Written by John Edward Betancourt
If there is one particular question that we ask in this day and age regarding war, it would be… why are we fighting said war? Because collectively, we do understand what war entails. That it will require money we don’t have, and resources will be used and need to be replenished and above all… people are going to die. Young people, barely adults, they will be asked to the fight this war, to put their lives on the line and ultimately sacrifice if needed in the name of the cause. So, the cause has to be right, and for a long time… the cause has not. For the Vietnam War was a political pissing match in the name of long-gone red scares, and the United States had no qualms invading a nation in the name of revenge, kicking off damn near two decades of losses with minimal results regarding the ultimate goal of the War on Terror… which was to eliminate terror from the globe.
If anything, it is safe to say, when we ask that question… we can no longer find a good answer, and we scramble for the right one. But in reality… there are noble reasons why we fight. Reasons that we ask our soldiers to risk life and limb, we’ve simply forgotten what those reasons are and what we stand for and well… sometimes to properly refocus such matters, we need do nothing more than look to the past, and the last great noble war to understand why the United States has such an elite fighting force and it just so happens, that the next episode of Band of Brothers, spells that out in quite the incredible manner. For ‘Chapter Nine: Why We Fight’ caught up with Easy Company at a very unique and special time in the war effort… in that… they were heading into the heart of Nazi Germany for one reason and one reason alone: the Allies were winning the war. In fact, hundreds of thousands of Nazi troops were ready to surrender, and for the first time ever, even Easy Company wasn’t quite sure what the point was of carrying weapons around. Because the end was in sight, soon the Allies would be in Berlin and the end would arrive. And that lack of understanding as to why the Americans had to come across the world to beat the shit out of a subpar force in their eyes, only added to frustrations. But it didn’t take long, for those questions to be answered. Because eventually, as the Allies pushed into occupied territory, a discovery was made. One that was shocking, horrific, disgusting and every other word that describes stunned emotions that can come to mind. For Easy Company discovered Hitler’s dirty little secret. Specifically… they were called to what would come to be known as a Concentration Camp.
A true atrocity that to this day remains one of the worst to ever exist, and well… it has incredible gravity in this particular tale. Because this show is a retelling of real events, and while there is dramatization in all things television, it is likely safe to say, this was played a bit more straightforward and that the horrible things that we saw in that discovery sequence… were ripped from the memories of Easy Company. Because how does one forget seeing innocent people be treated as though their lives don’t matter? All of which made for a sobering sequence of history come to life, one that rightfully leaves you uncomfortable since you are reminded of the fact that Adolf Hitler and his disgusting and inhuman cronies chose to do this, to everyday people minding their business, because of their small-minded bullshit and insecurities.
Of course, this show needs to be commended for showcasing this reality in a raw and powerful manner, and hopefully this is an episode shown often in history classes now to really make the atrocities of the Third Reich apparent. But more importantly, this sequence… and that discovery, is precisely what made clear… why we fight wars. Why the United States is often seen as a beacon of hope, perhaps not as much in this moment, but for a long time… it was. Because our boys… put their lives on the line so that no one else that was deemed ‘imperfect’ or ‘different’ in the eyes of small men like Hitler, would ever face that kind of horror again. For this was an armed services that fought for the little guy. Because we are there to protect those who cannot protect themselves and put an end to those who would do them harm… at least… we used to be. As to how we get back to that is hard to say, since political theater and rhetoric and this stupid notion of red vs blue has all but sullied what America ideals stand for. But perhaps, rewatching stories such as this, and really pondering upon the human impact of our ignorance toward one another as a whole… can help to refocus us. Because we can be noble again, we can be the beacon of hope, if we only choose to be better all around, and be what the world hopes for us to be. Saviors, heroes, good people that will never let a man like Hitler rise to power again and harm people in this manner and well… that lesson and the horrors on display here, led to one stunning episode. One that moves you, breaks you, and truly reminds you of why we fight and why it falls to us to play the hero when no one else will. Until next time. To learn more about the Holocaust the atrocities committed by the Nazi Regime, please visit the website for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and for the Auschwitz Memorial. Watch ‘Band of Brothers’
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Please enjoy this sneak peek of the series premiere of Monsieur Spade, which debuts on AMC later tonight!
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Popular media and to a lesser extent, the history books, teach us that the turning points of great wars, come about via great moments. Wherein the victors of the war, turned the proverbial screws upon their enemy so badly, they began to back down in fear and understanding. Often times, that is portrayed via a great battle. Where the enemy’s forces lie in ruin for all time and just like that, armadas of heroic ships and lines of brave soldiers advance upon enemy territory and onward toward victory. And truth be told, moments such as D-Day and the Battle of Midway, do indeed reinforce that understanding in our collective minds.
But the fact of the matter is, turning points in wars aren’t always wrought with explosions and incredible speeches and a sense of real triumph. Sometimes… they come about via collective understanding that the tide is turning, and through other acts that signify that the sacrifices made by heroes need to end, and life needs to be preserved and well… those aspects of how wars shift and what it actually looks like in practical practice are top of mind today, because they were put on display in the next episode of Band of Brothers. For ‘Part Eight: The Last Patrol’ caught up with Easy Company following the harrowing moments they experienced in the Battle of the Bulge as they entered Haguenau, and well… since most of the fighting was done here, they had a chance to breathe. Also, a chance, to ponder upon their losses, the bonds they made in the foxholes of Bastogne, and the future. For immediately, the collective understanding of Allied forces was that the long and winding and horrifying Battle of the Bulge, cost the German Army dearly. To the point where it seemed resources were burned through, and defenses were broken. So, just like that… the sense was the war was coming to an end, and that the days ahead would not be as hard. Giving rise to the reality that the tide can turn in that simple of a manner. Without a big speech, without bombast, but there was still work to be done in this war. After all, the brass needed intelligence regarding the shape of the German Army and well, it fell to Easy to help with that.
For a mission was ordered to head into one of the last enemy strongholds, wherein a small patrol would bring prisoners home so they could be interrogated, and intelligence could be recovered and well, this did not come together easy. For so many of the men were broken, including Malarkey who really did need a break after the horrors he’d seen and of course… there was a sense that Easy deserved a break, period. But they were the best of the best and followed orders and succeeded in their mission in quite the costly manner. For they lost one man in exchange for a mere two, and while those prisoners talked, it seemed like so much for so little. Especially when it was obvious that the Nazis were unable to put up much of a counteroffensive when Easy was discovered behind enemy lines.
But success is success, and Colonel Sink was so thrilled at that… he wanted more. And well, Captain Winters came to understand… enough was enough. The tide had turned, the Reich would soon fall, and no more bloodshed needed to happen. Which was why he ordered his men… to rest, and offer up a false report regarding a patrol that never happened. So that command would no longer be excited over sending the men off on foolhardy missions that accomplished minimal results for the war effort. Giving rise to the reality that calculated combat was the key here, where it needed to make sense to risk lives. But that also hammered home, the need to start preserving life, to give these boys some hope after everything they had seen and that made for a powerful episode when all is said and done. One that showcased in wonderful detail, exactly how the tide turns in a war for most of those involved in the battle at hand and of course… how there really does come a point, where the wanton fighting and chaos needs to end and the future needs to be on the horizon and it was refreshing to see that play out here and know it played out in history. Especially since Easy Company went through utter hell to get to this particular point in the fight and well, it was comforting to know that at long last, these men no longer had to be afraid every second of every day and could start thinking about tomorrow, and eventually celebrate the fall of the Reich and the death of that tiny-mustached little bastard. That is… after they came to discover precisely why… they endured such fear, and such sacrifice. Until next time. Watch ‘Band of Brothers’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
For the most part, the various chapters put forth for the HBO series, Band of Brothers, truly stood on their own and offered up a unique story for us to follow. The kind that provided us with a powerful history lesson or character study and demanded deep analysis from the viewer and the various critics and reporters that have watched the show over the years. But the next pair of episodes, did something quite different for certain. In that… they felt deeply connected. Granted, we’ve seen connective tissue here before. For the series premiere and ‘Day of Days’ tie together tightly. But they too, had an individual flare to them, the kind that prompted individual breakdowns. But for our next discussion of the show… this reporter felt the need to examine ‘Part Six: Bastogne’ and ‘Part Seven: The Breaking Point’ in manner we have not to date.
Specifically… as one giant and continuous story. Simply because these two stories take us into the heart of The Battle of the Bulge. A dark and ugly fight that cost a great many American lives as both sides tried to maintain battle lines and break through them, and that… denotes in this writer’s mind… a two-part episode that barely breaks in the middle. As though this was a two-hour long nightmare of sorts. One that explored a great deal of ugly moments in Easy Company’s history. For instance, ‘Part Six’ focused heavily on the early days of the Battle. Wherein there were minimal supplies and uncertain futures and causalities galore and that brought about a unique story of suffering. One involving Eugene Roe. One of the company’s medics and well, he suffered a great deal of emotional pain in the Battle of the Bulge. Because he could ease no suffering, could bring about no healing. He was just surrounded by death and dismemberment and so much ugliness that it put him in a dark place in this segment of the war. Where hope eluded him and where he bore witness to some hard atrocities committed by the Nazis, and that nearly broke Roe. Which brought about a fine understanding of how difficult this segment of the war was, and the toll it took upon some men and how hard they had to fight through the darkness to do their duty, or in the case of Roe, to save lives, to maintain promise of healing at a time when everyone was hurting. Which made for a powerful story that was wonderfully counterbalanced by what ‘Part Seven’ had to offer. For while it too was dark, it offered an amazing bit of hope by the end of the Battle of the Bulge.
For this particular story, showcased Easy Company’s darkest hour really. Which is saying something considering the brutality of this episode’s predecessor. But this is the story that saw Easy Company without leadership really. Since Lieutenant Dyke did little to guide the men properly during the final days of that battle. Which led to the end of combat for Toye, Wild Bill and even Buck Compton. Who struggled with seeing his friends like that and was shattered by PTSD in doing so. Not to mention, even Malarkey lost friends because they were fighting without guidance. To the point where Lieutenant Dyke almost cost everyone their lives when Easy made its assault on the town of Foy. Which makes it seem as though, this was more of that darkness, more of that pain and suffering. But that wasn’t the case.
Because through it all, there was Sergeant Lipton. Who made time to speak with the men and remind them of the fact that this fight was about something more than taking orders. It was a noble cause, and they could handle anything the Nazis threw at them. Not to mention, this part of the journey let Lieutenant Spiers shine and truly find his way into the hearts of Easy Company through his outright badassery. But what mattered most, was that this segment reminded us of the fact that even in the darkest hours of this war, there were still men willing to stand up and fight, and still willing to inspire. Because the cause was just and true and because a win here, could and did do so much for the Allies in the war. Because they delivered heavy blows to the Nazi counteroffensive and weakened them badly. But the contrast of those two storylines, and the fact that both stories connect perfectly through the lens of the Battle of the Bulge, is why it seemed best to examine them as one. To see them as the two-hour movie they basically are. For now, we properly see how Easy Company survived such dark days and what helped their mental state stay one step away from total collapse and potential failure against a savage enemy, and it also gives us proper perspective… on the sheer ugliness of the Battle of the Bulge and quite frankly, how much like Normandy, so much could have gone wrong. After all, low food, low ammo, and no gear should have ended this for the Allies. But men like Roe, and men like Lipton, willed their brothers onward… toward victory and gave them the focus they needed… to keep fighting the good fight. One that saved the world from darkness. Until next time. Watch ‘Band of Brothers’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 306 of ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
If there is one thing that fans of a prequel are always eager to see, it is the moment when the character that brought them into the fold, the one that connects to the bigger part of the story… becomes the person they met in the original story or begins the long and winding journey down their path. Because there is just something fascinating about seeing the moment… when a hero is born and how they came to understand what matters in this life. And it is equally as fascinating to see when a villain is born. Because we are curious to know what tragic moments and perfect hellstorm of events turned their soul into a sour place filled with poison. It is that latter journey, we’ve been patiently waiting to see in the third chapter in the Power Universe. For while ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ has offered us fascinating insight into Kanan’s past and his upbringing, it has yet to show us those formative moments where he becomes the Kanan we met in Power. But last night’s episode of the show, seemingly changed that. For the next entry in this STARZ series, saw Kanan begin to walk down his path of darkness, in fact, the title reflected that. For ‘Into the Darkness’ was indeed the perfect way to describe what we were about bear witness to. Because outside of Jukebox’s story in this tale, wherein she held agency and did her best to stand tall and even protect Kanan from himself, darkness fell upon the Stark/Thomas family. For Lou Lou felt guilty about his past, his actions, something brought about by way of a visit from Raq and opted to do his best to cleanse his soul. Which meant confessing to others and bringing about trouble and speaking of Raq… she was in a tough place mentally here. For she struggled to reconcile the reality that Unique was dead and that he died before his potential could be achieved, and she was sick and tired of dealing with the mundane and realized… she needed to live life to the fullest and enjoy all it had to offer. Which meant, the only way to do that was go back into the game, giving rise to an ugly path for Raq, one that would likely help to further widen the rift between her and Kanan, and further drive him down the dark road with Ghost that we bore witness too.
Because in between all of that, Kanan was settling into his role as the newest dealer on the block and he was doing well and making money and the confidence that his new role gave him, combined with revelations that Famous sent his way regarding how he got in trouble… prompted him to really immerse himself within his new job and try and be the best he could. To the point… where others began to notice how efficient his business had become and how much it could benefit everyone in the game. Which brought about, a measure of peace between he and Ronnie. Because Ronnie was in the camp that respected Kanan and his work, and decided the best way to execute a plan where they could move weight together… was to win him over.
Which he was able to do… by inviting Kanan to a grand party. One that featured a who’s who of players of the game in New York City, and well, Kanan was simply royalty at that party. Because everyone spoke to how amazing his network was, and how incredible it was to see him embrace the trade with such gusto and the ego boost was enough to get him to commit and well… just like that, Kanan was ready to move heroin throughout the city. All of which spoke to the reality, that this episode was it. This was the moment when Kanan Stark began his journey into darkness. And it was all born from the fact, that his family ties were in tatters, and he felt no respect, no value, and this gave him something. This gave him… enough. All of which made for a tragically powerful episode. One that truly put everyone in this story in the game on a collision course. With danger, with darkness, and with fate. And what’s wild, is that we are only at the beginning of this journey. Which means that to properly corrupt Kanan Stark and make him the mogul that meets a tragic fate… more darkness must come into his life. The kind that hurts him enough to make him decide this is the only life he wants, the only one he will ever know, and one cannot help but wonder how many more formative moments such as the ones we saw here, await us now in the back end of season three. Because he has crossed the threshold, and every decision he makes from here on out… moves him closer to his unfortunate future. Until next time. Watch ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘Reacher’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
When we set out to do something noble in this life, we hope to follow a certain path to accomplish our goal. One that takes the high road, one that is as noble and kind as the quest in hand. Because we tend to believe that is the only way to do good things in this world, and the only way to inspire others to do good and sadly, there comes a point where we come to learn… the high road doesn’t always get us what we want. Because sometimes, we can do everything right, and try to inspire, only to have our good deeds bring punishment upon us and well… that teaches us that sometimes, in order to do good deeds in this world, we have to cross some lines and show a little darkness ourselves. Which is a lesson that Jack Reacher learned long ago, and it helped form the man he is today, and it just so happened that the moment he learned said lesson was put on display in the next episode of Reacher on Prime Video. For ‘The Man Goes Through’ spent a little time in the past in the wake of Russo’s passing. Wherein we came to learn that against orders, the SIU went after the big drug buy after all. To keep people safe, to do right by the world and what was just and well, they all paid the price for doing the right thing. For despite bringing in so many bad guys, the SIU was disbanded, punishments were handed out and Reacher learned… to just do what needed to be done, and that lesson was important to revisit, because the time had arrived to do what must be done. For the buy was inching closer and closer, and Reacher and his team were the only people that could stop it. So, after sending Marlo and her daughter off, Reacher did what needed to be done. First by teaching that dirty cop a lesson in causing harm to men like Russo, and then… Reacher and Neagley came for one of Langston’s lieutenants. For he survived being run over the by the team’s Escalade and knew plenty about the final stages of the sale. So, they made way to the hospital and did what needed to be done to save lives. Which involved some unique bladder torture techniques, and a farewell from Russo in the most brutal manner possible, but sadly… the information given to Reacher, wasn’t enough to go off of, and a new problem arose in the process. In that, Dixon and O’Donnell were picked up by Langston’s men and were of course, undergoing great harm in the name of Langston’s special brand of evil. Which meant, there was no plan that would do this right, no sense of nobility to bring Langston down. Reacher just had to let loose and go with the flow to bring about the most damage and a chance to save the day. Which in turn, prompted Reacher to just commit to one wild plan. Wherein he would surrender himself to Langston and his lackeys. Not to give up mind you, but to rock Langston’s world from inside his little sanctuary. For Jack Reacher was angry now, and done with the games, and woe to Langston and his buffoons in the next episode of this magnificent series. For what lies ahead is the season two finale, one that will undoubtedly see Reacher handle business as only he can. But before we ponder upon that fight, we can celebrate one delightful tale. One that filled in the blanks about Reacher and his past, while also informing us how much he’s changed and how ready he is to do what must be done to make the world a better place, and that, is going to make the wait for next week’s episode as difficult as it gets. Because season two has deeply invested us, and it’s featured some powerful storytelling. The kind complete with a great evil that needs to be quelled and well, we know that day is coming, and it will be glorious to see Reacher and his friends save the day… in the right way… by any means necessary. Until next time. Watch ‘Reacher’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
It is definitely safe to say, that the Apple TV+ series, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, is one of the most unique Kaiju stories to ever grace the genre. After all, while we have indeed seen Godzilla and other Titans, they simply have not been the focus of the story. There’s been no great Kaiju battle on the horizon or lives at stake. There’s simply been, a worry about things to come, a need for everyone to better understand the Kaiju and its inner workings and of course… a need for peace for the dynamic characters that populate this universe. For they are wounded individuals that have struggled since Godzilla came into their lives and well, their struggles set the stage for a unique season finale for this show. One that would have to focus upon those elements, instead of a superfight in a major city, and well… the show definitely delivered on resolving the key elements we just outlined. For’ Beyond Logic’ spent a lot of time with Hiroshi and Kentaro, and their sordid and painful past, and how best to resolve their pain and their troubles. Giving rise to peace at last between them and some measure of understanding believe it or not. The kind that spoke to how the father could learn from his son and be a better man and also how… they could help one another find peace with their losses. Mainly because they might not have suffered any losses. For a signal was detected inside what was to be called, Axis Mundi, and there was a chance, in their mind… that could be Cate. However, in reality, it was Keiko that set up the signal and in the realm of Axis Mundi, there was more resolution to be had. For Colonel Shaw finally reunited with the one that got away and was able to catch her up and resolve in a supremely subtle manner, the losses he thought he’d suffered and that inspired Shaw to do something different for a change. For he came to realize, he had spent a lot of his years doing slightly selfish things in the guise of the greater good. But here, he could do wonders, and get people home safe and repair all kinds of damage in doing so. So, he worked with everyone to use Keiko’s device to power the pod he left behind, so that everyone could get home. Which led… to a little something special for the monster fans out there. In that, much like last time Shaw was in this realm, a Titan needed to be attracted to the site to open a portal and well, attract they most certainly did. For not only did a bat like creature arrive to cause trouble, but Godzilla himself did as well. Giving rise to a surprise impromptu Kaiju fight. One that Godzilla handily won, but it was not one without cost. For Shaw had to leave the escape pod and conduct emergency repairs. Leaving him back in this other realm while the others made their way… to Skull Island. Wherein a family reunion took place and questions came forth since Apex took part in the rescue and not Monarch, a move related to Tim’s decision to leave Monarch to conduct actual research and see someone do right by others. But alas, those answers must wait. For the arrival of King Kong forced everyone into shelter and left us… with quite the finale. One that delivered as promised, since we now know more about Axis Mundi and how the Kaiju traverse it and of course… resolution finally came into play. Which was the most satisfying aspect of this episode, since we saw so many broken hearts be healed and saw hope come into play and well, all we can do now, is hope for a second season of this series. So, we can see where that growth takes us, what the research Keiko conducted in the void will offer and of course, whether or not Shaw can escape the realm that brought him such devastation. But while we wait for good news, we can bask in the wonder of one amazing finale. One that truly took the Godzilla franchise in a bold new direction. Until next time. Watch ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
It wasn’t that long ago, that we pointed out that we were supremely close to something that fans of the hit Disney+ series Bluey were eager to experience. Specifically, brand-new episodes. Because it’s been a while since we spent a little time in the Heeler home, and we are all ready for more of the show’s beautiful optimism and relatable moments and well, we no longer have to wait.
For today is the day. There are now ten, brand-new episodes of Bluey, available to stream on Disney+. So, kick back, grab some popcorn and enjoy everything these new episodes have to offer. And if by chance… you aren’t able to get to them quite yet, then here’s some information on those new episodes and things to come, and a preview of what you will soon enjoy, now that Bluey is back on the air.
*Source: Nielsen Media Research time spent viewing for CY2023 to-date; 12/26/22-10/29/23 based on total hours viewed for Kids 2-11 across linear and streaming combined, versus all other series tracked by Nielsen. ** **Source: Nielsen Media Research Data for Total P2+ time spent viewing on streaming, versus all programs tracked by Nielsen. (Based on being #1 wks of 11/20/23, 11/6/23, Live for Streaming.) Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers, for the Season Four Finale of ‘For All Mankind’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
It wasn’t that long ago, that the Apple TV+ series, For All Mankind, posed quite the concept to us. In that, if someone of influence and power were willing to invest their finances into the future of humanity and speak to the importance of doing so… then perhaps… real change would come into play. The kind that would inspire humanity to dedicate itself to a cause and pursue it with vigor and determination, and well… this was quite the refreshing concept to see play out. Because we don’t have that in our world right now since those at the top only care about themselves, and it did leave us wondering, what would come forth from their inspiring words. For we are thirsty to see that kind of change take place and want nothing more than to live vicariously through the show and well… it just so happens that the series understood our needs and wants and gave us that during this week’s series finale. For ‘Perestroika’ featured the big moment. Wherein the plans of the old guard and the plans of the new guard clashed at last over the course of a couple of hours. The kind that would decide the fate of all mankind and well… that allowed for us to see, what would happen if in fact, humanity was inspired to do more, to be more, to really set up our future amongst the stars and that led to one stunning episode, one that featured heroism, fury, and outright sacrifice to bring the Goldilocks mess to resolution. The first two elements came about via Happy Valley and the mission at hand. Because sadly, Miles finally broke and revealed the secret location of the second communications center, which prompted some wild thinking on Dev and Ed’s part. Because they had to find a way to save Mars from being an afterthought, and well… with the assistance of the North Korean camp, they were able to get a secure line to Sam and ask her to do something bold and brave. Specifically, to space walk to the manual engine override system to ensure that Ranger could not stop the burn. A move that put her life at risk but was successful because she believed in a greater cause, and she was not the only one who was inspired deeply by the attempt to make and keep Mars relevant through and through. Because back on Earth, the vibe was starting to change regarding having Goldilocks head into Earth orbit. In part because Aleida and Margo understood the failure of the rebels would bring about the end of interstellar travel but also because… Margo learned of what happened to Sergei and her perspective on so much changed. In that, she didn’t feel she’d done enough for the space program, for the world really. Because she’d engaged herself in impossible situations borne of tough and broken choices. So… she and Aleida worked together to help the rebels win, since NASA had a plan to stop the burn on their end, and well… that brought about some peace on Mars. After tensions briefly erupted, but peace none the less, and a new future forward, all thanks to Dev’s decision to stand up and see the future in a different light. Which means the answer to our wonder, is that the right catalyst/person would deeply inspire us to make changes happen, and what a future that would be. One that clearly would see us fight to make scientific advances that would benefit all and bring about real peace, and that made for a satisfying finale. One that finally brought four years of storytelling to a head by showing us a path forward for mankind at last amongst the stars. Where perhaps these characters will drive toward a better tomorrow and leave the nonsense of the past behind, and hopefully that’s what this series explores in detail in a fifth season, one that hopefully Apple greenlights soon, to properly inspire a world that desperately needs it. Until next time. Watch ‘For All Mankind’
Written by John Edward Betancourt Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Ted’. If there is one thing, we all search for in our journey, it’s a Best Friend for Life. Because we collectively know, that having a BFFL around us, does wonders for us. Because it means we have someone that we can confide in and connect with, and the bond we share will simply be incredible and energize us in so many ways. So, we seek out that amazing bestie, and deeply celebrate when they enter our lives, seemingly out of the blue. As though this pairing is some kind of cosmic miracle. Wherein the universe had our BFFL ready to go. But in reality, so much more goes into what forges best friendships than sheer luck and coincidence. Instead, it truly involves a series of critical moments of bonding. Where we learn about the majesty of the BFFL to be and how they can make us better and where we can do the same for them. Where we discover what their support means to us and vice versa and well, it just so happens that a new series on Peacock is going to explore what forges a best friendship via the prequel series, Ted. For this particular series not only brings everyone’s favorite little foul-mouthed teddy bear back into the storytelling fold, but truly explores how he and John Bennett became the inseparable besties that would do anything for one another in the movies… courtesy of a trip back to 1993. Wherein John was in high school, and Ted was uh… on the couch… and well, a reckless incident involving a gun in ‘Just Say Yes’, allowed for that deep forging to begin. Because Ted was forced to go to school with John and he hated that through and through and decided the best way to get the hell out and back on the couch, was to get expelled. Which brought about grand shenanigans in this tale, wherein Ted and John worked hard to get their hands on some weed and smoke it, because that’s how it goes in high school when the opportunity is presented. But what mattered more here, was that bonds were forged by way of some major surprises in the quest to get hold of weed. Since the duo came to learn that Blaire, John’s cousin who also stayed with the Bennett family, was selling weed to make ends meet. A discovery that of course went beyond Ted and John’s knowledge and landed in the lap of one Matty Bennett, John’s dad. Who of course, lost his mind over this. Because so many dads in the 1990s were that conservative type, who believed in God, America, and Guns, in that order no less. And that also meant the weed could not be in his household, so he laid down the hammer and evicted his own family member. A move that brought protest from everyone, even Matty’s seemingly laid back, prototypical 90s wife, Susan… but he cared not. Which allowed for Ted… to go the extra mile and do something quite gentle and sweet. Because he didn’t think that Blaire’s eviction was the right way to go about this, and something positive had to be done about it to keep her life on track, because an eviction and navigating college would be no easy task. So, Ted did what any former celebrity turned impromptu high school student, would do, and pulled a valuable item from his vault to give to Matty, under the condition that Blaire would be allowed to stay. Specifically… a mouthpiece used by Sylvester Stallone for the Rocky franchise, a saga that Matty loved deeply. And well, after he actually put that in his mouth, because of course a guy like Matty would, Blaire was indeed allowed to stay. Which was a kind act that everyone in the household supported. And truly, it was one of those formative moments for close friends. Because going out there and caring about someone deeply enough to sacrifice and go the extra mile for them, is special and speaks to the good heart of these two individuals, and it informed both of them of why they should be around one another… and that made… for a lovely series premiere. One that was of course, downright funny as well. Because this is a Ted story and what would that be without shenanigans and gags, and those were plentiful here and absolutely worked. But what mattered more here, was the humanity on display, and how it celebrated our wonders and the unique nature of our flaws and how we overcome them during tough times, and well… all of these elements brought together a hilarious and charming series premiere. One that informed us that this show is clearly going to offer up more beautiful lessons and observations about life, through the lens of a teddy bear that loves to drop F-bombs, and well… you simply cannot go wrong with that. Until next time. To learn more about the genesis of this series, checkout our interviews with the show’s Executive Producers/Co-Showrunners, Paul Corrigan and Brad Walsh, and cast members: Max Burkholder and Giorgia Whigham, and Alanna Ubach and Scott Grimes. |
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