Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘St. Denis Medical’.
It is definitely safe to say that medical sitcoms, struggle to find something that their dramatic counterparts have in spades. Specifically, a genuine sense of humanity and it makes sense as to why. After all, sitcoms are all about the laughs, so they tend to lean toward that over anything else, and while this isn’t a bad thing by any means… it does often deny us that sense of the human condition we require to deeply connect with a show in this vein. In fact, to date, really only a handful of medical sitcoms have figured out that formula and even then… they have to lean heavy into drama to capture what the audience needs. Which leaves one to wonder, will there ever come a medical sitcom that makes us laugh but also connects with us on a deep level in a seamless manner? And well, the answer to that question is yes and that show has arrived at last. For St. Denis Medical arrived on NBC last night and it truly does accomplish that incredible feat. Courtesy of some simple and satisfying storytelling devices, such as the fact, that this is not the traditional medical sitcom, it’s handled in a mockumentary style. Wherein we step into the world of the fictional St. Denis Medical to meet its staff in ‘Welcome to St. Denis’ and ‘A Very Robust Personal Life’ in an intimate manner. Which allows for us to quickly get to know them, and what they stand for, and yes, enjoy some serious laughs along the way. After all, this is… a very quirky staff. One full of personalities and proclivities that truly entertain, and what other medical show features a talented surgeon that is eager to get the day started with a little ‘Intergalactic’ from the Beastie Boys, or an administrator that is looking far ahead to the future, regardless of how ready or not ready her building is for upgrades. Not to mention, it’s always hilarious to see a rookie go wrong end up for an epi pen and fear medical procedures that are commonplace. Because those are all, in some capacity, relatable moments that we can easily connect to. Because we too have our weird start of day rituals and ambitions and do and say silly things at work, and those moments bring forth the quality comedy in question, the kind that really does leave one in stitches.
But truly, it is the heart that this show exhibits that makes it special and makes that perfect medical sitcom, one we can deeply connect with, and that comes courtesy of two key moments in both episodes. For instance, in the pilot tale, Alex really surprised all of us. Because she was so desperate to get home and get to the play to see her little one wow the crowd. But a sick woman in the parking lot, prompted her to just worry about that person, in that moment, and show us the amount of heart, her, and so many medical professionals have and how someone else’s well-being truly comes first for them. Not to mention, the value of that care was put on display at the end with that beautiful thank you at the end.
Not to mention, the next episode took the time to ponder upon something rarely discussed in medical sitcoms. Specifically, the psychological impact of what these folks see and have to deal with on a daily basis. Because they do see suffering, they do see pain, and they are human beings. Who yes, have to compartmentalize and bury at times. But that doesn’t mean it goes away, and it was just lovely and just powerful to see them all feel something in the second episode from last night, and deal with death and understand the career path they’ve chosen requires more from them from an emotional standpoint. And we really don’t see this in medical dramas or sitcoms in the raw manner we saw it here, and that all made for a brilliant series premiere. One that informed us that Justin Spitzer and Eric Ledgin have another hit on their hands, and that they are the true masters of creating this kind of sitcom. Where we laugh, cry, and outright desire more and truly, we all want more of this charming new series. Because it really is wonderful and fun, and it really does connect with us on a fundamental level. Thanks in large part also to its talented cast, who sell the moments in question with a gravity that is rare to find in sitcoms. And well… all we can do now, is wait patiently for next week’s episode for more of the heart, charm, and outright hilarity that this series is going to send our way… as season one of this refreshing new sitcom, continues along. Until next time. Watch ‘St. Denis Medical’
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Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘The Irrational’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also contains discussions regarding suicide and suicidal ideation, which may be triggering to some individuals.
We like to believe that when we harbor a strong moral core, we are immune from making utterly rash decisions, and it makes sense as to why we hold to that. After all, a strong moral core can guide a person and quickly inform them when there’s a chance to do something silly, that perhaps they should not. It is in essence, a little cautionary angel on our shoulder, keeping watch and whispering into our ears that we should definitely not do the thing, because that would go against our code, and everything we believe in. But alas, that is nothing more than aloof thinking really. Because we are human beings, and the right circumstances will always make us do irrational things. In fact, a strong moral core might push us deeper into an irrational rabbit hole, as evidenced by this week’s episode of The Irrational on NBC. Which ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ explored by way of a shocking case on campus. In that, a brilliant student, one committed to making the world a better place through an improve organ donor selection system on campus, and a bill she was drafting to help people secure organ donations, died in an apparent suicide. Which shocked the school to the point where Alec was asked to figure out how this could have happened. Especially since other students had recently succumbed to such ideations and well, digging into the case, immediately threw up some red flags for Alec. Simply because, there were no warning signs for this student to commit to such an act, and forensics tests showcased that she didn’t commit suicide, she was outright murdered and that brought forth a fascinating investigation. One that also showcased how irrational we are without a moral core. Since this student belonged to a sorority and her sisters covered up her death to keep the charter alive and keep their noses clean since they were doing illegal things within the walls of their house. But that led to the truth, and the central theme in question. Because it turned out, that all of the deceased’s hard work in creating an honest organ donor program went up in smoke when some rich dude bro bribed his way to new liver, and a nurse and fellow sorority sister, a person who signed up to help people… because of a good moral center, was the one responsible for this atrocity. So, rather than do the right thing and let that core fix this, this nurse instead chose… to preserve the look of her moral center by killing an innocent. Which speaks to how that moral core means nothing to a human in severe distress, since that nurse was going to be exposed and lose her job and be shamed and that could indeed make someone snap and want to preserve the image, they are a moral beacon. All of which made for an incredible case, one that was once again balanced out nicely by growth moments for some of the other characters. Which in this case, was just Phoebe. Because the consequences of doing the right thing came forth in this tale. Since that scuzzy professor let her go from her post for blowing the whistle on her, and she of course… blacklisted Phoebe to try and keep her from working anywhere on campus. But she worked with Kylie to persevere and discover a few truths about herself before doing what should have been done ages ago. In that, she spoke with Alec honestly about rejoining the team and what she would need to be successful in this job to manage her anxiety and Alec was happy to accommodate and welcome her home and even Simon, endured some growth here by facing his own sordid past regarding suicide in his family. Which brought forth, another amazing episode from one amazing series. Since it spoke to how few things keep us rational when we are backed into a corner, and how important it is to understand that. So that we don’t think we have a saving grace and will hopefully take a moment to think logically before acting. But that aside, it was also nice to see Phoebe come back to the department and see everyone working to lift one another up in this tale, and truly, this leaves us eager for more of this magnificent series and its amazing explorations regarding the human condition. Until next time. Watch ‘The Irrational’
Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode Four of You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías), which debuts on Apple TV+ tomorrow! Episode 104 - Face-to-Face The police are ready to arrest the man they believe to be the vigilante—until a new witness comes forward with shocking information. Written by John Edward Betancourt There was a time in television history, where the sitcom was a vastly different kind of show. One that only dabbled in realism and rarely offered depth. For they were seen as the apex of escapism, where audiences could get home after a long day at work and just lose themselves in some laughs with characters that were relatable and fun… but nothing more. And that standard stuck around for decades on end but recently its started to change, at light speed no less. Because over the past decade or so, sitcoms are suddenly a slice of our own world, and they offer lessons and healing, and we can thank one particular duo for this incredible change. For Justin Spitzer and Eric Ledgin have both worked on two revolutionary sitcoms: Superstore and American Auto. Both of which offered laughs, absolutely, but also offered so much more. Since they provided audiences with a sense of realism through characters and settings that truly reflected the realities of the industries they highlighted, and in doing so… lessons came forth. As did endearing and human moments and a new understanding of the world of retail and how a C-Suite operates and that has indeed changed the landscape of sitcoms forever and influenced them for certain. Since so many more sitcoms now harbor depth and well, this duo isn’t done exploring what depth can do for the sitcom. For tonight will see the debut of their latest offering, St. Denis Medical, on NBC, and well… it absolutely deserves a quick spotlight before its debut. Simply because this time around, Justin and Eric have taken the time to explore the world of medicine through a comedic lens. By plunging us into the world of St. Denis Medical. A hospital in Oregon that features everything we’ve come to know and love from this duo’s work. Since this hospital is filled to the brim with quirky doctors and administrators and equally as quirky patients sometimes. Which allows for us to enjoy, another series from this pairing that brings forth the laughs. Because the jokes work here, and they’re relatable and funny and having some comedy legends present in the cast only adds to that. Since Wendi McLendon-Covey and David Alan Grier shine in this series, and they often remind us why they are legends. But of course, there was mention of that depth, and that’s present here through the characters and through the heart they exhibit. For no character in this story is a mere caricature, they are once again well-rounded characters with needs and wants and things they stand for, and that allows for the audience to immerse themselves into this story easily. Not to mention, this series also offers up a little biting commentary on the commercialization of the medical field and the competitive nature of it in Modern America. Which is never overwhelming, but welcome, since it does need to be spoken to in this day and age, and speaking of a touch of real-world reflection, well that’s where this series truly shines. Because it doesn’t harbor the glitz and glamour that so many medical shows prefer to have, to make hospital life intense. It instead features the mundane, the everyday stuff hospital workers have to deal with, and that’s refreshing. Since it allows for us to get to know the characters and much like Superstore and American Auto, properly reflects the industry that is being lampooned. Which just gives rise to a truly enriching series. One we connect with on a deeper level and enjoy from beginning to end thanks to the laughs, and the best news of all is that we are mere hours of away from enjoying this new series. Since it debuts on NBC later tonight with a two-episode series premiere at 9 p.m. EST/8 p.m. CST, and we here at NTG cannot wait for you to see this delightful and dynamic new show. Nerds That Geek was also able to attend the NBC Segment of the Television Critics Association 2024 Summer Press Tour, where ‘St. Denis Medical’ was showcased and where multiple members of the cast and production team offered up the following thoughts on this new series. Eric Ledgin and Justin Spitzer regarding the show’s setting and the value of its unique mockumentary design. ERIC LEDGIN: “Yeah, so Oregon was chosen for a couple reasons. One is I just feel like it’s a very underrepresented state. It’s a great and beautiful state that you don’t hear a lot about. But also there was a nurse that I spoke to a lot during the research part of the development process, and it was a little bit of a nod to her. She helped kind of inspire the character of Alex a little bit, and so it started out as a bit of a nod to her, but I think it’s also a fun place for us to discover as we go. We’ve got little references to Oregon throughout season one, but, of course, if we get more seasons of the show, we’ll explore more outside the hospital.” JUSTIN SPITZER: “I loved ‘Scrubs’ so much but that show, especially over its run, it became a --broad sounds like it’s value-based but it’s not. It had more wacky elements of it from whatever, marching bands coming through or a musical episode. It was great in so many ways but the fact that this is a mockumentary sort of limits us and says we are always going to be the much more grounded version of it.” Wendi McLendon-Covey (Joyce) and David Alan Grier (Dr. Ron) on what attracted them to this project. WENDI MCLENDON-COVEY: “All I wanted was to not play another mom right away, because I did that for a long time. I think it’s well-documented that I can play moms, and respect to all moms everywhere. What I loved about this character is that she is not nurturing at all. Don’t come near her wanting a hug. She does not want your germs and she cannot keep a plant alive, but she is devoted to this hospital. That’s her baby, and this is her whole personality. So the fact that this came along right at the tail end of “The Goldbergs,” I’m the luckiest person in the world. I was not being strategic, necessarily. I just knew I didn’t want to be in the ’80s again, since I’ve done it twice now and this was just such a gift.” DAVID ALAN GRIER: “I mean, my goal is always to say yes to a good script. So it just happened that I was a doctor. It also happens that the character -- we all know, there are some characters that you read and you think I can reach or get to. There are other characters that you just know, and this guy, he’s an old curmudgeon. That’s me. No, it wasn’t the medical stuff. That was incidental. I just responded to the script, and I say this begrudgingly. It was good. It was well written. It was intelligent.” Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Inspector Ellis’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
It is definitely safe to say that crime dramas, tend to showcase the world in a supremely polarizing and stark manner. Wherein there is only good and only evil, and those two sides battle it out for all time, and of course… in a crime drama, the forces of good are the police officers in the story with the main character serving as their proverbial archangel of sorts. While evil is the criminal that’s crossed lines and they serve as that agent of darkness sent here to sow chaos, and we eat this up, simply because… it satisfies something deep in our brains. For it makes the world and its complexities, palatable and it gives us a sense of catharsis regarding injustice. Because in reality, the world is supremely grey and good and evil are concepts that get lost in the mix, and justice isn’t always possible. Which is why it is always shocking to see a crime drama point that out, and well, this is top of mind today, simply because the next episode of Inspector Ellis showcases the grey via a harrowing and devastating case in ‘Callorwell’. Which this episode pulls off by having DCI Ellis and DS Harper head to that very town to figure out how things are going so wrong at the local precinct. For an officer has gone missing after a massive case involving a drug kingpin falls to pieces because of poor policework and well, before they can even investigate the shortcomings of that case, dark news washes over the town, when that missing officer’s body turns up. Which pushes this duo to understand how such things could happen here and that leads to a juicy case where even the officers in this town are suspects. For all Ellis and Harper uncover is ego and anger toward one another, and cops that are out to protect who they choose to protect within the walls of the precinct, and that makes it damn near impossible for this duo to uncover the truth. But eventually, they come to find that the now deceased officer immersed herself too deeply in the case in question and uncovered far too many injustices in this town, and that helped to end her life. But what matters more in this story, is the chaos that surrounds that final discovery, since it speaks… to a world exactly like our own. Because this is the madness we see in our own world. For there are so many people out there in it for themselves. Both in the private sector and in police stations around the world. For ambition rules the day and that forces people to put blinders on and pervert the course of justice through ignorance. Which made for a frustrating but realistic tale. One that informed us that perhaps the Ellis’ of the world are far and few between and messy cops like the ones we saw here are the norm. Not to mention, that sense of ‘me, me, me’ in law enforcement is what helps to grow and sow chaos and crime in our world. Since attention spans are focused elsewhere and that allows for criminals to thrive with impunity and for justice to remain unserved. All of which brings forth, a powerful story in the end. One that just holds a mirror up to the chaos and injustices of the world and showcases how they exist because of ego and selfishness in a field that is supposed to be selfless, and that is brilliant. Since we need to hear that more often and we need to think about who exactly applies when it comes to that age old slogan, ‘to serve and protect’. Plus, this episode also allowed for Sharon D Clarke to shine further as DCI Ellis. Since she is a tour de force in this story and provides us with the sense of justice and common sense we want in this world through her performance and well… all this does is leave us eager for more of this amazing tale. So, we can enjoy more bold storytelling from a series that is eager to just showcase the world as it is, and how the fight for justice is far harder than we know. Until next time. To learn more about season one of ‘Inspector Ellis’ check out our interview with series lead Sharon D Clarke. Watch ‘Inspector Ellis’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Brilliant Minds’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
There is in our modern world, a great debate that has raged for decades on end, revolving around the rights of people that are legally brain dead, suffering from a terminal illness or are facing a devastating change to their quality-of-life standards because of an injury. In that, no one can decide if these people should be allowed to voluntarily expire, and it makes sense why there is a debate. After all, life is precious and if there is any chance that a person can live and have a fighting chance at a better tomorrow through discoveries that could help them down the line, they should get their chance. But at the same time… if a cure is years off, they are going to suffer and that’s really the key there, the suffering they face, and the indignity that can accompany that, and well… this debate shows no signs of ending anytime soon. But it does beg some big questions. Such as what are the rights of a patient in this situation? And should we in fact, just drop the debate and let a person choose their respective fate when they’re staring down a horrifying diagnosis or watching their loved one breathe with the help of a machine? Well, it just so happens that the next episode of Brilliant Minds on NBC dives into this debate in a powerful manner, and offers an answer to those questions, after it of course, offered up a medical miracle in ‘The Man from Grozny’. For in this tale, John Doe, who we learned is named Roman, underwent that epic procedure to have a communication device implanted in his brain and well, the thing worked, and just like that… Dr. Wolf and his team could communicate with him, and they learned his story. In that, Roman was a refugee from Chechnya, who came to America to be free and live an authentic life, where he could be with his boyfriend and enjoy the American Dream. For being a homosexual in Chechnya was in fact, a crime. But alas, while he found joy and wonder here, an accident led to his stroke and that in turn led to his current condition, and his story, and his resilience genuinely touched the team at the hospital and truly, they were in awe that he was still alive and still fighting after everything and of course, now that they could communicate they were eager to help Roman enjoy a better life. So, they tracked down his significant other, Alex, and began to make plans for what his future would look like. One where he could be with Alex and speak with him and connect with others despite needing those machines to live, and that’s where those questions came into play. Simply because, while Roman was thrilled to communicate and grateful for the chance to be reunited with his love and shown kindness by the staff, he had some concerns about his future. About how he would forever be stuck in this bed, and unable to do anything else but chat now and again, so he asked to be removed from the ventilator… so he could die. For he felt there was now closure to his journey, and he could find peace rather than live in this manner. Which brought forth the debate in question and fury from the company that installed the communication chip in his brain. Because they wanted more data and others were worried that it was cruel to not give him a fighting chance or that perhaps he was mentally stunned by being able to talk. But a psych eval and some hard discussions made it clear that Roman was of sound mind, and it would be cruel to ignore his wishes and let him live in a manner he did not find quality within. Which brought forth a powerful end to a fascinating life and left us with a simple answer to those questions. In that, the debate should end now simply because… like anything in this life, it is up to the individual how they want to live, and we have no power over that. We can merely make suggestions and offer alternatives. But if someone is facing a horrible end from cancer or a true quality of life concern as Roman did here, they can choose an end if they see fit, for it is their life and they are facing circumstances that aren’t the norm. All of which made for a powerful and moving episode. One that not only explored the life and times of a long-standing mystery this season but showcased what real kindness looks like and how this team has jelled and come together since they were all there for Roman at the end. Which was just beautiful to see, as was Wolf finding inspiration to go for it love wise with Nicols, and this story definitely gave us plenty to ponder upon regarding patient’s rights and the need to let people choose their path when they can. For we are the captains of our own souls and should always have the right to decide what’s best for us. Until next time. Watch ‘Brilliant Minds’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Mr. Throwback’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
If there is one particular question, we’ve all been eager to have the phenomenal Peacock series, Mr. Throwback, answer… it would be… can people who lie through their teeth for personal gain be redeemed? Because folks that do that, are selfish in nature, and truly do hurt people along the way. To the point where lives are forever changed, and spirits are forever broken. So badly in fact, that it seems like there can be no redemption for the lie, the act of deception and well, after five weeks of Danny Grossman toying with a lie to benefit himself, we finally received the answer to that all-important question in the show’s season one finale. Wherein it seemed as though, the answer was initially no. Because ‘Eric Roth Costs a Fortune, Bro’ opened up with the reveal that Mitch was now in prison for defrauding Steph Curry and the foundation. And rather than come clean and take the fall for his own lie, Danny saw this as a chance to properly punish his father for his transgressions and move on in life and not have to worry about dealing with an exit strategy. For the charity game was on the horizon and getting through that would solve all of his problems. Because then it would be done, and life would return to normal. But alas, that simply was not the case. Because the truth was beginning to poke through the dark clouds Danny surrounded this whole mess with. Since the film crew wanted there to be genuine accountability and well, the push to expose the truth and the fact that Danny received some time to reflect upon his lie, helped him to realize… he was no better than his dad. In fact, he was repeating the cycle, hurting his family in the name of revenge and agency and that prompted him… to finally tell the truth. Granted he did it on the national stage and took a hell of a punch from Steph, one that was deserved. But this did teach us that if the circumstances are right and perhaps someone doing this madness can take a moment to see their mistake objectively, they can in fact… be redeemed. Which brought about a sweet ending. One where Danny finally made peace with his past and even worked to make peace with his father. So that they could have a relationship at last. Not to mention, he found grace for all of his transgressions and was able to let life play out as it should. In an organic manner where people lived their lives, and he only worried about his own. Which was lovely to see play out, because let’s be honest… Danny was never a villain. Just a busted man with a busted soul that needed to heal and find a way forward from that, and he did here and that made for a lovely ending that set the stage for a potential second season for this gem. Since there was a hint that overseas shenanigans lie ahead. But while we wait for a season two announcement, we can celebrate one magnificent finale. One that was emotional, raw and supremely human. Since it brought everything together beautifully by pointing out that people like Danny, do this because of their hurt, their marginalization and that if we offered people that have made mistakes or have been manipulated a little more care, and a little more grace, perhaps they can achieve wonders like Danny did here and find their path. Making this story more about how we heal and overcome over anything else and that made for a satisfying ending to this chapter in Danny’s life and gives us hope that we can all come back from our trauma and find the peace we all seek. Watch ‘Mr. Throwback’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
This article highlights the Series Finale of ‘My Lady Jane’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
One particular problem that is currently popping up in television that is frustrating fans to no end, is that great shows are being cancelled far too quickly in this day and age. And this is problematic because some genuinely incredible stories are disappearing from the airwaves. The kind that are bold, intelligent, and offer something refreshing and new, and that is why we are seeing so many petitions and #Save campaigns. To try and keep great stories alive and on the air, so they can accomplish their brave goals, and that is why today… we are going to be recapping the series finale of the now cancelled Prime Video series, My Lady Jane, in a vastly different manner. Because if you’re reading this, you’re a fan that’s signed the #SaveMyLadyJane petition and you’re on another rewatch and you already know how season one ends, so we don’t need to rehash that in great detail, and if you haven’t watched it yet, go do so and come back, you’ll be glad you did. But because of the fact that so many reading this article, want more of the show, we need to instead discuss… the transformation of this show in its finale and why that finale means that this series needs more seasons and deserves a fresh start on another network if necessary. Because ‘Another Girl, Another Planet’ and ‘God Save the Queen’ is simply brilliant television, that turned out to be shockingly timely and showcased exactly what this series stands for and what it could be. For Lady Jane’s fight to shut down the monarchy and create a country for all, while suffering evil untold from her own family… let us know that this story was less about fantasy and more about our modern world. Where women should be seen and heard and want to be but are shut down often by the patriarchy and old white men, and where marginalized individuals are seen as monsters or animals by closed-minded folks that let hate and a lack of knowledge guide their words and actions. And it is also a series… about how we fight that. Through the power of love since it does conquer all, through kindness since it can heal an ailing soul and through choice. The choice of being better. Of rising above the hate and the nonsense to be a beacon for others who also want there to be a better life for all. Which makes this finale, so poignant and so powerful. Because the world now finds itself in Jane’s situation. Held captive by people who made poor choices in leadership and listened to their fearful rally cry and let that fear guide them into giving hate filled assholes too much power and too much control, and well… we definitely need a show that spotlights the fight against such tyranny. That lets us know that heroes are out there trying to do the right thing and make the world a better place. So, we have hope. So, we feel inspired to hold our heads high on the dark days ahead and well, that’s why this series deserves more seasons, and hopefully someone gives it the second chance it absolutely deserves. Because this one is special, and this one has relevancy and gravity, and it will never become overwhelming or scary thanks to the plucky humor and unique style it presents its stories with and well, that’s really all there is to say on the show itself, and all that remains, are thanks to the cast and crew for putting together a series that gently reels us into something powerful and thoughtful and of course… we have to reiterate that we genuinely hope that Prime Video gives this series another chance or that another streamer picks it up. Because this is refreshing and original content that deserves every chance to grow, and to help people during this trying time. By offering up a story that really does remind us that we can be better when we come together and stand tall against those who would do us harm, because that’s what bullies like them… simply cannot stand. Watch ‘My Lady Jane’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Sweetpea’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
It is definitely safe to say that the fascinating STARZ series, Sweetpea, has asked some hard questions over the course of its first four episodes. Specifically, can Rhiannon maintain her anonymity? And can she find any measure of redemption for the things she’s done? Simply because it seems implausible that she would forever remain in the shadows with the amount of visual data out in the world, and at her core, was a good person. One that has crossed a lot of lines but could atone for her sins if she chose to do something worthwhile, and it just so happens that at long last, the series began to ponder upon the answers to those all-important questions in the season’s penultimate episode. Which ‘Someone’s Been a Naughty Girl’ accomplished, by way of some big surprises. One of which, involved Marina. Who really took what she discovered to heart and began to investigate Rhiannon with impunity. Because she saw the connections, saw the darkness and what Rhiannon might be looking for and that brought her all over town to investigate this wallflower turned murderer. Which allowed for us to spend a lot of time with Marina and learn she and Rhiannon shared in some traits. Since Marina was also oft ignored and oft not seen, but the difference between the two was that Marina made a point to not let that eat her soul up or set her back. She opted to push past it and find agency. But that aside, the police were closing in and that was a big problem for Rhiannon. Whose journey in this tale, oddly related to Marina’s parallel path. For when we caught up with her in this tale, she was struggling with what to do with Julia. Because now she felt for her, since no woman should ever be subjected to the horrors of a garbage fiancé, and that allowed for the two to finally connect and confront one another about current and past actions and that led to some hard truths for Rhiannon. Such as how, she was her own worst enemy and chose to do the opposite of Marina and embrace her pain instead of fighting against it, and that rattled her to no end and put her in a difficult spot mentally. Wherein she started making mistakes. Because a confrontation with Julia’s fiancé, about what she did to his home, prompted her to try and make him the next victim in broad daylight. But alas, Jeff saw this happen and that forced Rhiannon to try and stop him from revealing the truth. Which fate helped with since he was splattered about when he rolled in front of a massive truck. But that also gave Rhiannon pause. Because that helped her to understand, Julia was right. That she had let this happen, she chose to go down this route and find unhealthy catharsis and if she didn’t change course, she would be a true monster and that gave her an idea on how to redeem herself. One that required Julia’s help. Wherein they would work together to bring that gross fiancé to justice and for the most part, the plan worked. But it did require a little of Rhiannon’s darkness to save the day. But she did work to redeem herself here and time will tell if she has done enough. After all, Marina was there to greet her and Julia and that cannot be a good thing. But while we wait to see what Marina does with the evidence she has; we can revel in quite the intelligent tale. One that deeply explored how the modern world makes it damn near impossible to get away with murder, and that’s a good thing. Because it is the darkest act, we take part in, and it did let us know that Rhiannon is redeemable but will be forever transformed, regardless of the outcome. Because she has taken lives and been responsible for the death of an innocent, and there’s no going back from that, and it will be interesting to see how she reconciles that when the season finale of this fascinating series gets underway. Until next time. Watch ‘Sweetpea’
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