Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek and synopsis of the season two premiere of Hustle Sizzle and Smoke, which debuts on aspireTV tonight at 8:30 pm EST!
 
Episode 201 | “Lamb and Pickled Vegetables?”
Chef B of Everybody Eats Grill faces off against Chef Al of Windy City Grill Gang. In today’s challenge, our competitors prepare lamb with a side of pickled vegetables. Will they be able to find the perfect balance between these distinct flavors and wow the judges?

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 314 of ‘Night Court’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Often times when we end a romantic relationship, for whatever reason, that’s that. We never speak to that person again; we close out any ties to them and we just move on. Because it didn’t work, and they were simply not the one, and we move forward to find our person. But now and again, there’s a breakup we take part in, that haunts us. It could be because… a moment of stupidity ended a love that brought us great joy, or it could be related to the fact that life and its chaos helped us to split at a time where a little TLC would have kept things going. But one way or another, for a time we wonder what could have been and if a second chance might ever come our way and we do some interesting things during that particular window.

For we might reach out to them or perhaps we will find a way to be seen, to ignite that spark. If anything, that particular act is top of mind today, simply because Judge Abby Stone took part in it in the next episode of Night Court on NBC. For we came to learn in ‘Hot to Trot’ that Abby was hanging out with Susan, Jake’s mom, on a regular basis. In fact, they were acting as though they were straight up besties. Which Abby stated was an opportunity to just hang out with someone cool, someone to give her perspective on life. But Susan’s constant desire to show off the new chest she had installed in the season three premiere, prompted Wyatt to just call Abby’s bluff and get to the heart of the matter. To which Abby acknowledged, this whole thing was to be near Jake again and know how he was doing.

Which prompted Abby… to accept an invitation to Susan’s birthday party. So that she could hopefully light that flame again. That led to a hilarious disco themed birthday bash, where Wyatt was Abby’s wingman and where she learned that Jake was with someone new. And while they exchanged pleasantries and while Susan did some wild things to try and move them back together, in that moment… while there was longing from the two of them, there was no progress toward tomorrow as one. Just the fine reminder… that sometimes we go the extra mile for love, even when we think we have let it slip through our fingertips. Because the heart wants what it wants, and when we feel that deep connection with someone and truly feel as though we left something on the table, this is that result.

But while that made for an amazing sequence, one that featured more depth we will speak to in a moment, this is also a story that took the time to offer the usual zaniness that the show is known for. Courtesy of a hilarious storyline involving the rest of the team. Wherein Julianne learned that her rich aunt passed away and that she was likely coming into life-changing money. But instead, she was gifted a horse that she gave away to Flobert. Because that meant nothing financially. Until she, and everyone else, learned that the horse had all the money she could draw from. Which led to a free-for-all nightmare for Flobert as everyone tried to get a piece of that horse’s inheritance. One that ended with him just setting the horse free… so that all could try and wrangle that stallion and that was just amazing to see play out and led to a lot of laughs.

Granted, so did Abby’s journey. Since Julia Duffy once again delivered as Susan, and brought a special brand of chaos to the character’s wants, and some beauty as well. Since she tried to reunite our lovebirds in a manner that was motherly and lovely, and that was that extra bit of depth that made this, another great episode from this series. Because this once again, had it all. Good laughs, heart, and just the joy that this series always brings us, and this episode does beg quite the questions… will Jake and Abby? Or won’t they? Only time will tell, but hopefully they do. Because there is some real magic there for them to discover. But while we wait, at least we know we will be treated to more laughs and more endearing messages from this magnificent series. Until next time.

When we think of Hawaii, we think of paradise, personified, and understandably so. After all, island life is quite surreal in all the right ways. Since there are endless views of the icy blue pacific everywhere you turn, and there’s lush hillsides and perfect temperatures, and there’s also great food and a real sense of tradition on these islands. Courtesy of Indigenous Hawaiians that share their culture in a place, that so many of us have learned of and yearned for… courtesy of television and film, and because that is our source, we tend to not know the real history of this paradise floating in the sea.
 
For before it was the 50th State of the United States of America, it was a vastly different place. One where tourism and Elvis Presley movies were unheard of. It was instead a chain of islands that were divided and sometimes mired in conflict, and it took one man to bring all of Hawai’i together, and well… the history of Hawai’I is of note today, because of the fact that a new series from Apple TV+ and megastar Jason Momoa, is coming to the network this summer that explores that unique era in the state’s history.
 
For Chief of War will drop on August 1, 2025 and this series, which stars Jason Momoa, who also serves as an executive producer, writer and co-creator of the show, chronicles how Ka’iana (played by Momoa) worked to bring the islands together in the late 18th century before Western colonization arrived and this will be… an important series. For it not only explores the history of a state we adore, but it offers representation for certain. Since it will also feature a predominantly Polynesian cast and tell a story that really… few of us know of, and to properly celebrate this news, Apple TV+ was kind enough to offer up all the details on this show, and a first look photo, all of which we will share with you now. To properly prepare you for the arrival of this significant series.
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‘Apple TV+ unveiled a first look at “Chief of War,” an epic new drama starring, executive produced and written by Jason Momoa. Set amidst the beautiful backdrop of the islands of Hawai’i, the nine-episode series based on true events, follows warrior Ka’iana, portrayed by Momoa, as he tries to unify the islands before Western colonization in the late 18th century. "Chief of War” will make its global debut on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on Friday, August 1, 2025 followed by new episodes every Friday through September 19.
 
Performed by a predominantly Polynesian cast led by Momoa, “Chief of War” follows the epic and unprecedented telling of the unification and colonization of Hawai’i at the turn of the 18th century. The ensemble cast includes Luciane Buchanan, Temuera Morrison, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Cliff Curtis, newcomer Kaina Makua, Moses Goods, Siua Ikale’o, Brandon Finn, James Udom, Mainei Kinimaka and Te Kohe Tuhaka.
 
This series is a passion project for creators, Momoa and Sibbett, who both share native Hawaiian heritage, and is produced by FIFTH SEASON and Chernin Entertainment. Momoa directs the season finale and serves as executive producer. Doug Jung serves as showrunner and executive produces along with Sibbett, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, Tracey Cook and Brian Mendoza. Justin Chon directs the first two episodes and serves as executive producer. Anders Engstrom, Jim Rowe, Molly Allen, Francis Lawrence and Tim Van Patten also serve as executive producers. “Chief of War” follows the worldwide success of Apple’s hit series “See,” starring Jason Momoa. All three chapters of “See” are now streaming globally on Apple TV+. 
 
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 559 wins and 2,589 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
 
About Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*
 
For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘The Hunting Party’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve basically been privy to a reinvention of the serial killer subgenre of storytelling by way of the magnificent new NBC series, The Hunting Party. For this show has taken every single concept that we love from this type of story and put a unique spin upon them. Adding newfound depth to this type of story, alongside moments that have us buzzing and well, that has left us wondering… if this will continue heading into the final two episodes of the season. After all, there are still mysteries involving the Pit to be solved and Shane’s storyline continues to grow, and well, last night’s episode of the series let us know… this wonderful aspect of the show isn’t going anywhere.

Because ‘Tom Beecher’ offered up the balance this show thrives within. After all, this is a story that saw Bex finally get her wish and meet Oliver’s contact in the flesh, in a cliffhanger fashion no less. A moment that will push the Pit plot line forward, and this story also answered some more questions regarding Shane’s story. Since he learned that Dr. Dulles spent a lot of time watching over him as a child as well. Something that Shane did not recall, which might have significance because of this episode. But more importantly, those tapes not only revealed that childhood surprise, but that his mother knew of him, saw him, during these sessions through glass, but was told she could not interact with him, for reasons that were not made clear.

Of course, in between all of that… was the case in question, and this was engaging and so compelling, simply because… it took the most important element of a serial killer story and toyed with it in a magnificent manner. For power is the end all, be all need for the monsters that kill with impunity in our world, and they thrive upon having the upper hand and controlling the narrative and the lives of their victims. But his story pondered upon what might happen, if the power dynamic between a killer, his victims, and those that were hunting him… was thrown in to disarray? Would that help the heroes? Would that give the killer a new angle to work with? Well as it turned out, the answer was not a good one when all is said and done. For chaos would be the end result, andthat would require someone to step up and take control.

Because it turned out that while Tom Beecher… was out of the Pit and going back to his old M.O. Which involved torturing twenty-something women that were brunette and truly at the start of their lives, before killing them in front of a second victim so the cycle could begin anew, something was different about his work this time. Because this time around, he made a lot of rookie mistakes, such as calling the parents of one of his victims, a true staple of patterns, from an unsecured line that allowed the team to trace the call and arrest him at a hotel and save the second victim he had lined up for his special brand of cruelty. All of which was made possible, because Dr. Dulles subjected Beecher to some weird experiments. The kind that Oliver had to use his contact to learn more about, and it turned out, the many brain surgeries he underwent, shattered his memory and left him unable to form new short-term ones.

Which meant he did not remember where he left his primary new victim, named Lily, and that left both Beecher and Bex powerless here, and well… that gave Bex a bold idea. Wherein, the team would put Beecher to sleep, because sleep would reset his shattered brain and its memories, and they would return him to his room and restore it to the way it was the day he was arrested, with cameras and sound and a planted victim. To give him the illusion he was on track with this routine, and then of course they could follow him to Lily’s location and end this. A plan that everyone agreed to, and that Morales wanted a part of, as the victim no less. For there was little data for her to decrypt thanks to the nonsense that took place in the Pit and that led to one stunning ending for this particular tale.
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One that truly… allowed for Morales to be the hero in this story. Because the plan eventually went south when Beecher came to slowly realize, this was all a setup. Since a hint of graphite left in his van clued him into the fact that someone dusted the van for prints. So, he pulled the team away and threatened Morales and paid the price. Since the team had her ready to fight back and she did, and sadly… because Beecher knew he was cornered, he took the easy way out in this story. Which left the team listless and worried they had no way to save Lily. But the fact that Beecher was humming a particular tune, something Shane pointed out, clued Morales into the fact that such a habit would be how they find their victim. Since that meant he was using the song as a code that she could decipher, and she was right.

For embedded in the conversation he had with Lily, one that he scripted, were clues to help him find Lily when he woke in the morning and that helped the team, save another life. But what mattered more here, was that… this was indeed a fresh and delightful spin on the power struggle that often happens in these kinds of stories, that we’ve seen in this series. And it was just amazing to see the killer have no power here and see our heroes be without it as well. Because that did lead to chaos and confusion and the need to figure out how gain it and that left us guessing as to what was going to happen here, and if by chance our heroes would lose out because of Beecher and Dulles’ machinations. Which brings us to the other real gem in this tale, Morales.

Because she was the hero of the story, plain and simple, and she used some of her own ties to the very town where Lily went missing as fuel to do something good, to give back when it wasn’t a place, she had the best memories of. Not to mention, she showcased her bravery, her strength and how much she can contribute to the field work in this story, and it would be amazing to see her out with the team down the line. But for now, we can celebrate, just an utterly brilliant and complex episode. Because this one was deeply detailed and stunningly engaging. All courtesy of a simple spin on the power dynamic and truly… this episode leaves us eager for next week’s finale. In part, for the answers that await Bex and Shane, but also… because clearly the writers’ room are saving their best stories for the end of the season, and that’s quite the accomplishment, when one considers the majesty, we’ve been privy to, courtesy of this refreshing new show. Until next time.

Please enjoy this super-sized sneak peek from tonight’s new episode of The Hunting Party, which debuts on NBC, tonight at 10 p.m. EST!

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘The Last Anniversary’.
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Normally stories about second chances and/or an opportunity to refresh and reinvent one’s life, are supremely positive in nature once the second chance and reset button appears, and understandably so. Because now we get to be treated to a story of growth. Where someone in need of direction can show us a way forward if by chance, we find ourselves in a spot similar to their own. Which is why it is always so shocking to encounter a story that bucks that trend. For we always see such matters as beautiful and not say, disruptive or unpleasant, but we honestly… should see that more, to give us perspective. Since reinvention isn’t pretty and second chances sometimes come at the cost of others.

Which is why the new AMC+ series, The Last Anniversary, is of note. For its series premiere informs us of the fact that it will be that alternative story regarding such matters, and so much more, all courtesy of a unique story for certain. One that introduces us to the inhabitants of Scribby Gum Island. A place that already harbors mysteries and secrets, thanks to its fascinating past involving an orphaned child named Enigma. But it is also a place in mourning in this tale. For Connie Munro has died and her final wishes, outright stun her family. For she has left her entire estate to a woman named Sophie Richardson. Who was once engaged to Thomas, another member of the family, and well, this move simply does not make sense to the family.

After all, they believed that Connie would entrust her estate to a Munro, and well, that creates chaos for the family and gives rise to a fascinating series premiere. One that makes it clear, that not every fresh start happens to be a true gift to the person in need of one. Because while Sophie is indeed at a tough place in her life and trying to find direction… she’s displacing a family and simply taking over a corner of her past that should be long forgotten. Which sets the stage for a powerful season of exploration. Wherein Sophie will have to navigate life as an heir, as she works to sort the chaos in her life and soul, and of course, learn why Connie thought her best to be the home’s new caretaker. Which should also in turn, open up old wounds and mysteries since this family clearly has some skeletons in its closet.

Yet, this premiere also makes it clear, that it is also going to offer up some amazing commentary on our world. Specifically, what life is like for women in the 21st Century. Since there are moments in this episode, that ponder deeply upon how dating in 2025 is a freakin’ nightmare, and how there are stunning expectations put upon a woman past the age of thirty when they have not started a family yet, and how that’s problematic somehow. Along with moments that speak to the silly expectations put upon women, period. Plus, there are hints of explorations to come, regarding how lost we find ourselves in this modern world and of course, how family life can sometimes be toxic, since there are members of the Munro family that are already insufferable, and that few will care for after watching this brilliant series premiere.

Since this does what a premiere should do. It sets the stage for the story, in a manner that is both grand and intimate. Since we learn so much about this island and this wild family. One that is hurting and is angry for reasons that might go beyond the most important aspect of this premiere. In that, it takes the time to present a fresh start story in a new light. Not to scare, not to insult, but to inform us that fresh starts are rare and require work to get us where we really want to go, and we need that message on display since so many now just want to hit the reset button. And it will be fascinating to go on this journey with Sophie and this family, as they navigate such complexities and life, courtesy of a story that is clearly eager to take us on a special and intimate journey that is both refreshing and unique. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 304 of ‘Dark Winds’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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For the most part, crime dramas tend to work in absolutes if you will. In that, they either focus heavily on the detective we come to love and their personal struggles or they lean into the casework. Likely because there is an opportunity there to do something with that character that no one else is doing in the genre or there’s a chance to dive into a crime that unsettles. But there’s also a chance this choice relates to how there’s risk that the story could lose its way and feel muddled. So, it’s safer to give us one or the other. Which is why it is important to celebrate crime dramas that have figured out how to explore both elements, since those offer up amazing stories. Such as Dark Winds on AMC.

For this show truly gets it and for proof, look no further than this week’s new episode. Because ‘Chahałheeł (Darkness Falls)’ offered up incredible balance since we enjoyed a storyline that saw Joe and the local police, chase after Michael Halsey, following his escape in the last episode. Because the police came to learn that the dude was doing more harm beyond nearly killing an associate, and potentially harming kids, it turned out he was straight up dealing coke out of his ranch. Which led to an urgent manhunt for certain, one that revealed that Halsey and his outfit are related to Tom Spenser’s dealings, and that was all the more reason to stay on the run. Since he knew he would pay a hard price from Spenser, since Budge was angry and dismissive of Halsey when he called Budge to save face.

But thanks to Joe’s keen eye, since he found a clue at the place where Halsey swapped cars, he was able to lure Halsey out of a hotel room and into a jail cell. Wherein he and Gordo did their best to get him to talk about what happened to the kids. And while he offered nothing there but sorrow to the families, while proclaiming his innocence, he did beg for a deal that would reveal Spenser’s holdings and that was enough for the moment to keep everyone happy, and that… led right into the storylines that explored in detail, the humanity of these characters. Because Jim Chee and Leaphorn wanted to know more about why Berndaette’s photo was in that barn, and that brought him face to face with Bernadette and at first, they stuck to the case and made some unique discoveries for certain.

Such as how there was a good chance that Spenser was a drug runner, and that his product was in the belly of the very trucks that Border Patrol was basically letting drive through on any given day. Since that would be the perfect cover for them. But once the details were in hand, and it became clear that someone at the Border Patrol was helping Spenser out, did downtime arrive and that led to some powerful moments between Bernadette and Jim. Wherein Jim at one point, took the time to confront Bernadette about the fire that burned between them and how he wanted her to come home and explore it. But she was hesitant and thought their chance had passed. So much so that she went into the arms of Ivan to prove it while Jim went home. Which made for an incredible and oddly relatable sequence since we’ve been in their spot.
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Not to mention, with Halsey behind bars, the time arrived for a bit of a reckoning with Joe. Because Agent Washington was pressing forward with her investigation and rightfully so, and that forced Joe to sit in when she was taking statements to serve as a translator as needed. Which forced him to face the reality that some people saw things on that night, and his unsettled nature over that and regarding the case in general, forced a hard confrontation between he and Sylvia. One that hinted that she might know, and that left Joe in a tough spot, as did his long talk with Emma. Who finally asked for the truth about that night and let him know she might not be able to live with what he’s done and that made for some powerful moments with Joe, that kind that we rarely see in these stories. Since cops don’t face any consequences for that kind of justice in this type of story all that often. Since what happens in the desert, stays in the desert.

Yet, while that all made for amazing balance for certain, this story still packed in more. Since it also toyed with the spiritual again. Since Joe went back to the office after that rough talk and dealt with broken fuses, horrible noises and one dead Halsey. Leaving one to wonder if there is a spirit punishing Joe or perhaps… there’s just a skilled killer at play here. One who uses fear and diversion to make horrors happen. Time will tell of course, but for now… we can celebrate one brilliant tale. For this one really did have balance. Since it harbored progress on the case and incredibly intimate moments with the characters we love, and that leaves us eager for more of this brilliant series. To see what will come of the case and the personal revelations present here. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eight of ‘The Americas’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

Our perception of the Caribbean and the many beautiful islands it harbors… is one related to relaxation. After all, this is the Caribbean we are talking about here. A place filled with beautiful beaches and waters as blue as the skies above. Which is the perfect place for people to unwind and forget about their troubles, and we are of course, able to do so, because we are the masters of the planet and can now create these spaces that only harbor nature as we see fit. But that’s the thing, despite our perceptions of this wondrous place, and our belief it bends to our will, nature continues to live and thrive, and what exists around us in ‘The Caribbean’ is explored in the next episode of The Americas on NBC.

For this episode took the time to showcase what you find away from the scuba lessons and umbrella drinks. Such as the fact that beautiful waters that surround these islands are just filled to the brim with stunning life. For instance, this is a place where sperm whales thrive. For it is the perfect place to raise their young since it has all the food and calm, they need to keep going, and they’re not the only ones who use these islands as a nursery. For the lemon shark will come here to give birth to its young, and once those pups are out of the womb, they head into the many mangroves present in this part of the world to learn how to safely hunt, so they can properly survive in the world when they are old enough.

But that is but a sampling of what kind of wildlife thrives within these beautiful islands. Because on land you’ll find all kinds of creatures going about their business. For instance, there are capuchin monkeys that have figured out how to find food on both the shores and in the trees. Which is critical since many of them live on isolated islands where the food chain is not as robust as it is in other places. But they make do. Not to mention there are also beautiful hummingbirds that call these islands home, and they work hard to protect the beautiful plants that sustain them. Because offering upkeep and keeping predators away that will tear the plant that they call home to shreds, ensures that their line will prevail since those plants often help to attract a mate, in addition to offering food.

However, while we were treated to great beauty in this tale, and offered a stunning look at how much life surrounds us when we’re on vacation in this part of the world, we also sometimes forget, that this can be a dangerous place as well. After all, these islands and their location, make them a breeding ground for Hurricanes and they’re also in the path of them, so these places are often battered by the winds and debris those storms bring. Not to mention, the arrival of man has made life a little scary for some of the wildlife in this place. Since the red land crabs here not only have to endure high temps that can cook them on their trek to the seas, to give birth to their young, but the highways that we have built are a problem for them as well. Since sadly, cars tend to not break for land crabs.

All of which showcased, a world of chaos and beauty, really, and all those amazing moments made for another powerful and engaging episode from this series. One that really did once again, showcase the duality of the world we thrive in and how paradise isn’t always Mai Tais and dinner on the beach. But a fight for life, and that definitely makes one grateful for the world we’ve created and reminds us to be mindful of the one that surrounds it. All so that we can continue to enjoy its majesty when we look to it to provide us with calm. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Grosse Pointe Garden Society’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve learned a lot about our world, and what drives people to darkness, courtesy of the fascinating new NBC series, Grosse Pointe Garden Society. For this show has left no Azealia unturned when it comes to exploring how marginalization can drive people to dark acts, as can the shock of learning that the world isn’t as rosy as we are led to believe, and through the discovery that most of what we are taught about the world and the American Dream have real falsehoods to them. Because they are outdated concepts that offer advice for generations gone by and well, while that seems like enough to understand what made the Garden Society do something awful… there is still more to learn.

As evidenced by what ‘Plant Parenthood’ showcased. For this was a story that made it clear that another element that breaks people and turns them toward the darkness, is the sheer fact that there comes a point where some learn… that the control they think they have over their lives, is also a falsehood. Which can bring about real devastation and listlessness and that poisons a soul as badly as a bug infestation can destroy a garden, and it explored such concepts in a fascinating manner. In part, by way of Catherine’s unique journey in this story. Because she spent a lot of time here, dealing with the stark reality of being a stay-at-home mom. Since kids are forces of nature in their own right and haven’t a clue what they do has an impact upon adults… because they’re kids and they just don’t have that capacity yet.

But their wake does hit a parent hard. For Catherine was struggling with the hurricane-esque disasters left behind when her children played and her responsibility to them, got in the way of her personal interests. Since it cost her a job back in the world of real estate and while she expressed love for them, the frustration was real and that can wear upon a person. Because it taught her how little control she had this in situation, and that truly left us worried about her, and she wasn’t the only one dealing with parental surprises. Since Birdie came to learn that money can’t buy control, it can only buy disdain and resentment, despite what it does for people. Since her bailouts of Ford only pushed him away from her further and that left her in a strange place mentally.

Plus, Brett found himself in the midst of the illusion of control in this story. One that set the stage for the shock he will experience down the line. Because he truly thought he was the coolest of dad after saving a birthday party, dance off debacle that Connor created. Fully unaware of the fact that Connor was plotting against him to be the ultimate parent, and that was tough to see play out. Not to mention, Alice had quite the shocking reveal regarding control in this tale. Since she came to learn that Patty was the one buying up all of Doug’s art and that she was doing so and giving them that life… to control them. To get her grandchild and have the path she wanted and that exertion of power over Alice and Doug was a lot to bear and left Alice in a tough place. 
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But of course, while that once again gave us a lot to ponder upon, which we will get to in a moment, we have much to discuss regarding the matter with Quiche. For this episode revealed that more clues are out there and that’s a problem. Since we learned that Marilyn, who also underwent her own exploration regarding a lack of control over her marriage and life, dealt with a hideous animal related crisis on the night in question. One that put her face to face with a car that apparently resembled Gary’s car, and she saw the quilt that was unveiled at the event. A truth she revealed to Alice, who was paying back a mystery favor set up in this tale, and that’s huge. Because that’s a witness, and there were a lot of clues that related to Gary being Quiche in this tale.

But they were just clues, nothing solid, which kept us guessing still. But while we wait to see how these clues come together; we can celebrate another smart tale. One that showcased how there are situations in America where people don’t have control of their lives and that can make them snap because we want to be captains of our soul and cannot stand the thought of someone else pulling those strings. Not to mention, this story harbored some amazing commentary on the wealth divide in our nation and how the rich buy and sell people in this day and age, and well… all of these elements leave us eager to enjoy more from this genius series. To see what kinds of cautionary moments will come forth from that commentary and of course… to learn what happened on that fateful night. Until next time.

To learn more about the creation of Joel and Tucker, check out our interviews with the actors that play them, Matthew Davis and Jocko Sims.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Suits’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that we learn early on in life, that second chances are almost an impossibility. Because the choices we make, and the impact they have upon other people and our lives, tend to be deeply permanent. So, we learn to live with the choices we make, and that leads us to believe that second chances will never come our way. But that’s the funny thing about the universe, and life. In that, now and again, when we hope to make changes to our lives for the better… we run into moments where we are given a second chance. That grand opportunity to right a wrong and perhaps push in a new direction.

But that of course, is a confusing moment for certain. Because we don’t expect it, and it goes against the grain of what we know. Not to mention, we aren’t always sure we are worthy or capable of embracing it. For we are creatures of habit and pattern that decry change despite it being around us, and we tend to believe we deserve the path we are given when we make mistakes. But it is possible in that moment to seize it, to rise above and become something more and start a new path in life, as evidenced by the next episode of Suits LA on NBC. For ‘Dester’ saw that opportunity arrive in the midst of the Lester Thompson case, shortly after… we obtained all the details on many of the mysteries surrounding both Lester and Ted. 

For this episode made sure to showcase the truth regarding that night, and how in essence, Stuart was right. For Lester revealed to Kevin that the anger and mess of that night forced him to act in self-defense to see another day, and Kevin made sure to keep that confession for a rainy day and in between the case we will soon discuss, were moments that finally revealed, that what sent Ted to Los Angeles and in disgrace, was not knowing when to let go of the case and worry about what matters. Which was Samantha and her well-being, and it was his ignorance, that put a grand divide between them, as did his ego on the matter and all of that was critical to this episode because we needed to see the full picture so we would and could properly understand the second chance sitting before Ted in this particular tale. 

Because as the case went on, and he and Elizabeth battled back and forth in a desperate attempt to shatter Elizabeth’s credibility and sow doubt in the minds of the jury, she kept counterpunching, hard. In fact, she brought out a star witness that basically put the nail in the coffin for Lester and that, put Ted at the at the universal crossroads in question. Wherein he could either put the case upon his shoulders, and his ego/belief that only he could deliver a not guilty verdict and see where that would take him, or do things right for a change, and ask for help and treat those that matter with reverence to make this a team victory over anything else. And for a short time, it seemed as though he was going to do what so many of us do and stick with what works and hold to patterns because that’s what we think is always right. 
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Which brought about chaos, to the point where Stuart pissed off Rick by offering Erica a job and where the air was indeed heavy over Ted Black’s firm. But getting the truth from Lester and learning that Kevin had his back in a manner that allowed for Ted for be objective, taught him that this was his chance to get it right, that if he tried a new path, he could save a life instead of being responsible for one and that prompted him… to see Stuart. Wherein they made up as best they could, so that Stuart could use his vast knowledge to find a way to change the plea and present the right evidence, and lo and behold… he found it. Via the transcript that Elizabeth wanted in the trial so badly, and that allowed for the truth to come forth and for Ted to land a huge win and truly start… his reinvention process. To the point where he even apologized to Samantha.

But what matters most, is that this episode showcased how second chances arrive and how important it is that we embrace the opportunity. For the universe does want us to find meaning, to find direction that we can apply ourselves to, so we can learn, so we can grow and be the people we wanted to be in our youth, and that made… for a satisfying and epic tale. One that really put Ted and the team to the test and offered up, another chapter closed in this saga. For it seems every three episodes, the story completes an arc in Ted’s redemption/reinvention story. Since we’ve seen him decide upon reinvention in the first three episodes, and we’ve seen him embrace it in the next three, and it will be interesting to see what lie ahead for Ted Black and his now salvaged law firm as he enters the next chapter in this journey. One with far less pressure upon him now that peace is being made and now that Ted is finding his way forward in the darkness. Until next time.