Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Sweetpea’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one particular question that was on everyone’s mind when they tuned into the fascinating STARZ series, Sweetpea, the other day, it was… would Rhiannon find redemption for the horrible things she’s done? After all, she stopped herself from killing the one person that put her down a dark path to begin with, and instead worked to save her through a touch of manslaughter. Which freed Julia from the hell she lived within and would undoubtedly make Rhiannon a hero of sorts, prompting the real possibility that she might be redeemed, and well… it just so happens that the season one finale of this incredible show, took the time to finally answer that question in a complex manner.

Because early on in ‘Life 2.0’ it really did lean toward… redemption. After all, Julia and Rhiannon’s story worked and eventually, they were released, and no trouble came forth for Rhiannon. Despite the tough efforts of Marina to get her to crack and confess. Which in turn, led to joy. Where Rhiannon was finally one with the popular crowd and lusted after by men and able to just… enjoy her life for a change. That led her to believe that a new chapter was beginning, especially since she was cemented at work as someone more as well, and all it took, was losing her mind for a bit and killing a couple of rotten asshats. But soon it became clear, that the real answer to that question… was a hideous no.

For Julia began to think deeply upon the fact that despite being saved and being free from her awful relationship with her now dead fiancé, her new ‘bestie’… kidnapped her and held her at knife point and put her through utter hell to make her free, and that was enough… to leave her life behind. Not to mention, Craig wasn’t the romantic savior she expected him to be, he was just an opportunist and that left Rhiannon to wonder, what then did she accomplish and what redemption did she find? But a twisted encounter with Marina, who decided to break and enter and get evidence of what happened, helped her to forget about that. Because she truly enjoyed the thrill of getting away with it, of being seen in a different light, and well, that’s when things took a turn.

Because that little boost of confidence helped her finally seal the deal with AJ and allowed for her to believe that a real love was in the cards. But AJ’s desire to get the scoop and write the final piece to this led to a horrifying discovery. In that the woman he was enamored with, was a monster. One that he was far too close to and where justice needed to be served and that led, to exactly what Marina said would happen… a fresh kill. Because keeping her secret, keeping this delicate little lie she constructed, was more important than consequences and truth. Which committed her to true darkness and made it clear, there would be no redemption for her.  Especially not with her sister walking in the door.

All of which brought about, a sour season finale, but also… the right one. Because there’s nothing quirky or kitschy about murder, it’s the darkest act we as a species commit. And no matter how much we think it will solve our problems or change our lives for the better, it won’t. It just creates more darkness, more suffering and an emptiness that cannot be filled and consequences. As to what those will be for Rhiannon, well we need a second season to figure that out, and hopefully the series gets a second season order. To further explore what lie ahead for this budding serial killer, and to continue this unique tale. One that truly dug into murder and the demons we carry like never before.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Finale of ‘Three Women’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past nine weeks, we’ve enjoyed quite the powerful examination of what life is like for women in the 21st century America via the STARZ series, Three Women. Wherein we’ve come to learn, that life as a woman is messy. Primarily because of the many conflicts society imparts upon women. After all, women are expected to be loyal and loving but cannot enjoy desire, and women cannot cross certain lines when it comes to being bold, and women can be playthings if men so choose. All of which is counterintuitive to what we teach people about life and the pursuit of happiness, and that’s led to some powerful stories for certain in this series. The kind that has raised quite the big question.

In that, what then has the point of this journey been? Which is not to insult the show or insult the stories that have been put on display, but that is a valid question. For every story has a goal in mind and every story must bring that goal together and they usually do that through tension and conflict that is building toward something greater for certain. But this show has been unconventional in its structure and hasn’t had that traditional build toward something more. Leaving us to wonder what the story has been eager to accomplish, and the series finale of this saga, did not seem to lend to an endgame. At least, not right away. Since ‘her name’ focused on different types of resolution for the fascinating characters in this show. For instance, Gia had her baby early and hit the road with her, to meet Maggie and get her story. Which infuriated Jake and led to some ugly moments for certain that were hurtful for Gia but spoke to what Gia needed in life and the lengths she was prepared to go to get it.

Plus, Sloane worked to claim agency in a new manner. Wherein she was less brash with people and more open to unity and forgiveness and grace, and kindness. Since she disarmed Will’s beloved rather than escalate, to make a point that she wasn’t inhuman and made mistakes, and she of course, worked to patch things up with her husband and find common ground that addressed her concerns and his, so they could be partners again. Also, Lina finally came to quite the epiphany about her quest. In that, while it was lovely to be desired, there had to be more. There had to be romance and attention and a feeding of that desire beyond mind blowing sex. She needed that connection and that wasn’t present with Aidan, and it led to her focusing on the wrong things and that caused wild harm, to her son. So, she broke it off, to find her needs.

Not to mention, Maggie did tell her story and that meant, Gia wrote her book a
nd clearly overcame her cancer. All of which were baseline endings, that seemingly do not speak to a theme, but Gia’s final thoughts and really, the actions taken here… does in fact… speak to a message and a goal for this series. It was just simply delivered unto us in a subtle manner and requires one to think upon the whole of the work and not just the finale to understand… this was about taking part in something that has needed to happen for a very long time. Because let’s not mince words, we don’t listen to women, we don’t acknowledge the wants and needs of women, and we most certainly don’t care to nurture those and give women a chance to thrive and life a full life free from the bullshit standards we impart upon them.

Which means… this series was designed to do that. To make sure that these stories were heard, and we had to damn well listen, and we had to acknowledge the wants and needs present here and watch them be nurtured as a part of an effort to send up a great big middle finger to the patriarchy and all of its nonsense. Because it is time. Time to listen, time to let go and just let women live their lives. Because women are not breeding vessels, or property, or anything less, and women deserve to live their lives as they see fit because it is no one’s business but that of the individual, and that made for a satisfying ending for certain. One complex and powerful and will stay with us for some time. Courtesy of an honest story, that held nothing back in showcasing the lives of three women, and the lives they finally get to lead.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Happy’s Place’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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For the most part, the new hit NBC comedy, Happy’s Place, has focused squarely on the experiences of two key characters, Bobbie and Isabella and rightfully so. After all, they just learned they are half-sisters, they are both dealing with powerful grief and confusion and their journey through that is important and engaging. But while that is worth watching and deeply engaging, this is also a series that boasts an amazing cast that play equally as dynamic characters, and the best sitcoms out there know to offer explorations and growth for those character as well, and since this is a sitcom with sitcom legend Reba McEntire in the lead, you darn well know it was a matter of time before that happened.

In fact, the most recent episode was the right time for that to start. Since ‘Ladies’ Night’ focused upon the life and times of Gabby, who was going through it in this story. Because she was on the dating apps, and she was having awful luck. Since a recent chance to date ended with being stood up at the restaurant, and she was crying a plenty and that prompted the bar to stand behind her and try and help lift her up. Which Isabella tried to do by changing up Gabby’s dating profile to look far more appealing and magical, and when that didn’t work, because dating apps are just the worst, Bobbie thought she would give support a whirl and tried to showcase how Gabby didn’t need anyone to complete her life. 

Courtesy of a women’s empowerment mixer, where Gabby could see how many women out there were living life fine without love, because we don’t necessarily need that to be whole. But that went poorly, and Gabby thought that a different romantic message was being sent, one that wasn’t for her, and well, while she did indeed learn plenty from the women at that mixer, she was still sad and soon, mad. Because no one in the bar really took the time to understand why she was sad, they just imparted wisdom and action upon her, and while their actions were indeed from a place of love and care, there was more that Gabby wanted here than just a husband. She actually wanted to start a family and have a baby, and her frustrations came from the fact that no one asked her what she wanted.

Which led to a beautiful sequence for certain, wherein the entire team apologized to her in a manner that looked like an intervention. But it was filled with kind words and remorse for how everyone recently treated Gabby, and an understanding that they needed to tell her such good things more often. Which helped Gabby find some joy, some value again since she felt she did not have that in the moment, and support. Because she still wanted her family, and the team let her know they would back her in that too and that made, for one beautiful story. One that truly showcased Gabby for certain and let Melissa Peterman shine as an actor, but it also offered us just so much more.

Since this was a very realistic story about how we get down in the dumps sometimes, how our callings can help create that and how hard it is sometimes to navigate life when we’re going through it. Since our friends don’t always know exactly how to help us, and maybe sometimes… they can’t. So, we just need their support over anything else so we can find our way through the storm. Which Gabby did here and well, this just goes to show that every character matters in this story and will get screen time and their own episodes and that’s wonderful. Since it means we will be treated to a complete story about amazing people and the lives they lead in that tiny little bar in Tennessee. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 305 of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are things that our parents and in-laws do, that outright drive us up the wall, mentally. It could be some weird morning habits that rattle our own routine, or it could be some odd words they always have to say in our presence or some odd behaviors to take part in, but one way or another… those quirks are there, and they do indeed frustrate us to no end and leave us wondering how we leave that frustration behind. Which perhaps, there might be an easier answer to than we know. Since more often than not the simplest solution is right in front of us, and we merely need to think about the situation at hand and its root causes to figure out what we need to cope.

Because everything we do in this life is related to something from our past, be it good or be it bad, and perhaps coming to learn that source issue would allow for us to quell the concern or better understand where those old timers are coming from and well, this is top of mind today, simply because Mayan and Quinten learned it during this week’s episode of Lopez vs Lopez on NBC. For ‘Lopez vs Friends’ saw George just being mean and nasty to Churro often for no reason, and as Mayan was trying to make up her bridesmaid list, she came to realize she was light on friends and constantly having to contend with a mother that wanted to be her bestie and wanted to smother. Which really did push the two of them to want to make some changes to these behaviors.

For Mayan, that involved calling up an old friend from high school, so they could hang out, catch up and enjoy some time away from the house like she used to often. Which led to Rosie tagging along to every meet up and place to try and be in on the fun. Which annoyed Mayan to no end and made her think that her mother was just being overbearing. But a slip up from the old friend, one that informed Mayan that she was viewed as trouble because she got pregnant out of high school, helped her to learn that root cause and the odd behavior here. In that Rosie just wanted to protect her baby girl from hard words and mean behavior and was willing to hover and make time like this to do so. Which gave Mayan newfound respect for her mom and helped to make this palatable.

As for Quinten, well he decided that to show George the importance of respecting the family dog, by hiding Churro. So that George would feel some sense of responsibility for the pup and come to know why Churro was often given such kindness. But that led instead, to panic from George, wherein he and Oscar worked hard to find that little dog. Because George thought Churro’s disappearance was his fault and he didn’t want to hurt the family, especially because he realized his sour behavior was related to projection. Because he saw a little dog getting treated better than he did as a kid, and that inflamed some trauma and some unresolved emotion, and Quinten learned of this and made moves to bring Churro back quickly. Because now he knew, George wasn’t being a jerk to a dog because he could, because of some deep-rooted pain that George recognized and wanted to fix.

Of course, he fixed it well, since Churro became his pretty, pretty princess. And it should be noted how huge it is that George recognized this. But that aside, that was a brilliant way to explore, how old haunts and concerns often drive people to do unique and annoying acts. But more so, why it is so important to recognize that and find out what those root causes are. To better understand a generation that is different from us, and went through harder times mentally, so we can find common ground and love and live together. Which really did make for another brilliant episode from this series, because no other show is pondering upon this kind of stuff, and it does leave us ready to explore more from a show that truly looks at family life in a manner that is real and honest. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 2607 of ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere. This article also contains discussions regarding sexual assault which may be triggering for some individuals.
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We like to believe that we as a society, see one another in an equal light. For that is, the promise of America and the American Dream, that all can forge ahead as one, but alas… we know deep down that is not the case. For some are deemed unworthy of equality and so many others are judged for the path they chose and that is unfortunate, because everyone deserves a chance to walk their own path free from judgment and free from scrutiny. But that just isn’t the case in America, and for proof… well just take a moment and think about how we view sex workers in this country.

In fact, there’s a fair chance those two words made eyebrows raise for someone out there reading this. Because it is a polarizing set of words. Because of how we judge sex workers in America. For they are seen as less than the sum, as people who make awful choices in life and are somehow not worthy of a good life because they take part in one of society’s old and most lucrative businesses. But that’s just wrong to think that way, for sex workers are people too and deserve every chance to grow and live, and how we view them and the chance they deserve is top of mind today because it was put on display in the next episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit on NBC. 

A feat that ‘Tenfold’ accomplished by having Bruno and Fin reunite with the person who was involved in the first case they worked, Wallen… who… was a victim of sexual assault in this case. For a sour deal with a John, since Wallen was a prostitute, enraged him enough to exert that kind of gross power over her. But the issue at hand, was that this guy was no easy catch. He had alibis for days and his own family were protecting him because they didn’t think a hooker was worthy of the police’s attention. Not to mention, Wallen felt no worth for herself, and really wanted to just hide over this. But Bruno and Fin would not let it go and wanted her to find justice and thankfully, they helped her to understand her worth, and that helped them to put this guy away and bring about justice for the forgotten.

But what mattered most here, was the sheer fact that this episode really pointed out how we view sex workers in the modern world. Since there were so many discussions about Wallen’s worth, and her profession and how that should disqualify her from justice. Which was gross to hear, but truthful about our world. Because we do see sex workers as second-class citizens, because of the strange puritanical nature of Modern America. But this did remind us in a powerful fashion, those views are outdated and dumb and that sex workers are indeed people, and we cannot emphasize that enough. People who yes, work a job that we don’t understand but who says we have to? Because that’s their life, and their business and we quite frankly, should be worrying about bigger problems in America.
 
All of which made for a powerful and insightful episode, one that really did speak to the two worlds America thrives within, the everyday folks, and the ones who take the non-traditional path, and this show deserves a round of applause for taking the time to bring up that commentary and to really showcase the world as it is and remind us… of how it is indeed justice for all in this country. Not to mention, this episode also deserves recognition for giving Carisi some closure, and for connecting the past here with Wallen and for also showing us how tough these types of cases can be for brave investigators that stop at nothing to help others, and now that this case is closed, it is onto the next one and all the depth it will undoubtedly have to offer. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 2407 of ‘Law & Order’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One would think that a long-running crime drama, would not tackle larger concerns about our world and our society. Simply because we view crime and its impact as something local and intimate. Where only the people involved really can speak to the issue at hand, and most crime shows stick with that edict. But some are so iconic and so grand in nature that they are willing to go beyond that and ponder upon so much more, such as greater topics involving our world and it just so happens that Law & Order on NBC is a show in that vein, and for proof… well then look no further than its most recent episode, since ‘Truth and Consequences’ spoke to a great deal of our worries and problems in the United States of America.

For this particular tale revolved around the death of a journalism professor, under odd circumstances. In that, he was a well-liked man, respected by his students and genuinely kept his nose clean and just lived a good life. So, it was shocking that he died by way of murder, and it was so heinous a crime that it brought the mayor and others to bear upon the NYPD and the DA’s office. Largely because, the deceased was married to one of the city’s most famous judges, and that meant swift justice had to take place, but the team struggled with that. Because of how good a man he was. Because any traditional lead was a waste of time because of the good nature of his soul. Which prompted Lieutenant Brady to look at his wife, and well, that’s when they started getting somewhere.

Because she had some suspicious ties to individuals on campus, and she was also keeping secrets regarding her alibi and it eventually became clear, that her choices brought about the end of her husband. She didn’t do it, mind you, but her political views and a conflict with someone that was hoping to work with her regarding that, led to a missed opportunity and fury, the kind that led to the violence in question and led to a harrowing case. Where the DA’s office was stymied at every turn and was unable to get the end result they wanted. Mainly because the mayor stepped in to close this case as quickly as possible, without the much-needed testimony of the judge. Who had some substance abuse secrets in her closet and didn’t want that exposed, regardless of the justice it would impart.

So, a plea was reached, and the commentary was palpable. In that, this episode clearly was designed to reflect two key elements of our world. The fact that we are supremely polarized as a society right now over political and societal issues. To the point where people are indeed choosing to cut ties over political conflict and those removed, are willing to fight back over that. Not to mention, that power play from the mayor of the city, to quell this and keep reputation intact, speaks volumes to the corrupt nature of our system and our politicians. Since so many are willing to do what must be done to scratch one another’s backs over the right thing taking place and that made… for a frustrating episode to say the least, and that is indeed most certainly, a compliment.

Because we need to be reminded of the flaws of our imperfect system and imperfect society, not to think poorly of it, but to improve it. Because that’s what it needs, our attention and our care and real reforms so we can find common ground again and so real justice and accountability can be served, without concern about optics and how the good ol’ boys play ball. But it was indeed shocking to see this series be the one to speak to that, since this isn’t the usual place to do that. But when you’re a show this big and this important, why not? Why not stand up and say something worthwhile? And truly, it will be interesting to see what other important lessons about the world await us as this new season continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘Found’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are few things more difficult in this life, than when we are forced to buckle down and do what must be done to survive while our world is falling apart around us. Sometimes that involves living while grieving and other times, it is quite literally that scenario. Where we fight with everything, we have to keep our day and life together as the sky begins to fall. But we do it because life doesn’t end because of mistakes, pain or whatever else is bringing our world to a halt, and there are bills to pay and people that depend upon us. But that doesn’t make that process any easier or any less emotional and it is top of mind today since it was featured in the next episode of Found on NBC.

For ‘Missing While Hated’ showed us a team in disarray. For instance, Margaret was still struggling to get back to the bus station and that was her prime focus, while Dahn was dealing with the fallout of Ethan’s disappointment over the fact that he lied and even Zeke, was fighting tooth and nail to try and figure out what kind of trouble they were going to be in with Trent. Not to mention, Sir was stirring the pot as well, by posting videos defending Gabi and that of course, brought people out of the woodwork to speak upon the past and try to discredit Gabi and well, it was simply chaos surrounding the team. But they had to press ahead as one. Because people needed them, especially an individual that was worried about another named Rahn.

Who was a journalist in the making and was working toward exposing something big within the city, before they of course, went missing. Which meant the team had to put aside differences to get that person found and that led to a fascinating case, where nothing was quite what it seemed. Since nothing added up here, in fact, every path toward the truth was nothing more than a dead end. Which made it seem as though, Sir would be back in the mix. To the point where he even reached out to Zeke in an attempt to get into the meat of the case. But all roads were shut down regarding his help, because the team had to learn to do this without him, and eventually, they came to realize, the least likely suspect was the person that did this.

Because the exposé would have showcased the pain the suspect was suffering in this matter, and rather than show the world that story, they thought it easier to hide Rhan away. But thankfully, Rahn returned home and did some real good with their work and just like that, the team had a moment of real celebration at hand. After all, they were able to do this while battling internal demons and battling adversity, without Sir no less. Making it seem perhaps they would move beyond the chaos. But alas, despite winning the day and finding ways to support one another, one of Zeke’s choices came back to bite him hard. Since Trent and the police seized his servers and sent him into a tailspin emotionally, leaving us to wonder if he will be okay and if this might relate to Sir in some capacity as well.

Since we learned he has an inside man at the company, and they are also keeping Sir out of jail and well, in the end, this was quite the chaotic episode for certain, and that is a compliment. Since it perfectly captured the madness of life when our world is falling apart, and things are just not good at M&A. Because everyone is following their own agenda and everyone is barely hanging on, and this felt akin to that chaos and set the stage for some serious conflict. Because now these good folks are fighting to keep going on multiple fronts, since the police no longer trust them and Sir is sowing chaos and it will be interesting to see if they can unify and work toward common goals in the weeks to come or if serious changes is on the horizon. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Premiere of ‘Silo’. To revisit the Season One Finale, click here.
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Truly, the hit Apple TV+ series, Silo, delivered one of the finest television cliffhangers in years in its season one finale. For we learned at long last, that the Silo was filled to the brim with secrets and that beyond its cuddly walls was death and devastation untold. Where echoes of the world we live in were present on a surface so alien. One filled with ash and grey over green and blue and of course, Juliette Nichols was immersed in that void and her future was left hanging. Which was a lot to process, and a lot to worry about and well… thankfully… the season two premiere of the show wasted little time in informing us what came after that shocking visual.

In that, Juliette made it over the ridge and deeper into this world, and what she discovered was just as shocking as the landscape. In that, she found another Silo in ‘The Engineer’, and this one… was surrounded by even more devastation. For at its doors were corpses upon corpses, all rotten and dry and piled high. As though everyone within the Silo was desperate to escape something horrific and unsettling, and that they were perhaps unaware of the dangers of the surface. Which brought forth a real unsettling vibe for Juliette, who had to navigate her way into that Silo, beyond death, for safety. For her suit had limited oxygen and time was indeed running out and well, she made it, and she was safe, and that led to a very different kind of episode.

One that saw Juliette work in the dark to find food, water, and uncover who or what was still lighting up the central office in this Silo. Which in turn, brought forth a stroke of genius storytelling wise, wherein Juliette put her skill set on display. Since she was able to learn through trial and error how to cross the chasm that existed between that office and the rest of the complex. Which allowed for her to figure out a safe and permanent path there, with good reason. Simply because buried in the vault of the complex, was a man. A rattled and broken one who threatened Juliette for attempting to open the door to his little shelter and who of course, brought up plenty of questions about how these two are going to get along, since there’s no going outside at the moment. 

Which truly gave rise to a fascinating episode, one that was told in mostly silence and one that informed us that there are more Silos out there and they have their own stories, which this show also explored. Since it spoke to how long ago, there was a rebellion in this Silo. One led by its sheriff and one that went to the nth degree. To the point where countermeasures were taken and where the gangway to the central office was blown to bits to prevent truth from getting out and to maintain control. Which failed, as did any requests for the truth about what happened topside and that led… to so much life lost. For the citizens of this Silo, were the ones strewn about above, who simply burst out into a devastated world to their hideous end. Which was sobering to learn and counterbalanced by more blasts from the past.
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For this story not only showcased Juliette’s skills as an engineer, but how she came into them. All of which came about courtesy of her youth and her time in the lower levels of the Silo. Since she found unbridled freedom there. The kind that allowed for her to toy and tinker and learn how to fix things. Which made her invaluable quickly in this harsh world and it course, garnered her friends and respect and slowly led to her learning more about this strange future for mankind. Since she was shown what lie beneath the Silo, the very place that fascinated her in season one, and that was lovely to see play out. Since it further fleshed out the dynamic character that she is and helped us to understand that ingenuity and curiosity about how things should be in the world, are her calling and clearly, have taken her far in life.

But while it was indeed wonderful to learn more about her, and explore this shattered and devastated world further, there are still more questions that this particular tale inspired. After all, we now have confirmation of other Silos, and other groups of people living in this kind of isolation, and that leaves one to wonder… how many are there? Which in turn prompts more questions about why they are there, and why the planet is in this state. For we too are quite curious and eager to learn about this awful fate that mankind has endured and well, in the end, this was just an amazing season premiere. One that took the time to not only follow up on a critical cliffhanger but expand this world in a unique manner and compel us to continue the journey. Since this episode hints at the possibility that more will be revealed as season two continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 505 of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One unfortunate truth about people in the modern world, is that we still have tendency to judge people on reputation and concept alone, and it makes sense as to why. For we are emotional beings who process what we hear and read about through our emotions often, and if we hear something polarizing about a person or a place, in any capacity, we will have that response, and we will judge accordingly. Because our emotions and our brains believe… we must have a formed opinion about that response and well, what makes this unfortunate, is that it tends to lead to embarrassing moments for us all. Especially since it brings forth an all-important lesson.

In that, we should never judge a book by its cover, and never quite believe what we hear. Because what the world tells us versus the reality of the situation don’t always align, and it is painful to know that we might have hurt someone or impacted a business or a destination, courtesy of silly prejudices or goofy rumors that make no sense, and it doesn’t matter how wise we become or how much we learn in this life. For this is related to our core responses, and that makes this a lesson we have to learn often, and likely will long into the future, as evidenced by the next episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks on Paramount+. A feat that ‘Starbase 80?!’ accomplished, by bringing the crew of the U.S.S. Cerritos, to that dreaded place.

Courtesy of a navigational malfunction, following a very wet mission that Cetacean Ops took the lead upon, and well… since the dreaded Starbase 80 was the nearest place to get repairs, the ship made their way there and prejudices and assumptions absolutely came into play. After all, this downtrodden, Those Old Scientists-era looking station, was run down and filled with quirky officers that were likely called cast offs and buffoons somewhere down the line. Plus, very little worked in this place. If anything, its appearance and its functionality was similar to a decommissioned, heavily used oil rig from our century and that led to all kinds of problems for the crew. Since they simply could not get anything done, or the find the parts they needed. Not to mention, things got weird.

Because midway through the search for parts, the crew of the Cerritos, began to exhibit zombie like behavior. The kind where they often licked things, and touched people in a creepy manner and well, Mariner thought that was related to the station itself and its reputation for being a forgotten place by Starfleet and most of the Federation. But it quickly became clear, that there was something more at work here, and with a quality team up and some hard thinking and great science, it was made clear that the problem arose on the Cerritos. For a strange entity took over the ship and its crew through technology and was exploring the world through their conscious mind. But with some fine observations from new friends at Starbase 80 the crew was able to stop this infection and save the day.
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All of which was proof positive of how we judge a book by its cover because of first impressions, or a lack of understanding or the rumors we hear. Because for five seasons now, Starbase 80 has the been the butt of a lot of jokes in this show, funny ones for sure, but this series loves to go deeper, and well… we learned so much here. Such as how this station is indeed forgotten by Starfleet, and it casts off people it cannot find a right fit for and that doesn’t mean it is a place for defective people or some kind of doomsday station for punishment. It’s just a square peg in the round hole that is Starfleet and filled with capable officers who have accomplished wonders without the vast resources of the Federation and well, had everyone come in with open minds they would have seen that.

But alas, judgment is strong, and those pre-conceived notions came into play and reminded them, and us, of the lesson at hand and that made for one lovely episode. One that once again, spoke to bigger concepts about humanity and things we could and should be doing differently in our chaotic world right now and that’s wondrous. Because that is what the franchise stands for and that is what the franchise expresses best. Of course, it also did it here in a hilarious manner, since the quirkiness was real, and the problems were vast, and hopefully the captain and Ransom got out of that incident with the bats with just scratches instead of puncture wounds. But that aside, this was just more vintage Star Trek, and a chance to see an infamous place, one that was not at all, what we thought it to be. Until next time.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of the season finale of Sweetpea. Which debuts on STARZ tonight!  
 
EPISODE 106: Life 2.0 **SEASON FINALE**
Airdate: November 15 on STARZ 

Rhiannon might just get away with it – but what does she stand to lose in the process?