Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Hidden Assets’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
One of the hardest lessons we have to learn to in this life, is seeing the bigger picture when we’re pushing toward a goal. And what makes this so difficult a lesson, is the sheer fact that when we are in the thick of it and chasing that goal or that dream… we are laser focused on the endgame. To the point where nothing else matters but the finish line and by being in that mindset, we miss a lot of important things. Such as taking the time to appreciate the people along the way that help us, or worse… we find ourselves oblivious to roadblocks that lie ahead and/or people that don’t want us to cross that finish line and that can lead to disaster.

The kind where we stumble and fall, or worse, depending upon the goal and as evidenced by the next episode of Hidden Assets on Acorn TV. For this was a story where De Long and Wallace were forced to learn that lesson, simply because… they were hellbent on tying Hurst to Melnick and in turn, tying Melnick to the terrorist bombing attack. In fact, they were doing so well at moving things forward, they were able to discover all kinds of damning evidence, including bombing residue and building materials. The kind that would put Hurst away for a very long time, unless he played ball with the authorities, but alas… pushing so hard and so fast… created the lesson at hand.

Because carefully watching over the case was Swann. Who understood how focused they were and used that as an opportunity to sow discontent and trouble in order to spring the perfect trap. Which involved going to the mayor and calling out the plans that the company made with him in the first place, all so he was uncomfortable when the press came calling about such matters, which also happened to be part of Swann’s plan. All because she needed that chaos, and the press breathing down De Long’s neck, to force Wallace and De Long to work ten times harder to hit their goal without thinking twice about the suspicious nature of this all, and that worked so well, Swann pushed back harder.

All by having Mila inject herself into critical situations to apply pressure and doubt, and she of course… had Cline kill James Melnick and wound his boy. Because in the end, she wanted Bibi to come to Antwerp so that she could die at the hands of Cline. Because that would put an end to any inquiries and any investigations and let her operate freely. And all of this was made possible by De Long and Wallace’s hard push to go after answers and hold nothing back in getting there. For it truly narrowed their vision and prompted them to forget that they were dealing with something bigger here, something terrifying, that will stop at nothing to have what it wants, which is of course… money, and lots of it. 

Which now means, the stage is set for a powerhouse season two finale. One where our heroes must figure out a way to defeat Swann’s twisted plans to bring everyone involved in this mess to justice and that will be easier said than done. Since Swann has her fingers in just about every corner of the case, at the behest of the bosses above her, because there’s always a bigger fish and well… what a wonderful way to set that up. Through a magnificent lesson we all need to be reminded of, and it will be genuinely interesting to see if De Long and Wallace have come to understand the game ahead of them at the right moment to stop Swann before she can rise to prominence, or if season two of this brilliant show is about to end… in a dark manner. Until next time.

​Please enjoy a sneak peek of Episode 303 of Power Book III: Raising Kanan, which debuts on STARZ tomorrow, 12/14/23!

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 518 of ‘Magnum P.I.’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
One important lesson that people in positions of power and in positions of trust struggle to learn, is that they should not ever abuse their standing and their power. And we are able to ascertain the difficulties of learning that, by how so many in those positions, are humiliated in the public eye when they do indeed abuse their power. Because for some reason, reaching that point in life somehow clouds judgment and boosts ego and the end result is scandal upon scandal and well, it does leave us wondering how exactly we can hammer that lesson home and return some respect to leadership and power and believe it or not, storytelling is trying its best to help with that.

For this week’s episode of Magnum P.I. on NBC took the time to ponder upon the harshest consequences that could come out of an abuse of power, to send out the right message regarding this problem, and ‘Extracurricular Activities’ accomplished that feat, by sending Magnum and Higgins… back to school. For the University of Oahu had concerns about some of the allegations that were suddenly being made regarding a prestigious professor. For someone made claim that he was something of a lothario and abusing his position in the process and it was up to Higgy and Mags to find out for sure if that was the case and of course… it was. He was indeed sleeping with a student, who expected some favors in return for the romance that was being indulged in. 

But not for the reasons that one might think. Because it turned out… that the woman involved with the professor, was in fact, a spy for the Chinese government. For the work of said professor, was designed to do wonders with crops and food supplies around the world, and in the wrong hands… that science could do some serious damage and all the data regarding this, is what the spy wanted. Which brought about a mad dash to stop her, and of course… our heroes did. But what mattered more, was the lesson inherent for those in power who think they can do as they please and indulge accordingly. Because eventually, it will come back to bite them, and if they meet the wrong person that claps back… so much more could be ruined than just a reputation. Life’s work could be destroyed, and people could get hurt if the circumstances are right. Which really was a fine lesson to inject into this tale, and hopefully… people listen. 

However, while it was nice to see a show try to influence a little change on such matters, and remind us of how far we have to go, courtesy of how that plot thread ended, what would an episode of this show be… without a little heart? Which was handled by an epic camping trip with just the boys. Wherein we learned that Rick sounds akin to a chainsaw when he sleeps and remains eager to help those in need since supplies were swiped by someone unhoused and hungry folks, and Rick let them keep that because he’s a good guy. And we also learned that unlike Dennis, who decided to head to Michigan for college, Cade had no desire to go to school. Instead, he wanted to follow in TC’s footsteps and enlist. Something that took TC off guard since he thought a different path awaited him. But Cade really wanted to be like his adoptive dad, and with a little insight from Rick, TC embraced this and encouraged it.

All of which spoke to unity and understanding and the majesty of supporting one another, and those types of themes have been central to this fifth and final season of the show, and that served as the perfect bookend to a perfect story about… being decent to one another. For decency would have solved a lot of problems for that professor in this tale, but alas… what’s done and done, and hopefully the character and others at home watching… learned from that experience. One that was masterfully assembled by Perdita Weeks, who plays Juliet Higgins on the show, and had the chance to get into the Director’s Chair this week for her directorial debut, and she knocked it out of the park, and truly gave life to an important story, with an important message. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘Quantum Leap’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.
​
It is definitely safe to say that humanity collectively believes in what some could say, are myths regarding love. For instance, we all hold to the idea that love is connected to greater concepts such as destiny and/or fate, and those forces all work together to bring us our one and only, so we understand true happiness. Plus, we truly believe that love provides us with a powerful strength that cannot be explained. As though it ignites something within us that nothing else in this life can and well… there is merit to this line of thinking. Because… we really do meet our person under fascinating circumstances and that connection really is strong when we find it, and our spirits do soar when we utterly fall in love.

But what’s truly amazing, is that we can do little to disprove these concepts as myth, because there is no scientific way to explain how we met ‘the one’ at just the right time. If anything, the wonder of love and how it finds us is top of mind today, simply because the next episode of Quantum Leap on NBC opted to ponder upon what it might look like if those mysterious forces found a way to create a timeless love, if you will. A feat that ‘Nomad’ accomplished by sending Dr. Ben Song to 1961 Egypt. Wherein he came to discover his mission was to save an infamous spy known as Nomad. Who did some serious disruption back in the day and well… while Ben was settling into a plan to expose a traitor in the American Embassy though Nomad, fate, destiny, love… they did something quite amazing.

In that, they allowed for Ben and Hannah to connect once again. Which was… quite the incredible coincidence. Because the odds of these two connecting at three separate times in the timeline were astronomical in nature. But it happened again, and they rekindled the fire that they left behind in the 1950s and well… this truly did become a very romantic and fantastical exploration of the power of love. For Addison was able to ascertain, that it was their connection that kept bringing them together, and that brought forth a romance that informed us… that if given proper license, love could indeed transcend time and space, and this was… quite incredible to see play out. Since it added a new twist to the mythos of the franchise and added a little joy to Ben’s life via something that everyone enjoys, a good love story.

But of course, there was still the matter of saving Nomad, and she was in great trouble in this story. Because sadly, fear and the other negative aspects of the spy business put her in harm’s way quickly, and that forced Ben to spring to action. For failure here meant a life in Egypt that he wouldn’t understand, regardless of the possibility that he would have love and security in the past, and Hannah also agreed… he wouldn’t be completely happy with just settling down in unfamiliar times. So, she stepped in to help and worked with Ben and the CIA to offer up quite the ruse. One that allowed for Nomad to sneak away and find safety in the West, so that Ben could leap to destination unknown, since we didn’t get a sampling of his next leap in this story.

Which is fine, because that adds a little mystery to the story, and lets us reflect on a very bold move for this franchise. Because just like that… we have a love story on our hands, and an epic one at that. Where Hannah can recognize Ben with minimal effort, and well… you just don’t see this kind of love affair in time travel and sci-fi stories akin to this, all that often, and it is a nice change of pace. Since it adds a little more to the story, and mixes things up now and again, and it also leaves us wondering… what the endgame is with Hannah. After all, one does not just introduce a love story this powerful without having something greater in mind, and truly… it will be interesting to see where this, and THAT revelation at the very end of the story, will take us… when Quantum Leap returns from its winter break. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 304 of ‘Slow Horses’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
It truly is quite amazing, how season three of Slow Horses on Apple TV+, has packed in so many surprises. After all, the season opened up with an ugly attack on Slough House. Making it seem as though an old enemy had returned to make their lives hell, only to reveal… that it was a grandiose test to get at MI5 to bring the private sector into the intelligence industry. Which in turn, gave way to more nefarious surprises. Such as the fact that Sean Donovan was eager to see the Grey Books and look into grand conspiracies for reasons that weren’t quite clear, and he was ready to shed blood as necessary to make that happen, and well… the surprises just keep on coming regarding this season.

A feat that this week’s episode, ‘Uninvited Guests’, accomplished, by way of Tearney, and the stunning decision she made. In that, she decided to fight fire with fire and make the Ministry look the fools. Simply by giving Donovan and the Tiger Team what they wanted. Granted, she needed there to be an escort for such a mission, which was why she asked Jackson Lamb to be that man, and he of course… staunchly refused. Because he had a feeling she’d try and burn him in such a move, and it was best to just leave it be and move along… and he was right to think in that particular manner. But more on that later. Because as Tearney worked to figure out who would be the escort to embarrass the brass, Donovan revealed his true intentions regarding the Grey Books to Standish.

In that… everything he was doing, revolved around Alison and her untimely passing. For he was convinced that she was killed by MI5, and that whatever she was planning to share with the world was what got her killed. And he was simply using the Grey Books as cover to get into that facility so he could finally learn what Alison learned and bring justice to her passing, and the whole reason he wanted Standish, is because she knew where he could find the files in question. And once she learned that this was about justice and a family matter, she offered up a tiny clue to help them accomplish their mission. All of which was quite surprising. Since this made it clear this was a personal mission for Sean, one that was finally coming to fruition for him, and the surprises didn’t end there.

Because eventually, Tearney was able to find her escort. For she called River, and of course spoke to this being an opportunity for redemption for him, since the whole mess at the Park loomed large over his head. So, after some consideration and conference with his grandad, who had another slippage moment… he opted to go for it. After all, it would get Standish back, and settle some sour scores at the Park, and so he and Louisa made their way to the document facility with Donovan in tow, thinking they would simply get in and get out, and execute the final part of Tearney’s plan. Which was to arrest Donovan with a bevy of Chieftain officers once the mission was complete, and that simple setup, led to the most stunning moments of the hour.
​
For while the Chieftain team was being assembled, complete with the other hostage, who escaped the clutches of the Tiger Team, and while Lamb and Roddy were off to rescue Standish of their own accord, Tearney came to learn what Donovan was really up to, thanks to her conversations with River. Which prompted her to open up the file on Alison, and confirm to the audience, that she was indeed assassinated and harbored an incredible secret that MI5 wanted to keep a secret. Which prompted Tearney to ask River’s arch enemies in MI5, to clean house. Putting River and Louisa in grave danger while reaffirming Jackson’s hesitation to skip the mission and reason for offering his light warning to River about taking part in it… and that’s about as stunning as it gets. Since such a move informs us that Tearney is on a power play and ready to remove any assets she deems necessary to showcase her ability to be the right choice to run MI5.

Which is of course, a stunning betrayal and a cruel one at that. Because River and Louisa were just doing their jobs and have ZERO knowledge of what’s going on. But clearly, Tearney is all about being cutthroat and brutal to make her way forward in the business and that sets some high stakes for the final two episodes of season three. But while we wait to see what comes next from this hideous double cross, we really can celebrate one brilliant and surprising tale. Because it really didn’t seem as though Donovan was doing much outside of poking the bear for revenge, when in fact, he’s ready to spill secrets, and Tearney really crossed some lines here in showing her true colors and well… all we can do now is wait impatiently for resolution and more hardships, since Slough House has a tough fight ahead. Until next time.

To learn more about season three of ‘Slow Horses’ and it was means to Actor Jack Lowden, who plays River Cartwright on the show, check out our interview with him, here.

It wasn’t that long ago, that we talked at length about how there are some frustrations we harbor regarding streaming. In that, sometimes, we need to have a subscription to a network not in our lineup to see something we love or used to watch on the regular airwaves for free. Simply because we hope to share in that story with others by showing it to them, and there’s just a little bit of irritation that accompanies that. But some companies are making a point to remedy that, specifically, Apple TV+.
​
For they recently streamed the Thanksgiving classic, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, for free just before the holiday hit so families could partake in its wonder, and well, they’re going to go that route again. For Apple TV+ recently announced they will stream the Holiday classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas for free this upcoming weekend. So that once again, families can enjoy the wonder of a true classic, and to properly pay this wonderful announcement respect, here are all the details regarding this streaming event, courtesy of Apple TV+.

‘Deck the halls with “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” a must-watch staple during the holiday season, exclusively on Apple TV+. Subscribers can access the special all year round and non-subscribers can enjoy a free window to stream the spirited holiday classic on Apple TV+ Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17. 
 
In this adored Peanuts special, feeling down about the commercialism of Christmas, Charlie Brown becomes the director of the gang's holiday play. Can he overcome his friends’ preference for dancing over acting, find the “perfect” tree, and discover the true meaning of Christmas? 
  
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 392 wins and 1,579 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.” 
 
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*’

It is definitely safe to say that 2023 has been quite the bittersweet year for television. Simply because some hard choices have been made and some beloved television shows have been cancelled due to a various number of reasons. Yet at the same time, there are other wonderful shows that have survived. Giving us hope for a tomorrow where more of our favorites continue along. But alas, it would seem the bittersweet nature and uncertain state that television is in right now, will continue into early 2024.
​
For earlier, STARZ announced that while the hit and acclaimed series, Hightown, will be returning to the airwaves on January 26, 2024, for its third season… that same season… will also be its final season. Bringing to a close three incredible years of writing and acting from a cast and writers’ room that offered up bold and gritty stories that took our breath away. But to ease some of the sting of the end of this amazing show, STARZ did make sure to release some first-look photos from the third and final season, and all the details on season three, and to help you adjust to a world without Hightown, here are those pictures, those details and bonus ‘Catch-Up’ reel/reminder.

‘STARZ announced today that the riveting crime drama “Hightown” will premiere for a third and final season on Friday, January 26, 2024. Return to the Cape one final time and reunite with the explosive Jackie Quiñones (Monica Raymund) on her battle to overcome her addictions as she unravels the intricacies of the drug and crime underworld. All roads lead to Jackie, but for her, redemption never comes clean.

STARZ also released first-look images teasing the long-awaited return of “Hightown.” This season, when the bad guys and corruption arise from all sides, everyone will face a deep reckoning. Beliefs and loyalties will be tested, and Jackie will have to learn to stand by herself and for what she believes in.

The third and final season of “Hightown” is set to premiere on Friday, January 26, 2024, at midnight ET on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms. On linear, it will debut on STARZ on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 9 PM ET/PT in the U.S and Canada. New episodes will be available to stream weekly on Fridays at midnight on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms, and will air weekly on the STARZ linear platform. The first season of “Hightown” will be made available in front of the paywall on the STARZ app from January 3, 2024, to February 5, 2024.
 
Monica Raymund (Bros, “Chicago Fire,” “The Good Wife”), James Badge Dale (“24,” The Departed), Riley Voelkel (“Roswell, New Mexico,” “The Originals”), Amaury Nolasco (“Prison Break,” “Deception”), Atkins Estimond (“The Resident,” “Lodge 49”) and Dohn Norwood (“Mindhunter,” “The Sinner”) return in their previous roles. Imani Lewis (Eighth Grade, “First Kill”) Mark Boone Junior (“Sons of Anarchy,” “Paradise City”) and Mike Pniewski (“Madam Secretary”) return in recurring roles while Ana Nogueira (“The Vampire Diaries”), Taja V. Simpson (“The Oval”), Michael Drayer (“Mr. Robot,” “Sneaky Pete”), Garret Dillahunt (12 Years a Slave, “Deadwood”), and Jeanine Serralles (Inside Llewyn Davis, The Woman in the Window) all guest star.
 
“Hightown” is created and executive produced by Rebecca Cutter (“The Hunting Wives,” “Gotham”) executive producing with Jerry Bruckheimer (Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Top Gun: Maverick, “CSI” franchise), Jonathan Littman (“Lucifer,” “The Amazing Race,” “CSI” franchise), KristieAnne Reed (“Lucifer,” “CSI: Vegas”) from Jerry Bruckheimer Television; Ellen H. Schwartz (Sicario, The Princess Diaries), Gary Lennon (“Power Book IV: Force,” “Euphoria”) and Tim Walsh (“Chicago PD”) also serve as executive producers. “Hightown” is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer Television and Lionsgate Television for STARZ.  
 
About “Hightown” Season Three
Fishery Service Agent Jackie Quiñones is off the wagon and off the force in the final season of “Hightown,” but that doesn’t stop her from careening into the dark underbelly of picture-perfect Cape Cod to save a missing woman and a murdered sex worker. Meanwhile, her former colleagues Ray Abruzzo and Alan Santille are focused on taking down drug syndicates, but despite their best efforts, the drugs keep flowing. This attracts Shane Frawley, a gangster from Boston looking to cut himself in on the Cape's drug trade - and making an enemy of Osito while he's at it. Alliances are made and old loyalties are questioned in this beautiful but corrupt place where nothing is as it seems.
 
Follow “Hightown” on Social
Instagram: @hightown | @STARZ
Facebook:  @HightownSTARZ | @STARZ
Join the conversation with #Hightown and #STARZ
 
About STARZ
STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company.
 
About Jerry Bruckheimer Television
Jerry Bruckheimer Television is one of the most successful production companies in the history of the medium, with innovative and powerful storytelling that establishes new benchmarks in programming excellence. Jerry Bruckheimer Television’s series have included “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “CSI: Miami,” “CSI: NY,” “CSI: VEGAS,” “Cold Case,” “Without a Trace,” “Lucifer,” and the 10-time Emmy® Award winner “The Amazing Race.” With close to 2,000 episodes produced, the company’s shows have garnered 140 Emmy® nominations and 23 wins.
 
About Lionsgate
Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium global subscription platform to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world. The Company's film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by an 18,000-title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Primo’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
We firmly believe in this life, that spending time with family is what makes the bond between family members stronger, and there is merit to that. Because we’re sharing space with special people and making incredible memories with them along the way. So, it stands to reason having everyone in the same room truly does build that bond. But the truth is, it isn’t just family vacations and big dinners that really build that bond and make us closer. Sometimes… time apart actually helps with that, since it gives us time to reflect on the wonder of family, and sometimes… separate time with specific family members builds those bonds, as evidenced by the next episode of Primo on Amazon Freevee.

For ‘The Recruitment Fair’ featured a big weekend day for the family. For Ray was out of town, and Ryan had an important client coming in, and Rollie was going to help Mondo at the Flea Market with his wooden phallus business, and Rafa was heading to the school with Mike to get some recruiting done and to get some facetime with Mister Perkins to impress and well… that led to some unique bonding moments for sure. Because Rollie came to understand that his brother wasn’t always keen to stand up for himself and that needed to change. Because he was a good man that deserved better, so when a former friend bullied Mondo around, Rollie not only pushed for Mondo to fight back, but inspired him to take that to a new whole new, urine-soaked level. All because he cared for his brother and wanted to see him succeed, and they bonded over that. 

As for Rafa and Mike, well their bonding went a little differently. Mainly because… Rafa wasn’t paying attention to anything he was supposed to be doing to help his brother out. He wanted nothing more than to impress Mister Perkins and really make it clear that he was the right guy for his daughter and could make her happy, and that led… to a lot of tough work for Mike. Because he had to run a busy booth, one that collapsed while Rafa did his best to impress. Which hurt Mike a bit because he thought this was about being together. But when Mike realized it was about a grown-up moment for Rafa, he realized what his Primo needed on this day… was support from him and he put in a good word and helped Rafa to understand it would all be okay. Giving rise to a lovely bond for these two, one that informed Rafa, Mike knew exactly when to put his interests aside to help him out.

But there was mention that alone time does a lot for the bond too, and that was explored via Ryan and Drea. Because Ryan spent his day hoping to find true love courtesy of a customer that had sound finances and was expected to drop by that day. But she didn’t, and that left him sorrowful and able to understand, sometimes he needs his family around him, or perhaps… a chosen family member to help him see his folly. Giving rise to a need for that bond. And as for Drea, well she simply enjoyed her time in silence. For she does a lot for the family and being able to watch some television and even work on her amazing new romance novel, did a lot to strengthen her bonds. Because while she enjoyed her day, she came to realize when everyone got home… she missed her family and absence definitely helped her want to be near them more.

If anything, this was just a very sweet tale when all is said and done. One that really did showcase how those special days hanging with a sibling or being away from the folks that matter, does wonders for the bond that we share with them. But while this episode was quite sweet, make no mistake about it… it was also downright hilarious. Because Drea’s novel was basically the stuff of legend with its incredible titles and its reveal that Drea has a massive crush on Usher, and Mondo’s clap back… or… pee back… was just amazing. As was the return of his d*ck statues because those are just so outrageous and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this wondrous and fun tale… the time has come to turn our attention to quite the important story, the season finale. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Wilderness’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
We genuinely like to believe that we can keep incredible secrets from everyone in this life, and understandably so. After all, we know those close to us, and we know what makes them tick and what brings them comfort and quells their curiosity. So, if by chance we need to conceal, we think we can make that happen. But alas, it doesn’t take long for us to learn, that understanding goes both ways, and that means our loved ones can see through our tricks and they will want to know why we’re being different and what we might be hiding and that can lead… to some tough and heartbreaking moments as evidenced by the next episode of Wilderness on Prime Video.

For ‘Like Mother, Like Daughter’ saw Caryl settle into family life with her daughter and son-in-law, despite just showing up unannounced and well, she was here for one reason and one reason alone. She knew something was wrong with Liv, and she knew it had something to do with Will. But Liv of course, put on the show and made great efforts to keep any affair a secret and any troubles a secret. Which for a time… worked. Since mom seemingly believed what her daughter had to say and really did make efforts to calmly spend time with her. But alas, mom was just biding her time, looking for little things before springing traps and making efforts to find out exactly what Will did to upset the balance.

In fact, she was so hellbent on finding out the truth, she sent Liv and Will out for a nice dinner, so she could raid the apartment and find evidence that Will was in fact, a shady and gross husband, and she did… and that brought about… quite the battle between mother and daughter. Wherein old truths and new truths were revealed, and we quickly learned that the women in Liv’s family have dealt with infidelity often in their lives, and it was the source of contention and division between mother and daughter, and Caryl’s decision to do this… brought forth a new void. One that Caryl tried to seal by threatening to go to the cops with photos she found of Cara unless Liv came home and left Will behind and well… that brought about… a need to tell the real truth. 

Because there was no more hiding the truth from one another… they both knew that lies were being kept, dangerous ones that would escalate and cause harm. But while it was fascinating to see the process work and be reminded of how we cannot hide truth from family, Liv’s actions to begin with, brought about consequences in this tale. For Garth was of course in jail, for some time in fact as the police tried to garner a confession out of him. But eventually the lack of evidence set him free, and the lack of support from Will and Liv, prompted him to do something awful. For while Liv was confronting Will about those photos she snagged from her mother in the end, who were of someone else he slept with, Garth came in and well… tried to kill everyone. Because he snapped in essence, and wanted closure through them, and forced Liv to defend herself, putting her down a darker path.

One that she will now have to answer to since there’s no hiding what she’s done. Which should bring forth, a powerful conclusion to this story. Wherein Liv has to figure out how to navigate her life with all of this darkness hanging over her head… if she can for that matter. For change will never come to Will’s heart, and now she has two deaths on her hands and that might be too much to recover from. And all of that came forth via a fascinating episode, one that also hammered home that we cannot escape from what we’ve done no matter how hard we try, and truly, it will be fascinating to see how this all comes to a close, now that the past and one poor decision has brought Liv’s world tumbling to the ground. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Bosch: Legacy’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
One particular aspect of crime themed storytelling that has gone a bit of the wayside in the past few years, is serialized storytelling. For so many crime stories, particularly on television, are eager to basically offer up… a criminal of the week. Wherein the intrepid investigator or investigators immerse themselves in a nasty crime and solve it promptly before moving onto the next one. Which while thrilling and fun, detracts from what we truly love about crime stories. In that, we do enjoy getting to know said investigator(s) and see them learn and grow from their cases and see them handle consequences for some of the choices they make in solving them. For that adds incredible depth to the story. 

But thankfully, there are still some crime shows that enjoy exploring such matters, one of which is Bosch: Legacy on Amazon Freevee, as evidenced by its next episode. For ‘Inside Man’ picked up four months after the whole mess with Carl Rogers and Dockwieiler to see how everyone was getting on in the wake of those dark days, and well… life was slowly returning to normal for everyone. After all, Maddie was doing her best to heal and made a point to get back to work to try and find some semblance of normalcy. And she even was moving her relationship along and getting back into the field. Simply because she needed to feel as though she was contributing and doing right by the badge she wore, and it was nice to see that she was slowly making her way back to her idea of normal.

Not to mention, Honey and Harry managed to come together for another fascinating case. This time involving the brutal murder of a Sheriff’s Deputy’s wife, which required some scrutiny since the man being accused of this crime… did not fit the profile of a killer. Not to mention there was no crossover between, he and the victim, and no ties in general, and well... this was definitely a case that became more complex for everyone, including the audience, as the hour rolled along. Simply because we came to learn, that there is a web of deception surrounding this case, as though someone wants a patsy to take the fall for this killing. Which more or less set up the case for the rest of the season and found a way to bring together Honey and Bosch again. 

Which of course, is more of a bridge plotline, and that’s okay, because we need to prepare for what lies ahead. But there was mention that these types of stories feature consequences, and Bosch and Honey definitely ran into those. For the FBI came calling to Honey’s office, simply because Carl Rodgers’ body was finally discovered in that cargo container, and there were concerns about the explosion at the fuel line back in season one. And well, they wanted answers, and they wanted justice and that put this duo in quite the perilous place. Simply because they were now being watched, and there was a mole in their midst since it was discovered that Matthew Ramirez, one of Honey’s employees, was feeding intelligence to the Feds. All of which meant, trouble was on the horizon for this duo, the kind that was their own doing. 

After all, they did break quite a few laws, and they did indeed influence the end of Rogers. Which means, they will have to pull off some magic in order to not go to jail and that will undoubtedly be one of the big focuses of the weeks to come. But before we worry about all of that, we need to celebrate, one flawless tale. For this story really did a wonderful job of giving us some ‘what comes next’ moments, the kind that saw growth and a push toward tomorrow, and the past coming back to haunt others. Which is about as realistic as it gets, and exactly what we want from a crime story in this vein and truly… it will be interesting to see what else Maddie does to heal, what comes out of that odd case and if Harry and Honey can avoid the scrutinous eyes of the Feds, as season two of this magnificent series continues along. Until next time.