone she thought she could be close to. Leaving her in a dark place, one where she is truly lost and well… a round of applause is in order for this episode for taking the time to showcase the dark side of sex work, because of how it is isn’t regulated, because of how it is viewed and for having Sasha face the realities of this job, and how it might not be for her. For that in turn might lead to a different kind of finale, one that is introspective, and growth based since Sasha has spent her time in this series… searching for meaning and direction and perhaps a wakeup call, will push her toward that at last. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Criss Angel’s Magic With the Stars’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about the importance of showmanship when it comes to the art of magic, courtesy of The CW series, Criss Angel’s Magic With the Stars. Simply because Criss, and Lance Burton and Loni Love, have hammered home to every single competitor on the show, the absolute importance of being able to work the crowd and engage them and include them. Since that will in fact, provide the audience or the viewer at home with an immersive and fun experience and well, after weeks of bringing celebrities along in this particular artform and how it works and how impactful it can be… last night’s episode offered up quite the surprise regarding this.
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For ‘Easy Rider’ was an episode that was host to a pair of true showmen, Actors Matt Walsh, and Michael Ian Black. Who are well known for their comedic endeavors and of course, their appearances in countless popular television shows and cult classics and well, since they are master comedians, an art that requires an understanding of how to work a crowd and elicit an emotional response… they came out and completely and utterly put on a masterclass in showmanship. For Matt’s opening illusion, one where he played Criss’ Uncle, left people in stitches, and really warmed everyone up, and the same went for Michael’s routine as well. Since his innocent yet twisted magician routine kept smiles on everyone’s faces.

Which in turn led to our closest competition to date since the stars awarded were fairly even, and that close nature of this competition didn’t end there. For both men once again impressed in the Close-Up Round and continued to captivate and leave people laughing heartily, including the judges. Which meant, it was all going to come down to the Grand Illusion Round to determine which of these epic showmen were going to go home with the Golden Wand and even then, showmanship made determining who that would be, quite difficult. Because there were zero doubts and snafus during the training portion of this round. For Matt and Michael were eager to put on a show and had the confidence to do it and when the time came to take the stage, put a show they most certainly did.

Because Criss’ Uncle and Michael, returned to pull off Easy Rider. Wherein the audience helps the magician to conjure a motorcycle and a rider out of thin air and good heavens, did Matt pull out all the stops. For he had the crowd hooting and hollering and he of course, pulled off the illusion without a hitch, giving him high marks and Michael… hung with him. For he too put on an epic show, and even added an amazing twist to the trick by offering up a comedic moment to surprise the audience and entertain them further and well… once the illusions were in the books, the judges struggled mightily to pick a winner. Because this duo, simply slayed on stage and really did impress the crowd from beginning to end. But alas, someone had to win and Criss did make a decision regarding that.

As to who that was, as always… we won’t spoil here. Because you need to share in that joy in the moment. But we can say, it was a stunner of a decision since it could have gone either way. But what matters more here, is that at long last, we were able to see EXACTLY what proper showmanship accomplishes when it is applied to a magic act, and clearly… the bar is now set for competitors going forward. Because Matt and Michael were simply phenomenal on stage and really made an already enjoyable series, even more enjoyable and truly, it will be fascinating to see if anyone can match their energy and theatrics as season one of this refreshing and delightful show continues along. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season finale of ‘The Peripheral’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One the hardest lessons that we will ever have to learn in this life, is that failure is part of the human experience. And what makes this so tough to swallow, is that the mantra of modern society is that failure is completely and utterly unacceptable in our world. For mankind settles for nothing less than success and if we do fail and acknowledge that… somehow, we are a pariah. But without failure in our lives, we don’t grow as people and we certainly don’t learn how to succeed, and it takes failure to show us that and when we learn that lesson… we often find ourselves wondering… what it would take for others to understand the importance of embracing the wonder of failure and what it sends our way. 
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Oddly enough, that’s a question that the season finale of The Peripheral on Prime Video is eager to answer. For ‘The Creation of a Thousand Forests’ is a story that well… sees Flynne Fisher facing complete and utter failure in life. Because at this point in the story, everything that can go wrong, has gone wrong. After all, Tommy’s career was at a horrible crossroads since he killed the Sheriff and left Pickett in a coma and of course… her mother was heading toward death since the drug had done all it could do. Not to mention, Cherise and Ash were now working together to get at the data in Flynne’s head and well, Cherise was ready to do the absolute worst to obtain it.

In that, she would push the date of the Jackpot up in Flynne’s timeline and well, that’s when Flynne realized… she failed. She failed to keep people safe, she failed to act before it was too late and now… her life and the lives of those she loved would end. But rather than just lie down and accept her fate, she realized she had a different route available to her, thanks to the wonders that surrounded her. And that if she was honest with herself and embraced the fact that she had failed and made use of the technology present… perhaps she could pivot and move forward and keep her family safe and that brought forth quite the wild plan. 

For if she could create an offshoot Stub, one where the coordinates were kept secret, she and her family and friends would have a second chance and she could end the madness as it stood by sacrificing herself. A plan that few were good with but followed regardless. Simply because she could download into her Peripheral and hide in the future while the past was secure. Which is a plan that worked and allowed for her to hide from evil at last. Giving rise to a unique opportunity to set things right for Flynne and a chance to fight for a better past and better tomorrow. But what mattered more, was the message present in this finale regarding how we accept the lesson and get the word out to others. Obviously first and foremost, popular media can help with that, by saying it’s okay to fail and okay to make mistakes. 

But more importantly, it is up to us… to deny failure the power it has over us. And to understand that if we accept it and look objectively at the situation and how we came to this point… we can easily come to understand the lessons failure teaches us and move on with our head held high, so we don’t let it happen again. Which is a wonderful lesson to find in this tale, one that truly sets the stage for a powerhouse season two. One where Flynne can finally become the hero she’s toyed with being in this story, courtesy of her freedom and through her embracing of failure and hopefully this series gets a second season. So that we can learn more about this wild world and see what the fight for a better tomorrow looks like with a hero that is free of the trappings of modern society… and is ready to learn and grow as they fight to make the world… a better place.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Three Pines’.
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It is definitely safe to say that the crime drama and police procedural are quite… sanitized in nature these days on major networks. Simply because they feature cases that feature minimal complexity and are quickly and easily solved, and the heroes that work to bring the criminal in, are a touch too quirky to properly relate to. Not to mention… the modern crime drama also gives the audience a very by the numbers story. One that really doesn’t discuss the impact of major crime and is somewhat devoid of humanity and deeper meaning. Which leads to quick and fleeting satisfaction by the end of the case because no one has earned the justice that was served up on a silver platter. But thankfully, change is starting to come to this genre.
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For audiences do want depth from these types of stories and that’s why we are seeing more crime dramas/police procedurals get back to basics and look at the human side of crime and its painful and ugly motivations, and it just so happens that Prime Video is now home to a show in that vein. For Three Pines made its debut on the network yesterday and it truly does deliver a vastly different type of crime themed storytelling. For this is a story that introduces us to Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, a brilliant detective for the Sûreté du Québec and he is the first real reason this series draws you in. Because while he is indeed an intelligent gumshoe, one that sees the little details… he’s a man. A good man that wants to find the best in people and situations regardless of how ugly the case or moment might be and that is so refreshing.

Simply because he isn’t hardened or grizzled or tortured by some clichéd past that drives him. He’s just the right man for the job and excellent at what he does, and he elevates those around him and the cases he is going to investigate in this first season, may also be an anthesis to the norm. Because in the series premiere, ‘Whiteout’, Armand, and his team of investigators are sent to the small town that shares the namesake of this series to poke around in what everyone believes to be an open and shut case. Wherein a well-to-do socialite/egotist died suddenly in what appeared to be nothing short of a freak accident. But a quick dive into the circumstances surrounding her death, makes it clear that this was no accident. Someone killed this woman plain and simple, in a cruel and brutal manner and well… that brings forth the best parts of this tale. 

Since Armand and his team are forced to confront the fact that they are investigating the murder of someone that this town hated through and through. For CC, the deceased, was a pain in the rear and mean and nasty to everyone. But she was a wife, a mother, and a person… and reminding folks of that fact is no easy task. Which brings forth all kinds of commentary on our modern world and how we view murder and justice, and of course… it explores what drives people to commit to murder. Since the killer isn’t quite who you think it is in this tale, and that discovery leads to some powerful moments for certain. The kind that speaks to generational trauma and abuse and how that can push good people to do horrible things in the name of finding peace and agency. 
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All of which speaks to a vastly different kind of crime drama. One that really is grounded in all aspects of our humanity. But what’s even more incredible… is that this series has more commentary to offer regarding our world outside of our conflicted views on murder and justice. For this is a story that also digs deep regarding indigenous rights, and how we as a modern culture in both Canada and America, still treat Indigenous Americans as an afterthought. To the point where few seem to think that any pain or suffering that Native Americans endure is of any concern of the modern world, when it is quite our concern, and it is brilliant to see a series address that and inform us… that the show is just getting started in such matters.

If anything, it is safe to declare this series as nothing short of a breath of fresh air. For this is a crime drama that is quite frankly, beautifully haunting in nature. Because it looks at the pain that death creates, and it examines how we cope with it and how we live with it, alongside featuring all the elements that compel us to visit this genre in the first place. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this series also features some magnificent performances. For Alfred Molina is a revelation as Armand and there’s even comic relief to be found in this series courtesy of Sarah Booth’s portrayal of Yvette Nichol and truly… this is a series that deserves our attention. Because this one is something special and it will be incredible to see what other storytelling wonders await us as season one of this dynamic new show continues along. Until next time.  

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Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two finale of ‘The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

​After a long journey with lots of ups and downs, betrayal and friendship, rivalries, realignments, and action, the second season of Game Changers has come to a fitting storybook end. After a lot of back and forth throughout the season, the finale felt somewhat abrupt, but still delivered plenty of emotion and neatly wrapped up loose ends across the cast. 
 
Concluding one of the series' biggest storylines, we see the tension between Coach Cole and Coach Alex continue to dissipate. By this point, Coach Cole is fully ready - if not fully comfortable - to take a step back from his intense ways. He hands over the reins to Alex, placing all of his focus on being a dad first. He even relinquishes his team's name, deciding to use the Ducks moniker for the newly merged super squad (topped off by a cameo from Anaheim Ducks’ Cam Fowler, who hands out the NHL club’s Reverse Retro jerseys to gift the team a sharp new look). Coach Alex thrives in her new role, holding her own against Coach T and Team Canada in the Summer Showcase championship. 
 
The Ducks take a quick lead, playing to a 2-0 lead in the first period. Jace and Evan have seemingly worked through the issues that have plagued them, with Jace scoring both goals and putting his "shot glitch" behind him and with Evan settling into his role with the new team. Unfortunately, this is only fleeting. Jace's early success captures the attention of scouts which threatens to derail the duo. A scout for USA Hockey (questionably) approaches Evan after the first period asking for Jace. This makes Evan question his worth and puts Jace back under the spotlight. 
 
The tone of the second period follows suit. Canada goes on a tear of four unanswered goals to take the lead, even stealing the classic Flying V at one point. Both Jace and Evan let their emotions get the best of them and begin to spiral. Evan considers quitting hockey under the belief that he doesn’t have the potential to ever excel. Jace tries to give up until Sofi calls him out for faking his mid game struggles. Evan and Jace finally, genuinely start to support each other, with the former pushing the latter to strive towards his full potential. 
 
Other characters get happy endings, too. Nick starts off in a bad spot, missing the game with an injury. Seeing him sulk, Marnie decides to put him in a position to follow his true calling: she sets him up to shadow Rich Eisen as he calls the game. (Rich delivers another gem of a line when asking Nick about his injury: "They couldn't shoot you up with cortisone or something?"). Coach Cole does well supporting Jace after taking a step back. AJ softens up and treats his brother and Koob more kindly. And Maya puts a bow on everything by secretly getting everyone to sign what would become the team’s championship banner. 
 
The pace of the finale seems to move a little quickly for all of the slow buildup of the season. The Ducks overcame the threat of Team Canada with relatively little resistance and the game never honestly felt in danger. The episode moves pretty briskly through solving each character’s individual struggles. That being said, the finale perfectly captured the nostalgic and warm, familial feeling of finishing a big bonding experience, like finishing the school year or leaving a summer camp. Everyone is at peace with where they’ve ended up, either embarking on new journeys or taking their foot off of the pedal. The talented cast has taken this series to new heights in this second season. Hopefully we’ll get to see the Ducks fly together again soon!

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 3303 of ‘Top Gear’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are so many different ways that we express our love of the automobile. For some, it’s simply about admiring them afar and professing that love through attending car shows and watching shows about vehicles on the road or keeping up with the latest and greatest cars on or coming to the market. For others… it’s about being as close to the cars they love as possible, and if that includes sinking some money into a classic fixer upper, or getting their hands on the hottest new thing, so be it. And for some, it’s about taking up a hobby involving cars and perhaps doing something amateur or professional regarding them, say, racing for instance. But what matters most, is that there is no wrong way to express one’s love for the car. And as long as the person is happy with how they do it, that’s all that matters. 
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Which is why the BBC America series, Top Gear, is now in its thirty-third season. Because this is a series that showcases everything, we’ve just discussed so that every car lover feels included and seen when it comes to this dynamic show and never was that more evident than this week’s episode. For several of those aforementioned elements worked their way into this latest road adventure. For instance, Chris Harris and his exploration of the long-awaited Mercedes-AMC One, spoke to those who keep up with trends and want to be near the latest and greatest. Since he was able to test drive this experimental ride and see what it was made of on the road. Which sadly, was just ideas since it didn’t perform all that well in a live action setting. But it was cool to sample the cutting edge of the industry and see the wonder of what’s in development.

Oddly enough, Paddy’s journey in this tale, expanded on the latest and greatest concept further, by taking us along for a test drive of a revolutionary car that was indeed ready to hit the road and anything the road could throw at it. For he got behind the wheel of the newest Range Rover, with Chris, and they took the time to put this beautiful and smooth, and internally silent ride through the wringer. For they ventured out to the mountainside to take part in a relay race that would prove deadly to most cars. Since it involved driving over large rocks and down and up steep inclines and wouldn’t you know it? This new Range Rover handled such obstacles masterfully. In fact, at worst… she walked away with a dent and a missing license plate and that is definitely a wonderful way to celebrate the latest technology that the world of the automobile has to offer. 

As for Freddie, well… he handled the wonder of taking part in of a professional hobby involving cars. After all, he had a new racing license burning a hole in his wallet, and he wanted to get out there and explore the racing world and learn exactly what it is all about and he finally got his chance. For the producers sent him out to learn about F1 Stock Car Racing, so that he could in fact, participate in one. Which led to a rigorous lesson indeed where he learned about the history of this type of race and why the cars are so unique and then of course… came a vigorous training session. One that let him get a feel for these unique rides and of course to learn the rules so he could be turned loose in a full-on race. Wherein he struggled due to mechanical errors and that pushed Freddie, to just finish the race. Which he did and he felt quite accomplished in doing so and that… was the perfect way to explore how deep we will go to indulge in our love of cars.

If anything, this was just… a magnificent episode through and through. One that kept us guessing as to what exactly it was going to send our way since we basically enjoyed so many different rides and adventures. But what mattered more, is that this story really did a fine job of just reminding us of how magical cars are, and the joy they bring us and the passion they elicit. Because you could just feel that from our hosts and since we’re all car lovers as well… we shared in those emotions and enjoyed every single second of this engaging episode. One that once again reminds us of the unique nature of this series, and it of course leaves us eager for more. So, we can see what kind of surprises and/or amazing road trips and themes await us, as season thirty-three of this incredible series continues along. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Ten of ‘Shantaram’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Stories that explore the nature of change and the dangers that come about from not embracing it or our sorted pasts… tend to focus on the external consequences of such matters, and rightfully so. After all, that makes the penalty real, allowing for the lesson to be easily absorbed by the viewer or the reader. But going that route, does leave one to wonder… if it is at all possible, to explore the internal consequences that come with that decision as well? Because let’s be honest, a lot of the times our own mistakes and self-sabotage are what truly teach us the value of embracing change and resolving our past and as it turns out, yes, it is indeed quite possible, as evidenced by this week’s episode of Shantaram.
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For ‘Dig Two Graves’ is a story that saw Lin come to learn exactly what was going on, when it came to the fact that half of Bombay was chasing him. And once he was armed with the knowledge that Maurizio set him up and made him look the fool… he went to visit Maurizio’s boss, and after a touch of violence, was able to explain that he had nothing to do with this mess and that he was to be left alone. Which should have allowed for Lin to move on, since those terms were amicable, and Maurizio was going to pay the piper in his own way… but that wasn’t enough for Lin. Because being set up again, unlocked something dark within him. Because he had seen a lot of strife for the set up that came his way the first time and since he never dealt with that pain and that fury, he snapped in essence. To the point where he decided the best way to work all of that out… was through causing Maurizio great harm.

Which in turn led him to Karla’s, so he could speak with Lisa. Because she knew best how to bring Maurizio out into the open and Lin used that to his advantage. All to enact revenge and try and find peace and that made Lin… quite scary in this tale. Because he eventually got what he wanted, and after beating the tar out of Maurizio and firing a bullet within an inch of his head, he moved on. But what mattered more here, is that this explored perfectly… the dangers of not resolving our past or trying to embrace a better way. Because not doing so, allows for fury and pain to fester beneath the surface and grow and eventually, explode in an ugly manner, and while Lin, didn’t cross a line here… the point was made and thankfully he held back just enough to not do something he would forever regret. But that definitely made for a powerful lesson, and it would seem resolution between these two came at just the right time. 

Simply because it brought forth the truth about Karla. Which wounded Lin and left him feeing betrayed and that appeared to finally motivate him to get out of town for good and that was the right line of thinking for certain. Because despite Kavita getting her hands on the story of a lifetime, through Karla and Lisa and Sunita… the damage from the Ford story was done. For Detective Walter Nightingale arrived in Bombay in this tale, and while he quickly came to learn about jurisdictional rules and regulations, which did indeed slow him down… it is only a matter of time before his keen eye and ability to bend the rules, will work to his advantage and potentially bring he and Lin face to face after all this time. Which more or less, sets the stage for a frenetic finish to the season.

One that may see the external ironically worm its way into the story after all. Since Nightingale is just that and time is indeed running out. But while we wait to see what truly comes out of his arrival, we can bask in the wonder… of one quality tale. One that really did break down an angle to this type of story that is rarely explored, and it did so in a compelling and powerful and equally as meaningful manner. Since we now fully understand the fact that everything must be resolved regarding our past if we ever want peace and until we do… Lin’s dark mentality is where we reside and truly… he is about to be put to the test. For he has to decide if he can in fact, face those demons and embrace change, and if he cannot… the past will finally corner him in the streets of Bombay. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 305 of ‘Mythic Quest’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When each and every one of us set out to forge a career in the world, there is a plan we have in mind to get where we want to be. One that sees us reaching certain milestones by a certain age and of course, there is an endgame goal in mind as well as to what we want to accomplish in our careers and how we want our work to be viewed from a legacy standpoint and what’s amazing… is that once we set out to execute that plan do, we quickly learn… that nothing will go according to it. For life throws us curveballs at every turn and sometimes our career path takes us places we never expected to go and well, the big question is when that happens… how do we deal with such a surprise? Because… the plan! It’s important and it matters because without it we wouldn’t even be on this path.
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But the fact of the matter is, pivots and surprises and new opportunities are simply part of the journey and we should embrace them at every turn because they can in fact, lead us to great happiness and fulfillment and the twists that careers send our way, and the need to embrace them is top of mind today, simply because they served as the focal themes of this week’s episode of Mythic Quest on Apple TV+. For when we caught up with everyone in ‘Playpen’, surprises were everywhere to be found. For instance, Ian and David actually found common ground on how to handle the upcoming MQ movie. Courtesy of a weird moment in David’s office that quietly helped them to understand they needed one another to make the film great, giving rise to the reality that sometimes the path to success in life involves working with folks we’ve struggled with because they complement us in ways we never knew.

Not to mention, the whole NFT debacle led to some stunning new opportunities for everyone involved. For once Montreal got word that Carol was the brains behind the whole thing, she received a promotion for her innovative thinking, and that prompted her to bring together a staff. Which gave Brad a fresh start in this business and helped him to recognize a new path for Rachel. Since it became clear that she had a real knack for ideation and monetization. Which brought her back into the fold at MQ, and once again… this plot spoke to the surprise paths our careers sometimes take. Because not one person in this trio expected to find promotions and meaning from a simple idea. But that’s what came their way, and they embraced it because this opportunity will undoubtedly do so much for each of them and what’s incredible, is that there was still more to explore regarding all this.

Because one floor down in the world of Grimpop, Poppy had concerns about some of Dana’s actions with the code that was being written. In that, she was scooping it up in a hurry and when confronted about it… Poppy was presented with an incredible surprise. In that, the Playpen software that she’d written to give Dana more to do while she waited for more code to work on for Hera, was eagerly in Dana’s hands for the most wondrous of reasons. Because Playpen offered players stunning freedom and it was fun through and through and people were eagerly embracing it and enjoying it and well… that too created a pivot for Poppy. Because this was what she wanted to accomplish as a game designer, she wanted people to enjoy what she’d created, and she could spend a lifetime working on Hera and never replicate the joy that Playpen provided… so it was best she embraced that.

Which was, another perfect way to hammer home the show’s central themes and really… all of these vignettes really did a wonderful job of making it clear that living in the moment when it comes to our careers and enjoying whatever surprises come our way, is just as fulfilling as we believe the original plan to be. Not to mention, doing so also informs us that we are capable of more than we thought and that too brings forth joy and wonder and motivation, and fulfillment and once again, this series deserves a round of applause. For finding ways to explore the workplace in a positive manner and for looking at something that happens often in life but is rarely addressed and the series once again leaves us eager to see where this season is headed. Because it just continues to offer up all kinds of wonderful moments and commentary on an environment that we perhaps tend to lament, more than we should. Until next time.