Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘The Chicken Sisters’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular aspect of visual stories that focus on healing that is genuinely interesting, is how few of them show what happens… when you finally heal. They just offer up title cards that speak to better days for the characters. Or they just make it clear that joy has come to their life, and we can just fade to black and move on. As though what comes next, doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you hit the finish line, and well, that’s just odd. Because it’s a huge deal when we heal, and it’s a huge deal that life is better when we do. Because it brings forth so much wonder, so much joy and that is why the season finale of The Chicken Sisters on Hallmark+ is of note.

Because ‘The Best Chicken in Town, Y’all!’ took the time to finally showcase what comes after. Courtesy of a story that helped everyone learn some truth about the family’s past, and where… everyone came to realize that the present was unsustainable. For Amanda and Nancy came to realize that Frank Jr. represented the worst parts of their family, and a surprise phone call to Mae, one where she was asked to return to her show… helped her realize that she didn’t need to hide behind that anymore. She needed to be true to her family, true to her roots, and well… more awful shenanigans from Frank Jr. brought forth quite the surprise. Wherein everyone sided with Gus and formed a new business entity, the Chicken Sisters.

Which allowed for them to make some of their finest chicken ever and start thinking about tomorrow, as a family. As people who worked together and believed in one another and that’s what healing provides. It provides happiness, clarity, and unity if needed. The kind that you use to atone for the guilt in your heart, to replace it with fulfillment, and that is so powerful… that nothing can ruin it. Not even say, losing Kitchen Clash. Because sadly, good ol’ fashioned misogyny helped Frank Jr. win the whole prize. But the Chicken Sisters cared not. They found something more valuable, more powerful, and that allowed for a new chapter to come forth because they healed, because they came together and supported one another instead of backing away. 

Not to mention, they garnered a local sponsor and were able to set up for a new franchise. Which was good, because Mr. Chicken and Frank Jr. were preparing their own restaurant to take over the town. But they also… found so much more. Since Nancy found peace and opened her heart to love again, and Mae found her way home, with her fiancé no less. And Frankie found her future and Gus finally found her family. Giving rise to a beautiful ending. One that offered up the complete ending for healing. Because once we get there, once we settle in, we move into our next chapter. Where the days are filled with peace, and while the next chapter sometimes requires a little more, as was the case with Amanda, she was there none the less.

All of which gave rise to a satisfying season finale. One that wrapped everything up nicely and truly took the characters on a fulfilling journey. Well, save for Frank Jr. Who continued to ride in darkness. But some people do that too, and that is the way of things. But what matters most here, is that this family, found a way forward, found a way to heal. Through understanding, honesty, and care, and that’s all that matters. Because that’s what we entered into this journey to see, and now that they are united and feeling better, we can turn our attention to fighting their new nemesis, to thrive in a second season, and hopefully this show gets it. So, we can enjoy more of this refreshing saga, and all the wonderful growth it puts forth.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Three Women’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article contains discussions regarding sexual assault as well, which may be triggering to some individuals. 
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When we last settled in to discuss the brilliant STARZ series, Three Women, we pondered briefly upon an unfortunate possibility regarding the agency that Lina, Maggie, and Sloane obtained. In that, there was a very real chance that they might face real consequences for their actions. Since their situations required delicate balance and there were unknown factors to their important and liberating decisions, something that set forth real risk for certain, and well… it didn’t take long for this series to explore some of those consequences, and so much more in a story that once again defied convention through and through.

But before we dive into that, let’s discuss those consequences. Which as it turned out, revolved around the fact, that the grass was not greener on the other side for Lina in ‘two women’. Sure, she was able to be intimate with Aidan often, and enjoy mind blowing intimacy, and yes, she was getting her separation from her dry and boring husband at last. But the fact of the matter was, she wasn’t getting love. Just lust, for Aidan didn’t exactly make all the effort necessary here to be with Lina, and it was obvious, this was just fun for him. A reality that did lightly rattle Lina, but she held to the belief this was love and all it stood for, ignoring that warning sign. But there was psychology behind such a move, one that she discovered while hanging out with Gia.

Because in their various travels in Indiana, they at one point found themselves in a basement in the midst of a tornado warning. Wherein they were able to speak frankly about their lives and their mistakes, and truths they did not want to face or did not know, existed. Such as the fact that Lina dealt with sexual assault and rejection as a teenager, the latter of which came from Aidan, who saw her as impure for actions that were out of her control, and that rejection… and the trauma of what happened, was repressed, and helped to shape some of what she desired and why she thought physical love was such a healing agent at this point in her life. Which was powerful stuff to uncover and something we simply don’t see; television shows acknowledge and explore enough. 

Which puts Lina’s plans in a precarious place and truly is of consequence. Since sadly… Aidan is not the solution she hoped for and that will devastate and wound when the lust and the fantasy comes crashing down. But… one must take a chance, one must go for it or stay stagnant, so we cannot fault Lina, we can only feel for her. But there was also mention, of some unconventional moments here, and that was handled via Gia. Who once again was dating Jack since he returned and tried to start a family with her and well… while there was success there, there was also a scary surprise. In that, cancer found its way into Gia’s body and that prompted her to pack up and head to a facility alone to battle it. To face her fears about facing the same fate as her mother, head on.

A twist that simply spoke to life’s cruelty, and the random nature of it, and how genetics can sometimes play a part in that, and that just added… to the realism of this tale. Because what Lina encountered here, is common. Sometimes what we think is love, is actually lust, and sometimes what we seek will take time to find. The important thing is that we start the process toward getting what we want and that starts with learning more about who we really are. Which Lina did indeed do here, and hopefully she can heal and hopefully the same goes for Gia, who is facing quite the task. If anything, all of these elements made for a slice of life episode for certain. One that compels us to finish the journey and see what lie ahead for these intrepid women and their quest… to find peace and agency. Until next time.

It really is safe to say that some people, live dual lives. One, is a living lie, where they offer a person that is friendly, comfortable and admirable. But behind closed doors, they are a totally different person. One that leads a life that might shock us or leave us disappointed, and yet… that life brings fulfillment to their soul for reasons that we do not understand. Which is why, they live in two worlds. One with the mask they wear to get through the day, that brings them acceptance, and one without where they find what they need by any means necessary, and well, this is a truth that we all learn, along the way, and are shocked by it of course. For we truly believe that people are inherently good and honest, and what you see is what you get.
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But learning that lesson does bring about more questions for us. Such as… why would someone live that kind of life? Because it cannot be easy living in two worlds nor can any good come from it. So… why do that? Well as peak television continues to expand and stories are in high demand, slowly but surely, we are getting shows that explore such matters. So we can indeed finally figure out why on earth people seemingly make this choice and are eager to keep that second life, a secret from the rest of the world, and it just so happens that a new series on Viaplay takes the time to dive into such matters like never before and in doing so, Secrets provides us with a sobering perspective on matters that truly do confuse us, all by introducing us to a pair of siblings… that lead two lives.

There’s Eva, a middle-aged woman with a sound marriage and wondrous career. And there is her brother, Mads. A warm and kind music teacher that is adored by his students and also has a wondrous family life with a daughter he adores. In fact, they both appear to be wonderful people that are worth knowing. But they both harbor secrets that change that perspective. For Eva is not faithful at all and is doing her best to be near an important client in a romantic manner. And Mads is a mess. For he loves drugs and alcohol, and he believes that he should often unwind with it after a long day. Granted. That process takes hours. But he and his sister seem quite happy with their life choices. Until the universe decides that the time has come for them to tear down the membrane separating their two lives.

Which brings forth. A powerful examination as to why people choose to live two lives. Some of the answers are simple, as evidenced by Mads journey, since addiction is no joke and not something that someone just magically shakes off. While others are far more complex and grounded in far more difficult matters. The kind that requires real work and real understanding and that is what makes this series so special. In that, it truly dives into the root causes and ponders deeply upon if we are able to heal from such darkness and how we come back from the ghosts that haunt us and the demons that tempt us. Giving rise to a powerful series.

One that truly explores an aspect of the human condition we don’t discuss all that much or admit to on a personal level. Since we have all, or will dabble, in some measure of duality and seeing its consequences on display here and pondering upon its causes gives rise to a powerful series. One that feels raw and feels visceral and leaves us with plenty to ponder upon regarding the complex choices we make to satisfy the Id and satisfy the norms. Which makes this a must-see series, since it is so incredibly deep and enriching and the best news of all is you can enjoy the gravity of this series right now. For Secrets is now streaming on Viaplay and we hope you give it a look. To enjoy a stunning story about the human condition. One that opens our eyes to so much.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Sweetpea’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we think of origin stories for serial killers, we think of supremely dark tales. The kind that showcases an individual that suffers through great darkness in their youth and on. Wherein they learn that life isn’t precious to some, and the world simply does not care who lives and who dies. Combined with a grand examination of the darkness they harbor in their minds and how their bloodlust grows. So, we can understand they are a monster, and that we should fear them, and well… that is an impactful way to grow a monster in a story since it accomplishes all those goals. 

Which is why the new STARZ series, Sweetpea is of note. Simply because it bucks those conventions, out of a desire to point out that not all serial killers are formulated monsters born in the shadows. Some are the people who slip through the cracks of society. Who don’t get a fair shake and want what we want, but seemingly can never have it, and that has added real depth to this story, making it a tragedy of sorts, one that only went to darker places in this week’s episode. For ‘Black Spots in the Kitchen’ picked up shortly after Rhiannon’s second kill, and once again… she felt as though a burden was lifted, as though she was free and able to now move forward in life.

Which prompted her to take agency at the office when Jeff took credit for the article. Despite the fact that he demonstrated why he took credit, but she punished him none the less and found agency in it. She also punished the annoying girl at the supermarket that never paid attention to her, and she finally enjoyed the wonder of being with someone romantically by taking Craig out on a date. One that ended with intimacy and joy and well, that really made Rhiannon believe she had it all and that one more murder would likely pave the way for real sustained happiness. So, she made plans to go after Julia and well, that’s when she learned the hard way, this was a not a path to healing and nor would she find what she wanted in this manner.

Simply because the police called her in for generic questioning and the second body was discovered. Which reminded her that there were still potential consequences lurking about, and she came to understand that Craig’s time with her was hollow in nature. Because he was also flirting about with Julia, who announced that she planned to buy the house instead. All of which broke Rhiannon and shattered her false worldview and pushed her to new and awful heights. Wherein she set a trap for Julia to bring her back to the house to kill her. Granted, that was a nightmare too since Julia fought back, mainly because Rhiannon was caught monologuing like a Bond villain, but it would seem she will get her wish and finish the job and who knows what she will become when she kills her nemesis.

Because if there is one lesson that we learn about those who are not too far gone, it is that revenge causes more harm than good to the psyche, and she will find no fulfillment, but that perhaps… should come as no surprise. For there was nothing in this episode for Rhiannon. Just brief bursts of desire as to what she wants and a belief she cannot have it. All because, Rhiannon is indeed lost and indeed someone that slipped through the cracks, and needs help in understanding how to get what she wants in her hands, and once again, all we can feel for her is pity in this tale, and curiosity as to whether or not she can come back from this darkness and pay a penance or if she will end up being another lost soul statistic. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Happy’s Place’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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More often than not, stories that explore the power of loss and the surprise of learning the person that passed had a lot of secrets in their closet, find a stopping point when it comes to the shock and frustrations of such matters and just move on. Sometimes it is through an abrupt ending where the grieving individual that’s tried to square this up, does so in record time and just moves on. Or the story just fades to black, and we don’t know what comes next for that person. Which is frustrating and silly. Simply because, what’s the point of digging into a concept that powerful, if you’re not going to go all the way and explore all the ups and downs that accompany such a shock in life?

Which is why the new NBC sitcom, Happy’s Place, is of note and should be celebrated. Because it didn’t just fade to black last week and move forward with Bobbie and Isabella being besties at the start of this week’s episode. Instead ‘Tapped Out’ informed us it will explore the tough road back from grief, of the struggles of accepting new family into our lives out of the blue, and it made that clear… by offering up a mostly awkward time at the bar. For while Bobbie tolerated her sister being there, she didn’t let her sister be there. She did her best to keep her busy and keep her at bay. Making the acceptance aspect of this new twist in her life, a thoughtless act to placate as she tried to handle her grief, and her deep-rooted frustration at her father for lying to her.

Which isolated Isabella who was already in the dumps as is. Because this life-changing event was so much to process, and she really didn’t know up from down or left from right. She was just all over the place and unsure of how to proceed. Which prompted her to try and fit in and be helpful and come off in a forceful awkward manner in doing so. Because she simply didn’t know what to do, how to relate to these folks and those two plot threads are really where this episode shined. Because at last, we saw the fallout of such news, we saw real grief on display, and we saw the anger it creates and that made for a fascinating story that also asked an important question that these stories often don’t. In that, how then… do we start to heal in such matters?

Because that’s what we want ultimately, is to heal, to feel better and well… sometimes… we need a kind voice or several to help us understand we are doing a lot wrong. Which Emmett and others at the bar provided to Bobbie. To point out, she was punishing Isabella for actions that her father took, and she didn’t deserve that. She was family, she was blood and that deserved grace and understanding. Which Bobbie did offer in the most unique way possible, before offering even more to her family. Since she opened up her home to Isabella, to get to know the part of her life she never knew existed and to help Isabella finally feel at home and as though she belonged. Which one could cite as a rush to the finish line, the one this writer lamented a moment ago.

But when you think about it… we do good things when we hurt to feel better, and they don’t cure us, they just give us much needed respite, to steel ourselves for the work ahead, and lots of work still lie ahead for Bobbie and Isabella. Since they have so much to repair between each other and internally. But it does start with grace, for ourselves, for others in our orbit, and we are likely in for more ups and downs and more beautiful moments from this surprisingly refreshing sitcom. One that is just taking us on a supremely realistic ride through a difficult time in these characters lives, in a manner that is just beautiful, real and raw, and that means… we are all undoubtedly counting down the minutes until next week’s chapter in this story. To enjoy more of the incredible moments this fascinating series has to offer. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 302 of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the Season Three Premiere, click here.
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If there is one particular aspect of the hit NBC series, Lopez vs Lopez, that we’ve praised often here at NTG, it is the sheer fact that this series does a phenomenal job of educating the general public on the outright majesty of Latinx Culture, and its many rich traditions. For this show truly does put all of that on display in a stunningly creative and impactful manner, one that truly does offer up amazing lessons about said culture, and well, this is top of mind today simply because once again, another fascinating aspect of Latinx Culture was explored during last night’s Halloween themed episode.

A feat that ‘Lopez vs Halloween’ accomplished by plunging us into the heart of this beloved holiday, where in the Lopez and Van Bryan household was preparing to celebrate the wonder of the hour, despite running into some family roadblocks. Because it was tradition for the family to dress up in themed costumes, but Chance wasn’t feeling that this year. He just wanted to hang out with friends and enjoy the vibes and well, that led to a fascinating exploration on family life in general. About how sometimes, when kids grow up, they tend to split off and do their own thing and how that can be hard for mom and dad, but they need to let kids find their way back and not do toxic things to motivate that… such as Quinten and Mayan did here. Which of course, doesn’t make them bad parents, just ones that are learning, and they got there eventually, with Rosie’s help no less.

But the real education in this story revolved around George’s journey. Because in the midst of trying to keep Chance around, another important holiday took place, one that is widely celebrated in Latin America, Diá de Los Muertos, which translates to the Day of the Dead. A time-honored tradition where every family pays tribute to the family members they’ve lost along the way, and the lives of the fallen are revisited and celebrated, sometimes in a humorous manner, sometimes in a somber one, and now and again, some families leave out offerings to invite the spirit home to visit their loved ones. But what matters most, is that the dead have their day and respect is paid, and well… seeing this on display here was quite amazing. Simply because, it is not showcased enough in popular media, but here it was, on prime time on NBC no less, and it was just incredible to have this show teach everyone how it works in that organic manner that the show always does, and to just see it paid tribute.

But of course, since this is the smartest sitcom around, it also used this event to help George grow and learn lessons. Which he did by speaking with the spirits of his ancestors, including his Abuelita, Dolores, who treated him rough and believed his legacy would be as sour as hers. So, George worked to change that through spooky acts of kindness. The kind that paid tribute to The Shining and other horror films, but truly was an effort of George’s part to be remembered as a good father and grandfather, so that he would not be spoken ill of down the line. For that truly did worry him. But some admissions to Dolores about his work toward being better, not only garnered him respect from the spirits, but respect for himself. For with an assist from his family, he was reminded of how far he’s come and how much work he’s put in to be better, and how his family will indeed remember that.

Yet what’s amazing, is that there was another lesson to be found in this, since it also reminded us… that truly honoring those who came before, involves looking at who they were completely, with the good and the bad, because that paints a proper picture of those who came before us. All of which made for a supremely brilliant episode. One that did an amazing job of offering up some powerful lessons on legacy. Plus, it did an amazing job of exploring the majesty of Diá de Los Muertos and educating the audience on the matter and of course, the episode was just downright funny. Because George’s brand of good deeds was outright hilarious, as was Rita Moreno’s performance as George’s spicy Abuelita, Dolores, and of course… the whole mess with Chance put a smile on our faces. But that’s what this show does, it uses humor to accomplish wonders, and it will be interesting to see what else we can learn about family and Latinx Culture as season three of this show continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 2604 of ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also contains discussions regarding sexual assault, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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One particular question that has come up often in the hit NBC series, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, is how do we as a society… get men to stop assaulting women? Because this is a problem that seems to never end and there has to be some way to bring it to a close, and over the course of its 26-year run, the show has indeed pondered upon many paths to solving that problem. All in the hopes of starting the discussion, and perhaps laying down inspiration for change and at the very least… educating the viewer on root causes that can be combatted and well, this is top of mind today, simply because this week’s episode of the show once again looked at the core of the problem.

A feat that ‘Constricted’ accomplished by having Captain Benson’s team deal with quite the disturbing sexual assault case. Of course, it didn’t seem as though it was going to be that kind of case early on. Since we were privy to moments between a pair of teenagers that were planning on a romantic evening together, and how their parents were going to help that happen in a safe manner. But following that romantic dinner, the teenage woman in the case was in distress, and even had bruises on her neck, and that was enough for the SVU to get involved and early on, it was clear that this case was about assault. Simply because the young lady spoke to blanks in her memory and that she likely said no, and those were indeed qualifications for the crime.

But proving that assault took place proved difficult. Mainly because any attempt to speak with her lover, was stonewalled by the high-priced family lawyer. Leaving Benson perplexed about how to best approach the case and bring charges to bear. But a surprise secondary assault, one that had similar attributes and featured someone related to the accused, was enough for Benson to dig deep and discover, that the young man responsible for assault, learned about it from a video shown to him by his father. Something that was relevant and of concern, because it also became clear that dear old dad used that to help train his son on how to handle women, and that brought up charges for certain because it was endangerment.

Which brought forth a new fight to tie dad to a negligent death since the second assault victim did not survive the injuries she incurred in this nightmare, and well… while it might not have gone as far as Benson liked… she did get the man to confess in court what he had done, and his son was held accountable, and in the process, we were able to learn… the lesson at hand. Because in essence, this episode made it clear that part of the problem… is that this is learned behavior. That fathers with toxic traits are eager to pass them along to their sons and make them monsters, and until we say enough to all of that garbage, this will persist, and this will remain the problem it’s always been. So, it is up to us to demand more of the system to ensure that there are penalties for such matters.

All of which gave rise to another powerful episode from this series. One that truly did ponder upon a powerful root cause for this problem and went beyond just showcasing the problem. It also looked into how easy it is to teach someone this kind of behavior when one is in a position of trust, and how so many wave it away and never once think of the victim. They just hold to old haunts, and that truly does give us plenty to think upon and does leave us curious as to what the show will explore regarding such matters. Because clearly, there are a lot of causes to this issue and clearly, this show is going to make every effort to uncover them and make us aware, so someday… change will come forth. Until next time.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 2404 of ‘Law & Order’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that we are living in some supremely concerning times when it comes to how people are expressing their world views and concerns. For we’ve moved past a point where people pointedly speak their mind. Now they will shout over anyone else and make life uncomfortable to be heard and recognized, and if that doesn’t get them the result they want, then they just plain get violent, which is worse. Sadly, it seems there will be little change in such matters, and its genesis point remains a mystery. But that doesn’t stop us from wondering how we can perhaps enact change on such matters and it would seem that the best way to make that happen, is to simply make examples out of certain instances to point out how wrong this is and how extreme discourse needs to stop.
 
As to how that gets done, well it needs to happen in the legal system, where the public can hear the message and never was this more evident than during last night’s episode of Law & Order on NBC. For ‘The Meaning of Life’ saw the NYPD and the DA’s office deal with quite the shocking surprise within their town. In that, an innocent woman was injured to the point of brain death by a IED that went off in her own home, and at first… it seemed as though this was the work of a religious fanatic. For her husband wrote about faith, and worked to debunk faith often, and that was deemed offensive and rude by some and made him a prime target for certain. One that forced the team to look for clues revolving around revenge for such views. But there was nothing to be found on such matters and that prompted Shaw & Riley to work with Lieutenant Brady to narrow down who else could be involved.
 
As it turned out, there were some suspicious notes surrounding this symphony of destruction, the kind that spoke to the possibility that a pro-life individual might have been responsible, since the deceased was a fertility doctor, and when more bombs showed up to other doctors in that field, the team was able to get to one in time and use forensic evidence to finally narrow in on a suspect. One who was the significant other of a pro-life activist and who was in the end, the bomber. For he believed in those extreme views regarding such matters and firmly believed it was up to him to bring about pain and  suffering to those who messed with the natural order, and while it was a wonderful thing  that he was put behind bars, the more difficult portion of this fight was figuring out how best to charge him and how to send the message in question.
 
Because ADA Maroun truly believed the world needed to see a lack of tolerance for extremism and hideous behaviors in this vein. So, she pushed hard to have the man tried for first-degree murder and slap a life sentence on him as penance. But that was going to be tough to prove since it was new territory for certain, but the DA’s office gave it a whirl and ran into some roadblocks. Largely because the defense brought in long-shot experts to speak to the case, who of course, put some doubt in the jury’s mind and that prompted Maroun, to go over certain files with a fine-toothed comb to discover, that the victim had a DNR, and because of that… she needed to be taken off of life support. A move that allowed for the jury to unequivocally understand that murder had taken place, and that got a conviction.
 
Granted, there was some internal debate regarding the morality of such a move on Maroun’s part, but she wanted to make that example. Simply because, she understood what we do about this problem. In that, so many keep pushing and pushing to be heard, to enact the specific change they want, and when does it end? When does enough become enough on such matters? Granted, that has to be better defined by law enforcement and the judicial system in our modern world. But this made it clear, we have to do more and have to make better efforts in shutting this down because of how dangerous some of this is getting. All of which made for a powerful and poignant episode. One that poses more questions for the real world but made it clear… this polarization has to stop, because it’s causing nothing but harm and hopefully, change does come before matters such as these get way out of hand. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Found’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also contains discussions regarding domestic violence, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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When we think of stories about people that go missing as a result of domestic violence, we have a pretty good of idea of how the story is going to end. Because sadly, the world has taught us that domestic violence and the abusers that take part in it, have crossed some awful lines when it gets to that particular point. Wherein they’ve hurt someone badly or they’ve ended their life, and that person has to go missing… to keep the abuser safe. Because they are at their core, absolute human garbage, and only care about the health and well-being of their own worthless hide. But we sit through a story we know, because it has something important to say on such matters and to help raise awareness on such a horrifying reality regarding our world.

But what if… that kind of story went in a different direction. One that perchance, could offer something different, something more? Would it result in a happy ending? Or would it just be a new way to offer us something dark? Well, it just so happens, that the next episode of Found on NBC informs us that more can be done with these stories, and they can harbor a better ending, a feat that ‘Missing While Perfect’ accomplished by introducing the team to a teenager named Jay. Who was worried and concerned about his mother going missing. Which of course, the team made their concern and let’s not put any gloss upon it, it didn’t take long for them to learn that Jay’s dad, was an abuser. In fact, Jay often saw his father commit to violence against his mother and that did make it seem as though, this was the same ol’, same ol’ regarding this kind of story.

For there was forensic evidence to be found that indicated foul play took place and it stood to reason that both of them disappearing, since dear old dad was nowhere to be found, would be part of that old school playbook as well. But the more the team dug into the case, the more the standard outcome didn’t make sense. For something was truly amiss, something that Sir pointed out. Because he injected himself into the case here, and told Gabi to look at a different angle, and after seeing the contents of the mother’s phone, and thinking about what Sir said, it became clear… this was a flip the script moment. Wherein the abused fought back and took agency and went and hid because penalty was the norm for them, so it was better to hide away from more trouble than come forth. But that revelation did allow for Gabi and the team to find them, and confirmed that she did indeed fight back, and for her troubles… she was finally free of any further harm since her son convinced her husband… to just leave her be.

Which made for a powerhouse story, one that offered a satisfying ending since the abuser did not win for a change, but it also had more to offer than just the primary plot. After all, there was mention of Sir lurking about in this story, and well… he revealed his own plans in this tale. In that, he was going to take Gabi and lock her up in the same way she did to him in a faraway land. To have that power and have that agency, and while he worked on the ultimate key to that plan, Lacey worked to heal and remember and offer forgiveness. Because this case reminded her, they’re all involved in something bigger. So, she asked everyone to make nice with Gabi and work to heal, and even Detective Trent softened here on the matter. Since his boss pointed out there was nothing to bring her in for, and because… this case helped him heal.

But sadly, all the good vibes could not last here, because eventually, Sir put his plan into motion, and he knew that only one thing would bring Gabi to him… Lacey. So, he swooped in and took her again and set into motion more shocking chaos for Gabi. Which was a stunning way to end a stunning episode. One that truly did offer more than the usual on such plots, and that was refreshing for certain. Because we’ve all had enough of abusers that win the day and bring pain and suffering to everyone in the story. But alas, some of the monsters out there, still do win the day, and because of that… a mentally fragile Lacey is in real trouble, and it will be compelling to see how Gabi and the team search for her once again and if Gabi can bring Sir to justice or if her guilty conscience, one that hasn’t felt forgiveness yet, will force her to surrender to Sir and his plans for a perfectly disturbing life. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Five Premiere of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that fans of the Star Trek Universe everywhere were shocked when Paramount+ dropped the news that Star Trek: Lower Decks was going to receive a fifth and final season order. Simply because this delightful animated series, has harbored some amazing episodes, and some amazing writing and it opened the door for so many new fans to enter into the franchise and explore its wonder. So, it simply did not make sense for it to be cancelled. But alas, it was, and ten more episodes are all we get, and we’ve all been wondering since… what showrunner Mike McMahan would do to wrap up five years of storytelling with this crew, and how it would shake out and well… we got our answer this week.

For the series five premiere of the show informed us… business as usual will be the order of the day. No supreme finale plot, no past nightmares for the crew to face… just them, being Lower Deckers and going on adventures and growing before our eyes and that allowed for ‘Dos Cerritos’ and ‘Shades of Green’ to provide us with a pair of lovely stories rife with lovely lessons about how we must be true to ourselves at all costs and regardless of what surprises come our way. Because life does work out in the end when we stay that personal course and everyone’s journey in these stories proved that. After all, Tendi was not doing well back home on Orion. Not because she didn’t know how to kick ass and take names, but because… she was Starfleet through and through.

Because she could not condone the killing that Orion Pirates indulged in, nor could she sanction internal battles either and that led to all kinds of chaos in her house and on the home world. Because Orions are indeed all about that pirate life, and stabbing when necessary, and every attempt to teach Tendi that, failed miserably. To the point where doing the right thing and being the bigger Orion got her family’s fortune taken away. Which informed her and her family… that Tendi belonged in a world that was ready for those kinds of behaviors, so she went back to the U.S.S. Cerritos, and managed to get her family some wealth again… to care for them, and her forthcoming niece, thanks to a plot we’ll discuss momentarily. Because what mattered most is that Tendi learned to stay true to herself and followed that to a tee, and that brought her back where she belonged.

As for everyone else, well that lesson came about the long way round through two unique missions. One of which involved, encountering multiverse versions of themselves. For while the crew was working to close a rip in space-time, they ran into a Cerritos run by a Captain Becky Freeman. Who, as Mariner would put it. Sucked. Because she lost her way and wanted to be a good officer and thought she did so by doing all the wrong things. Such as violating Starfleet protocols by ruling with an iron fist formed from fear, and she made life hell for Prime Mariner and that rattled her and her prime friends. Because these alternate… upper… deckers? were successful in their own right and left our core heroes wondering if they needed to follow similar paths. The kind where they buckled down and just did unique things to get ahead in the fleet. 
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But an away mission to a world that was abandoning capitalism as part of their entry into the United Federation of Planets, (lucky them,) which was indeed how House Tendi got rich again, helped Mariner and Boims come to learn that all-important lesson. Because they too tried to be different and do different things as officers and that led to wild shenanigans that eventually showcased… they’re great officers without trying to replicate others and their habits, and if they stay that course and be the officers they are deep down… they’ll be fine. Plus, there was a bonus lesson in this story, one that came about for Ruthy. Who learned though T’Lyn that we cannot isolate ourselves when we hurt or are trying to adjust to big changes in our lives. We have to live, and we have to enjoy the moment.

All of which made for a delightful and satisfying season five premiere. One that by the way, offered up more deep cuts from the franchise. Courtesy of that TNG season five opening credits homage, those cameos in the credits as well, and Riker Jr., aka Beared Bradward Boimler. But more importantly, this premiere was vintage Trek and all about the majesty of Starfleet and its brave officers. For their journeys and their good nature are what truly give rise to what we love the most about the show, and the franchise. For they showcase the human condition at its very best, and how we maintain its true wonder, and well, if that is what the final voyage of the crew of the Cerritos is going to offer, then that is a great way to send off this heartfelt and magnificent entry in this wondrous and storied franchise. Until next time.