Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 305 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that season three of the hit STARZ series, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, is eager to explore elements that we rarely see explored in crime dramas. After all, this is a season of storytelling that has seen someone escape the game without losing their lives, a true rarity in stories in this vein. Not to mention… we’ve also seen this story explore what kinds of new chapters could await those fresh out of the life and how hard of a transition that might be. Since last week’s episode saw so many characters struggle with their new future and revert to some old habits because of it, and well… this season is showing no signs of slowing down regarding these fascinating examinations, as evidenced by this week’s tale. 

For ‘Brothers and Keepers’ opted to examine two long-term possibilities about where people could go when they get out of the game. Such as the joy they might experience if they embrace their second chance. After all, Jukebox found a lot of joy in this story and demonstrated how a fresh start can do wonders when we reconcile the past and embrace the future. For she was good with what was and lived in the present and for her efforts… she did well with her new musical group and was outright enjoying the ride. Because she was making music and having a blast doing it. Not to mention she was able to take on a mentor style role and that only added to her happiness in the now, and shockingly, she wasn’t the only character that found some joy in embracing a new path.

Because Lou Lou was laser focused on making Café Vous the success he knew it could be. All by making sure to use the connections he built during his time as a producer to pump the club up and let the world know it was a place for fresh voices and an outright celebration of music. And this gave him so much direction and so much drive and outright positivity, that he was able to face his mother without falling into darkness and he even found himself thinking less about the drink. Because he had purpose without the game and for his efforts, Café Vous was a rousing success. For it was alive and thriving and filled with musical acts that wowed the crowd and fed creativity. Which really did point out that some folks could indeed alter course and head down a new path if they truly embrace their second chance.

But alas, not everyone will hold onto that, and some… will see stepping away from the game as their chance to double down and get back into it, no matter the cost. Because they’ve seen what it can offer them, and that’s what Kanan did here. Because despite his mother’s best intentions and abilities to keep avoiding the game, to show her son a better way and a better life, Kanan was furious that she tried to control him and remove him from something he saw value in. So, he defied her and embraced the darkness and went full bore into his business venture, consequences be damned. Which brought about friction at home when he wasn’t present for a social work inspection as expected by the law, and it split he and Famous down the middle. Since Famous bore the brunt of abuse when things didn’t go right. All because Kanan hated the idea of letting go of a chance to have it all through the game. 
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However, the scariest example of what can happen when someone cannot let the game go, came forth by way of Ronnie in this tale. For he truly believed that nothing had changed on these streets, and that Raq was keeping him down and that Unique was somehow working to keep him down as well, and that pushed him to prove his false understanding was true, by sowing discontent and applying pressure and that led… to some ugly moments. The kind that saw Unique have to atone for his romantic mistakes since his affair with Raq was made public and Kanan had to deal with his fury, and all of that created a violent boiling point, between he and his brother no less. To the point where blows were thrown and where it seemed… that Unique died at his own brother’s hands. All because Ronnie was convinced, he was somehow being held out of the game and couldn’t imagine a life without it and expected to be part of it. 

All of which made for a fascinating and powerful episode. One that really did showcase how getting out the game can be positive for people over time and how terrifying it can be when people cannot let it go in the slightest. And now, there may be real consequences and real damage to lives because of Kanan and Ronnie’s inability to be free of the madness. Since Unique is likely dead and Kanan is beginning to showcase what he is capable of and well, this compels us to continue the journey. To see what other unique explorations await us regarding the paths that people are settling into at the moment and of course… to see what brings about darkness for all. Since this is a grand tragedy in the end, one that is giving us a touch of ‘what if?’ with the joy before bringing Kanan’s world crashing to the ground. Until next time.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Reacher’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
 
Something that genuinely brings us great hurt in this life, is having someone we admire, someone we trust and call a dear friend… turn their back upon us and harm us. For that brings forth a genuine sense of betrayal in our hearts. The kind that does devastate and puts us in a dark place. Where we don’t trust others and fight to reconcile what has just happened to us. But coming back from betrayal such as that isn’t easy, and it takes some hard self-work to help us understand we’re not in charge of what other people decide to do or who they are, and that all we can be… is the best version of ourselves. Only then does the hurt stop, and that can be so daunting a lesson to learn to learn, that it also takes a support network to get us there, similar to the one that Jack Reacher has.
 
For the next chapter in his incredible journey, brought about that kind of hurt, and that level of support. A feat that the next episode of Reacher on Prime Video accomplished by having the team make quite the discovery in Denver. For it was revealed in ‘Burial’ that not only did Dixon and Neagley miss the pickup of the mystery weapon, but that the gunfire they were about to endure in chasing it… came about by order of Tony Swan. Who truly seemed quite dirty and that put Reacher in that tough spot. Because he simply could not believe that a man that once took a bullet for him in the midst of a sting operation, was capable of ordering people he worked and fought alongside, to their deaths. But alas, all signs pointed to the reality that Swan was indeed a villain now, and that was further confirmed by way of what happened at a funeral for a friend.
 
Because Reacher’s grief detached him on such a somber day, since he was reconciling the reality that a good man, he trusted had gone bad, and it even prompted him to act out a little bit against Detective Russo. Who showed up and played nice and made Reacher suspect and the focus of his ire. But some hard words form Russo, and some good side words from his former unit about the reality of the situation, softened Reacher’s stance a little bit, and what came forth in the midst of the twenty-one-gun salute… finally helped Reacher reconcile the hard truth about his former friend. Because a pair of assassins bore down on the group with their deaths in mind, and after one hell of a firefight and after one epic chase, Russo and Reacher were able to corner one of the assassins and learn that Swan ordered the death of the group, and that he was ready to kill anyone involved with this order. Since that pawn of a man died, badly. 
 
All of which hammered home, how hard it is to really understand that someone we care for, can become something dark and something frightening. But we all have our paths to walk, and we all make choices that take us down our paths, and we do need to take a moment and understand that when this happens. Which should help Reacher recover and move forward, as will the other surprise that took place in this tale. Because it turned out that Reacher’s actions in Boston, did not go unnoticed. In fact, it brought about more good than harm. Because Senator Lavoy pieced together who taught his aide quite the lesson and realized, that he and Reacher could work together on this. So, he offered resources for Reacher and his team to use to stop this madness by any means necessary, and that will serve the team well. Because New Age has deep pockets, seemingly endless resources and of course… some slimy minds. Since we also learned their security detail is composed of some dirty, former, NYPD officers.
 
But while we wait to see what kind of resources Reacher will get hold of… we can celebrate one smart and fascinating tale. One that challenged Reacher emotionally in a manner that he hasn’t been challenged yet in this saga, and that’s saying something since he’s had to grieve the death of his brother while saving a town from evil greed. But that’s what makes this show so delightful. It finds new ways to go deep and wow us every step of the way, and that made for one engaging story as well, since we simply had to see how Reacher would process such emotions… while dealing with bad people hellbent on causing trouble in the most disrespectful ways imaginable and well, the disrespect will likely end soon. Because Jack Reacher can only handle so much of that kind of abuse before he transforms it into fury and unleashes it upon those who made the poor choice to wrong him and people he cares about. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eight of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There is a titanic shift happening within the world of Kaiju storytelling. In that, not only are the characters becoming the focus and the central push to drive the themes and the giant monsters that walk the Earth, but Kaiju themed stories are also going far deeper than they ever have before. After all, the recently released Godzilla Minus One had a lot to say about the Second World War and how Japanese Armed Forces members were treated by the Empire. Alongside examinations regarding what it means to really be a hero and what a hero should stand for. And of course, the Apple TV+ series, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, is also digging into some powerful subject matter. Such as the very real problems that children and parents face when it comes to the family dynamic, alongside the power of PTSD and its lasting impact upon us, and we are seeing no signs of these stories backing off of such matters, as evidenced by this week’s episode of the show.

For ‘Birthright’ spent a lot of time exploring how the unresolved portions of our past, can haunt us and drive us into toxic behavior, such as trying to find a way to make peace with such matters in a hollow external fashion, and it brought about such examinations… by finally making it clear what exactly Colonel Leland Shaw has been eager to accomplish all of this time. But not before showcasing how problematic his plans have become. Because sadly, his push to seal off the Gamma Energy Geyser in Alaska, only made the geysers more powerful in other parts of the world. Which risked the potential for an imbalanced explosion of energy, and that meant… he had to be found post-haste, and his plan had to be understood so that he could be talked out of it and that meant… our heroes had to find him. Which of course, seemed to be an impossible task. Since his whereabouts were unknown, and that prompted the story and our heroes to look to the past to figure out how best to find and confront Leland. 

Which as it turned out… related to his sentimental attachment to Keiko. Because there was a turning point in the past where he was able to finally see her grasp at her true potential as a scientist. Courtesy of the very real threat of having Monarch be shuttered since the second Godzilla incident was disastrous from a leadership and financial perspective. But tasking her to build a Kaiju location map with Bill, really did bring out her best research, and it motivated Shaw to take control of Monarch the right way this time around. But also, her passing hung heavy over his heart and his soul for so many reasons. Since she was the one that got away, that captivated him in ways he never thought possible, and of course… who died for a cause that never offered her the respect she deserved. Just a check to the husband that wasn’t named Lee Shaw and a son that followed in her footsteps and that prompted Shaw… to embrace the past and go back to where his love died for the next leg of the mission.

Of course, Monarch followed with minimal fuss, and that allowed for the answers to come to light at last. In that, Shaw came to understand through Bill Randa, that the Titans of the world were able to move to and fro about the world through a network of tunnels that took them to a world parallel to our own, and truly… Shaw believed that Godzilla’s purpose in this life was to maintain balance between that world and our own. Ergo, the only way to help Godzilla… was to seal off that world from our own. So that there was no need for a giant protector that could and would destroy more cities in the name of that balance. Giving rise to the last of the answers we seek and truly bringing around full circle, a grand exploration of how the past hangs heavy over us and can drive us to do things that aren’t healthy in nature. Since Shaw’s unresolved feelings with Keiko are pushing him to take part in a plan not grounded in science… but healing. The healing of his very soul, and that’s dangerous. In part, because healing is done from within.

But also because of the concern Monarch expressed over the imbalance created by the closing of the Alaska geyser and of course… by how this episode ended. Since Shaw did fire off his next wave of explosives and that brought about all kinds of disaster. For we don’t know if Tim and Kentaro made it out of the blast zone alive, and of course… the grumbling of the ground and the arrival of one big Titan bug… dumped Corah, Shaw, and Cate into the depths of the portal that resided in this place. Putting them on an unknown path where they might land in the midst of this world between worlds, or they may not all survive. But while we wait to see what happens we can celebrate another unique episode of this show. One that really did make the characters the true king of this tale and used them to explore some very real-world concepts and problems once again, and truly… it will be interesting to see if Colonel Lee Shaw can make peace with his checkered past while navigating whatever lie ahead or if he will be another victim of the past and its painful power. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 408 of ‘For All Mankind’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There is a strange belief in our world, that one person can no longer make a difference, and it makes sense as to why this belief exists. After all, there are now eight billion people upon on planet Earth, and that daunting number makes it appear as though we are all lost in a massive crowd for certain. One filled to the brim with noise that surrounds us and makes our voice even harder to hear when we do feel the urge to speak up. But the fact is… the will of one person is in fact, quite important and can still make an amazing difference. For technology can allow for us to be heard and make an impact and our actions do inspire change, as evidenced by way of what occurred during this week’s episode of For All Mankind on Apple TV+.

For ‘Legacy’ took the time to explore what a single person’s actions can do, and how much influence we actually have over what seems to be a chaotic universe and it looked at how we do that on an intimate level and a global/intergalactic one. The intimate stuff was handled by the return of Sergei, who we learned was in Iowa, teaching science following his exile from the Soviet Union, and he was living a fine and boring life. That is until Margo returned and brought about emotions and worry. The kind that prompted him to leave everything behind and enact change by heading down NASA way. The kind that allowed for Aleida to finally find grace in her heart regarding the difficult situation that Margo was in, and understand completely how helpless she was leading up to her ‘defection’, and the kind that allowed for he and Margo to meet again so he could inform her of the danger she was in. Which was a lot of change for a single man to impact, but that is what we are capable of when we push to make it happen.

As for a greater example of such matters, that was handled by Goldilocks… and Dev. For plans were in motion to slow the asteroid down and use Mars’ gravity to nudge Goldilocks toward planet Earth for mining. Which led to a lot of scientific analysis and meetings on Earth and Mars, the kind that Dev was privy to and well, once he had all the details in hand as to what exactly was going to happen… he set his own plans in motion. The kind that saw the last of the strike holdouts assemble and agree to help to change the asteroid’s course and lock it into a Mars’ orbit. Not for any reason other than to force the nations of the world to recognize the importance of Mars and the importance of being out there amongst the stars and well, his influence allowed for some serious miracles to happen at Happy Valley. For instance, he managed to get Miles to think about something more than his little nest egg back home. Granted, it took money related talk to inspire him to help but help he did.

For he used his connections and his magic as a smuggler to get everything needed from Phoenix to set up quite the surprise on Mars. Specifically, a secondary control room. Wherein commands could be silently broadcast to the Ranger vessel, the kind that would of course… prompt the vehicle to do Dev’s bidding and execute the alternate plan. But there were of course some surprises that came with this plan. Since the equipment didn’t quite get delivered right. Prompting an assist from Ed’s grandson in retrieving it, and of course… someone was going to have to swap out a critical part, in person on the ship, with a full crew aboard. A move we didn’t see play out here because well, cliffhangers are where this show rightfully thrives. But what mattered most here, was that Dev… put the entire plan and the future of Mars, and humanity, on a different path. Courtesy of his own will, and he truly inspired people to do something greater, hammering home the difference one person can make.

All of which made, for another amazing episode from this series. Because you simply don’t see shows ponder upon a concept such as this, in any genre really. But this is that special series that really wants to examine the wonder we are capable of, and the wonder we accomplish more often than we think. Since in many ways, we can relate to these plot threads since they remind us of our own progress in life and the impact we do inspire. All so perhaps… we can think bigger. But all lessons aside, make no mistake about it, this was also a pivotal story. One that set-in motion the potential for Margo to redeem herself and return home by spurning the Soviet Union and whatever they have planned for her, and… big things are about to happen on Mars… if this plan succeeds. For the nations of the world will have to grapple with the reality that someone has a bigger vision than dollar signs and that, will be game-changing if all falls into place. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Finale of ‘Archie’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past four weeks, we’ve talked at length about how the BritBox series, Archie, has defied convention when it comes to biographical features. For not only has this story about the life and times of Cary Grant been expressed to us in a relatable and organic manner, but we’ve been treated to some raw honesty as well. Since Cary’s traumas and struggles in life have been showcased here as well, and it just so happens we will be discussing its revolutionary nature one last time. For the series finale of this story took the time to once again ignore tropes and the common clichés that biographical features tend to focus upon when it comes to the final chapter of life that a famous person endures.

Because so many of those stories focus on tragedy and pain in their final years, and understandably so, if that was what that individual was mired in, in their final days. But sometimes… a life ends happier than we give it credit and it isn’t filled with dark days and sorrow that leaves us in tears, as evidenced by the fact… that Cary Grant changed course when that became a possibility. Because despite having young Jennifer Grant with his new wife Dyan, which should have granted Cary immediate peace and given rise to real honest love between he and Dyan… heartbreak was all Dyan and Cary knew. For Cary stayed his stoic and cold course, and that prompted Dyan to leave him and start over anew with her own life, and well… that was the moment that Cary began to realize… he needed to change.

For if he did not, his love life would always be the same cycle of joy and sorrow he had known and well… the split, the passing of his mother and the understanding of cyclical pain, including the kind he could impart upon his own daughter… changed everything for Cary. To the point where he let Dyan live her life and forge a career and where he gave up his own… to watch over his daughter.  To be that present, to be that vulnerable and well… that brought about great change in Cary’s life. For he was suddenly able to enjoy the family dynamic he never had growing up, and he was able to be a good parent to his daughter and it also opened him up emotionally. Which in turn allowed for him to find the love he sought his entire life and find peace and reflection in his later years, the kind that allowed for him to pass with peace.

That means, this final chapter wasn’t mired in tragedy and sorrow and a reflection upon a life that went into a tailspin. Instead, what we can glean from Cary Grant’s long and winding journey through life… is that we don’t have to subscribe to generations of negative traditions, nor do our later years have to be bitter and sorrowful because of mistakes we made. Because with some real work, we can change, we can become the person we’ve always dreamed of being and transform our lives into nothing but good. And all it takes to make that happen… is to let the past be just that and embrace change and embrace the moment and the promise of tomorrow, and that made, for one satisfying and wonderful end to this story. 

One that was also inspiring in nature. Because if Archie Leach was able to overcome all that, so can we, and that’s really what a biographical feature should do. Teach us something, regardless of how someone’s life ended or was lived, instead of tugging on heart strings solely, and that is why this feature should stand as a pioneering one. Since it was devoid of bias. It merely presented to us, one Archie Leach, the man who would go on to reinvent himself into one of the biggest stars the world has ever known… in the raw, flaws and all. That made this a worthwhile adventure, one that truly was fascinating and engaging and offered up amazing insight into the life of a man that still captivates us to this day, courtesy of his incredible talent and now… an understanding of the incredible life he lived.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Finale of ‘Planet Earth III’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that there is a real sense of doom that accompanies any thoughts regarding climate change, and rightfully so. Because there is little action coming forth from politicians, who seem to listen more to corporate interests than the people and their concerns on the matter. Not to mention, we’ve come to learn that animals are dying en masse around the globe because of how the planet is indeed getting warmer and well, that creates a sense of doom for certain. As though nothing is being done. But… despite our worries, there are people stepping up to the plate to try and correct what humanity has set into motion and their actions were highlighted in the finale of Planet Earth III on BBC America.

In fact, ‘Heroes’, informed us… that there are a great many people going the extra mile around the world to keep wildlife safe and thriving. For instance, Jaime Culebras in Ecuador, dedicates his days and nights to preserving the dwindling frog populations of the world. To the point where he spent countless hours trying to find a mate for a rare breed of frog to keep the species going and his efforts are so tireless, he found success in such matters. All because he believes that nature deserves a chance to thrive, and he’s not alone in going the extra mile to nurture species in need. Since Katharina Huchler is working with the WWF (World Wildlife Federation) to help raise Northern Bald Ibis in a safe environment before guiding them back into the wild to help them repopulate and resettle their species, since we hunted them to near extinction.

Which was beautiful to watch since it reminded us that humanity can in fact, make quite the difference in keeping so many of the world’s species alive and those two were not the only individuals celebrated here for their efforts in keeping animals on this planet safe. Since we met Dumisane Zwaneet, who is working to move the Black Rhino to areas that are safe and sustaining and will allow for this endangered species to thrive again, and we also met Trang Nguyen, who spent many years working undercover in Africa to find and expose and shut down ivory traffickers. So that others would come to understand that any attempts to do so would result in jail time, and it was wonderful to see these two individuals be inventive in creating safety for animals and for genuinely working to make it known that harm will have consequences.

But let’s be honest… while that gives us hope and helps us to understand we are at the beginning of a potential movement in such behaviors, that mass movement hasn’t come yet. There are just not enough people following in those footsteps. So how then… do we get more people involved in helping the planet out, so we can finally change the path we are on? Well, we follow the examples of Alessandra Korap and Mohamed Nasheed. For Alessandra is part of a group indigenous to the Amazon Rainforest and she works often to rally people to preserve it and she’s seen great success from her protests and through spreading the messages of her group, and Mohamed, well he is outright calling for legislative change and taking politicians to task. 

Which is what will really enact change, demand from the masses, accountability, and demand to politicians to enact laws that preserve the climate. Which at this moment… may be a difficult task. For so many feel change is difficult, especially on the political side of things. But we need to act, because inaction will impact more than wildlife, but our very way of life, and hopefully this type of documentary helps to inspire real change in our world. Since we were able to learn how much life surrounds us right now, and how much of that wildlife depends on balance to survive, and that we can help it maintain balance and that we can… do so much for a world that has given us everything, and that makes this a powerful documentary. One that truly reminds us of how special our world truly is and how we need to step up and protect it so that future generations can enjoy its beauty and live in comfort because we made a difference.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘Dr. Death’. To revisit the Season Two Premiere, click here.

When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating season two premiere of Dr. Death on Peacock, we talked at length about how said premiere, spent a lot of time setting up explorations of two important concepts. Specifically, how hope can be weaponized and used to manipulate a person in ways no one thinks is possible, and what drives men like the good Doctor to continue to use hope in that manner and continue to forge ahead and take part in the wild acts they do, despite the danger inherent to others their actions create and the damage they cause with their ego and well, it’s important to revisit that critical setup. Simply because the next episode in this story kicked off those grand explorations in a fascinating manner.

For ‘Worth the Risk’ picked up shortly after Paolo completed the surgery on young Hannah, and well… the ominous moment we saw come to fruition at the end of the premiere, came to fruition for Hannah as well. Which meant… she was gone from this life and the story for Benita was in many ways… over. Because what was there to tell the world about a failed surgery? But Benita was told to resume the story, chase it, and focus it on Paolo. Because people need hope, to know that the struggle will eventually pay off despite setbacks and well… that allowed for us to learn plenty about how it can be weaponized. Because just like that, Paolo was not held to account for the death of a little girl, it was just attributed to hope, to the mistakes made by a pioneer and well… that is the stuff that drives men like Paolo.

Because it makes them feel large, akin to a pioneer, regardless of the failures they face or have taken part in. For they believe they can rise above, they can find the way forward and make miracles happen and well… that would explain how Paolo was able to operate for so long… with failure in his hands. After all, most of the trials of the past were an outright failure. Since we came to learn all the animals that underwent the procedure died, and really there was only one success story. For reasons that weren’t explored from a scientific perspective. All because… hope fueled this and fueled others to follow him forward because one win would somehow equate to more wins, and that made for a fascinating tale… one that also offered up quite the surprise. 

After all, we didn’t expect Benita, to become deeply romantically involved with Paolo. But she did. Simply because the confidence he always carried, combined with the care and dedication he offered Benita, made her believe she could love again. That the world wouldn’t end with the sorrow she was facing, and, in many ways, he gave her an injection of hope. One that she latched onto romantically and held onto tight because she needed it, wanted it, and didn’t think twice about the possibility that she might be engaging in a love affair to heal what only she could heal. But that too… speaks to the power of hope, how people can swoop in when we are hurt or vulnerable and use it to lift us up and well, while one could cite that observation might be wrong… that they found real love… that simply cannot be the case. Because of how Paolo responds to people believing in him.

But that aside, this was… a fascinating story through and through. One that really did answer a great deal of questions and set the stage for more explorations. For now, that we understand what drives a guy like Paolo and how hope can be weaponized, we can dive deeper into such matters. Such as how that weaponization falters and backfires and how substance is eventually required for what men like Paolo do, and of course… the fallout of such matters. Because no mistake about it, Paolo hurt people, damaged lives in the name of being seen as this beacon and it will be fascinating to see how he and Benita handle reality and hard truths as this powerful story continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Three Finale of ‘Slow Horses’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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These days, spy stories tend to end in a very specific manner. Wherein the stakes are super high, and the spy or spies tasked with saving the world from a great evil, must put everything on the line and deal with great sacrifice to get the job done. Which leads to an epic, intense, action fueled finale… that is bittersweet in nature. Since there is indeed loss, suffering and fresh scars for the hero. For that is the burden they bear for being the faceless saviors of the modern world. Which is indeed a satisfying structure to close out a spy story, one that we enjoy because it reminds us that this is dangerous and scary work that takes a certain mentality and a certain desire.

Which is why the season three finale of Slow Horses, is of note. Because ‘Footprints’ should have followed that edict and offered up a grizzly and sacrificial battle royale to stop Tearney and her MI5 lackeys from winning the day and controlling the narrative. But instead, this season finale turned out to be… everyone’s finest hour really. Wherein heroic moments took place, and the sacrifices involved the villains of the story, and all of that was accomplished… by some sheer grit and determination from the agents of Slough House… to set things right. Which brought about a battle royale at the Facility. Wherein River and Louisa were able to push through the Chieftain forces and position themselves to potentially escape, which they were able to do because of other heroic moments.

Because Shirley and Marcus, finally figured out how to best their attackers. To the point where they were able to best waves of them no problem and that allowed for Shirley to handle rescue operations at the escape shaft while Marcus could finally face a little sourness from his past and deal with Duffy. Which brought about a stunning fist fight between Marcus and Duffy, one that Marcus won with an incredible assist from Louisa. Who made it out of the complex with just River and the file (since Donovan handed it off before dying in his quest to tell the truth), thanks to an explosive assist from Shirley. Bringing an end to the battle at the Facility and giving River a chance to show his father the file in question as he pondered what to do with it, while Jackson Lamb and Standish fought their own battle far away.

After all, Hobbs and Sturges dropped by that cozy hostage cottage to handle their end of the deal and ended up fighting for their lives in a brutal manner. Simply because Jackson relied on the resources within the house to create a house of booby trap horrors to distract the attackers long enough… to allow for real violence to take place. The kind that saw both men fall in a painful and torturous manner and where the house took a beating thanks to Roddy’s decision to crash a party bus into it as part of an attempt to be heroic. But what matters most… is that the Slow Horses shined and were truly heroic in nature. Because they managed to fight back against a great evil and topple it. Since River did indeed release the file, despite his father’s harsh advice on keeping it a secret.
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Which meant that Sean Donovan did not die in vain, and justice was served for his beloved Alison, and Taverner also advanced to the top at last and that… is about as happy an ending as one gets in the spy genre. Because good really did win the day and put real villains in their place, and while there were some negative and sacrificial moments present here… they were vastly different in scope and tone. Since one involved a grand verbal and emotional showdown between Standish and Lamb, where she asked him to be open at last and where he responded by shattering the visage of her hero, which was enough for her to leave. Not to mention, River fundamentally changed in this tale by really seeing what the spy industry expects of its people and Taverner may have bitten off more than she can chew.

But that aside, this was… a supremely positive episode. One that really showcased what this team can accomplish when it acts like a team, and what these agents are really capable of and that is a wonderful note to end a scary season on. One that was equally amazing as well. For this story was engaging from day one and in many ways… closed several chapters for the members of Slough House. Since old enemies are gone, and their standing within MI5 has to improve, leaving us both excited and nervous for the fourth season ahead. Since it will be great to see what they can accomplish with a little respect, but what Lamb had to say in that teaser was unsettling for certain. But while we wait to see if that is legit or a bit of misdirection, we need to celebrate one amazing season finale from a series that continues to upend the spy genre, by providing us with stories that defy convention and go far deeper than the genre is normally willing to go. Until next season.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 304 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular mantra that we embrace in the modern world, is the fresh start. Where we leave everything behind and hit the reset button in our lives. So, we can be free of a life we do not care for and find the joy and peace we’ve always wanted and well, we love that mantra so much, people often take part in it. Wherein they quit their job, pack up the car and move to a new town to start over or where they blow up their lives to get that fresh start because their current path just isn’t cutting it. But while that can indeed provide us with a new beginning and a new path forward, there is a slight problem that accompanies this particular concept.

In that we often forget that to truly get a fresh start, there’s so much more we must do. Because there are factors that lead to us being miserable in the first place, and if we don’t address those factors, we’ll be right back where we started and miserable again. Which is why we sometimes feel stuck even when we’re starting over. Because we are in fact, trapped in a cycle of misery from which there will be no escape until real change is enacted. If anything, that super important aspect of life is top of mind today, simply because… it’s a truth that so many ignored in the next episode of Power Book III: Raising Kanan on STARZ, and that made ‘In Sheep’s Clothing’ quite the powerful watch. 

Because it properly showcased how this can be an outright problem, by putting characters we love in difficult situations that they could escape if they took the time to address the past. For instance, Lou decided that the best way forward for his musical needs was to bring Marvin in on the club that he discovered. Because Marvin had the finances to help him create a true bastion for music and new acts. But alas, Marvin not only saw this as a great business opportunity, but a chance to set up a new base of operations for his business. Something that Lou was not down with and begged to have reversed, but because Marvin only knew the game and only knew how to hustle, despite trying to forge a new path with the business gone forever… he only knew how to revert to old haunts, and he wasn’t the only one.

For despite having some legitimate business space in front of her, Raquel still needed to manipulate certain situations into her own liking. To be in control, and that was why, she did something shocking with Kanan. For she saw him hustling and forging his own path. But she was hellbent in the belief that her son should be in her house, living by her rules and her teachings, and in true Raquel fashion… she forced that into existence, through the skill set she supposedly left behind. Since she threw a gun into his bag and used her ties with Detective Howard to force Kanan home when that gun was discovered at school. A move she thought was for the better, but likely created a bigger divide between her and her son, all because Raq could not leave behind the micromanager mentality that drove her business.
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But while that made for some fascinating moments that hammered home the central theme, we’d be foolish to not talk about the biggest one of all present in this story. Because despite being out of the clink for some time now, and despite the world changing around him, Ronnie could not let the past go. He was convinced that his fresh start had to involve success in the game this time around. Only to be stonewalled at every step and well… that frustrated him to no end and prompted him to act out like never before. All because Ronnie didn’t learn a damn thing in prison, and didn’t change in the slightest, and now more people have died at his hands because of the outright refusal he has made to change and really address his past. 

Which will of course, bring forth great trouble, especially for Raq since he is convinced, she is the enemy, and well… had it not been for Jukebox’s good news, in that she landed the gig and started rehearsals with her new band, this would have been an utterly bleak and hopeless episode. But this one was still pretty dark, since we garnered a deep understanding of how ugly things can be when we don’t fix/address what we want to leave behind in this life and well… clearly… showcasing this now, informs us that old haunts are going to come back to bite everyone down the line. The only questions that remain, are what kind of damage this cycle of misery will impart and how much influence will it have on young Kanan… to truly begin to walk his tragic path. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Reacher’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one unfortunate side effect that accompanies a grand quest for the truth, it would have to be… the fact that we will become extremely uncomfortable during that quest. For the truth exposes realities and facts that no one is ever prepared to see. The kind that will rattle us, and leave us questioning what we thought we knew, and for some… that can be enough to make them question if the quest is worth it, or if they should leave well enough alone. Because to dig further when we are stunned in that manner, means more ugliness awaits and well that particular crossroads is one that Jack Reacher found himself staring down in the next episode of Reacher on Prime Video.

For ‘A Night at the Symphony’ found Reacher and his team pouring over everything they stole from New Age Technologies. To see what they were up to and why the team were now targets for termination and well… that’s when Reacher found himself at that crossroads. Because this quest, revealed that there was a very good chance he was wrong about Swan. For his old compatriot was a high-level security officer for New Age, and little that he did there made him appear to be a hero. Which rattled Reacher deeply, because such a reality made him wonder if he was a poor judge of character and set darkness in motion by giving Swan a chance. But thankfully, Neagley was quick to point out those were silly thoughts, and that he wasn’t in control of the actions of others and that advice, and a juicy discovery… was enough to keep Reacher on track.

Simply because clues made it clear that Swan and New Age were involved with a military project known as Little Wing. Which was of course, top secret, but it was the lead they needed to find more intelligence on the matter. Because O’Donnell knew what senator was close to this project and who in their stead would be willing to talk with a little pressure. Which prompted the team to head Boston way to intercept their mark and get him to talk and well… they most certainly did. With the help of an old friend. Because Lieutenant Oscar Finlay was on the beat in Beantown and worked with the team so O’Donnell and Reacher could put the squeeze upon their mark and well, what they learned only further reinforced how scary the quest for the truth can be. Because they came to learn that Little Wing… was a terrifying weapon.

One that could never miss its target and in the wrong hands would obviously be used to devastate a nation and well… that basically put Reacher back at that crossroads, and well… the potential for harm and what came next, prompted Reacher to stay the course. Because he needed to see the whole picture and really understand if Swan was involved and figure out how best to bring everyone down for trying to move a project as dangerous as this forward. So, he asked Neagley and Dixon to go to Denver to learn about the manufacturing of Little Wing and he also… beat the crap out of more of Langston’s lackeys. For they came calling as always, and since clearly, Langston is deeply concerned about what they know… Reacher knew that backing down now… would cause more harm than good. 

All of which brought forth, another engaging episode through and through. One that once again brought about wondrous balance between character and plot development. Since we enjoyed the perfect mix of answers regarding the big plot ahead of us, combined with some fascinating character moments. The kind that featured some unique vulnerability for Reacher for certain, and it will be interesting to see where that goes in the weeks to come. Since the show has been keen on peppering in just enough when it comes to that. But first, the mission and more answers await, and it will be genuinely interesting to learn what’s transpiring in Denver with A.M. and of course… learn why New Age is ready to sell out America and how Reacher will hopefully stop them from doing so. Until next time.