Normally, documentaries about events in sports, are supremely positive in nature and understandably so. After all, sports are designed to enthrall us, and make us feel inspired, so it stands to reason that documentarians would find unique angles to do just that, and they most certainly have. Since we have been treated to so many tales about how teams overcame adversity to win a championship or overcome a tragedy. Or we learn how a group of individuals that had no business being on a field together, came together as one to do the impossible and win games and accomplish wonders.
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But alas, while it is nice to be inspired and know what heroes accomplished if you will, those are not the only stories out there in the sports world. Because for every champion there is a loser that was so close and has a story to tell, and there are teams mired in multiple losing seasons that have to dig deep and find a way to even get onto that field and give their best, knowing full well, they stink. But thankfully, the demand for more diverse stories out there is bringing forth sports documentaries that focus upon more than just the folks that raise the trophy. In fact, there is a brand-new sports docu-series on Peacock that takes the time to look at one of the wildest stories to ever take place in sports, the tale of the 1990 New York Yankees.

One that stands forgotten because of how many championships the Yankees have won with superstars at the helm. But Bronx Zoo ’90: Crime, Chaos and Baseball, takes the time to remind us that it wasn’t always sunshine and roses at Yankee Stadium. In fact, 1990 was perhaps one of the darkest chapters in Yankees history. After all, this is a season where egos clashed over money and performance, and where superstars from other sports joined the team. Plus, this is also a season where some strange and disturbing things happened in the clubhouse and as this team outright hit rock bottom at the ballpark. All of which are vignettes that were indeed forgotten to time and buried beneath so many pennants, but these are moments that need to be spotlighted and explored. Because they are moments in sports history, and it is paramount that we recognize the bad as much as we celebrate the good and thankfully, we get all of that in this documentary. 

Because director D.J. Caruso, makes sure that every stunning moment is explored in equally as stunning detail. Through engaging interviews with team members from that era, and through the lens of the many beat writers that were present when all this went down and chronicled it with gusto. Which draws you deeply into this story, and compels you to see it through to the end. To not only see what wild moments await next, but because you're in awe that this happened to one America's proudest teams, and truly, the facts will take you off guard here and leave you in awe, and revisiting such surprises in such amazing detail, makes this, an important and powerful documentary. Because it is just an incredible reflection upon one of baseball’s lowest points, and it showcases that with the right care, and the right objectivity, all the ups and downs of sports can be put upon display in an engaging and impactful… and uplifting manner as well.

After all, there are some highs that are chronicled here too, and that helps us to understand how… sometimes it truly is darkest before the dawn and well, all of these elements, make this an absolute must-see documentary. Primarily because of its revolutionary perspective, but more so because it is so incredibly compelling and so incredibly fascinating. Thanks in large part to how much one learns when watching this comprehensive slice of history. One that finally informs us of the fact that sports, aren’t always about glory. They are filled with failure, filled with mistakes and outright darkness at times… so that the people that play can find strength, and move forward, and become the champions that we celebrate.   

Watch ‘Bronx Zoo ’90: Crime, Chaos and Baseball’ on Peacock.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 12012 of ‘Chicago Fire’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Perhaps one of the most difficult tasks for a long-running television show to accomplish, especially a procedural that features a supremely specific setting, is keeping things fresh and original. Because mixing it up and wowing the audience is what keeps them coming back for more and time and again, we’ve seen great shows stumble and fall when it comes to such matters because there does come a point where it seems ideas are thin and there’s not much else the story can do. But one particular franchise/universe has in fact, figured out how to buck that problem. For Dick Wolf’s television shows, have come to understand that offering up diverse stories that borrow from just about every genre is the way to keep shows intriguing and for proof… well then look no further than what Chicago Fire on NBC is doing.

For it is a series that should, by virtue, run out of ideas and steam. After all, it’s a firefighter serial, one set in a firehouse and one would think that there are only so many ideas to play with there. But this series loves to mix it up and take us unique places. Since last week featured a heist story, and a dangerous one at that. Which really did keep things interesting and well, this week’s episode found a way to keep that fresh nature rolling as well. Since ‘Under Pressure’ made use of the rich characters in this story to explore a bevy of concepts that kept our attention. Such as how trauma and fear, can bring about conflict in our personal lives when left unresolved. Since Joe came to learn after a brush with the emergency room, following a rescue, that his problems with Chloe were related to her traumas about the past, and that she was projecting those fears upon Joe. 

An epiphany that prompted confrontation and resolution thankfully, but it was just one of many grand concepts present in this story, bringing forth that engaging diversity in question. For this is a story that also featured, some paramedic drama as well. Since Lennox crossed a line while on that same call where Joe had to go to the hospital, prompting Kelly and Violet to file a report regarding his conduct since Lennox nearly killed a man, and while that investigation took place, Violet also had to help Novak cope with a hard truth she had never faced before in her career. In that, we cannot escape emotional ties to what we do, despite our best efforts to treat it as a job or an everyday routine. Because we’re human and we commit and make it part of ourselves and we have to be ready for that reality, and act accordingly. Which Novak took under advisement, and hopefully, to heart eventually.

All of which brought forth a wildly diverse hour of drama that explored so much about the human condition. Since we enjoyed lessons regarding what it means to be a hero, how dark times stay with us until we confront them and the power of caring over what we love. Which would have been enough to carry this episode, yet… this story still had more to offer. Since we also had a little fun injected into this tale, courtesy of Capp and Tony. Who decided to flex up on Squad 4 with a bet regarding a world record. Which Kelly told them to ignore, until Squad 4 made it personal with Kelly, which put the wager back on the line, and with some good prompting and cheering, this duo managed to pull off pulling a truck quite the distance in under a minute. Giving rise to some bragging rights, and some feel good moments for all of us, and yet… this story STILL had more to offer us.

Because the big shocker regarding the Lennox incident was that… he was let go from his job. Which shocked Kelly and Violet because he was Robinson’s right-hand man. But that was all part of a master plan to seize power by Robinson with DC Barnes preparing to step down, giving rise to an endgame for Kelly, since Lennox let him know what she was up to. Which was the bow on quite the gift of an episode. Because this one, had it all really, just plotlines galore, all of which were fascinating and powerful and moving and just showcased… how diverse this show can be. Because one week, it can be a juicy thriller that puts us on the edge of our seat, and the next, it can be a powerful reflection of the human condition and our struggles, and it can be fun and compelling and offer up some serialized moments. All in one episode no less, and that’s why we love this show, and why it has longevity. Because it always finds new ways to be interesting, and it will be fascinating to see what surprises await us storytelling wise, during next week’s season twelve finale. Until then.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Something that is genuinely fascinating about the Freeform series, Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise, is the sheer fact that this reality series, is eager to explore the nature of causality. For so many other stories in this vein, simply focus upon the moment… and the drama in that moment. But here, we’ve been privy to the emotional response of folks that have endured some real surprises here, and we’ve seen them hold others to account for their actions. Giving rise to a vastly different kind of reality show. One where yes, drama exists, but it is healthy in nature. Since it is a consequence for those who crossed a line and conducted in an effort to heal.

If anything, the show’s fascination with causality is top of mind today, simply because it was put on display one more time during last night’s season one finale. For ‘Easter Rumble’ saw everyone show up at Julian’s place to enjoy a grand Easter party, Cayman style and well… there were several that saw this party as the right time… to hold people to account. For Dillion has caused a lot of trouble on the island, and of course… Elizabeth has indeed gotten away with some woefully toxic actions and behavior that cannot be allowed to continue. So, Chelsea, Trevor, Vic, and Julian were ready to do what needed to be done.

Which led, to quite the tense party. One that started out okay, but once Dillon got there… the tension came into play. Because Chelsea took the first opportunity available to her, to inform Dillon of how hurtful it was for him to spread rumors like that, and well, his decision to play it off and be defensive in doing so… only brought more heat down upon him from Trevor and Vic. Because they outright told him to skip the wedding for crossing the lines he did, and that prompted him to just leave the party, under the realization that he pissed off a lot of people. As to whether or not those consequences hold weight for him, we don’t know… but he did face them for certain, as did Elizabeth.

For she decided it was wise to make a cameo at Julian’s, mainly because he did her the solid of running the bakery launch last week, but it was a decision that ended up becoming quite costly for her emotionally. Because shortly after she arrived, Julian was quick to sit her down and confront her about her actions, and rightfully so. Because she did dump the bakery upon him, and she did not plan properly for her own grand opening and needed to be held to account for it. But this was too much for her to process, as was a follow up confrontation about her actions and that prompted Elizabeth to leave post haste and informed us… there’s a lot going on within her internally, that she needs to resolve since that kind of response speaks to someone who is walled off emotionally.

But that is not to denote sympathy or side with her actions. She did do Julian dirty and needed to face the consequences for it, and it was incredible to see that on display here and to see how agency and confrontation and a desire to combat drama can benefit so many. Since we saw follow-up facts and snippets about how everyone grew beyond this moment, through the strength accountability gave them. All of which gave rise to a fascinating end to this season’s journey, one that wraps this story up if Freeform opts to not bring about a second season. But they should, because this has the chance to do something quite special. But in the here and the now this was quite the satisfying ending, one that informed us that reality television can be different and deeper, if the show in question prioritizes humanity over the drama.

For the most part, science fiction tends to be a genre that examines the human condition through deconstruction. All in the hopes of moving us forward really. For taking apart how love can make us silly, or how anger can lead to trouble… helps us to understand how our emotions get the better of us, and what the power of analytical mind can do. Which is why so many sci-fi stories feature such unique and cerebral stories, and often end in a very even keel manner. Because the genre handles those goals well, and gives us pause in doing so, and we of course… happily keep coming back to learn more about ourselves and the people that surround us. 
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But what’s fascinating, is that this era of peak television, is working to change that particular standard for science fiction. For there are stories out there now that question… if science fiction has to be so direct and dry in its examination. If it can instead use what it stands for to take us on a different ride. One that still offers up what we love about it but does so in a manner that is subtle and moving, so that the lessons stick with us in a manner that has emotional gravitas. Which is why the Prime Video series, Outer Range is of note. Because its first season posed that very question and dabbled within it while it built up the incredible world that Royal and his family and friends inhabit.

However, with its second season arriving tomorrow, it is evident that Executive Producer Josh Brolin and Showrunner Charles Murray are eager to take that to the next level. For year two of Outer Range is a powerful and emotional season of storytelling. One grounded deeply in the human experience and the human condition. Wherein we are privy to less analysis of emotion and more immersion into what the characters of this world feel and experience. Which gives rise to a second season of storytelling, that is supremely dramatic in nature, to the point where we oft forget about what brought us here. But in doing so, we are treated to some uniquely philosophical questions along the way, the kind that question more than the human condition. 

For there are moments and episodes in this story that deal with the power of our past, and our legacy. Of what it means to be part of something greater, and what family means to us. Alongside deep explorations about what we want in this life above all, and how we get those things. Making this a season of storytelling that just explores… everything about us both good and bad, and that leads to some fascinating television to say the least. The kind that deeply moves us now and again and forces us to think upon our own journey and where it’s taken us, alongside of course… giving us plenty to hunger for when it comes to this amazing and unique story as whole. 

After all, we still have questions about the black mass that has brought people to unique points in time, and why it exists, and what its purpose actually is. And of course, we all have questions waiting to be answered after season one’s incredible and epic finale, so there is more than philosophy to be had here, a plus for viewers who want to tune into a story and just get lost within it, and there is nothing wrong with that. Because everyone tunes into stories of this caliber for various reasons, and there are indeed a bevy of juicy plotlines in season two for people to find, and more amazing performances from actors that are deeply passionate about this project. All of which brings together, a deeply compelling season of storytelling. One that does not let go of your attention or your emotions and we cannot wait to geek out about every single moment with all of you, once Outer Range returns to the airwaves, tomorrow.

It is definitely safe to say, that we are searching for positivity right now. For the world is a bit of a scary place, courtesy of war and unrest around the world, and there is unsettling unrest here in the United States as well. Thanks to the fact we are in the midst of generational change in America, where an old guard with no legacy is fighting desperately to create one by keeping outdated ideals alive, and that battle is all over our news feeds and prime time television news reports. All of which is more than enough to motivate us to look for things that bring us joy, that give us hope, and that is undoubtedly why we are seeing an interesting shift in the television landscape.

Because there has been a push for more feel-good content on television, and that is bringing forth more comedies and more hopeful, inspirational stories that make us think about a better tomorrow and that’s not a bad thing in the slightest. Because that is the stuff that helps us cope and pushes us forward through tough times and even inspires us to try and spread more joy and good into the world. If anything, these types of stories are top of mind today, simply because comedian Adam Ray has assembled a feel-good story for the ages. One that absolutely offers inspiration to those who view it, by way of one man’s incredible story.

For Doug Heir is a man that saw his life change in a shocking manner in 1978. For Doug was involved in a stunning accident that was going to leave him without the use of his arms or legs for the rest of his life. Which plunged him into a world of darkness until kind words from the most unexpected of souls changed his outlook on his future. Wherein he came to understand that all he could do was accept the fate that came his way and make the absolute most of it, and in coming to that epiphany… Doug accomplished wonders. For he regained most of the use of his arms, and dedicated himself to being the best version of himself he could be, and that decision allowed for Doug to transform his life in an incredible manner, wherein he became quite the athlete.

For Doug won medal after medal in the Paralympics and eventually went on to even find himself featured on a Wheaties box, because Doug was nothing short of a superstar athlete, one that truly proved what the power of determination can accomplish, and all of those moments are chronicled in a detailed and powerful manner in The Doug Heir Story. For director Adam Ray leaves no stone unturned when it comes to Doug’s life and Doug’s incredible journey. For Adam makes sure to chronicle every moment of Doug’s life, what his hopes and dreams were like before that fateful day when a dive into a pool changed his path, and of course… we are also privy to how Doug’s comeback came to fruition and how every little win drove him harder. Because of the magnificent care that goes into telling Doug’s story.

But while that is indeed quite the incredible story to bear witness to, one that does indeed put tears in one’s eyes and raises one’s spirits through Adam’s amazingly detailed direction, it’s the decision to let Doug and his brother Brian, speak freely about how the pivotal moments in their lives, both good and scary, impacted them… that separates this documentary from the rest. Because it adds a genuine sense of realism to this tale and adds incredible emotional gravity and depth to it. The kind that allows for the audience to understand how quickly our lives can change and how inspiration is really created. Which is through hardships and low points, so we can lift ourselves up and find value in the moment and that… is what makes this so empowering and so incredible.

Because this is that rare inspirational piece that actually shows you, step by step, how we find hope, how we hold onto it and spread it about aworld that badly needs it. Which makes this feature, important and poignant, and everything we need right now, and that is precisely why this pilot was featured at SeriesFest: Season 10. Because they believe in authentic storytelling and it doesn’t get much more authentic than this and what’s equally as amazing, is that you can see this particular pilot right now. Because Adam made the choice to showcase his hard work on his YouTube channel, which we will link below, because this is a special story, one that needs to be seen and shared to remind us… that we truly can achieve anything when we put our mind to it.

Watch ‘The Doug Heir Story’ on Adam Ray’s YouTube Channel.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Three Premiere of ‘Harry Wild’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular aspect of the entertainment world that genuinely fascinates us, are celebrity deaths, and it makes sense as to why. After all, big celebrities, become more than their work. They become outright legends that captivate and excite people, so when they do go… it’s stunning and hard to process, so we fawn over all the things about their lives in an effort to understand how someone we can still see on the silver screen or enjoy through their music, isn’t around anymore. Yet, there are more reasons we sometimes fawn over their passing, in that… now and again there appears to be conspiracy or strange circumstances surrounding how they died.

Which leaves some to wonder if there is indeed a mystery to uncover, and some try to solve it. Of course, that usually goes nowhere and these days with science and technology those mysteries get debunked pretty fast. But what would happen if a conspiracy surrounding a celebrity death were true? How would someone uncover and solve that? Well, it just so happens that the season three premiere of Harry Wild takes the time to answer those questions, by having a celebrity death take place in Harry’s presence. For the opening moments of ‘Killing Me Softly with His Bad Pop Song’ featured a bittersweet moment for Lola, Harry, and Fergus. Who assembled to see pop singer Jamie D address the crowd as part of his farewell tour with his beloved boy band, only for disaster to strike.

For Jamie D plunged to his death, a move seen as nothing more than a tragic, self-inflicted death. But it did not take long for Jamie D’s former partner, to call up Harry and Fergus to discuss hiring them for what she believed was an act of murder. For fatherhood was on the horizon for Jamie and he was also prepared to donate marrow to help a family member. The kinds of things that are indicative of a desire to live to which Harry agreed. But alas, all the leads that Harry and Fergus dove into following such a powerful accusation turned up empty. Including the one related to Jamie’s father, since he spoke to the pain in his heart over losing his own, and how he wished he had been a better father to his boy.

Which left our heroes stumped. Because clearly, money and hatred weren’t factors here, and that prompted Fergus to think upon something he saw when he was conducting research on the band. Specifically, a member that was kicked out when the band graduated from their moody emo era to the pop sensation they would become. Because that man received little fame or agency for being part of something so big and well, it turned out… revenge was the name of the game here. Because this man was indeed bitter about being shunned and saw the breakup of the band as his chance to make everyone pay for casting him out, and he would have succeeded in killing more members of the band… had it not been for our heroes. All of which offered up, some fine musings regarding our fascination with the death of celebrities.

Since this story truly did offer up a compelling ‘what if?’ regarding those central questions. One grounded in concepts that felt real and functional. But it also spoke to how… celebrities are people, and should be seen and respected as such, especially when they pass. Because their exit hurts more than the fans, but their family, their friends and we should be mindful of that. Which are lessons that only added to the majesty of a delightful season three premiere of this show. One that also offered up a little humor and heart. Since the one band member that had a crush on Harry brought forth some amazing laughs, and it featured some fascinating moments with Paula, since Harry had to get involved, and truly… it will be fascinating to see where that story goes and what other unique cases await us as season three, continues along. Until next time.

To learn a little more about what the show means to Jane Seymour, please visit our red-carpet interview with Jane, here.

It is definitely safe to say that the first season of the Apple TV+ series, Frog and Toad, was nothing short of amazing. Because not only did this classic story receive new life on television, but it did Arnold Lobel’s source work proud. For it truly did capture the essence of those books in a manner that was entertaining and captivating and well, it was so well received, and so loved by fans that it should come as no surprise that a second season was commissioned. One that everyone has been anxiously awaiting. 

Simply because we all want more adventures with our beloved Frog and Toad, and more of the show’s lessons and heartwarming moments and well, the good news… is that we are very close to the release of season two of this magnificent series. For May 31 will see Frog and Toad return to the airwaves, and well… to properly celebrate this news, Apple TV+ was kind enough to release a season two trailer for the show. One that we will share with you now, to help build excitement for a series that is genuinely fulfilling and outright wondrous.

‘Apple TV+ today released the trailer for season two of the adored animated kids and family series “Frog and Toad,” based on the beloved Caldecott and Newbery Honor-winning four-book series by Arnold Lobel, premiering on Friday, May 31. 
 
Frog is a frog. Toad is a toad. They have a lot in common … but they are also very different. Frog and Toad are best friends who know that the true secret to friendship is not only enjoying the things you have in common, but embracing the things that make you different. Since our differences are what makes us special, Frog and Toad celebrate what makes them unique!  
 
Academy Award winner Nat Faxon ("Our Flag Means Death," "The Connors") and Emmy Award nominee Kevin Michael Richardson ("The Simpsons," "Family Guy") lead the talented voice cast again as the titular characters Frog and Toad. This season also features returning appearances by Ron Funches ("Trolls"), Fortune Feimster ("Good Fortune," “Kenan”), Cole Escola ("At Home with Amy Sedaris"), Aparna Nancherla ("The Great North"), John Hodgman ("Up Here"), Yvette Nicole Brown ("Disenchanted," “Act Your Age”), Stephen Tobolowsky ("The Goldbergs"), Emmy Award nominee Tom Kenny ("SpongeBob SquarePants"), Selene Luna ("Coco"), Emmy Award nominee Margaret Cho (“Fire Island”) and Betsy Sodaro ("Duncanville"). 
 
“Frog and Toad” is based on the beloved Caldecott and Newbery Honor-winning four-book series by Arnold Lobel published by HarperCollins Children’s Books. Season one was coined a Common Sense Top TV Pick of 2023 and nominated for a Children’s and Family Emmy Award. Emmy Award winner Rob Hoegee ("Stillwater," "Niko & the Sword of Light") serves as showrunner for the series and Emmy Award-winning studio Titmouse (“Duck and Goose,” “Harriet the Spy,” “The Legend of Vox Machina”) produces the animation. Hoegee executive produces alongside Adrianne Lobel, Adam Lobel and Titmouse’s Chris Prynoski (“The Legend of Vox Machina”), Shannon Prynoski (“Scavengers Reign”), Antonio Canobbio (“Digman”) and Ben Kalina (“Big Mouth”). 
 
The award-winning slate of original series and films for kids and families on Apple TV+ includes the celebrated live action animated hybrid special, “The Velveteen Rabbit”; the Academy Award and BAFTA Award-winning animated short film “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”; star-studded animated adventure film “Luck” from Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation; and, BAFTA Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated animated film “Wolfwalkers.”
 
Apple TV+’s all-age offerings now streaming globally on Apple TV+ include the BAFTA Award and Humanitas Prize-winning “El Deafo,” BAFTA Award-winning “Lovely Little Farm,” “Duck & Goose,” “Get Rolling With Otis,” Spin Master Entertainment’s “Sago Mini Friends,” GLAAD Media Award-nominated “Pinecone & Pony,” “Frog and Toad,” The Jim Henson Company’s Emmy Award-winning “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock,” “Harriet the Spy” and “Slumberkins,” Sesame Workshop’s “Helpsters,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Entertainment’s “Wolfboy and the Everything Factory,” Jack McBrayer and Angela C. Santomero’s Emmy Award-nominated “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show,” Peanuts and WildBrain’s Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy in Space,” “The Snoopy Show,” Scholastic’s “Eva the Owlet” and Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series “Stillwater.” Live-action offerings include Bonnie Hunt’s DGA and WGA Award-nominated “Amber Brown,” DGA Award-winning “Best Foot Forward,” “Surfside Girls,” WGA Award-winning “Life By Ella,” Sesame Workshop and Sinking Ship’s Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter,” Emmy Award and Environmental Media Association Award winning “Jane,” and Scholastic’s “Puppy Place.”
 
Also included are “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times bestselling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers, and specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown,” “Snoopy Presents: Lucy’s School,” Humanitas and Emmy Award-nominated “Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), With Love,” “Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie,” “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” Emmy Award-winning “Snoopy Presents: Who Are You, Charlie Brown?” and “Snoopy Presents: For Auld Lang Syne.”
 
Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 488 wins and 2143 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
 
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and attv.apple.com , for $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*
 
For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.’  

There was a time in modern society, where a great many issues that needed to be addressed… were not. Because they were considered to be taboo in nature. Take one’s sexual identity for instance. Because for some silly reason people were terrified at the thought that people could find love outside of a heterosexual relationship or identify as a different gender, so folks worked to keep such matters buried. Not to mention, it was equally as taboo to discuss one’s emotions or feelings because that somehow makes a person seem weak, and of course… talking about one’s mental health concerns was utterly forbidden.
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But thankfully, those taboo issues are finally finding agency in the 21st Century since people are coming to understand love is love, gender is fluid, that we should talk about our feelings and that mental health is just as important as physical health. But while we’ve made progress in finally showcasing these truths to the world so they can become the norm and be addressed, there’s still quite a ways we need to go. In part, because prejudiced individuals continue to push to keep the status quo, and also because… some of these issues are hard to comprehend. Such as mental health care. Because we can easily understand why a broken arm needs immediate fixing, but sometimes we struggle to comprehend how the brain and our emotional core needs similar healing.

Which is why, there are creatives working to explore the subject of mental health, so that people can come to understand why it is important to maintain our minds, why we need to discuss mental health care and provide better mental health care services as a society, and one particular pilot that recently screened at SeriesFest: Season 10, manages to showcase all of that. A feat that Breakthrough accomplishes for the viewer, by way of a supremely relatable and accessible exploration. For this particular pilot, is presented in a manner that immerses us within a group therapy setting. So that we must settle in and listen attentively to the stories that are about to be told.

The kind that come forth, via former NFL players. Or in this specific case, via the story of former NFL Cornerback D’Joun Smith. Who was drafted into the league by the Indianapolis Colts in 2015, and well… left football some years later and has spent much time battling his own mental health issues. Which he expresses to us in powerful detail in the pilot, to the point where are you brought to tears when you hear about his struggles. How they left him confused and frustrated and how it too him ages to get a handle on why he felt the way he felt and what needed to happen to get better, and that leads to a powerful pilot that truly does explore all the elements we’ve discussed, in a powerful manner.

Not to mention, we can hear in D’Joun’s voice, how a harmful mantra in the NFL only added to his struggles. In that, football players cannot be mentally weak. They’re warriors and there is nothing they cannot conquer, so they must push forward at all costs to reach the finish line. Which is stupid. But that helps us to understand how that mantra causes harm, how it has been adapted and now permeates our world. But what matters more, is that the education we need takes place through D’Joun’s powerful story. Since we see everything so clearly by the end of this particular pilot and come away from it with newfound appreciation and knowledge of this topic and those struggles, and clarity perhaps regarding our own unspoken battles with our mental health.

All courtesy of simplicity and honesty, and a quality examination of a topic that we avoid. But it’s time we face it, and this story is so impactful and so worthwhile, that it makes sense as to why Breakthrough won Best Independent Pilot – Unscripted at SeriesFest and it’s why we here at NTG are eager to spotlight it well before it goes to air. Because it is a revolutionary pilot, one that can help so many not only comprehend mental health and mental health care, but it can motivate others to seek out care if they need it. But most important of all, it will start the conversations we’ve avoided. So that this taboo issue will be embraced at last, and all can get what they need to maintain a healthy mind and soul.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 526 of ‘Love During Lockup’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we’ve talked at length about why the WE tv series, Love During Lockup, is more important than we know. Since it does indeed open our eyes to a world that none of us understand and helps us to learn from the tough experiences that everyone in this series is going through. But while it has been wonderful to glean powerful lessons through the experiences of others, this is at heart a documentary about folks involved with prisoners, and their experiences and emotions and that means… lessons won’t always be present. In fact, sometimes, we are just treated to a slice of life, as evidenced during this week’s episode.

Because ‘Daughter-in-law or Mistress?’ was truly just a slice of life tale. Wherein a bevy of powerful moments took place involving the people we’ve come to know. For instance, this is a story that saw Ayonna deal with some hard surprises as she was bracing for her jail sentence. Since Jamahl spoke to how he was starting to think that they needed to take their time instead of rushing into marriage and oh, that he was also married once under his faith. Granted, a divorce had taken place, but Ayonna was stunned that this wasn’t revealed to her sooner, and that it happened while she was meeting his family no less. Giving rise to a difficult day for her.

Not to mention, there was doubt in the minds of others regarding the stability of their love. Since Shonta came to learn that the risqué photos, she sent to True were denied delivery. A feat made possible by a rule in True’s jail. For if anything overtly lude came through, the mail went into lockdown. But her pics weren’t that bad and that, and a weird answer on True’s part left her to wonder if he was talking to other women, and that another lady sent something of concern, putting her in that doubtful place. Not to mention, Rick had some concerns about his newfound love with Samantha. Largely because she was being quite controlling. To the point where she was demanding he make it known that marriage was forthcoming, even at a high school reunion. Which had him wondering why this was such a hard focus for her.

Which really did make for some powerful slice of life moments, relatable ones in fact, since we too have doubts and worries now and again about the love, we’re in. But while that was all fascinating and moving, truly the centerpiece story of the night was Andrew’s. Because it was so supremely bittersweet. For Andrew arrived in Las Vegas and just… reminded us that chivalry is not dead. Since he set up the apartment for Candice, had everything ready and expressed real love and hope over seeing her, over being with her. And this was so sweet in so many ways, but also stressful and worrisome. Because there were so many unknowns and so much that could have gone wrong, and it was just powerful to watch this guy go the extra mile like this.

If anything, this was just… a perfect slice of life episode. One that was raw and showcased so much emotion and just… took us into a world that we know little of, in a compelling manner. One where you cannot help but feel for these folks, because we have dealt with some variation of their problems. Since we’ve endured bombshells, had suspicions, and we’ve definitely moved mountains for our love. The only difference is, we can talk out those bombshells with the person we care about face to face, we can confront suspicion and garner truth and we can enjoy the spoils of our hard work. But here, that’s just not the case, and that definitely gives one perspective and truly, it will be interesting to see how everyone here handles their stresses and worries as this fascinating season continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Franklin’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Stories that reflect upon the end of great wars from our checkered history, have a tendency to end in a very specific manner. Wherein we reach the point where the heroes won the day, and those who we followed in combat, either return home post haste to reflect upon the fight… or we fade to black and learn about the fates of heroes and the fates of nations following such harrowing conflict. All because, that seems like the right way to exit stage left for a story of this caliber, since history is written, and this was just a dramatic re-telling of what once was. But while that has been a staple for ages on end, it would seem that one television network is eager to change that up and offer more than a simple farewell.

For Apple TV+ has been putting forth a bevy of historic shows in 2024, and thus far each of them is giving us more than the quick exit. They are exploring the fallout of victory and how war doesn’t just end when a white flag is waved, and that’s why this week’s episode of Franklin is so downright fascinating. For ‘Begin by Creeping’ does just that, a feat that it accomplishes by allowing the audience to bear witness to one of the most important turning points in the Revolutionary War. Specifically… the end of the Battle of Yorktown. For that was the straw that broke the British camel’s back and prompted the surrender of the British Army to American forces. Which should have been nothing more than cause for celebration, but this episode informed us… it was nothing more than a bare beginning.

Because now, the work had to be done. For borders had to be re-drawn, terms and conditions of the peace agreement had to be laid out and debts and alliances had to be paid and formed. Which was why John Jay and John Adams arrived in France. To parlay with Benjamin Franklin over what lie ahead and to figure out how best to protect American interests. Which led to quite the conflict back in that day. For Dr. Franklin firmly believed that nobility and word should trump all things and provide the French with an understanding that America was a place of honesty and integrity. Which of course, Jay and Adams disagreed with. They wanted out of their debts and wanted no nation to watch over the United States and well, that led to quite the cat and mouse game.

Wherein negotiations took place, yes, with Franklin ill, but where treachery and double crossing took place behind the scenes. For this was a precarious time in human history. After all, the British Empire just suffered its first real challenge of power and a genuine defeat, at the hands of everyday men no less. So, France saw an opportunity to flex and grow and of course, the British still wanted some semblance of agency and beneficial concessions. Which brought forth the decision for a French envoy to head to London and where Bancroft’s little double cross letter was able to get into the hands of John Adams. To give him the upper hand via the uppity, holier than thou nonsense he so loved to spew. But what was most fascinating about this segment of the story, was the sheer fact that Dr. Franklin had a very good reason for wanting to stick to honesty.

Because Benjamin wanted to see what the French would do under pressure, and they didn’t disappoint. Giving him license to break his word and push toward different desires. A move that signaled that Franklin has been carefully observing and playing chess all along. To prepare for a checkmate on this day and that brought forth, one fascinating episode. One that truly informed us that peace can be as messy as war, and that the end of this one didn’t immediately bring about fireworks and barbeques, but instead delivered more strategy and strife and brandishing of knives… all in the name of power and glory. Plus, this episode also featured quite the interesting journey for Temple, one that leaves us wondering where he will end up when this powerful story comes to an end. For the endgame is in sight and America’s birth is on the horizon, and it will be interesting to see how Lady Liberty truly came to be when this magnificent series comes to its end. Until next time.