Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 305 of ‘Slow Horses’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
When we last settled in to enjoy the wondrous Apple TV+ series, Slow Horses, we were left with quite the grim and concerning ending. For Tearney made quite the shocking decision based upon the dirty secrets she was hiding regarding Sean Donovan’s beloved Alison, the kind that were so scandalous that she felt letting everyone die in the Facility, would be a better alternative than letting those secrets see the light of day. Giving rise to real worry for the audience because the last thing we ever want to see, is a pair of highly beloved characters exit the series because of someone’s ego and machinations. Which meant we were waiting to see with bated breath, how our heroes would get out of this mess and well, as it turns out… the next episode… only made our worry worse.

For ‘Cleaning Up’ offered… well let’s talk about the good stuff. It offered up answers. For Tearney finally confronted Taverner about everything strange that’s been going on and how that might relate to the fact that a power struggle was in play for First Desk, and well… this was a concern that Tearney was right to harbor. For Taverner discovered… everything. Specifically, that Tearney tried to deploy a controversial device that could steal data wirelessly by being in close proximity to a computer, which would bring into question all kinds of laws and such, and well… Alison was so deeply concerned about this device, she was ready to whistle blow. Only to die for this secret and well, it was Taverner that let Sean Donovan know the truth and set all this in motion. All to bring down Tearney, and well, to do so, it was up to the Slow Horses to win the day and bring justice and well, that’s where the worry came into play.  

Because while there were some wins to be found in the Slow Horses’ journey, such what happened with Lamb, there were other moments that were troubling. But again, happy stuff first, such as the fact that Jackson was able to get to the location that Standish was being held and save her from her captors. Which wasn’t exactly a thrilling sequence since Standish was playing Scrabble and enjoying tea when Lamb arrived. But that’s okay. For this quick rescue did allow for there to be an honest and earnest discussion about MI5’s practices when it comes to its own and of course, the peace didn’t last. For the escaped Chieftain employee and his own lackey showed up, to carry out dark orders that were given back at the Facility. Ones that quite frankly, brought the ugly stuff into play.

For the plans were simple in nature. The satellite team were to put down anyone in that house and Chieftain and MI5 forces were to infiltrate the Facility by any means necessary and clear it of threats. And while the strike team did just that, good old Nick Duffy and a secondary team would stand watch at the only other exit present here. So that anyone that did escape, would be gunned down with impunity and well, this main plan brought forth some ugly moments. The kind that saw Douglas be dragged out into the night to face his end at the hands of Duffy. Because he knew too much, and it led to an intense firefight within the Facility itself. One where Louisa and River used every trick in their training to delay having to be cornered by the strike team, and they also, reached out for help.
​
Because Marcus and Shirley were cleaning out their desks when the critical call from River came in. One that gave them hope that perhaps they could redeem themselves, by saving their friends. Which brought them to the Facility as well, wherein we learned that Marcus had quite the set of armaments in his trunk. But alas, their help didn’t go far since they were greatly outnumbered and the firefight inside the Facility, came to a scary head. One where Donovan and Alison’s brother didn’t join the fray until late, for they did not rest until they had their hands on the files. But a bullet took out Alison’s brother and a frag grenade brought our worry to an all-time high. For an explosive device in close quarters such as the Facility can do some serious damage. The kind that might leave us without a hero if this show goes as bold as possible. 

But alas, we simply don’t know if that will be the case. Because the screen faded to black after that grenade did its thing. Giving rise to that worry and leaving us on the edge of our seats. In large part because of how fast this whole situation fell to pieces but also because… this was an epic episode through and through. After all, the stakes were sky high, we got answers at last, and our heroes were put to the test like never before. Because just like that, they’re enemies of the state, all because of Tearney and her outright ego and nonsense. Which means we are once again going to be counting down the minutes to next week’s episode, which also happens to be the season three finale. To see if our heroes are okay, and if so, how on Earth they will get out of this mess and make Tearney pay for her treachery and outright awful disposition. Until next time. 

One thing that fans of television can agree upon, is that the Newboot (as Melissa Rauch put it) of Night Court on NBC is an outright refreshing series, one that absolutely surprised us this year. Courtesy of the fact that this show is a respectful sequel. One that truly pays tribute to what came before while also taking the time to forge annew path for the franchise. The kind that is grounded in depth and meaning and messaging that few sitcoms express in the modern era of television, and the wonder of having this show on the air, has left us hungry for more. 
​
To the point where we’ve been counting down the days until the season two premiere of the show, which is just around the corner. But since it is the holiday season, NBC thought it would be worthwhile to send a bevy of gifts our way regarding this show. First by announcing that a special holiday episode will debut this Saturday on the network, and by also offering up, some first-look photos from said special, and some details regarding this wondrous holiday special. All of which, we will share with you now. Because if you’re here, you’re a fan of this show and ready to know what Saturday will bring, so here are those incredible gifts, courtesy of NBC.

“A Night Court Before Christmas"
Airing Dec. 23 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT on NBC

It’s Christmastime at Night Court. Abby enlists Dan on her quest to track down a little girl’s letter to Santa. Gurgs' gift for Dan isn’t what she expected. Olivia is haunted by a witness who believes herself to be The Ghost of Christmas Present. 

A jolly ho, ho…no!! From naughty naked carolers to drunken St. Nicks, the spirit of the season has festively found its way to “Night Court” in a special stand-alone holiday episode airing on Saturday, Dec. 23 (8:30 p.m. ET/PT).  NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar makes a guest-starring appearance.

The season two premiere of “Night Court” then kicks off after the new year on Tuesday, Jan. 2 (8-8:30 p.m. ET/PT).

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Finale of ‘Hidden Assets’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
More often than not in crime dramas, the end of the case… brings forth cause for celebration. For the intrepid investigators are able to finally serve justice to the fallen and those who were wronged, and the criminal responsible for causing great harm goes to jail for a long, long time. Allowing for the story to really offer up a happy ending and for the investigators to move on to the next season of storytelling, since the close of the case is often handled during the season finale of said crime drama. But while that does indeed bring about a joyous and wondrous end to the darkness, one that hammers home the message that good tends to win, let’s be honest… this is nothing short of pure escapism and understandably so. 

For that’s not how cases go in reality. Because sometimes the bad guys win or evade capture and sometimes… it takes too long for investigators to get to them. Allowing for stories to give us the sense of justice we crave, and that is why it is so supremely shocking when we encounter a story that does the opposite, that offers us the real-world view. Because we just don’t see it all that often here, and that is why the season two finale of Hidden Assets on Acorn TV is of note. For it is that rare crime story where the ending isn’t as joyous or as satisfying as one might like. Courtesy of the fact that this episode is nothing short of pyrrhic victory. For despite being able to get security in place for Bibi to ensure that Cline couldn’t harm her, a critical mistake was made in the protection process.

In that, Mila was asked to tag along, and she was quick to feed information, and had it not been for Wallace’s quick thinking, Bibi would have perished since Cline was waiting. But alas, the situation went south when De Long and Mila engaged in a pursuit of Cline. Because De Long got close, and nearly arrested him. Only to have Mila reveal her true self to De Long, long enough… to bring about his death. Which put the case on ice really. Since Mila spit out more misinformation to send the police on a Snipe Hunt for Cline. Which forced Wallace to get creative and use Melnick’s Last Will and Testament as a guide to his finances. To find something worth investigating to bring this to a close and well that… and a surprise discovery with Melnick’s phone, sent dominoes tumbling.

For Mila was exposed at last and sent to jail for her actions. And there was a discovery made in the Will. In that, Cline was likely hiding out at a property owned by Melnick. A discovery that brought about Cline’s end when he attempted to fight and flee. But finding Cline, did bring about the truth about Swann, since accounts tied to her were found in the property and that too… brought about an end. For Swann was arrested and a new company took over the port deal and well… that should have been a happy ending. But the death of De Long via betrayal, and the reveal that Bibi had her own role in this mess, a mastermind-esque one at that, which netted her payment for turning a blind eye to the events that happened, soured the ending a bit since justice wasn’t fully served.

All of which brought forth, a bittersweet end to two years of storytelling and going this route should come as no surprise regarding this series. Because this is a show that has been all about defying convention from day one so it could offer up a vastly different type of crime story and it most certainly did here. One that was bold and brave in every sense of the word and leaves us wondering what lies ahead if Acorn TV commissions a third season of the show. But for now, the big case is solved, at quite the cost for certain and sadly… this finale serves to remind us that this is sometimes how it goes for the good people that make justice the focus of their lives.

It is definitely safe to say, that there is a huge buzz surrounding the third and final season of La Brea on NBC, and rightfully so. After all, this is a deeply beloved series, one that has taken us on a wild ride through time over the past three years and well… we simply want to know how it is going to end. Which has us talking about how we are super close to the season three finale and how we cannot wait to see what surprises await us before the end arrives. And NBC is aware of that, and that’s why they took the time today to offer up a gift to fans of this series.
​
For earlier, the network released the new key-art and the first trailer for the third and final year of the show and well… what a gift all this turned out to be. Because not only is that art simply amazing… but that trailer. Oh, that trailer makes it clear that this final season is going to be everything we hoped for and more. For it is epic, thrilling, and it promises more incredible moments that will take our breath away. But you don’t have to take our word for it, because NBC was kind enough to share that trailer, and that key art with us, so we can share it with all of you. So, without further ado, here is your first good look at the final season La Brea, courtesy of NBC.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Bosch: Legacy’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
When we last settled in to discuss the magnificent Amazon Freevee series, Bosch: Legacy, we talked at length about how a new threat was seemingly on the horizon for the show. For the FBI injected themselves into the death of Carl Rogers and the explosion of the pipeline that Honey and Bosch sanctioned/participated in. Making it truly appear as though they were both going to have to contend with some genuinely ugly moments involving the Feds down the line. But as it turned out, those concerns won’t be dealt with immediately. Simply because a more unique threat made itself known in the next episode of this show. One that we will discuss in detail after taking a moment to follow up on Maddie’s journey in ‘Musso & Frank’.

Simply because, turning in her keys to her old apartment, made it clear to her… that she just needed a fresh start. The kind where she was on her own and forging a path of healing. Which prompted her to move out of her dad’s house post haste and stay with loverboy for a bit. Which gave her a sense of agency and a sense she was moving in a new direction, and she even found a way to hit the reset button at work as well. Because there was quite the buzz surrounding her work with the robbery case, to the point where the elite CRU unit asked her to join up. Simply because she showed the LAPD what she was capable of, and she accepted. Giving rise to a leap forward for Maddie Bosch, while adding to the family legacy in the process.

But of course, there was the matter of that new threat. One that basically came right out of the blue. For they were of course, working the case at hand and they came to discover there was real trouble regarding the Foster/Parks case. For starters, Foster’s key alibi… turned up dead. Complete with secrets. For it turned out he and Foster were lovers, and there was a desire to keep that a secret on Foster’s part. Simply because he wanted nothing more than to keep his family together and maintain the façade he had maintained for so long. But what was more terrifying about this case, was that it revealed a little dirt within the walls of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Because Ellis and Long were revealed to be the dirtiest of cops, to the point where they harmed innocents and went the extra mile to see how far Honey was from busting the case wide open. Which prompted them to carefully watch her after a meeting with Bosch, so they could fabricate evidence to make it seem as though she was a drunk driver. Which allowed for them to stop her, arrest her, and then illegally search her car after she was taken away. Which was chilling to see play out to say the least. Since clearly, this duo is working for someone with deep pockets and a deep agenda, and they’re willing to do whatever they must to keep that agenda on track. But on the plus side… Honey did make it clear what those officers looked like, and a well-connected Bosch can potentially bring their shady nonsense to light.

But while we wait to see what comes from that, we can celebrate one surprising tale. Simply because, while the Feds were indeed lurking about in the story, and they did continue to spend late nights at the office looking for the connections they need to blow this case wide open, while our heroes were dealing with one hell of an unexpected threat. One that truly has us wondering… what is going on here. Because thus far, nothing makes any sense, especially trying to pin something illegal on Foster for no good reason. But here we are, and the people that will likely expose the truth, are Honey and Bosch. Provided of course… they can do this promptly and without drawing attention… and before the Feds figure out just how responsible they turned out to be regarding Carl Rogers and the revenge plot of a lifetime. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Reacher’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous Prime Video series, Reacher, we talked briefly about something that this series does that honestly… needs to be celebrated further. For we made mention of the fact that the previous episode really didn’t offer up any answers regarding why the Special Investigations Unit is under fire or what the bad guys are really up to, and that worry over such matters was silly. Simply because this series takes the time to answer our questions and we need not look any further than season one for proof. Since the second half of year one exposed the corruption and the truth about Margrave, meaning it is only a matter of time before answers begin to head our way, and not every single show out there makes such efforts.

Well, as it turns out, season two of the show is eager to get a head start on such matters. Because the next episode in this magnificent series, started sending answers our way. All of which came courtesy of a return to New York City in ‘Picture Says a Thousand Words’. Because the intelligence the team picked up from the failed assassins that came after Reacher and Dixon, implicated a company located in the city. So, once they were all armed with a bevy of new firearms for the fight ahead, they headed back to NYC and quickly encountered trouble. After all, there was a BOLO out for Reacher and Detective Gaitano ‘Guy’ Russo knew exactly how to find them. Which brought about… a fascinating little cat and mouse game. One where Russo worked to know what Reacher knew and shared what he knew, which is where some of the answers came into play.

For we more or less came to learn that A.M., was on a mission for that very company, one that was nefarious in nature. We also came to learn, he’s a master of disguise and knows what to look for to stay out of trouble, making him damn near impossible to catch since Reacher did work to get a BOLO out for that man as well. Not to mention, we also came to learn that Shane Langston, the mystery man that Reacher spoke to via phone in the last episode, was part of this mess as well, and someone of serious note regarding the plans ahead. And while that isn’t everything, that’s some serious progress for the story. The kind that really does inform us that something big is on the horizon and it’s so important and ugly that Reacher and his friends have been marked for their end.

To the point where the shady company in question, was willing to give the team false information regarding who a visitor’s pass was issued for. All so the team would go to the location provided and find themselves under fire from the bad guys. A move that Reacher sniffed out pretty darn quick and he made sure the team had everything they needed to ensure that an ambush wouldn’t work, and the team was definitely successful in going there and quelling any trouble that came their way, to keep their investigation going. In fact, they were so good at stopping the ambush that awaited, they decided to go on the offensive. Which prompted them to break into that company and steal any potential device that could give them answers, and that too, went smooth and revealed a surprise that absolutely floored everyone through and through.

For in the closing moments of this tale, we came to discover that Swan, another team member they were deeply worried about, was in fact… an employee of this company. Giving rise to the real possibility they’ve been betrayed, and this is all part of some plan to remove them from stopping what’s to come, simply because Swan knows… only they can do it. But while we wait to gather those answers, we can indeed celebrate a story that advanced the plot nicely. After all, we now know, something horrible is brewing behind the scenes and it will indeed involve people with agendas and that is far more than we expected to know at this point, and it does leave us eager for more. To learn about Swan and why he’s tied up with these folks, and what the plan is… so that Jack Reacher and his intrepid team can stop it and save lives. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say, that certain positions and titles in our modern society, receive… a level of respect and awe so powerful… that we believe the people who take those positions, can do no wrong. Many of them are of course, in positions of power or positions of influence while others… walk a path that offers peace and solace to the masses. Such as say men of the cloth or the doctors we entrust with our health, and well… it does make sense why they receive our reverence. Because to choose a path that guides people or works to heal souls and minds and bodies… requires that person to hold to a special mindset. One that is kind in nature and grounded in a true desire to help others, and well… as time rolls along it continues to be clear… that the people that choose these positions deserve less reverence and more scrutiny.

After all, time and time again… we see people in power abuse what they have and sever their trust with the public, and we’ve seen those who heal our souls betray us through acts that are unsavory, and unfortunately and we’ve seen those who heal our bodies… become embroiled in scandals. The kind that revolves around God complexes and egos because those who falter… are human beings first and use trust to fuel them toward an agenda that serves personal needs. But of course, it’s not easy to hold such roles to account since that reverence remains and because there’s not a hard willingness from the masses to let that go. So, for now, the best way to hold them to account, is to share those stories of betrayal of trust and make people aware of why we need to hold those folks to account, and that’s why the Peacock series, Dr. Death, is of note.

Because this is that rare series, that showcases those very things and leaves us with much to ponder upon and it just so happens that this important series is about to return to the airwaves on Peacock this Thursday, and we thought it would be worthwhile to showcase the critical story its adapted for year two, in a spoiler-free manner of course. Because there are some powerful moments you need to experience firsthand. But what we can say, is that year two of this series really does explore the perfect case that reflects the need for oversight and scrutiny over reverence and hope. For season two reflects upon the curious case of Dr. Paolo Macchiarini. A surgeon and researcher who manipulated people into thinking his false therapies were going to be successful, and he of course hurt lives and families and his story is chronicled here in fascinating detail.

Courtesy of episodes that deeply examine every moment and every twist and turn that led to his exposure as a fraud of sorts. But where season two truly shines regarding this story, is its deep explorations as to how men like Paolo, use the trust we give them to push them toward wild goals that fuel their ego and the belief that somehow, they’re doing good when they’re causing harm. Giving rise to a powerful character study that deeply disturbs the viewer and leaves them in awe of what he was able to accomplish with the power of trust behind him. But at the same time this story does help the audience to understand the importance of challenging men like Paolo and the need to really scrutinize work that promises miracles, because that is what men like him cannot handle in the slightest. 

All of which brings forth a powerful and engaging season of storytelling. The kind that really does shock you and compels you to finish it so that you can see justice be served. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt, that it is filled to the brim with amazing actors to bring critical moments in this case to life. For everyone here truly sells the gravity of what happened with a raw honesty that draws you in further, and Mandy Moore is simply electric as Benita Alexander, the producer that shares this sham with the world and Edgar Ramirez offers up a powerhouse performance as Dr. Paolo Macchiarini, one that showcases the Doctor’s tortured nature in a compelling manner. 

But the best news of all… is that you don’t have to wait that much longer to enjoy this new season of storytelling. For Dr. Death returns to the airwaves this Thursday on Peacock, and we cannot wait to break this series down further with all of you, nor can we wait to share our interviews with Showrunner and Executive Producer, Ashley Michel Hoban and Executive Producer Patrick Macmanus, and several cast members, as we count down to another important season of storytelling from a very important show.

As an added bonus, here is a sneak peek from Season 2 of ‘Dr. Death’.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Planet Earth III’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
If there is one fundamental question that science has asked about all of humanity, it would have to be… can mankind and nature peacefully co-exist? Because science has proven, that without nature we are nothing. But at the same time, we don’t give it the respect that it deserves, and we are taking part in actions that are causing nature great harm, with minimal care. So… we must ask if living in harmony is something we can accomplish and well, it’s an important enough question that the next episode of Planet Earth III on BBC America, took the time to address it, and well, what ‘Human’ offered up for an answer, was quite surprising to say the least. Simply because this episode outright stated that yes… we most certainly can coexist and for proof… we need not look further than certain corners of the world.

For there are places where humanity and nature peacefully coexist through and through. For instance, there was a time where if someone were to see a cobra in their yard, they’d kill it out of worry. But there are places in India now, where the cobra is no different than the common squirrel in Central Park. Because they handle vermin and they move about and cause little harm, mainly because mankind pays it no mind. Giving rise to peaceful coexistence and that’s not the only place where this is common. For much of the wildlife in our cities now, go unnoticed and they rely upon us to feed them, and we certainly do as we go about our day, and there are even places where we are making extra efforts to coexist and making wonders happen because of that.

After all, there are areas in Africa where for a long time… elephants and mankind battled it out over crops. For humanity has the food an elephant needs and so many elephants have died because of their hunger over the years, since they refused to stand down when they moved onto farmland to feed. But now there are specialized treatment units that can get them to step away and keep violence from taking place, helping them thrive. And by letting the humpback whale live its life and feed while we fish, they are helping to repopulate waters, create eco-systems, and the humpback whale is growing in numbers once again. All of which really does prove that we can exist with animals and nature in peace if we put our minds to it. But that answer of course, would bring about another question, from those who don’t believe we’re making a negative impact upon our world. In that, if that’s the case, then why the fuss over saving the environment?

To which the answer is simple… because we aren’t doing enough. Those are but a handful of examples of how humanity and nature coexist, but some of that comes out of adaptation and evolution. Not hard efforts and we need more of that. Because we are still tearing down forests without giving it a second thought to raise cattle and livestock. We still use fossil fuels, and that is changing the climate drastically. So, that’s why there’s still a fuss. Because clearly, we are capable of living alongside nature, but we aren’t making enough effort, and we simply must. Because as the top species on the planet, one that is aware of our impact and our mistakes, it is our responsibility to care for it and help it along.

All of which made, for a powerful episode to say the least. Because just like that, we were able to get a glimpse into our potential as a species. Because there is harmony between man and nature in the world, the kind where there is no fear and no conflict. Just multiple species living on a world that they’ve shared for ages, and we can have that if we want, and that would change us for the better. Not to mention it was great to see this episode, speak to options about how we can perhaps pivot as a species to help save the planet. All by potentially looking at plant-based alternatives for food, and by using our science to make farming a more environment friendly process. Because we have that power, and we should in fact use it. So, that this wondrous world and the incredible animals that live alongside us can enjoy its wonder for eons on end.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘Reacher’. To revisit the Season Two Premiere, click here.
​
There are a great many reasons that fans tune into the Prime Video series, Reacher. Some for instance, tune in for the incredible action that takes place. Because when the time comes for Jack Reacher to throw down and do his thing, he, and anyone alongside him, do so in a poetic and powerful manner that takes our breath away. Others, however, tune in for the acting. Because everyone in this series turns in their A-game and brings forth characters that are relatable and engaging, especially Alan Ritchson. Since he brings a fascinating honesty to Jack Reacher that is quite powerful in nature. But of the many reasons that fans tune in, there is one above all that they all share in. In that, this series features some amazing storytelling, and never was that more evident than during the next episode of this series.
 
Because ‘What Happens in Atlantic City’ took the time to explore the impact of the Special Investigations Unit upon those who served, while moving the plot forward, and it accomplished such feats… by putting Reacher, Neagley and O’Donnell in some serious trouble. Because Reacher thought the car that was following them was in fact, the nefarious folks that killed Franz with impunity, and that prompted him to do a little patented ass-kicking to send a message. But alas, it turned out that Reacher actually beat the living hell out of a NYPD Detective. Which meant… the team had to get out of New York City post haste, and thanks to a reunion with Dixon, they were able to do so, and they quickly made their way to Atlantic City. For some of the team worked there with casino security and some of the information in front of the team, spoke to a potential heist. 
 
Which in turn, landed them a suite and down time. For casino security was going to look into the alias list and what the numerical data might mean and that led… to some wonderful character development. Wherein, we saw Reacher and Dixon finally surrender to their romantic tension, and where we came to learn how much the SIU benefitted this group and helped them to grow. Plus, this sequence also allowed for us to learn how badly Reacher just wants to feel free, and how that drives his wandering. As to whether or not there’s something deeper, he wants to be free from, we don’t know just yet. But this was just… great writing through and through, the kind that really did expand this world and engage us and of course, as mentioned before, found a way to move the plot forward in the most unique and violent ways imaginable. 
 
Because sadly, the team was tracked to Atlantic City, and those that followed them there were under orders to put the team down post haste. An order that could not be fulfilled. For Jack Reacher is basically invincible when he has time to think, and Dixon held her own. Putting an end to those jackasses and giving Reacher a little phone time with Robert Patrick’s mysterious villain. Setting the stage for a showdown between those two and also setting up… some revenge. Because at the end of this tale, we came to learn that two more from this elite team, turned up dead, and that meant Reacher and his reformed team needed to go on the offensive, and well, that’s where this amazing story left us. With Jack Reacher ready to go to war over losing more of the people that mean the world to him. 
 
All of which brought forth, one magnificent episode. One filled to the brim with details, growth, and progressive storytelling. Because the writing simply is top-notch on this show, and while we didn’t get any answers regarding the data or who Robert Patrick’s character is or what he wants, or who this mystery man is traversing the country… every audience member (and this writer) is fine with it. Because this show has made it known that answers will come if we just sit back and enjoy the ride and we all most certainly did. Because every single second of this story just drew us in and engaged us and left us eager for more, and it will be interesting to see what lies ahead, now that Reacher and his team are ready to take the fight to the bad guys. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 303 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
One particular aspect of the hit STARZ series, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, that has come up often in our discussions, and rightfully so, is the sheer uniqueness of this show. Because it really is unlike any other crime series out there. After all, the stakes aren’t high week in and week out, and there is no drug empire for the characters to deal with. Not anymore, at least. Which has allowed for this show to become a true character study through and through. One that is gently showcasing the pivotal moments that will plunge Kanan Stark into true darkness later on in Power, while deeply exploring the long-term psychological impacts of the drug trade on the Thomas family, and their struggles in trying to figure out how to balance a new life while reconciling that.

All of which makes for compelling storytelling, the kind that was once again on display during this week’s episode. For ‘Open for Business’ once again explored life beyond the drug trade for the Thomas family in unique and fascinating ways. Such as by having Lou venture out into the world at last and ponder upon what comes next for him, and it would seem, music has called to him once more. Since he found himself in the very bar where his father once played and where there was a chance to do something akin to his now defunct producer life. Provided of course… he can handle his newfound problem with alcohol. Since it put him in jail for a night, and it also inflicted pain upon his family, as issues with alcohol often do in this life. 

Simply because, Laverne was eager to really explore what she could do with her voice, and she worked hard with Lou on an actual audition… that he wasn’t present for. In fact, his actions nearly sabotaged it since he had the music she was going to sing to. But thanks to Marvin, she went out there and gave it her all, and well, these two storylines really did properly showcase… the struggles ahead for this family now that the game is over. Because they are deeply changed by the horrors, they took part in to make money and just slipping back into everyday life won’t be easy. But they’re trying and they are moving forward and trying to do good. As evidenced by how Marvin stepped in to help one of his final customers, and we don’t see all this, that often in crime dramas, and the unique nature of this story didn’t end there.

After all, the threats this time around… felt fleeting in nature. For while the Feds tried desperately to nail Stefano to the wall for Sal’s death, they had nothing. Not to mention, Raq was still as legit as can be. She just went about her business and did her best to support her son from afar and worked to put her life on the straight and narrow. Specifically, by looking into investing in a business to launder her fortune. Which was also an action we don’t see often in this genre. Because most kingpins fall back into the game quickly when they walk away, but not Raq. Not to mention, the other threat in this story, was quelled in a simple manner through guilt. Since Detective Howard used that to get Adina to stand down regarding her inquiry.
​
But make no mistake about it. While this was a fascinating tale grounded in starting over and finding meaning in life, there was still some darkness to be found. After all, Unique got back into the game, and so did Kanan. For his new courier business simply took off and well, since he was now unleashed and in charge of his own operation, we saw some of that trademark assertiveness and fury to succeed that he will harbor in the future. Courtesy of how he got Famous in line and through how he brought the business to life. Making this another important moment in his development and for him, some different threats are brewing. Oddly in the form of Unique’s brother, Ronnie. Who happened to struggle with normalcy on the outside in this tale and seemed to believe that anything happening in the trade involved Raq, and that she was the enemy, which could mean big trouble on the horizon for Kanan. Since Ronnie seemed to think Kanan was an extension of Raquel’s now defunct business.

But that aside, this really was quite the engaging tale. One that let the characters and the talented actors that play them, shine through and through. Because everything that played out here felt real, harbored emotion and was relatable, and that’s what good acting and writing does for a show, and it was just fascinating to see this family, mostly work hard toward healing and forging new and exciting paths in life. Ones that will be fulfilling and different, while others are heading down their tragic path at last and well… all this does is leave us eager to continue the journey. To see what lies ahead for those ready to make a change, and to see what other key moments will corrupt Kanan Stark’s very soul to make him a mentor and a menace to one James St. Patrick. Until next time.