Caution: This article contains spoilers for the 2023 Holiday Special of ‘Doctor Who’. To revisit the Third and Final 60th Anniversary Special, click here.
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The Doctor Who Christmas/Holiday Special has become quite the important episode in the show’s overall lexicon. Simply because, these specials are oft filled with important moments and supremely unique stories. After all, they are free from the usual story arcs that the Doctor takes part in, the kind that involve saving the universe from a great evil, and that allows for us to really get to the know the Doctor in a different light and explore more of the Doctor’s quirks and such. Not to mention, these specials also serve… as an introduction at times. To either a new companion that is ready to traverse time and space aboard the TARDIS… or a new Doctor at its very helm. For sadly, regeneration and bi-generation occur a little more often than we’d like these days, prompting us to get to know the new Doctor in these stories and learn what kind of hero they are going to be.

If anything, all of those elements are top of mind today, because yesterday saw a new holiday adventure with a new Doctor air on Disney+ and well, ‘The Church on Ruby Road’ featured all of those elements really. A feat that this story accomplished by properly introducing us to the Fifteenth Doctor and a woman named Ruby Sunday. Who was a miracle baby of sorts, and abandoned at a church on the night she was born but given a chance to thrive by the priests that saved her and her foster mother. A kind woman that made a point of doing as much foster work as possible when she saw how much her care helped Ruby. But what made Ruby’s introduction here so important, was the sheer fact that she was also experiencing a run of bad luck. The kind so off kilter that the Doctor decided to investigate and well, it was a good thing that he did.

Because it turned out… that dear Ruby was being used as a pawn of sorts, by the fabled Goblin. Who used bad luck and coincidence to find their way to their favorite meal… baby meat. And seeing as to how a new foster infant was in the Sunday household, the Goblins could not have been happier. Which of course meant that both Ruby and the Doctor were forced to become partners to save that little baby from being feasted upon the Goblin King and his constituents. Which led to one fantastical sequence aboard their ship, complete with a toe-tapping musical number, and an adventure for the ages once the little one was saved. Since the Goblins instead decided their bad luck target might be a better meal in a different timeline. Prompting the Doctor to save Ruby on the day of her birth in a powerful manner. One that brought her aboard the TARDIS for adventures untold. 

Which was quite the amazing plot to enjoy, one that offered up a vastly different type of adventure for a new Doctor and companion to embark upon, but one that truly explored the staples of these specials. Because having the Doctor and Ruby go on a quest to save a tiny baby from becoming a Goblin Buffet, allowed for us to really get to know who these characters are, what they will stand for, and what we learned is quite lovely. In that Fifteen and Ruby, are supremely pure individuals. That really do believe in giving back to a greater good as needed. That’s of course, not to say the Doctor and other companions haven’t done that or stood for that before, but there’s an impish purity to this duo that we haven’t seen. One grounded in more modern concepts of good, such as… what it means to treat our friends with respect… and that’s always nice to see and something that is a focus in the world right now, and something the Doctor does sometimes forget about… as evidenced by his surlier incarnations.
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Giving rise to the reality that we are going to be in for some beautifully uplifting adventures down the line. The kind that really do feature two great individuals fighting for what’s right and that does build excitement, as does whatever that ending related to. Since that mystery neighbor seems to know an awful lot about the Doctor and Time Lords and the functional nature of a TARDIS. But while we wait to see where that goes, we can celebrate one great holiday special. One that hit all the right notes, since we got to know the new Doctor and embrace his quirks and his charm, and truly… this episode showcased why Ncuti Gatwa is perfect for the role and will thrive as the character. Since he perfectly showcased the wisdom and childlike wonder of the Doctor. Which makes the character so iconic, and we came to learn his companion really is that hopeful hero ready to do right in the world. Since Ruby has the attitude, we all had at her age. 

But setup aside, this really was quite the fun and fantastical story the franchise is known for, and it even paid tribute to an iconic Christmas classic. For in many ways this was a grand homage to It’s a Wonderful Life. Since we were able to see what life without Ruby in the world would be, and how much her positive outlook impacted so many, a la George Bailey, and in many ways, the Doctor was her guardian angel here, just like Clarence. Except this Guardian Angel had no qualms busting out into song and dance to distract the Goblin King, nor did he have any qualms in putting him down in the most epic manner possible But, what matters most, is that we were treated to a story that let us know that we are indeed entering a fascinating new era for the show. One that will have a vastly different outlook for the Last of the Time Lords and his plucky new companion. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Extended Family’.
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It is definitely safe to say that divorce carries quite the negative connotation in modern society, and understandably so. After all, it is seen as a failure of sorts, where two people who vowed to work through tough times as partners didn’t get the job done and walked away instead of fighting harder. Not to mention, it is easy to view divorce in a negative light when we hear horror story after horror story about why a divorce came into play and our view of it is so sour… that even popular media reinforces such thoughts. Since we’ve been treated to story after story that explores not only the ugliness of dissolving a marriage, but the nasty road ahead that follows signing on the dotted line. But while there is some merit to the negative nature of divorce, as is often the case in life, we do tend to view this concept through the wrong lens. 

Because divorce, isn’t always a bad thing. After all, if the relationship has taken a toxic turn and someone needs to leave it for their safety in any capacity, divorce is in fact… a positive and healthy move to make. Not to mention, sometimes people do fall out of love with one another and grow apart and trying to stick it out and fix what no longer exists, is a waste of time and silly. Not to mention, not all divorces end with crazy exes and disaster and worry. Sometimes the split is amicable, and people go their separate ways, or they find ways to peacefully co-exist and co-parent when children are involved, and well… these are elements that need to be discussed more. So that we have a better understanding of divorce and what it is really all about, and how it isn’t always some horrific thing that deserves to be a movie of the week. Thankfully… there are creative minds out there trying to change that perception, as evidenced by the new NBC series, Extended Family.

For this particular show, created by Mike O’Malley, showcases a different side of divorce through the lens of Jim and Julia. Who ended their marriage after seventeen years when they realized they just weren’t compatible anymore. But since they have kids, they work to co-parent by taking turns raising their kids in the family home one week at a time and they’re also working to learn how to process changes that lie ahead that will have an impact on each of their lives. Since Julia is ready to marry the owner of the Boston Celtics, Trey. Which is a setup that the pilot heavily focuses on, with a plot regarding the death of a family goldfish thrown in for good measure so this couple can begin to really learn how to parent without being there all of the time. But what matters more about this particular ‘Pilot’ episode, is what it does for the concept of divorce. Because it truly presents it in a bold new light, one that we don’t see in television and storytelling all that often.

Because there is no toxicity between Jim and Julia. They understand their relationship wasn’t for them, and that an amicable split was needed. But also, that their children need them in their lives, and that giving them strong parental figures is important and that… is so refreshing to see in television. Because it means there are no sour and denigrating jokes about exes here, instead the laughs from this comedy come from the realities of navigating a new life, of still running into the chaos that parents run into. Giving rise to an earnest and lovely comedy about a corner of life that is very real, that some people are going through right now. But most important of all, it finally presents divorce as an act between two adults that doesn’t have to be toxic and angry and every negative concept in between, and that alone makes this comedy revolutionary and progressive in nature, and its wonder doesn’t end there.

For this is also that rare comedy that presents life in the raw and it offers no easy answers on its core concepts because there are no easy answers on such matters. For our negative view of divorce prompts us to put what comes next after dissolution, out of sight and out of mind. But it is nice to see a show be this honest, this real about a matter that is indeed full of ups and downs and potential for growth, and of course… explore it in a fun manner. Because the jokes work here, and the comedy really does keep what is important subject matter from never overwhelming the viewer, and well… all of these elements, and the show’s amazing cast, which includes Jon Cryer (Jim), Abigail Spencer (Julia), and Donald Faison (Trey), make this a must watch. Because this show really is something special, something new and something quite progressive, and it will be interesting to see what other unique aspects of divorce this series is going to explore as season one of this dynamic show continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the ‘Night Court’ Holiday Special.
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There was a time, where the holiday special dominated the television landscape, and understandably so. For there was something quite magical and joyous about seeing characters we love celebrate the season and offer up a lovely lesson along the way. But alas, one day this special all but disappeared, but the times and their unsettling nature are changing that. For we are starting to see shows resurrect the holiday special and everything it has to offer, and it just so happens, that the NBC series, Night Court, opted to be one of those shows. For this weekend’s surprise episode was in fact, a holiday special. One that was filled to the brim with holiday cheer, and a lovely lesson. 

Feats that ‘A Night Court Before Christmas’ accomplished, by having us join the crew of the Manhattan Night Court on Christmas Eve. Wherein Gurgs was giving out the perfect gift to everyone, and sweating whether or not Dan’s would arrive on time and where Abby was about to face, quite the conundrum. Because Dan pointed out… that someone filled with Christmas Cheer and optimism, such as herself, would have to hand down tough sentences and fines on this night. Because standing by and enforcing the law was her duty, and he was curious to see how Abby would handle such matters, especially when it ran the risk of ruining that cheer for someone else. Which at first, she handled just fine. Because despite asking for mercy, those that committed crimes on Christmas Eve, received the right sentence since Abby knows her stuff. But the challenge in question came a little later on in the night. For a young girl named Virginia, whose mother was handed down a sentence for crossing lines with her ex, was facing a bleak holiday.

For her Christmas wish list was with a Santa somewhere in the building and without it, there was little chance she’d see any cheer and since mom was unable to help because she was being processed, that prompted Abby to really go above and beyond to get that little girl’s list from the clutches of the many drunken Santas within the courthouse, and make sure something wondrous happened on this holiday for a family that was clearly struggling. Which of course Abby was able to do because when she sets her mind to something, wonders are achieved. But what mattered more here, was the lesson that this journey brought forth. In that, Abby’s quest made it clear that while Christmas isn’t always the bundle of joy, we like it to be, because the world doesn’t take a break regarding rotten moments… and neither do people, it’s the acts of kindness that go above and beyond that really make the season worth everyone’s while. For that’s what the season is really all about and the more of that we can do during the season, the more change we can impact upon the world since others will be inclined to pay it forward.

Which really did bring forth some old school holiday special elements since that’s what a lot of those specials harbored back in the day, and it was lovely to see it return here in an organic manner that also helped Dan Fielding’s heart grow two sizes on this day, and of course… it also doesn’t hurt that there was holiday cheer to be found in this story via Gurgs. Because her quest to give Dan the perfect gift, was sweet, quirky, and of course, relatable. Since we too want to be the one that is known for giving out gifts that just amaze, and we too have run into issues along the way. Granted, it might not be having Kareem Abdul-Jabbar come to our workplace to meet us instead of offering up a video message, only to leave because our name is Dan Fielding, and we do questionable things during the holidays… but you know… having the perfect gift be delayed in transit and delivered at the last second feels pretty darn close to that. 

But all wild nature of that plot aside, the core of what Gurgs wanted to accomplish matters most and her story and Abby’s journey made for a very tender and lovely story. One that was wonderfully complimented by the comedy present here. Courtesy of Olivia’s little problem with the ‘Ghost of Christmas Past’, played wonderfully by the always hilarious Maria Bamford, and let’s not mince words, John Larroquette simply lit it up in this episode as Dan, and offered up some iconic moments for the character. Such as that amazing Night Before Christmas poem he fired off in an amazing manner, and well, all of these elements made for a perfect episode of Night Court and a perfect holiday special. Because this one had it all, joy, goodwill, and laughs galore, and hopefully we see more specials like this in years to come from more shows. Since they’re still fun and still joyous. But in the meantime, at least we can enjoy new episodes of this wonderous show when it returns to the airwaves on January 2, 2024. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It would seem that we are entering a unique point in the story that Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is working to tell. In that, this Apple TV+ series is ready to spill the beans regarding all the mysteries it has taken the time to set up. After all, the last episode finally revealed what made Monarch into the regulatory joke that allowed for G-Day to happen through complacency, and we also now know… that Hiroshi has been studying overtly powerful Titan energies and that Shaw wants in on such studies for reasons that are now conflicting in nature. All because that last episode was eager to just send truth after truth our way and well… it turns out this series still has more facts to reveal, as evidenced by this week’s episode.

After all, May’s past has been supremely mysterious in nature since she’s told no one a thing about why she has so many identities. But at last, we know all there is to know about May. For ‘Will the Real May Please Stand Up?’ revealed that her name is actually Corah, and that prior to meeting Kentaro in Tokyo, she was working for a strange company known as Applied Experimental Technologies. Who as it turned out, were toying around with dark acts in their cybernetics wing. The kind that disturbed Corah so deeply… that she basically stepped in and ruined the project to keep it from ever causing the harm it would. Which put her on the run and forced her to assume a new identity and hope to never have to face the consequences for her actions. 

But while it was indeed fascinating to learn her backstory, it served a greater purpose beyond filling in the blanks for us. For it was also integrated into some world-building, in that, her old boss at AET was able to track her down and bring her back to New York. To face the consequences of her actions of course, but that was simply not meant to be. Because Kate, Kentaro, and even Tim, who survived the desert encounter, managed to make their way to New York to save Corah, by using diversionary tactics and Monarch’s vast database. Because they wanted her to be free, to live on her own terms and see her family, because there was real friendship growing here… the kind that needed to be nurtured, and Corah deserved a second chance when everyone learned of the hardships, she faced in sticking it to this awful company.

But of course, there was a canonical price to pay for her freedom. Since the deal to share data between Monarch and AET transformed the latter into Apex Cybernetics, and well… Godzilla fans know how that story goes. But the merger wasn’t a total loss, for it did motivate Monarch to finally enter the public light and do something. All of which brought about some fine world-building as did Shaw’s journey in this tale. Since we also came to learn more about Shaw’s flawed and chaotic allegiances in this tale. For a man that said he was trying to help Godzilla, sure had a funny way of showing it. Since he took the time to use a bevy of explosives from the Alaskan Monarch base to seal the rift that the Ice Titan was so curious about, leaving us to wonder if he really is trying to help Gojira or punish him by dealing with him the way he dealt with the Ice Titan.

Time will tell of course, but at least we know that eventually, we will get an answer regarding his plans. For clearly this series will leave no Kaiju unturned and it will address everything we are curious about. But while we await more answers, we can celebrate one fascinating, transitional, connective tale. For it was great to finally be introduced to Corah and understand the person she is through and through, and it was wonderous to have the Mechagodzilla tie in come into play, to bring this monstrous universe together. And well… all we can do now is wait with bated breath to really understand Shaw’s plan and to see how Monarch’s emergence from the shadows will help in stopping whatever it is he is cooking up, in the name of salvation. Until next time.

Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek, and details regarding this week’s all-new episode of Life After Lockup, which airs on WE tv later tonight!
 
“Pizza of My Heart”
Donna & Melissa join forces; Michael faces Melodie’s music about moving; Joy questions Redd’s intentions. Shawn gets an unexpected call at the worst time. Lindsey makes quick moves… and money. Kerok confront his brother.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 407 of ‘For All Mankind’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one important question that the Apple TV+ series, For All Mankind, revisits on a regular basis, it would be… what would it take to truly unify humanity so interstellar life/exploration can become a permanent reality? Because the fact is… we simply don’t know. Not in our world or this fictional unique world where it is commonplace. Because global crises and understanding our morality haven’t done enough for either world, since we’ve faced that plenty of times and our differences still stand. And clearly, facing the wonder of the future isn’t enough to make that happen either, since Goldilocks has done nothing to inspire humanity in the show to rally around what could be. It’s instead, let old haunts come into play, the kind revolving around money. 

Which is why it should come as no surprise, that this week’s episode of the show once again reflected upon that question. Because the potential economic fallout of having this life saving asteroid head to Earth, once again divided humanity at the furthest reaches of its influence. For Happy Valley was in the midst of a strike in ‘Crossing the Line’, one that saw no end in sight. In large part because Admiral Ed Baldwin was making a point to stir the pot and rally the troops to fight back with every fiber of their being for better wages and a chance to mine Goldilocks. To the point where spacesuits were left in the Martian dust, and the fuel factories needed to make the mission work, were blocked off and silent. Leaving the stalemate in play and prompting NASA and Roscosmos members to resort to some wild solutions to end the strike.

For several members of both teams made their way through drainage lines to those very facilities in an attempt to restart them behind the backs of the striking Helios workers, and that led… to disaster. For there were other measures put in place in those facilities to muck up a restart, and a lack of engineering knowledge, brought forth a deadly explosion. One that left NASA briefly exploring military options and really brought the story to its lowest. Because now people were literally dying over the prospect of resources and money, and this wasn’t the space travel we’ve envisioned for so long. This was everyday power plays on Earth, the kind that revolved around cash and economics and all the stuff we currently lament, and that… is what allowed for this story to bring that question back into play… and offer up a potential answer. 

Because this is also the episode where Helios CEO Dev Ayesa arrived on Mars, in a low-key manner, and he kept a low profile as well. All because he was observing and plotting while Ed struggled to be a good grandfather to his grandson, since Kelly arrived as well, and Ed continued to push to fight despite the fact that people were dying, and well… one of those meetings where Ed cried for more havoc, is where something shocking was put into motion. For Dev quickly offered Helios staff members cash untold and amnesty to end the strike and get the colony back to work, a move that didn’t seem to really answer the question at hand and reinforced the status quo of who we are and what we thrive on, cash. But there was rhyme and reason to Dev’s unique decision to just throw bags of money at the problem.
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In that, he wanted to see who was willing to still stand for something greater, who wanted the asteroid to come to Mars to make sure that nothing political or economic could be gained. In fact, he was so ready to stand with those who wanted better, which included Ed, that he was quick to reveal some truths to Ed. One… that he had no intention of ever returning to Earth, because he wanted to be out amongst the stars. But also… that he wanted to steal the Asteroid and bring it to Mars. So that neutrality and a real push to use those resources to benefit all of mankind could come into play, and that brought forth the potential answer to a question that has plagued us for so long. In that, it will likely take someone of influence and power, to just act and make space travel and exploration something more than an ends to a means. 

Which is… a bold answer, and one that some will cite as being impossible in our world. Since even the richest of the rich, the ones who claim to be pioneers for the industry, worry about bottom lines over the majesty of what space travel and exploration could do for humanity, and that means those naysayers are likely right. Which will in turn allow for this revelation to give life to more ‘what if?’ from this series. Wherein we can see what it might be like if a guy like ol’ Elon was interested in using his powers for good instead of vanity projects involving one letter, and who we might become… if that same person inspired us to do something greater and look toward more than our bank accounts and pensions and it will be fascinating to see, what comes next for humanity, now that someone is about to stand up and say ‘enough’ to the old ways. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Archie’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we’ve talked at length about how the BritBox series, Archie, hits all the right notes when it comes to biographical features. Simply because, this series is putting on a masterclass in such matters, by showcasing how important it is for a bio feature to really resonate with an audience and how critical it is for them to properly showcase formative moments in the life and times of someone we admire. And well, we still have more praise to send this show’s way. Simply because it’s next episode also dives deep into something that makes this type of story quite successful and quite engaging. Specifically, this next chapter in the life of Cary Grant explores in great detail… the fact that the rich and famous struggle with life problems.

Because they are in fact, people… and we forget that sometimes since they are larger than life and quite the persona. But they are not immune to fights with loved ones and pressures that create stress and pain, that they have to resolve to go about their daily lives and for Cary Grant… a lot of what he encountered in that regard, was grounded in interpersonal problems and relationship malaise, as a result of his own issues with connecting with his family. In fact, trying to make nice with his mother by putting her in a better home didn’t give him the peace he hoped for, for her, or himself. Instead, it made her desperate to have some semblance of family because of how isolated she was, and she often pressed Cary for visits or to move to his hometown regardless of his career and that put a lot of undue stress upon him. The kind he at times struggled to handle.

Not to mention, his love affair with Dyan Cannon was not always as pristine as he would have liked it to be. For he at times… was detached from her and grossly arrogant and that put their love on the rocks for quite some time. Simply because Cary struggled with understanding what it meant for someone, he loved to be an individual and not just a long-standing admirer of him, and well… that brought forth the best part of this exploration. Specifically, how indeed he dealt with it, and what he did… was shockingly healthy. For he used advice from good sound minds to understand that he really loved Dyan and needed to learn how to nurture her and be there for her and give her freedom to be her own person. Which prompted him to also realize… that she was everything he wanted in life, and he asked for her hand in marriage.

Which she was happy to accept, yet still… the work to be a better man and be a good husband to Dyan had to continue, and it certainly wasn’t easy for Cary. But he did his best and he tried to grow and that made for a powerful episode. One that really did showcase all of our flaws when it comes to love and struggles, some of which we ourselves have taken part in. But more importantly, this is the episode that really showcased Cary Grant the man, not the superstar. For he was down to earth here and exposed and emotionally vulnerable more often than not, and that is what we truly connect with, and it genuinely removed the mystique of this incredible star and well… being vulnerable in this manner could not have come at a better time in his incredible life. 

For he was also surprised at the end of this tale with shocking news. In that, he was going to be a father. His greatest fear in many ways, and clearly, he will have to figure out how to navigate a role he’s tried to avoid. Which will be interesting to watch play out and that episode will have some tall shoes to fill. For this really was an amazing episode through and through, one that grabbed you from the get-go and never let go. Because it was just a powerhouse story about a shockingly talented man. One that we admire greatly, but a man nevertheless, and this is what more biographical features need to do. Because this is the stuff that really makes the journey worthwhile and inspires an audience, for if Cary Grant can go through some deep-rooted family messes and love problems and still be the best… we can get through our muck as well. Until next time.

For the longest time, American society has had some pretty black and white views regarding relationships and family life. For instance, we firmly believe that when a relationship is over, that’s it. All ties are to be cut and we are all supposed to move on quickly and promptly. For what’s done is done. Not to mention, we see marriage and starting a family as something quite sacred, to the point where certain rules must come into play if family life runs into trouble. Such as fighting tooth and nail to keep the marriage going, regardless of how tough things might be, because we took a sacred vow to make this work until the bitter end. Which also means, divorce shouldn’t be an option, especially when kids are involved because to shatter the family unit would shatter their psyches. Which are both very noble and direct views that have some merit but are also… incredibly wrong in nature and woefully outdated.
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For we’ve come to learn a lot about relationships and family life and how they cannot be so black and white in nature. Because sometimes… it’s okay to acknowledge we’re better friends than lovers and break it off and keep that person in our lives if they offer healthy contributions, and marriage is not the end all be all we once expected it to be. For people do outgrow one another or discover the compatibility wasn’t there after all, and it is possible to fall out of love with someone. Which means that fighting to keep that love alive can be a toxic experience that can impact children’s psyches worse than filing for divorce and even then… divorce doesn’t mean the end of everything. Since parents still need to be involved in the lives of their children and still need to partner with their former partner on important life decisions, and those realities are slowly moving into the mainstream and one way that is happening is through popular culture.

Because that is the perfect medium to help teach people about how the times are indeed changing and it just so happens that a brand-new series about the complexities of modern relationships and navigating the realities of divorce when children are involved, is about to arrive on the airwaves. For Saturday will see the debut of Extended Family on NBC. A story that introduces us to Jim and Julia. Parents that have come to understand that they are no longer compatible as partners but understand the importance of being strong figures in their children’s lives. Which prompts them to come to a unique arrangement after their divorce. Wherein they decide to continue to raise their children in the family home, and trade off staying there to ensure there is no conflict. A move that proves quite fruitful, until Julia begins to date Trey, the owner of the Boston Celtics. For he quickly steals her heart, bringing him into the family dynamic.

Which is… a brilliant way to examine the dynamics of modern relationships. For Jim and Julia really do represent everyday people in the world. Who came to learn that divorce isn’t a dirty word and the right path for some, and that marriage doesn’t have to end in a sour manner, where both sides battle one another instead of battling for their kids. Not to mention, it speaks to the realities that our former partners can and will move on, and that too must be reconciled and that brings forth, a compelling series for certain. One that really does explore such matters in an honest and earnest manner that is so supremely relatable. For so many of us have dealt with divorce in some capacity, either by going through it or by being children of it and seeing the complexities of such realities on the small screen, is refreshing to say the least. But most important of all, it makes this series revolutionary and progressive in nature.

Because that really does hammer home how the times have changed and how it is okay to embrace a different path for families and relationships as long as it is healthy in nature. And of course, it does so in a fun manner, and it makes sure to also point out, it won’t always be easy going this route. Because relationships are hard, and complex, and require work at every level. But for the right cause, for the kids… that’s all worth it. Because it will teach them so much and of course, it also doesn’t hurt that this is handled in a lighthearted manner since the show is a comedy through and through, and the jokes absolutely work, and the writing is simply top notch.

For that is what makes this so relatable and so engaging, and that’s a testament to Showrunner Mike O’Malley and the tone he’s set, and his words and his staff’s words have extra gravity because of an amazing cast. For Jon Cryer (Jim), Abigail Spencer (Julia), and Donald Faison (Trey), use their extensive acting skills and comedic chops to really bring this incredible story home, and the best news of all, is that you only have to wait a few more days to watch this important and relevant series. One that really is original and unique and showcases an critical aspect of American life in an honest manner. 

‘Extended Family’ will debut its Series Premiere on December 23, 2023 on NBC (8 - 8:30pm ET / 5 - 5:30pm PT); Ongoing airdate begins Tuesday January 2, 2024 (8:30 - 9pm ET/PT); Next Day Streaming on Peacock.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Premiere of ‘Dr. Death’.
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Hope is something that we both deeply embrace and deeply lament, and it makes sense as to why hope can be so incredibly polarizing. Because on the one hand, it really does accomplish wonders for us. After all, it is there when we need it the most and it can indeed fuel us and get us through the toughest of times. For hope really is powerful and can influence so much and that is also why we lament it so. Because in the wrong hands it can be used to manipulate us and drag us along to serve the needs of someone else and when that is made clear to us… we simply feel awful. Since we enabled something dark and were made a fool for holding to something that so many desire and make use of. 

If anything, the power of hope and how it can indeed serve us in the wrong manner is top of mind today, simply because it is featured in the season two premiere of Dr. Death on Peacock. A feat that ‘Like Magic’ accomplishes by introducing us to a pair of individuals at a unique moment in their respective lives. For instance, Benita Alexander, a television producer… is struggling with some tough news about her ex-husband’s declining health. Giving rise to dark times for her, to the point where a touch of hope would be welcome in her life, and she believes she may have found it through an incredible story that she is now eager to produce. Courtesy of a doctor who happens to be at the forefront of a life-changing therapy he’s developed.

For Dr. Paolo Macchiarini claims to have discovered how to bring peace to folks with tracheal issues. Courtesy of stem cell growth he’s carefully cultured, combined with a unique plastics therapy and well, he is days away from his most high-profile trial of this therapy when we meet him here. For he is about to embark upon a critical trachea surgery that will change a little girl’s life, and that has Benita filled with hope. Since this therapy can do so much and helps to remind her that medicine is wondrous and magical in nature and the humility that Paolo brings to his approach and the desire to help, only fills her with more emotional fulfillment. The kind that brings them closely together in ways Benita did not see coming.
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But… therein lie the problem. For behind the scenes, questions surround Paolo’s research. For there are doctors eager to know more about the science, such as how stem cells will merge with nonbiological matter and maintain the blood flow needed to keep tissue healthy around it, and others are eager for answers on how his other trials of this surgery have gone. An answer that we get in a harrowing manner at the end of this premiere, all of which informs us… that Paolo is a dangerous man. For he is indeed someone that manipulates hope for reasons we don’t understand just yet, but doing so here, through Benita, sets the stage for heartbreak and devastation. 

For the kind of hope he’s setting up is fleeting, and when it comes crashing down, it will be disastrous in nature and well… that’s an amazing way to set up a season of storytelling. One that will clearly feature sky high stakes and a fascinating examination of what made Paolo like this, and what will lead to him being held to account. For no doctor can hide behind hope and smoke and mirrors forever and that compels us to continue this journey. To see the chaos this real-life case brought about and to learn about the fallout of using hope in a negative light, and to see justice play out for a man that has made the horrifying decision to manipulate emotion and inject imagination into matters that are life and death. Until next time.

To learn more about the central themes of Season Two of ‘Dr. Death’. Check out our interviews with Series Showrunner Ashley Michel Hoban and Executive Producer Patrick Macmanus, and Cast Members, Luke Kirby, Ashley Madekwe, and Gustaf Hammarsten.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Finale of ‘Steeltown Murders’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It doesn’t matter how just a particular pursuit can be, or how much it matters to bring the facts to bear. Because at one point or another during our chase to uncover the truth, someone, will experience fear regarding exposing the facts… for a variety of reasons. It could be related to the reality that the truth is indeed on the horizon and that can be hard for some folks to deal with. Or it could be related to the possibility that exposing the truth means the end of the quest, and the end of the rush of doing something right. But one way or another, that fear will settle in and threaten to derail the quest, as evidenced by the series finale of Steeltown Murders on Acorn TV.

For this was it. Paul and his team had mere days to get their higher ups to agree to exhume Joe’s body to pull DNA and prove without a doubt that he was the serial killer in question, and that led… to a mad dash to make that happen. One that was far more successful that Paul initially thought. For every call he made was filled with encouragement, and even the brass above agreed this would be a worthwhile use of resources and well… that put forth a timetable for the exhuming and that required a press conference to let the public know what was to come, and some work to properly finalize the process. Specifically, getting Joe’s remaining family to sign off… and that led to the fear in question.  

After all, there was worry that the DNA might not match, and the case would go back to square one in an embarrassing manner. Especially since the press got wind of the fact that here was another suspect in the mix. Not to mention, there was slight resistance from Joe’s family from top to bottom. For there was a worry it would confirm a disgusting truth about the family and put a shame over them. But pointing out that the truth would do so much for everyone, began to soften hard stances and well, eventually, they relented and agreed to making this happen and well… that led to the big day. One where Joe was indeed exhumed and more waiting came into play as the scientists did their thing, and thankfully… that wait ended with the most amazing news.

In that… Joe was indeed the killer, and peace could finally come to all. For the families of the fallen had closure decades later, and even those who harbored no guilt but were accused of darkness, such as Dai, could have that. For now, there would be no more side looks and questions about his role in all of this. Joe’s name would forever hang over the act. Not to mention, so many more could finally let go. Such as Sita. For the survivor’s remorse and guilt, she carried hung heavy in her soul, and knowing the details now and knowing that Joe was behind this, allowed for her to finally move forward and the same went for Paul. Since he was no longer an officer that had an unremarkable career guided by politics and nonsense. He was the mind that solved the toughest case his precinct had ever seen. 

All of which spoke to how important it is to forge ahead and finish our quest for the truth. Because the fear means nothing and the pain that the truth can cause will fade. For the truth is pure, and the truth is cleansing, and it will do wonders for us once the dust settles and it brought forth a powerful ending to a powerful series. One that really did explore in great detail, how the times have changed for law enforcement through science and how wonderful that can be, and how archaic and troublesome the old ways used to be for them. Since they stumbled in the dark far too often and had no choice but to give up. But what matters more, is that this true story ended the right way, and the echoes of the fallen can rest at last, thanks to science and one man’s desire for closure.