Caution: This article contains spoilers for ‘Groomsmen: First Look’.
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When it comes to stories that focus upon romance and dating, and everything in between, they tend to focus on such matters from a woman’s perspective and understandably so. For women are far more in touch with their emotions and understand how to adapt and grow to fulfill their emotional needs. Which has given rise to a steady stream of stories from that perspective to the point where an entire television network was built upon it. After all, this is what gave rise to the birth of Hallmark as it stands, and well… none of this is bad. Because it has helped to create stories that people connect with and find joy within, courtesy of how Hallmark explores such matters.

But what’s fascinating is that Hallmark is suddenly quite eager to do more with its stories and explore new concepts and corners of the human condition than what it normally offers, and that’s why shows like The Way Home and The Chicken Sisters have come forth, and why… they’ve opted to do something quite bold and tell some romantic stories, from a man’s perspective. Because while we fully understand that women are far more in touch with their emotions in healthy manner, we forget that there are some men that have done the work and managed to do the same. Granted, not enough men have, and that’s a lament for another time. But that is something worth celebrating and exploring, and that is why The Groomsmen: First Look is of note.

For this new trilogy series from Hallmark recently made its debut on the network and it truly is, a breath of fresh air for romantic stories on the network. For it does examine the life and times of an emotionally intelligent man named Pete, and the struggles he encounters in a world where that isn’t the expectation for a man. Because in this story, Pete falls in love and wants to do everything that men don’t normally do. He wants to be romantic; he is willing to sacrifice and be part of something greater but receives kick back at every step from his friends. Who want him to do all the silly and arrogant things that men do. But Pete is in touch with his emotions, and he knows what he wants in this life, and must navigate how to find that… amid a sea of nonsense.

Which really does bring forth, a fascinating story. One that truly does take us into new and refreshing territory for the network and for romantic storytelling. Because Pete really is a different kind of character, one that truly does defy convention by not being stoic or ultra-masculine. He’s simply a man, who understands the gravity of being in touch with his emotions and the importance and wonder of actually wearing those on his sleeve over the stuff we normally see. Not to mention, he does things we don’t often see from characters in his situation in these types of stories. In that, he even sets boundaries with his friends and while he often hears their advice, he rarely takes it to heart, knowing full its bad advice and will have the opposite effect, and he even holds them accountable to their nonsense.

All of which brings forth, a bold new story for Hallmark. One that really is refreshing and unconventional, and goes places that these stories rarely, if ever, go. Because we just don’t look at men in this light in storytelling, and rightfully so. Because guys like Pete are in the minority, and so many instead resemble his friends. But it is nice to finally see a story acknowledge that some men aren’t stereotypes, and do want more and want to rise above the nonsense we see in popular culture, and what’s incredible… is that this saga has more to explore regarding such matters, since there are two more stories in this trilogy, and it will be fascinating to see what other refreshing stories await us as our journey with the Groomsmen continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘The Chicken Sisters’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One thing that we quickly come to learn when we set out on a journey to heal from the various moments that shatter us emotionally, is that there is no clear path to getting to the proverbial finish line. Because healing is a supremely complex journey. Where some days the work we put in goes smooth and feels good, and where other days, it’s overwhelming and stunning. But what matters most is that we continue the work, because that is the only way we find peace and get healthy, and well… the unconventional nature is healing is top of mind today, simply because it was put on display in the next episode of The Chicken Sisters on Hallmark+.

A feat that ‘It’s Just Junk, Y’all’ accomplished by having Amanda learn the news about the trouble her mother was facing, shortly after getting home from a lovely evening with Sergio and well, that prompted her to tell her mother post haste what was going on, what to expect and to enlist every bit of help possible, to clean the house and save the restaurant. Which… brought forth the lesson in question. Because just like that, Gus was looking at a hectic cleaning of her house and a removal of the junk that became her own crutch to cope and Mae, was looking at facing her past head on. All of which informed us, that sometimes… healing involves facing our past in a brisk and direct manner and that’s no easy task.

In fact, to cope, Gus made a point of trying to stay out of the way where she could, to try and mitigate the horror of watching a collection fade before her eyes and to give her mind a chance to process the necessity of this cleaning, and Mae, well she basically slipped into television mode to handle the matter. So that she could have a way to keep memories and emotions at bay, and that’s what we have to do when directly confronted with healing in such a brisk manner. Find a way to cope and face it head on, and bravely, and for our troubles… we still find strength. For Mae was finally able to cut to the core of her pain and begin to resolve it, even with her fiancé at her side since he came to help and Gus… well, we will get to her in a second.

Because we do need to talk about the fact, that the healing journey that everyone is on in this story, brought forth a lot of other positive moments worth nothing. Such as the fact that Nancy decided to undo the ugly nature of her son’s actions, because she did learn about his decision to call this in… by having the whole town come to help Gus. Because she was learning how much negativity she surrounded herself with and how she often let too much darkness persist, and she wanted no more of that in her life. She wanted there to be better days, so she too confronted some of the ugly head on. If anything, the only person that didn’t grow here was Frank Jr., who continued to stew in his pain, which we learned at last was related to grief and a sense of failure regarding what his father thought of him.

But what mattered most, was that so many people faced their pain head on here and made an effort to push forward rather than let old haunts and bad habits come back into play, even Gus. Who brought about the most extreme solution possible to move forward in her own journey, and that all made… for one amazing tale. One that reminded us that healing is quite the wild journey, one that takes so many paths and twists and turns and requires bravery at times as well. And now that we’ve seen everyone stand tall at a critical time and do something healthy things… it will be interesting to see what comes next for this family now that they are embracing positivity and healing over anything else. Until next time.

Caution: This rapid recap of Episode 543 of ‘Life After Lockup’ contains spoilers.

Please enjoy this rapid recap of Episode 543 of Life After Lockup on WE tv, along with a refresher clip!
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EPISODE 543 – “Ring & Run!” – Aired October 18th on We TV at 8pm ET/PT
Zeruiah’s confession shocks her family. Bianca crosses a line and Daniel gets cold feet. Britney reaches a breaking point. Kim demands Joey get a job. Louie busts his budget. Justine’s revelation stuns her daughter.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘La Maison’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Truly, the world collectively looks at the holiday season, as an outright, beautiful blessing. Where peace on Earth is indeed achieved and where love wins the days. For it is a time of renewal, a time to reflect on the gifts we’ve been given in every sense of the phrase, so it should indeed be as beautiful as possible. But in reality, we all know deep down, that collective view of the holiday season is nothing short of a pipe dream. For while it can bring wonder and joy, it can also bring sorrow and heartbreak. For the world doesn’t stop is ugly machinations just because pine trees are decorated, and a ham is about to be glazed. That means… the holidays can indeed be sour, a fact we were reminded of during this week’s episode of La Maison on Apple TV+.

For ‘Message in a Bottle’ took place shortly before Christmas itself and for a time, it seemed the Ledu family was embracing the spirit, despite dark clouds hanging over the season. For Vincent did indeed try to harm himself but went into therapy thereafter and found purpose and joy again, and of course… invited everyone to the island to celebrate the holiday. Making it seem as though unity could be found with the family. A possibility that only grew with Paloma’s continued hard work at revitalizing the family brand, and well, all this joy did indeed bring the family to the island for a holiday getaway and for a time… they were a family at last. For there was peace, there was love and laughter, and the resurrection of old traditions.

Since Vincent brought back the old act of writing beautiful messages and wishes in bottles to send into the world to manifest and spread cheer. But as mentioned before, the holidays are not a perfect time and all it takes is a slip up or an agenda to change everything, and well… revelations at dinner did just that. Because after the ceremony, Robinson came to discover that his loving boyfriend was a spy, and that he was working hard to bring Ledu down from the inside, and that brought forth chaos. The kind that saw Victor be banished from the house for any association with Ledu, despite pondering upon returning, and well… that was merely the beginning of chaos to come.

Because in many ways, having the truth come forth about Rovel and having a spy in place who clearly played a hand in Vincent’s downfall, gave Vincent new focus and new ideas. For it was heavily implied that he saw this as a window back to the top of the fashion industry, as though he could spin this to his advantage. So, he made sure to cozy up to Paloma and give her love and adoration. In part to be the father he should have been, but let’s be honest… Vincent is ruthless, and Vincent will do whatever it takes to have a legacy in place. So, it does stand to reason that Paloma plays into the plan, as though generations of Ledu can drive fashion forward, with Rovel ruined beneath their bootheel.

But while we wait to see what comes out of these revelations, we can bask in a story that truly did remind us that the holidays aren’t always so joyous. Courtesy of relatives and friends that have their own agenda in mind for the season, or because life just takes the twists and turns that only it can. All of which made for a fascinating episode, one that showcased the human side of the characters and what they are capable of when they don’t worry about anything but one another. But that aside, clearly what lies ahead is chaos. For a complaint will be filed, and legal battles will play out, and that will only continue to add to the stress of the apprentice and the master, as they work hard to forge their paths toward tomorrow. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Sweetpea’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular question we often wonder about people that commit sins in this life, is whether or not they feel some sense of remorse or have some understanding of what they’ve done. Because dark acts are hard for us to understand, since the rest of us have firewalls that prevent us from doing terrible things that would cause stunning harm to others. So, we instead wonder, ponder, and hope that perhaps they do… so that they can find redemption and peace and make those they hurt whole again. If anything, this particular thought is top of mind today, simply because the next episode of Sweetpea on STARZ bothers to answer that question in a fascinating manner for us.

For ‘This Sort of Thing Needs Some Feminine Energy’ picked up the morning after Rhiannon murdered that man in a fit of rage and well, it didn’t take long for her to feel a sense of guilt, a sense of genuine remorse for what she did. Because she may have killed a genuine innocent. Which prompted her, to think best about how to reconcile these feelings, especially after the police found the body and began their investigation and after the paper started a story, and she decided to learn what kind of a man her victim was, to know if she did something worthwhile or if she was a monster. So, she wormed her way into the story to meet the man’s parents and what she learned, gave her peace.

Because it turned out, this guy was straight trash. He bullied others, including a former employer, to the point that a restraining order came into play. Which prompted her to get all the evidence she could for the article, one that she fought to have published in an honest manner, and she got her wish, and she even received respect from her editor for sticking to her wants regarding exposing the truth. All because, she wanted and needed justification, and she needed to find peace regarding her own guilty conscience, and uncovering the dark truth about her victim helped with that. Making it clear that yes, there is a measure of guilt for people that commit terrible acts and a sense of remorse, because they are human, and they don’t just magically shed their emotions. That… takes time, and that… is important to note because that too was put on display here.

For while this episode did answer our question in a palatable way, it also explored, why we have to ask that question in the first place. Which relates to the fact that not everyone comes back from the darkness and not everyone’s conscience is willing to override the darkness. In fact, some find joy in what they do and that is why they continue to embrace the ugly and the actions that make us question them, and sadly, Rhiannon did that here. Because she has so much pain to resolve, so much darkness in her soul, that the only way she believed she could ever find solace was by once more by killing once again. Specifically, someone that was a monster in their own right as well, and she also made plans… to murder the ultimate problem… her bully.

All of which made for a fascinating episode. One that explored some fascinating aspects of the human condition. Because that question isn’t one that is explored often, and for that matter, Rhiannon held up a mirror up to the rest of us. For we also work to justify our actions to find solace. But more importantly, this brought about the potential origin story of a serial killer really. Because slowly but surely, Rhiannon is transforming into a monster before our eyes, one that has motive and justification for her actions, and it will be interesting to see if there’s any chance of redemption for Rhiannon, or if we are about to see a marginalized soul be lost to the anger and the darkness, most of us learn to keep at bay. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Three Women’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we finally come to understand what we want in this life, we believe that getting hold of it will be easy to achieve. Simply because, the idea, the need, it has taken root, and it is all we can think about. So, we should be easily able to manifest what we want and cross our respective finish line no problem. Only for us to learn, that simply won’t be the case. For chasing after what we want, in any capacity, is hard work. The kind that will feature setbacks, harm and will test our mettle like no other and never was that truth more evident, than during the next episode of Three Women on STARZ. For ‘climax’ saw everyone chase after their newfound dreams and encounter that harsh truth in the process.

For instance, Lina thought stepping into the world of love with Aidan would be quick and simple. After all, they wanted and desired one another, and they could build upon that. So, Lina told her husband that their marriage was over, that he would spend time taking care of the kids now and again and she… she would have what she wanted, and she chased it with gusto. Going so far as to spend the night with her new beau and coax the L word out of him, giving rise to real joy and real wonder, and the tough reality… that it would take some time to get what she wanted. Because her husband wasn’t good with the separation and of course, she had to figure out how to balance a new life while raising her children. But in her mind, this was worth it, and she would keep fighting, and her encounter with this truth was the least troubling of them all.

In fact, in many ways, the show offered up varying levels of trouble regarding this truth, with Sloane dealing with the next tier in the matter. Because at last, she was given permission to have her forbidden love, and it was of course, reciprocal. For Will could not get her out of his mind and that prompted her to make the usual plans for her husband to watch so she and Will could finally consummate their want and for a time, this seemed like a great idea. For their lovemaking was intense and passionate, and she was even able to be near him for the night, and clearly planned for this to happen more. But the morning brought regret. For Will quickly left without saying much of a goodbye and clearly Sloane’s husband cannot be trusted on such matters despite his promises. Making it clear that Will is wounded, a line has been crossed and Sloane’s desire to make Will her regular lover will not go according to plan in the slightest. 

But truly, the most difficult iteration of this lesson came forth via Maggie. Who finally had her day in court with her former teacher/lover/abuser and well, that should have been a proud and bold day for Maggie. Because at last, his actions were going to be on the record and at last, people would know of his disgusting desire for teenage girls. But instead, this forced her to face the past in a manner she wasn’t good with. In fact, she was required to recall every detail for the state, and that took her on a horrible trip down memory lane. Where was able to look at the fateful night her life changed in an objective manner and that made her sick to her stomach and it overwhelmed her. As did the fact that her former teacher and abuser didn’t face an inch of the scrutiny she did. Reminding her of the harsh reality that women are always viewed differently in cases such as hers, and that the journey to justice would be painful.

All of which made, for a genuinely bittersweet story. Because on the one hand, these women were able to finally step into the world they wanted and indulge their desires and needs. But on the other hand, it’s clear there will be a price to pay. Giving rise to a supremely realistic story, one that once again spoke deeply to the duality that women receive in this life. Which makes this, a slice of life story. One that certainly leaves us eager to continue this journey. To see how these incredible characters tackle the challenges that now lie ahead and all ups and downs that accompany them as this incredible series continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Happy’s Place’.
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Whether we like to face it or not, there will come a day when we say goodbye to our parents, forever. For everything ends, including our lives, and when that difficult day arrives… we hope for one thing. A peaceful farewell. One where we can properly grieve with loved ones and start the healing process. But alas, that isn’t always the case. Because sometimes, death brings out the worst in people, even in our family or our friends and that can lead to conflict in a trying time. Not to mention, sometimes the passing of a loved brings forth major surprises. Wherein we learn that the person we adored carried secrets and skeletons in their closet, and that… can be quite the shock to the system. One that we hope we never face, but what if we did? How would we handle such a major surprise?

Well as it turns out, a brand-new sitcom on NBC is going to ponder upon such matters, and so much more. Which Happy’s Place informed us of in its ‘Pilot’ by introducing us to a woman named Bobbie, who is doing her best to keep it together and start a new chapter while she grieves. For her father just passed away, and that means she’s now without a man she adored, and it is up to her to keep the family business alive, a lovely little bar named Happy’s Place. When we catch up with her here, she is working hard to start that new chapter. For she’s fully in charge now and ready to keep the business thriving. Until quite the surprise drops into her lap. For one fine day, a woman, and a stranger, named Isabella steps into the bar, and she is there with a lot of nerves riding upon her shoulders. Because someone asked her to stop by the bar to give her some important news.

That someone, happens to be Bobbie’s lawyer and he lets them know… that the bar was actually left to more than one person. For Isabella is Bobbie’s half-sister, and co-owner of Happy’s Place and well… that brings about the exploration in question in the most direct manner possible. Because just like that, Bobbie learns that the man she adored, admired and loved with every fiber of her being, lied to her. Kept secret the fact that he had another family, and that puts her in a tough place. One where she struggles to process the reality that she has a new family member. And Isabella isn’t exactly in a great place either. Because just like that… her life has been turned upside down, and she learns in the blink of an eye that she had a father she never knew and a family she’s never known, and that makes for a powerful set up in this pilot. One that informs us, that the answer to that all-important question won’t come forth quickly.

For all the little moments in this story, where Isabella works to adjust to the new normal and where Bobbie fights to reconcile the lies, she’s been told… let us know that this would not be an easy task. That a person would need a long time to process the violation of trust, and the reality that they didn’t know their parents through and through. All to decide, how to feel about this and how to move forward with that knowledge. But as one works on that, there’s plenty they can do, and in this situation, they can offer grace and understanding and some measure of kindness over something that was out of their control. Which Bobbie does here by offering Isabella her rightful place at Happy’s Place, and a chance to learn about her past and a chance for them to learn from each other and about each other. Since they are family, and that’s forever and stronger than any lie.

All of which makes for a magnificent pilot. One that is as funny as it is thoughtful. Courtesy of writing that finds the humor in some serious situations, to make the reality of what we’ve dealt with or will a bit more palatable and through some stunning performances. Since this cast understands comedy and knows how to deliver in the moment, with Reba leading the charge since she hasn’t missed a beat from her prior sitcom stint. Giving rise to a brilliant comedy series really, one that has heart, one that is intelligent and funny, and downright relatable. Which means it is outright safe to say, that we’re all eager to return to Happy’s Place. To see these characters heal and grow and learn what it means to really be a family, be it chosen family… or blood. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Three Premiere of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the Season Two Finale, click here.
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More often than not, stories that explore healing or recovery or putting a family back together, tend to rush to the finish line resolution wise, and understandably so. For these stories want the reader or the viewer to walk away from the story with good feelings and hope in their hearts. Wherein they now know that with some dedication, they can get better, they can bring about healing and find a better tomorrow. Which isn’t a bad thing by any means, because who doesn’t want to feel better about their day? But there is a slight downside in going this route, in that, it tends to do the audience a disservice and help them believe that this process is simple in nature. When in fact, healing is not an easy journey.

There’s a lot of work that goes into it, and a lot of tough days and a lot of learning. So, stories should instead show the complete journey and help people to understand that they will get their happy ending, when they put in the work and figure out how to handle the tough days and the setbacks and that is one of the many reasons why the hit NBC series, Lopez vs Lopez, is of note. Because it doesn’t hold back in such arenas. Since we’ve seen George struggle with his sobriety and endure setbacks in being a better father, and now, as we enter the third season of the show… it’s clear that the series will expand such explorations to everyone. For ‘Lopez vs Wedding’ laid down the framework for a season long exploration that will ponder upon… how does one put a family back together?

Because that’s the thing, while peace and love indeed exists in the Lopez and Van Bryan household, they haven’t truly put everything back together. Of course, there’s no shame in that, because that’s not an easy question to answer, but several important aspects to making that happen, were pondered upon in this tale. In that, communication is a big key, as is trust and that was uncovered by way of a worrisome choice on Mayan and Quinten’s part. Because Rosie and George were eager to use their money to fund the wedding of the century. Which meant… they would have influence upon the wedding, and these lovebirds weren’t keen on that. They believed that this was a new chapter for the family, one they had complete and utter control over. So, they entered into a contest at a wedding expo, to win twenty-five thousand dollars to fund their wedding. Where all they had to do, was showcase how well they knew one another.

But of course, that went south. In part, because they came to learn they hadn’t learned everything about one another yet, and also because a couple that did know each other intimately, entered the contest. Specifically, Rosie and George. Who won the whole thing. But the fallout of that moment, led to some honesty between everyone and helped them to learn… they all had to stop pulling in different directions and stop with imparting specific and selfish goals upon one another. If they wanted this wedding to go smooth and make this family unified… they had to communicate. They had to trust one another and find common ground, and that led to a bold choice from Mayan and Quinten to merge the family name and Rosie and George let it be known that going forward, they would be helpful in a healthy manner. Giving rise to those first steps for this family to unify and heal, while informing us… how perhaps we begin to do that in our lives if we need it.

All of which made, for a magnificent season three premiere. One that as always, found ways to be utterly hilarious along the way. Courtesy of that wedding competition and the expo and through Chance and Oscar. Since Oscar served as the babysitter while everyone was out, and taught Chance how to be the best, best man he could be. Which led to some great laughs for certain. If anything, it is just wonderful to have this series back on the air and see that it is eager to further explore healing in ways that we don’t talk about enough in popular media. Because few stories ever speak upon the need for communication and trust. But this one did, and that’s great, because it made for a realistic tale that has us ready to watch this family heal, and possibly see two individuals rekindle an old love, since George and Rosie had some fiery chemistry here… as season three continues along. Until next time.

Learn more about season three of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’, and enjoy some personal thoughts and anecdotes from some of the cast, via our interviews with the actors who play Oscar and Quinten, Al Madrigal and Matt Shively.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 26003 of ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also contains discussions revolving around sexual assault, which may be triggering for some individuals.
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Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we’ve pondered upon some fascinating and unsettling topics, courtesy of the new season of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit on NBC, and understandably so. After all, this series is indeed as smart as they come, and it is always ready to dig into the darkest aspects of the human condition and leave us with plenty to think upon when the episode comes to an end. But what makes this series so incredible and dynamic, is the sheer fact that it knows when to break away from its dark explorations of the worst parts of what we do, to offer up what the series is as its core. Which is a crime drama, and never was this more evident than during last night’s episode of the show.

For ‘Divide and Conquer’ saw the SVU and the Intelligence arm of the NYPD team up to look into a real potential problem in the city. For there was chatter that a group of thieves were roaming about the Big Apple, the kind that had quite the reputation. For these guys were all about the big score and were meticulous and their arrival in town likely meant they had eyes on something huge, and well… they did and they most certainly struck hard and true, and did something out of the ordinary. Because up until this case, they never harmed a single soul. But here, they assaulted one of their victims and that was why SVU had to be involved in the matter, and well… this act and the grand theft of gold and weapons from a safe their target harbored, prompted a massive manhunt.

One that saw both departments work hard to make sure it was the robbery group they thought it was. Because for them to break their modus operandi just did not make sense whatsoever. But thanks to the fine work of both teams, they began to find some clues, and it turned out that, yes, this was the group, and one of their members, was new and he had a rap sheet involving assault, and those clues allowed for them to discover… he was on the run and wounded. Because the group wasn’t keen on having someone put this much attention upon them, and they wanted revenge, and botched the kill. Prompting the NYPD to search the streets harder while both teams also worked to figure out how this group even discovered the haul they landed. Because it was nothing short of a massive secret and well, that allowed for the team to learn… that this was an inside job.

For a business manager decided it was time to get his hands on some serious money and retire, so he ratted out the haul to this group and of course, paid the piper since the cops uncovered his plot. But what he had to offer about the group, alongside the resurfacing of the rogue agent, was enough to bring this case to a close. Because once the rogue monster was caught, he sang like a bird and offered up all the details on where his cohorts were hiding, in exchange for a deal of course, and they in turn ratted on one another. Bringing an end to a long running string of crimes and peace to the harmed. For at last, she would be whole again and could put this madness behind her. Courtesy of the work of NYPD’s finest, and all of this made, for one engaging and intense tale. 
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Because this was just an old-fashioned crime drama. One filled to the brim with high stakes, such as saving the soul of the woman that was attacked, alongside a high-risk manhunt, and that made for compelling television. The kind that moved along at a brisk pace and featured some lovely twists and turns and did indeed bring forth much needed justice. Plus, it also featured the return of Kellli Giddish as Sergeant Amanda Rollins, and it was wonderful to see her back in action and as sharp as ever, and well, just like that, it’s onto the next case. One that will either dive deep into the darkness that men do or offer up more compelling and engaging stories such as this one. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 24003 of ‘Law & Order’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.
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The vast majority of us out there, have little to say from a negativity standpoint, regarding our family. Sure, we have some complaints and concerns, but that’s really about it. Because so many of us grow up in a healthy family environment, one where respect exists and good lessons come into play, and that is why we are always so shocked when we hear horror stories from the folks that are the exception to the rule. Who speak to how their family life was and/or is a disaster and where they have incompetent parents and siblings that drive them mad and cause them trouble. In fact, rough and tumble siblings are of note, because there are plenty of stories out there about how they step in and cause problems and ruin lives and that just seems shocking to us. Because how could our own blood decide to wound us?

Well, it just so happens that the next episode of Law & Order ponders upon that very question. For ‘Big Brother’ saw Detective Vincent Riley be reintroduced to his little brother, Matt, once again under awful circumstances. Since Matt was screwing around with arms dealers and in an effort to prop his family up, Vincent pulled some strings to keep Matt out of trouble. A move that appeared to keep their little game intact, until a famous basketball coach turned up dead one day. For that made the back and forth from this duo far more complex in nature. For Matt was seen talking to the coach the day he died and initially Matt denied everything regarding involvement. He simply spoke to how he was a fan and wanted to say hello, and that was that. But soon, it became clear that Matt knew so much more than he was leading on. 

Because the death of that coach, and Matt’s whereabouts all tied back to one man. A bar owner named Jack Costa. Who had a lot of sway in the neighborhood and pretty much told people how to act and when to act and the more the police looked into his affairs, the more it became clear that Costa was somehow involved and well, Matt’s relationship with him was the key to cracking the case wide open. But of course, Matt refused to help. Didn’t want to be a snitch, as he so eloquently put it. Forcing Vincent and the team to work with what they had to bring the case to trial, and they did have a lot. They just wanted that red letter evidence that would end the trial quickly, and well… since the momentum in the case bounced back and forth, Vincent and the team turned to Matt once again to press him hard on giving up evidence that Costa was involved.

Which he initially agreed to do, until he took the stand. For in that moment. He opted to be defiant again and said anything to help Costa, walk free. But some fine maneuvering from ADA Price, and a fine case against the accused, led to a win for the prosecution and the end of Jack Costa’s freedom. But the damage was done. For Vincent looked the fool in this case through and through, and likely kept his job because of the conviction that came forth and well, that prompted him to really think upon his brother’s actions and his own and how best he should handle this. Wherein Vincent decided, that enough was enough and that his little brother had worked the system enough and pulled in enough favors and needed to be held accountable. So, all deals with the city and the state were rescinded and Matt, faced charges and accountability for his actions.

All of which made it clear, that it isn’t hard for family to turn upon one another. It just takes the right path and the right lifestyle. For instance, here, being in the thick of the streets, learning its code and learning its ways both good and bad, allowed for Matt to choose that over law and order. Because that life was easier, and that life required no fight, and that doesn’t mean other family failed, it just means… people make some awful choices sometimes and hold to their agency and that will motivate them to betray blood. Especially when they feel they don’t matter to their family or have done it before. Which made for a fascinating episode, one that also featured some amazing guest star power. Because Chris Bauer was simply incredible as Jack Costa, and Katee Sackhoff was equally as impressive as his scuzzy lawyer and now that we’ve reached the end of this fascinating tale, it will be interesting to see what lie ahead for the Riley family. Until next time.