Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 26002 of ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. To revisit the Season 26 Premiere, click here. Also, this article contains discussions regarding sexual abuse, which may be triggering to some individuals.
One belief that we all hold to, is that the people that dedicate their lives to civil service, be it through running for office or by wearing a badge or sitting behind a bench in a black robe… are the best of us. And it makes sense as to why we hold to that. Because it takes a special mind to want to serve the public trust on a daily basis, and in the case of judicial work and law enforcement, see such difficult corners of the human condition. So, they have to be the best of us, right? Well, as it turns out, that belief isn’t always true and sometimes people serve the public trust for different reasons and are not the best of us, as evidenced by this week’s episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit on NBC. For ‘Excavated’ introduced us to a woman named Maggie, who was the stepdaughter of a famous Federal Judge named Andrews and well… she was doing her best to live a decent life. Simply because Maggie had her struggles with substance abuse, and was mostly adrift in this life, and a big move for her family revealed why her life hadn’t quite turned out the way she expected. For she uncovered a diary from her stepfather that outlined what appeared to be acts of sexual abuse that he imparted upon her in her youth, and that unsettled her. Mainly because the outline was truth and old memories began to come up, and she of course, turned to Captain Benson and her unit to find justice and well, that led to the reminder in question, that not all of the people that serve the people are good people. Simply because, it took little time for this former judge to flex his muscles as quickly as possible. To appear above the law and accusation because of his reputation and all that it stood for, an indicator and reminder of how men like Andrews can and will hide behind their title when challenged, especially when they have done something terribly wrong. Because as the SVU team dug into this case, they managed to uncover… that there was physical evidence present here that affirmed that Maggie wasn’t lying, and that meant a trial was on the horizon. One where awful truths came forth. In that, Andrews was guilty and enabled by his wife in in the hopes of preserving image and preserving his standing as a judge. All of which brought forth a shocking episode to say the least, one that showcased that evil knows no bounds and cares not about titles and career choices. It just exists in all forms, and even the people we look up to are capable of such matters, for reasons that we may never quite understand. In fact, they were unclear here since all Andrews could muster about his decision to cross the line and do horrible things to a child was to say that he wanted to know what innocence was like. As though robbing it from someone else would somehow give him understanding, and that was… an unsettling answer to give for his crimes. One that hammered home a more vital lesson regarding our longstanding belief that men like him are pillars of the community because they choose a noble career path. In that, the time has come for us to look at the role of public service as noble, and see the people who choose that path, as people, plain and simple. Because people are flawed, and some do indeed become corrupt with power and choose a dark path, as Andrews did here, and looking at the position as noble versus the person… will ease some of that shock and horror when guys like Andrews cross the line and help us prop up the ones who are worth celebrating in that field. But lessons aside, make no mistake about it, this was a tough episode to watch. Because it did dig into some difficult subject matter, and deeply explored the last impacting of what Andrews did, and this is one that will stay with us for a while. Courtesy of its harrowing reminder of the darkness that bad people are capable of when they think they are somehow special or noble. Until next time. Watch ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’
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Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 24002 of ‘Law & Order’. To revisit the Season 24 Premiere, click here. This article also contains discussions of sexual assault and stalking, which may be triggering to some individuals.
There was a time in the world of television, where the justice system was viewed in a supremely fond and revered manner. Where judges could do no wrong, where investigators never made mistakes and where criminals were true scumbags. Who basically turned their back on society for reasons that no one quite understood, and well, it makes sense as to why this was how the system was viewed. Because popular entertainment often reflects the zeitgeist of an era and for a long time, we saw the American justice system as a true pillar of our nation and something that was infallible. But as the years have gone on and abuses of power have taken place, and strange cases have played out, it is no longer seen as a bastion of light on the horizon. Instead, the justice system is now acknowledged to be flawed and at times, broken and filled with grey areas and tough decisions for those who try to uphold the laws we cherish, and that too, is being reflected in television in a manner that is beginning to make it clear, that we might need some reform. Because all too often, the mistakes being made are causing more harm than good and devastating lives and never were all of these points more evident than during last night’s episode of Law & Order on NBC. For ‘The Perfect Man’ explored all of that by way of a very unique case. One that involved a tech whiz named Tyler who created AI software that would serve as the perfect boyfriend, and he himself desired to be akin to his software, since he was seen often here working to woo a special lady with some special words. But alas, Tyler turned up dead one morning with a bullet hole where his eye used to be and thanks to the fine work of the NYPD, they came to learn a woman named Laura put him down for reasons that were not clear at first. But her pending trial, and the truth behind her actions, brought Captain Olivia Benson from Special Victims Unit into this episode, who informed the team on this series that Laura was a survivor or sexual assault. One who received no help from the NYPD when she brought it to their attention and that her motivations for murder here might be related to a need for justice, and Olivia was right. For it slowly came out that Tyler, was a stalker, and determined to be her boyfriend to match his software’s visage, and despite Laura’s best efforts to keep him at bay, she was ignored again. Which in turn, pushed her to take matters into her own hands, and of course... went to jail for it because according to the law, she was a stone-cold murderer that put an innocent man in the ground. But in reality, this was a true grey area case. One where yes, Laura should not have killed anyone, for that is the greatest sin we can commit. But at the same time, she was discarded by law enforcement, treated like an afterthought and forgotten. Leaving her disillusioned, disenfranchised and unable to comprehend how to find any peace over her problems, outside of handling this of her own accord. All of which spoke to the many problems the system currently has in how it prioritizes cases, holds to stigmas over investigation and truly lets people slip through the cracks when they simply should not. All of which made for a divisive and infuriating episode, and that’s not an insult, that is indeed a compliment. Because this is the kind of stuff that happens in our world and this is the kind of stuff that we take sides regarding, when we should… be concerned more about reforms and improvements to the system. So that victims don’t become statistics and inmates, and that makes this, a powerful and brilliant episode. One that dares to speak hard truth about a system that works but sometimes works poorly and it deserves a round of applause for pointing that out. Plus, it was quite amazing to see Mariska Hargitay drop by the flagship series and offer the wonder of Captain Benson once more and well, in the end, all this episode does, is leave us eager for more of this series. To see what other powerful bits of commentary on the system await us as these intrepid investigators and prosecutors do their best to keep it thriving in an era where black and white, no longer exists. Until next time. Watch ‘Law & Order’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for 12003 of ‘Chicago P.D.’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
There are moments in our lives, where we realize that seemingly insurmountable tasks are in front of us. The kind that requires incredible energy and incredible attention from us. So, we commit to something incredible. In that we dedicate ourselves to taking care of what lies ahead of us, and we are relentless in doing so. To the point where we barely sleep, we barely eat. We just work to make sure that those tasks fade away and when they finally do, we rest and find solace and a sense of accomplishment. But what’s fascinating about this… is that for some… this push to give everything to overcoming a task never ends, for their tasks are insurmountable, and that brings forth some questions about those who keep going. In that, is it healthy to keep at that pace for a task that seemingly cannot be resolved. Not to mention, who do we become when we keep pushing in that manner, and it just so happens that the next episode of Chicago P.D. on NBC takes the time to ponder upon those questions. A feat that ‘Off Switch’ accomplished by way of one wild night for Detective Atwater. For shortly after a flirty encounter at a bar, Atwater found himself at quite the crime scene. For a local business was laid to waste from a group of robbers, and they left only the owner alive on this night and that prompted Atwater to take point in the hopes of solving this case post haste. Because there was a fair chance the robbers would leave as quick as they could, so… Atwater poured himself into the case. Where he pushed himself to the limit and went hard on the case. To the point where nothing else mattered. Not his tenants, not informing the family’s victims of what happened. There was just the hunt, and Diane, the survivor. Who he also pushed hard to remember details regarding the case to bring this to a close. Which led to some wins and some information but took a toll upon Atwater. To the point where the new psychologist on the case, Val, who was also the woman that flirted with him at the bar, pointed out that going this hard, all the time, since clearly Atwater poured himself into his never-ending work to make the streets safe, wasn’t completely healthy. And made him a servant to others’ emotions and needs over his own, and that could be problematic down the line. Which taught us… that going like this forever can be damaging and can in fact, help us to lose ourselves in the quest. But before a solution could be explored for that, the case still had to be solved. Because those men had to pay for what they had done, especially since they went so far as to hurt Diane when she was granted a break and well, the benefits of pushing hard outweighed a break in that moment. In fact, it paid off in spades. Because eventually Atwater and the team were able to find the men responsible for this and bring them to justice at last. Making Diane whole again and giving Atwater that tiny win, one that was brief since more cases awaited. But an apology to Val, and a powerful discussion served to remind us that if we find ourselves on this path, to the point where perhaps we might not be able to break away from it… we need to find moments of levity. Moments that fulfill us and give us a respite from the intensity of what we do. Which Atwater found in the arms of Val. All of which brought forth, another amazing episode from this show. One that leaned hard into some fine lessons about the quest we all chase, the one we all bury ourselves within. It might be short, it might be long, but we chase it nevertheless and we need to think about its impact upon us, and how to reconcile that. And that made for some fascinating and powerful moments, the kind that added real depth to a season that is already grounded in incredible lessons. Since we’ve also learned about the importance of confronting our trauma, how it can temporarily guide us and this episode does leave us wondering what other amazing lessons await us, as season twelve of this iconic series continues along. Until next time. Watch ‘Chicago P.D.’Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 13003 of ‘Chicago Fire’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Over the course of the past couple of weeks, fans of the hit NBC series, Chicago Fire, have definitely felt a sense of worry regarding the show. Simply because, change has brought forth some real tension at Firehouse 51. To the point where Stella has had her leadership challenged and where it seems Chief Pascal will stop at nothing to transform the firehouse into a unit, he feels best fits his needs. Leaving all of us to wonder if transformation is the direction the show plans to take, or if peace and unity can come to the firehouse, and well… it just so happens that this week’s episode of the show, took the time to answer that question for all of us. Courtesy of some amazing moments in 'All Kinds of Crazy’. For this particular tale saw Stella make a bold decision in this tale. For she wanted to get Damon off of her rig after learning about his lies and that brought her conflict with Pascal to a head. Because he was concerned about the turnover on her rig, and her leadership, and his doubts only grew when he talked to Damon. Simply because Damon knew he could flip this to his advantage and did so. Wherein Pascal gave some serious thought, to making a lieutenant change inside the firehouse. In fact, he even took a little time to talk with Mouch and discuss him taking the test and being ready to step into the role if change came and well, that prompted Mouch to sniff around and learn what was going on, and he too… made a bold decision. In that, he went to Pascal’s home one night, to defend Stella. Because he knew her record, knew what kind of leader she was and knew that Pascal was eager to push ahead and go off of his own brief assessments. But Mouch made it clear in very subtle terms, that great leaders, look at the big picture and that if Pascal wanted to truly become the true leader of 51, he needed to do that and look at Stella’s record. Which Pascal did and came to learn that she wasn’t a reckless lieutenant or in decline. So, he made quite the call and sent Damon packing. A move that rattled him and damaged his relationship with Severide. But… it did finally bring unity to the firehouse since it put Pascal and Stella on the same page and that brought us comfort and helped us to appreciate the other storyline in this tale since we were now worry free. Because in between that long road to understanding and unity, was a scary fire. One that almost cost a tenant above a popular Asian cuisine restaurant their life and it put Ritter’s life in peril as well, courtesy of a massive explosion. And this fire was so bad, and so odd that Severide felt the need to explore its origins himself, and that led him down a very sorrowful path. Wherein he came to learn that this was an inside job. Because the family that owned the place, was at odds over its future, for mother wanted to sell it and father wanted to keep it, and the family’s daughter… wanted everyone to be free of it. Because if it stayed in the family, it was hers to inherit, and she saw the fights it brought forth and opted to be free by burning the place to the ground. All of which made, for an incredible episode, one that offered up a sorrowful story about a family shattered over the fate of the family business and at last, peace in the firehouse. The kind that came about the right way courtesy of the most unexpected hero, Mouch. Granted, that’s not to say he isn’t a hero to begin with, but he really did go the extra mile here, when he didn’t have to. Which speaks to how much he cares and how much he wants there to be a constant in the firehouse, and well… now that there is peace once again, we can look ahead toward a new beginning at Firehouse 51. One where this team can move forward and into new chapters, courtesy of Mouch’s decision to remind a leader, how to properly lead. Until next time. Watch ‘Chicago Fire’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1003 of ‘Chicago Med’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
We like to believe, that the skill set that medical professionals learn, makes them Gods of sorts. Beings that can immediately diagnose what’s wrong with a person and use their specific knowledge to magically heal and prevent suffering and when necessary, prevent us from dying. To which there is merit. Because time and time again, their quick thinking has saved lives and brought about miracles of sorts. Not to mention, we’ve heard plenty of stories from people that had a brush with death and escaped its clutches thanks to the skills of their doctors. But while their special training does indeed save lives and accomplish wonders along the way, they are not gods in the slightest. They’re people, plain and simple. People who suffer through problems like anyone else and who… don’t always save the day. Because our bodies are fickle, and no amount of knowledge can solve when our time is up, and never were those two truths more evident than during this week’s episode of Chicago Med on NBC. For ‘Trust Fall’ explored the humanity of doctors and the reality that they cannot save everyone. After offering up some joy and some resolution on a very human storyline. Since Ripley was reinstated and had to face the consequences of his actions away from the ER. Prompting him to really think upon his actions and what comes next, which is indeed something we all face. Plus, Dr. Charles was able to reach a man that was ready to die out of loneliness, reminding us of the wonder of being kind to one another. But in between resolution and wonder, was Dr. Asher’s journey. For she quickly grew close to a pregnancy patient that was deeply worried about the future of her child, how her little girl was going to be born and the odd pain she was experiencing before coming into the ER. All of which Asher worked to assuage with Maggie’s help as well, and she and Elise truly became fast friends and for a time, it seemed as though Dr. Asher was going to be Elise’s hero. Because when the time came to deliver the baby, the surgery portion of it went well, and the child, which was in distress, came through fine and made her way to the NICU. All of which brought joy to a proud momma and a sense of routine for Asher… until things took a shocking turn for the worse. Because suddenly, that pain Elise complained about returned with a vengeance and that resulted in some shocking bleeding and a fast trip to the OR. One where Elise met her baby before Asher worked with a fervor and fire to save Elise from not seeing her little girl grow up. But despite using her skill set to the maximum, and pinpointing the problem, nothing mattered. It was Elise’s time, and she expired on the table and shattered Asher in the process. All of which served as sobering reminder, that while doctors are heroes through and through… they can’t save all of us, and sometimes the cause of someone’s passing isn’t easy to pinpoint. Because it can be something out of the norm or something that isn’t top of mind, and this is that end result. A passing, some sorrow, and the fight to save ten more lives to make up for that one. All of which gave rise to a powerful story really. One that once again showcased the humanity of this industry, something that NBC medical dramas excel at, and it deserves a round of applause for taking us on quite the emotional and powerful ride. One that also, set the stage for other unique plot points down the line. Such as what will become of Frost now that he’s been exposed as a former TV star, and of course, Goodwin has that ugly death threat hanging over her and Ripley… has to put the pieces of his life back together. Which is no easy task. But that is why we tune in, to be moved, to see that humanity on display and see these doctors stumble, fall, and rise like the rest of us, in manner that truly captivates us from beginning to end. Until next time. Watch ‘Chicago Med’
Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of the series premiere of Sweetpea. Which debuts on STARZ tonight! EPISODE 101: Sorry for Your Loss Airdate: October 10 at 8:00pm ET/PT on STARZ When her father dies, and her school bully returns to town, a quiet wallflower is triggered to violent breaking point. Prime Video Unveils First-Look Images & Premiere Date for New Upcoming Series ‘The Sticky’10/9/2024 Written by John Edward Betancourt Throughout the course of history, there have been some stunning heists that have taken place. Some of which we absolutely look down upon because they hurt people along the way, such as the Ponzi Scheme that Bernie Madoff ran a while back. While others, leave us in awe of how silliness and greed brought them to life. Such as the great United California Bank Robbery of 1972. Where some deluded individuals ripped off a bank out of the belief that somehow, President Nixon had millions of dollars hidden there. But of the many heists that have come and gone, there is one that will truly live on in infamy. For in 2012, eighteen million dollars’ worth of Maple Syrup was stolen in a heist that was dubbed, the ‘Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist’ and this was so infamous and so incredible, that it is about to become a television series. For earlier, Prime Video let it be known that The Sticky, a series inspired by this heist will hit the streamer on December 6, and to properly celebrate its forthcoming arrival, Prime Video was also happy to release some first-look photos and details regarding the show, all of which we will share with you now. So, you can properly count down the days to this fascinating series about one delectable heist. ‘Today, Prime Video released first look images for The Sticky (6x30), a fast-paced, dark comedy, inspired by the true story dubbed the "Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist." From showrunners Ed Herro and Brian Donovan, the series follows Ruth Landry (three-time Emmy winner Margo Martindale), a tough, middle-aged maple syrup farmer who turns to crime when the bureaucratic authorities threaten to take away everything she loves. She teams up with the hot-tempered Bostonian mobster (Chris Diamantopoulos), and a mild-mannered French-Canadian security guard (Guillaume Cyr) to carry out a multi-million dollar heist on Quebec’s maple syrup surplus. Oscar and Emmy winner Jamie Lee Curtis also appears as a guest star in the series in addition to executive producing. The Sticky premieres on December 6 exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories around the world. Inspired by a real-life heist that made international headlines in 2012, which saw more than $18 million worth of maple syrup stolen from Quebec's national reserves. The Sticky combines moments of culture-clash hilarity, edge-of-the-seat excitement and heartbreaking drama. The Sticky is produced by Blumhouse Television, Jamie Lee Curtis’ Comet Pictures, Jonathan Levine’s Megamix and Sphere Media. Creators, executive producers, showrunners and writers are Brian Donovan and Ed Herro; executive producers Jonathan Levine and Gillian Bohrer for Megamix; Jamie Lee Curtis for Comet Pictures; Jason Blum, Chris McCumber, Jeremy Gold, and Chris Dickie for Blumhouse Television; and Michael Dowse. Lauren Grant serves as co-executive producer. Associate producers include Josée Vallée and Bruno Dubé for Sphere Media, Inc and Russell Goldman for Comet Pictures. SOCIAL: @primevideo | #TheSticky About Prime Video Prime Video is a one-stop entertainment destination offering customers a vast collection of premium programming in one application available across thousands of devices. On Prime Video, customers can find their favorite movies, series, documentaries, and live sports – including Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and movies Road House, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Reacher, The Boys, and The Idea of You; licensed fan favorites American Fiction and The Boys in the Boat; Prime member exclusive access to coverage of live sports including Thursday Night Football, WNBA, and NWSL, and acclaimed sports documentaries includingBye Bye Barry and Federer; and programming from Prime Video add-on subscriptions such as Max, Crunchyroll and MGM+, as well as more than 500 free ad-supported (FAST) Channels. Prime members in the U.S. can share a variety of benefits, including Prime Video, by using Amazon Household. Prime Video is one benefit among many that provides savings, convenience, and entertainment as part of the Prime membership. All customers, regardless of whether they have a Prime membership or not, can rent or buy titles, including blockbusters such as Challengers and The Fall Guy, via the Prime Video Store, and can enjoy content such as Jury Duty and Bosch: Legacy free with ads on Freevee. Customers can also go behind the scenes of their favorite movies and series with exclusive X-Ray access. For more info visit www.amazon.com/primevideo.’ Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Where’s Wanda?’ To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
One unfortunate truth about healing that we are all forced to learn in this life… is that pouring ourselves into positivity and positive acts, doesn’t help us to heal. But we believe that it does. Because how could good deeds and good vibes, not mend wounds and not fill our hearts up with good energy? Well, the answer to that is simple. Because such acts basically serve as distractions and focus our energy on others and acts. Allowing for what we need to work upon to be utterly neglected and well, this truth is top of mind today, because the bare beginnings of that lesson were put on display in the next episode of Where’s Wanda? on Apple TV+. For ‘The Roths’ took a little time to really explore the Klatt family dynamic as they waited for something to come forth from the search for Wanda and well, what we were exposed to was quite powerful. Because we came to learn that Dedo and Carlotta, had a lot of issues as a couple. For Carlotta often felt that she was not heard or seen in her relationship, and that often times, it was up to her to fix everything and do everything to keep the family going. And there was merit to this. Because we also learned that Dedo never told Carlotta about losing his job, or dipping into savings to keep things going, and he of course… refused to communicate with her about anything, including his current concerns about their financial standing. Instead, he worked with her brother to get more money, and he made a point to double down on the search for Wanda when Carlotta wanted to make that a priority. All because they didn’t want to focus on anything but Wanda, and understandably so. Because yes, their daughter was missing, and that remains a huge deal. But their worry and pain over that, and the growing divide between them, saw no resolution here. All because their focus was on the search and they buried themselves within it and used it to offer helping hands and good deeds, out of the hope that such acts could heal them. But those issues clearly persist and will continue to do so. Until they do something about their core problems and process their pain. But while that made for a fascinating examination of the theme at hand, we’ll dive into its gravity in just a moment. Because we would be remiss to not point out that this episode, offered up some shocking moments as well regarding the case. Since we came to learn that the person of interest in this case, died in a car wreck not that long ago. Basically, putting the case back at square one. Not to mention, there are other secrets lurking about in this town. Such as whatever nightmare that soccer player discovered in the woods and of course, whatever Carlotta’s brother is up to, is of serious concern. Because that cage looked large enough to house a human and one cannot help but wonder, if Wanda is in there, was in there, or will be in there, and is family involved in this mess? However, time will tell on that, and while we wait to see where those revelations take us, we can celebrate one intelligent tale. One that truly showcased how diving into distractions and good deeds do nothing for us when we are eager to heal. It just gives us a boost of serotonin and a smidge of hope for tomorrow. But of course, that doesn’t mean we should be cruel and forget about doing good ever again. It’s just important to point out that while we do nice things, those problems persist and those emotional wounds fester and this show deserves applause for pointing that out and hopefully we can watch the Klatt family heal in real time and see them learn the lesson that was put on display here. Because this family deserves healing, and deserves to be whole, and it will be interesting to see that play out as this fascinating season of storytelling continues along. Until next time. Watch ‘Where’s Wanda?’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Midnight Family’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
It is quickly becoming apparent that the refreshing new Apple TV+ series, Midnight Family, is looking to accomplish something quite unique with its story. In that, not only is it eager to shed light upon the life and times of the paramedics that work for a living in Mexico City, courtesy of its trash health care system, but it is also eager to do something that few stories in this vein have ever done and humanize first responders. For we do tend to hold them in high regard, rightfully so, because they are heroes. But this series wants to make sure we are fully aware of the fat, that they are people first. Who have hopes and dreams and suffer through tough times like the rest of us. Not to degrade or demystify mind you, but to shine a light on the fact that they choose to put that aside and be heroes, and never was that more evident during the next episode in this saga. For ‘Ramón, the Angel’ took us out of the Tamayo family ambulance to really look at their lives like never before. To accomplish that goal and to tell us a very human story. One that showcased… that even heroes face scrutiny. Since Gaby was confronted about footage that showed her saving lives during the earthquake and that put her in a tough spot. Since it was the brass at the school that questioned whether or not she was going to choose school or the family business. Not to mention, it also focused on Marcus’ needs and wants in life, and how he more or less wants to start a family. Granted, his love may not share that want, but it was indeed fascinating to see this side of Marcus and uncover what it would mean to him to start something of his own. Plus, we also saw some of the impact this lifestyle has upon young minds. Since Julio was struggling here with his schoolwork because he cared little about normal life, and just wanted to be on the truck, in the thick of it and saving lives like the rest of his family. All of which gave rise to very human stories. But truly, the centerpiece journey here involved Ramón. Because this hero, this warrior of sorts… was in a perilous place emotionally. Mainly because he was sidelined completely here and unable to save lives under doctor’s orders. Which made him listless, angry and eager to get back to that world. And it also made him quite reflective upon the choices he’s made and the path he’s taken. Because he truly was looking at his own mortality for the first time, and he no longer felt invincible and that scared him, and well… that made for a powerful journey that put him at an emotional crossroads as well. Because eventually the time arrived for his surgery and that terrified him. Because he knew enough about his condition, knew the risk of the surgery and knew that this could be his end because of so many factors. Which prompted him to say kind words to his children, his ex-wife, and the godfather of his children. Just to be safe in the event the worst-case scenario took place, and it may well have. Because shortly after having his stent installed, with his daughter in the room no less, Ramón’s heart seemingly gave out. Forcing his family to also face mortality and the possibility that their ambulance may soon be one paramedic lighter. All of which brought forth, a powerful story. One that truly stripped away the mythos we surround first responders with and showcased the people they are, and the struggles they face when they’re not saving lives. And it did so in an incredible manner, one that felt real and even featured moments of humor and joy, most of which came from that church scene and well, all this episode does is leave us eager for the next. So, we can learn if Ramón pulled through or if this story is going to move into a powerful new direction. Until next time. Watch ‘Midnight Family’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Bad Monkey’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about the unconventional nature of the hit Apple TV+ series, Bad Monkey, and rightfully so. Simply because, week in and week out, this show continues to surprise by offering up stories that defy the tropes we often find in crime stories, and it makes a point to take character arcs in fascinating directions and its commentary on the human condition is equally as unique. Which has given rise to a refreshing crime story, one that captured us from the get-go and has left us wondering… exactly how this case would come to a close. For an unconventional crime story should harbor an unconventional ending. Thankfully, the show did not disappoint in that regard, in fact, it offered up a wild ending that took us by surprise in every way imaginable. In part, by bidding farewell to a central character. For in the midst of trying to strike fear into the heart of Eve in ‘We’re in the Memory-Making Business’, Gracie was fatally injured and took a little time to bid farewell to everyone on the island that touched her soul. Giving rise to the reality that there was a fair chance that Eve was going to get away with her crimes since Gracie was the last person on the island that seemed willing to stop her and well, Eve most certainly did. Because despite Yancy’s best efforts to free her accounts and smoke her out, he could not get near her and the pressure of having others stand against her, prompted her to do some drastic things. Such as, deal with her beloved husband. Who as it turned out, survived taking half of a fishing pole into his back, with a caveat though. In that, Christopher could no longer walk, and that was a problem for Eve, as was his newfound dark outlook on life. One that spoke to the possibility he might no longer be on the same page as his darling wife, so… she drowned him. Without giving it a second thought and when the chance arrived to run, she did, and Yancy could not stop her. In part because of the danger, but also because it was time for him to not hang onto cases so tightly. Which meant, the bad gal won in this particular instance, and it took good old-fashioned karma to finally make Eve pay for her crimes, giving rise to that unconventional ending. One where the hero had minimal influence upon the end of the villain, and where the ending wasn’t quite as happy and joyous as one might expect for everyone. After all, a father was gone and left behind a grieving daughter that felt great guilt for her actions, and Yancy… well he lost it all. His badge, his relationship and was right back where he started. Looking at gross food and drinking on the beach. But some folks found peace in this story. Since Rosa was convinced, the time had come to find herself and find happiness, and Bonnie found peace in her own unique duality. Where she was on the cusp of accountability while enjoying the thrill of being on the lamb. All of which gave rise to a finale that resembled nothing we are used to, and that makes it a perfect season finale for this show. Because off the cuff is where this show thrives, and it sets the stage nicely for a unique second season. One where perhaps Yancy would have to look inward at last and really work on himself to have what he wants, and face some elements of his past, since Bonnie is still out there and still interested. But if by chance the show doesn’t get a second season (and we certainly hope it does), this finale deserves a round of applause for wrapping up the case in a manner that fits this show’s mold, and for giving us one refreshing and original ride. Because this really was a different kind of crime story, one that kept our attention through laughs and wonderful ideas and musings about the two sides of the human condition. Watch ‘Bad Monkey’
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