Written by John Edward Betancourt Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz’. Imagine if you will, your life changing for the worst, overnight. Where one day, you’re going about your day, your interests, and joys and the next… you’re being told you can no longer do those things, you can no longer live where you live. You must, with others similar to you, congregate at a new designated location outlined by the government. Where you will be forgotten really and live in fear with minimal food and health care surrounding you and where those in charge, stare at you with hate in their eyes and their hearts and speak of you as though you’re less than human. It’s a scary thought, isn’t it? One that we don’t think could or would ever happen to us or anyone else… but that’s the problem… it already has. For in the late 1930s and early 1940s in Europe, that was the life of Jewish individuals in Europe. Who watched their respective countries fall under the control of the Nazi regime, and then found themselves herded akin to cattle to concentration camps around Europe where they were abused, tortured, and murdered with impunity because a tiny man with a big ego and a stupid mustache, deemed them to be ‘imperfect’, and those who fell for his promises of prosperity went along with it. And this led to the death of six million Jewish people, and became known as the Holocaust, and sadly, it is a heinous act that is being forgotten and its existence is being challenged by fools and those who wish to wipe its truth away to let hate reign again. Which is why we must be reminded of this horror, and that’s why the new Peacock series, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, is so important. For this is a story that is told through the lens of a man named Lali Sokolov, who in his old age, is eager to speak of his experiences in Auschwitz to a woman named Heather Morris so all will know his story since he fears he is in his final years, and well, the series premiere of this harrowing tale… wastes little time in exploring… what it was like to be in that time and live in a concentration camp. Since Lali speaks to how he volunteered to go to a ‘work camp’ only to discover that this his godforsaken final destination embraces torture and suffering and well, that leads to some shocking moments in this story. Wherein we see… cold blooded murder over something as simple as someone asking a question or even while minding their business. Alongside the indignity that everyone in this camp experienced at the hands of the Nazi war machine. Courtesy of unwelcome moments where food is scarce, where sickness is a death sentence and where every single day, Lali must face the fact that every person in this camp means nothing to their superiors, and that brings forth a bleak opening chapter to this story. One that is hopeless in nature and devastating through and through. Because those atrocities are all put on display in a raw and honest manner, that is rarely portrayed in these stories. Which truly gives us perspective on this disgusting act and reminds us why we must keep its memory alive. Yet, while just a chronicling of Lali’s time in Auschwitz, and the struggles he faced in tattooing those infamous numbers on his fellow ‘inmates’, would easily carry the six episodes present in this limited series, it does offer more. It does offer a measure of hope and reminder that the human spirit can and will endure. After all, an older Lali tells Heather years down the line, that this story, is a love story. Which seems shocking since one must ask, how can love be present in a place where suffering is everywhere, and this story seems keen to explore that as it continues along. Since we do see a mysterious woman catch Lali’s eye and clearly, she shares in that glimmer and that will be interesting to explore for certain. But in this moment, we must recognize the raw power of this opening chapter. For it is indeed a harrowing look at how so many found their way to the worst possible place in the world, and it is a terrifying look at the cruelty mankind is capable of when our worst tendencies are given agency and are fueled by hate and fear. And of course… it is a heartbreaking reminder that we cannot let this happen ever again, and that hate must never win the day and keeping stories like this alive, does indeed help with that. Until next time.
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Peacock Releases Trailer for New Sports Documentary ‘Bronx Zoo ’90: Crime, Chaos and Baseball’5/1/2024 Written by John Edward Betancourt
Ask any sports fan what team was mired the most in chaos, and the hardcore ones will give you back the same answer, the 1990 New York Yankees. For that particular squad not only had a rough season all around, but off the field… things were ugly. For drama was everywhere and problems seemed to pop up all the time, and well, it was so infamous a season… that the time has come for it to be properly explored by the masses.
For Peacock will soon be home to a docuseries revolving around that rough Yankees team entitled, Bronx Zoo ’90: Crime, Chaos and Baseball, and well… it is looking to be the definitive examination of this wild and ugly season. Since it will harbor some incredible interviews and plenty of information from the beat writers of the day and to properly give us all an idea of how comprehensive it will be, Peacock was also kind enough to release a trailer and details regarding this series. Which we will share with you now as you prepare to learn about a sports team that in many ways, left America’s pastime with quite the black eye. · Premiering May 16 on Peacock, Bronx Zoo ‘90: Crime, Chaos and Baseball details the tumultuous 1990 New York Yankees season through firsthand accounts of those closest to the team. The docuseries offers rare insight into the crossroads moment when the game’s most storied franchise began its ascent from despair to dynasty. · The docuseries features interviews with former Yankees players including Don Mattingly, Steve Sax, Dave LaPoint, Kevin Maas, Jim Leyritz, Jesse Barfield, former Yankees manager Buck Showalter, Yankees' announcer Michael Kay, Brian Cashman and Bernie Williams; key sports journalists Joel Sherman, Suzyn Waldman and Len Berman; notorious gambler Howard Spira and more. · Chastity Easterly speaks for the first time on camera about her experience with former Yankees outfielder Mel Hall. Hall also sits down for an exclusive interview for the first time from prison. ABOUT BRONX ZOO ‘90: CRIME, CHAOS AND BASEBALL Bronx Zoo ’90: Crime, Chaos and Baseball is the astonishing true story of the 1990 New York Yankees, chronicling the team at a crossroads in their storied history. The season went on record as one of the worst and was made even more infamous by the drama that ensued off the field. Based on a series of articles from New York Post columnist Joel Sherman, the docuseries covers team owner George Steinbrenner’s removal from baseball for trying to buy information on Dave Winfield from a notorious gambler. Adding to the chaos, beloved team captain Don Mattingly was caught in a contentious contract dispute, a top free agent signee went missing, rookie Deion Sanders wavered between two sports and a controversial outfielder pursued a relationship with a local high school girl. Despite it all, the 1990 Yankees laid the groundwork for one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY Premiere: Thursday, May 16, 2024 Director / Executive Producer: DJ Caruso Executive Producers: Dan Goodman, Brian Hunt, William H. Masterson III, Warren Cohen, Troy Searer Produced By: Believe Entertainment Group, New York Post Entertainment & Whitecap Entertainment Format: Docuseries, 3 x 60 min Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episodes 106 and 107 of ‘Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise’. To revisit the previous episodes, click here.
When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating new Freeform series, Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise, we talked at length about how the last block of episodes… showcased something quite surprising. In that, we saw so many in this series… do their best to put a stop to the drama either surrounding them or that they were directly involved in. Because that’s just something that isn’t commonplace in reality television in the slightest, and it made for some refreshing stories that made it seem as though drama free days were ahead. But alas, this week’s block of stories informed us, that drama will still find its way into our lives, if we don’t handle that which upsets us in the proper manner. Which Caught in the Crossfire’ and ‘BDSM Gone Wrong’ explored… by having Courtney’s confrontation with Elizabeth, take quite the left turn. For while Court’s intentions were indeed noble in nature and in the spirit of what she saw happen around her, she didn’t approach it with the level head that was sent her way via Craig. Instead… she just decided to let her anger take the wheel and that led to a nasty and fruitless conversation. One that generated drama and fury over resolution and in the wake of such a mess, Courtney clearly didn’t find the peace she wanted and Elizabeth, began to ponder a move back to the United States to no longer deal with this kind of chaos and there were more mishandled moments such these as the episodes continued along. In fact, the majority of them related to Chelsea. In large part because, her relationship with Tyson went south fast in this story. Because she took a moment to step back and look at her relationship with him objectively, and what she saw… she did not like. For she came to realize that Tyson really wasn’t doing that much to aid in building this relationship. He did the bare minimum and the motions and that prompted Chelsea to sit him down and confront him over his behavior and well, Tyson screwed this up something fierce. Because he had a genuine opportunity to reset here and express his feelings. But somewhere along the line he committed to toxic masculinity and put up the tough guy routine and that led to disaster. For he hurt Chelsea deeply and prompted her to end it and that… brought about more strife. For in the midst of celebrations of love, involving Vic and his fiancé via a bachelor and bachelorette party, Chelsea crossed some lines. Because she was hurting here, and she took her pain and just projected it out into the world. To the point where she hurt Vic, hurt others around her and well, left the BDSM themed party in a huff and filled with anger and ache. All because, she had not reconciled her emotions either and did not use the party as an opportunity to escape from that for just a little bit. Instead, she just lashed out and projected and the end result was a rough night for certain, one that was apparently rough up north in Miami as well. Since that is where the boys partied hearty to send off Vic in style and uh… sadly… it would seem that Vic drank too much and did something incredibly stupid, creating more drama as well. If anything, this episode was a fine example of how much of the drama we experience in life, is self-inflicted. Because so many invited it into their lives and into their hearts here and that is and was unfortunate. Because some careful words from Courtney could have brought about real resolution instead of revenge, and Tyson could have kept a good thing and Chelsea would not have exploded on everyone. But alas, what’s done is done and the lesson is perhaps more for us than them. Since now, everyone must reconcile what they’ve done, and it will be genuinely interesting to see how these fascinating individuals react to their mistakes and any troubles that lie ahead as season one of this dynamic and unique series continues along. Watch ‘Grand Cayman: Secrets in Paradise’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Finale of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
When we are working to improve ourselves, and improve our lives, through whatever means we deem necessary, there will come quite the important day… a day of reckoning. Wherein, we must face ourselves and our problems head on, and this… is one tough day. Because it exposes truths we didn’t think still existed, and it also teaches us… where we stand with those we love and those we call family and well, what makes this day so tough, is that it can go so many places. For instance, it can go poorly and help us to understand that perhaps we aren’t making the progress we thought we were making… and it can get worse from there. Since we can also discover that those we hold near and dear are not who we thought they were and that can break our hearts. But we must go through this day, regardless of the consequence. For this is the day that determines if we stay on our current path or embrace real change and well, the day of reckoning is top of mind today, simply because George finally faced his own during the season two finale of Lopez vs Lopez on NBC. For ‘Lopez vs George’ picked up shortly after Rosie and George’s night together and well, after they reconciled the night and their feelings for one another, they were left with a choice. In that, they could let the family know what happened the night before and that the engagement was off… or perhaps… use the day to their advantage. After all, they were fully aware that marriage was a possibility for Quinten and Mayan, and that perhaps… a little push in that direction might give them happiness and allow for mom and dad to drop their news gently and heal through the kids. Which was… a bit of a toxic move, one that went to the Nth degree for certain. Since both Mayan and Quinten were manipulated well in this story. To the point where Mayan thought about committing and where Quinten was ready to propose, at Rosie’s party no less. All because this duo gave into the toxic behaviors they knew well, the ones George thought that he left behind and oddly… it took Oscar to point that out and push George to confess to finally bring about the reckoning in question. For his honesty, brought the house down and prompted Mayan, to bring her therapist to the house. Wherein everything was put on display and George came to realize… he had only done so much. For he had not fully accepted change and he also was very hard upon himself despite his progress. But he had to let the toxic nonsense go and embrace a new beginning and those words helped him deeply understand what lie ahead and oddly, his family faced some hard truths too. Since they were told to let go of their own anger regarding the past and to stop blaming George for their problems and to embrace their own new chapters. A reckoning that ended super happy, since no one stepped away, everyone embraced it and Mayan and Quinten declared their love for another through an engagement. But what mattered more here… is that George embraced this moment, and faced himself, and he owned up to his behaviors, and he came out the other side better for it. Which is what we should want to accomplish when that day comes for us, regardless of what falls apart in doing so. Because we need to be better, we need to heal and improve and if people abandon us for wanting that, they were part of the problem. And now… George gets his real second chance and his family gets a beautiful new chapter and that… is a wonderful way to end a season of storytelling grounded in healing. Since everyone learned something and became better people before our eyes and that is why this series remains the most important show on television right now. Because it showcases real life in a powerful manner and hopefully, we get a third season and more of this show. So, we can see George and his family embrace their new chapter and second chance, and all the learning and wonder that accompanies that. Until next time. Watch ‘Lopez vs Lopez’
Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 209 of ‘Lopez vs Lopez’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
We face a bevy of difficult decisions in this life. Such as what career we should follow, what kind of person we should aspire to be, and so on and so forth. But of the many decisions we face in this life, there are few more difficult than the one that we will face several times over in our journey. For now, and again we will see a loved one, be trapped in a unique situation. Wherein a choice they are prepared to make willingly is going to bring them great harm. For that loved one has been duped in some form or fashion… and they genuinely believe they are making the right call… when we know otherwise and what makes this so difficult and so conflicting, relates to our emotional intelligence. Because there comes a point where we understand that stepping in and being honest about what our loved one is facing, will bring forth a firestorm. One where we take some heat for our honesty, ugly heat in fact, until the dust settles and who knows when that will be. Because it just sadly, seems rude to step in and put someone on blast, despite the truth or good intentions. Especially when it is well known that the only way we learn is through failure. But it just hurts to see them hurt, so that’s why we think upon alerting them to the trouble at hand in a manner we hope is correct. If anything, this particular conundrum is top of mind today, simply because it was showcased in the next episode of Lopez vs Lopez on NBC. A feat that ‘Lopez vs Confessions’ accomplished, by having George make a shocking discovery. For he was staying true to his word and was doing his best to support Rosie’s decision to marry Josué, by going so far as to hang out with her new fiancé and learn about his interests. Which as it turned out, was fooling around. Because Josué took some heat from a woman while he and George were out, the kind that spoke to a spurned heart and that put George in that tough spot. Because he didn’t want Rosie to hurt again, and he most certainly didn’t want to see her be cheated on again. So, he struggled regarding what to do, and decided that he needed to handle this and do right by Rosie. And the only way to do this right… was to snag proof that infidelity took place and that prompted him to take part in one wild plan. Wherein he sat in a confessional booth to hear everyone’s confessions… so he could record the truth from Josué. Giving him rock solid proof that Rosie needed to kick his culo to the curb. But that… caused more harm than good. Since he was now tasked with keeping Quinten’s desire to marry Mayan a secret, and he heard some hard words from his daughter about his life choices and... he didn’t get the proof he wanted. Which made him look the fool, even though he firmly believed he was right. As though a cheater knew a cheater. But alas, taking heat for trying to do the right thing, and hearing some raw words from his daughter… combined with the emotional roller coaster he was on by discovering his feelings for Rosie… helped him fall off the wagon. A move that only sunk George further, until he learned… that he was right. For Rosie took his advice, did some digging, and learned Josué was nothing more than a cochino through and through, and she eventually apologized to George which led… to quite the morning surprise for them. That aside however, because that’s something that will need to be unpacked in the season two finale, this really was… a great way to examine the central theme at hand. Because George really was stuck in a rock and a hard place over worries that were proven to be true. Since he knew Rosie well enough to know, she’d fight such truth tooth and nail. But he truly believed he could help, could do good… so he did. Maybe in the funniest and weirdest way possible, but he did it, and that’s the lesson. That if the concern is going to cause that much harm, speak up, be bold and support those we love. Because that’s what do for the people that matter, and that made for one meaningful and emotional episode. One that set the stage for an epic series finale as well. Because there will be more fallout from what George did here, and it will be interesting to see what lessons and growth await us when season two wraps up. Until next time. Watch ‘Lopez vs Lopez’
Written by John Edward Betancourt In many ways, May is a month that represents endings. For it is the last time we see any hints of winter since the temperature finally provides us with some warmth and rain instead of snow. Not to mention, it’s the last month of Spring as well. Since summer awaits us in the heart of June and well, that sense of change and sense of farewell is likely why STARZ has arranged their programming lineup for May 2024, in the manner that they have. For it is a month of endings for original programming on STARZ. After all, May will be host to the season three finale of the hit series, BMF, and the wildly popular and steamy limited series, Mary & George, will also host its series finale in May. Allowing for these shows to clear the way for the spectacle event that will be the fourth and final season of Power Book II: Ghost. But of course, while there is a grand sense of ending, there’s still plenty to watch in May, on STARZ since the latest Hunger Games film will arrive on the network on May 14th, along with a bevy of delightful features, all of which we will share with you now, as you prepare your viewing schedule for the farewells ahead. 'STARZ announces its programming highlights for the month of May, featuring the finales of limited series “Mary & George” and season three of “BMF.” On the film front, STARZ is the exclusive streaming home to the latest installment in The Hunger Games franchise, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, which joins the STARZ app this month along with several other notable titles, including Outlaw Johnny Black, Manodrome, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, Silent Night and Nope. STARZ continues to be the home for franchise favorites with Jaws, Jaws 2, Jaws 3 and Jaws: The Revenge as well as Meet the Parents, Meet the Fockers and Little Fockers all joining the STARZ app this month. Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with an “Aquaphobia” movie marathon on STARZ Encore, beginning Saturday, May 25 at 7:00 PM with aquatic thrillers such as Jaws, Jaws 2, Jaws 3, Jaws: The Revenge, Shark Night, Blue Crush, Open Water, Open Water 2: Adrift, Open Water 3: Cage Dive, 47 Meters Down and Bait.' Coming Soon |
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