Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 506 of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
One thing that we can all agree upon, is that faith is a polarizing issue within our modern society, for so many reasons. For some, it relates to the fact that there is no irrefutable proof that a God of any kind exists, so it makes no sense in their minds to follow it. While others, lament the hell and suffering that faith has brought forth upon human history. Since so many have died and still die in the name of a particular faith’s, deity. And of course, on the flip side… those who believe, feel it is still an important part of our lives and that others should listen to and spend time on their side. To find peace and to unite the world and well, let’s be honest… there’s no sign of this polarization leaving us anytime soon. Because there is no consensus and that’s why so many work to stay away from the fight that rages on regarding faith. In fact, it is so polarizing that even fiction, the kind that could explore and offer some insight, stays away from it, including the Star Trek Universe. Which is surprising since the STU has explored some challenging matters throughout the years. But it has steered clear of any real exploration regarding faith, to keep from getting into that ugly fray. In fact, if the franchise does go near it, alien life tends to be tied to it. Since ‘God’ in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier was nothing more than a rude alien being, and the Prophets did describe themselves as non-corporeal lifeforms in Deep Space Nine. But at last, it would seem that the STU is ready to explore such matters, perhaps because the world needs clarity right now and it just so happens, that this week’s episode of Star Trek: Discovery on Paramount+, pondered deeply upon faith and its role in the modern world and modern life, and ‘Whistlespeak’ accomplished such a feat, through two key storylines. One of which involved Doctor Culber. Who was still feeling as though his experiences on Trill were more than just a run in with weird science. He felt they were a true exploration of something deeper, something spiritual, and he used science here to find out if perhaps he was wrong, and this was all a lingering effect from the meld. But the reality that he was fine, helped Hugh find faith in those more abstract concepts. Because he needed to believe in something more at this point in his life and Book pointed out, that was okay, that spirituality is for the individual.
Which we will break down further in a moment because the other storyline here… dug deep into the power and trouble with faith, period. For Tilly and Captain Burnham beamed down to the planet that was home to the next clue, and they had to step in and compete with others in a grand race. One designed to bring the winner closer to the Gods. Which would give them access to a weather tower that had the answers. But that turned out to be disastrous since this species believed that sacrifice to the Gods was necessary to bring the planet what it needed, and that meant, Tilly was slated to die since she tied with a local. Which meant, Burnham had to violate the prime directive to save the day. A move that allowed for her to challenge the planet’s most faithful man regarding what the universe was about and that perhaps… he could help his species believe in other possibilities and let go of the dark stranglehold faith had upon his world.
All of which, spoke to faith, and its role in the modern world. Wherein the show postulated that… in the now, there is no right answer as to what we should do with faith and that, what Book suggested is the right path. That, it’s a personal journey in the 21st Century. Because we simply are not at a point as a species where we can agree upon… anything really. But perhaps taking some of the pressure off of those who want to believe in both science and something greater as say, the Great Koala, could be beneficial. As would letting those who are staunch believers in God can have their day. Because then, there is a sense of peace and a sense of purpose. Provided of course, this all comes with the understanding that there can be no hardline push from one side the other. Just discourse and understanding, the kind that allows for people to educate one another and find what calls to them best. Which could lead to what we saw here. A 32nd Century with room for faith and room for science. Where open minds are willing to listen to what everyone has to say and that would be a utopia indeed. But that aside, this really was quite the philosophical tale to say the least. One that offered up an interesting answer regarding our religious conundrum while also taking the time to finally tackle this topic in a manner that was respectful and engaging. Which is important since faith and religion are so polarizing, and one cannot help but wonder if this is the mere beginning of such explorations. Since the STU loves expanding upon concepts, and hopefully… the show does. Since we need neutral discourse on such matters. But alas, we will have to wait and see if that will be the case, because up next for this intrepid crew, is a reunion with the show’s villains. Since L’ak and Moll, have been captured at last, and their story needs resolution, before this quest for creation can continue. Until next time. Watch ‘Star Trek: Discovery’
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Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 411 of ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
It is definitely safe to say, that Detective Elliot Stabler’s grand attempt to bring down a drug ring in the name of saving his brother, has taken some unfortunate turns in Law & Order: Organized Crime on NBC. Because not only has it led to Joe just fading from existence for the time being, but this quest also brought forth the discovery that one of the unit’s own was murdered in cold blood, and that a group of once honorable Marines had involvement with that death. All because they had turned to a life of crime since the world forgot them and their service. Not to mention, any progress that Elliot has made in getting Angus to step away from this ugly world in a prompt manner, has been nullified by a mysterious kingpin named Julian Emery. All of which has left us wondering, if there’s any chance that Stabler will escape the violent hellscape now surrounding him, unscathed, and if by chance Emery can be taken down for his crimes as well, and it just so happens… that the next episode of this series opted to answer one of those questions. A feat that ‘Redcoat’ accomplished by having Angus rally the troops to prepare for war, all so he could arrange a parlay with Emery. One where he could pay back the investment capital, he started this mess with, and get out. Because thankfully, he was ready to be free of the poisoning of minds and souls and well, his plan worked. Because Emery sent for Angus and in a de facto manner, Stabler, and that brought forth an ugly chat. One where Emery made great efforts to refuse the buyout and instead, he tried to talk Angus into staying inside the business so that he could enjoy those wondrous sales. But Angus stood firm and that allowed for an arrangement to come forth where Angus and his marines would handle one last job for the boss, a big one in fact, in order to be free. Which should have led to a quick resolution for Stabler, one that would have indeed let him walk away quickly and get back to business with the rest of his unit. But alas, Emery did not make that possible. For he let Angus know that a traitor was in his midst and for a time, Stabler was concerned that he was going to be exposed. But in the end, it was Trish, and Angus was so wounded by having an ATF agent on his farm that he decided the ultimate solution needed to come into play. Which meant, Elliot had to act quickly to save a life and that meant… the time had come to blow his cover and get help immediately to ensure that no one else died over panic and worry and well… his quick thinking did indeed get him, and Trish, out of this mess as unscathed as possible. Plus, it allowed for Angus and Momma to finally face charges, the kind that motivated Angus to cooperate. So, thankfully, Stabler did get free and without any wounds, giving rise to some sense of relief, which of course… will be brief. Because sadly, while Stabler was undercover, Joe was making moves to become a player in this business. The kind that allowed for him to pay back his debt to the family, and demand that Randall stop looking for him. Because he’s working directly with Emery now. A move that raises the stakes of this case like never before. Because just like that, family is now part of the problem, and that will not be easy for any Stabler to reconcile, especially Elliot. Because while this mission was harrowing, it reminded us of the lines he’s drawn in his mind when it comes to good versus evil. But while we wait to see how this twist shakes out, we can celebrate one heroic tale. Because all tension and worry aside, Elliot was a hero here, and consistently pushed for everyone to do the right thing and that was refreshing to find amid such worry and such chaos, and it did serve as a reminder of the purity of Elliot and his team and how they will stop at nothing to get the job done. And that will be important for certain, since they are about to battle one evil dude, one that is ready to corrupt Joe’s soul. Until next time. Watch ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 25011 for ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also contains discussions revolving around sexual assault, which may be triggering for some individuals.
Make no mistake about, sexual assault is hands down, one of the worst crimes out there. Simply because, it is a horrifying violation. One that imparts incredible trauma upon its victim, the kind that can and will fundamentally change a life. All because one man made a stupid and vicious choice in the name of well… well we don’t fully always understand the reason. Since we’ve heard a bevy of excuses from the weak and pathetic men that go this route, but the reason or reasons for committing such an act, are important to learn. Since that’s the only way we can comprehend why something like this can happen, and that’s why this week’s episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit on NBC is of note. Simply because ‘Prima Nocta’ took the time to explore a very real reason that men commit to such a heinous act, and it accomplished such a feat by having the SVU unit receive quite the call. In that, a bride to be got cold feet in the middle of her ceremony, and with good reason. For she revealed to Captain Benson and Detective Rollins, who opted to come along since she was visiting the old office, that she was assaulted the night before her wedding. By a mysterious man that made a point to hide the evidence of his crime and was eager to leave a lasting impression by informing his victim that she would always remember him. Which were specifics that shockingly, came up several times more as Benson and her team dug into this matter. In fact, it quickly became clear they were dealing with a serial assaulter. One that said that line often when committing his disgusting crimes and always made a point to attack a bride to be. Which meant there had to be a connecting thread, something that allowed for this man to commit his crimes with the stealth that he continued to employ and well, it all tied together via a wholesale floral company. One that harbored an employee named Leon who did side delivery jobs now and again and fit the profile of the attacker. But alas, it was no easy task to gather evidence or any clues that might point toward him being the guy. Which prompted Rollins and Carisi to go undercover to try and bait this man into doing his worst. To arrest him and gather DNA to tie him to the other assaults, and while that was a terrifying experience for Carisi to sit through, the plan did work. Because the department was able to get that matching DNA and tie Leon to all of these crimes and in the process, explore one of the reasons why someone would cross such a line. Which for Leon, involved loneliness and marginalization. Because he had no one, and no one seemed to notice him or care for him, and that put a bitterness into his soul and prompted him to ruin the lives of others and their happiness to give himself peace. Giving rise to an understanding that those are elements that can absolutely poison a soul and lay down roots of bitterness that can prompt a guy like Leon to act out and do horrible things, and while it doesn’t fix the issue or really show us how to perhaps prevent, at least a measure of perspective comes forth from this story. But of course, we do hope for an answer or a fix, and sadly, there won’t be a fix until we have some very real and honest conversations as a society regarding an act that we often don’t acknowledge is a problem in our society, and we still have a tendency to never believe those who are victim to this heinous crime. Which makes this an important story. One that has the discussion, points out the importance in believing what is said, while pointing out that these guys are real scum and are genuinely jacked in the brain. Courtesy of one harrowing and uncomfortable episode, but that is where this series thrives, and it should be applauded for doing so. Because conversations about the worst parts of our world, the ones that remain ignored, must start somewhere and if this is the place where they begin, so be it. Until next time. Watch ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 23011 of ‘Law & Order’.
It is definitely safe to say, that the feeling in modern America right now when it comes to equality and justice, is that there is no equality and there is no justice. Because so many laws have changed for the worst and those who deserve to be punished for crimes they have committed, never once face accountability for what they’ve done. So, the vibe regarding such matters is sour and it does leave us wondering… what it will take to see justice be served in this life and what it will take for people to be on equal ground and equal footing and oddly enough, these are questions that the next episode of Law & Order on NBC took the time to answer. A feat that ‘Castle In the Sky’ accomplished by having the team investigate the murder of a wealthy socialite. Who was shot and killed in his own penthouse apartment to be and that pushed the team to quickly look for the usual suspects. People that might hate a rich kid, ugly known associates that might want to impart harm and well… that quickly brought forth one dead end after another. Simply because, no one wanted to harm the guy, and while he may have known some unsavory folks, they were only around to indulge a rich kid’s desire to spice up his life, and were not capable of harm. Instead, their suspect turned out to be, a security guard named Ryan Marley. For he did have an altercation with the deceased, and he did have motive under his belt. Simply because, he was homeless and trying his damndest to care for his deaf daughter after his family faced some hardships, and that fight was over money and him potentially losing his job, and eventually… he was placed under arrest and put on trial. Because the evidence did indeed mount up and well, the trial is what brought about the answers and exploration in question. Because as the trial played out, it became clear that this was all grounded in the current fight for the have and have nots, since Ryan was squatting in that penthouse to give his child a roof to sleep under… and while he eventually admitted he shot the deceased in a moment of panicked self-defense in the middle of the night, he made a point to lie and have his daughter lie to put together a plea bargain that would give him a second chance. Because he knew the system would throw the book at a squatter, especially one that harmed a rich guy. But sadly, despite his best efforts to hide the truth, it came out and it put Kate in quite the tough place. For it was up to her to decide if a down on his luck guy who truly screwed up and took a life out of fear and in self-defense, deserved to go to jail for doing what anyone else would have done. But alas, the law was the law, and he wasn’t the owner of the property and killed the real owner on his own turf, and well, that prompted Kate to follow the law and that shattered a family and broke hearts and reminded us, that justice is skewed in this world and not everyone is treated equally under the law and in general and well… the pain present here and the shocking ending said it all. In that, the laws have to change. We need reform, we need to codify that which is right and that which is wrong. Because clearly, they’re out of date, and clearly, they skew the wrong way and impart harm, and that has to change and has to offer more flexibility based upon the circumstances at hand. All of which made for a thoughtful and emotional hour of television. One that truly explored a real concern we all harbor and spoke loudly to what needs to happen to make it better and break the cycle, and hopefully… this at least starts the conversation. Because it isn’t right that in this world, people who are down on their luck and literally fighting to survive, receive the worst sentences possible when they screw up, while white collar criminals get to fly to Cancun while on probation. Until next time. Watch ‘Law & Order’
Written by John Edward Betancourt It is definitely safe to say that fans of pop culture love a good reality series that takes the time to explore the lives of celebrities. Because who doesn’t love a look into the lives of people who work in Tinsel Town? For it is simply fascinating to see their daily activities and experience the ups and downs of people that we admire. Which is why so many of these shows exist, and it just so happens that one of note will be arriving on Freeform this summer. Because July 24 will feature the debut of Wayne Brady: The Family Remix, a show that will take us into the life of a celebrity, that people outright adore. For Wayne has established himself as a household name that makes us smile every chance he gets. And now, we can see his life like never before and learn more about him along the way, and that will make for a powerful series, one that will captivate us and offer up unique perspective regarding an actor we truly hold in high regard. And to offer this news the respect it deserves, here are all the details on this upcoming series, courtesy of Freeform. ‘“Wayne Brady: The Family Remix” will premiere on Freeform on Wednesday, July 24, at 10:00 p.m. EDT, next day on Hulu. Everyone knows Wayne Brady — actor, comedian, host, singer and preeminent multihyphenate of this generation — but there’s more to the man seen onstage. What happens when such an iconic entertainer peels back the curtain on the realities of an unexpected life? In “Wayne Brady: The Family Remix,” Brady has turned the term “modern family” on its head. He’s still best friends with his ex-wife, soulmate and business partner, Mandie Taketa. Together, they co-parent their 21-year-old daughter, student and aspiring artist Maile Brady, as well as run their production company, A Wayne & Mandie Creative (“Wayne Brady’s Comedy IQ”). Jason Fordham, Mandie’s life partner since 2009, handles the family’s cinematography and post-production, and Mandie and Jason have an almost 3-year-old son, Sundance-Isamu. With Brady at a sudden crossroads in his life, “Wayne Brady: The Family Remix” offers an intimate look into his blended family’s personal life, revealing unexpected points of view and values that most people (including his own family) have a hard time understanding. People see their social media posts — from vacations to dancing in TikToks — but what’s behind the joyful 15 seconds of fun? Their real life is not always as easy and as simple as it seems. “Wayne Brady: The Family Remix” is a production of Fremantle and A Wayne & Mandie Creative. About Freeform Freeform’s distinct brand of young adult programming helps to position it as the No. 1 primetime cable network in entertainment among Women 18-34 in the 2023/2024 TV season to date. Freeform channels the force and momentum of its young adult audience in its quest for progress with authentic, groundbreaking original series such as Emmy®-nominated “grown-ish,” “Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise,” and the upcoming “Royal Rules of Ohio,” “Sasha Reid & The Midnight Order,” and “Wayne Brady: The Family Remix,” in addition to beloved tentpole programming stunts including “31 Nights of Halloween” and “25 Days of Christmas.” About Freemantle Fremantle is a leading global creator, producer and distributor of some of the world’s most successful content across Entertainment, Drama & Film, and Documentaries. Amplifying local stories on a global scale, Fremantle produces and delivers premium, multi-genre IP across the 27 territories it operates in. Fremantle is a proudly independent group of content creators, and home to some of the biggest entertainment formats, compelling international dramas, award-winning films and high-quality documentaries. From Got Talent to Neighbours, Password to Poor Things, Alice & Jack to America the Beautiful, Race to Survive to Fellow Travelers and Priscilla to House of Kardashian our focus is simple – Fremantle creates and delivers irresistible entertainment. Fremantle also represents world-leading digital business, with more than 495 million fans and 300 billion views for its standout content across all platforms. Fremantle is part of RTL Group, a global leader across broadcast, streaming, content and digital, itself a division of the international media, services, and education company Bertelsmann. For more information, please visit www.fremantle.com, follow Fremantle on Twitter @FremantleHQ and Instagram @fremantle or visit Fremantle’s LinkedIn page.’ Written by John Edward Betancourt
It wasn’t that long ago, that Peacock took the time to offer up news that television fans were eager to enjoy. In that, 5/30/24 would serve as the release date of the highly beloved and critically acclaimed series, We Are Lady Parts. A show that resonated with audiences on a fundamental level and generated quite the buzz when it first debuted, the kind that did indeed make audiences eager for more of what this series has to offer and well, now that we are in the home stretch of waiting, Peacock felt that today was the day to offer fans another wondrous gift.
Specifically, the season two trailer for the show. The one thing that can truly give us a sampling of what to expect from the sophomore season of this brilliant show and well, it would seem we are in for quite the treat. Since a new era awaits the band, along with some new challenges as well, and of course, you don’t have to take our word for it. Because we are here to share that trailer with all of you, and without further ado… here’s some updated details and your first look at season two of this band’s downright incredible journey. A NOTE FROM NIDA MANZOOR (CREATOR/WRITER/DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER): "Making season one of We Are Lady Parts was immense for me. It was a trial by fire, but I found my voice, my style and my confidence in creating this show. Most importantly, I found my tribe - from actors and crew to producers and studio execs. So, coming to season two, I was galvanised. The characters, the world, the tone – it was all there, established, and ready to go. Now it was time to turn things up to 11. I wanted to go bolder, sillier, darker and deeper and that is exactly what we strived to do. In season two, we explore the interior lives of each of the women in more depth. Each of them facing new, existential challenges with all the silliness, pratfalls and banter of season one. The music is bigger too - more wild original tunes (penned by me and my siblings) and dare I say it, even better covers. The season overall asks the question of success. What is success? For a punk band - is fame, stadium shows and major record deals the answer? I wanted to explore the uncomfortable tension between art and commerce and ask how much compromise is too much. I’m really proud of what we achieved, and can’t wait to share it with old fans and new." ABOUT WE ARE LADY PARTS Season 2 of WE ARE LADY PARTS sees the band return with a renewed artistic mission after the high of their first UK tour, only to find a rival band threatens their delicate status quo. As the reality of chasing success sets in, Lady Parts embark on recording their first album, juggling personal ambitions and deciding whether ‘making it big’ is really what they wanted. ABOUT THE SERIES Premiere Date/Rollout: May 30, 2024, 6 episode binge Creator / Writer / Director / Executive Producer: Nida Manzoor Executive Producers: Surian Fletcher-Jones, Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner for Working Title Television (WTTV) Producer: John Pocock Commissioned for Channel 4 by: Charlie Perkins (Head of Comedy) and Laura Riseam (Commissioning Editor) Produced by: Working Title Television (WTTV), which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group Series Regulars: Anjana Vasan, Sarah Kameela Impey, Juliette Motamed, Faith Omole, Lucie Shorthouse, Aiysha Hart, Zaqi Ismail, Shobu Kapoor Guest Stars: Malala Yousafzai, Meera Syal Distributed by: NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution Season 2 Format: 6 x 30 min episodes, music-infused comedy series Written by John Edward Betancourt Caution: This article contains spoilers for ‘The Green Veil’. It is definitely safe to say, that American culture is obsessed with Americana, and it does make sense as to why. After all, post-World War II America was a prosperous time. Courtesy of a booming economy, one that created the middle class and seemingly the perfect society. Wherein flawless nuclear families gathered round the dinner table in suburbia a la the Norman Rockwell painting that appeared in the Saturday Night Post. All of which spoke to an amazing era in our history. One filled with peace, equality, and emotional prosperity. But therein lie the problem with our love affair with Americana, in that. It accomplished none of those things. For in reality that era was not as magical as so many believe. For it was a time of inequality, where BIPOC individuals didn’t get to enjoy the freedoms that all Americans deserve, regardless of the color of one’s skin. Not to mention, gender and orientation oppression was a problem then as well. Since bias and prejudice was present against LGBTQIA+ individuals and women… were property in many ways. Not to mention, toxic masculinity ran rampant during this time and set the stage for decades of generational trauma, because Americana was a dream that never came to life but so many of a prior generation hide behind its promise, to ignore their issues and their toxic contributions to the world. In fact, the conflicted nature of this era is so problematic that we barely talk about it now, at a time when we can easily reflect upon its impact on American society. But thankfully, the conversations are starting to happen, in creative ways to make the subject matter palatable and help the lessons to stick, as evidenced by a brand-new show from the streaming service, The Network. For The Green Veil is a story that plunges us back into that era to meet the Rogers family. Who on the surface, appear to be that perfect slice of Americana. Since the family is composed of hardworking FBI agent, Gordon Rogers and his lovely wife Mabel, and their adopted daughter, Abigail… but there is so much more to this family, so much that is dark in nature. For Gordon is a prototypical Americana man, and has no problem imparting psychological abuse upon his adopted daughter and wife, to the point where attempts to deflect his seething anger and dark expectations of the perfect family are met with even more severe abuse and it’s quickly obvious when one watches this show that everyone in this family… is miserable and broken and do not know how to handle this life and well, there is little they can do. For the era is the era and this is how it was and that leads to a harrowing journey through the underbelly of Americana. One from which it feels there is no escape. Which at first glance does not seem to bring about a creative/impactful way in which to explore this, since we are in the thick of it. But therein lies the brilliance of this story, since writer/director Aram Rappaport has set this story, amid the backdrop of alien abductions and shady racist dealings involving the kidnapping of indigenous children. All of which gives us more to focus on, more to chew upon, and more that reflects the wild nature of the era… so we can better absorb what that era of American history was actually like, and that brings about… a fascinating series. One that draws you in with its unique concepts and examinations and also… engages the viewer courtesy of amazing performances. With John Leguizamo (Gordon) leading the charge, since he exudes the ugly of the era with a frightening honesty, but that is of course… necessary. For this really is a series that is eager to point out this side of history, so we can address its lasting impact so perhaps… we can build a better future and a better nation. Watch ‘The Green Veil’ on The Network. Written by John Edward Betancourt Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’. Imagine if you will, your life changing for the worst, overnight. Where one day, you’re going about your day, your interests, and joys and the next… you’re being told you can no longer do those things, you can no longer live where you live. You must, with others similar to you, congregate at a new designated location outlined by the government. Where you will be forgotten really and live in fear with minimal food and health care surrounding you and where those in charge, stare at you with hate in their eyes and their hearts and speak of you as though you’re less than human. It’s a scary thought, isn’t it? One that we don’t think could or would ever happen to us or anyone else… but that’s the problem… it already has. For in the late 1930s and early 1940s in Europe, that was the life of Jewish individuals in Europe. Who watched their respective countries fall under the control of the Nazi regime, and then found themselves herded akin to cattle to concentration camps around Europe where they were abused, tortured, and murdered with impunity because a tiny man with a big ego and a stupid mustache, deemed them to be ‘imperfect’, and those who fell for his promises of prosperity went along with it. And this led to the death of six million Jewish people, and became known as the Holocaust, and sadly, it is a heinous act that is being forgotten and its existence is being challenged by fools and those who wish to wipe its truth away to let hate reign again. Which is why we must be reminded of this horror, and that’s why the new Peacock series, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, is so important. For this is a story that is told through the lens of a man named Lali Sokolov, who in his old age, is eager to speak of his experiences in Auschwitz to a woman named Heather Morris so all will know his story since he fears he is in his final years, and well, the series premiere of this harrowing tale… wastes little time in exploring… what it was like to be in that time and live in a concentration camp. Since Lali speaks to how he volunteered to go to a ‘work camp’ only to discover that this his godforsaken final destination embraces torture and suffering and well, that leads to some shocking moments in this story. Wherein we see… cold blooded murder over something as simple as someone asking a question or even while minding their business. Alongside the indignity that everyone in this camp experienced at the hands of the Nazi war machine. Courtesy of unwelcome moments where food is scarce, where sickness is a death sentence and where every single day, Lali must face the fact that every person in this camp means nothing to their superiors, and that brings forth a bleak opening chapter to this story. One that is hopeless in nature and devastating through and through. Because those atrocities are all put on display in a raw and honest manner, that is rarely portrayed in these stories. Which truly gives us perspective on this disgusting act and reminds us why we must keep its memory alive. Yet, while just a chronicling of Lali’s time in Auschwitz, and the struggles he faced in tattooing those infamous numbers on his fellow ‘inmates’, would easily carry the six episodes present in this limited series, it does offer more. It does offer a measure of hope and reminder that the human spirit can and will endure. After all, an older Lali tells Heather years down the line, that this story, is a love story. Which seems shocking since one must ask, how can love be present in a place where suffering is everywhere, and this story seems keen to explore that as it continues along. Since we do see a mysterious woman catch Lali’s eye and clearly, she shares in that glimmer and that will be interesting to explore for certain. But in this moment, we must recognize the raw power of this opening chapter. For it is indeed a harrowing look at how so many found their way to the worst possible place in the world, and it is a terrifying look at the cruelty mankind is capable of when our worst tendencies are given agency and are fueled by hate and fear. And of course… it is a heartbreaking reminder that we cannot let this happen ever again, and that hate must never win the day and keeping stories like this alive, does indeed help with that. Until next time. Watch ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’ on Peacock. Peacock Releases Trailer for New Sports Documentary ‘Bronx Zoo ’90: Crime, Chaos and Baseball’5/1/2024 Written by John Edward Betancourt
Ask any sports fan what team was mired the most in chaos, and the hardcore ones will give you back the same answer, the 1990 New York Yankees. For that particular squad not only had a rough season all around, but off the field… things were ugly. For drama was everywhere and problems seemed to pop up all the time, and well, it was so infamous a season… that the time has come for it to be properly explored by the masses.
For Peacock will soon be home to a docuseries revolving around that rough Yankees team entitled, Bronx Zoo ’90: Crime, Chaos and Baseball, and well… it is looking to be the definitive examination of this wild and ugly season. Since it will harbor some incredible interviews and plenty of information from the beat writers of the day and to properly give us all an idea of how comprehensive it will be, Peacock was also kind enough to release a trailer and details regarding this series. Which we will share with you now as you prepare to learn about a sports team that in many ways, left America’s pastime with quite the black eye. · Premiering May 16 on Peacock, Bronx Zoo ‘90: Crime, Chaos and Baseball details the tumultuous 1990 New York Yankees season through firsthand accounts of those closest to the team. The docuseries offers rare insight into the crossroads moment when the game’s most storied franchise began its ascent from despair to dynasty. · The docuseries features interviews with former Yankees players including Don Mattingly, Steve Sax, Dave LaPoint, Kevin Maas, Jim Leyritz, Jesse Barfield, former Yankees manager Buck Showalter, Yankees' announcer Michael Kay, Brian Cashman and Bernie Williams; key sports journalists Joel Sherman, Suzyn Waldman and Len Berman; notorious gambler Howard Spira and more. · Chastity Easterly speaks for the first time on camera about her experience with former Yankees outfielder Mel Hall. Hall also sits down for an exclusive interview for the first time from prison. ABOUT BRONX ZOO ‘90: CRIME, CHAOS AND BASEBALL Bronx Zoo ’90: Crime, Chaos and Baseball is the astonishing true story of the 1990 New York Yankees, chronicling the team at a crossroads in their storied history. The season went on record as one of the worst and was made even more infamous by the drama that ensued off the field. Based on a series of articles from New York Post columnist Joel Sherman, the docuseries covers team owner George Steinbrenner’s removal from baseball for trying to buy information on Dave Winfield from a notorious gambler. Adding to the chaos, beloved team captain Don Mattingly was caught in a contentious contract dispute, a top free agent signee went missing, rookie Deion Sanders wavered between two sports and a controversial outfielder pursued a relationship with a local high school girl. Despite it all, the 1990 Yankees laid the groundwork for one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY Premiere: Thursday, May 16, 2024 Director / Executive Producer: DJ Caruso Executive Producers: Dan Goodman, Brian Hunt, William H. Masterson III, Warren Cohen, Troy Searer Produced By: Believe Entertainment Group, New York Post Entertainment & Whitecap Entertainment Format: Docuseries, 3 x 60 min Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episodes 106 and 107 of ‘Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise’. To revisit the previous episodes, click here.
When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating new Freeform series, Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise, we talked at length about how the last block of episodes… showcased something quite surprising. In that, we saw so many in this series… do their best to put a stop to the drama either surrounding them or that they were directly involved in. Because that’s just something that isn’t commonplace in reality television in the slightest, and it made for some refreshing stories that made it seem as though drama free days were ahead. But alas, this week’s block of stories informed us, that drama will still find its way into our lives, if we don’t handle that which upsets us in the proper manner. Which Caught in the Crossfire’ and ‘BDSM Gone Wrong’ explored… by having Courtney’s confrontation with Elizabeth, take quite the left turn. For while Court’s intentions were indeed noble in nature and in the spirit of what she saw happen around her, she didn’t approach it with the level head that was sent her way via Craig. Instead… she just decided to let her anger take the wheel and that led to a nasty and fruitless conversation. One that generated drama and fury over resolution and in the wake of such a mess, Courtney clearly didn’t find the peace she wanted and Elizabeth, began to ponder a move back to the United States to no longer deal with this kind of chaos and there were more mishandled moments such these as the episodes continued along. In fact, the majority of them related to Chelsea. In large part because, her relationship with Tyson went south fast in this story. Because she took a moment to step back and look at her relationship with him objectively, and what she saw… she did not like. For she came to realize that Tyson really wasn’t doing that much to aid in building this relationship. He did the bare minimum and the motions and that prompted Chelsea to sit him down and confront him over his behavior and well, Tyson screwed this up something fierce. Because he had a genuine opportunity to reset here and express his feelings. But somewhere along the line he committed to toxic masculinity and put up the tough guy routine and that led to disaster. For he hurt Chelsea deeply and prompted her to end it and that… brought about more strife. For in the midst of celebrations of love, involving Vic and his fiancé via a bachelor and bachelorette party, Chelsea crossed some lines. Because she was hurting here, and she took her pain and just projected it out into the world. To the point where she hurt Vic, hurt others around her and well, left the BDSM themed party in a huff and filled with anger and ache. All because, she had not reconciled her emotions either and did not use the party as an opportunity to escape from that for just a little bit. Instead, she just lashed out and projected and the end result was a rough night for certain, one that was apparently rough up north in Miami as well. Since that is where the boys partied hearty to send off Vic in style and uh… sadly… it would seem that Vic drank too much and did something incredibly stupid, creating more drama as well. If anything, this episode was a fine example of how much of the drama we experience in life, is self-inflicted. Because so many invited it into their lives and into their hearts here and that is and was unfortunate. Because some careful words from Courtney could have brought about real resolution instead of revenge, and Tyson could have kept a good thing and Chelsea would not have exploded on everyone. But alas, what’s done is done and the lesson is perhaps more for us than them. Since now, everyone must reconcile what they’ve done, and it will be genuinely interesting to see how these fascinating individuals react to their mistakes and any troubles that lie ahead as season one of this dynamic and unique series continues along. Watch ‘Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise’
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