Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘The Way Home’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
There are a great many reasons that fans tune into the hit Hallmark series, The Way Home. For some, it’s about the characters because the Landry family and the people around them feel real and make decisions we can relate to. For others, it’s about the plot because this is at its core, a juicy time travel story and there are those of course… who tune in for the fascinating commentary regarding grief and how we fight through it. But of the many reasons that each and every one of us tune in, there’s one above all that we share in. Specially the fact that this series always knows how to surprise us in some form or fashion, as was evidenced by this week’s episode of the show. A feat that ‘Lose Yourself’ accomplished by way of some juicy storylines. One of which, brought Kat’s emotional battle to an abrupt stop. For despite her best efforts in 1814 to help Jacob remember the life he accidentally left behind, to reconnect at last, the trauma of that moment was buried deep in his mind and all that mattered to him was his life in the past. To the point where he scolded Kat and basically sent her on her way with little closure. A move that left Kat stunned. Simply because it taught her a great deal in a short time. Such as the fact that we cannot change the fact that we will lose people along the way, sometimes to circumstances other than death, and that closure isn’t always a possibility for us and that’s a hard pill to swallow and it will be interesting to see how that truth impacts Kat down the line since none of her issues are resolved in the slightest. But there were bigger fish to fry in this episode. For instance, the friction between Kat and her mother continued to grow here, because of the fact that Kat was lost in the past and lost in her grief and that kept things icy and that brought up a lot of past emotions for Del. Because she had been here before with Kat and she thought Kat and finally moved past some of her issues. Granted, there are complexities Del knows little of, this was enough to offer up a trigger point regarding her own unresolved traumas and the past, and that was amplified by an offer from the Goodwin family to buy the farm. Because it put her in a tough place, a crossroads involving legacy and her own freedom and wants. Which in turn spoke to how the past controls us and prompts us sometimes into inaction in the name of legacy and honor when we should be worried about living in the now and forging our own legacy. Both storylines, really did bring forth surprises since we didn’t think Kat’s journey would hit such a quick wall, nor did we ever think we’d see Del actually contemplate a sale, but while those two storylines would have carried this story from beginning to end with plenty for us to chew upon, there was one more that offered up some suprises. Which is one that involved dear Alice. Who decided it was high time to go back in time and learn about what happened back at the mansion in ‘07 since that photo looked so awful, and what she learned, was that the Halloween party that took place there, was critical to her family’s development. Because this was a party where younger Kat and Elliot discussed running away together, since she had split with Brady. But he wasn’t done with her, so that led to a brawl between two suitors, one that ended with Kat in a great deal of pain. Which allowed for Alice to begin to understand what choices gave rise to her existence, along with a lesson we all should learn about our parents. In that, they are flawed people, who made mistakes and will continue to do so even in adulthood. As evidenced by the ending of this story and THAT moment between Kat and Elliot in present day. Just because… they’re people and people are flawed and foolish and do our best to get by and that was the perfect way to wrap up an episode full of twists and turns that seemed to be designed to pivot the story toward resolution of a core central theme. Specifically, facing the past and resolving it. Because it hangs so heavy over everyone in this story, and they need to find peace, and it will be interesting to see how the show moves everyone toward the process of resolution, as we inch toward the end of season two of this magnificent series. Until next time. Watch ‘The Way Home’
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Written by John Edward Betancourt
One particular truth about professional wrestling that not everyone will agree with, is that it truly is a moving and emotional sport. And of course, those who dislike it, are the ones that will not like that statement. For they’ll speak to its excesses and its scripted content, and how that makes it nothing more than passive entertainment. But the arenas that are filled to the brim with legions of loyal and excited fans when the WWE and other leagues come to town, speaks otherwise to that, as does the passion of that fan base. Who will quickly inform us why it moves them, why it makes them tear up now and again, and how a lot of that relates to the stars.
Because the stars that wrestle in these leagues, sacrifice so much to entertain the masses, and sometimes struggle with their health when they leave the sport and sadly… leave this world too young. Which genuinely breaks the hearts of fans everywhere because they connect with these wrestlers like no other, and truly know that they come out there night after night to put on an amazing show and give them their money’s worth and that is why… one incredibly popular wrestler that was taken too soon, is about to be spotlighted in a new Peacock documentary entitled: Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal. Which will chronicle Bray’s (whose real name was Windham Rotunda) rise to fame, the impact he made upon the sport through his innovation and the sorrow that fans feel over his untimely passing and well, to properly begin to pray tribute to Windham and his work, earlier today Peacock released a trailer and some key art, and all the details regarding this documentary. So that we can prepare to celebrate his life when his story arrives on Peacock, and since you’re here because you’re a wrestling fan and a fan of Bray’s work in the ring, here are all those gifts to help you count down the days to the release of this important documentary. · Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal is narrated by Mark William Calaway, better known as ‘The Undertaker.’ · The documentary looks at the remarkable career of the late Windham Rotunda also known as Bray Wyatt, one of the most skillful, tenacious, and creative WWE Superstars of all-time. · Emotional and insightful interviews are featured throughout the documentary from those who knew him best, including members of his family as well as WWE Superstars Hulk Hogan, John Cena, Becky Lynch, Triple H, and his brother Taylor Rotunda. · The documentary also includes interviews with Windham Rotunda as well as never-before-seen footage from the WWE archives. · In addition to Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal, Peacock Premium subscribers can stream thousands of hours of on-demand programming from WWE such as original series, fan favorite shows from the WWE archives and upcoming Premium Live Events, including WWE WrestleMania XL. · To learn more about WWE on Peacock, please visit peacocktv.com/sports/WWE. ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY: DOCUMENTARY DESCRIPTION: Bray Wyatt is one of the most revered and mysterious characters in WWE history. The story behind that character and the man himself, Windham Rotunda, has never been documented until now. Using never-before seen interviews and exclusive backstage footage, Windham Rotunda’s inspiring story unfolds. This documentary chronicles Windham’s incredible rise to worldwide fame as a WWE Superstar, and the struggles and success that came with being a creative visionary. Sadly, in August of 2023, Windham passed away at the age of 36. In the wake of his untimely death, Windham leaves behind a family still grieving with loss as they celebrate a lasting legacy that continues to create and inspire. ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY: Premiere: April 1 Director: Steve Conoscenti Executive Producers: Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque, Lee Fitting, Chris Kaiser, and Ben Houser Co-Executive Producers: Marc Pomarico and Brian Decker Narrator: Mark ‘The Undertaker’ Calaway Produced By: WWE Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also contains discussions regarding domestic violence and abuse, which may be triggering to some individuals.
It is definitely safe to say our journey through the world of The Lost Flowers on Alice Hart on Prime Video, has been harrowing and uncomfortable in nature and understandably so. After all, this is a series that has showcased the lasting impact of trauma via abuse in every form, and what it has showcased… has left us wondering how anyone that’s suffered from abuse as a child or even as an adult, can function. Since we now know the pain, it provides is devastating and at times debilitating in nature. But people do move forward in life with it, and they can thrive, in part because… the pain and the suffering aren’t always there. Because life does indeed go on. In fact, there are good days and moments of agency and freedom from it, believe it or not, and there are moments of epiphany and progress regarding it, and those days were put on display in the next episode of the show. For instance, ‘Part 5: Desert Oak’ took the time to showcase how standing up to the person that abused us can have a positive impact upon our lives, and perhaps theirs. Since June being confronted by so many, combined with a devastating and terminal cancer diagnosis allowed for her to finally ponder upon her past and her actions and think at last, upon a better way forward. To enjoy some measure of peace and happiness and a broken cycle of abuse in her final days. Not to mention, Alice herself enjoyed better days through and through. Because she was away from the abuse and on her own and able to forge her own path and that put her in a wondrous place mentally. Wherein she was able to get a job as park ranger using her vast knowledge of flowers in combination with an employment white lie and in that moment, she was happy. For she had agency at last, freedom, and her own path was indeed being carved out. Plus, she was able to be with Dylan at last and just live. All of which spoke to how we function and thrive when we suffer from severe trauma. Because we either find the way forward or we find little pockets of happiness that help us breath the emotional oxygen we so desperately need. But alas, while it was nice for the show to take a break from the heavier stuff and offer up perspective and an understanding how folks that suffer from such pain cope, make no mistake about it… without real confrontation and resolution, that peace does not last. Which was explored in greater detail through Alice regardless. Because she unfortunately put herself into a relationship with a person that… harbors abusive tendencies. Since Dylan exhibited some supremely concerning behavior here, the kind that Alice was quick to work to quell through submission and deference. Because she had no understanding of red flags or that she was gravitating toward something toxic because of the engrained nature of trauma, she only knew that someone was offering her something seemingly positive and she needed more of it. Which sets the stage for real trouble down the line for Alice since Dylan is likely just getting warmed up. But while we wait to see where this toxic paradise of a relationship is going to take this duo, we can celebrate another brilliant chapter of this tale. One that showcased how exactly life goes on when we suffer from trauma and how it guides us into unique and troublesome situations when we carry it into the core of adulthood, and the show deserves a round of applause for once again speaking honestly to that journey, and for also setting the stage for redemption for June, and potential growth for Alice. Since that will offer up what we really want from this story, a chance to see those mired in darkness, find the light. Until next time. Watch ‘The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 303 of ‘BMF’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Time and time again, the hit STARZ series, BMF, has done a phenomenal job of showcasing a fascinating truth about the drug trade and the individuals that thrive within it. In that, kingpins, and rising stars in the game, want a lot of what we want in the regular world, and try to find it through different means. Only to learn that they can never have what regular folks have, because of the choices they’ve made and the life they live and once again, that was put on display in the next episode of the show. For ‘Sanctuary’ is a story that saw Meech and Terry want a few things that each and every one of us desire as we rise to the top, a sense of peace. A sense of safety. The kind our hard work has afforded. Because that’s what reaching the top gets us in the regular world, respect, accolade, and a beautiful night’s rest atop a pricey and comfortable mattress in the home we’ve built. But that can’t happen in the drug world and Terry and Meech did indeed learn that the hard way. Because first they came to discover… their success would only motivate others to work ten times harder to bring them down instead of offering them the respect they deserved, as evidenced by how tough times hit them both in Atlanta and Detroit. Because back in the D, Terry had to contend with a resurgent Henrietta, who was using Bryant’s knowledge to make life hell for BMF and she was successful in her endeavors. For her crew was getting weight, BMF was not, and that brought about turmoil and a grand fight on Terry’s part to keep the crew together and keep the north side business thriving. All while trying to keep his family life relaxed and safe and well… this business afforded him none of that. Because Henrietta kept the disrespect coming at every single turn, and there was no safety at home since others were making moves to topple his family. Giving rise to a real hard lesson for Terry, regarding how every day was going to be a fight, and a struggle to keep what was his, and oddly enough, there was other drama to be found in the D. Since Lucille went on a date with her handsome doctor friend and enjoyed a little wooing for the first time in a long time, setting the stage for more division between her and Charles. Who was involved in Meech’s problems down Atlanta way. Because Meech’s struggles came from the fact that other crews in the ATL were doing their best to attack BMF at every turn, to the point where there were outright robberies taking place, forcing Meech to get creative to pay his team and forcing him to ask his pops to help with a big ask. Specifically, signing off on a new home in a gated community to keep the product and the cash flow safe. Which at first, Charles had little inclination to do. Since it would have required flubbing the truth. But the Jack the Rapper event changed all that, since Charles saw what the game and the never-ending oppression of the police did to his son and well, African Americans everywhere, and that prompted him to sign off and give his son some grace and agency. But of course, none of that would have been necessary, if there was any semblance of safety or security for Meech and the Atlanta chapter of the BMF crew. Since we also came to learn that even his launderer was on the take from the MKs and well, all of this was indeed a perfect way to explore how the wants and paths of our world vs. the drug world diverge in a supremely harsh manner. Because we simply won’t find those problems being the best accountant or actor we can be, and the show deserves a round of applause for continuing to point this out and for exploring it in detail. Since it is helping us to see how the game changes people and forces them to adapt to maintain status quo and it will be interesting to see what a lack of a sense of safety will do to Terry and Meech as they continue to build their empire. Until next time. Watch ‘BMF’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Manhunt’.
It is definitely safe to say that Americans love to romanticize the formation and early days of the United States of America and understandably so. After all, there are a great deal of benefits to living in the old US of A, and much of that is thanks to the Founding Fathers, and those who fought to preserve this experiment in democracy in those tenuous early days, when it seemed the experiment might fail. After all, a Civil War is quite the big deal but even that… finds romanticization in American Culture. For the right side won and despite the losses, there’s a mantra that the essence of America inspired and prevailed and well… all of this is a touch problematic. Because in reality, there’s not a lot of romance in the nation’s formative moments. For lots of blood was spilled to give rise to the nation, and the Civil War is no exception to that. Not to mention, it led to the death of an amazing president in Abraham Lincoln, and we tend to forget what brought about his passing and why we should study that in great detail. Because those shaky days can teach us a lot about where we are now as a nation and what we should be doing to preserve our union in another tenuous time in our nation’s history. If anything, that critical moment in America’s formation, and what truly helped it to play out, is top of mind today, simply because… it all serves as focal points in the brand-new limited series, Manhunt, on Apple TV+. For this particular tale takes us back to April of 1865, on the day that President Abraham Lincoln met his end at the hands of one John Wilkes Booth, and unlike the history books, that do yes, make mention of this and its significance, ‘Pilot’ and ‘Post-mortem’, take the time to explore so much more. Such as the fact that this happened a mere five days following the unconditional surrender of the Confederacy to the Union, giving rise to real surprise over the fact that high ranking members of the United States Government were eager to get back to normal life so quickly. Until flashbacks and subtlety inform us of how badly peace was sought for during this era and that there was a real desperation to bring normalcy back to a fractured Union that was hurting.
Which obviously, didn’t happen right away because of Booth’s actions, and even that… receives great care in this story. Since we come to learn that Booth and others, were all involved in a plot to go after top officials of the United States Government and topple them as retribution for the South. Whose ideals were indeed alive and well mere days after the end of the war. Giving rise to some fascinating moments that express how tense the days following the end of the Civil War actually were and how so many still believed in what the South wanted to accomplish. To the point they were willing to do this and well… those revelations and Booth’s escape, add to the incredible nature of this story. Because just like that… he’s on the run and the nation’s first real major manhunt is underway.
A reality that will bring forth a refreshing story for certain. Since we didn’t spend much time in history class talking about the twelve days it took to find Booth, or what the nation looked like in the days following the assassination of a beloved president. But thanks to this series and its decision to look at history in the raw instead of through rose colored glasses, we will have that at last and we will be able to examine some fascinating parallels. For a lot of what we learn about Booth’s views and the views of Confederate sympathizers in this tale, resembles a lot of the rhetoric and ideology that is spreading about America now, centuries after this war. Which is why it is important to go this route when looking at history. Because then, hard truths are exposed, the kind we can learn from and adapt from, and that is something we sorely need in America. Will this show of course, change all that? Probably not, but it is a good starting point, one that reminds us how history repeats itself. But that aside, it will also offer up a quality lesson through and through, about an era in history we don’t focus on enough in 2024 and need to. Because this was a critical time in our nation’s survival, and it will be fascinating to learn how Booth was brought to justice at a time where CCTV and cellular data didn’t exist and how exactly, a broken United States held itself together after inflicting such a harrowing wound upon itself. Until next time. Watch ‘Manhunt’
Please enjoy this sneak peek and Synopsis of Episode 303 of ‘BMF’ which airs on STARZ, later tonight, and is available to stream on the STARZ App, now! BMF EPISODE 303: Sanctuary Airdate: March 15 at 8:00pm ET/PT on STARZ Jack the Rapper Weekend, a national Black Radio Music convention designed to showcase and celebrate Urban R&B and Hip Hop Music in Atlanta turns into chaos when Meech, Glock, the MK’s, the Red Dogs collide. The Techwood Boyz are determined to capture Meech and stage an attack against him and Stacks at Meech’s home. Meech is determined to protected his family and foster BMF in Atlanta starting by purchasing a home with the help of his father Charles. Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Finale of ‘Masters of the Air’. To revisit the show’s penultimate episode, click here.
More often than not, the end of the Second World War is presented as quite the festive affair in popular media. Wherein the heroes of the story somehow seem to know they’ve won the day or find incredible joy and wisdom when they learn that Germany and the Empire have fallen, and all that remains for them is a perfect and happy ending. Where America and the Allies won the day and where Hitler and his ideations are forever forgotten and well, that really is an incorrect way to present how this war ended. Because up until the end, it was a fight, and but a handful of stories have taken the time to showcase that unfortunate reality. One of which is the Band of Brothers saga, since the ending of the flagship series showcased how hard it was to transition away from the killing in those days leading up to the end of the war in European Theater and post V-E (Victory in Europe) Day. Not to mention, The Pacific saw the Marines in that theater fight desperate Imperial forces until the atom bomb was dropped upon Hiroshima and Nagasaki and well… the tradition of showing us how the end of World War II was not glorious or glamourous in the slightest, continued along in Masters of the Air on Apple TV+. For the final chapter in the story of the men of the Bloody Hundredth, was filled to the brim with harrowing moments as the European Theater segment of the war wound down. Since we came to learn that despite the Allies owning the skies, of being true masters of the air, there were still dangers untold, since the 100th was still conducting bombing runs into Germany. For one of those runs brought down Rosie’s bird and forced his team to bail out close to the Russian/German battle line. In the hopes of being picked up by the Russians and given safety that way and that did indeed work for Rosie. For he was taken in by his Russian friends and sent back to England to be reunited with his team, but not before discovering horrors untold. Specifically, the despicable Concentration Camps that the Nazis set up to commit Genocide. Which gave Rosie real perspective on the war, and why the fight mattered. A truth he expressed to Crosby when he returned home and that certainly hammered home the point, as did Gale and John’s journey.
Because they were indeed put on the road and marched into the heart of Germany as leverage in these final desperate days of the war and that was tough for them. For they were marching in the middle of winter, and they wanted out, because the danger was only growing on the road and that prompted an escape. One that only Gale and a handful of others took part in, getting him back to England well before John. But John eventually made it back since Allied forces came to his final destination. Allowing for the core pilots in this show to be near one another again and reflect upon how ugly their experiences were… before the story also took part in another tradition. Specifically, taking the time to remind us that while war is indeed hell and this war was ugly until the bitter end, there were still moments that reminded us of why we fight, and what the promise of freedom offers.
Which was expressed via quite the different kind of mission for the boys of the 100th. In that, the Dutch were starving in the final days of the war and a truce had been reached between the Allied Forces and the Nazis to allow for humanitarian drops of food and other necessary supplies, and these fine men were the ones involved in that drop. One where thankfully the Nazi forces honored the truce and where these men were able to offer hope to those in need, and a chance at tomorrow through a hot meal and a brief sense of safety, that maybe things would be all right after all. And it was equally as amazing to see the B-17, an instrument of pure destruction become a beacon of hope and a tool for survival, giving rise to a beautiful moment before the war came to an end. One that did remind us that this was the point of the war. To prevent pain, to prevent suffering and give every soul on this planet a chance to pursue life, liberty, and happiness and well… that moment and seeing these men fly home, made for an emotional and beautiful end to this saga. One that closed out a powerful trilogy of storytelling that expressed the light of the war, and the dark of the war, and the hope that it inspired. Giving rise to a satisfying end to this trilogy and a satisfying end to one powerful story. Wherein we came to learn that despite the ugly, and the missteps, World War II remains the only noble conflict in our storied and sordid history. For this battle, while wrought with suffering, and fiercely challenged by evil… spoke of promise. Of hope… of what we can be when we unite as one, and this story helps to remind us of that, so that we can hold to that promise and never let such horrors happen again. Watch ‘Masters of the Air’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Whether we like to accept it or not, all good things must come to an end, and this is especially true when it comes to storytelling. For no book series can go on forever, and no movie franchise has eternal staying power, and all television shows eventually reach their conclusion and sadly, that truth applies to our discussion today. For despite offering up great news about the Power Universe expanding just yesterday, STARZ had some more somber news to share about another chapter in the saga, earlier today.
In that, the fourth season of Power Book II: Ghost, will be its final season. Bringing a grand conclusion the story of Tariq St. Patrick and his struggle to decide what path he wants to choose in life, and well, STARZ is making sure that this farewell season will be as epic as can be. For it will be released in two parts this year, with part one hitting Friday June 7, and part two hitting Friday, September 6 and of course… we already know the writer’s room and production team and cast and crew will take good care of us with the story and send Tariq and his friends and family off in the right manner. And well, to do this news justice, here are all the details on the fourth and final season of Ghost, along with a farewell teaser, courtesy of STARZ. ‘STARZ announced today that season four of “Power Book II: Ghost” will be the final installment of the epic drama series, airing in two parts. Part one of “Power Book II: Ghost” debuts on Friday, June 7, and part two premieres on Friday, September 6 at midnight on the STARZ app. On linear, both parts will debut on STARZ at 8:00 PM ET/PT in the U.S. and 9:00 PM ET in Canada. The season four premiere of “Power Book II: Ghost” on June 7 coincides with the 10th Anniversary of Power’s debut on STARZ. “Power” spawned two additional “Power” franchise spinoffs, including “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” which is currently filming its fourth season in New York and “Power Book IV: Force” which is currently filming its third season in Chicago. The news quickly follows the announcement yesterday that STARZ plans to expand the Power universe with the development of a new prequel series, “Origins,” that will continue to explore the “Power” universe in a fresh way, delving into the origin story of fan favorite characters Ghost and Tommy. “This explosive season of ‘Ghost’ is a fitting crescendo in a decade of an immensely popular franchise - fans will not be disappointed,” said Kathryn Busby, President of Programming for STARZ. “While this marks the conclusion of one chapter, our commitment to the Power universe endures with more compelling storytelling on the horizon.” Viewers can catch up on the high stakes, gripping, third season of “Power Book II: Ghost” in its entirety on the STARZ app, in anticipation for the riveting final season premiere on June 7. Season four of “Power Book II: Ghost” cast includes Michael Rainey Jr. as “Tariq St. Patrick,” Mary J. Blige as “Monet Tejada,” Cliff “Method Man” Smith as “Davis MacLean,” Gianni Paolo as “Brayden Weston,” Woody McClain as “Cane Tejada,” Lovell Adams-Gray as “Dru Tejada,” LaToya Tonodeo as “Diana Tejada,” Alix Lapri as “Effie Morales,” Larenz Tate as “Rashad Tate,” Caroline Chikezie as “Noma,” Lightskinkeisha as “Brushaundria Carmichael” and Michael Ealy as “Detective Don Carter.” “Power Book II: Ghost” is the first series in the expanded “Power” Universe franchise. Brett Mahoney (“Empire,” “The Following”) serves as showrunner and executive producer for season four. 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. Lionsgate Television produces the series for STARZ. ABOUT “POWER BOOK II: GHOST” SEASON FOUR In light of Season Three’s explosive finale, it’s Tariq St. Patrick and Brayden Weston against the world. With new alliances formed in each faction, Tariq and Brayden must find a way back into the game — and a way to insulate themselves from ever being put in the same situation again. But when Brayden starts flirting with a new, reckless lifestyle, Tariq wonders if there really is room for two at the top. Monet may have finally met her maker, but she has no idea who’s behind it. Davis, suspended and pending disbarment in the wake of his brother’s death, fully embraces the criminal side of his enterprise and finds himself working for both sides — his loyalty dependent on whichever will benefit him most. Faced with the reality that life can end in just a few ways, Effie buckles down on getting out and securing a legit future at Stanford. After last season’s betrayal, Diana and Dru question their roles in the game and the family business, while Cane sees an opportunity to level up when he starts working for Noma. As Noma fights to establish her business in the States, she also tries to keep a close eye on her bratty daughter, Anya, who is now on Tariq and Brayden’s radar. With the fate of his future in the game and his family at the forefront, Tariq must reconcile his past to rise to the top of the food chain and become who he needs to be to protect those he loves most. FOLLOW “POWER BOOK II: GHOST” ON SOCIAL Instagram: GhostStarz Facebook: GhostStarz Join the conversation with #PowerGhost #PowerTV 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.’ Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Apples Never Fall’.
There are a great many reasons that we collectively do our best to avoid crisis, in any capacity. Simply because, we know through others and through past experiences, that crisis is difficult to navigate. It can be an emotional nightmare, and it can put us in a tough place where it seems as though there is no escape. But there is another reason that we tend to avoid crisis or try and stave it off. In that, we also know that the biggest crises we will ever face, will also force us to look inward and uncover truths about ourselves and our lives that we aren’t sure we are ready to face. But alas, despite our best efforts to avoid the strife and the truth, crisis always finds us. If anything, crisis and what it prompts us to ponder upon and face is top of mind today, simply because it will serve as one of the central themes of the new limited Peacock series, Apples Never Fall. As evidenced by how the series premiere of the show plays out, since ‘The Delaneys’ wastes little time in placing that family within quite the crisis. For just like that, their mother, Joy, disappears from the face of the Earth and that immediately causes concern from her children, Amy, Brooke, Troy, and Logan. Because they hear from her day and night really, and to have that silence just doesn’t make sense and well, the dodgy nature of their father, Stan, regarding the matter… prompts all of them to take inventory regarding their family life. Which leads them to quickly understand that perhaps the picturesque nature of their life isn’t quite as lovely as they remember. Because despite being raised by charitable tennis stars and instructors, there’s a lot of darkness in their past. Such as the fact that Stan is and was abusive toward his kids because of his hyper aggressive competitive nature. One that pushes the kids even in adulthood and that anger, and the reality that he and his mother are going to drive one another crazy in retirement, allows for the kids to understand… that they might cause harm to one another emotionally and/or worse because of the grating nature they exhibit. Which leaves the kids wondering… if by chance their father lost his temper and crossed a line. A possibility that unsettles them deeply, to the point where others in the family look elsewhere, to another critical moment that showcased cracks in the foundation of the family. For a year ago, a mystery woman named Savannah showed up at the house after suffering through a domestic violence incident and stuck around for a bit. Enough to showcase to Joy the lack of appreciation she felt regarding her family and helped her to ponder upon what she might want out of life in this next chapter. But Savannah did not stick around for reasons unknown and that quick entry and exit from the family’s orbit is why everyone harbors concern. As though the exit in question was ugly enough to give rise to a need for revenge which in turn prompts Logan to speak with the police in this tale regarding Savannah. But what matters most here, is that this series premiere, does an amazing job of setting the stage for what crisis can expose to us. Because now we know, this family has buried a lot of secrets and emotions and used the admiration they enjoyed from mom and dad’s fame… to push forward and not give their problems a second thought. But with mom gone, all will be revealed and that makes for one compelling tale. One that properly introduces us to the family, and what makes them tick and of course… gets us ready for an ugly journey of discovery. One where this family will not be the same because of the truths that lie ahead, the kind that might devastate them in ways they never could imagine, depending upon how this story answers the greatest question of all; what happened to Joy Delaney? Until next time. Watch ‘Apples Never Fall’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 305 of ‘Resident Alien’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
Each and every one of us easily remember… our first love. That relationship where our stomach was constantly filled with butterflies and our where our minds and our hearts could only focus upon that other person. The one that sent us soaring when our eyes met, made us shake with anticipation over touching lips. All because it is our first, and sadly… the emotions and feelings it produces in us aren’t exactly healthy in nature. In fact, they can be quite toxic to say the least. To the point where no amount of advice from our folks, or our closest friends can shake us free from its grasp and its distracting and aloof nature. It takes the burning out of desire, the lack of the foundation we know to build later on in life, and usually some kind of foolish betrayal or act on someone’s part to get us free and help us to grow into the better, more logical lover we will eventually become. If anything, that moment in time is top of mind today, simply because Resident Alien on SYFY took the time to explore it in incredible detail, as evidenced by this week’s incredible episode of the show. For ‘Lovebird’ lived up to namesake and showcased a first love affair for the ages. Because Harry and Heather… were indeed two birds of a feather, and no, this reporter will not apologize for that terrible pun. Because that kind of silliness permeated the fabric of this episode, so why not join in? Because that duo were truly two kids lost in love and were as dumb as they come. Since they spent every waking moment with one another, indulged in actions that were silly and goofy and uh, make no mistake about it, they did the deed often and everywhere. Much to the chagrin of those who learned about where, since Asta will likely need to have her car detailed several times to have it feel clean in her mind again. But while that made for some serious cute and some serious laughs, it also brought about major concerns. Because Harry was missing in action a lot, and disappearing for days at a time with Heather, and that signaled the unhealthy nature of their love and a need for intervention.
Which brought forth, one of season three’s finest comedic moments and one of its most sorrowful. Because Asta and D’Arcy tried to stage multiple interventions in this wild love affair. Simply because the world needed Harry and needed him to stop the Greys from executing their diabolical plan and first, they tried to reset Harry in a classy manner, at dinner, with Heather. Which brought forth the hilarity in question because Harry and Heather went wild at dinner and misbehaved and made it weird in the most amazing manner possible, and well… since that didn’t work on getting Harry refocused, Asta and D’Arcy tried to go low to get it moving. Only to have Harry snap at them, and say some harsh things in kind, when he learned of their machinations.
But oddly enough, that choice enacted a lot of change. Wherein Asta and D’Arcy felt bad for their actions and tried to make things right in their lives by offering up more kindness and motherhood to Jay and through the right thing. Since D’Arcy finally spoke up to Ben about his abduction and the good didn’t end there. Since Harry also came to learn the case against him was stymied by Liv’s hesitation to continue and through the fact that there was no evidence piling up against him. But there was… a formula found in that booklet in the van, one that gave Harry quite the idea when he had the chance to see it, and enough focus to learn what the plan was. So, he could send that information to the General and save Earth, from a gravity reversal that the Greys were prepping to steal the planet for themselves. But good news or no, make no mistake about it, this was a story about the toxic nature of one’s first love and boy did it showcase it in style. Since all of those moments were familiar and embarrassing and embarrassing for the characters. Because that’s the mess that our first love puts together and it would seem that Harry is indeed about to learn how it ends and how badly that will hurt since Heather made a devastating choice here in the name of safety and love for her family. But while we wait to see how that revelation brings forth disaster for their love, because there is no way she gets to come back from that… we can celebrate one amazing episode. One that was downright hilarious, downright moving, and downright great storytelling from beginning to end. Until next time. Watch ‘Resident Alien’
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