Please enjoy this sneak peek and Synopsis of Episode 305 of ‘BMF’ which airs on STARZ, later tonight, and is available to stream on the STARZ App, now! BMF EPISODE 305: The Battle of Techwood Airdate: March 29 at 8:00pm ET/PT on STARZ Meech and Terry rediscover the Black Mecca of Atlanta when Terry returns with Meech who connects him new allies to build their business and increase cash flow for the BMF team. Both brothers learn the process of breaking into the scene in Atlanta will not be as easy when they are met with the old guard who wants to retain.
0 Comments
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Apples Never Fall’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also includes discussions regarding self-harm and suicide, which made be triggering to some individuals.
One of the hardest aspects of growing up in this world, is finding our niche. Because we are beings that need to feel as though we belong, as though we have purpose and a path in this life and when we cannot find that in life… we struggle. Because then we feel akin to an outsider, someone that is an aberration and that puts us on a unique and sometimes dangerous path. Where we struggle to process our emotions, because of the isolation we feel and all we hope for when we reach that point, is a sense of agency, a sense of finding that purpose. So, the world isn’t so awkward, and we feel on track at last, and believe it or not… it is possible to find that when we are lost in our minds and drifting about. Sometimes it comes forth in a straightforward manner when we abruptly discover our purpose, while other times it comes forth in the most unique ways possible, as evidenced by the next episode of Apples Never Fall. For ‘Amy’ took the time to focus deeply upon Amy Delaney and explored in detail how her more sensitive nature made her an outcast in her own family. To the point where she truly became lost in this life and even committed to harming herself and attempted to take her own life because she was that desperate to feel something, anything in life that wasn’t the void in her heart and that made her the Amy we know today. Listless, searching, hoping to find peace in outlying concepts that reflected her outlying personality. But in this moment, Amy went on that journey of discovery, and unfortunately… it came forth via more pressure from the tragedy surrounding her family. After all, the bloody jacket found next door put Stan under heavier scrutiny, and that of course… made Joy’s disappearance public record. Which in turn prompted Amy to try and do some good, try and put out an energy into the world and bring peace to all, through a meditative event at her place and that… went poorly. Because she was instead flooded with memories of how she came to this point, and no one really cared to take the moment seriously. In fact, the desire to point fingers and cause trouble ruined the vibe and to complicate matters more, the police found a body and needed the family’s help in finding out, if it was Joy or not. Which brought about some serious stress for everyone, really. Since a hard moment of truth was upon them, one that Amy wanted to take the lead upon. To have answers, to be brave and well… this moment had quite the impact upon her. Mainly because it gave her a brief sense of relief, since we came to learn that the body found was not Joy’s. But also, because… it taught her in that moment… the precious nature of life, of how quickly it can evade us and that if we want something in this life, sometimes we have to go for it and just find it and well… she did that. By standing up to her family when they gave her more hell, by being honest and by throwing out the revelation that Brooke was having an elicit affair with Savannah. Just to finally agency, and have weight in the family, and a rush home to enjoy a little intimacy didn’t hurt her seizing of the day, either. But what mattered here, was that this episode made it clear that it doesn’t matter how old we are or how out of place we feel… we can find some semblance of purpose and agency when the time is right. It might happen at a weird time, but it can happen and it was fascinating to see that play out here, at a moment we don’t oft associate with clarity but it is one that can bring it and well… this episode deserves a round of applause for giving us this exploration, while subtly exploring more about Savannah, and how determined she was to be part of this family for reasons that are yet unknown. But now that we know that she and Brooke were extremely close in nature, perhaps the time has arrived to get some answers regarding Savannah… especially now that Amy has found the agency she craves and is moving in the right direction in life. Until next time. Watch ‘Apples Never Fall’
Written by John Edward Betancourt It is quite the amazing time to be a fan of crime dramas and crime stories in general. Because the days of shows that feature brilliant investigators that know all and see all, or fight crime to find peace in a gritty and grimy world are coming to an end. Replaced instead by the next generation of the crime drama. Some of which involves, cozy concepts that make murder less horrifying by focusing more on pluckier ways to solve crimes. Whereas others, are hyper realistic in nature, giving rise to a real understanding of how crime actually works and what motivates it and the strange grey area that some investigators and criminals seem to waltz through on a regular basis. In fact, it is that latter show that is of note today, because one of the best realistic crime dramas around is about to return to the airwaves. For season two of the acclaimed series, American Rust, will debut on Prime Video on Thursday, and well, it goes without saying that season one, was a masterclass in grounding a crime drama in reality. Since its flawed characters truly did push forward into questionable acts in the name of their own needs and wants or bigger pictures in their mind, as so many people do. Giving rise to a refreshing first season that truly captivated and scared us a bit. Since the show was mired in cancellation until Prime Video saved it and provided it with new life and well, we’ve seen season two in advance, aptly titled American Rust: Broken Justice, and absolutely need to discuss what makes it so special and important to this next generation of the genre… in a spoiler-free manner no less. Because exposing what lies ahead would be mean and ruin quite the viewing experience, but what we can say… is that this is that rare series that takes the time to explore what most crime dramas avoid, and people in real life too for that matter, causality. For everything we do has a reaction and fallout and that is present here in spades. Since the gunfight at the end of season one hangs heavy over season two, as do so many other decisions made by these incredible characters that we came to know and love. Giving rise to a powerful season of storytelling grounded in consequence and an understanding that we cannot escape it, and while that in and of itself carries this season, it offers so much more to the viewer. Specifically, by way of the characters and their incredible journeys here. Because what we also sometimes forget about consequences for our actions, is that they open our eyes to where we are at in life and how perhaps we need to make some changes to our current course of action. Or we discover post-consequence that we have dreams and wants that we haven’t paid enough to attention to. Giving rise to journeys that are grounded in searching, in want, and that makes for compelling television, as do the crime elements. For this is at its core, a crime drama and there is plenty for Del to investigate now that he is back in the fold at the Pittsburgh Police Department, and the wonder of this story doesn’t end there. Because one thing we all loved about season one of the show, was its stellar acting, and thankfully… that’s present here too. Since the entire cast returned to follow-up on season one’s events and that leads to some amazing moments as well, the kind that truly sell us on the story and the moment and the best news of all, is that we are indeed days away from being able to experience all of those elements. For Thursday will see all ten episodes of American Rust: Broken Justice drop on Prime Video, and we cannot wait for you to see this fantastic season of storytelling, one that truly challenges the characters in a bold new manner and thrills the audience with moments that put us on the edge of our seats. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 307 of ‘Resident Alien’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
It really is quite amazing, the impact that family has upon us. Because there’s really no black and white when it comes that aspect of our lives. Overall sure, family can make us feel great or make us feel bad. But it can also do that… in a matter of minutes, giving rise to the reality that family is simply chaos through and through. Wherein it has a unique impact upon us on any given day and that is both healthy and unhealthy, and we roll with it the best we can and hope we make the best possible decisions out of that impact. If anything, the madness of family and the chaos it imparts upon us emotionally, is top of mind today, simply because it was front and center during this week’s episode of Resident Alien on SYFY. For family was in everyone’s business in ‘Here Comes My Baby’ and well… this story really did showcase all of those ups and downs. For instance, D’Arcy came to learn that her father was in the hospital while he and her mother were visiting a friend, and well… coming face to face with her father’s mortality, mixed her up badly. Because on the one hand, it allowed for her father to speak to the pride he felt for his daughter and the wonder he held in his heart at having her in this world. Which was beautiful to say the least, but it also made D’Arcy feel as though she was letting him down by stepping away from her passion and working at the bar and floating a bit. Which prompted her to do something drastic we will get to a bit. Because what mattered more, was that this was a perfect example of how family can take us on a rollercoaster ride emotionally, even with the best intentions in place. Of course, Harry’s journey outlined this as well. After all, darling Bridget was back on Earth and mad as hell, and rightfully so. So, Bridget just went wild over the emotions that Harry brought forth. To the point where a grand attempt to ruin Harry’s life came into play. The kind where people were starting to worry about Harry’s mental health. Which led to a grand fight of sorts, that all-out battle to settle scores and bad emotions. A toxic move no less in family, but one that has its merit. Because sometimes we need to say the things we need to say and blow it up. Not... the way the Harry did here, since he literally used the taser to detonate his tiny baby. But in the sense that it lets us start over, as Harry and Bridget did here. Which proved some positives can come out of the chaos and the conflict, as evidenced by what Bridget inspired in Harry.
For Harry came to realize… that all his sweet little one wanted was love and guidance and a sense of belonging. Something that all babies in the galaxy desire and that parents deep down want to offer. Which helped Harry to shed his sorrows and find focus and accomplish wonders in this story. Such as making peace with Bridget and harboring an understanding of how he needed to be a better dad that didn’t engender chaos in the heart but instead love and joy. And he also offered Kate, incredible help. Because he also felt the need to deliver the bomb himself and thought perhaps, she could offer advice on the ship, only to learn… she was a lost mother that needed her child. So… he helped her remember everything at last, a move that put her in tears but helped her know the truth and well… that wasn’t the only positive moment to be found in this sometimes-feisty tale.
Because Asta finally found common ground with Jay, something long overdue, and that was motivated by her own mother. Who tried to extort every dime to give Asta what she wanted regarding her past and well… one should just know their family without strings, and that was what prompted her to build that bridge. Not to mention, Mike, Liv and even Mayor Hawthorne, made some serious progress in rooting out Joseph and the alien menace in this story, through honesty and teamwork. But of course… this was a spicy tale filled with emotion and raw energy and that was evident by how this tale ended. Since D’Arcy felt the only way to really find a sense of purpose and pride again in this life, was to save all of humanity and that was why she stole the bomb and made her way to Wyoming. Which sets the stage for one heck of a season three finale. One where Harry clearly must intervene to save a friend and all of humanity. But before we speculate as to how that plays out, we can celebrate another delightful look at the human condition. One that really explored the chaos of family life and the wild emotions it puts us through in a raw and visceral manner. One without a firm solution, just a reminder of what a ride it can be, and the show deserves a round of applause for going that route. Because it is just rare to explore family in that manner. But it was here, and it was glorious and well, now that we enjoyed more commentary on us, the time has indeed come to turn our attention to the season finale and a battle for ages to save the tiny blue rock we and Harry, call home. Until next time. Watch ‘Resident Alien’
Written by John Edward Betancourt It is definitely safe to say, that March has been a bittersweet month for the Power Universe on STARZ. For early on in the month, the wondrous news that a prequel series entitled Origins, dropped. Giving rise to pure joy over the reality that the Universe was growing. But just like that, Power giveth, and Power taketh away. For we also came to learn that season four of Power Book II: Ghost would be its last, split up over two parts and that was tough to swallow. Since it effectively will bring about an end of the St. Patrick story, prequel, or no. Which is indeed what brought us into the fold. But thankfully, March is going to end on a high note for certain for the franchise. For earlier today, STARZ let it be known that Power Book III: Raising Kanan, is receiving an early season five renewal. A move that will further let us come to understand what made Kanan Stark into the flawed and broken man we met in the original show, and well… that is indeed comforting news because Raising Kanan is indeed a magnificent show and a powerhouse drama. And to properly celebrate this news, here are all the details on this renewal, courtesy of STARZ. ‘STARZ announced today its hit drama series “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” has been renewed for a fifth season. The third installment in the “Power” franchise, “Raising Kanan” recently concluded its explosive third season and is currently filming season four in New York. “We know that our fans can’t get enough of ‘Raising Kanan.’ As the inevitable evolution of this young man into a killer plays out, we knew we had much more backstory to share in this ever-escalating family saga,” said Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming for STARZ. “As we continue to expand the storytelling within the Power universe, we’re looking forward to how this story may intersect with other Power characters during this prequel era.” It was recently announced that STARZ is in development on a new “Power” prequel series, “Origins,” that would delve into the origin story of fan-favorite characters Ghost and Tommy. This would mark the fourth spin-off of the hugely popular “Power” series, preceded by “Power Book II: Ghost,” which will debut its two-part final season on June 7th, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” and “Power Book IV: Force” which is currently filming its third season in Chicago. “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” explores the early life of fan-favorite character “Kanan Stark,” originally played by 50 Cent in the flagship series and shows his evolution from naive teenager to cutthroat villain. All episodes from seasons one through three are available to stream on the STARZ app and all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms. Set in the early 1990’s, “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” tells the origin story of the merciless “Kanan Stark,” and his entry into the criminal world through his mother, who ruthlessly runs the family’s drug empire. Season three recently concluded with an epic showdown between Kanan and Raq, resulting in a couple of surprise deaths and an even-more surprising return of a fan-favorite character. The series stars MeKai Curtis in the titular role of “Kanan,” Tony and Grammy Award winner Patina Miller as his mother, Raquel “Raq” Thomas,” London Brown as “Marvin Thomas,” Malcolm Mays as “Lou-Lou Thomas,” Hailey Kilgore as “Jukebox,” and Joey Bada$$ as “Unique.” Creator Sascha Penn will return as showrunner and executive producer for season five of “Power Book: III: Raising Kanan.” The “Power” Universe series is executive produced by the creator and showrunner of the original “Power,” Courtney A. Kemp through her production company End of Episode, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson through G-Unit Film and Television, and Mark Canton through Canton Entertainment. Chris Selak also serves as executive producer. Lionsgate Television produces the series for STARZ. Follow “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” on Social Instagram: @RaisingKananStarz Facebook: @RaisingKanan Join the conversation with #RAISINGKANAN and #STARZ About STARZ STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company. About Lionsgate Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium global subscription platform to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world. The Company's film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by an 18,000-title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.’ Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Finale of ‘Night Court’. To revisit Season Two’s Penultimate Episode, click here.
Something that is genuinely fascinating about weddings, is that they tend to be an event filled to the brim with discovery. For they truly do teach us of the meaning and the wonder of love. Since they allow for us to be privy to its purest form and that can either motivate a person to seek out that happiness or cherish it, if it is in their lives, and the lessons it brings forth go beyond mere matters of the heart. Because a wedding can motivate a person to take inventory regarding their lives, since they can use the benchmark of happiness in front of them to ponder upon whether or not they have what they want, and it can also prompt a person to just… ponder on their journey. Since weddings are a reflective time as well. If anything, the power of the wedding and what it can do for us on a global and personal level is top of mind today, simply because it served as the focus of the season two finale of Night Court on NBC. A feat that ‘The Best Dan’ accomplished, by having an important moment arrive in the Stone courtroom, specifically… celebrating the nuptials of one Rosalind ‘Roz’ Russell. For a suspicious case in front of the Night Court cost her, her venue, and Abby was more than happy to open up the reception area to her to properly close out the wedding. Which Roz accepted and that led to one eye-opening wedding. One where Wyatt, Flobert, Gurgs, and Olivia came to discover there was a saboteur of the original venue and they were able to hold him accountable, thanks to a little liquid courage. Which ensured this union was honest and true. But in between that fun little vignette, there was a lot of personal discovery taking place. For instance, Abby, and her date, Jake, were struggling with the power of the wedding. Because they were seeing love and joy everywhere and despite declaring loudly that they wanted to keep their love affair causal in every sense of the word… it became evident that their relationship was growing. To the point where Jake spoke about his absentee father growing up and where Abby began to be cuddly. Because deep down they knew they had something special here. They had a real connection, a real love brewing, and they could either fight it and keep moving at this simpler pace or acknowledge it and embrace it. Of course, they chose the latter, and that brought about real joy and set the foundation for quite the surprise involving one Dan Fielding. Who spent his time… reflecting deeply upon a past mistake. Because we came to discover that after Christine Sullivan won her election, Dan left Manhattan to be with her, and screwed it up royally. To the point where Christine’s family came to despise him, especially after her passing since Dan wasn’t present at the funeral. A story that came up, simply because Katie Sullivan, Christine’s little sister, was at the wedding and well… that prompted Dan to really ponder upon how badly he wanted to atone for this. Which Abby helped him do in a unique manner, since she forced him to look at his missteps and be objective about them and be honest if he tried to do anything to rectify, and oddly, he did. Because Dan admitted he was at the funeral after all, just in hiding to not sully the day or cause trouble. A truth that Katie heard and accepted, and perhaps made peace with. All because a wedding forced Dan to reflect and think about the journey. Yet, while those two plot threads would have been enough to carry this episode, there was mention of that surprise involving Dan. Which came about, because Jake got his mother down to the reception, wherein she and Abby were able to chat, and Abby was able to learn… that there’s a fair chance that Dan Fielding might be Jake’s dad. Courtesy of the mannerisms they share. Which would bring about some juicy storytelling in season three, something we here at NTG hope the show gets. But while we wait to see if season three is in the cards, we can celebrate one epic finale. Because Jake returned, and so did Roz, and the story was delightful and fun and so very, very Night Court. And that really is the story of season two, a delightful journey, one that threw in a little depth for good measure and will hopefully continue so we can enjoy more of this magical and downright funny sitcom. As a bonus, here are some stills spotlighting the incredible guest stars that appeared in this week's season two finale. Watch ‘Night Court’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Extended Family’. To revisit Season One’s Penultimate Episode, click here.
If there is one question, we ask ourselves about our significant other when things are getting serious and we’re looking at marriage, partnership, and a flat-out lifetime together, it would have to be… are they right for me? Because everything we know about love and marriage demands that we have the right partner in front of us before we tie the knot. Someone we find to be deeply compatible on all levels and know inside and out before saying those two important words and well, there is merit to answering this question in the affirmative. Because if we don’t believe they’re the one, how is this going to last? But what’s funny about that question, is that we tend to only ask ourselves it once, and if we get anything resembling a ‘yes’ in our minds, we forge ahead with interesting results. Because sometimes… it works out. Sometimes… it falls apart. Which means… we should ask that question more often, and really understand what it is that draws us to our chosen person and what they want out of this as well. Because that’s what builds a solid relationship and builds the foundation for a firm ‘yes’ to that all-important question and that part of the relationship process is top of mind today, because it was featured in a powerful manner in the season one finale of Extended Family on NBC. A feat that ‘The Consequences of Considering the Consequences’ accomplished by wasting little time in having Trey and Julia ask Jim for quite the favor. In that… they wanted to know the answer to that question and needed his help in doing a pre-marriage screening to make sure they were compatible and were right for one another. Which brought about… a scary journey for these two lovebirds. Because as Jim began to dig into their compatibility and what they actually knew about one another… they came to realize… they did not have as much in common as they would have liked, not to mention… they hadn’t discussed what they ultimately wanted out of this relationship. Such as whether or not children would be in the mix, something Trey wanted but Julia did not.
Which made it seem as though this episode was going to end in utter disaster, with the duo splitting up and moving on because they didn’t have everything in a row as we expect couples to and that’s when this story took a beautiful and powerful turn. Wherein they stayed together but only after coming to realize… that it is impossible to know everything before marriage and to try and do so does the relationship a disservice. Because discovery is part of the journey and what matters more… is the connection we share with the person we love and what they do for us as a partner over whether or not both parties love certain movies or camping. And we build that through communication and understanding and discovery and coming to that epiphany with Jim’s help, allowed for this duo to find a healthy way forward.
One grounded in communication and understanding and that… was the perfect way to wrap up the inaugural season of this magnificent series. Since it spoke to second chances, how we learn and grow from prior relationships, and come to understand the real work that goes into them. Such as saying what we need and understanding how best to serve one another because it is a partnership and that… was just revolutionary stuff to find in a sitcom. Simply because, they don’t touch upon real world matters such as these and offer lessons this impactful and this useful. But Extended Family is a different kind of sitcom, one that is indeed special and meaningful and quite frankly, is the next definitive/generational family comedy. The kind that will continue to mean a great deal to the audience and the cast and crew, as evidenced by what Jon Cryer (Jim Kearney) and Donald Faison (Trey Taylor) expressed to this writer at the 2024 Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour, when asked what it means to be part of something so special and here is what both of those gentlemen said regarding that:
DONALD FAISON: “I’ve been waiting for this forever. You know, ‘Scrubs’ was a single-cam sitcom. I grew up on multi-cam sitcoms like ‘A Different World’ and ‘The Cosby Show’ and ‘Cheers.’ Those were the shows I grew up on and I remember as a youth, I always wanted to be on NBC on a sitcom. And when I was young, ‘Cosby’ was the only one in New York City that I can remember that had young Black characters on it. And so, to now be on NBC a few years later, it’s amazing. This is the dream. I’m living it.”
JOHN CRYER: “Yeah, for me, I grew up on ‘Mary Tyler Moore,’ ‘All in the Family,’ ‘The Jeffersons,’ ‘Maude’ –- all those things meant a great, great deal to me –- ‘Sanford & Son.’ So it was always something I had just a gut level comfort with, and that I've gotten the opportunity to do this a lot. I did like -- I did three sitcoms before ‘Two and a Half Men’ hit. I did ‘The Famous Teddy Z’ and ‘Getting Personal’ and ‘Partners’ before that, and it's kind of an addictive format. You just love it. It's great, great fun.” Which truly helps us to understand, they get it, they know the power of this show, the power of the sitcom and will continue to give us their best and help us to learn. Which hopefully will come forth via a second season and beyond, because this is a show that television needs right now. Because it is feel-good entertainment that helps us learn through joy and laughter and the sometimes-silly stuff we fret over too much. But while we wait to see if indeed more seasons await, we can celebrate one incredible year of storytelling. The kind that explored modern dating, modern relationships, and everyday life in a manner so unique and so compelling, that this show needs to be fawned over and dissected since the honesty present here is rare in sitcoms, but welcome. And hopefully, this season serves as the blueprint for sitcoms going forward, so they remain a true staple of the television landscape and take on new life and offer new meaning to their loyal audiences. Watch ‘Extended Family’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Finale of ‘Constellation’. To revisit Season One’s Penultimate Episode, click here.
It is definitely safe to say that the Apple TV+ series, Constellation, has offered up a masterclass in science fiction storytelling in its first year on the air. Simply because… we’ve been immersed in a fascinating story about multiple realities and what it would be like to cross that threshold and see how the other half lives. Which has given rise to powerful and chilling stories that showcase how the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and of course, as great science fiction is wont to do… challenges the human condition. Since the human impact of such a crossover has been explored in detail as well through Jo’s painful and powerful emotional journey. One that has left us wondering… whether Jo would return home and reunite with her beloved daughter and find peace after succumbing to the whims of a powerhouse experiment gone wrong. Well as it turns out, the season finale of this sci-fi epic, took the time to answer that question in quite the blunt and unique manner. For ‘These Fragments I Have Shored Against My Ruin’ wasted little time in informing any doubters, that yes, Jo had crossed some kind of reality threshold and that no… there would be no going back. In part because, the Caldera switch brought forth the destruction of the Cal. A device which truly seemed to bend the fabric between realities and gave rise to real possibility that Jo might find her way home. But with it gone, and another truth revealed, it became even more crystal clear that this switch was indeed permanent. Because sadly… Jo wasn’t the only one who had experienced some strange doings by traveling into space. In fact, Irina more or less explained in her magical and cryptic way, that those who braved the cosmos and crossed into its endless void… sometimes found themselves in other worlds. After all, she was confirmed to be dead in another timeline and even the ever-brave Yuri Gagarin was in the same hospital that Jo was transferred to because he had experienced similar surprises before he returned to terra firma. So, in the end, the Cal simply accelerated the switch for some, and Jo should have considered herself lucky. Since she didn’t end up mad like Yuri, or dead(ish) like her counterpart, and of course… she wasn’t staring down murder chargers like Harry did in Bud’s world. The kind that he was unable to evade while Bud ran free and enjoyed the spoils of a new life.
Yet, all of that truth brought no comfort to Jo. For she truly wanted to find a way home and did her best to build up alliances in the hospital to escape and find that path, and she even took time to explore when those alliances came to fruition. But soon she realized, the window to get back to her world was closed, and there was a new surprise that helped her to realize… the time had come to accept this fate. In that, she was pregnant, with a child that was likely caught between worlds as well, since her ultrasound featured that strange pattern that the Cal produced and well… that prompted Jo to relent her claims, find peace and settle in with this Alice and this Magnus. To try and find happiness and a better tomorrow.
Which brought about an ending… that no one expected. For there was no mad dash to save the Cal. No fight with an evil Caldera to find common ground and a way home. Just… fate. Fate brought on by our curiosity to explore the cosmos and beyond, and obviously Jo’s decision brought forth a far more intimate close to this story. One that pondered deeply upon… our inability to change the big things in life, and how we grow and how we sometimes see those we love change around us. And how we have no choice but to adapt to find the happiness and peace we crave. Making this finale and this season of storytelling, about life, and the surprises it sends our way… under the guise of a shockingly epic concept, but that all made for impactful storytelling, nevertheless. After all, we paid attention for certain, and had to know how it was going to end and well, this finale deserves a round of applause for giving us one hell of an ending. One that is worthy of the great sci-fi epics courtesy of its humanity and its bonus twists and turns and for outright taking us on a fascinating and engaging ride we could not look away from. As to whether or not this is the end of the journey, we do not know, but hopefully we get more down the line. To see what the next chapter of Jo’s life looks like and learn more about the crossover and how it works and why it happens. But if we don’t… then at least we can enjoy this epic, time and time again, and pour over an immersive story about the chaos of the universe and how it can deeply and wildly impact the human condition. Watch ‘Constellation’
Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of the Penultimate Episode of Constellation which debuts tomorrow (3/20/24) on Apple TV+! Episode 108: These Fragments I Have Shored Against My Ruin Season finale. Jo is taken to an astronaut rehabilitation clinic, where the truth is revealed. Written by John Edward Betancourt We really do live in quite the unique era when it comes to information. Because on the one hand, a simple internet search can teach us wonders untold about the world. From how to properly cook salmon to an understanding of how quantum physics work. Yet at the same time… there’s so much we don’t know and don’t have access to from an information standpoint. Some of that is because we don’t have those answers just yet, but some of it relates to the fact, that no one has taken the time to uncover the facts about a particular aspect of our world, and that is supremely true when it comes to how creative minds, create. Because we simply don’t know how art is made. Sure, we see the end result, or we see time lapse videos of say, how a painting or a sculpture is made… but we treat art with such awe and wonder… that we simply don’t ask creatives what goes into their line of work, nor do we ask them how they truly bring art to life. But thankfully, there are people that recognize this particular gap in knowledge and are working to fill it in, so we can further respect the art that surrounds us, and perhaps finally understand that it is more than a gift to write, to paint, or assemble some of the best jokes out there. It’s work, hard work, and a lot of trial and error, and that’s why the new Peacock documentary series, Good One: A Show About Jokes is so important. For it really is a trailblazing documentary series that dives deep… into how stand-up comedy and jokes are created. Which truly is a topic that hasn’t been explored in popular media in the slightest. In fact, what we mostly get from any special surrounding a particular comedian, is that moment of realness before they go on stage and then… it’s onto the jokes. But here, director Eddie Schmidt takes us inside the day to day working life of Mike Birbiglia. Who is widely regarded as one of the funniest comedians out there, who makes his work seem effortless, but in fact… is one of the hardest working jokesters in the business, as evidenced by what Eddie captures here. Because this special, really does take us inside the world of a comedian, for a no holds barred look at how they craft jokes. Which in this instance involves Mike trying to discover what his next show is going to look like, and how to get back on Broadway with it, and that allows for us… to learn how he writes and crafts a joke, and how he tests them out upon a live audience to see what works, what doesn’t, what is close but needs a tweak. Which brings about, a fascinating story. One that truly takes us inside the laugh factory that is a comedian’s mind to really see how jokes are carefully crafted pieces of writing that require perfect timing, perfect delivery, and outright care. But of course, a comprehensive documentary has to offer more than just the process, we also need to understand what made Mike want to be a comedian, and what it took him to get where he is today, and we receive that as well. Giving rise to a story that is just as much about the man as it is his craft, and it is also quite the bonus, that there is commentary from some of the industry’s greats regarding Mike’s work and the craft to be found here. All of which gives us a definitive understanding of how comedy is created and also provides us, with a truly original documentary. For we’ve never seen anything like this before on the small screen, and it is compelling, powerful, and truly engaging and absolutely provides us with new perspective on an age-old craft, and newfound appreciation for it, all courtesy of a revolutionary look inside the process and the mind of one brilliant comedian. ‘Good One: A Show About Jokes’ is available to stream on Peacock. |
Archives
October 2024
|