Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 712 of ‘Outlander’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we lose someone, we love dearly in this life, there is one wish we make shortly after they leave us. In that, we wish upon a star or to the God we worship… to bring them back into our lives. Because we know that it will lift our spirits and bring us joy. For that person means that much to us, and we firmly believe that we will sing praises to the sky if they were to return and even hold a party in their honor because to gain back what we’ve lost is no small feat and should be cause for celebration and wonder. But alas, that wish is rarely granted in this life and even when it is… it is not the joyous occasion we always hope that it will be.

Because sometimes, people move on quickly and get on with their lives because they don’t think they will see that person ever again. Not to mention, their return could stir the pot. Simply because death is not something we hold lightly in this world and when we expect someone to be gone, there are a bevy of emotions that accompany it and of course... one must be brought back to life in a world where paperwork declared their end. So their return makes for confusing times and all of that was put on display in the next episode of Outlander on STARZ. Because ‘Carnal Knowledge’ should have been a joyous time in Claire’s life. For Jamie was back in her life and her love would continue. But alas, his ‘resurrection’ brought forth nothing but chaos.

After all, Lord John Grey had no problem leaning into honesty and pointed out the fact that he and Claire were married and that they had been intimate with one another. All because they thought Jamie was dead and that was something that deeply wounded Jamie and prompted him to just beat the living hell out of John. To work out his pain and his frustration over this, and it also led… to a scary time for John. Because in the midst of receiving his beating, he was handed off to American forces. By Jamie no less, who saw it as a fitting revenge of sorts. And those forces planned to just murder him to appease a need for revenge over a slaughter of innocents at the hands of British soldiers, putting his fate in grave jeopardy. All because there was no joy in reuniting with Jamie.

Not to mention, the return of Jamie and the truth about his relation to William, sent that young man into a spiral. Because he felt betrayed, devastated and that he was a bastard. Which of course, was a dark badge to wear in that day and age and that pushed him… to just be an immature jackass. Wherein he lashed out at everyone he could and did his best to just sow chaos. To the point where he placed Ian into custody and even made others be sour. Which made it seem as though William was going to be constantly reckless in this tale. But thankfully, a father’s firm hand and firm words finally snapped William out of it and toward more competent acts, and hopefully he stays there. 
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But it wasn’t all sour grapes in this tale. Because the good news is that the British were indeed leaving Philadelphia and that did allow for some joy to come into the city. Not to mention, Jamie was able to meet a General George Washington and find himself promoted to General in the process, and of course… he and Claire had a tough fight. One that bared betrayed emotions and an understanding of why this came to bear. Which thankfully led to the two of them reconciling as they always do, for their love is indeed timeless and powerful and it was nice to see some semblance of happiness regarding Jamie’s return, and it did lead to a happy reunion for the couple when all is said and done.

All of which made, for a unique tale for certain. One that showcased that death is a messy process that isn’t always joyous when revoked and that perhaps our dream of having the one we love back could be nightmarish under the right circumstances. Which brought about compelling moments, epic drama and really all the stuff we love about this show. Because it is how the character’s respond to the extremes that captivates us, and it was nice that in end… this couple figured out the mess and ended the madness. But it is a shame that others have suffered accordingly. Since John really is in a pickle and in bad shape. Not to mention, William is not right in the head in this moment, and hopefully they can find peace and safety as this season rolls along, now that order has been restored to the Fraser family. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Silo’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.
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If there is one particular truth that people in power hate to learn, it would be that when they lose control… there’s no regaining it. Because momentum is always on the side of the people, never the politicians and dictators that make up the world, in any time period. But that certainly doesn’t stop those in power from trying to keep a handle on the madness, even when the lesson presents itself to them. For they love their power, and they love what created it, so they will stop at nothing to maintain it, and well… those truths are top of mind today, simply because they were put on display in the next episode of Silo on Apple TV+.

For ‘Descent’ saw Silo 18 descend into more chaos. For the innocent were on the run, and others were beginning to question Bernard and the Pact, and everything in between… so… Bernard had to quickly snap back to try and hold on. Which in part involved, demoting Mister Sims. Because Bernard was still furious at the end around that Sims pulled upon him, and the discussions he and his wife were having. So, rather than let power fall into the hands of his number two, Bernard made him the new Judge of the Silo. A move that pulled Sims away from any real influence and any real chance at enacting an agenda. Which angered and hurt him to no end, but gave Bernard some semblance of control, which he worked to extend in other ways.

In part, by bringing Lukas Kyle into the fold. Simply because Bernard knew that Lukas had a great mind, one that could be used to Bernard’s advantage if he was on the right side of thing. Which prompted Bernard to bring Lukas out of the mines and task him with a special project. Wherein he was to reconstruct the hard drive that was once the focus of Juliette’s attention, to uncover what was on it. Which would reveal secrets untold. But Bernard knew Mister Kyle was broken, scared, and eager to feel purpose and belong, and if by chance he was given secrets, and assurances… he would begin to feel those things and be super loyal to the person that provided him with that emotional fix. So, Bernard leaned him heavily, to prepare him to serve Bernard and the Pact.

But alas, there was mention that once the ball starts rolling, good luck keeping the peace, and that was made evident by what happened below the upper levels. For Shirley and Knox were still on the run. Because they were going to have their freedom come hell or high water and regardless of the plans put into place, they were able to evade capture and get closer to home and closer to starting the rebellion. Not to mention, Sheriff Billings was beginning to have his doubts about Bernard’s demands and handling of the Pact. All of which spoke to that central theme in a powerful manner and it also… added fear into our souls. Simply because, we know rebellion is bad and will lead to disaster. The only question is whether or not Juliette can stop it.
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Because it is obvious, her return will quell the rebellion and likely bring forth some much-needed answers and learning for the Silo. But her return here was further delayed by some mitigating factors. Because she was searching for a new helmet in this tale, and as she did, she began to uncover some scary lies along the way. Such as the fact that Solo, was not Solo. Sure, he claimed to be, even said his real name was Cole Myers. But Juliette discovered that he stole both identities from someone else, and that he had a temper about such matters as well. Which left her terrified and eager to finish her suit, to get home ASAP. But even then, trouble arose. Mainly because Juliette’s wounds from moving that metal about, has led to an infection, one that put her down quickly in this episode and left her fate in the air.

All of which made, for a generally unsettling episode. In large part, because the situation in Silo 18 continues to deteriorate quickly, and Bernard is not a good leader. For a decent one could at least keep a tenuous peace. But it’s all falling to pieces on his watch, and enemies are rising against him, and the hero of the story is in bad shape and far from home and well, that made for a compelling watch. Since we could not turn away from the chaos on the screen, nor would we. Because we have to know how this story is going to end, and if humanity can finally rise above its foolishness and be better, and that will make the wait for next week’s episode a difficult one. As we wait impatiently to see what comes next in this scary situation. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Penultimate Episode of ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the fifth and final season of the magnificent Paramount+ series, Star Trek: Lower Decks, has been quite special in nature. In part because the jokes have been phenomenal, and we’ve enjoyed some serious laughs for certain. Not to mention, it’s revisited some beautiful themes that permeate the franchise, such as being true to oneself and so many more. Plus, it’s also taken the time to lean hard into the tributes it often provides to the franchise. Some of which have involved the source material from which this show was born, while others have been broader in nature. Since Brent Spiner made his way to the show via another iteration of Lieutenant Commander Data, and what’s wild… is that was just the bare beginning of tributes to come, as evidenced by this week’s episode of the show.

For ‘Fissure Quest’ the penultimate story in this saga… brought back many a classic character and paid wonderful homage to them and their journeys and righted some wrongs that the fans have struggled with, and it accomplished all of that… through a catch-up moment with Captain William Boimler. Who was in command of his own Defiant class starship, and he was tasked, with an amazing crew, to find the source of the multiverse rifts. Which he and his motley crew were able to do. Courtesy of help from a multiverse Mariner that was versed in engineering, and through her knowledge… they came to discover that the rifts that everyone was closing, were a byproduct made by the source vessel. An old-school, early Federation ship known as the Beagle, whose mission… was not nefarious. 

Because we came to learn that her mission was to explore strange new realities and seek out new versions of ourselves and see where the human condition could boldly go. Which made for some beautiful moments with her skipper, that were nearly ruined by a sassy and overly ambitious Harry Kim from another universe. One who was a Lieutenant and nearly destroyed the multiverse with his machinations. But thanks to William, he set in motion a plan to not only save the majority of the multiverse but task the prime one with an incredible task. Wherein the Lower Deckers will have to step up and do what so many other Starfleet officers in the prime timeline have done. In that they will have to save the galaxy from utter peril. If Prime-Boims can handle such a task. 

But there’s good reason to go quickly go through the plot in this recap, in that… we have to talk about the tributes. Because this episode, was a love letter to the franchise, and truly worked to right wrongs in the same way that Star Trek: Picard did in its third season. Since it featured the return of some Star Trek heavyweights. Courtesy of Jolene Blalock reprising the role of T’Pol, and even Alexander Siddig and Andrew Robinson returned as Garak and Doctor Julian Bashir. Plus, Garret Wang played a galaxy’s worth of Harry Kim’s and of course, Alfre Woodard reprised a slightly different Lily Sloane. One who was leading the charge to explore the multiverse, and we even met a canon iteration of Curzon Dax, and this was just… impressive and amazing and their stories helped heal some rough memories.
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Because let’s be honest, no one in the fandom is cool with how Trip’s journey ended in Star Trek: Enterprise. So, to have T’Pol speak to a universe where he survived and they were married for decades on end, was just beautiful and soothing. Not to mention, Garak and Julian were finally a couple, something that everyone expected to happen long ago because of the chemistry the characters brimmed with on Deep Space Nine, but never did, because the 90s were a weird time. But here, it happened, and it was everything we hoped for and more. All of which just made, for the right kind of fan service, and it really was incredible to see these iconic characters again and hear the voices of the beloved actors that played them, one more time. 

All of which gave rise, to one amazing penultimate episode. Because not only did it serve as one last salute to the rich history that gave life to this show, but it also set the stage for a classic Trek series finale. Wherein the stakes are sky high, and billions of lives are on the line, and well, that is going to make the wait for next week’s series finale quite grueling. Because deep down we know, this finale will be the finest hour for the crew of the U.S.S. Cerritos, and the heroism they will put forth, and the goodbye we will have to provide them with… will leave us in tears and leave us with smiles. Because we got to go on this journey, with this fine crew and truly… it will be a thrilling and emotional delight to stand with the Lower Deckers, one last time. Until then.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 712 of Outlander. Which is available to stream on the STARZ app now, and airs on the network later today! 
 
EPISODE 712: Carnal Knowledge 
Airdate: December 13 on STARZ 

Lord John Grey is put in a precarious position. William struggles to understand a surprising revelation.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of Episode 205 of Silo, which will be available to stream on Apple TV+, tomorrow! 
 
Episode 205 - “Descent”
Sims finds himself with a new position. Juliette learns Solo isn’t being honest. Bernard and Lukas make an important discovery.

Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek of Wonder Pets: In the City, which premieres on Apple TV+ tomorrow! 

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías)’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about how the brilliant Apple TV+ series, You Would Do It Too (Tú También lo Harías)’, continually surprises us. Because from day one, nothing has been what it seems in this story, and we’ve seen all the characters go down routes that we simply have not expected. All of which has kept us on the edge of our seats and left us riveted and in awe of the story playing out. And of course, it has left us with one big question… how is the story going to end? Well as it turns out, the season finale of this story answered that question and what it had to say… was quite impactful.  

For ‘The Truth’ was a story that not only kept the show’s proud tradition of shocking the audience alive, but it allowed for us to see the real message behind the chaos, what this show wanted to accomplish from a storytelling standpoint, and it accomplished such feats… by way of a unique journey for Fran. For he made a point to bug Elise, and Marian, and Baltar’s little hideout, and watch over it. Only to learn that they were desperate criminals that wanted to pay off their boss, the enigmatic Coco, and they were broken individuals that were willing to go to whatever lengths to make that happen. Which included kidnapping and murder to get what they needed, and when that did not work, they prepared for another heist.

Which put Fran at quite the crossroads. Because this was something the police should handle and be on top of. But alas, they no longer cared and rarely allocated resources to something that wasn’t in the news. Not to mention, he did this all illegally, and that too would complicate any sense of justice. So, in order to bring justice to the world and to finally end the reign of terror of these crooks, Fran took matters into his own hands. In fact, he basically stepped into the very case that has caused him so much trouble. By becoming the vigilante needed in the moment, and by ending the lives of those involved to finally bring about closure before returning to the force. All before planning more surprises for the criminals of this town.

But what matters most… is that this finale, and perhaps the biggest twist of all, informs us that this story was always about… our incorrect views of the world. For we tend to think that the world is in black and white and that good and evil work in very specific ways. But the fact of the matter is, any one of us can be a hero, any one of us can be a villain. It all depends on the choices we make, that are a direct result of the situations we are in, and it is important to understand what drives such choices. Because that’s just it, we don’t understand one another and we don’t take the time to, and by forcing us to see everyday people, make decisions grounded in fear, or out of a need for justice and fulfillment, the audience was taken to task in a unique manner.

Since we were asked, to ponder upon the reality of our world, of how imperfect it is and how humans truly operate in the grey over anything else. To simply give us perspective, understanding and perhaps… to influence change in our own way since we are now aware that the right set of circumstances can break anyone and that made… for a brilliant season finale. One that brought together a powerhouse season of storytelling and hopefully, this show gets a second season. To further explore what will become of Fran and to just continue to offer up, original stories and big surprises, and thoughtful messages. Because we definitely need more of that on television right now, and it was a true delight to enjoy all that, here. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 210 of ‘Shrinking’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Often times stories about healing and change, are so supremely positive in nature, that we are led to believe that there are no side effects or impact that comes forth to committing to such acts, and we don’t question that for obvious reasons. Because how could anyone find fault or impact from taking the time to heal or making big changes to our lives that will impact us for the better? But that’s the thing, healing and change are difficult processes that do indeed bring about surprises and sometimes harm. For reasons that were explored in fascinating detail in the next episode of Shrinking on Apple TV+. For ‘Changing Patterns’ was indeed all about those elements, and rightfully so. Since everyone is trying to be better and be more right now, and well, those efforts immediately brought forth side effects and impact. 

For Paul, that involved coming to understand that when we open ourselves to someone completely, we cannot just maintain a status quo. For they have expectations in their heart and a desire to be near us and we have to accept that and provide it to them, to not hurt them deeply, and Paul learned this… by way of some specific changes in Julie’s life. For her husband passed away and she immediately put her house up for sale, and the expectation was that Paul would let her move in and grow closer to her. But instead, he tried to maintain that quasi-bachelor lifestyle he loves so and treated her more like a houseguest than the partner she had already become, and that did begin to wound her. But his friends made sure he understood the gravity of this and the reality of the situation to let her in at last. All of which spoke to that theme, and there was plenty more analysis where that came from.

Because Gaby was struggling with too much change in her life. For her mother was moving at light speed to move into her house, and she… she didn’t want this. She did not want a full-time roommate in the house she worked so hard to build. So, she pondered upon her options and also relied upon her friends to help her see that she needed to set boundaries and stop this before it got out of hand. Which hurt her mother deeply, but Gaby did stand up for herself and did not please others for a change. But what mattered more here, was that this was a fascinating look at how change can be slightly unhealthy for us and can make us afraid because of what we could potentially sacrifice for it. Not to mention, it also examined how change can hurt others since Gaby’s mom suffered a bit for her daughter’s decision to shake things up and maintain that agency she was beginning to find.  

But of course, the centerpiece of this investigation, came forth via Jimmy and Alice. Who it seemed were enjoying a wondrous new path here. Since they were getting along, and Jimmy was able to buy her a dream car for her 18thbirthday. One that was just like the one her mother used to drive, and that act even allowed for Jimmy to flirt and connect with another lost soul in this life. Making it seem as though their journey was on the up and up. But while driving about, Alice stopped by to talk to Louis, who told her no contact was preferred and she got the skinny on what happened and what Jimmy said. Which brought forth more conflict and sorrow and taught us, that healing, and change can be very painful when we don’t follow the steps and put in all of the work. Which is something that Jimmy did here and has done for some time now and the universe always slows such matters down. 

All of which brought forth, another powerful and insightful episode from this series. One that once again, did not sugar coat the healing process and showcased how tough it can be. Courtesy of a story that once again felt real, and felt relatable and well, this episode deserves a round of applause for being so earnest. Because this is the stuff we need when it comes to stories about healing. So that people understand how they won’t just wake up one day and all will be well. There will be tough days, and setbacks and chaos, because life isn’t pretty, it’s a tapestry of ups and downs and that was refreshing to find here. As was the tiny lesson that sometimes… change just requires some baseline alterations, which was showcased through Liz’s journey in this story, and well… all of these elements set the stage for quite the incredible end to season two of this story. Wherein these fine yet flawed people will have to reconcile with the fallout of change and their actions… to find the peace in their souls they so seek. Until next time.

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous new Disney+ Star Wars series, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, we talked at length about how the show did something that was seemingly impossible. In that, it truly figured out how to ignite a sense of adventure that long-time fans of the saga haven’t felt since they first enjoyed the show. Which truly added a sense of wonder to the show’s series premiere, one that left everyone that tuned in and enjoyed that feeling, wondering whether or not the show could continue it and keep that sense of adventure going, and well, it just so happens that the next episode in this saga let us know, that yes, that will be the case.
 
Because ‘Very Interesting, as an Astrogation Problem’ was nothing short, of forty minutes of pure adventure. The kind that could easily be called spectacle adventure, and it accomplished this feat, first, by way of a jailbreak. For Jod and the Skeleton Crew were out of the cell super quick and since few pirates had seen Jod’s face, he was able to blend in and head to the ship… before heading back to the station. Simply because the kids refused to leave SM-33 behind and that led… to quite the escape sequence. Wherein Jod did indeed rescue that salty space droid, all before fighting with the pirates to get the ship free. Which was also no easy task. For it was tethered to the fuel line and that prompted a hyperspace jump to get everyone to safety.

To where exactly, we will get to in a moment. Mainly because that harrowing escape, and the epic nature of it, did something quite special for this show. In that, it basically bonded this crew together and, in a way, made Jod the impromptu leader/surrogate father of the group. Simply because the kids were now looking up to him, they believed he was a Jedi sent to help them get home and uh, that was quite the surprise. Since this episode made sure to reveal through various moments that Jod has quite the checkered past and harbors all kinds of identities, and that’s a big deal since it sets the stage for a fascinating journey for Jod, and potential growth. Especially since he’s also made a bevy of enemies. Including the friend, he expected to help him, and the kids get back to At Attin. 

Which brings us back to that sense of adventure, and sense of awe as well. Since Jod brought the Skeleton Crew to a faraway moon to meet Kh’ymm. An owl-like being that knew plenty about the galaxy’s history and she spoke to the fact that there were protected worlds that the Old Republic kept hidden, and it would seem At Attin is one of them. Why exactly, we do not know, mainly because… Kh’ymm’s outright distrust of Jod brought some New Republic Rangers to her moon to apprehend him. Which in turn led to a rushed escape with a data chip that hopefully contained the way home for these kids, along with more action and adventure. Since a little blaster fire was required to ensure the crew made their outright escape.

But what mattered more here, was the sheer fact… that this episode really did keep the adventure vibes rolling. Because we were once again treated to spectacle moments, and action that took our breath away, and we once again got to see more of the galaxy and experience the wonder of discovery. Since this episode continued to build upon the mystery of At Attin and it even made it clear that the Old Republic was full of secrets. But above all, this episode was just fun, and fun is a big part of a sense of adventure and this episode was so engaging and so delightful, that we will absolutely be counting down the minutes until next week’s tale. To see what other epic moments and mysteries await us. Until next time.

Please enjoy this exclusive first look at Season Two of Toya & Reginae. Which returns to WE tv on 1/24/25!