Please enjoy this super-sized sneak peek and synopsis of the series premiere of The Couple Next Door. Which debuts on STARZ tomorrow!
 
EPISODE 101: Welcome to Suburbia 
Airdate: January 17 on STARZ 

Evie and Pete move to suburbia with the dream of starting a family. But it’s not long before Evie’s dreams start to take a different shape – that of her hot new neighbor, Danny.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of the season seven finale of Outlander. Which arrives on STARZ tomorrow!
 
EPISODE 716: A Hundred Thousand Angels 
Airdate: January 17 on STARZ 

Denzell must perform a dangerous operation with the skills he’s learned from Claire. William asks for help from an unexpected source in his mission to save Jane.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of the season two finale of Silo, which will be available to stream on Apple TV+, tomorrow!
 
Episode 210 - “Into the Fire”
Season finale. The rebels make their move—and so does Juliette.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘St. Denis Medical’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One unfortunate truth about our chosen career fields, is that they can wear on us a bit, and make us a little cynical down the line. Which might seem like an awful thing to read but think about it for a moment. After all, those folks in retail who did their duties with a smile on their face in year one, get a bit of a thousand-yard stare after a few years and speak to a job that isn’t quite as bubbly as it once was, and that applies to so many fields. Because we see some realities in our careers we did not expect to, and that can sour us up a bit. Which begs quite the important question. In that, when that happens… can we find a bit of that magic back?

Because it is nice to feel that again and that can indeed remind us why we dedicate so many hours to a career that continues to call to us regardless of the tough days. As it turns out, we most certainly can, but not in the way that we might think, as evidenced by this week’s episode of St. Denis Medical on NBC. For ’50 CC’s of Kindness’ saw some of that sour nature spill into the emergency room, courtesy of a pair of burly and wounded prison inmates. Who fought and hurt each other in prison and were here to get their wounds treated. Which brought about a spicy response from Alex and Dr. Ron. One that spoke to some routine and some loss of the magic surrounding their careers, and Matt thought, he could be the one to change that.

For he believed that he could show them that medical personnel can change lives while they save them and find inspiration from that. So, he decided to get these enemies to be friends. A move that inspired Alex to help him in his quest. Because she liked his line of thinking and also because she bet Dr. Ron a dollar it could happen. So, they tried their best to make friendship happen here, and failed, miserably. Because people can indeed be rotten. But in the process of failing, they motivated Dr. Ron to get in on this and see what he could do to inspire unity, and in doing so, they all found joy and magic in trying to make the world a better place, failure or not. Which made it clear it’s the people we work with that help with lifting us up since they can offer perspective and process on how to find what we think we’ve lost.

Yet, since this show is so unique, it opted to expand further upon what our coworkers can do for us, when they’re quality of course, courtesy of a story involving Serena and Dr. Bruce. For Serena came to learn that Dr. Bruce was terrified of needles and was doing his best to avoid taking part in the yearly blood drive. Which at first, prompted her to see how he was going to get out of that, since he was working hard to avoid it. But soon she realized that maybe she could help Dr. Bruce find some real peace with this and overcome his fear. Granted, she failed too, but what she tried to do was sweet and kind and generous, and reinforced that the right coworkers around us can lead to real wonder in the workplace. 

All of which made, for a delightful and charming episode. One that of course, brought the laughs as well. Because it was just magical to see Matt and Alex fail at making convicts friends and shout out to the show for re-introducing Ernest P. Worrell back to the world. Also, Dr. Bruce’s solution to his problem was worth some heavy laughs, as was Joyce’s strange crush on the guard that came to help. But in between all that were some sweet and charming moments that once again felt real and spoke truths about the workplace and our careers, and that makes us eager to enjoy more from this magnificent show. One that recently landed an early second season order, which just goes to reinforce its brilliance and its majesty for tapping into something audiences connect with. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 305 of ‘Night Court’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that a vast majority of us get quite excited when we learn that a megastar is going to drop by one of our favorite television shows. Because once that announcement is made, the sky is the limit imagination wise. For that star could play a character unlike any other they’ve played before and accomplish wonders in the process. Or they might play themselves in a straight manner, depending upon the show, which could lead to some unique insight regarding a star we love. Or… they could just outright surprise us in ways we never expected, as was the case with this week’s episode of Night Court on NBC.

For ‘Mayim Worst Enemy’ saw quite the big-name celebrity drop by the courthouse. For Mayim Bialik was in front of Judge Abby Stone for assaulting someone and well, that created quite the buzz for the team. After all, TV’s Blossom was right there and of course, Abby was instantly star struck. To the point where she was quick to shoot her shot at being Mayim’s new Best Friend for Life (after acquitting her) and surprisingly, Mayim seemingly accepted her BFFL request. Which made it seem as though this story was going to feature Mayim leaning into Abby’s everyday life as her surrogate sister. Which would bring forth plenty of laughs since you know the team would struggle to adjust to having a TV star just hang out at the courthouse.

But it didn’t take long for us to learn… that was not going to be the case. No, instead, this Mayim was going to be something quite different, and scary, but also funny… in the twisted way that only this show can accomplish. Because Mayim developed an unhealthy obsession with Abby. To the point where she was spending every waking moment with her, whether Abby liked it or not, and if by chance she couldn’t be beside her BFFL, she would just hang out around the courtroom and be nice with Abby’s other friends. But in this instance, having her do that wasn’t cute or quirky, it was really freakin’ creepy. To the point where Abby asked Julianne to help her with being free from the madness of her newfound stalker, and sadly… Julianne was unable to do anything.

Mainly because… she disappeared… and that prompted the team to go look for her at Mayim’s apartment. Wherein they came to learn, Mayim had built the ultimate shrine to Abby. For her living room was reproduction of Abby’s office at work, and yes… Julianne was indeed at Mayim’s place and stuck there, and soon… so was everyone else. Because Mayim planned to keep them all there and that prompted everyone to do their best to fight back and try and escape and for their efforts, they learned… that this iteration of Mayim was a hardcore method actor. Who was doing all of this to research her new role in a play entitled, The Cable Gal, to see if she could really dive into the mind of a bloodthirsty stalker since she was once the ever-wholesome Blossom and the beloved Amy from The Big Bang Theory.

All of which, brought relief to the team since they were not in danger. Or… maybe they were. Since that parting note to Abby, was uh, yeah it was terrifying. But what mattered most is that we got to enjoy… the ever-rare parody guest spot. Wherein the guest star plays a unique version of themselves, and wow… was this Mayim unique. Because stalker Mayim was the stuff of nightmares. But scares aside… her arrival did bring forth some amazing comedy. Since the meta jokes were a real treat and this also motivated everyone in the cast just let loose and have fun and that brought about big laughs for certain and a reminder that this show can do it all, and the hilarity of this one, definitely leaves us hungry for more laughs and more guest star surprises from this magnificently funny series. 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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One particularly fascinating aspect about crime stories that feature brilliant investigators or characters with unique mental quirks that help them solve cases, is that those characters, simply don’t have a foil. They’re always the smartest one in the room, they’re always untouchable from an intelligence standpoint, and if by chance they have an opposite in the story, that villain is just pure evil. Someone that is deeply dedicated to chaos and suffering, and well… audiences don’t seem to mind the hero being perfect in that manner and that’s likely why no one has ever really challenged them with a heavy that can perfectly play and prey upon their skill set.

Which is why this week’s episode of The Irrational on NBC is of note. Because Dr. Alec Mercer met a foil of sorts in ‘Another Man’s Treasure’. But at first it just seemed as though, some clever thieves were throwing him for a loop. Because whilst Alec was following up on a harrowing and scary experience involving an angry mob that Riz and Simon were caught up in, he came to discover that a local museum was robbed in broad daylight. While the museum was open no less, and it seemed that this act was made possible by the very mob that spooked Riz and Simon to their core, since they served as a distraction for the thieves. Which was indeed a clever thing to do, but when something similar happened later that day, it became clear that something bigger was happening here.

For one of the artifacts was swapped out, and all of the suspects simply did not have a motive for theft. If anything, it seemed as though what was really happening here was an elaborate scheme to bring artifacts that were stolen from other cultures and nations back to their rightful owners. But soon it became clear… there was more to this than just making a culture whole once again. Because the items that went missing, were highly collectible and some fine digging from a digital standpoint made it clear that someone was using a bevy of distractions to throw law enforcement off of the trail, to accomplish a much more unique and selfish goal. In that, this person wanted those specific artifacts to be part of their private collection and were willing to use Alec’s line of thinking to make that happen.

Because they outright figured out how to use the irrational nature of people to create a scene that would indeed draw eyes away from an actual crime, and they used ideas and concepts that would make people do irrational things to help them with their ultimate goal. But alas, Alec figured out that was the case and that he was dealing with someone as skilled as he. Which allowed for him to guide Marisa through their clever traps to bring them to bear, with an assist from Phoebe, of course. As it turned out, a seemingly mild-mannered writer named Warren was behind this all. And he was able to pull this off because he wrote psychological thrillers where people were influenced to do their worst, and truly thought he understood people better than anyone. But he did not count on having to face off against the man that essentially wrote the book on human behavior.

Which made for an utterly delightful tale. One that really did offer up an immersive mystery for Alec and his team to solve, that featured a true foil. For this man knew how to use the same skill set as Alec, and that was quite the refreshing treat. Since it forced Alec to work harder than usual to solve this case and while we may never see Warren again, since he was clever, but not THAT clever, one cannot help but wonder if a true foil is on the horizon for Alec. Someone who can match him note for note and use that for their gain. Since it would take this story in a bold new direction. But even if that doesn’t happen, it was just nice to see a story like this, finally offer up that polar opposite challenge. It was also amazing; to see the story revisit Marisa’s confession and learn she’s made a bold decision about finding her child, and truly… it will be interesting to see if she reunites with her baby in the weeks to come and see what other unique moments await us as this wondrous season of storytelling continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It really is incredible, how many different reasons exist, as to why people watch films and shows from the Star Wars Universe. For some, it relates to just the spectacle of the story. Since we do get grandiose adventures at every turn, complete with space battles that take your breath away, and for others… it’s about the characters they adore and let’s be honest… lightsaber battles are a huge reason to watch. Because they’re epic. But of the many reasons we watch stories from this franchise, there is one reason we all tune in that we don’t talk about enough these days… the fact that these stories, give us a real sense of hope, and really, have the from the start.

Because this saga is all about everyday people rising to the occasion and accomplishing wonders against incredible dark odds and danger. And there’s real hope to glean from watching heroes stand against the evil Empire and the First Order or others that would do harm to the innocent and well, that hope is top of mind today, simply because it was on display in its purest form during the season one finale of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew on Disney+. A feat that ‘The Real Good Guys’ accomplished, by having At Attin come under incredible siege. For shortly after the ‘Emissary’ barked orders to have droids load his ship up with Old Republic Credits, Jod had the kids confined to their homes, with only Fern and her mother escaping that… so they could all see the Supervisor.

Who as it turned out, was a droid. A massive, one-eyed dome droid that ran the entire planet’s functions through its servers, and it was intelligent enough to inform Jod, that it saw through his ruse. Especially since the last message sent from the Republic, was that all the Jedi in the galaxy, had betrayed Chancellor Palpatine. Which prompted Jod to quit with the niceties and commence with his grander plan. Which was to bring his troops down and basically turn the planet into a labor camp to keep the pirates flush with credits, and his decision to deactivate the Supervisor and threaten Fern’s life, allowed for the bare beginnings of that plan to happen. Since the message got through, and the pirates came down and began to collect the citizens of At Attin.

Which meant, this world needed heroes. It needed hope. It needed something to deliver so many from the pending darkness, and hope came, from the Skeleton Crew. Because being in space helped them grow up a bit, helped them shed the fear most would have in this situation and through an epic bit of teamwork… the dominos began to fall for the pirates. For Neel managed to do some damage to the pirate ship, and that allowed KB to head into space with a resurgent SM-33, and make the call to an old friend, who in turn called the New Republic, and with his father at his side, Wim worked with Fern and Fara to do what the adults considered to be the unthinkable… and drop the barrier. But that was the only way to bring Republic forces in and prevent this planet from facing new threats and well… for their efforts… they were successful.

For the pirate threat was diminished on this world, At Attin existed to the galaxy at last and hope was restored to this tiny little world in a galaxy, far, far away. All of which made for a delightful finale. One that left the door open for a second season, and hopefully it gets one. Because it would be amazing to see what becomes of At Attin with its doors being open to the New Republic, and of course… we still need to learn what will become of Jod, especially after learning his tragic backstory. But for now, we can celebrate a finale and a season of storytelling that was Star Wars at its purest. Courtesy of the grand sense of adventure it sent our way and courtesy of its fine reminder regarding the power of hope, and what it can accomplish.

It is definitely safe to say that parents everywhere have been anxiously awaiting the new season of the Apple TV+ series, Eva the Owlet. Simply because this dynamic and beautiful show, really did a fine job of offering up powerful lessons in a dynamic and smooth manner in its first season. Since sweet little Eva was just cute enough to help kids get lost in her stories. The kind that are filled with incredible lessons about life and values that every child should know. So, what parent wouldn’t want their to enjoy more from this show?

Well thankfully, we are closing in on season two of this celebrated series and to properly prepare parents for it and to keep the young fans excited, earlier today, Apple released the trailer for season two of the show. One that informs us that it only gets better from here storytelling wise and since you’re eager to see it and eager to share it with your family, here is that trailer and all the details we have regarding season two of the show, courtesy of Apple TV+. 
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‘Today, Apple TV+ revealed the trailer for the second season of the beloved animated kids and family series “Eva the Owlet” premiering globally on Friday, January 24, 2025. Based on The New York Times bestselling Scholastic book series “Owl Diaries” by award-winning author Rebecca Elliott, the charming show invites kids and families to return to the whimsical woodland world of Treetoppington alongside Eva and her friends.
 
Celebrated by fans around the world, “Eva the Owlet” has been hailed as "spunky," "captivating” and "a real hoot.” The series stars Eva, a creative, cheeky owlet who lives next door to her best friend Lucy in the woodland world of Treetopington. With big ideas and an even bigger personality, Eva goes on high-flying adventures, expressing herself in her diary along the way! Season two takes viewers through a night in the life of Eva, a spunky and enthusiastic owlet who dreams big. Whether she’s planning a backyard campout with her friends or saving the town’s Spring Acorn Roll from hungry squirrels, Eva tackles her goals with conviction and flair, expressing herself in her journal along the way.
 
Since first being published, “Owl Diaries” has eight foreign language translations and 12 million copies in print. Produced by award-winning Scholastic Entertainment (“Clifford the Big Red Dog,” “Goosebumps,” “The Magic School Bus”) with production services and 4K animation by Emmy-winning and Academy Award-nominated studio Brown Bag Films (”Doc McStuffins,” “Vampirina,” “Octonauts”), “Eva the Owlet” also features original songs by critically acclaimed musician and singer-songwriter Fitz of Fitz and the Tantrums. Voice talent includes Vivienne Rutherford ("Eureka!," “911: Lone Star”) as the titular character Eva, Jessica DiCicco ("The Loud House," "Puppy Dog Pals") as Eva's mom, Dino Andrade (“Loud House,” “We Baby Bears”) as Eva's dad, as well as Romy Fay (“Best Foot Forward”), Sascha Yurchak, Jon Olson (“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” “Pokemon: Detective Pikachu”), Evie Hsu (“Team Mekbots”), Sarah Vattano (“The Uglies,” “Rise Up, Sing Out”), Pressly James Crosby (“General Hospital”) and Kenna Ramsey (“Rent”).
 
“Eva the Owlet” is executive produced by Scholastic Entertainment’s Peabody and Daytime Emmy Award-winning team including Iole Lucchese (“Clifford the Big Red Dog”), Caitlin Friedman (“Stillwater”), and Jef Kaminsky (“Signs of Survival”). Cathal Gaffney and Darragh O’Connell of Brown Bag Films also serve as executive producers. Daytime Emmy Award nominees Annabeth Bondor-Stone (“Helpsters”) and Connor White (“Helpsters”), who both developed the series for television, serve as co-executive producers, and Daytime Emmy Award nominee Damien O’Connor (“Angela’s Christmas,” “Angela’s Christmas 2”) serves as supervising director. 
 
The late Dr. John F. Evans, a writing clinician, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach at Duke Integrative Medicine, and the Founder and Executive Director of Wellness & Writing Connections, LLC served as the expressive writing expert on the series through Apple TV+’s changemakers initiative. The series was one of the last significant projects he worked on, hoping to inspire young viewers to write, to find their voices, and to believe in themselves. 
 
The exciting slate of recent offerings for kids and families on Apple TV+ features new Peanuts series “Camp Snoopy”; the second season of beloved animated series “Frog and Toad,” based on the Caldecott and Newbery Honor-winning books; animated adventure trilogy “WondLa,” based on the New York Times bestselling book series “The Search for WondLa” by Tony DiTerlizzi; celebrated kids and family series “Yo Gabba GabbaLand!,” inspired by the hit, Emmy Award-nominated cultural phenomenon “Yo Gabba Gabba!”; “Me,” an elevated cinematic coming-of-age story from Barry L. Levy, and “Wonder Pets: In the City,” from Jennifer Oxley.
 
Award-winning all-ages offerings now streaming globally on Apple TV+ also include celebrated live action animated hybrid special, “The Velveteen Rabbit”; the Academy Award and BAFTA Award-winning animated short film “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”; Oscar-nominated and BAFTA Award-winning animated film “Wolfwalkers”; Skydance animated feature “Luck”; the BAFTA Award and Humanitas Prize-winning “El Deafo,” BAFTA Award-winning “Lovely Little Farm,” “Duck & Goose,” “Get Rolling With Otis,” Spin Master Entertainment’s “Sago Mini Friends,” GLAAD Media Award-nominated “Pinecone & Pony,” “Frog and Toad,” The Jim Henson Company’s Emmy Award-winning “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock,” “Harriet the Spy” and “Slumberkins,” Sesame Workshop’s “Helpsters,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Entertainment’s “Wolfboy and the Everything Factory,” Jack McBrayer and Angela C. Santomero’s Emmy Award-nominated “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show,” Peanuts and WildBrain’s Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy in Space,” “The Snoopy Show,” and Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series “Stillwater.” Live-action offerings include Bonnie Hunt’s DGA and WGA Award-nominated “Amber Brown,” DGA Award-winning “Best Foot Forward,” “Surfside Girls,” WGA Award-winning “Life By Ella,” Sesame Workshop and Sinking Ship’s Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter,” Emmy Award and Environmental Media Association Award winning “Jane,” and Scholastic’s “Puppy Place.”
 
Also included are “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times bestselling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers, and specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown,” “Snoopy Presents: Lucy’s School,” Humanitas and Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), With Love,” “Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie,” “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” Emmy Award-winning “Snoopy Presents: Who Are You, Charlie Brown?” and “Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne.”
 
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 535 wins and 2,469 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
 
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*
 
For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.
 
*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until canceled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visitapple.com/promo for more information*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until canceled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visitapple.com/promo for more information.’

​One particular tragedy that we hear about often when it comes to successful people, is how they simply burn out and lose everything, and what makes that so tragic… is that we know such a twist would be devastating in nature. Because all of us have tasted failure, or we will, and we know how much it stings and how much it hurts, and there is that part of our brain that knows… it is worse for them. Because they did it, they reached the top, they tasted success and reveled in its wonder, only to find themselves back where they started, and we always wonder how that burn out occurred. Because it shouldn’t happen to those who have it all. But it does and there are specific reasons as to why.  
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The kind that surprisingly the next episode of Heels takes the time to explore, and it makes sense as to why. After all, at this point in the story, its aces for the DWL. They have it all, they are the best and they’re on top and already the show made a point to inform us that one must be ready to work hard to maintain that apex. Which means that the celebrations might not be as epic as we might like, so one can get back to work and do their thing. But ‘Discord’ also brings forth an important note. In that, it isn’t enough to just get back to work and bust your hump until it is pulverized into oblivion. One must… find a stopping point where one can take a moment and reflect on the journey. To find gratitude and to reflect upon life, because that… is what keeps us from burning out.

Because eventually, our problems come back to haunt us, the ones we lightly dealt with or didn’t deal with at all when we stepped into the spotlight. Not to mention, there’s old traumas that need resolution as well, and all of that must be settled because what lie ahead is so hard, and when you just push and push… and let the bad stuff fester and grow, you burn out, you reset and fail and thankfully… we saw everyone here… take that moment. Granted, it came forth courtesy of Ace’s injury and absence, since Jack had no choice but to leave and find his brother. But that downtime allowed for everyone back at the office, to think about the journey. To think about the amazing path, they’d been upon and how they could do things differently here to be grateful and revel in their accomplishments.

For gratitude goes a long way in maintaining. For then we don’t feel tired, we don’t feel burdened. We just feel good, and we want to keep at it. Which allowed for so many to shine here. Since Diego came to learn that he could maintain by way of his podcast with Bill and just revel in the showmanship of everything, which he loved. Not to mention, reflection on the journey and gratitude for a job well done, gave Willie newfound confidence. The kind where she was able to write a powerhouse script for the next card, one that took the DWL to new heights and showcased that she had so much more to offer the industry that had already given her so much. Granted, it went nowhere because of that twist, but the lesson was there, and it was lovely. 

​But there was mention of resolution coming into play as well, and Jack and Ace handled that. Because whilst on the road, Jack really took a minute to think upon the root cause of what brought him to such negativity at times and what drove him to hurt his brother. As it turned out, it was a sense of fear, a worry of more loss at a time when so much was gone from his life, and of course… a desperate need to feel a sense of family. And the thought that might fade without the DWL, scared him and pushed him to just plain be a dick. But he understood that would no longer work, and that his baby brother deserved better from him, and he finally gave Ace that, and that brought about healing and resolution between these two brothers and it even inspired Ace to go on his own reflective journey.
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For he took some time to really think upon his life, its direction and what family and the DWL gave him, and what this experience truly meant. Which in turn prompted him to return home. To also enjoy that sense of family he hadn’t known for ages, and to really bond with his brother and well… we’ll talk about the other thing it inspired more in the next rewatch. Because we have to applaud this one for taking the time to really showcase how we escape the burnout that has plagued so many and how important it is to resolve and reflect on the journey. Because it truly grounds us and gives us so much. Heck, it even helped to bring peace to Jack and Staci’s broken relationship and going this route not only fuels us for success… but truly does prepare us for new challenges in our field.

Of which will come. As evidenced by the fact that Charlie Gully returned here, with a new slimy plan to ingratiate himself into Jack’s life and stay relevant and of course, exert control. But while Jack wasn’t sure how to handle that in that moment, the strength is there. Courtesy of just a brilliant episode through and through. One that went places that television shows, rarely go. Because they just don’t ponder upon the big stuff like this. They really play off of the power of the dream and keep it fluffy. But this show always keeps it real and always manages to showcase aspects of the dream we don’t give enough thought to. In a manner that is meaningful and powerful and truly, this is one of the show’s best episodes because of what it accomplishes for the characters and there are more amazing explorations on the horizon that we cannot wait to dive into, as we continue this wondrous rewatch. Until next time.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Darby and Joan’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particularly difficult task that writers and creatives that are assembling a crime themed series, run into, is figuring out how to properly explore the backstories of the characters we are spending time with, and how to grow them as individuals. Because those are important pillars of storytelling that audiences crave, and if they don’t receive it, they will move on. So somehow, it must come into play and therein lie that great and grand task, one that oddly enough… the writers of Darby and Joan on Acorn TV don’t have to worry about. Simply because their fine work in offering up a different kind of cozy mystery/crime series, is helping them to accomplish those goals no problem, and for proof, just look at the show’s next episode.

For this particular tale brought Jack and Joan to a lovely resort to reunite with Joan’s sister, Max, and have a good time with some of her friends. Who were here celebrating a wedding anniversary. But of course, a kidnapping came into play while they were there, and that meant Jack and Joan were the only hope in bringing that individual home, safely. Which they were able to do by figuring out that all of this related to money, and how some parties in and around the family were desperate for a payday they felt they deserved. But thankfully, the case was solved and well, we will breeze through that part of the story today, because it’s what happened as the case chugged along that matters a bit more regarding our core discussion. 

Because by having a family member be in the mix of a case, and by not having the case move forward at breakneck pace… this story was able to explore the dynamic between Joan and her sister, and foster growth, for Joan and least. And what we learned here was fascinating. In that, Max never quite grew up and saw anything negative involving a family member as a slight against her, and Joan came to realize that in order to have a relationship with her sister, she will have to offer grace and humility until to figure out a way to defenselessly reach her. Which taught us a great deal about both women, how they grew up and how they lived their lives before change came into both of their worlds, and it was lovely to see that play out in this tale.

All of which informed us, that when it comes to this show, the road trip setting and the chance for this duo to settle in when they solve cases, allows for wonders to be accomplished and for quality growth moments to take place. And while we’ve seen family members either be involved in cases or be in their orbit in other shows, to accomplish those all-important goals, this story really did take all that to new heights and it still… found a way to move Jack’s storyline along and make it a touch more ominous. Simply because, Carlton turned up dead in this story. Which was quite the shocker that raised more questions than expected and threatened Jack’s safety in the process. For clearly, someone is trying to tie up loose ends regarding this case, someone with a lot of information about it, and Jack is a loose end.

Which is chilling progress, the kind that will add a sense of urgency to Jack’s push to uncover the truth. But while we wait to see his response to this, we can celebrate, one delightful tale. One that truly expanded upon Joan’s past in a lovely manner and helped us to properly understand her family dynamic and some of the strife she’s faced in the past couple of years. Not to mention, the case was intriguing and engaging and hopefully will serve as a blueprint for other shows eager to figure out that all-important balance the audience seeks, and it will be interesting to see what other intimate moments await us as Jack and Joan work to solve more cases, and put Jack’s past to bed, in the weeks to come. Until next time.