Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 306 of ‘Night Court’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that season three of the hit NBC series, Night Court, has made a point to lean heavier into zany comedy, and that’s not a bad thing by any means. After all, this is a comedy series, and the franchise is known for quirky and silly moments that leave us in stitches, and going this route has brought forth some memorable laughs for certain. Courtesy of stunning performances from the entire cast of this magnificent series, and some great comedy writing. But this newboot was founded on a blend of endearing moments and messaging alongside zany comedy and it just so happens that last night, the endearing stuff came back into play.

For ‘The Jakeout’ was a story that focused on the importance of trust and open communication in a relationship, and how things can take a turn if we don’t make those elements foundational to our love and it explored that… via Abby and Jake’s journey here. Because despite telling one another they were in love, Jake was hiding something in this tale, and his secrecy and admission that this was the longest relationship he had on record… made Abby nervous. As though Jake was ready to back out… or worse. So, rather than just ask Jake up front what was going on, she, Wyatt, and Gurgs… went on a stakeout. Or… Jakeout. To see what he was up to and that led to all kinds of surprises.

Such as the fact that during the assault portion of the Jakeout, which Gurgs invented on the fly, the team was able to snag Jake’s duffel bag. Which contained an expensive doll of a woman that was dressed in cheerleading gear. Which raised all kinds of questions about what Jake was up to, and with a little pressing, he finally admitted that he did cheer on the side. For it was a passion, and well, that relieved Abby to no end. Since she was worried, he was into something weird or was preparing to drop a bombshell on her. So, she instead supported his endeavors and even helped him with his routine. But alas, in the process of learning the truth… the doll was lost and Wyatt and Gurgs had to retrieve it. Which they did, and that mean they had to fix it, too, and find a way to get it back to Jake without him being the wiser.

But alas, Jake was able to discover what happened and that led to a confession from Abby, and a stunning decision from Jake. In that, he was ready to be done with their relationship. Because Abby didn’t come clean when the opportunity was right and because… she didn’t communicate properly with him. For had she just been up front and asked him what was happening, none of this would have ever come to pass. Granted, Jake also could have been more forthcoming, but his desire to keep this in the dark made sense. Since cheerleading was a dealbreaker with others. But either way, this hammered home the lesson and put these two lovebirds on a different path than we ever expected.
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If anything, that bittersweet plot was counterbalanced nicely by way of Dan and Julianne’s journey in this story. Since there was more tension and flirtation between the two of them. To the point where they felt a need to challenge one another to prove that they didn’t have feelings for one another. Which prompted Julianne to bring a new squeeze named Rodrigo around the courthouse to try and make Dan jealous. Of course, he responded in kind by hiring a taskmaster named Marge, to help him enforce the message that he wanted little to do with Julianne romantically. Only for us to learn that they were both just goofing around and trying to deny… hints of feelings. Granted, it wasn’t outright stated that there was something brewing here… but the little games they played spoke to how they might be fighting the love bug.

But that aside, this was indeed a far more realistic and serious episode of Night Court than we’ve seen this season, but it worked, and hopefully this isn’t the end for Abby and Jake. For Ryan Hansen and Melissa Rauch are great on screen together, and their characters deserve better than saying goodbye over something that can be fixed. But make no mistake about it, there was still comedy to be found. For the Dan/Julianne game made for some great moments, with the help of guest stars Kate Flannery (Marge) and Gillies Marini (Rodrigo) and Ryan Hansen doing cheerleader routines was nothing short of comedy legend, and according to Ryan, something that was easy to slip into. For he informed this writer that, “I’m very comfortable doing cheer.” All of which brought together, a great episode. For this one had it all, and outright informed us, that season three of this magnificent show, is going to continue to mix up the storytelling, and outright surprise us. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 210 of ‘The Irrational’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past two years, we’ve learned quite a bit about what makes a person irrational, courtesy of the NBC series, The Irrational. For this particular show has left no stone unturned when it comes to exploring the human mind. That’s helped us to better understand why we commit to revenge and petty acts and why manipulation is sometimes something we cherish and well, what’s truly amazing about this series, is that it has so much more to explore regarding this concept. Because let’s be honest… there’s a lot that makes us irrational, even elements in this life that are oft considered positive. Such as the truth.

Because the truth, while important, can sometimes expose us and our sour actions and not everyone is okay with that, and never was this more evident than during this week’s episode of the show. For ‘Now You Don’t’ saw Rose and Alec attend a magic show at a magic club in D.C., one that was packed to the brim with industry stars, and this event helped us to learn that magic is something that Alec adores. In large part because it reflects his own studies since we are in many ways, pulled into irrational territory by magic. Since it influences our senses and our line of thinking and well, it was a good thing he was there on this night. For the headliner at this event, a magician named Helena, experienced a hideous mishap with her magic trick that resulted in a death.

Which of course brought blame down upon Helena and prompted Rose and Alec to do their best to clear her name. For neither of them believed she was capable of murder, and as they investigated in detail it seemed as though this was another crime steeped in revenge and jealousy. But the discovery that a vlogger, who focused on the magic world, had uncovered the startling truth about a magic legend named Charles, changed everything. For it became clear that this vlogger discovered some horrible truths about Charles, and rather than be exposed to the world as a gross monster, because he was THAT kind of problem, he decided to use magic to be rid of his troubles and let the crime be pinned on someone else, because that’s the kind of character Charles harbored.

That of course, perfectly spoke to how the truth can make us irrational. Since the thought of having a precious legacy corrupted by disgusting acts was enough to drive a man to murder. Something that also speaks to the fragile ego of men like Charles. But it did make for a fine lesson and the sheer darkness of Charles’ decisions were nicely counterbalanced by the other storyline in this tale. For Kylie decided to use her work connections to further her romantic life. Because she was crushing hard on a woman she had started dating and when she didn’t receive her regular daily messages, she looked into what could have happened and discovered she wasn’t being ghosted, thankfully. But her sweetheart did have her phone stolen. So, she worked with Marisa to get that phone back to build upon something special.

All of which made for a fascinating tale. One that harbored a powerful and timely lesson and also featured more amazing character moments and moments of growth. Since we did learn how far Kylie will go for love, and that Riz and Phoebe have some serious skills in the world of magic. Not to mention, we came to learn that Alec is at a crossroads when it comes to comfort regarding his scars, and that he must soon make a decision on how best to handle his concerns. Because his unresolved feelings on that, are now impacting his daily life and that’s a huge place for him to be emotionally, and it will be interesting to see what lie ahead for Alec regarding that as season two begins to come to a close. Until next time.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of the series premiere of Prime Target, which is available to stream on Apple TV+ today!
 
Episode 101 - A New Pattern
Cambridge student Edward Brooks starts working on a secret research project that triggers unthinkable chaos.
 
Episode 102 - Syracuse
Ed’s work catches the attention of NSA operative Taylah Sanders and a mysterious institute.

It is definitely safe to say, that decades from now, Heels will forever be remembered (after a seven-season run, right, Netflix?) as the only show out there to properly explore the pursuit of our dreams and what to expect when we get there. Simply because beneath the magnificent drama, great writing and acting, and epic tributes to wrestling… that is what the core of this story is about. The everyday you and me, chasing our dreams and sacrificing everything for them. Only to learn that when we get there, the top of the mountain is not what we thought it would be and that more work happens to be required to maintain what we want and keep what we love.
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Not to mention, there’s the fact… that our dream job won’t be filled with perfect days and zero stress. Because our dream, will always have elements of work. Granted, that will be easier to swallow since the dream is at hand. But it is important to note some days won’t be rosy and sometimes… we will be faced with some hard truths and that’s precisely what ‘Heavy Heads’ takes the time to explore. To further prepare us for what lie ahead and to offer up some amazing storytelling for certain. Because that is where this series thrives and really, this episode took the time to offer up three key lessons regarding this essential theme. One of which informed us, that sometimes… the perfect gig will not offer up exactly what we thought it would. 

Which was explored via Crystal’s journey in this tale. Because despite landing a spot on the Wall of Champions at the Duffy Dome and being the reason for the DWL to start a Women’s League, she came to learn… that she was basically part of a tough corner of the business. Since she met El Dorado here, the lone lady brought in to help her defend her title and kick off the new league and El made it known how much extra hustling she had to do to maintain a standing in this industry. Since few supported women’s wrestling and that made her a nomad of sorts. Which shocked Crystal to no end and left her wondering her own fate. But it was a sobering reminder of the fact that sometimes the reality of what we seek is vastly different than we imagined, and we need to be prepared for that and need to ponder deeply upon if what we find is what we want. A process that Crystal stared here.

As for the second storyline, well that was handled through Bill’s journey. Wherein he and Diego went to a wrestling convention to sell some wares and meet up with some old friends and maybe land them for the podcast. But while there, they both came to see, the darkside of wrestling. Since so many of Bill’s old friends were revealed to be in rough shape after all those years of injuries and various treatments to… ‘maintain’ one’s standing. Not to mention, some of them saw their time in the ring as a joke, and a transition point. Which left Bill stunned since it reminded him of some supremely harsh lessons about our chosen career field. In that, not all will appreciate it, and that the sacrifices we make can be costly and that we should be appreciative when we thrive within it since not everyone gets that victory. Plus, this episode deserves a round of applause for showcasing that darker side to this industry since wrestling does chew stars up and spit them out.
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But of course, the centerpiece lesson was handled by Jack. Who after consulting with his lawyers came to learn that he was stuck with the whole mess involving Gully, so he went full bore into it. Going so far as to write his ass off and create some incredible promos, for both he and Rooster Robbins. Who was to appear in the ring to start the promo work, and well… make no mistake about it, that made Jack miserable. Because he had zero desire to work with Gully and Rooster on anything creative. But that was the deal, and Jack did his best to put on a good show and he did, with some great twists, one of which involved the mysterious Condamned. But what mattered more, is that Jack’s journey taught us… dream job or no… there will be people we will have to work with, we don’t want to. But we must be the consummate professional when that happens, and just do the best job we can. Because that is sometimes the deal at the top, and as long as we stay true to our talents and our good nature, this too shall pass.

Since we will either outlast that person or come under the purview of someone better, and well, that lesson and all of the other lessons present here made for a very unique episode. One that hammered home the special nature of Heels and how truly, it explores elements about the pursuit of the dream that no other show touches. Because this one is special, and it still has so many more lessons about the dream ahead. But while we wait, we can bask in the wonder of one thoughtful journey, one that once again let the cast shine through powerful moments that kept our attention and taught us so much, and it really is wonderful to find these amazing lessons on display. So, that we are all ready for what comes after the moment we get to say, I did it. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1203 of ‘When Calls the Heart’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we’ve talked at length about how the Hallmark Channel series, When Calls the Heart, has done a phenomenal job of exploring how our modern world and the world of Hope Valley aren’t that much different from one another. Courtesy of stories that do indeed echo our world and issues we face, and that’s allowed for moving and powerful stories to come forth, the kind that give us pause in a healthy manner as we learn from these good people. If anything, this has been such a focus in the first two episodes, that it is safe to say we expected more of the same during this week’s episode.

But instead, ‘All That Glitters’ outright surprised and informed us that it would be less about the parallels we face and instead would serve as a celebration of what makes humanity worth admiration. For we are capable of real beauty now and again. Which this story reminded us of via two key storylines. One of which involved, Rosemary and Leland. Simply because Leland was acting suspicious. For he was disappearing for hours on end, and spending time at the doctor’s office. Which prompted Rosemary to enlist Elizabeth on a mission to uncover what was going on. Only for them to discover that Leland was setting up a surprise to maintain the promise he made about honoring Goldie and the doctor visits were to ensure he would see her for a long time in life.

Which reminded us of how we can indeed gift others with beautiful and meaningful gestures and how we do unique things to show we care and that was lovely to see, and it was complimented nicely by Elizabeth and Nathan’s journey. For they ran into a unique problem here. In that, they discovered that Oliver, while a great cadet and solid with organization, did not go to school. In fact, he outright lied about going, to get into this job. Because he grew up in a family that did not believe in education. But he wanted to be more, wanted to contribute, and made that call, and that put Nathan in such a difficult place. For honesty has always been a virtue for him, and he felt the need to be honest here and inform the brass of the lie. Which would end Oliver’s career before it began.

But Elizabeth pointed out, that did not have to happen. Because Oliver was his responsibility and he needed help and support, not more strife. Not to mention, if trying to appear more intelligent was that big of a deal, then so many more should be punished in this life. But most important of all, Oliver was more than a stat on a sheet or a quota to fill. He was a person, and this was a unique opportunity to help a person and lift them up, and Nathan agreed. Which gave Oliver his shot at a career and a life and only strengthened the bond between Nathan and Elizabeth. Since it showed they harbor the same values and it only made their big date, one away from the kids, all the sweeter since this is quickly becoming a love affair for the ages and this kind act only added to that.

All of which made, for an uplifting tale. One that truly did speak to how love can drive us to do wondrous acts of kindness that are selfless and beautiful. Not to mention, how we are quite capable of lifting one another up and truly helping one another succeed if we so choose, and let’s be honest… that is a message we all need to hear right now. For we are indeed divided and should instead be lifting one another up and pushing forward as one. But while we wait for that to become a norm again, we can celebrate this delightful tale. One that also set the stage for a grand mystery and challenged the good governor like never before and it will be interesting to see what lie ahead for this series, as season twelve continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘The Hunting Party’.
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If there is one particular question, we have all collectively asked ourselves and one another… is what would we do if we had the power to prevent evil in this world? And we ask that question for several reasons. In part because it is a litmus test for our own moral core and the core of our friends. But also, because… it’s a legitimate question with a complex answer. For there would be no easy road to stopping evil in the world and we wonder if the world would be prepared to handle the moral nightmare that would likely accompany having the power to put an end to evil. 

Well, this is such a fascinating and unique question that NBC has deemed it worthy of a creative exploration. For a brand-new series entitled, The Hunting Party, will explore such matters and so much more and it sets up such the journey, by way of a unique plot in ‘Richard Harris’. For in this particular tale… we learn of The Pit. A decommissioned nuclear silo that has been recommissioned as the ultimate Supermax style prison. One that harbors the worst of the worst and has remained hidden for ages, until a surprise explosion creates quite the quandary. In that, said explosion unleashes a great many inmates from the Pit. Which prompts the top brass in law enforcement to call in Rebecca ‘Bex’ Henderson, a disgraced yet brilliant FBI agent to find the man whose name is in the title.

Which at first glance… doesn’t seem to be all that revolutionary of a plot. It just sounds like The Fugitive and U.S. Marshals got together and had a baby. But the devil is in the details in this particular story and soon we learn that Richard Harris should be dead. But he is alive and well, and is eager to resume his serial killer ways because of what the Pit stands for. In that, it is the cure to all evil in the world. For it is designed to study behavioral patterns of monsters in an up-close and personal way, free from the trappings of the law and of ethics to topple evil in this world and well, as pointed out by Ryan Hassini, a man close to the project, it’s worked. For the world has seen fewer serial killers and bloodthirsty monsters over the past few decades, courtesy of the Pit’s research.

But of course, some of the experiments appear to have enhanced Richard and what follows in this story is an intense cat and mouse game where Bex faces her past in so many ways, since Richard was one of her first cases, along with some real surprises to bring him down once and for all. But of course, Bex is so good at what she does, she stays on to bring in more of these monsters, a move that will force her to continue to look backward since the man that put her career on strange terms will be one of her bosses and because… she is a reflective individual that finds meaning in every moment and memory. But what matters more, is that we are treated to a refreshing answer to that question. In that, if we had the power, it would require a lot of trickery and moral grey areas to put an end to it, and the ends might not justify the means. Especially since it could uncover other dark clouds as was the case here since we learned that Richard had an accomplice, and because… it forces evil to beget evil.

But what matters more, is that answering this question will allow for this show to explore so much regarding the criminal justice system, in a refreshing and honest manner, no less. Plus, it will feature some amazing writing and some intense moments that will never allow for the moral questions to overwhelm. All of which informs us, that we are in for an exhausting, exhilarating and outright incredible ride. One that will be intelligent, moving and supremely original. For this writer is hard pressed to think of any other procedural that offers up this kind of compelling plot and moral core, and truly, it will be quite interesting to see where this refreshing series is going to take us in the weeks to come. Until next time.

Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek and synopsis of the series premiere of The Joe Schmo Show, which debuts tomorrow on TBS at 9:00PM ET/PT.
 
‘TBS sets the premiere date for “The Joe Schmo Show,” the reality hoax comedy for Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 9:00PM ET/PT. Hosted by five-time Emmy Award nominee, Cat Deeley, the show-within-a show takes aim at the absurdity of reality TV by making Ben, an electrician from Baltimore, believe he is competing for a chance to win $100,000 on a popular game show when he is, in fact, surrounded by a cast of highly skilled improv comedians.
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“The modern revival of The Joe Schmo Show is the perfect complement to TBS’ best-in-class comedy lineup,” said Jason Sarlanis, President, Turner Networks. “Filled with heart and hilarious reality game show hijinks, the series will completely immerse our audiences in the ruse, taking them on a wild ride and keeping them rooting for our protagonist week to week.”

Each of the series’ ten episodes provides a groundbreaking, behind-the-scenes look as the actors and entire working crew scramble to keep Ben from discovering the hoax, something made more difficult by the increasingly over-the-top format of the show. With each challenge, the stakes grow higher as production is forced to pivot storylines, and castmates, who Ben sees as competition, improvise strategies to pave the path to his victory.

Viewers can join the conversation on social media by using #JoeSchmo and following @TBSNetwork. 
MTV Entertainment Studios and Fly On The Wall Entertainment produced “The Joe Schmo Show” for TBS with creators Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick, (“Deadpool”) alongside Executive Producer and Showrunner Dave Kneebone.

Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek and synopsis of this week’s new episode of Night Court, which debuts on NBC tomorrow night at 8:30 -9p.m. ET/PT.
 
Episode 306 – “THE JAKEOUT” (Airdate 1/21/25)
After learning that Jake has never been in a long-term relationship, Abby is determined to find his secret “dealbreaker.” Dan and Julianne go head-to-head to prove they don’t have feelings for each other. Ryan Hansen, Kate Flannery and Gilles Marini guest star. 

Caution: This rapid recap of Episode 556 of ‘Love During Lockup’ contains spoilers.
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Please enjoy this rapid recap of Episode 556 of Love During Lockup on WE tv, along with a refresher clip!

Love During Lockup - Episode 556 - “D*CKMATIZED”
Sam fears the worst when Krystal goes MIA. Kate and Kaleigh lawyer up for the love of Hunter. Donny drops shocking news on Jakeema. MJ faces her true feelings for her ex. Tia’s dream day with prison bae Rob is cut short when she’s forced to share.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 303 of ‘The Way Home’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

It really is quite amazing how every single season of The Way Home on the Hallmark Channel harbors a central theme for the characters to explore. Simply because that is no easy act in this modern world of television, since so many shows have so many ideas and moments they want to get to. But this series holds to its idea’s year in and year out, and that’s allowed for us to explore the complexity of family and the power of grief, and season two dug deep into how we heal and come together and well… season three is quickly making known what it plans to dive into. Since this week’s episode informed us that year three of this journey will be about how our parents/grandparents aren’t heroes but people and a search to learn the secrets of the Pond.

Which ‘Live and Let Die’ accomplished, by way of many voyages back to 1974. For Alice felt the need to return once again to see how her grandad was getting along, following what she learned about Rick’s fate. Which allowed for her to see the man behind the mythos of her grandfather, and that helped her to learn that Colton was a complex man. One that was emotionally in touch, an outlying trait in the 70s, and that he was in fact… close with Evelyn. To the point where she confessed her love for him to Alice, and even made her own special note to accompany the one discovered at the house. All of which showcased a young man trying to figure everything out and that’s our parents and our grandparents to a tee, people that had to figure it out as well and that is something we should always keep in mind. 

In fact, that lesson was further explored by El and Vic. Since El was furious over his father’s decision to try and steal from him. To the point where he demanded that Vic leave as soon as possible. But understanding his pain and understanding how badly that broke him, prompted El to try and make nice with his dad, to be better and be stronger. Which seemingly worked, only for El to learn… that his father used that moment of peace to accomplish his ultimate goal. Which served to reinforce the lesson and enhance it further by pointing out that not only were our parents flawed in their youth, but sometimes they don’t outgrow those flaws and carry them into adulthood in a messy nature, and all we can do… is act accordingly to protect ourselves. 

However, there was mention that this story set up a bigger exploration of the Pond and the 1970s did indeed expand upon that. Since we learned here, without a doubt that Colton traveled through time often and that so many more were aware of the Pond’s power, including Evelyn and Kat’s great grandmother. Who while suffering from dementia, knew more about the Pond than anyone else. Which truly expanded upon the majesty of this mysterious location and set the stage for an epic exploration. For now, Kat and Alice are determined to know more about it and are ready to coast through history to understand its power, and why it is so important to the Landry family line.
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All of which made for a mysterious and engaging tale. One that offered up some fine lessons regarding how we should see our parents and our elders in a far more realistic light. So, that we understand them a little better and can offer a little more grace when we need to, along with setting up an epic exploration of the Pond. Not to mention, it even offered some everyday life lessons as well, through Jacob’s drunken journey here since he taught us, we will make mistakes as we adjust in life, along with a reminder that we should always keep old friendships alive for our mental health, courtesy of Del’s journey. But it is the Pond that has us eager for next week’s adventure. So, we are so ready to learn more about it, and why it has outright chosen this family to be its protector. Until next time.