Written by John Edward Betancourt
Over the course of the past few days, we’ve talked at length about the powerful lessons present in the HBO series, Band of Brothers. For it really has showcased what goes into becoming a genuine hero in this world, and the selfless nature that requires and the iron constitution that goes with it as well. Not to mention, it has educated us well on many of the hardships that soldiers faced during the Second World War, from an operational standpoint and from a psychological standpoint. Since we now know it was not easy for the men of Easy Company to see their friends fall in combat, and such horrors shattered minds and well… it just so happens that this series has so much more for us to explore.
Because ‘Part Four: Replacements’ took the time to examine more incredible lessons about war. Such as how hard it was for Easy Company to see the fallen replaced with new recruits. Because that hammered home the reality that their friends, their brothers, were indeed gone and would never be seen again. Prompting a bevy of emotions to leak out and some rough behavior, but it made sense as to why. For these men never really received time to grieve or time to process that death was surrounding them. Whether or not that was right or wrong will forever be up for debate, but it does speak to the ugliness of war and how little we do to aid the mental health of our soldiers. Which really was a poignant follow up to the horrors showcased in ‘Part Three: Carantan’ and added a sense of continuity to this powerhouse story. One that did get reinforced just a touch further, courtesy of another grand lesson… one grounded in history. For this is the moment when the Airborne was recruited into the infamous Operation Market Garden. An ambitious plan that was designed to liberate Holland so that the Allied Forces could quickly fight their way to Berlin and end the war by the end of 1944 and well, this was an infamous operation, thanks to the titanic failure it turned out to be. For the Nazis were deeply embedded in Holland and were eager to fight back and create harm and that history lesson led to the follow up in question regarding the difficulties Easy Company had to face regarding death.
Because just like that, more lives were lost. In fact, this mission was so dangerous and so brutal, that a great deal of the characters/historical figures in this series, faced some real brushes with mortality. After all, ‘Buck’ Compton took a nasty bullet to the butt, one that put him out of commission for a time and left him wondering for a moment if his life would end in a German prison, and even Lewis Nixon had to ponder upon how quickly life can end when a bullet grazed his helmet. And of course… the company also came to understand… that so many bonds and so many friendships would end during this war. Since they saw new recruits fall and knew full well, others would too along the way. Offering up a sobering message of the realities of the fight ahead while teaching us about the failures of the war, and this episode wasn’t done there.
For this is a story that also explored, how our hero worship of the war was born. Simply because there were men that took part in stunning acts of bravery and survival and their acts were indeed legendary in nature and awe inspiring and helped us to believe that American soldiers could do anything Rambo style, and Staff Sergeant Denver ‘Bull’ Randleman’s journey here showcased how that came to be. Since he was caught behind enemy lines, while injured, and was forced to accomplish wonders. By fighting for his life and with his bare hands and by moving through enemy territory to get back to his unit so he could fight another day. Which really is the stuff of heroic legend and what we celebrate today, and it was fascinating to learn that some of our fiction regarding heroism really is grounded in moments such as these. If anything, this was just a comprehensive episode through and through. One that found a way to teach us a bevy of lessons really. The kind that helped us to understand the incredible amount of change a soldier faces in the field, and how somehow the majority of them find a way to cope with that in the moment. Alongside a better understanding of Market Garden’s failure and how that failure was insulting to the troops that took part in it since they had made such great progress and it was also amazing, to learn about the formation of the modern hero through this war. Courtesy of Bull’s ability to will himself toward survival and well, all of this was engaging and fascinating to watch and it truly informed us… the dog days of combat are ahead. Wherein Easy Company had to give it their all to make to the end of a war that seemingly had no end in sight, and it will be interesting to see what other experiences, and lessons, and history lessons await us as the fight continues along. Until next time. Watch ‘Band of Brothers’
0 Comments
Written by John Edward Betancourt
It wasn’t that long ago, that our discussions of the HBO series, Band of Brothers, spoke to a fact that everyone knows in some capacity when it comes to war. In that, war indeed hell and it is indeed brutal and that thankfully… is a message that war stories work to convey in their own brutal manner. Since this is oft a lesson that comes to light by way of elaborate and powerful sequences, the kind that feature stunning violence and shocking deaths and well… there is quite frankly, nothing wrong with that. Because those are real elements that everyone goes through that fights in a war and that is what they see, and there’s no better way to hammer home such an important lesson than by showing us the brutal nature of conflict.
Or at least, that used to be the line of thinking. For Band of Brothers is a series that changed the landscape as to how war stories showcase the real horrors that soldiers experience when combat gets underway. A feat that ‘Part Three: Carentan’ accomplished by offering up two unique aspects of war that we simply don’t think about but do in fact… have a grand impact upon psyches and people because of the ugliness of war. Such as how quickly lives are lost and how soldiers in combat have to reconcile the fact that a friend is gone, someone they trusted and that wasn’t easy for the men of the 101st back in the Second World War. Who dealt with that shocking truth when their next mission arrived. For at this point in time in the war, the mission was simple, they were headed to Carentan to seize the town for the Allied Forces, and well… when they arrived, the lesson got underway. Because the Germans wanted the town as well, and that led to a brutal battle. Wherein… this company experienced losses. The kind they hadn’t experienced yet in wartime, and second by second, we lived through that horror as well. As bullets and explosions dropped characters/historical figures that we were getting to know and coming to like and there was no time for those still standing to reflect or mourn in that moment, they just had to fight. Just had to bear witness to death and horrific injuries and that brought about, a sobering sequence for certain. One that spoke to the cold nature of war, the brutality of it and yes, how fast lives are lost and how horrific that can be, and we did indeed see some of these men work to cope and explain how they made it through the day knowing that death would surround them that quickly.
Which really did hammer home the lesson at hand in a manner that few war stories have ever replicated. Because it was indeed powerfully visceral, direct, and rightfully icy. Yet, the story wasn’t done breaking new ground on such matters just yet. Because this story also featured a lot of Private Albert Blithe. Who was separated from his unit during the D-Day debacle and found his way to back to Easy Company and well… struggled to fight. Not because he was a coward, as some stories might showcase, but because… the failure of his mission, and the ugliness in front of him and the reality that he might die at ay second, was more than his mind could bear. To the point where he froze up, became seemingly blind in a split second, and struggled to function.
Giving the audience a glimpse into the formation of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the field during war time, something we don’t discuss enough, and certainly didn’t when the show premiered. But as we all know now, PTSD is a very real thing and something that so many soldiers suffer from and that… is a genuine horror of war. Since it is a devastation of the psyche. All of which made for another powerful episode of this series. One that really did take the time to showcase war and its horrors in a different and far more impactful light. Because this didn’t feel cinematic or manufactured as is the case with the lesson in more traditional and grandiose war stories, it just felt awful. For death was everywhere, it came for so many in a split second and it rocked one man to his core and rightfully so. Because war is awful, and it requires a very unique constitution mentally to get through it and even then, there are no guarantees those horrors won’t haunt those who fight in a manner that prompts them to need medical assistance to cope. But sadly, these men had to go through that, and these men did their jobs regardless because of the belief that they were indeed committing to a greater cause. But there is no preparation that one can undertake to reconcile seeing such carnage, and well… that does and should give us pause and make us wonder about why we fight wars in an era where the goals aren’t noble, and that musing is the true reason the horrors are put on display. But going deeper on that is for another time, and all we can do now, is celebrate this brilliant tale. One that really did offer up a powerful and moving story about the real suffering the good guys endured during the Second World War. Until next time. Watch ‘Band of Brothers’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
More often than not in cinema and television, D-Day is presented to an audience in the most noble manner imaginable and understandably so. After all, this was a turning point in the Second World War. Where Fortress Europe was no more, and the Allies took hold and began a long and winding year long journey to Berlin to end the Nazi War Machine and make the world safe for all. So, it stands to reason that this day should be celebrated and honored in every way imaginable. But perhaps not… in the manner that film and television often do. Because films like, The Longest Day, glorify Operation: Overlord and the invasion of Normandy by giving it a spin and a polish that it really doesn’t need. Because while it was indeed an important and proud day in history… it wasn’t as heroic and patriotic as films like that portray. Where the enemy was buckling in their boots and the men sung ‘Yankee Doodle Dandy’ as they rolled toward Berlin with spirits held high.
For D-Day was… a dark day. Where so many young men died storming those beaches because to some extent, the Nazis were ready for invasion. Not to mention… there was chaos on that day and leading up to it. After all, the invasion was on again/off again for several days prior to the big moment, thanks to weather. Plus, even the Air Force got it wrong and dropped paratroopers in the wrong spots, and that was if their planes made it through the flak shield to begin with. But thankfully, as time goes on, we are seeing creative minds showcase the real horrors of D-Day and the difficult battle it proved to be, courtesy of Saving Private Ryan and the second chapter in the incredible series, Band of Brothers. For ‘Part Two: Day of Days’ was indeed… the moment that Easy Company was ready to conduct the mission they had spent ages training for. In fact, when we caught up with them here, they were airborne and on their way to Normandy and well… it didn’t take long for the real horrors of this day to come to fruition. Since planes were indeed blasted out of the sky and Easy Company was literally sent into the winds. Wherein they were scattered about and unsure of where they were and what to do next. Which brought forth, an unsettling story to say the least. One focused heavily upon Lieutenant Winters and his fight to assemble a company of soldiers to do their job, and even that was a messy task. For there were soldiers salty and ready to kill with undisciplined fury, and weapons were in short supply, and the chaos of this Day of Days, didn’t end there. Because even when Winters and his rag tag group of survivors made it to their rally point, there was no leadership to guide them. For the entire airborne operation was a disaster, and the invasion of Normandy was already underway. There was just downtime for them to engage in, and the shock of learning that not every American was fighting on the right side as Malarky came to learn.
But of course, history does inform us that despite the chaos, the Allied Expeditionary Force was successful on this day, and well… once there was some semblance of leadership, we were able to see why that was the case. Simply because Winters and Easy were tasked with taking out a Nazi installation to make life easier for incoming Allied armor and soldiers and well… that allowed for these brave men to finally use the skills they had been taught back home and they were indeed… ready for war. For Winters’ unit embarrassed the Nazis on this Day of Days. By confusing them with their swift attack and their swift force, allowed for the guns that needed to be silenced to go down quickly. Giving rise to a successful mission and the first real taste of war for soldiers that were indeed the right men to fight the fight, and as brave as they come.
For they truly faced some horrible odds on this day and overcame them. And well… that made for one incredible episode to say the last. One that really showcased a different side of D-Day. One that informed us that a lot went wrong on a day we believe was nothing but textbook wonder. But this is the story that needs to be told. So that we understand that war is true chaos, and that war isn’t pretty. But that bravery and genuinely good people make a difference when they’re fighting for a cause that is just and true and seeing that bravery and that drive to win the day, also brought about… an inspiring episode. Because when you see the odds, these men overcame to invade that beach and to establish a foothold, you cannot help but feel awe and wonder. Because now we understand the sacrifice. The drive, the desire to stop the Nazi War Machine at any cost, and that… is more inspiring than watching John Wayne give a speech or seeing a talented actor playing a German general, showcase deep fear of the fall to come. Because this is real heroism on display, this… is why the tide turned and well… hopefully this episode becomes the watermark for telling stories about D-Day. So that people really understand the fear and the bloodshed and the push of this day. Of how it was not a moment of nobility, for that is the label that comes after for the victors of a war. But how instead, it was a mission, a duty, a goal that had to be accomplished and how scattered and scared souls found a way to come together to make that happen and turn the tide. Until next time. Watch ‘Band of Brothers’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
One particular truth about war that each and every one of us come to understand in adulthood, is that it is hell and often unnecessary. For people die, people suffer, and destruction is everywhere, often in the name of greed or ego or ideology. Which has forced Americans, to spend most of the 20th Century and a fair chunk of the 21st, surrounded by it as American interests brought forth seemingly endless and needless wars in Vietnam, Korea and even the War on Terror went on for far too long, and did not provide the end result we wanted it to. Leaving all of us to wonder why we even bother with war anymore. But there was a brief moment in time, where war was something else, where it was a noble and just cause.
For back in the 1930s and 1940s, the world and all of humanity, stood on the brink of real devastation. For Adolf Hitler and his Third Reich Nazi War Machine, had captured a fair chunk of Europe, and plunged it into fascist chaos. The kind that brought about atrocities and genocide in the process, and the unchecked nature of the spread of the Reich, left the world to wonder… if a dark age was upon humanity. Where the Reich would rule all. But the United States, and Europe and the other Allied Forces of the world, opted to stand tall and stop the Nazi regime from spreading its very real evil around the world and that… is quite the noble cause. One that fought for freedom, fought for what was right and fought to shun evil from this world, and since the world once again stands on the brink of concern… now it is more important than ever to reflect on that noble fight, and why we stepped into it, and what better way than through three stories that will showcase and showcased what we are capable of when we unite against the evil of the world. After all, we are but twenty days away from the release of Masters of the Air on Apple TV+, and this third entry in a bold trilogy of stories about the brave souls that fought in the Second World War, will undoubtedly inspire us, and remind us of why we fight. But truly, it is best to start at the beginning of this journey and revisit Band of Brothers. A story that was released 24 years ago but still holds up and still features gravitas. For it was a supremely accurate re-telling of the men of Easy Company. The 101st Airborne, who quite literally leapt into the war on D-Day to fight the Nazis and well… their story is important to revisit. For they weren’t Hollywood heroes and fighting machines. They were men, barely men in some cases, that signed up to defend their country after the events of December 7, 1941, and their story started where the story of so many other soldiers began… in boot camp.
Because training is essential to making a soldier the dynamic warrior they are expected to become. But this story deserves extra scrutiny on that training. For the 101st was in fact, the real paratrooper squad for the United States Armed Services in World War II and underwent unique training for certain. The kind that ‘Part One: Currahee’ explored in fascinating detail. Since we learned a new regiments training, required new thinking for how we train soldiers to fight. Especially ones that would do more than just charge ahead and open fire. For these men would drop from the sky and offer different support for missions in this war and the wars to follow. Which in turn allowed for us to see that perfection was the name of the game for this regiment back in the day. For they had to be perfect and needed their wits about them at every turn. Which is why we both love and hate Captain Sobel in this tale, because while his methods are at times, excessive and pedantic… they did demand perfection, and they did achieve it.
Since this episode also features the growth of Easy Company. To the point where Sobel has little impact upon them near the end of their training, for they understand his message, THE message that all needed to comprehend for this fight. In that, the Axis war machine was just that. Well-oiled and hungry, and it would take a perfect fighting force to stop them. And this regiment became so good, so flawless, they were forced to dump Sobel, mainly because… he didn’t understand war… just how to prepare men for it. And that was indeed important. Because bloused trousers and fine stitch points for a sergeant mean nothing in the heat of battle. Creativity, and a drive to do what must be done had to come into play and Sobel simply didn’t have that. And while Easy’s methods for changing leaders may not have been ideal, it got the job done and had them ready to truly fight. All of which brought forth, a fascinating story. One that showcased boot camp in a realistic light for a change, free from the bombast that we tend to usually see in such stories and truly reminded us… that this was a different war. One where people joined up for vastly different reasons than they do now and understood what was at stake and gave even their training their all. Not to impress an individual man, but to really push back against the Nazis and show them, the world would not go quietly into the night and that alone… makes this episode worthwhile, but it has more wonders to offer than that. Since it also helps us to get to know the many men of Easy Company, everyday gents that we can relate to because they were us, ARE us, even a damn near century later, and it is quite powerful to connect with everyday men, that gave up the mundane and put everything on the line… to ensure a better tomorrow for all of us. Until next time. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Reacher’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
When we find ourselves in trouble, or dealing with someone unsavory that is causing some level of harm, there is only one way to really stop that problem and that is… to fight back. Because to do so is the only way to know exactly how tough our opponent or opponents are, so we know how best to be done with them, and well… that’s why we need to take a swing and often times, that swing is quite worthwhile. For a great deal of bullies in this life hate being clapped back upon verbally or physically, so a show of force tends to get them to disappear. But now and again, we do indeed take a shot and learn that who and what we are dealing with is tougher than expected and scarier than expected. Which forces us to rethink how best to escape their nonsense and well, this particular problem is top of mind today, simply because it served as the central problem that Reacher and his team dealt with in the next episode of Prime Video’s Reacher. For ‘New York’s Finest’ saw the team taking a beat to process the fact that Swan was involved in this madness, something that Reacher still believed was not the case, and well… being attacked in this manner left everyone believing that the time had come, to go on the counteroffensive. Because the only way to really get the answers they needed, and to be safe, was to get to the source and compel them to speak and well that prompted the group to put together quite the bold plan. One where Detective Russo would put a full court press on a police official that could make a difference while Reacher and the SIU, spoke with Marlo Burns, the New Age director who sent them to an ambush and undoubtedly had more knowledge that she expected and well, that brought about progress. Where Russo made it clear that someone was onto the plan and where Reacher’s team were able to compel Burns to not only spill the beans about how this came together and who else was involved, but she was eager to absolve Swan of any wrongdoing since she painted him in a positive light, and… she was willing to bring Reacher face to face with Langston. But alas, that move, which would have been the perfect finish to this sucker punch and moved this case in the right direction… was blocked. Because Russo, who also stepped up and conducted overwatch on Burns’ daughter to keep her safe while the other plan went into play, found himself under fire by Langston’s assassins. Forcing the group to part ways to keep that young girl safe. And while that did bring Reacher close to Langston, since he was able to put down all of his lackeys, he was not prepared for the resources that Langston harbored. Which allowed for the bad guy to escape, and Langston made it clear how tough he is, by way of this counterpunch landed. For its delivery brought about… a hero’s end for a down home and honest New York Police Department Detective. Because Russo did put himself in harm’s way to make sure that little girl was okay, and it cost him everything. Which made for an epic and bittersweet tale really. One that really did see our heroes be surprised by Langston. Because he had his slimy butt covered at every turn and knew exactly how to bait Reacher into buying time for his escape and of course… he once again won the day at the cost of an innocent and good life and that’s a shame. Because let’s be honest, we all wanted Russo to see this to the end and be a hero in the department, and a round of applause is in order for Domenick Lombardozzi for making such an impact this season with his amazing performance as Russo, and he will certainly be missed. Which means that now… the mission also demands justice for Russo, and it will be interesting to see what Reacher and the team do next, now that they have exchanged hard blows with Langston. Until next time. Watch ‘Reacher’
Written by John Edward Betancourt A little over a decade ago, writer/director Seth MacFarlane did something quite incredible. In that, he took the wondrous world of the Teddy Bear, a place where children glean incredible lessons from gentle and kind bears that are good to their core and figured out how to make it applicable and worthwhile for adults. Courtesy of the motion picture, Ted. A story that introduced us to John Bennett and his best friend for life, Ted. A magical teddy bear that was brought to life by the sheer will of John one fateful day, and well… what made that magical plot friendly to adults… was the sheer fact that the wonder and awe surrounding Ted quickly faded and he in turn, ended up just being an average bear that enjoyed a weed filled life with his bestie. Which is a slightly nihilistic plot that can speak to our failures in life, but truly… Ted and Ted 2 for that matter, made a point to really dig deep into some wonderful lessons when all is said and done. The kind that spoke to the power and the importance of friendship and what we have to do to really maintain the ones we cherish. Plus, these stories spoke the importance of standing up for ourselves, and what it means to really be recognized for who we are. Which made for a beautiful pair of stories that do indeed offer up some genuine value to adults and they even found ways to spin the more nihilistic aspect of the story into something beautiful and tangible. If anything, the wonder of the Ted franchise is top of mind today, simply because it is about to grow further. For January 11, 2024, will see the debut of Ted on Peacock. A limited series that takes the time to explore the early days of John and Ted’s life. By transporting us back to the 1990s, when John was in high school and that brings out quite the delightful origin story if you will. One that really speaks to how their deep friendship formed and one that offers something deeper. Because this is a story that allows for us to reflect upon our teenage years and the important moments, we experienced that forged us into the adults we are today. Giving rise to some fine lessons and reflections upon the journey that is life, and those moments are wonderfully complimented by the trademark heart that this franchise features. For we’d be foolish to not point that the tender moments you find in the first two films find their way into here, and they are special and heartwarming. But while it is nice to enjoy a loving story about a boy and his bear, make no mistake about it. This is still a comedy through and through. Because this is a story about Ted and John, and it would be nothing without their goofy shenanigans and banter and well, that’s present here in spades, and it really is quite the delight for the viewer. Because the jokes work well in this series, in fact, they’re the stuff of legend. Because they’re unfettered and unleashed here thanks to this story being on a streaming service, and they’re so utterly amazing that this reporter had to stop the show on several occasions to get the laughs out and to rewatch the bit to make sure the joke was properly appreciated. And it also doesn’t hurt, that the laughs are sent our way courtesy of a simply amazing cast. For Scott Grimes is simply sublime as Matty Bennett, John’s father, and he truly reflects a different time for fathers of the world in a manner that is both wistful and hilarious, and Alanna Ubach is a true revelation as Susan Bennett, and her work here also reflects the times and gives rise to deadpan laughs for the ages. And they are counterbalanced nicely by Giorgia Whigham as Blair and Max Burkholder as the younger John Bennett, since they bring a wonderful honesty and awe to their roles, and they still find ways to make us laugh via the friction they create with the old guard. But of course, it is Seth MacFarlane that steals the show as Ted himself, and he once again delivers an amazing performance here as America’s favorite foul-mouthed teddy bear. If anything, all of these elements bring forth, another amazing chapter in the Ted franchise. One that doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to the stuff we love about this saga, and it is one that fills the in the blanks about what happened before we met this duo in the original movie, and the best news of all, is that you are all so close to enjoying it. For Ted debuts on Peacock on January 11, 2024, and we here at NTG cannot wait for you to enjoy this series, and that’s why we’ve got more pre-release coverage to bring you in the days to come. So stayed for our interviews with the cast, and the show’s executive producers, Paul Corrigan, and Brad Walsh as we count down to the release of another incredible chapter in this amazing saga. As an added bonus, here are some Sneak Peek clips from the show for all of you to enjoy. Clip #1 Clip #2 Clip #3 Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 409 of ‘For All Mankind’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
It truly is quite amazing, how versatile For All Mankind on Apple TV+ can be from a storytelling perspective. Because this is a series that can be a powerhouse drama, one that deeply moves us with intimate character moments. But it can also be a hardcore science fiction story when it so desires, one that offers us a beautiful and wondrous look into a future for mankind where we are amongst the stars and are at our best. And of course, when it so chooses, it can also be a top-notch thriller. One that is incredibly tense and incredibly engaging and well, it just so happens that the next episode of the show, chose to go that particular route. For ‘Brazil’ was a story that saw the Goldilocks mission barreling toward completion and well, that brought about real trouble. But not at first. Because at first, Dev’s team was simply in wait and see mode. Because the right moment needed to happen to replace the module, they were going to use to command Ranger to move the asteroid toward Mars instead of Earth and they understood that, through and through. So, they just bided their time and back on Earth, it was business as usual. There was planning taking place on how best to get a return on investment for moving this rock to Earth and that meant economic chatter, meetings and dinners with Sergei and Margo at Aleida’s, with some secrecy of course. Alongside the realization that Mars was likely done once Goldilocks arrived in orbit at Terra Firma. But a single drop of water, which finally prompted the system swap, stirred the pot, and gave us tension. Because just like that, it was a race to keep the second signal a secret, and that meant Team Dev had to go to extreme measures to not get caught. So, they relied upon the North Korean camp to help them keep an eye out for trouble and well, that’s where the tension came into play. Because just like that, the top brass in that camp came to discover a NASA monitoring device in his equipment and when that reached Commander Poole, she went and inventoried all the equipment at Happy Valley and on-board Phoenix, and of course… she came to discover what was missing and that required, a report to Eli Hobson. For there was concern this could be another strike related attack or perhaps an act of terror, period, since that too has been part of past struggles for NASA and well, that’s when the story really kicked the tension into overdrive. Because it prompted Hobson, to activate the CIA and KGB assets that were hanging out at Happy Valley, and the paranoia that ran through the North Korean camp, created newfound conflict. The kind that saw a physical fight take place in the North Korean camp when the commander of that branch came within inches of discovering the truth, and where Miles, found himself under fire at last. Because the KGB and the CIA were fully aware of the fact that Miles was the connective tissue to all of their problems. Which brought about a terrifying interrogation, one where Miles did his best to keep the truth at bay, but alas, he may not win that battle since physical abuse came into the mix. All of which brought about some hard tension here, the kind that made it clear that the race to capture or steal Goldilocks will be wrought with pain and suffering, even back on Earth. Mainly because… Margo is about to feel the squeeze of heartache. Because despite discussing plans to run away with Sergei to Brazil, those plans will never come to fruition. For the KGB took care of Sergei as well, giving rise to a dark ending to this story and leaving all of us worried for what lies ahead. For there are a lot of agendas clashing now, and it really is a literal fight to save Mars and push agendas forward and that means, we may be in for the darkest chapter yet in this tale. Wherein the future of mankind may come down to minutes and seconds and fast decisions, and well, it is safe to say we will all be on pins and needles as we wait to see how the battle for Goldilocks plays out, and how the future will be shaped by the victor of its spoils. Until next time. Watch ‘For All Mankind’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Nine of ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Perhaps one of the hardest truths about life to reconcile, is that in many ways… we simply don’t know where our particular choices will take us. Because the world and the universe it resides within, are grounded in chaos and while we do our best to try and make a calculated decision that should benefit us in this life… we simply don’t know if that will be the case. Because sometimes, the best decisions we make can fail because the timing wasn’t right, and sometimes they fall to pieces because we aren’t on the right path, even though we thought we were, and sometimes… things go sideways just because that’s the nature of the universe and there’s little we can do to control it. But we make those choices anyways, because sometimes… everything goes right, or a choice pays off later down the line and really, the wild nature of choices and the wild places choice takes us is top of mind today, because that served as the focus of the next episode of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters on Apple TV+. For ‘Axis Mundi’ focused less upon the fallout of what happened in Kazakhstan and more upon… Colonel Lee Shaw and his long and winding story. For this episode opened up in the past and explored how back in the day, his gambit to get Monarch rolling in the right direction paid off, to the point where at last, real funding and real attention were being paid. A move and a flashback that made us all wonder, what the heck happened to this place then if it did have a push in the right direction, and well, as it turned out… the decision to investigate a gateway to another world, like the one that Lee wanted to close in the last story… changed everything for Monarch and Lee. Because… he went through the portal and on the other side was a world so alien to our own. Complete with a sky that made no sense and was disorienting and filled with dangers untold. For this was the world of the Titan, where the MUTO roamed free, and that led to all kinds of chaos and pain for Lee and his team, since lives were lost, and terror seized the day. That is until Lee was pulled out of that place through a portal. One that dropped him into 1982, twenty years after he initially started the mission and well, Monarch was now a shell of itself. For Bill Randa was gone, a casualty of the Skull Island expedition, and all that remained was Hiroshi and the organization’s desire to bury the incident by sending Shaw off to the retirement home where we first met him. Which was quite the path for the heroic choice he made, one that he had no idea would come to fruition and that truly spoke to the chaos of decision.
But there was mention of the fact that eventually, those decisions can pay off, and well… in present day it most certainly did. Because Shaw and May/Corah awoke in the Titan Realm, and he was able to help her navigate the disorienting nature of this world between worlds. Giving rise to some real payoff for Shaw. For there was a chance he could now save lives with his knowledge of this place and well, the surprise of the century might also allow for him to make peace with his deep-rooted trauma regarding Keiko. Simply because, we came to learn… she’s alive and well in this place and has not aged a day. For this world defies rules and defies logic and if Shaw and May can find their way to Cate, they’ll say hello to Keiko and the past and there has to be something healthy waiting for Shaw in that encounter.
In fact, it would seem there will be some major emotional payoffs in next week’s finale. Because in addition to the now looming reunion between two lovers that denied themselves the call of their hearts, Hirioshi returned home to Japan and spent time with his son. For Kentaro and Tim (who clearly has nine lives) survived the rubble and went back to their lives to grieve and resume life as it was and well, that reunion brought about anger and truth and the very real opportunity for these two finally speak honestly to one another, and it set the stage for a vastly different kind of season finale for this show. Because it would seem, we are not going to spend the entire hour watching a grandiose fight to stop Shaw and stop Godzilla. Instead, we will see these characters deal with some heavy concepts, with hopefully a little Gojira thrown in for good measure, and well… this is welcome. For this series has made it clear, the characters are the royal members of this story, and their journeys matter and their emotions matter and that should bring about a supremely intimate finale, one that was set up by an equally as intimate penultimate episode. Since we were privy to Lee Shaw’s journey in the raw and were able to see how much pain and suffering, he has endured in the name of heroism that wasn’t recognized, and in the name of a choice that he thought would change the world and well, that made for one fascinating tale. One that really did allow for us to see Lee in a different light, as less of a villain and more of the broken man he is and it will be interesting to see if he and others in need of healing can find peace in the next episode and it will be equally as engaging to see, if Shaw and the others can escape a world between worlds, without losing decades of precious time. Until next time. Watch ‘Monarch: Legacy of Monsters’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 203 of ‘Dr. Death’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we’ve talked at length about how the second season of Dr. Death on Peacock, has done a phenomenal job of exploring how people get away with using hope and charm as weapons really. The kind that causes great harm and leaves devastation in their wake, and truly… the show has left no stone unturned regarding such matters. To the point where everyone now has a fine understanding of how men like Paolo function in this world and thrive under the power of such lies. But, while that has been fascinating to learn of, such explorations cannot last forever. For eventually, men like Paolo are revealed to the world as the frauds they are, and they come to account and well… we need to know also how such men are caught. So that we can help in keeping such nonsense from spreading in our world and it just so happens, that the next episode of this fascinating series… opted to explore what the beginning of the reveal looks like. A feat that ‘The Horizon’ accomplished by having some cracks began to form in that supposedly rock-solid love between Benita and Paolo. Which came to fruition, in part because Paolo brazenly announced the engagement to Benita’s co-workers. Which of course… meant she had to face the fact she broke some rules about journalism and well, this was concerning behavior to say the least. Because there was no need for bombast and excessive noise about an act that required nuance and proper timing. But since men like Paolo need the spotlight, need the attention, he had to go that route and that of course… created a rift that he was quick to seal through more emotional manipulation. For he finally brought Benita home to Barcelona and introduced her to his family and promised her a wedding in a beautiful church presided over by the Pope himself. All of which just kept the magic going and allowed for Benita to forget about such wild behavior. But that’s just it… the magic, the wonder, it can only go so far. For in order for it, to truly hold power, it needs substance and meaning, and that began to slip here. To the point where Benita had no choice to finally investigate her love, despite agreeing to move across the world for him. All because, the façade he put up began to crumble and questions arose and clearly, this wasn’t the only time that happened. Because in the past, more questions than answers surrounded the work. Because not only did Dr. Svensson begin to realize that the common thread in the death of his mice was indeed the artificial tracheas installed, giving rise to concern, but even Dr. Gamelli began to ponder upon the methodology of Paolo’s work. Because another patient died, under the guise of his terminal cancer diagnosis, but even then… something didn’t seem right. All of which made it clear that the science doesn’t lie and that facts matter and find their way to the surface and those are undoubtedly what brought Paolo to account and clearly, that process was in motion multiple times in his life. The only question that remains, is why there was no accountability prior to his meeting Benita and prior to his procedure killing a little girl. But all in good time when it comes to that. Since this show and this season of storytelling have already made it clear that the answers will come. It may take a little while, as was the case in real life too, but all will be revealed. But what matters more here, is that this episode really did a fine job of pointing out how the lies and the hope simply don’t last. Not without a foundation and not without in this instance… results. Because there’s been no progress, just death, and even for Benita, there was no progress and growth… just promises and charm, and well, that brought forth concern and question and that… sets the stage for quite the tense journey ahead. One that will undoubtedly show us how the cracks formed here will shatter the house of cards that Paolo has built, as this incredible season of storytelling continues along. Until next time. Watch ‘Dr. Death’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
It is definitely safe to say that Peacock has had quite the run over the past year. After all, this is the same streamer that gave us the brilliant Poker Face, and that was followed up with the equally as incredible Mrs. Davis, and Based on a True Story, and those stories were of note because they featured refreshing ideas and concepts that left audiences thinking and well, Peacock is clearly showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to blazing trails with unique stories, as evidenced by today’s announcement.
For earlier, the network released a trailer and a bevy of details regarding Peacock’s first animated endeavor, In the Know. A unique series about a stop-motion puppet working his way through the world of interviews and journalism, complete with laughs of course. Which is, another original and different idea than what we normally see on television in any capacity and well, to properly start the countdown to this unique series, here is that trailer, a note from the show’s creators and showrunners and all the details on the cast and crew, and the guest interview lineup for one refreshing and original series. A Note from Zach Woods (Creator/Showrunner/Executive Producer/Star) and Brandon Gardner (Creator/Showrunner/Executive Producer)
We love public radio. It’s engaging and comforting. But it also reflects aspects of ourselves that we're embarrassed by. Which is why we created a show about an NPR host who is, sadly, an only slightly exaggerated version of ourselves.
We’re privileged, well intentioned, guilty hypocrites. We buy ethically-sourced dog treats and have them delivered by people who are penalized for bathroom breaks. We put “No Justice No Peace” signs next to our home security lawn decals. We’re sanctimonious doofuses who should be ridiculed more. As we get more isolated in our respective echo chambers, we're desperate to connect with people who are different from us through honest conversation and humor. We try to provide both on the show. (And even if you think our comedy is literal trash, we hope you'll enjoy the gorgeous animation from the stop-motion geniuses at ShadowMachine.) We want this show to start funny, scary, friendly conversations. We want to portray people who are possibly irredeemable but hopefully still loveable. And at the center of all of this is a frail overconfident male puppet with a woman’s name: Lauren Caspian. About the Series
ABOUT IN THE KNOW
Lauren Caspian is NPR’s third most popular host. He’s a well-meaning, hypocritical nimrod, just like you and me. He’s also a stop motion puppet. Each episode follows the making of an episode of Lauren’s show In the Know, in which Lauren conducts in-depth interviews with real world human guests. Lauren collaborates with a diverse crew of NPR staff. They are also puppets and nimrods. ABOUT THE SERIES Premiere Date: January 25, 2024 (all episodes) Creator / Showrunner / Executive Producer / Actor: Zach Woods (Silicon Valley, The Office) Creator / Showrunner / Executive Producer: Brandon Gardner Creator / Executive Producer / Actor: Mike Judge for Bandera Entertainment (Beavis and Butt-Head, Silicon Valley, King of the Hill) Executive Producers: Greg Daniels (The Office) and Dustin Davis for Bandera Entertainment Executive Producers: Alexander Bulkley and Corey Campodonico for Shadowmachine Voiceover Cast: Zach Woods (Silicon Valley, The Office), Mike Judge (Beavis and Butt-Head, Silicon Valley, King of the Hill), Caitlin Reilly (Loot, Hacks), Charlie Bushnell (Diary of a Future President, Percy Jackson and The Olympians), J. Smith-Cameron (Succession, Rectify), Carl Tart (Grand Crew) Live Action Guest Interviewees: Kaia Gerber, Jonathan Van Ness, Ken Burns, Finn Wolfhard, Norah Jones, Tegan and Sara, Nicole Byer, Roxane Gay, Mike Tyson, Jorge Masvidal, Hugh Laurie Studio: Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group Format: Adult Animated Comedy, 6 x 30-minute episodes VOICEOVER CAST AND CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS ZACH WOODS voices “Lauren Caspian,” host of the “In The Know” radio program. CAITLIN REILLY voices “Fabian,” researcher and fact checker. CHARLIE BUSHNELL voices “Chase,” college intern. J. SMITH-CAMERON voices “Barb,” co-executive producer of “In The Know.” CARL TART voices “Carl,” sound engineer. MIKE JUDGE voices “Sandy,” culture critic. |
Archives
July 2024
|