​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías)’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
Truly, few shows in 2024 have managed to continually surprise us in the manner that You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías)’ has managed to. Courtesy of the fact that twists and turns are the very fabric of this Apple TV+ series, and that’s led to moments that outright take our breath away. But it seemed at the end of last week’s episode, that the show was done shocking us at every turn. For the truth was in hand now, and no one cared, and Fran left the force and well, the next episode in this story reinforced the very real possibility that we were done being shocked and something new was about to be introduced to us. 

For ‘Free Again’ took place weeks after the case came to a close, and interest in it was waning and life was getting back to normal for the people that committed epic crimes on the bus. In fact, we were able to see them in their private lives, trying to pick up the pieces, and even Fran was working to adjust to life as a civilian. Leaving us to wonder if the story was going to explore how one moves forward on such matters. But alas, that was the mere setup for more surprises, the kind that set the stage for an explosive season finale. All courtesy of the fact, that Jandro was eager to make some money by giving the news his explosive account of the story, with some truths that no one else knew. Making it seem as though everyone was going down for their crimes, or so we thought.

Because one fine day, while Fran was preparing to enjoy the wonder of video games, Manuel and Marga dropped by his place because they were scared. Scared they were being watched and scared they were about to be put under harm. Which Fran ignored because that made no sense. They had their money back, and everyone of note in the case that could cause harm was dead or disappeared. But what this duo had to say, made it clear that was not the case. Because… once again… lies were told to Fran and Rebeca, the kind that covered up a more heinous truth. In that, the real robbers were not killed on that fateful night. In fact, those were the real heroes of the robbery, and that the true crooks… were embedded inside the victim’s circle all along.

For Manuel let it be known that the three people that died on that night, were in fact, airport security agents. Who were just trying to get home like anyone else. But that Balter, Elisa and Miren were in fact… the robbers. Whose plans went south. In part because Dante stepped up to get his gear and run, but also because… those security guards stood tall and tried to diffuse the situation. But of course, that failed, and Elisa brought down the three of them, and then used their deaths and the evidence available to blackmail everyone on that bus into shutting their mouths and playing along. All so this trio could get away with the perfect crime, and they threatened everyone with pain and suffering if they talked and they made good on that threat. 

Because in order to keep Jandro quiet, they ran him over with a car and well, all of this led to another stunning chapter in this tale. One that truly did find a way to surprise and keep the fascinating plot introduced here alive and well and as engaging as ever. For three innocents that we thought were suffering through survivor’s remorse… were in fact, monsters. The kind that had no problem causing harm and are not who they seem and that truly sets the stage for an epic finale. Because now, Fran is in a tough spot. For he’s no longer police but he is clearly disturbed by what he learned in this tale, and he has to figure out whether or not to report this and do the right thing or let it be since he turned in his badge, and it will be interesting to see how this revelation and this case come to resolution during next week’s season finale. Until next time.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 209 of ‘Shrinking’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
There are a great many reasons that people eagerly tune into the hit Apple TV+ series, Shrinking. For starters, this is that rare series that shows grief and trauma in the raw, since we are privy to moments that are just painfully relatable and really speak to what it means to hurt. But the show also is taking the time to show us how to heal, courtesy of characters we love and are now deeply attached to. But of all the reasons we tune in to enjoy this show, there is one above all that we share in. In that, this series also goes above and beyond by showing us… what it looks like when we heal and who we become when the wounds in our soul close, and that was once again on display in this week’s episode.

A feat that ‘Full Grown Dude Face’ accomplished by way of three key journeys. One of which, involved Brian. Who got the good news that a mother was interested in them, and another couple in being the parents of her baby and well, Brian basically freaked out. Because his nerves and his desire to be accepted, made him nervous that he would blow this and say all the wrong things. So, he sought everyone’s counsel to do this right, and well… when the time came… when he took a moment to breathe and relax, he was the charming man we know he can be. Which was growth for certain and a step forward in healing from his own little long-term proclivities. Because he overcame them to be his authentic self, and that was a delight, despite the sad outcome. Since the mom to be went with the other couple.

As for the second journey, well that involved Gaby. Who also got some urgent news in this tale. In that, her sister was planning on joining the army as quickly as possible. Which meant, there was no three-month window to prepare for a future where she cared for their mother. It was on the horizon and well, old Gaby would have struggled and done silly things. But since she’s grown and taken agency and come to understand the world as it is and her own emotions… she owned her sister’s decision and made good on her word. Which brought her mother into her home, and it was just great to see Gaby find such strength and agency and really stand on her own two feet in this story after spending so much time relying upon others to give her strength.  

But the centerpiece story here involved Jimmy and Alice. For Jimmy wanted to begin to atone for his mistakes as a father, and Alice wanted to find peace and comfortability in life without feeling haunted by her mother’s death and both found measures of growth regarding that here. Since Jimmy did an amazing job of being a dad. All by giving Alice what she needed emotionally to find her agency and find her peace. Which led to moments for Jimmy where he finally felt as though he was a good father after all, and was making it up his little girl, and where Alice finally started to step beyond her grief, and that was just incredible to watch play out, and it was heartwarming and charming as well… and really reminded us why we watch stories about grief and trauma and healing.

Because it is these moments that inspire us to put in the work. To heal. To find peace. Because it can be done and it does give rise to a better tomorrow, where we aren’t crying into a pillow or staring at the ceiling begging for the pain to stop. Where we instead, smell the crisp air and know we are lucky to be alive and enjoying the moment, and that made for one amazing episode. For it did showcase that things get better, and while the rest of the season may not be so perky and joyful, that’s okay. Because this show is teaching us that healing is peaks and valleys, and to enjoy the highs while we can, for they get us through the tough days and teach us how to make every day feel like that, and it will be interesting to see where this growth takes these amazing characters, as we inch toward the end of season two of this magnificent series. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 303 of ‘Night Court’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
It is definitely safe to say, that the latest chapter in the Night Court saga on NBC, it’s delightful new-boot, truly embodies the best aspects of the franchise. For it offers up tender storytelling that has depth and wonder, something that was a staple of the original series, and it of course… is downright hilarious, like what came before it. Courtesy of quality jokes and quality writing that allows for us to enjoy some good laughs in these trying times, and as evidenced by last night’s episode… it also knows when to do something that the classic series was also good at. Which is, to just sometimes let loose and embrace the comedy and embrace the zany.

For the franchise is littered with episodes that are just off the wall funny and well, a problem in New York City allowed for ‘The Hole Truth’ to bring forth some wacky comedy. For the Big Apple was in the midst of a sanitation worker strike and the garbage was piling up, and well, that meant trash and weird behavior was everywhere to be found, the kind that Julianne wanted to take advantage of. Because she knew a few things about trash, such as how the right kinds of medication when expired, could offer up wonders untold for people that don’t quite like the company of other people, like she and Dan. Since it could dull one’s sense of smell and allow them to walk about a trash filled paradise, one that was empty because everyone was staying indoors to avoid the stench. Which was an idea that Dan loved and that allowed for these professional frenemies to bond. 

But while they were going about their scent-less tour of the Big Stinkle, Abby was dealing with quite the twist in the courtroom. Because it was surprisingly clean and that was because the janitorial staff, led by an individual named Bert, had a special method in which to dispose of the garbage present in the courthouse. In that, in the depths of the courthouse, was a giant freakin’ hole. One that was an abyss of sorts and where all the trash went. Which of course, took Abby off guard because logic dictated that it had to go somewhere or could cause a problem and well, challenging the hole’s wonder, set Bert off and prompted her and her team to join the strike. Which brought about mountains of trash in the courthouse and desperate times for all. Where Flobert and Gurgs devised some unique plans for getting the garbage out. The kind that involved balloons and hope.

Not to mention it strained Julianne and Dan’s newfound friendship and it also left Abby curious. Because in reality, she didn’t really say anything all that mean or nasty, so she believed that something deeper was happening here. As though there was undue stress on Bert and well, what better way to find that out… than by digging through Bert’s trash? Wherein she learned that Bert’s prized alligator, Todd, died, and well… she wondered if perhaps a nice gesture would solve the crisis at hand, and that prompted Abby to honor Todd in a beautiful manner. By holding a memorial for that wonderful alligator, wherein Todd was tossed down the hole, as that gator always would have wanted. Which made Bert quite happy and prompted her to end the strike. Which brought balance back to the courthouse if only for a moment. Mainly because Todd snapped a power line on the long way down, causing a citywide blackout.

But what mattered more was that unity was back in the courthouse and Dan and Julianne found a new way to enjoy a bustling metropolis without people around, since they could wander the darkness, and all of this brought forth, one hilarious and wild and wacky episode. Because this one was just plain over the top, and it was amazing to say the least. Because every single moment and twist and decision was as funny as can be, and it also doesn’t hurt that Betsy Sodaro, this week’s guest star, brought a special energy and quirkiness to Bert that helped sell the wild nature of one fun story. One that reminds us that this series can do it all, and it will be interesting to see what other wacky adventures await us in Night Court, as season three of this magnificent series rolls along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘The Irrational’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
There is a fascinating evolution taking place in the hit NBC series, The Irrational. In that, every single episode in season two is offering us so much more than what we are accustomed to with this series. For now, that everything is established in this series, it is taking the time to dive deeper into the characters we already know and love and explore what makes them tick and drives them. Giving rise to powerful moments and growth that we simply cannot get enough of, and the show is even adding to its already unique hook. In that, we are no longer just getting one generalized lesson regarding what makes us irrational in a singular episode, but we are being treated to multiple explorations. 

Which is allowing for us to learn about the human condition like never before and for proof… well just look at last night’s midseason finale. For ‘Stan By Me’ provided Rose and Alec with quite the unique case involving a K-Pop star named Yoonie, who was being accused of murder. For she found the body of a superfan she had a past with, and was covered in that’s fan blood and all signs pointed to her being the killer. But of course, through Alec and Rose’s amazing, paired skill set, and Riz’s love of K-Pop, they were able to prove that her manager was the one responsible for cold-blooded murder, mainly because he had secrets to hide of the embezzlement kind and well, it was everything that led to the resolution and truth of this matter, that showcased those enhanced aspects of the show.

For instance, Yoonie kept a lot of secrets, because she was filled to the brim with fear. Fear that her label would come after her, fear that truths about her life that she wanted kept quiet, and the label wanted kept quiet, would come to light. So, she lied and did so because fear really does make us irrational, and it was fascinating to see that play out here. And of course, her manager and his decision to steal mountains of money from his star talent, made it clear that greed is something that can make us irrational. Especially when we don’t want that gravy train to end, since the superfan was about to expose him for his dirty deeds, and that was a lot to examine, but it was welcome, and it truly painted a powerful picture of the human condition in its irrational state.

But there was mention of character growth here, the kind that went above and beyond, and that was mostly handled through our new favorite power couple on television and Marisa. Who finally met her new boss and immediately struggled to find common ground with her, mainly because the new boss had ideas that fade from most of our minds with time. Since she was all about work life balance and let’s be honest… we eventually abandon that when we dive deep into our careers. But rather than fight and resist and create chaos, Marisa took good advice from Kylie about being a little more open with the new boss, so they could find common ground and work together. Which is a powerful moment of growth that not everyone holds to, and our power couple only added to the wonder of that.

Since they were open and honest here about their feelings and had real discussions about real problems and concerns that some would ignore and push past. All of which reminded us that communication is a big deal and goes far in this life, and well… all of this made for a supremely unique midseason finale. Simply because most finales are grandiose in scope and feature some kind of epic cliffhanger or stunner of a moment. But this… this was just business as usual, and it was glorious. Since we love these characters, we love learning about the human condition and going this route informs us, one can enter the winter break on a wholesome note, courtesy of next level storytelling that gives the audience what it wants, and now we can patiently wait for more of this magnificent series, when it returns in 2025. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say, that fans of the magnificent new STARZ series, Sweetpea, have been a touch nervous since the season one finale. Mainly because, everyone has been dying to know if that epic cliffhanger was going to serve as the series finale for the saga, or if this show would receive a second season order and resolve that and perhaps have Rhiannon face some consequences for her actions. Because she did some awful things in the name of agency, and has yet to truly atone for them, and well… after a few weeks of unease, STARZ put any concerns we have about THAT moment being the end, to rest.
​
For they let it be known that Sweetpea is going to be granted a second season after all. Wherein we can see how Rhiannon’s sister responds to the horrible sight she will soon see in the kitchen, and of course… what will become of Rhiannon now that she escaped any accountability for the other murders she committed, and of course… to see if real redemption is in the cards for her. And to properly celebrate this magnificent news, here are all the details on the show’s season two renewal, courtesy of STARZ.

‘Sky and STARZ announce that ‘coming-of-rage’ Sky Original comedy thriller “Sweetpea” will return for a second killer season. “Sweetpea” is produced by See-Saw Films and fanboy in association with Sky Studios.

Season 2 will see Rhiannon Lewis return with a vengeance as her killer secret continues to spiral, and she becomes more twisted than ever.
 
Executive producer and star Ella Purnell said, “Being part of Rhiannon’s coming-of-rage journey has been a career highlight for me, and to see fans engage with and relate to our oddball Rhiannon, in all her complexity, feels truly special. I cannot wait for audiences to see what she does next. Stay tuned.”
 
Season 1 of “Sweetpea” is available to watch on Sky and streaming service NOW in the U.K. and on STARZ in the U.S. and Canada.

Meghan Lyvers, Executive Director of Original Scripted, Sky UK & Ireland said, “‘Sweetpea’ is a highly original, character-driven show, led by the fantastic Ella Purnell, which has captivated audiences around the world. Fans have binged this unique, darkly comic thriller and they can’t wait to see what Rhiannon will do next. Alongside our producing partners at See-Saw Films, and STARZ in the U.S., we are thrilled to bring this gem of a show back for a second series.”

“Ella Purnell’s killer performance captured the journey of a woman finally finding her voice, and we’re thrilled with the response from critics and viewers” said Alison Hoffman, President, STARZ Networks. ‘Sweetpea’s’ unique take on female agency is a perfect complement to STARZ’s slate of programming for women. We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Sky Studios and Ella Purnell in bringing another season of this addictive series to U.S. audiences.”

Patrick Walters, Executive Producer See-Saw Films and fanboy said, “Making ‘Sweetpea’ has been the most exhilarating of rollercoaster rides, and we’re so excited to be partnering again with Sky Studios, and to have STARZ back as the show's U.S. home for Season 2. Rhiannon already feels like an iconic character and See-Saw and fanboy can’t wait to get back into the world of the show with the powerhouse that is Ella Purnell."

NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution handles international sales of the series on behalf of Sky Studios.

About “Sweetpea”
Rhiannon Lewis doesn’t make much of an impression - people walk past her in the street without a second glance. She’s continually overlooked for a promotion at work, the guy she likes won’t commit, and her dad is really, really sick. So far, so shit. Then everything in her life is turned upside down, and Rhiannon is pushed over the edge. She snaps. Suddenly the wallflower is gone, and in its place is a young woman capable of anything… Rhiannon’s life transforms as she steps into a new, intoxicating power, but can she keep her killer secret?

About Sky Studios
Sky Studios is the home of Sky Original Drama and Comedy. We develop, commission and produce unmissable programming for Sky’s customers across Europe. Our teams partner with the best indies and talent globally, to drive creative excellence and tell original stories that are loved by audiences the world over. Our Sky Originals include Emmy-nominated hit, Gangs of London, BAFTA-winning comedy, Brassic, Mary & George, starring Julianne Moore, The Day of the Jackal, with Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch, M. Son of the Century, directed by Joe Wright and Small Town, Big Story, created by Chris O’Dowd. Alongside Sky Original Comedy and Drama, Sky Studios is home to an in-house Factual development and production team, and some of the world’s most exciting production companies including Blast! Films, True North and Love Productions. We also operate Sky Studios Elstree, the UK’s newest film and TV studio with 13 sound stages, representing a significant investment in the UK and European creative economy.

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 See-Saw Films
See-Saw Films is an Academy Award®, Emmy and BAFTA-winning television and film production house, founded in 2008 by Joint CEOs Emile Sherman and Iain Canning. The innovative production company is made up of an industry-leading team across offices in London and Sydney, with Helen Gregory and Simon Gillis as Joint Managing Directors, and Liz Watts as Head of Television and Film, Australia. See-Saw Films projects have been nominated for 30 Academy Awards® and won 5, nominated for 58 BAFTAs and won 15, nominated for 37 Emmys and won 13 and nominated for 98 AACTAs and won 27. See-Saw titles include Jane Campion’s Academy Award® winning The Power Of The Dog; BAFTA and Emmy-nominated Slow Horses for Apple TV+; BAFTA Award winning Lion; Emmy-winning Heartstopper for Netflix; and the Academy Award® Best Picture-winning The King’s Speech. Projects currently in production include TV series Apple Cider Vinegar for Netflix, and further seasons of Slow Horses for Apple TV+. See-Saw are in partnership with Michael Ende Productions to develop and produce live action films adapted from Michael Ende’s novel The Neverending Story. See-Saw has also recently optioned several literary titles including the West End hit Shifters by Benedict Lombe and the upcoming Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn. Projects recently released include Slow Horses season 4, Heartstopper S3, and Sweetpea for Sky, starring Ella Purnell. Alongside an in-house sales agency Cross City Films, See-Saw has two joint venture production companies, I Am That with creator/director Garth Davis (Lion), and Picking Scabs with writer/showrunner Samantha Strauss (The End); an in-house label fanboy run by Heartstopper executive producer Patrick Walters; and is an investor in Tom Winchester’s TV company, Pure Fiction, alongside talent agency Hamilton Hodell. Joint Founder and CEO Emile Sherman hosts See-Saw’s podcast, The Sandbox, which shines a light on the creative process through longform conversations with key creatives from See-Saw's productions alongside our lead in-house producer.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Three Premiere of ‘Dalgliesh’. To revisit the Season Two Finale, click here.
​
We are taught to believe that those who serve God and spread His word to the masses, are truly noble men. For they in essence, surrender everything worldly to ensure that they can properly serve the church and serve the people. Because they have been called by a higher power and must obey what the good Lord says and demands of them, and the consistent actions of these men, has helped to reinforce that belief. Since we have seen so many men of the cloth obey the edicts put upon them and work to do some good in their community. But what’s fascinating… is how that belief is beginning to falter collectively.

Simply because, we are beginning to learn that it is damn near impossible to ask human beings to surrender that which we are made of. Because we will crave and need those elements and that will prompt some, if not all in the church, to eventually succumb to those needs and get what they want. Which has brought forth shocking revelations for certain, the kind that have exposed the flawed nature of the church, and well, this has been a long time coming. Since those moments of weakness, which lead to shattered vows, has been quietly happening for some time now, as evidenced by the season three premiere of Dalgliesh on Acorn TV.

For ‘Death in Holy Orders’ brought Adam Dalgliesh and DS Daniel Tarrant to a distant church where the unthinkable had taken place. In that murder most foul was committed against not only a top man of the cloth, but another employee of the church, and well… that led to a fascinating investigation that exposed how the church is no different than the regular world. Because before the murders took place, the clergy in this building battled over money, and how badly they needed it, and the wild steps needed to fund a struggling church. All of which spoke to how such matters find their way into a place we don’t think would deal with such matters, and of course, it also spoke to a murder grounded in ideology. Wherein the church would stay pure and free of man’s trappings.

But as Adam and Daniel dug deeper, they came to understand… that the murders in this sacred place related to other issues. Such as greed, and the need to keep grand secrets. For in this holy temple, was an heir to the entire estate, one who unknowingly worked alongside his own estranged father, and dear old dad, hatched a strange plan to get rich and prove to his son his love. For if the right people died, his son would inherit the estate and could sell it and live large, and he could gently worm his way into that money. Provided of course, the mother in the matter kept quiet and through death, since she was the dead employee in question, she certainly did. And while justice was served, faith and belief in the cloth were shattered here and rightfully so. Since those acts kept with the theme.

Since we came to understand that priests do indeed struggle with letting go of a love of money, comfort, fatherhood, and darkness. Because they are in fact, human beings. They might serve God, yes, and His word, but they are people and fallible and the sooner we realize that the sooner we look at religion in a different and perhaps less controlling light. All of which came courtesy of a fascinating story. One that once again saw Adam carefully unravel the facts and use patience, kindness and intelligence to get to the bottom of things, and that is always welcome to see in this modern era of crime dramas where tech aids the savvy, and truly, it will be interesting to see what other unique cases await us in season three of this magnificent show. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘St. Denis Medical’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
It is definitely safe to say that we all have polarizing and varying views regarding the American Health Care system. For it does have its problems via soaring costs and outright greed from the companies that are in charge of keeping us healthy. Not to mention, it’s strange to live in a nation where one must wait for the approval of others to not have to pay tens of thousands of dollars for life-saving surgery. But it does have its upside. Because we do have technologies galore that can save lives, and medicines and vaccines that keep awful things at bay and what’s really impressive about the system… is how seamless its centers of healing, run.

Because think about it for a moment. When you get to a hospital for care, you don’t see people standing about waiting for something to do, nor do they appear bored and eager to go home. They’re working as one to save lives and make people feel better and that’s impressive. Because people don’t always work like that, and it does leave one to wonder… is it really that seamless? Do personal conflicts come into play and if so… how then do they come together? Well thankfully, St. Denis Medical on NBC continues to ponder upon those questions for us and answer them, as evidenced by last night’s delightful episode, ‘A Peanut and Caramel-Filled Miracle’. 

For this particular tale let us know… that no… synergy and harmony are not always the case in these places of healing. There are interpersonal conflicts abound and tough moments for the staff that go beyond the lives they save. For instance, Alex was tasked with firing a shoddy nurse who just wasn’t getting it, and she struggled with that because that wasn’t a skill in her wheelhouse and made her day rough. Plus, Dr. Ron and Dr. Bruce, let a simple misunderstanding escalate into machismo nonsense. The kind where Dr. Bruce went above and beyond to deny Dr. Ron his daily candy bar treat, and Matt… wanted some recognition from a patient for saving his life. All of which, are very real conflicts people would deal with in the workplace and in life and that… should have brought this hospital to its knees.

Since there was an incompetent nurse running around, two doctors acting like grown children and another nurse hounding someone for verbal hugs. Yet, this hospital continued to hum and thrive and that’s because… in this world… the people that work in a hospital are indeed working toward a noble cause… saving the lives of others, and nothing else matters, and they will put aside silly stuff to make sure that happens. Which was why Joyce stepped in and did the thing for Alex and why Bruce and Ron worked together seamlessly when a patient was in desperate need of help. And while Matt once again fumbled the ball by being too direct, he did learn the importance of his actions over personal gratitude and that’s growth in its own right. 

All of which made for another amazing episode of this show. Simply because it really did point out the wonder of hospitals and the best aspects of our flawed system. Because really, this is the focus of a hospital and time and time again, we hear about nurses and doctors just plunging into action and doing what has to be done so grandma gets more time with her family and so those of us ailing… can get the second chance we deserve, and it was just delightful to see this on display here, and of course… laugh along the way. Because the jokes just worked here, and blended together our world with one that we don’t fully understand but are starting to. Thanks to this brilliant series, and its wonderful insights regarding the world of medicine and the people who care for us when we are in need. Until next time.

Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek and synopsis of Episode Seven of You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías), which you can stream on Apple TV+ tomorrow!
 
Episode 107 - Free Again
Weeks go by and the media frenzy around the case quiets at last. Garza gets an unexpected visit from two of the passengers. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 110 of ‘Brilliant Minds’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
We are taught from a very early age, to handle healing in a very specific manner. In that, when we hurt, we need to suck it up and forge ahead. For pain, in any capacity is fleeting, and one should never feel it. So, we learn to push through it and if we cannot, we find new ways to and well, there are definite pros and cons of healing in this manner. On the plus side, it does show us what we are made of and what we can handle from a pain tolerance standpoint. Not to mention, it does teach us how to cope sometimes with the minor stuff that is worth shoving aside. But the cons, truly outweigh the pros. Because as mentioned, when we don’t get immediate results… we find ways to get what we want, and that is troublesome.

Because such a decision can bring about real problems down the line, the kind we will eventually have to face, as evidenced by the next episode of Brilliant Minds on NBC. Which ‘The First Responder’ showcased by way of an introduction to an EMT named Katie Rodriguez. Who was a regular at Bronx General and was suddenly in peril, physically. Because she passed out in front the ER and her health deteriorated quickly. Mainly because, she had caught a nasty case of meningitis, one that only made itself present in older individuals and that brought forth a health reckoning for Katie. One that showcased why we cannot just forge ahead when we are ill or injured and in need of healing.

For it was revealed that Katie took a bullet in the line duty, and pushed herself back to service ahead of schedule, and because she wasn’t ready… she opted to use steroids to function. To push through. Which made her immunocompromised and nearly cost her, her life. Which made it clear, while the world says we must shove ahead and be the rock and figure out how to heal… we cannot. We have to slow down, take the time to heal and reflect on our pain. For that is what gives us strength when we are ready and oddly enough, Dr. Wolf helped to showcase, that truth behind that statement. Since we learned about how he handled pain, of the emotional sort, and how he used to push through it in a negative manner. But Carol and time helped him to understand how to handle it better and how to prevent himself from slipping into old haunts, and he applied that here with positive results.

But while it was fascinating to learn this lesson, as is always the case, the show had more to offer us. For in between Katie’s journey and Wolf’s reflections, was a fascinating case involving a boy named Finn. Who we learned could not process pain at all, courtesy of Ericka’s keen observation skills regarding Van’s ability to empathize to pain, and that led to some fascinating lessons on how someone would recover from such physical apathy. Not to mention, we saw Van and Ericka make more effort in being together and it would seem the secret will soon be out regarding their affair, since Jacob stumbled upon a clue in his attempts to romance Ericka. And of course, we’d be remiss to not talk about Carol’s journey here. Since she not only had to confront her husband about his actions and suffer through some hard truth… but she had to try to save the life of the woman he’s been having an affair with, since she would not let go of Carol as a therapist… or the dark emotions this all brought forth.

All of which gave rise to a wonderful hybrid episode for the series. Since it featured the mystery cases we love and adore alongside the character studies we are learning to crave. Because the people that make up this universe are equally as compelling, and so like us and so fascinating in general and well, you simply cannot go wrong with a story that gives us both. Since it made for one compelling tale that left us with plenty to ponder upon and look forward to. Since it would seem that Josh and Oliver are really working toward something sustainable, and Carol is finding agency while Van, Ericka, Jacob and Dana keep working to find themselves, and it will be interesting to see how all this growth pays off as we inch toward the end of season one of this brilliant show. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’.
​
It is definitely safe to say that every Star Wars fan out there, shared in similar emotions the first time they settled in to watch a story told in a galaxy, far, far away. In that, they were in left in awe and with a real sense of wonder. Because it was just incredible to see a universe so rich and so diverse, where good and evil duked it out in a manner that defied the limits of our imagination, and that sense of awe and wonder extended well beyond our first viewing. For Star Wars basically infected our minds in the healthiest way possible. Since we quickly became obsessed with it and what it had to offer.

To the point where we held lightsaber duels with our friends, quoted our favorite lines and carried our lunchboxes to school proudly. Because those first days with the franchise simply unlocked something special in our imagination, and well… sadly… like all things in life that sense of wonder faded over time. Instead replaced with satisfaction and joy as we watched more and more Star Wars throughout the years, and we of course… have always wondered if by chance we can recreate just a taste of that feeling of our first experience with the franchise and believe it or not… we finally can. Courtesy of the latest offering from the franchise, which debuted on Disney+ last night, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.

A feat that ‘This Could Be a Real Adventure’ and ‘Way, Way Out Past the Barrier’ accomplished by transporting us to a special location and special time in the franchise. For this story takes place post Return of the Jedi, in the heart of the Outer Rim where pirates plague the trade routes and where… a group of kids on a cozy world are just doing their best to get by. Because Wim, Fern, KB, and Neel, don’t quite fit in and they often feel they are meant for more and well… they will get their chance to see what more looks like. For Wim comes to discover that hidden on his world, is a crashed starship, one that he and his friends manage to reactivate while aboard and soon… they find themselves lost in space and searching for home and all they have to help them is their salty ship droid SM-33, and potentially a mysterious pirate they meet along the way. 

All of which, offers up first and foremost, a vastly different kind of Star Wars story. For this one doesn’t quite harbor all the elements we are used to when it comes a story set in this galaxy. After all, the Empire is gone, the First Order is a mere thought, and others are battling Imperial Remnant. So, there’s no great evil for these kids to face. They’re just lost. They just want to go home and perhaps regale their family with tales of a galaxy beyond and that’s refreshing to see. Since it offers this story freedom, and a sense of adventure and fun. Not to mention, it lets comedic elements shine and above all, this newfound adventure allows for something quite magical to happen for the audience, especially those of us who have watched these stories for ages.
​
In that, it recreates that sense of awe and wonder, and the characters themselves help that come to life. Courtesy of the fact that Wim is enamored with stories of the Jedi, and the heroism they provided to the galaxy. In fact, we even see him and Neel get into lightsaber duels as we did as kids and truly… the thought of touching the stars and seeing the galaxy beyond, ignites that sense of awe and wonder we felt when we first watched the franchise, and that’s amazing. Because it is so hard to replicate a feeling that powerful, but we truly live vicariously through these kids and it really is quite the delight to feel as though we are starting a powerful journey for the first time and in many ways, we are. 

Simply because, the world that Wim and his friends inhabit has quite the mystery surrounding it, one that is new to the franchise. Not to mention, we have a bevy of questions regarding Jude Law’s character and his ties to the Force and of course… who doesn’t want to learn about the pirates that populate this place? Which means we are in for quite the adventure. One that is funny, charming and downright engaging and thrilling, courtesy of a refreshing new series that truly does remind us why we fell in love with the franchise in the first place, and it will be interesting to see what lie ahead as these kids work to return home from the vastness of the galaxy. Until next time.