Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1207 of ‘Chicago P.D.’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
For the most part, the past is handled in a very unique manner in crime dramas. In that, it is always viewed as an opportunity for the person that it comes back to haunt. For instance, an old case that a brilliant gumshoe was unable to crack, offers up new evidence, giving them a chance to save the day and offer closure. Or they get another try at bringing down a nemesis or a criminal that caused much harm. The bottom line is that the past is rarely troublesome in these stories and that is troublesome in its own right. Because it makes the heroes too perfect, and the not flawed humans police officers can be, and that’s why this week’s episode of Chicago P.D. on NBC is of note. Because ‘Contrition’ leaned into the end of last week’s story hard. Wherein Torres expressed some hard concern that he might know the identity of the new kingpin. In that, it might be Gloria, the woman he had a wild affair with back in the day and well… the push to expose the kingpin only added to the anxiety Torres experienced here. Because her hometown kept coming up, and too many known associates were dying with this new boss floating around and of course, Torres, and Kim, were hopeful this was coincidence and that it wasn’t her. Since there was a risk the affair, and Kim’s knowledge of it, could cost them their badges and put them in jail. So, they hoped to prove it was someone else or at the least, put together a case so airtight that she could never bring up names. Which was why there was no protest in having Cook go undercover at Gloria’s new restaurant. Since that would get airtight evidence, but alas, it seemed as though, it was just an everyday business. One where the food was good and nothing strange was ever going to happen. That is until, major suppliers and other shady associates began to show up. Putting heat on everyone to get some information and well, it did not take long for this to completely fall apart for Torres. Because while Cook was able to find an in and come along for a supply drop, she did say one thing out of line while on the road, and that set Gloria off. To the point where she was ready to name names and push for her own brand of justice. Which forced Torres to kill the feed at Kim’s suggestion and that sadly… put Cook at risk. Since her fate was unknown after a gunshot and she was indeed lost in the ether for the moment. But what was equally as important as Cook’s safety, was that this episode, presented the past in a cautionary light. Regarding how we sometimes make stupid mistakes involving love or other acts at work, that we try to sweep under the rug, and we cannot do that. Because the past always comes back to haunt us, and we always must face it, and this was proof positive of that. Since that mess helped to create a new monster in town, and now, careers and freedoms are on the line, as are lives. Since Cook could be made and could be dead, which really did hammer home the need for honesty, the need to face the consequences for our actions and to avoid such matters, by keeping a level head at all times, so we don’t commit acts we will regret. All of which made for a fascinating episode. One that truly did an amazing job of exploring this central theme and of finally making the past dangerous and more than just the fluff we tend to endure in crime stories, and it deserves a round of applause for that. Because this is the stuff that makes this show so engaging and so dynamic, since it features characters with real flaws, who make real mistakes that we can relate to on some level, and now… it is up to Torres to make things right. Which will be a monumental task for certain. Because he screwed up bad here, and the past came back to bite him hard, and that will make the wait for next week’s episode, quite unbearable. Because we simply must know… if Torres can set things right. Until next time. Watch ‘Chicago P.D.’
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Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1307 of ‘Chicago Fire’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
There comes a point in our lives, where we will stand tall and do the right thing. Because we can no longer stand seeing an injustice take place, and sadly… there is a fifty/fifty chance, that bold moment will go sideways and become quite the problem for us. Wherein we are branded as a pariah for standing on the right side of the fence, or we are a snitch and despised by those who surround us. In fact, the fallout of being honest and true could get so bad, we have to start over. Which is why so many pause before they do the right thing or perhaps not do it at all, because they worry about the fallout that good brings forth. Which begs some important questions… why bother doing anything right at all, and if by chance being good backfires, how do we find our way back into the light? Well, those questions are top of mind today, simply because they were pondered upon and answered in a unique manner in the next episode of Chicago Fire on NBC. For ‘Untouchable’ saw Severide and Pascal dive deeper into the case involving that dirty, dirty cop, and well… they went all in on the matter. Because Pascal introduced Severide to the Internal Affairs officer that was working this case, and she believed that if real evidence came to light, they could put this guy away for a very long time, and well… that was easier said than done. Because of the power this man wielded. After all, he had enough swing to make his own criminal informant afraid of him, to the point where he did everything and anything to run and hide, once it became clear that Severide and Pascal pinned him to the case, and this dirtbag actually started threatening our heroes. Since he teased Kidd in person, and he also left Pascal a photo showing that he was aware that the fire department was working against him. Which pissed off Pascal to no end, for he was that person we discussed a moment ago. The one who took the time to stand tall and paid the price for it. Because being the good guy cost him everything and forced him to run, and that left him with those questions in hand, and some good quiet time helped him to realize, that we should always do the right thing. Because it doesn’t matter how others view it, the right thing is the right thing… and if we can find a way to set things right in a manner that causes no harm… we should do it. Because sometimes it’s the only way to make the world a better place. Which brought everyone to that crooked cop’s house to put out a fire, wherein all kinds of contraband were discovered and at last, he was put away. All because… that fire hit under weird circumstances. As though someone set it to prompt the beginning of the end of this jerk, and well, while it was never directly stated, it was obviously inferred that Pascal set the fire. To right that wrong and redeem himself and find a little peace at last. Which he certainly did here, as evidenced by his time with Severide at the end of this tale, and well… this made for a fascinating ending to this journey for certain. One that featured a little vigilante justice and a real push from this duo to make some good happen in this town, and well… this worked. Plain and simple. For we live in a world where justice can sometimes be elusive, and where the bad guys win, and where people are calling for something to be done regardless of the system. And the audience enjoyed that catharsis here, and some other fascinating plotlines. Such as Mouch’s struggle to take the Lieutenant’s test, Novak’s attempts to make the trucks more inclusive for patients, and of course, Carver is finally coming to understand just how toxic Tori is and how hard it will be to shake her. Since she really is using every ounce of co-dependency to keep him around. But what matters more, is that Pascal has finally earned his stripes, and is truly a member of 51, and now he can lead this team with a clear head and a heart full of peace. Because at long last, he is redeemed, and he did the right thing, and that was clearly all he ever wanted. Until next time. Watch ‘Chicago Fire’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1007 of ‘Chicago Med’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
One of the best aspects of the hit NBC series, Chicago Med, is that the show always makes a point to resolve plotlines and conflicts in a logical and prompt manner. For it understands that much like real life, some problems don’t persist for weeks on end. They come to a head quickly and are resolved in some form or fashion, and the same goes for the chapters and adventures we go upon. For they come to a close quickly now and again, and that is why it should come as no surprise that last night’s episode of the show, took the time to resolve a grand problem that has been brewing for the past few weeks. Specifically, the constant conflict between Doctors Archer and Lenox. For they simply have not worked well together and that came to a head during last week’s tale when Lenox lost a patient for trying to aggressively get them help, when Archer thought she should have leaned into a slow treatment plan, and ‘Family Matters’ wasted little time in bringing this to a close. In fact, Lenox’s case review is what brought about a prompt end to this conflict, since Lenox and Archer simply went at it in front of the review board, and that informed Goodman, she had a real problem on her hands that could no longer wait. So, she began to dig deep into Dr. Lenox’s conduct at the hospital. To understand what was happening on the floor, and that brought about some hard conversations for certain. The kind that seemed to bring about trouble for Lenox. Because she was riding everyone even harder after her case review, as though she was projecting her failure upon others, also an unprofessional move. But those talks helped Goodwin to learn, that neither Lenox or Archer were bad doctors, in fact, Goodwin came to learn that despite her brash style, Lenox was respected by the doctors in the ER, and she truly did work to make people better. Which meant, this came down an ego battle. Between two a-type, top-tier doctors that simply wanted to be in charge and well… that left Goodwin with a tough call. Step down the newcomer that was making progress and being the right guiding force? Or the seasoned veteran who was being quite unprofessional in nature, and well… Goodwin chose Lenox to be the sole chief of the department, because she needed that level head in there. Which left Archer stunned and pondering on his future and rightfully so. Because this will be a huge change for him. But as is tradition in this series, there was more to focus upon here. In fact, the title related to those focal points, since Dr. Charles dealt with a young woman that was trying to basically starve herself to fit in with her family, despite the risks, reminding us that sometimes family can create some undue stress. Meanwhile, Dr. Asher dealt with a sorrowful case involving an estranged family. Where a father that chose alcohol over his boy tried to make amends in his eleventh hour, only to find himself alone and facing uncertainty for his mistakes. A reminder that the choices we make have consequences, and there was even a story involving a broken marriage and the wishes of the lover over the wishes of the wife, when it came to saving their shared lover’s life. All of which brought forth, one amazing tale. One that really harbored some sobering lessons regarding family, since those stories ended in a realistic and bittersweet manner, something that doesn’t always happen in these kinds of tales, and of course, it made good on resolving a huge plot thread. One that could have gotten out of control but didn’t. Thanks to level heads and more realism. Since this kind of outcome played out in a manner that felt akin to how it would play out in the real world. For those who lose their heads at work, tend to be the ones to take on the penalty, regardless of whether or not they were right or wrong, and truly, it will be interesting to see how the dynamic changes in the emergency department. Now that Archer is on the sidelines and Lenox is running point. Until next time. Watch ‘Chicago Med’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
It is definitely safe to say that the popular fictional character, Alex Cross, has struggled to captivate audiences on the silver screen. For his first two cinematic adventures, simply didn’t resonate with audiences, despite Morgan Freeman taking the on the role, and the next attempt to bring him to life… also ended up being a touch lackluster. Which is surprising, since Alex Cross is a dynamic and incredible character that is relatable on so many levels. But perhaps, the answer as to why those movies didn’t captivate viewers, lies in their design. Since they were stylized and flashy, and really didn’t focus upon the man, what he stands for and what drives him toward justice.
Which means, that fans have been waiting for ages for the right adaptation of Alex Cross. One that truly captures his essence and well, at long last, that adaptation has come forth. Courtesy of the brand-new Prime Video series, Cross. Which debuted on the network today with eight episodes and as mentioned, gives fans everything they’ve ever wanted when it comes to Alex Cross. Since the detective we meet in this story, is the perfect live-action iteration of the character. For he is bold when he needs to be, brilliant often when it comes to the case in front of him, and he has real dynamics to him that make him less of a sensation and more of a human being. One that harbors flaws, and moments of weakness and is carrying pain that is palpable and at times, relatable as well. Which is something worth celebrating for certain, since we finally have a well-rounded version of the character that feels right and jumps off of the screen with electricity, as he does on the page, and well, the wonder of this series doesn’t end there. Because it also takes the time to propel the character into modern times. Allowing for powerful commentary to come forth regarding how the police are viewed in 2024, and how an African American police detective would navigate such matters, one that is good and cares about justice over anything else. Plus, the show even goes so far as to speak to the Black experience in America and offers representation in spades on screen, which is important and takes the show to new heights as well, as does its magnificent plot. Since season one of the show, sees Alex and his long-time friend and partner John Sampson, deal with a stunning case. One that echoes our world at times but truly revolves around an outright monster. Which we won’t dive into too much detail wise here. But what we will say, is that the cat and mouse game that comes into play, and what we learn about the villain, makes for compelling television and incredible tension. Not to mention, the messed-up nature of the villain is impressive to say the least, and refreshing in nature, since it harbors elements, we’ve never seen before in a crime story. But above all, it challenges Alex deeply and pushes him hard to solve this case, and that’s the stuff we love, watching him work and watching him perform miracles with his mind and through John’s advisement. All of which brings forth, the finest adaptation of this character. Because this feels like an Alex Cross novel come to life, and it also doesn’t hurt that the acting is simply phenomenal. Since Isaiah Mustafa is the perfect fit as John Sampson and brings the character to life, perfectly, and Aldis Hodge, is simply a revelation as Alex Cross. In fact, he turns in some of his finest work as an actor here and showcases all of his range in every episode, and that acting just rounds out a perfect season of storytelling. One that features great writing, suspense, intelligence and everything we’ve ever wanted from this franchise in a live-action adaptation, and the best news of all… is you can watch Cross right now. For all eight episodes of season one are available on Prime Video, and we cannot wait for you to see it nor can we wait to break down every incredible episode of this magnificent new show. Watch ‘Cross’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
It’s always a wonderful thing when we can settle in and enjoy a new adaptation of a classic story. Because it means in part, that the story in question is timeless in nature and its return allows for a new generation to pour over its details and its wondrous past by seeking out the other tellings that have come forth. Not to mention, it means… that we get to enjoy a fresh take on that iconic tale, one that will undoubtedly feature new ideas and new concepts, or spotlight something that we’ve all missed by looking over it so many times. But any way you slice it, it’s just a treat to see what a new creative mind can do with a classic story, and this is top of mind today, simply because Peacock is now home to a new version of a classic tale.
For the first five episodes of The Day of the Jackal debuted on the network today, and well… we absolutely need to spotlight the wonder of this new series. Since it accomplishes a great many things in those first five episodes. Such as bringing back to life the age-old story of good versus evil that the original novel brought forth, courtesy of a plot that mostly resembles what we know about this story. Wherein the Jackal (played by Eddie Redmayne here), a brilliant assassin that can slip in and out of any situation due to his masterfully cool mentality and mastery of disguises, arrives on MI6’s radar when he takes part in the bold assassination of a controversial political candidate in Germany. Which leads to an intense cat and mouse game between the Jackal and MI6 Agent, Bianca (played by Lashana Lynch), as she works to stop him from killing again to bring him to justice. Which while that isn’t quite the exact plot of the original, the chase was the key, and the chase is here front, and center and it is powerful and engaging to watch these two dance their dance and it is so compelling that it quickly immerses us within a plot that is also updated for modern times. For this has less of the fanciful nature of Frederick Forsyth’s original novel and more of the fury of our world. Since it harbors fascinating commentary on the current political state of the world and its explosive nature, which the Jackal represents here to a tee, and that only adds to the wonder of this story. Since it compels you to finish the journey and see what else it has to say about the escalating violence and rhetoric that now is part of our political world and that lovely twist, is worth the price of admission of alone and is further enhanced… by another surprise from this story. Because unlike other iterations and adaptations of this story, this one knows how to ebb and flow and be methodical in nature in telling its story. Which isn’t to insult the other stories, but there is something to be said about slowing the plot and giving us time to get to know the characters. Since it helps us to understand what drives Bianca and why she cares so much about justice and of course, it helps us to learn about the Jackal. About how much prep he puts into his kills and into his escape and how meticulous and careful he is about his work. So, he can enjoy his anonymity, and it even gives us a human side to the monster. To remind all of us that men of the Jackal’s stead aren’t born as blood thirsty monsters, they’re molded into them, and this is the chilling end result of that molding and whatever compels men like the Jackal to choose this life. All of which makes for a supremely compelling new series. One that does indeed put the viewer on the edge of their seat with the action, but leaves them there in the gentler moments, where we learn about what makes these folks tick in an equally as compelling manner. Which may relate to the fact that this show is filled with powerhouse performances. Since Lashana Lynch is simply amazing as Bianca and truly sells the honorable nature of her character and her desire to make the world a better place, and Eddie Redmayne is simply chilling as the Jackal. Since he properly showcases the cold tension that a man of such stature needs to carry to do the work he does. Which makes this, an explosive must-see series. For this one really is impressive and really does demand your attention, courtesy of a delectable twist on a classic story. Watch ‘The Day of the Jackal’
Please enjoy the first five minutes and the synopsis of the Season 2 Premiere of Silo, which debuts on Apple TV+ on 11/15/24!
Episode 201 - The Engineer Juliette finds sanctuary in a silo long ago destroyed by war, thinking she’s alone. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘Midnight Family’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
One particular act that we all take part in, that perhaps we shouldn’t… is putting a lot of weight into the end of chapters that either don’t mean anything to us… or have already ended. And what makes this problematic is twofold. For starters, it means we pour our heart and soul into the end of a chapter that we are going to forget about. After all, we all have that one job in our past that we made a big show of leaving, only to never think about it again. And of course, when we drag out the feelings and vibes that accompany a chapter that’s already ended, it can lead to trouble. Because if we no longer care the final word can lead to mistakes and an even worse ending, as evidenced by the next episode of Midnight Family on Apple TV+. For ‘The Last Call’ saw the Tamayo family preparing to bid their days in the ambulance goodbye. In fact, they sold the sucker and had it ready to be turned over. Which in turn allowed for some serious changes to take place in everyone’s lives. Since Ramón settled into his new life in a new job, comfortable in knowing he had a great career as a paramedic. Plus, Gaby was at her boldest now. Because she knew her path and she knew how to get there. Which prompted her to seize the day and make amends with Bernardo and the school and secure another chance at taking that important test. So, she could finally be the doctor she wanted to be. Of course, Julio went back to school and knew he needed to finish that to follow in his father’s footsteps and Marcus… well he made some attempts to embrace the future. Because he and Cris were ready to leave the country and start over in the United States, but one small problem changed that course forever. Because the cops wanted to rustle up some trouble and some fines for the truck and Marcus’ fury over that led to a physical altercation that harmed Cris. To the point where Marcus took her to the hospital. Wherein they had a hard talk about his temper and the promise he made to Julio. For in the midst of all of this, Julio begged for one last call, one last night on the rig before sending it off to new owners. And Cris wanted him to stay, wanted him to be near her at a time that she needed him. Which at first, Marcus outright agreed to. In fact, he even went so far as to disappoint Julio by letting him know that the last ride would be short one Tamayo. But little Julio begged and begged, and despite having free will, Marcus came along for one last harrowing ride. One that should have been celebratory and should have been beautiful. But instead, it was tense and no one outside of Julio really cared. Because they moved on the instant, they decided they wanted different paths and this was just going through the motions, and the excessive apathy and lethargy over the job, along with a big fight between Cris and Marcus, led to disaster on this night. For a moment of distraction on the road, was all that fate needed, to bring forth a collision between the ambulance and a dump truck. Which badly damaged the vehicle and left fates unknown. For there were no signs of life from the Tamayo family as their truck sizzled and settled on the very roads they used to save lives. All of which served as a hard reminder… of the universe’s cruelty and how trying to drag out what’s already done brings forth nothing but trouble. But before we speculate further on the fate of the family, we can celebrate one powerful episode. One that not only showed us growth and new chapters for the family, but happiness for all of them, before that ugly moment. For Gaby was joyous in getting back into her schooling, and Marcus did have some measure of happiness with Cris at his side and Ramón did find peace at a desk job, and it gave him focus on the future, and even Julio was ready to walk a new path with contentment in his heart. Which makes that ending so devastating and so worrisome and it will make the wait for next week’s season finale as tough as it gets. Because we simply want to know if they’re okay and if they will get their new chapters… or if one last ride will be more costly than it was worth. Until next time. Watch ‘Midnight Family’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Where’s Wanda?’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
One particular aspect of the magnificent new Apple TV+ series, Where’s Wanda?, that we don’t talk about enough… it is the sheer fact that this series does an amazing job of asking and answering some big questions when it comes to its characters. For instance, it pondered upon what happened to Wanda, only to inform us that she survived. It asked if Dedo and Carlotta would be okay and let us know they would, and in the last few episodes, its pondered upon who is King? And will Wanda survive the web of deceit surrounding her? And well, it just so happens that this proud tradition of answering the hard questions… was extended to the show’s season one finale. For ‘Wandafest’ brought everything to a head as the town celebrated Wanda Klatt as though she was long gone from this world. Which brought about some beautiful moments and some unique ones as well. Since Katarina made a point to announce she wanted to change the town’s fortunes and protect everyone, so this would never happen again by running for mayor, and it also brought forth a musical performance from Rüdiger that was pretty sweet in its own right. But what mattered more, was that the festival was indeed the perfect moment for Ole and Dedo to remove the cameras and free everyone from being spied upon and well, as they did that, Wanda made her way back home. For she was out of the house and eager to see her family and tell them of the trouble she faced and what was going on this town and well, that led to trouble for certain. Because she didn’t get ahold of Rauch when she called the station, she got ahold of her scuzzy partner. Who was quick to capture her and bring her to Lukas. So that they could bring her back to King’s lair and deal with her accordingly and well, that led to the family learning that Wanda was alive. Because the camera in Lukas’ home wasn’t out yet, and that allowed for Ole to see it all, and it also allowed for Rauch to discover the spying nest. Since she dropped by. But she would sit this one thanks to Dedo and his decision to strike her, allowing for the family to handle family business, and with Chris’ help… they most certainly did. Because mom and dad were able to find their daughter and be near her, and while they were captured by Lukas, that didn’t matter. Because Dedo was ready and willing to do what was necessary to save his little girl from future trouble. Because he was done with being weak and being passive in life, and that allowed for him to stop Lukas in his tracks and for the police to finally get involved. Because Dedo did swipe Rauch’s phone and when she came to, she tracked him down and shut down the operation. Which finally allowed for Wanda to come home and be with her family. So, she was all right after all, and well… oddly enough, her rescue led to another surprise. Specifically, the truth about King. Because in the closing moments of this tale we learned… that the new candidate for Mayor, is the King, and she has Ole. Which could lead to more wild moments and more trouble down the line if the show suddenly becomes Where’s Ole? But that aside, this was… a magnificent season finale. One that brought every moment and every detail together in a powerful and meaningful manner. Because no thread was left unturned and we truly did walk away from this one with satisfaction, and all we can hope for now… is a second season order. To further explore the life and times of these characters and to dive into the lasting power of trauma and of course… and to see how this town handles the King. Who has clearly caused more trouble than she’s worth. But while we wait for that good news, we can bask in the wonder of this amazing season of storytelling. One that truly impressed and wrapped up this wondrous season in a neat little bow. Learn more about Wanda’s journey this season, courtesy of our interview with the actor that plays her, Lea Drinda. Watch ‘Where’s Wanda?’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías)’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
As the inaugural season of the magnificent new Apple TV+ series, You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías), continues along… it’s becoming clear that this show is eager to accomplish two key things. First, it wants to celebrate the best parts of the crime drama by taking us on a breathtaking and intense ride, and second… it wants to surprise us at every single turn. As evidenced by how its episodes provide us with shocking turn after shocking turn after dropping our jaws with amazing actions sequences and once more… this was the case during this week’s intense and engaging episode. For ‘Face-to-Face’ was all about one epic manhunt. For Fran and Rebeca and the rest of the department were closing in on Dante. For a citywide net was deployed and the clues and the calls were starting to come in, and Dante himself… felt the pressure. Because every camera made him nervous and every attempt to check on the latest news put him at risk, until finally, the police closed in. In fact, they pretty much had him dead to rights on the outskirts of town before some epic moments took place. Such as the fact that the people of the city were working to protect Dante because he was seen as quite the hero. For everyone truly believed he did the city a service and deserved better. Which helped him sneak away for a moment and step into quite the pursuit. One where Fran and Rebeca were lost in the woods and fighting tooth and nail to find him and well, that cat and mouse game brought about the action and adventure we love about the genre, and truly, we were on the edge of our seats with how this played out and how intense it was, and once it came to an end, with Dante escaping no less… did the show shift gears into the surprises in question. Because Dante did have a moment to breathe and speak to these detectives, wherein he said that nothing was quite what it seemed and that the eyewitnesses had more to say. Sadly though, that was damn near impossible to make happen. Simply because, the clock had run out regarding how long the police could hold them, and they had to be released. Which likely meant the truth would never be uncovered. But thankfully, quite the opportunity dropped into Fran’s lap. For while all of this was happening, Matías was doing his best to ditch his ride and get out of the country. Because he did not want to answer for his crimes. But his girlfriend convinced him, he should stay and work with the police for a shorter sentence, so they could be together and do something honest, and he did just that. By informing Fran that Dante wasn’t the shooter and that he wasn’t the hero of the story. All of which hinted at the possibility that everything we’ve known is a lie, and that nothing is what it seems and that… that is exciting. Because it means the unconventional nature of this story is going to continue to grow and continue to surprise us through and through, all while paying tribute to what we love about the genre and well, that leaves all of us excited for next week’s tale. To enjoy more epic moments that take our breath away and to inch closer and closer to the truth and to discover what is going on, and that is going make the wait for next week’s episode quite painful. Because this series continues to impress and continues to engage us with its evolving and jaw dropping mystery. Until next time. Watch ‘You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías)’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Shrinking’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
If there must be one theme to associate with the second season of Shrinking on Apple TV+, it will have to be… the pursuit and the power of truth. Because for the past five weeks, we’ve seen everyone in Jimmy’s orbit search for truth. Truth regarding their emotions, truth regarding their desires and needs in this life, and the show is clearly not planning to deviate from that particular theme. For this week’s episode of the show, once again saw everyone search for truth regarding a particular aspect or need in their lives, and that made for another powerful story that showcased more of the bittersweet nature of healing. A feat that ‘In a Lonely Place’ accomplished through several key plot lines, one of which involved Sean’s father. For in the wake of Sean’s beatdown, which required hospitalization, Jimmy and Paul decided to go the extra mile to get Sean and his family to heal. Which brought them to Sean’s dad’s favorite fishing spot to dole out some truth. In that, Sean needed his father, needed to connect and communicate with him and how this wasn’t about therapy or weakness, it was about a son in desperate need of his father, of the man he looked up to and took guidance from, and he needed that guidance now more than ever. Whether or not dad had it. Because father’s have that strength, and that truth worked, and connected the two at last. While Paul and Jimmy made that happen, Gaby finally had an honest talk with her sister, about why she stepped away and why she didn’t make helping out a priority. To properly apologize and to prepare for her own takeover of family affairs, to give her sister a break and truly, the centerpiece of this truth bomb, came forth via Alice. Who learned from Brian that Louis came to the house and wanted to talk more and finally… that brought her face to face with the man that killed her mother to have a frank and earnest talk about the pain that day caused, the memories left behind and how forgiveness is the only way forward. Which she offered to Louis in an effort to heal herself and help him, since it was obvious that Louis was not in the best place mentally or life wise. Yet as this series is wont to do, it always looks at the up and the downside of truth, and Liz handled the more sorrowful aspects of this. Mainly because, the truth she was facing was that she made mistakes and that her life was changing at a rapid pace and people were resisting her style and resisting her wares, something that was new to her and she felt lost and scared. Scared enough to put up walls and scared enough to seek comfort elsewhere. Because that’s what we do when we see a truth we do not like, we run, we hide, until we are ready to face it. The only question that remains is what will help her to do so before fear makes her do the funny things that we all do. Because Liz doesn’t deserve that kind of strife. But life is fickle like that, and so we are, and all of this made, for another powerful story about healing. About how hard and emotional it can be, and how much effort goes into making it happen. Because everyone here worked overtime to get to a better place or avoid their truth as necessary and well, this was just amazing to watch play out. Because this show really is capturing the healing experience and it really is exploring it in a frank manner that we need to see on television, and it will be interesting to see what comes next from the truths presented here, as season two of this brilliant show continues along. Until next time. Watch ‘Shrinking’
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