‘Hello Tomorrow!’ Recap: ‘Certain Forces Once Unleashed’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘Hello Tomorrow!’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that a grand conundrum now hangs heavy over the Apple TV+ series, Hello Tomorrow! For each and every one of us are wondering, what Jack will do now that the façade of his company has collapsed and that most of his staff has walked away under the pretense of a lie. Because to have that happen, denotes that the universe is informing Jack, he must decide. Decide as to whether or not to continue the lie and let the trouble that surrounds that, consume him, and take him down a tragic path or stand tall and finally do something noble and own up to his mistakes and finally grow and well… it turned out that the next episode of this fascinating series was the perfect time to resolve such matters in a seemingly tragic manner.
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For ‘Certain Forces Once Unleashed’ was a story that informed us early on that Jack was all about the double down. Because he had a rocket now, and a full investment from his partner/lover and because of that… Brightside was doing all kinds of commercials, and with Herb and Betty running the office, business was booming. In fact, Jack was doing so well again, from a respect standpoint, that he was even asked to throw out the first pitch at the next big game at the ballpark and well, since he thought he was back on Easy Street, he deemed it best to try and make amends with Joey. By offering him the chance to throw out that pitch instead. Something that Joey rebuffed and that left Jack in a strange place mentally.

Because he seemingly could not fathom that his hopeful and cheerful nature and gifts galore could not win Joey over and well… while Jack enjoyed more success and pondered upon his next move to be near his son… the fallout of his dream and his false hope was put on display in this tale. Since we came to learn that Shirl and Eddie… fell on hard times. The kind where they were forced to hustle to survive and where Eddie’s old bets came back to haunt him again. To the point where he lost limbs and Joey, he was so angry and distraught over everything that happened in his life… that he felt the right thing to do was to swing by Lester Costopoulos’ office to offer up Jack on silver platter to the long-time civil servant. Something Lester was happy to agree to and they put together a plan to expose Jack at the game.

Which brought forth what appeared to be the final nail in Jack’s tragic coffin. Because nothing in his demeanor before that first pitch, indicated he had concerns over his reputation, and what he had become, and what he had made of others. He was just ready to keep on keepin’ on and make that bread. But the truth about what Joey had planned, caught him off guard and helped him to realize… that his actions did indeed hurt the one person he wanted to impress, wanted to love, and lift up with real hope. Which forced him to really ponder upon his path and that brought forth a positive surprise. For in that moment, Jack Billings decided… it was time to own up to his mistakes, to the pain he caused, and be a father, be a man, for his son. Which prompted him to drop the act and give us a moment of genuine growth. Wherein he owned up to his mistakes as a father and as a person, and he left his fate in his son’s hands. 

A move that was shocking to say the least, since that was an act that appeared to be impossible by nature. But it happened and it all came forth because of his son, of the flesh and blood he wanted to make proud and that made for a powerful and hopeful ending. One that informed us that at long last… we might finally see Jack Billings grow into an honest man, and face whatever consequences come his way. Simply because at long last… he’s through running from the truth and his emotions and the fact the hope he engenders doesn’t give him what he needs and truly, the stage is now set for a powerful finale. One that may finally see Jack Billings find peace and fulfillment at last, regardless of what his son decides when it comes to his freedom. Until next time.

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