Often times, crime dramas that re-tell the tale of how an infamous killer was caught or infamous case was closed, focus heavily on the investigator and the hunt for truth. Which makes sense. Because in a way, the audience is detached from the darkness and being alongside someone who deeply cares about justice and righting a wrong allows for the viewer to connect to the story. To care, to want what that intrepid investigator wants, and that gives rise to a fascinating journey. Where both the audience and the investigator feel the pain and the weight of the case and eventually, there is outright relief when justice is finally served, and while this is indeed an impactful formula for certain, it does miss out on something critical.
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In that, it offers too narrow of a perspective. Because that crime did far more than just motivate a single investigator, or duo of them… to push to bring justice to the forefront of everyone’s mind. For there were people left behind, and families that weep from injuries sustained and lives lost, and they are often forgotten in these tales. Perhaps because they did not want their likeness to be featured in it, but more than likely… because there is an odd belief that the audience won’t properly feel their pain or understand their plight since we are the outsider. But truly, stories in this vein should feature that more, because empathy does more than we know and because… perhaps that could push us collectively to demand better safeguards to prevent crime. To stop this kind of suffering and slowly and surely… shows and movies in this genre are shifting toward a different perspective.

In fact, Viaplay is now home to a story that features a look at the pain people feel when a loved one is murdered in The Hunt. Which it accomplishes by transporting us into two time periods. 1999 and 2012 so that we learn the complete story regarding the death of Marianne Vaatstra. Who was found dead at 16 and her case went unsolved for a little over a decade. In fact, it took exhaustive work to bring the killer to light, and through the use of a grandiose DNA swab campaign. Which finally revealed who was behind this heinous crime, and well… that is indeed the first thing that sets this crime drama apart from so many. In that, it is stunningly comprehensive, and truly showcases every corner of the case so that we are informed and so that we do care. But it truly goes above and beyond once we have the facts in hand.

Because each episode of this series, focuses on someone related to the case, and we watch and learn in great detail how Marianne’s passing impacted them and how it created fear in the community. Which in turn offers up a vastly unique crime drama. Because we really come to understand the impact of her passing upon the community. Of the void that murder creates and how it inspires real fear in people But, more importantly, we really come to understand how much it hurt her family, her friends, to lose her in such a hideous manner. Which offers new perspective for this kind of story and truly has you rooting for the intrepid detectives in question. Not just because they are a force for good. But because of what are now privy to. For we are now part of a violation, a perversion of the course of lives and that makes for a powerful story.

One that stays with you for a long time after its ended, simply because of the new perspective you gain upon such matters, and it is so comprehensive and so thorough, that you even receive unexpected perspectives, the kind that we will not spoil here. Simply because this powerhouse series needs to be experienced firsthand. So that you properly go on this journey and all the emotions it sends your way and that is why this series needs to be celebrated and needs to be talked about. For it is indeed revolutionary in nature and just plain engaging. Courtesy of amazing writing, amazing acting, and above all… because it feels less akin to a show and more as though you’re a silent observer along for the ride, and the best news of all, is you can experience this show today. For it is currently streaming on Viaplay and we hope you give it a look. Because this one is special, courtesy of its unique and intimate spin on a staple of the genre.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of the series premiere of The Last Anniversary, which debuts tomorrow on AMC+!
 
Episode 1 – Premieres Sunday, March 30 on AMC+
Sophie Honeywell has just inherited a house on Scribbly Gum Island – a mysterious gift that threatens to unearth secrets held close by the three generations of women who call this remarkable island their home.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 304 of Dark Winds, which debuts on AMC and AMC+, tomorrow!
 
Episode 304 – "Chahałheeł (Darkness Falls)” – Premieres Sunday, March 30 at 9pm ET/PT on AMC/AMC+
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Chee pays Manuelito a visit after discovering a link between their cases. Leaphorn pursues a fugitive suspect. Special Agent Washington interviews an eyewitness to the crime she's investigating.
Directed by Chris Eyre
Written by Thomas Brady and Erica Tremblay

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 403 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’. 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 the majesty of entering new chapters in life, courtesy of the amazing journeys present in the hit STARZ series, Power Book III: Raising Kanan. For everyone in this story is embarking on something new, and they have indeed enjoyed the wonder of a fresh journey. But since this story is a crime drama, and leans into realism, it makes total sense as to why the next episode of this amazing series… opted to point out that eventually, our new chapters lose their luster and showcase struggles because life is all about ups and downs. Which ‘The Way We Were’ accomplished by having just about everyone in this story experience just that.

After all Lou came to learn that the freedom he was enjoying in the music business wasn’t meant to last. For while he was crafting Rilla’s new record, a new producer arrived on the scene named Imani. Who knew her stuff and was indeed forced upon Lou and the project, which pissed off Lou to no end. Because he thought he was the sole producer in this division and felt as though this was a disrespectful move. But it was happening either way and he had to learn to navigate working with a partner and doing so in a manner that was respectful and that was no easy task. But while he and Imani found some measure of peace, the reality was there that this new chapter for Lou was going to have some bumps and bruises, and he will indeed have to figure out how to navigate those. 

Speaking of bumps and bruises, well those were everyone to be found for the rest of the family as well. Since Marvin and Raq dealt with more issues involving Unique. Since he tucked in with Early, who Marvin brought to Stefano to expand the bookie business, and that was ominous, especially after Unique made quite the move here. Since he shot up the warehouse that Raq was using to move her supply. Which added more red flags around her business and prompted her to make her biggest move to date. In that, she went straight to the top to become a supplier and wholesaler to make more profit and have more power, and while she may get what she wants, this new chapter for her will be messy to navigate because of Unqiue’s thirst for revenge, and she wasn’t the only dealer struggling to find agency here.

Because Kanan was also working to make big moves on his own behalf in this story. Since he continued to make it known that he wanted to be out of Raq’s shadow and that prompted Snaps and Pop to give him a chance to do so. By landing him a meeting with Quan. So, he could showcase his talents and plead his case. A move that was also designed to get him in front of Stefano, to see what he could do to get more product and work on the streets. But alas, while his meeting with Quan went well, Stefano and his vast years of experience in the business… allowed for a sour meeting to take place. One where he recognized and respected Kanan’s ambition but made sure to point out the rock-solid relationship Raq and Stefano enjoyed, and the boss also spoke to the disrespect that came forth by way of Kanan, by not working closer with his mother to further learn the business.
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All of which hammered home that central theme to a tee and in a way, refocused the show on the criminal aspects that are its outright core. But while it was lovely to see that tie into a deeper theme, there was more that this episode offered as well. Since it also spoke to how the 1990s, while more progressive in nature, were still a rotten time for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and where toxic masculinity ran rampant. Which was handled by Jukebox’s journey here. Who was hit hard by a jealous husband who saw her with his wife, and the abuse he imparted on both of them, prompted Marvin to get involved. Which led to an ugly moment that forced Jukebox to engage in self-defense and manslaughter to keep Marvin safe. 

But the crimes that were committed aside, that did indeed reflect the era. For there were men with fragile egos who could not comprehend that maybe just maybe, they were not what their wives and girlfriends wanted because of what they discovered about their preferences, and this also showcased that violence against members of the LGBTQIA+ community went unnoticed then. Because people just weren’t quite ready to fight for equality in the early 1990s, and that important storyline added… to a quality episode. One that really did offer up an engaging story filled with depth and struggles for these amazing characters and set the stage for more conflict down the line as they all fight for agency and peace in their new journeys. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Three Finale of ‘Reacher’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Every now and then, fans of a particular television show, meet the season finale of what they love with a little worry in their hearts. Simply because sometimes shows don’t stick the landing and do so in a manner that is so egregious that faith is lost and the only way to redemption, is through a finale that rights the ship. But before that happens, there’s just that worry, that bit of brow sweat that something they love won’t go the route they want. But what’s fascinating about this particular worry… is that there are some fanbases who never feel it, or even think about the show failing them in that manner and one particular series that fits that bill, is Reacher on Prime Video.

For its season finales always end in a satisfying and epic manner. Where good conquers evil, all plot threads are resolved and answers are brought to bear and of course… where Jack Reacher gets to kick some serious ass in the process and well, the wonder of how well this show sticks its landing is top of mind today, because the season three finale of the show once again delivered. For ‘Unfinished Business’ accomplished all of those things, after of course… the disastrous stakeout with the ATF was resolved with a whole lot of bloodshed. But standing victorious over those thugs allowed for Reacher and his team to come up with a bold and brazen plan to get Quinn and that’s what brought about some epic moments and some closure.

Because the return to the Beck estate allowed for Duffy to save Teresa in a manner that was satisfying for certain. Not to mention, this was a fight that saw Beck redeem himself and be a good father for a change. Plus, Villanueva and Neagely were able to just let loose and be warriors. But what we wanted to see the most, was Reacher finally put down Paulie and garner justice for Dominique Kohl and he made that happen in some stunning ways. In part, by giving us one incredible fight sequence. Because Paulie was almost impossible to beat and he gave Reacher a run for his money, to the point where it seemed as though perhaps Paulie wouldn’t die. Because not even being denied air beneath the water stopped the guy. But eventually, Reacher was victorious, thanks to a good old fashioned .50 caliber bullet, and once we got our money’s worth there, did the big payoff arrive.

For with his forces depleted and with his money being handed over to the Russians, Francis Xavier Quinn finally was face to face with Jack Reacher after all these years, and Reacher was able to jog that ailing memory to inform Quinn of the monster he was, and how his life was going to end in fear on this night. And just like that, justice for Kohl came forth… along with some lovely follow up that informed us of what lie ahead for the folks introduced in this tale. Such as the fact, that Villanueva left the force to be with his wife and enjoy life, and Duffy also followed suit after reuniting Teresa with her family, and Richard Beck was finally free and hit the road and of course… Neagley and Reacher went back to their lives. To do what they do best and help people out in a crisis.

All of which made, for another perfect finale from this series. Because we got everything we wanted. For there was action and adventure, and there were complete endings to the various journeys here and above all… Jack Reacher got the closure he set out to find. Because truly, Kohl’s death had a huge impact upon him and this hopefully brought him some much-needed peace, something he doesn’t always know and as an added bonus… fans of this show don’t have to sweat if this was the end of the line. Because we now know that season four is the horizon, and now we can wait patiently to enjoy another complete and engaging story from a franchise… that knows how to deliver great adventures from beginning to end, year in and year out. Until next year.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Four Finale of ‘Mythic Quest’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the last episode of Mythic Quest on Apple TV+, left fans with some serious worries on their mind. For in many ways, the company was in complete and utter shambles, with its creative team thrown to the winds, and with no clear direction in sight. Making it seem as though we were barreling toward some dark surprises in the season four finale. The kind that could change the landscape of the series, and well… the good news is that while said finale did harbor some epic surprises, they were not as disastrous as our imaginations thought they might be. 

Mainly because a visit from Montreal in ‘Heaven and Hell’ revealed… that the only people that truly seem to care about the game, and its direction, are the folks we’ve been following. For Montreal’s visit, through a personal assistant no less… brought minimal change to the office. In fact, really, the biggest change present here was that Jo was promoted to the head of Playpen, to both nurture and penalize her ambitions and everyone else, was just welcomed back. Because Montreal was only concerned about the bottom line. Not art, not creativity, just the cash flow and felt this would be the best way to make that happen. So, all were left in a place of reflection and growth to think upon their own journey and its meaning in a place where they represented dollar signs.

Which brought about some scathing commentary on the gaming market and industry, regarding how dollar signs matter most, and that was reflected by Brad’s journey in this story. Since he dumped the embezzlement scheme for a chance at fat profits with the expansion, which was approved. That all spoke to how quickly winds change when cash is involved, and well… that was big surprise number one. That life at work would go back to normal, and the second one came forth out of the revelation that the creative team might be intact after all. But that was explored the long way round. Since Ian and Poppy spent most of this episode, having a heart to heart as she prepared to move abroad to be with Storm, wherein Ian supported the move. In fact, Ian was hellbent on getting Poppy to be with her love.

Because he was honest here and expressed concern about how he treated her, what he expected of her, because deep down, he wanted her to be happy. Despite the fact that it would make his life difficult, because what she wanted mattered more to him. So, he went the extra mile here and made sure Poppy knew of her contributions and what she meant to Ian, before he put her on that plane. All before he returned to work, to ponder upon what lie ahead for the game and his future in the industry. Which then brought about, a surprise return from Poppy. Who faked a labor scare to get back and thank Ian. Because that level of kindness was something she’s always wanted to see from him, and she’s wanted him to be near the game because he wanted to, not just because Poppy would be at his side, and he needed to know how special this was and how it motivated her… to think about returning as well.

Because she wanted a healthy work environment, and those elements gave life to that, and she also wasn’t sure if moving across the world to have a kid was something she wanted either. Implying that going forward, the team was back and they… might be in love. Not like best friend love, but LOVE, love. Since the most passionate kiss ever happened between this duo, and that sets the stage for a vastly different type of season down the line, that we hope this show gets. Because as of press time, Mythic Quest has not received a season five order, but we hope it does. Because clearly, the show is ready to go to bold new places and say bold new things and it would be a real joy to see that come to fruition and of course… see where that kiss takes this story. Since that too, signals a new era for the duo that brought us to this point in the first place. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Berlin ER’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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For the most part, medical dramas steer clear of something that they should in fact, focus upon. In that, there are mistakes that doctors will make, and there are consequences for those mistakes, and there are long term effects on the human psyche courtesy of the horrors that doctor’s see, and those impact their lives and their careers, and we just don’t see that often in these shows. It could be because there is a belief that these shows should focus on the heroism of the job, and the nobility it creates. Or it could be related to the fact that we see enough tough stuff with the suffering that takes place in the ER as is. But one way or another, all of this remains in the shadows, but thankfully, that is changing. As evidenced by the amazing new Apple TV+ series, Berlin ER.

In fact, this week’s episode dove full bore into such matters since ‘Self-medication’ explored all three of those elements in stunning detail. In the midst of a rare purgatory no less. Since the ER was quiet and empty for a change and that allowed for reflection to come forth for Zanna. Since she realized now that while she was doing some wonderful things, she was also creating problems and hurting people and that prompted her to really think upon what needed to follow for her and she believed that accountability was the way to go. So, she made sure to apologize to Daniel, and take whatever consequences were going to head her way, and that was… the high road really. What most folks hope a doctor would do in that situation.

But this story made sure to point out that not all doctors would stand tall and face the music for their mistakes. Since Dom… screwed up big time here. In fact, his mistakes weighed heavy over this episode. Because his father-in-law was admitted to the ER after a jaunt around town and a quick tour of the hospital and Dom simply thought, it was no big deal. Just an older man tiring out or some other age-related matter… until everything went south. For the ‘old man’ went into cardiac arrest and it became clear that a heart issue was at hand and well, Dom’s aloof approach to this, cost the man his life. For he did not do a proper workup in the slightest, and had he done an EKG he would have caught this. But instead… he cost his family a beloved life and dug a hole for himself, one that there may be no return from.

All because of how much he wants to capture the image of being a great doctor. Because of how badly he wants to be admired as such and truly he and Zanna’s journeys here… spoke volumes to how mistakes will be made and how consequences await from them… and that doctors deal with them differently. But there was also mention of the mental weight that this career can bring forth and we saw that twofold here. Since Emina was for the first time, forced to just sit on the sidelines while her brother healed, and she experienced the frustration of that firsthand since her family expected her to do more when she could not and that taxed her heavily. And of course, we also saw sobriety hammer Ben in this story. Since he struggled badly to resolve the ugliness surrounding him, to the point where his cold turkey approach pushed him to the absolute breaking point.

All of which brought forth a brutal story, really. Because we truly came to understand how stressful a job this can be, how badly it can impact the psyche of an individual and of course… how it can bring out the worst and best in people. Which was refreshing to say the least. Since we truly don’t see such matters in this genre enough, and going this route gave us a lot to think upon. Specifically, how there is not much of a safety net for the people we task with saving our lives, and perhaps… we need to think upon offering them help and guidance in this life. But while we wait to see that come to life, we can celebrate this powerful tale. One that put that problem on display and set the stage for some real struggles for this team, and perhaps some romance too, thanks to that stolen kiss, and it will be interesting to see what big moments await us as we inch toward the end of season one of this refreshing show. Until next time.

Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek and synopsis of tonight’s new episode of Love After Lockup, which debuts on We TV later tonight!
 
EPISODE 602: “FREE MY MAN”
Quiana loses it when Damodrick’s release goes left. Joey reunites with Michael. Alexis gets ambushed at Julius’s release. Brooke wants babies and a proposal from JK. Brooklyn’s brother doubts Brian. Bradly dreads meeting Savannah’s mom.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 404 of Power Book III: Raising Kanan, which is available to stream on STARZ now, and debuts on the network later today!
 
"Power Book III: Raising Kanan" 
EPISODE 404: The Way We Were
Airdate: March 28 on STARZ 

Unique forms an unlikely alliance in his vendetta against Raq while she inches closer to a new drug enterprise. Kanan takes advice from Snaps and Pop, and Jukebox’s new friendship leads to a violent encounter

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1216 of ‘Chicago P.D.’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It really is quite amazing what the hit series, Chicago P.D., on NBC is accomplishing this season from a storytelling standpoint. For this series is offering up a vastly different type of police procedural. For at times, it focuses heavily on the characters and the traumas they carry and the past that sometimes haunts them. Yet, it also has offered up some serialized storytelling. The kind where we have seen old plot threads be resolved and where a true villain has come forth by way of DC Reid. And yet, it hasn’t stepped away from its roots. Which is to just offer up some damn fine police themed storytelling, where this intrepid group of brilliant officers and detectives, solve impossible crimes and well, that’s top of mind today because that was the focus of this week’s story.

For ‘Seen and Unseen’ was part who-done-it and part day in the life, and it accomplished that feat by having Detective Kim Burgess go through a tough time in life. For on the one hand, DC Reid wanted the world from her regarding a new training program for the department. Plus, she also had to plan the guest list for her wedding and that was tough to juggle. Especially with life going on in her house. So, every night she snuck away for a bit, to a diner up the road, and get some work done, drink some coffee and enjoy a little breakfast in the middle of the night and that was her routine for some time. Wherein she more or less was able to get to know the folks at the diner and enjoy a life vastly different from her own… until that world came crashing down one fine night.

Because while she was on her way home, the unthinkable happened and the diner was shot up by a random person and their all-out assault on the place, led to a massive loss of life and forced Kim to add another bit of weight to her week. In that, she needed to help solve this case, and since she was the only person in there often, she quickly became the point detective on the matter and that was a lot of pressure. Because she wasn’t all that sure she saw anything of note during her time there. Because she was buried in her work and only casually glanced about. But a great detective, absorbs every little thing, and despite her worries… Kim did in fact, see a lot of clues and slowly began to piece together some tragic stories in this place. Such as the fact that one of the patrons, who shot back at the killer… was basically hours removed from being free of trouble, since he paid off his debts.

Not to mention, she came to learn that the most miserable person in this place, who could have harbored a motive to ice everyone, was only bitter because he lost the love of his life and was trying to find some sense of normalcy by going to the one place he and his wife loved to visit often. But what mattered most here, was that all of those little threads helped her to piece together the grand tapestry here and see the centerpiece of it. In that, the manager and head waitress’ husband, wasn’t exactly a well-liked man and treated her like garbage and well… there was a chance he was the one that shot up the diner and some fine police work proved that was the case, and that he was harboring secrets and thanks to Kim, justice was served and she could go back to her life and her own love and make some memories in between the hustle and bustle of being a cop.

All of which made, for a magnificent story. Because truly, we were treated to a true mystery, one that required some detailed and passionate police work to solve and that did make Kim the right one for the job. Since justice matters to her, and we got to see how skilled she is as a detective and of course, we did get a glimpse into the pressures that officers face regarding work/life balance. Since Reid and this case kept her busy, and well… this was all compelling and engaging and truly grabbed hold of us and did not let go. Because it was just damn fine television when all is said done, from a series that just continues to surprise. Since we just don’t know what kind of story awaits us when new tune in, and that’s never a bad thing. Since it keeps this experience fresh and fun. Until next time.