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Elsbeth opens with an interesting scene.  Micaela Diamond returns as Detective Edwards, and Ioan Gruffudd.A Scottish musician, Angus, playing a lute-like instrument and writing music sits in the square outside a cafe, playing music at a table.  He’s a regular and the waitress comes out to bring him a coffee.  He sits and watches a lady go to a table to meet a gentleman.  They are a couple and are there daily as he is.  The odd thing is that the musician is in Scotland, and the couple is in New York City.  Angus is watching on the other side of a giant tv screen called “The Iris”. One day he notices the girl is alone waiting for her boyfriend.  She brought Valentine candy, too.  Angus and the waitress watch and are sad for her.  An angry man walks up shouting at the girl, and she appears frightened.  The angry guy takes her candy box, and the girl takes it back.  She appears to be struggling to stand and collapses.  The man lets her fall and runs away.  Angus jumps up to get a closer look.  He is distracted by the waitress spilling cream on his music notebook and instrument. The waitress peers around him, and sees the girl trying to get back to her table. Angus returns to the screen and tries to get people’s attention, waving wildly to the people on the NYC side to help the girl, but they just smile and wave back.  Angus is unable to get help for the girl, and he and the waitress look on in horror as the girl dies.  Enter Elsbeth and Officer Blanke.  They arrive at the crime scene with newly returned, not-so-happy Detective Edwards.  Elsbeth’s sporting a bright pink fuzzy jacket with matching polka dot hat.  Her fixed stare is focused on the dead girl's face, as is Officer Blanke.  Elsbeth asks if the dead girl looks sad.  Officer Blanke matter-of-factly answers it’s probably due to her being dead.  Elsbeth asks if anyone touched her.  Officer Blanke thinks Detective Edwards did.  They go to talk to her and the witness.  Again, Elsbeth asks if the dead girl was sad.  The witness says she’s not sure.  She brought her a coffee, but the girl hadn’t drunk it before she died.  Another Officer tells the group no one else noticed anything due to rush hour.   Elsbeth notices “The Iris”.  Officer Blanke tells her about it.  It’s covered up with crime scene tape blocking access.  There’s also a sign stating the exhibit is closed.  The Iris is supposed to be removed after Valentine’s Day.  It’s a window to a seaside town in Scotland with 24 hours of streaming connecting people from a small town to a big city who wouldn’t meet otherwise.  Elsbeth realizes they might have a witness to the murder through The Iris.  It had just been covered when the police arrived on the scene.  Elsbeth gets it turned on again.  The waitress tells the musician it’s on.  He’s standing in front of it and sees Elsbeth peeking in from the side.  She waves at him, but there’s no sound.  Officer Blanke leaves Elsbeth to investigate the crime scene.      Elsbeth stands in front of The Iris and signals to Angus to ask if he saw anything about the murdered girl.  He indicates he did.  Elsbeth’s exaggerated movements ask if he saw how it happened.  He pantomimes back what he saw.   (That was Great!)  She shows him her cell to ask if he had one, and he did.  Elsbeth writes her number on her hands and shows it to the musician.  He calls her and they introduce themselves.  Elsbeth’s about to ask questions when sheep and sheep herders cross behind Angus.  So Cute!  She asks if he saw who murdered the girl.  He tells her about a man that tried to take the girl’s Valentine box of chocolates.  It’s not there anymore.  Angus doesn’t think the angry man killed the girl, because she returned to her table after the struggle.   At that moment, two guys come up behind Angus to stand with him in front of The Iris.  Elsbeth asks if they saw anything.  Angus tells her why they’re there.   Something Awkward happens, twice a day like clockwork, according to Angus.Elsbeth continues talking to him.  He shows her where he was when the murder happened.  Officer Blanke calls her away.  She tells him they will take his statement, and asks for his full name.  It’s a mouthful.  Elsbeth tries to write it all down.  He compliments her on her jacket.   She runs over to Officer Blanke who has the girl’s ID badge.  She worked around the corner.  Elsbeth tells Officer Blanke the guy she was talking to is a witness.  Detective Edwards tries to enter the girl’s workplace with her badge, but it doesn’t work.  Officer Blanke tries to help, while Elsbeth wanders off to the cosmetics section.  The sales person tells her they make their own perfumes upstairs.  Elsbeth sprays herself in the eye when she was demonstrating to the sales clerk how to sample perfume.   The Head of Security, Mr. Thornwall comes to help Officer Blanke and Detective Edwards.  He tells them he just deactivated her key card that morning.  She had failed the company drug test.  Elsbeth stumbles into the Security Office.  Detective Edwards asked for more details about Hailey Ritter.  She worked in R&D.  Elsbeth asked about recent changes to her behavior.  They ask for the drug test results.  Thornwall said he’d send them Hailey’s personnel file.  At the station, Medical Examiner, Cameron Clayden, tells everyone the lab results in CPT Wagner’s office.  They determine it is a fentanyl drug overdose.  Elsbeth stumbles in because her eye still hasn’t recovered from the accidental perfume spraying.  CPT Wagner says the case should be transferred to the narcotics division, but Elsbeth intervenes.  The CPT asks about her eye, and she says she walked into a cloud.  She tells them what Angus saw.  She tells everyone about their eye witness in Scotland.  CPT Wagner is shocked, and Officer Blanke explains it to him.  She and Elsbeth get off the subject, sharing the story of  Scotland.   Detective Edwards is not amused, and CPT Wagner can’t make sense of it either.  He said tomorrow they will get a full toxicology review and witness statement, and rushed everyone out of his office.  Officer Blanke asks ME Clayden how he likes the apartment she rented to him.  Elsbeth stumbles back to her office.Later, Elsbeth hears CPT Wagner grumbling in his office.  He’s trying to make romantic Valentine Day arrangements for him and his wife.  Things aren’t going well.  Elsbeth gives him suggestions, but CPT Wagner wants it to be Special with Real Valentine Fanciness, and his Big Surprise!  Elsbeth compliments him on his romanticness.  She pivots to the Mertens Murder case being reopened.  Elsbeth thanks the CPT for what he did.Elsbeth returns to The Iris to take Angus’ statement.  She reviews what happened with him.  He thought it was a jealous rage that led to Hailey’s death.  He says she used to meet there regularly for coffee with a man.  Another man was there the day she died.   Angus thinks it was a tinder date, because it seemed to be a first meeting.  The chocolates were for the guy, but he never arrived.  Angus compliments Elsbeth on her scarf.  She changes the subject and asks about his music.  They are too funny getting to know each other.  It seems like they’re flirting, clumsily. They’re Adorable!   Elsbeth gets a call about Hailey’s emergency contact.Elsbeth goes to the station to meet Hailey’s boyfriend.  Officer Blanke and Detective Edwards tell him about Hailey’s drug test failure.  He says Hailey was sober, and hadn’t relapsed.  Elsbeth enters the office and observes.  She bluntly asks the boyfriend if he followed Hailey and saw her meeting with another man.  Elsbeth asks him to help them with one more thing.   They go to The Iris to see if Angus can identify him.  He did.  They take him back to the station.  Detective Edwards and Officer Blanke interrogate the boyfriend while Elsbeth and CPT Wagner look on.  The boyfriend admits he knew she was cheating on him.  He also followed her, but to make sure she was alright.  Hailey told him about someone who was threatening to kill her.  Detective Edwards  thinks they could charge the boyfriend with involuntary manslaughter.  CPT Wagner asks Officer Blanke to take Elsbeth and find the man Hailey was afraid of. That night, Elsbeth goes online to look up Angus.  She listens to his music and watches the videos.  It’s not bad at all.  She falls asleep to the beautiful, hypnotic sounds.  The next day, Elsbeth, Officer Blanke return to The Iris with the police sketch artist.  He draws a picture of the other guy Angus saw.  Angus compliments Elsbeth’s different coat.  Officer Blanke is surprised at Elsbeth flirting with Angus, and drags the sketch artist away so Elsbeth can talk with Angus alone.  She tells him she listened to his song online.  He tells her how he records his music.  The sheep and shepherd cross behind Angus again.  He says he might come to New York one day.  Elsbeth is reluctant to leave, but has to go.  YEP, there’s Something Special with Them!Officer Blanke and Elsbeth talk to the coffee shop barista, Tamra.  She was the witness. They ask if she saw the other guy.   She remembers his first name, George, and points out a guy, George’s editor, who is also looking for him.  Elsbeth and Officer Blanke find out the two guys were together.  George is a journalist.  He hasn’t seen him recently.  Officer Blanke gets a call from Detective Edwards telling her they found George.  He’s dead.  ME Clayden, Officer Blanke, Detective Edwards and Elsbeth are in the police station’s elevator updating CPT Wagner on the case findings.  George died from a fentanyl overdose.  Detective Edwards still says both victims died of a drug overdose.  Elsbeth reminds them the chocolates were never found.   CPT Wagner tells her they could have been stolen, it’s New York.   Elsbeth questions why everyone from New York is so down on New York.  Detective Edwards says it to prevent other people from coming.  Officer Blanke refocuses Elsbeth on the chocolates.  Elsbeth’s theory is that Hailey was a whistleblower, and she was going to give George information for his story in the box of chocolates. CPT Wagner asks them to solve the case.  He hurriedly leaves them.  Elsbeth gets a call from Angus checking if the sketch helped.  She tells him it did, but they found the guy dead.  Angus hangs up and asks Fiona, the waitress, about the time she spilt cream over his notebook. He wants to know if she saw something on The Iris when he was turned away.  She refers him to the Murray Sisters.  Officer Blanke and Detective Edwards show Hailey’s boyfriend George’s picture.  He doesn’t recognize him.  He also has an alibi for when George died. He and Hailey went to the fertility clinic at that time.  Elsbeth and Officer Blanke ask the boyfriend to get them Hailey’s fertility panel.   She had no drugs in her system.  Mr. Thornwall sent over ‘doctored’ lab results in Hailey’s personnel record.  Elsbeth believes Hailey was a whistleblower.  Angus calls Elsbeth and has the Murray Sisters tell her about another man.  They said the man sneezed in Hailey’s face, and took the box of chocolates.  They didn’t see his face because he wore a mask, but he did have a tartan scarf around his neck.  Elsbeth leaves just as the Murray Sisters see the guy again at the coffee stand.  Angus calls Elsbeth but gets no answer.Elsbeth returned to the cosmetics department at Hailey’s workplace.  She asks for another perfume sample, and asks if she can pour out the perfume.   Mr. Thornwall approaches her.  She remarks about the perfume atomizer.  She goes to Mr. Thornwall’s office and finds out he used to be a patrol officer in Denver.   Elsbeth verifies the drug test date he gave them in Hailey’s personnel file.  He leaves her, and she sees a tartan scarf on his coat rack.  She finds a face mask in the jacket pocket.  Thornwall returns, and Elsbeth tries to fool him by pretending to be talking to CPT Wagner on her cell.  Thornwall isn’t fooled, and says she would just disappear.  She confirms her theory about Hailey.  Thornwall is bragging about covering up the company's drug secrets.  There’s a knock on the door, and Elsbeth yells for help.  CPT Wagner storms in with Detective Edwards and Officer Blanke! WOW!  Thornwall is not even surprised he’s being arrested for the two murders.  He says the Company CEOs made him do it.  Detective Edwards takes him away.  Elsbeth asks how they knew she was there, and Officer Blanke tells her Angus called the police station switchboard.  Elsbeth is overcome with emotion and pulls Officer Blanke and CPT Wagner in for a group hug.  Elsbeth returns to The Iris and finds out Angus left.  Later that night, she and Officer Blanke finish off a box of chocolates.   Elsbeth still tries calling Angus, but gets no answer.  At Officer Blanke’s apartment ME Clayden gives her a cupcake. She turns down the morgue cupcake, but invites him out for ice cream.  He happily accepts.  CPT Wagner surprises his wife, Claudia, with a smooth romantic dance on the rooftop.  He was secretly taking dance lessons to impress her for their Anniversary. His dance instructor keeps giving him words of encouragement as they dance, too funny!  He finally takes the hint and leaves.  CPT Wagner celebrates their Valentine’s Day and Anniversary in the Beautifully Special Way he intended.Meanwhile, Elsbeth and the breast exposer person sit in front of The Iris watching the Scottish seaside town.  No one’s there.  The Iris in NYC will be moved to a different location the next day.   Suddenly nearby, someone’s playing a familiar song Elsbeth recognizes, and it’s Angus!  She’s sad he’s missing his Edinburgh concert.  He tells her that it’s not how he makes his living, cuz he’s a Fireman.  He wishes her a Happy Valentine’s Day and They Kiss!  They smile and gaze at a heart shape displayed on a high rise building.  So Very Romantic! This Elsbeth episode was So VERY GOOD!  Loved IT.  It opened with something unusual, The Iris, Video Streaming a murder.   That was Fascinating!  An Adorable pairing with Elsbeth and Angus which continued getting more interesting.  CPT Wagner’s Romanticness was a Total Surprise and Sweet!  Officer Blanke and ME Clayden have a budding romance.  It was also Great to see the return of Micaela Diamond’s No Nonsense Detective Edwards. This episode’s mystery was so intertwined with subplots.  Loved that police station elevator scene where they provided CPT Wagner case updates.  That was well done!  So many entertaining and intriguing moments in this episode.  Actually, I was surprised when it was over.  Elsbeth’s colorful coats and multiple bags were eye-catching.  Loved the little hearts bag!  Thank You All for another Incredible episode.

Matlock  Season 1, Episode 11, titled "A Traitor in Thine Own House,"  picks up right where last week’s intense episode left off, and the drama is only escalating. The episode kicks off with Maddy and Edwin testing her ability to lie using a lie detector test. Maddy, ever determined, is working on refining her skills to trick Shae, who’s become increasingly suspicious of her. The tension is high, especially with Sarah still furious about Maddy’s decision to give Billy her case. It’s clear that Sarah’s resentment has now turned into full-blown obsession, and she teams up with Shae—someone who also has it out for Maddy—to dig into Maddy’s past. As Sarah and Shae join forces, Sarah’s anger boils over, and she lashes out at Billy in a fit of frustration. She throws some truly hurtful comments his way, even telling him that everyone at work knows she’s a better lawyer than him. Ouch. It’s as if this final jab from Sarah drives a wedge between them for good, and their friendship is left in tatters. I couldn’t help but feel for Billy in this moment, but also—Maddy’s deceit is the real reason Sarah’s spiraling. The episode starts to shift the audience's sympathy, making us question whether Maddy’s personal vendetta is worth all the collateral damage to those around her. Sure, she’s on a mission to uncover the truth about her daughter’s death, but what about the innocent people who are being dragged into her web of lies? Pictured (L-R): David Del Rio as “Billy Martinez” and Leah Lewis as “Sarah Franklin”. Photo: Michael Yarish/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. As for Maddy’s conflict with Shae, things take a turn when Matty files a complaint to HR in an attempt to get Shae—and Sarah—to stop snooping into her past. But Shae is relentless and manages to track down what she believes is a lead on Maddy’s former co-worker. She flies out to Georgia to speak with him, unaware that Maddy has orchestrated the whole thing. It’s a clever move on Maddy’s part—she has Edwin posing as the co-worker, throwing Shae off the trail. This strategic move finally forces Shae and Sarah to back off. For now. Pictured (L-R): Yael Grobglas as "Shae Banfield”. Photo: Michael Yarish/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The episode takes an emotional turn when Sarah has a breakdown in Olympia’s office, pouring her heart out about her feelings of betrayal. In a somewhat surprising moment, Olympia agrees to take Sarah under her wing and become her mentor. I don’t know about you, but I can already sense that this mentorship might not go smoothly. What could go wrong, right? But, with Olympia’s nerves on edge, I’m left wondering how long it’ll take before she uncovers the truth about Maddy’s manipulations. Meanwhile, Olympia’s personal life is taking a nosedive. Her messy divorce from Julian is getting uglier by the minute. Olympia wants to see the accounting for the family trust, but Maddy is just using this as an opportunity to check if Julian’s behind the missing documents. I can’t help but feel that the tension between Olympia and Julian could have been more fleshed out, especially since Julian seems to be relegated to quick, tension-filled arguments with Olympia rather than getting a chance to shine in court. Then of course there is that embarrassing moment in Elijah's office. Olympia clearly wants to rekindle things with Elijah but he has moved on. In another subplot, Senior returns this week, asking Olympia for help with a case. When Olympia (and team) uncovers that the client is lying she makes it clear how much she despises dishonesty. It’s a telling moment, and I couldn’t help but wonder if this foreshadows how Olympia will react once she discovers Maddy’s web of lies. Olympia’s sharp instincts might make her a formidable opponent when the truth eventually comes to light. And then there’s Senior—he’s impressed by Olympia, but will it be enough for him to support her candidacy for partner over his own son? The drama is thickening, and I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to see where this goes. Speaking of Senior he confronts Maddy about going to HR about Shae - clearly giving her a veiled threat. What is the story there? Pictured (L-R): Beau Bridges as Howard "Senior" Markston and Kathy Bates as “Madeline Matlock”. Photo: Michael Yarish/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The final twist in the episode is a gut punch: Edwin has lied to Maddy about the email from their daughter’s friend. This revelation will surely add more fuel to the fire in the episodes to come. Maddy’s trust in Edwin might get shaken, and I’m really curious to see how this new twist will affect their relationship and her investigation. "A Traitor in Thine Own House"  was all about lying, betrayal, and the consequences of deceit. The episode cleverly highlights how Shae, who’s so quick to call Maddy out for being a liar, is also hiding her own secrets—like her affair with a co-worker. It’s almost poetic that Maddy’s world is full of lies, and the truth is slowly unraveling. As Olympia said, all these lies will eventually come to light, but the question is: which one will be exposed first? I’m hooked, and I can’t wait to see how this all plays out.

"Abbott Elementary" Season 4, Episode 14 ("District Budget Meeting") really hit home for me, balancing the comedic absurdity we love with some sobering truths about the struggles of underfunded schools. It wasn’t the typical Valentine’s Day fluff you might expect from other shows, but instead, it took on something much more pressing: the school district’s budget meeting. The way the episode painted the dire situation of the school system behind comedy is type of genius we expect from Abbott. It’s heartbreaking to think about how basic needs like hot water heaters, school supplies, and even roofs are something teachers and students are actively fighting for in real life. The fact that one school even had to make do with a counselor to “help kids cope” with the literal collapse of their roof was a stark reminder of how broken the system is. Jacob’s proposal for a counselor to help address his students’ at-home struggles resonated deeply; it’s a reminder that teachers are asked to do so much more than just teach. They’re emotional caretakers too, and sometimes, all they need is a little more support to meet their kids where they are. The district meeting, though, was where the show really flexed its strength. I love how they brought back Manny, who is just so over the top happy all the time, especially when he greets everyone individually. Ava’s confidence and knack for twisting situations for her benefit was front and center here — when she takes credit for everything her the way she hypes her own self up, I was like, yes, that’s the Ava we know  — but then she turned the table again, making sure Abbott and three other schools got the rest of the funds they needed. I was cheering her on as she one-upped Crystal (who deserved it, in my opinion), but then the twist of Abbott being under scrutiny at the end had me worried for them. I’m sure that bribe they took from the golf course will come back to bite them. Also, pretty sure Crystal will be looking into how Abbott already has the supplies they need. Not to mention because Jacob pulled his stunt, Ava let him know he is her new target. (Disney/Gilles Mingasson) CHRIS PERFETTI, JANELLE JAMES But beyond the budget drama, what really made the episode special for me was the Gregory and Janine storyline. Their dynamic continues to be one of the sweetest and most relatable on TV. Gregory frantically confesses his love over a voice note (accidentally), all while getting smoothie orders, was hilarious and so him . Janine's overthinking of the message was such a perfect representation of that awkward early-stage relationship phase we’ve all been through. When Gregory finally said "I love you" in person and Janine immediately returned the sentiment — I won’t lie, it made my heart melt. These two have come so far, and watching their quirky, awkward romance unfold is always a joy. The episode wasn’t all serious, though. The little moments of humor kept it light — Barbara and Melissa playing district bingo had me laughing out loud, and Mr. Johnson popping up at the end asking for $50 and a sandwich was just the cherry on top. It’s the absurdity and offbeat charm that makes Abbott such a standout show. Overall, this episode really struck a chord with me. It tackled big issues about education while keeping things grounded in humor and heart. I loved the way it spotlighted the challenges teachers face — both in the classroom and beyond. And honestly, it was nice to get a little break from the usual holiday episode tropes to dive into something more real. Plus, I’m always here for more Gregory and Janine moments, so I left the episode feeling both emotionally fulfilled and thoroughly entertained. Abbott Elementary  does such a great job of blending real-life struggles with heartfelt moments and just the right amount of comedy. It’s why I keep coming back.

Back for another episode of Invincible! Shrinking Rae and Rex Splode go shopping for food.  Rae wants to make dinner herself.  Rex tries to help Rae shop but they have to stop to fight a villain.   Back at the Guardians new base, Invincible/Mark, Robot Bulletproof and Amanda are trying to find out what the spying orb was.  The one that blew up in Invincible’s hand outside his home.  Rae and Rex get back, and Rae decides to order pizza for dinner.  Robot and Rudy can’t analyze the orb because it's too damaged.  They say it's a sophisticated device made on Earth with significant resources.  They don't know who made it.   Invincible goes to GDA HQ and battles reanimen, but is stopped by the device in his head getting triggered.  He collapses in pain.  Cecil turns off the device causing pain in Invincible’s head.  The reanimen restrained him.  Cecil tells him they aren’t spying on him. Mark takes off.  Donald asks Cecil what do they do about the orb.  They are spying on the Grayson Family, but not with the orb tech.Mark rushes to start his date with Eve.  She sees a portal opening next to their table.  It’s Dropkick bnd Fightmaster.  They ask him to come with them immediately because it’s life or death.  Even stops them from approaching their table, and asks if Mark knows them.  He says they stole the Declaration of Independence.  They are from the future, and ask Mark to help them overthrow their king.  They can’t return later.   They rethink Mark being a hero.  Just as Eve asks him about his action, the two future guys take Mark.  A sad Mark comes out of a time portal and takes his clothes, when he asks where to put them.  That’s Odd!They arrive in Dropkick and Fightmaster’s future Earth and see devastation everywhere.  They tell him how it all started centuries ago.  One man was made ruler over all.  He ruled well, but something changed, and went mad.  No one knows what.  He made new laws, ordered mandatory work camps, changed laws, imprisoned dissenters, and it got worse.  There were senseless wars, factories of new soldiers, and the whole nation couldn’t survive without power and electricity.  He annihilated ten cities and the rebellion started.  They couldn’t stop him.  Dropkick built a time machine to find answers on how to stop the future devastation.  But, there was none.  They saw Mark, and realized he could save them.  Invincible asks if the king is a Viltrumite.   Dropkick and Fightmaster don’t know what that is.  Mark agrees to help.  They make noise and the robot royal guards arrive.  Invincible begins fighting them, but not before he confirms they aren’t sentient.   Dropkick and Fightmaster tell Invincible NOT to fight the guards.  They just want to get captured so they get taken to see the king. Oops!The soldier leader recognizes Invincible and says they were waiting for him. They take them to see the king in a fantastic building Dropkick tells Mark their Mom was taken and they grew up in the work camps, and joined the rebellion.  Dropkick and Fightmaster are taken away, to be executed.  Mark doesn’t want that to happen, but Dropkick and Fightmaster tell him to stop the king, they can take care of themselves.  He enters the strange-looking palace/building and is taken to see the king.  He breaks out of the restraints and approaches the king.   He tells him it’s over and sees the king is Immortal.  The king recognizes Invincible.  Mark’s shocked to learn he is the King of Earth!  Immortal is glad he came.  The future Mark left with his family years ago.  Mark tells him he’s from the past and asks him what he’s doing hurting people.  Immortal says it was the only way to bring him back.  Immortal tells Mark it was his fault all this happened.  He’s not a Viltrimite, and couldn't handle ruling so long.  Mark’s confused at that statement.  Immortal starts choking Mark, and tells Mark why he chose him.  Mark knows Immortal wasn’t like this King in the past, and asks why he created all that devastation, if maybe Kate dying caused it.  Immortal’s memories are muddled, and he thinks he’s talking about Eve. He doesn’t remember Kate, cuz he’s had lots of wives. Him outliving everyone he loves made him slowly go mad.  Mark doesn’t know how that feels.  Immortal tells Mark to repay his debt.   He asks him if he would end his torment.  Mark thought he meant stay and run the planet for him, but Immortal tells him that’s not what he meant.  At that moment, Fightmaster and Dropkick break free of their restraints and defeat the guards.  They escape.  Immortal asks Mark to kill him, but Mark can’t believe that’s what he wants.  He tells him to just quit.  Immortal says a king can’t quit,because he must be there forever.  He says that’s the only way.  Past Mark said he can’t do that.  Immortal tells Mark all this happened because of him, and begins fighting Mark to force him to kill him.  Immortal says suicide is a coward’s disguise and continues fighting, begging, Mark to kill him.   Dropkick and Fightmaster enter and try to kill them.  He beats Mark senseless, begging him to kill him.  Mark’s anger is unleashed and he decapitates Immortal!  Mark falls to the ground devastated for breaking his most valued rule.  People's lives are precious and should never be taken.  Dropkick and Fightmaster thank him for killing the King.  He asks them not to thank him for killing someone, even if they hurt a lot of people.  Mark says he saved a lot of people in his past.  He tells him to keep all Immortal’s parts separated or he’ll keep returning.  Mark walks away, and is blocked from leaving by the royal guards.  They announce the king is dead and authority is transferred to the people.  Dropkick and Fightmmaster thank Mark again for saving their world.  Mark wants to go home.  Mark, Dropkick and Fightmaster leave the palace/weird building and hear the cheering people outside.  They tell him there’s one more thing to do, and Mark asks why and where he can stash his clothes.  The other Mark in the portal hands him his clothes again.  STILL Odd!  Dropkick and Fightmaster return him to his time, and his date with Eve. Time hasn’t changed much.  A saddened Mark asks her if he’s a good person.  She assures him he is.  He tells her what happened, and that was all his fault. Mark says he messed everything up.  She tells him the future version of him wasn’t the current Mark.  Mark is still devastated.  She tells him she would never let him turn into a world conquering evil  person, if he promises to do the same for her.  They agree to never let that happen!  They leave to return the Declaration of Independence, take off to enjoy their first date and Love!  A Montage of their time together plays through and they are floating above the clouds and they Declare Their Love!  They leave and make out at Mark’s home.  In another part of the galaxy, Allen The Allen plans to Break himself and Nolan out of prison!  A short story of Nolan and Allen continues.  Nolan refuses to leave, until Allen hears Nolan say he misses his wife.  Their guards continue to torture them.  The Viltrimites are coming to execute Nolan, because Nolan thinks he disgraced his people, and abandoned his family.  Allen is tired of Nolan’s self-deprecation and tells him  he can change all that, and help him stop the empire.  Again. Nolan refuses.   They reach an impasse and await death.  The Viltrimites arrive and take Nolan away.  Allen the Alien breaks out and releases all the other prisoners on the ship, including the toughest prisoner, Battle Beast. Allen telepathically tells Nolan to hold on, and Nolan responds telling him to leave him to his execution.  The prisoners continue fighting the prison guards, as Nolan’s Viltrimite torture and nearing execution continues. Battle Beast is unhappy he can’t battle Viltrimites.  Allen finds Nolan.  Nolan is not happy.  Battle Beast is happy now cuz he gets to battle one of the Viltrimites.  Allen is stopped by the other one, and beaten.  It wakes something in Nolan, and he cries out to stop. Nolan breaks free, and jokingly thanks Nolan.  Nolan and Allen fight.  Allen asks if Battle Beast can survive in space and bursts a hole in the ship.   Everyone is swept out to continue fighting in space.  Nolan and Allen destroy one of the Viltrimites, and look for the other. Battle Beast continues fighting him.  Allen thanks Nolan for saving him.  He assures him that he knows Nolan doesn’t want to betray his people even though they are psychopathic murderers.  Nolan asks why Allen saved him, and is struck by Allen’s doing that for him.  No Viltrimite would do that.  Allen told him Nolan can change.  Allen tells him they need to get away before more Viltrimites come.  Nolan assures him that no more will come.  Nolan reveals why and how they can beat the Viltrimites. Returning to the Grayson home, Mark and Eve are enjoying each other.  Mark’s Mom knocks on his door but can’t get in.  Eve giggles and they decide to get their own place. What a Great Episode!  Love the Time Travel, but not the bloody outcome of what had to happen. Never thought an Immortal would go insane.  Happy Eve and Mark declared their love, but still miss Amber.  Allen saving Nolan was AWESOME!  Nolan’s tidbit of knowledge on how to defeat the Viltrimites was unexpected.  Nolan FINALLY having Compassion for Others is TOTALLY a Jaw Dropper!  Wonder what Debbie will think now she’s moved on with someone new.  Will Dropkick and FightMaster make another time traveling appearance?  Did they have to destroy Future Immortal?  Why not just exile him to another planet or galaxy?  Why didn’t Mark and Eve go to her treehouse to make out?    Lots of questions for this Super Episode!  Loved this episode, and am looking for MORE!

Title:  I Can Be the One (ARC) Author: Ellie Blackbourne Genre:   Sports Romance Rating: Like Spice: Flamin Hot Cheeto Synopsis: Alexis Moore has lost her tuition money with only a year left to get her teaching degree. Her only chance of coming up with the money, that doesn’t involve borrowing the money from her loved ones, is to enter the campus Cute Couple contest. Winner gets a year of tuition free. Enter Blake Taylor. One of her brothers, hockey playing teammates, and the guy she’s been secretly crushing on for years. Will these two be able to convince the entire campus they are in love, and get Alexis her money, without getting their hearts damaged in the process? Thoughts: This book had me hooked from the very beginning. (Seriously I was reading at work and ended up finishing it in a day!)  Alexis’ relationship with her twin and older brother is real, both loving and sometimes childish.  However, it's her strength throughout that really made me love her. Alexis hasn’t had an easy few years, between dealing with her diagnosis, an uncertain future for her career and the trauma of her past, this girl has been through a lot. The way she quietly pushes herself through it all, trying her hardest not to be a burden and trying to stay focused on her career goals, this girl is doing it all.  Blake’s NON TOXIC personality really put me over the cliff on enjoying this book. The way he calls out his toxic teammates, and does his best to help Alexis without overstepping, should be the norm for men irl. His devotion to her well being gave me all the warm and fuzzies.  I would have loved to see Hudson get his and maybe some more insight on Blake’s family but overall it was a cute & quick read with just enough spice.  Quotes:  “Leave it. Let them know I’m yours.”  -Blake I CAN BE THE ONE  available Feb 14th,2025 **************                                                                                       @booksteantravel Rating: LOVED= 5 Stars. A new fav. Will be talking about every chance I get.  ENJOYED= 4-3 Stars.  It wasn’t a life changer but I would recommend.  0-2 Stars/ DNF= I will not post a review about a book I didn’t enjoy or did not finish. Good vibes only. I support anyone who’s brave enough to create their own work and put it out into the world for others.  Spice:  Puffy Cheeto- No Spice.  Crunchy Cheeto- Closed Door/Fade to Black Flamin Hot Cheeto- Spicy. A few detailed scenes.  Takis- Erotica. With more mature themes.

Love was certainly in the air for Tuesday’s all new episode of The Rookie . While we saw Bailey and John navigate the aftermath of her involvement in Jason’s murder, others have found a way to rekindle old sparks.  John’s finding it difficult to talk to Bailey about what he knows: that she has been communicating with the man who murdered Jason. I could understand his dilemma, but only slightly. We all know John struggles with morality and cannot compromise. However, in this case, it’s his wife. We’ve previously seen him struggle when it came to Bailey when Rosalind Dyer had her kidnapped and put in danger. The only way to save her was to kill Rosalind, who was unarmed. John couldn’t do it then and it seems that character trait is sticking around now.  Bailey confronts him about what’s been going on and he finally tells her what he knows. Now, what I didn’t expect was how Bailey would respond to the accusations. There was no denying it, but there was no remorse for what she’s done. She even goes as far as throwing away the evidence of her involvement. I could understand Bailey’s fear and her explanation for doing what she did was fair, however, doesn’t make it right.  There was no resolution by the end of this episode. In fact, Bailey decides she needs time away from John while she tries to understand why he didn’t understand why she did what she did. She believes that John owes her an apology, but I don’t think he does. There was a proper way to handle this and I think both John and Bailey handled it incorrectly. What I wonder now is, knowing that Bailey was an accessory to Jason’s murder, will John turn her in or go against his moral code and figure things out? Whatever the case is, the two of them need to have a conversation.  Another pair that needs  to have a conversation: Lucy and Tim. At a Gala hosted by Grey’s wife, Luna, we find the pair fighting this tension that’s been building up the entire episode (but honestly for quite some time now). Earlier in the episode, Tim and Lucy work an assignment together where folks line up to turn in their exes. When a confession leads them to surveilling for someone “moving something big”, we witness these small moments between them as the tension builds. The way Tim steals looks when Lucy isn’t aware, and just how Lucy becomes distracted when Tim says he’s bringing a date to the Gala (the date was his sister, Genny, but she didn’t know that). Later on at the Gala, when Lucy sees said date, she instantly hugs Genny and man the look on Tim’s face when Genny asks “doesn’t she [look amazing]” should be the reference photo for knowing when someone is in love. It’s as if when he saw her he was over trying to hide the looks. He was no longer stealing the looks, they were intentional.  (Disney/Mike Taing) MELISSA O’NEIL, ERIC WINTER An altercation takes place at the bar causing Tim to be injured and of course Lucy has to be the one to help him, right? They go back to the hotel room (thank you John and Bailey for fighting and freeing up the room), and Lucy cleans Tim’s wound and sweet baby Jesus, you can cut the tension with a knife. The bandage doesn’t even make it on, when Tim turns to look at Lucy as he slowly moves closer and if we’re being honest here, our boy looked hungry for a piece of Lucy (that’s as PG as I could say that). There was a bit of hesitation on Lucy’s part, but then she gave in to everything we all know she was feeling for quite some time and we have the reconnection of chenford that we’ve been begging for.  I enjoyed every minute of it and didn’t know how much I missed them together until this very moment they shared, but not like this. It became very clear the morning after (not the morning after we begged for but if this is how we get it then, I guess it works) that there was something unsaid between them. They’re still holding back from having that much needed conversation and I hope that before anything happens further between them we get the opportunity to see them have that talk.  Overall this was one of my favorite episodes to watch, but I want to hear from you. What’d you think of the all new episode of The Rookie ? Share your thoughts!

Someone’s knocking on the front door of an elderly man cooking food at home.  He turns down his pocket radio and calls 911.  He takes a rifle and tells 911 he thinks someone’s trying to break into his house.  As he’s walking towards it, he hears a knocking on the back door, turns toward it.  This is all happening as he talks to 911.  The knocking stops, and he tells 911 he thinks they headed for the woods.  At that moment, someone breaks down the front door and attacks and shoots him dead. Angie and Ormwood arrive at the crime scene separately.  There’s splatters of blood on the door and wall.  They find the victim face down on the floor.  They go out in the field and find a shoe, maybe from the killer.  An officer leads them to another dead body near the shoe.  It’s a woman bound at the wrists.  Angie guesses it was an abduction and rape.  Possibly she got out of the rapist’s vehicle, knocked on the other victim’s door, looking for help, but didn’t get it.  She went running.  The rapist broke into the house and killed the elderly man, and later the woman.  They found the female victim’s tongue in her hand.  Angie asks the officer to get a team out to look for the murder weapon, and walks off very disturbed.  Ormwood shares with the officer that a murderer did the same thing before, and has just gotten out of prison.  Angie knows him, John Shelly.  He’s the repairman from the country club where she used to work.   Meanwhile, Faith and Will are with the Medical Examiner, Pete Chin, checking a body that is burned to a crisp.  Pete gives them personal specifics.  He found a bullet in his head.  His body was found under the floorboard of a house that burned down. Will asked how long he’d been there, but Pete’s not sure but is running tests to determine this.  At that moment, Marion Alba, Assistant DA walks into the lab.  Will smiles.  Faith notices his sudden attitude change.  Marion’s there because the Fire Marshall called her.  She’s looking for a missing witness, and thought she’d come to see if she recognized the victim’s face. There’s no face. The only possible body part that could help them identify the victim are the feet.  Will looked at the feet and guessed what socks the victim probably wore.  Will asks how Marion is, cuz she looks a little wobbly.  He gives her his handkerchief.  Faith goes with Pete to identify the feet.  Will and Marion share their knowledge of Spanish, and find their families are both from Puerto Rico.  They chat a little more, but Marion has to leave cuz of the smells in the room.  Ormwood and Angie go to check on John Shelly, at his apartment.  They enter but he’s not there.  They search the room.  Ormwood says the place reeks of serial killer.  Angie finds personal items in a book, and Ormwood finds some boots that may match the print on the first victim’s door.  They leave and check the bathroom.  John Shelley’s in the bathroom washing bloody clothes in the sink, and says he can explain. Angie and Ormwood interrogate John at the station.  He says the blood was cow’s blood from work. He lost his previous job as repairman at the country club gated community.  They are awaiting lab results to confirm.  Angie asks him if he drives.  She walks through his previous crime with him to show he does lie.  The girl he murdered was Alice Finney.  Angie shows him pictures of the current dead female victim, Peggy Higgins.  John doesn’t know her.  Angie says the M.E. told them the same person killed both Alice and Peggy.  John said he didn’t kill Alice.  He admitted to murdering her because his mother was dying, and that was the only reason he could get released, if he expressed remorse.  Angie walks him through what might have happened and gets him to let out his anger.  He asks for a lawyer.  CPT Cromwell and the ADA come to stop the interrogation.  The CPT called the DA’s office, so they could discuss a strategy to get John Shelly.   (Disney/Wilford Harewood) JAKE MCLAUGHLIN, ERIKA CHRISTENSEN CPT Cromwell tells them the blood test results show the blood is not from a human.  He tells Angie and Ormwood to give John to his parole officer.  Angie asks the CPT if he’s gonna look over her shoulder all the time. He doesn’t give her a good answer.  Will and Faith interview the owner of the burned down house and shop.  He asks if he’s familiar with a gang called the Grove Park Boys.  The owner is avoiding answering their questions.  He says all he has left is a watch from his father.Later in the conference room, Faith and Will loudly argue over their case.  Amanda rushes in to quiet them down.  Faith tells her what they found out, and that they are missing parts to solve it.  The current owner, Elise Bedoin, can’t be a suspect.  The burnt body was there for a year.  Will wants to go a different direction and question Elise.  He thinks he knows something about the fire.  Faith’s focused on the body and who killed him.  Amanda says Faith is right.   At that moment, Sunny dings her checking on her whereabouts.  Faith tells her that Sunny’s up to no good, and doesn’t want Amanda to find out what.  Will agrees.  Amanda rushes out to check on Sunny.  Will apologizes to Faith.  Faith says he’s personally invested, but Will doesn’t understand.  (ADA Marion)  Faith found the victim, because of his socks.  She found an article on his disappearance, and the previous owner who went missing two years ago.Amanda goes home and hears voices in her condo.  It’s Sunny and her Dad, Rafael Wexford, are cooking in the kitchen.  She  tells him he can’t just drop by her house uninvited.  Sunny runs back to the pot on the stove because the garlic is burning.  Amanda asks him to leave.John’s parole officer, Ms. Lamb, comes to the police station to pick him up.  She tells Angie and Ormwood John had nothing to do with the murder.   She gives them John’s timesheets and drug tests.   John stares at Angie and slightly smiles as the elevator doors close.  Did Angie see that?Ormwood goes to the hospital where Peggy Higgins worked.  He is interviewing one of her co-workers.  She told her about a guy who had a PO Box next to hers.  She kept one because she didn’t want an ex-boyfriend couldn’t find where she lived.  The PO Box Guy kept bothering Peggy and asking her out.  She was afraid of him.  The co-worker couldn’t describe, but agreed to come into the station to identify him.  Ormwood’s not getting an answer from Angie.At the GBI Conference Room, Faith and Will identified the burnt body, a missing former building owner, Mr. Cedric Broufy.  He went missing on a hike two years ago.  His wife, Meadow, and friend, Dax Mason, grieved six months before getting together.  Will tracked the best friend’s movements and found they matched times when her husband was out of the house.  Faith walks through a possible scenario of Cedric’s death.  Amanda asks them to bring them in for questioning. At the police station, Ormwood finds Angie.  Angie had been out tailing John. She found him watching a mailbox place.  He goes in and empties the box.  He hadn’t opened it, but it was opened years ago when he was in prison.  Ormwood fills her in on the missing pieces. It was the same place where Peggy Higgins had her PO Box #849, next to John’s #850.  It connects him to the victim.Faith and Will interview Meadow and Dax separately.  They tell Will and Faith about the last time they saw the victim.  Meadow sold the building because she needed the money.  The buyer paid in cash.  Faith and Will told them he was shot with a rifle used for competitive target shooting.  Dax did it.  He said Meadow didn’t have anything to do with it.  She falls apart when she finds out.  Will and Faith close the case.Faith gives Will a file that should have gone to the DA’s Office.  She teases him, tells him it’s okay to be interested in ADA Alba.  He tells Faith to keep quiet.  The report said two other businesses burned down in the same area, Grove Park.   The current building owner, Elise bought the building with cash.  Where did he get the money?  Will goes to deliver the report.Angie and Ormwood return to John Shelly’s apartment building and Ormwood is shoved as an occupant passes him on the stairs.  Ormwood makes a derogatory remark and they get into a scuffle.  Ormwood’s cuffing the guy, as John Shelly comes out with an ice chest.  He yells, throws down the chest and runs back into his apartment floor. The contents spill out, and a tongue is among them.  Angie goes after him.  John tries to get away outside.  He says someone else is doing it .  He jumps down to the ground and escapes.  Will takes the file to Marion, she tells him the case may be a loan sharking scheme.  Whenever the building owners couldn’t pay, their buildings were torched.  Will thinks it might be Rafael and his gang.   Marion said she could question him.  She reaches to touch Will’s neck scar, and he pulls away.  They hold hands.  He asks her out, and she agrees.  He’ll cook salmon.  That Moment was hot!  Will leaves.   John Shelly’s sister and husband come to see Angie and Ormwood at the station.  They knew Alice Finney.  They haven’t seen John lately.  He had been earlier asking about a car.  His sister gives Angie her Mom’s journals.  John’s sister tells them to talk to Carter, his prison roommate.  They bribe him with candy, and he tells them he borrowed his Mother’s car.  He tells Angie to find out how a 17-year-old man can get a credit score of 710, then stabs her hand with the peppermint candy stick. Will and Marion have a delicious dinner.  Betty is there!  They flirt after dinner.  Marion reads Will’s palm. They kiss, make out a little, and Passionately Kiss! Amanda’s working late at GBI.  Sunny is there waiting to see her Dad, Rafael.  She is angry with Amanda because she’s making her Dad come see her at GBI, a building full of cops.  Amanda counsels her on respect and her behavior. Angie checked through John’s Mother’s book, but only found she believed John was innocent. Ormwood looks at an envelope and gets an address where John could be. Will meets Rafael at the elevator as he leaves work.  He notices Rafael has a watch like Elise has. Rafael leaves to see Sunny. (Disney/Wilford Harewood) RAMÓN RODRÍGUEZ, GINA RODRIGUEZ Angie and Ormwood get to the address and finds Ms. Lamb dead.  John’s in a room repeating the words “I won’t go back”, and staring blankly in space.  Angie tells him to show them his hands.  He keeps repeating the words.  They arrest him.Later, Angie goes to see John in his cell.  She asks him questions.  He tells her he went to buy his sister a gift, and that someone put the knife and tongue in his cooler, and killed Ms. Lamb.  He went to the PO Box and house to find who it was.  He basically just gave up.  Angie goes to a nearby restaurant to stop the ADA, Freddie,  from charging John Shelly.   She says they may be wrong about him.  Marion  is there and asks if there is another suspect.  ADA Freddie told her he filed earlier.  John’s sister comes to see Ormwood,  Angie takes Will a box of evidence on the John Shelly case.  She needs his help.  He knew about it because Marion called him about it.  She dumps the evidence box on his desk.  Angie’s is adamant about getting help for John.  They begin researching the box of evidence. Meanwhile, Peggy’s co-worker encounters the killer in the hospital parking garage. A murderer is still on the loose!  This is an interesting and fascinating mystery.  It started scary, and hasn’t ended, yet.  Loved the way there were two stories that split Will and Faith into one team, and Angie and Ormwood in another team.  Neither really clearly closed their cases.  The next episode will probably reveal who the tongue murderer/rapist is.   I think it’s John’s brother-in-law. Everyone’s at the station and GBI on a rainy, stormy Georgia night.  Love the interaction between Amanda and Sunny, and Rafael popping in.  Curious about that watch he’s wearing.  Angie is outstanding, and glad she wasn’t turning her back on John. He was at his lowest point when they re-arrested him.  Like seeing Will and Marion together, but think Angie’s his heart. That Carter was a nightmare!  Is Marion’s ex-husband ADA Freddie?  He’s the newest New Character, too!  Rafael and Sunny ARE Scene Stealers!  Happy to see Betty, and she likes Marion.  Good seeing Pete Chin, too. He injected the creepiness in the epi.  Tonight’s episode was like a real-life Game of Clue.  Can’t wait for next week’s epi!

This week’s episode kicks off with a visit from Junior’s father-in-law, JJ, who comes bearing great news—he’s got high-powered connections, including a billionaire named Gregory looking to invest in a film company. Damon is a filmmaker, so this could be his big break. The conversation takes a detour into a milli, billi, silly, a joke that doesn’t quite land, but the main takeaway? Gregory wants to see the commercial Junior directed for his father-in-law’s company. The only problem? Junior never directed a commercial. But no worries—he will now! And to top it off, the product is absolutely ridiculous, and JJ wants Poppa as the spokesperson. We can already guess how that  will go. At Poppa’s, Junior demonstrates the new product, a device meant to relieve carpal tunnel. Poppa gets right down to business—how much is he getting paid? Junior, ever the goofy optimist, comedicly whines that it’s pro bono . Poppa asks how much he  is getting paid, to which Junior replies, “We can split the pro bono.” Okay, that was actually funny. But Poppa isn’t biting, and he says no. Naturally, Junior doesn’t listen. Meanwhile, on Poppa’s podcast, he launches into a passionate rant about advertisers exploiting people—both their wallets and their trust. Ivy, ever in pure Ivy form of playing devil's advocate, challenges him, asking if he’s never once  sold out. Poppa claims he hasn’t, and shockingly, Ivy lets it slide… for now. Back at Junior’s, JJ drops by, eager to see if Poppa has been swayed. Junior is still waiting but he's not totally ill prepared—he’s got a script ready, a Shakespearean-inspired disaster based on King Lear . The enthusiasm is admirable, but when Junior performs a dramatic reading, it’s an absolute cringe fest. JJ, however, is all in . Not only does he love it, but he volunteers to take on the role of King Lear himself. That is, until Junior offers which he balks at deciding Junior would be better suited to play his jester . Junior, livid, storms into Poppa’s house, demanding to know why he’s being talked about on Poppa's podcast. He tells Poppa he can talk about his own life, but Junior’s life is off limits . Turns out, Junior has become a meme, and now, he demands an on-air apology . Poppa refuses, prompting Junior to declare that they will never  speak again. On the next episode of the podcast, Poppa dances around the situation without directly naming names. But Ivy doesn’t let him off easy—she bluntly states that Junior has every right to be mad, especially since Poppa essentially called his own son a whore . That sparks a debate, leading Ivy to hit him with a what if I stop talking to you too?  Poppa, ever the curmudgeonly cynic, calls it a vacation for his ears. Ivy, fully committed to Junior’s silent protest, goes mute. In response, Poppa challenges her by hilariously playing both  roles in their usual banter. Ivy lasts exactly 30 seconds  before breaking her silence—only to declare, yet again , that she will never speak to him again. Meanwhile, Junior pushes forward with filming the commercial, but things quickly unravel. JJ constantly cuts the scene, takes over directing, and completely undermines Junior’s authority and vision. Frustrated beyond belief, Junior fires  his own father-in-law. Nina, watching the power struggle unfold, wisely points out that Junior isn’t really mad at JJ—he’s mad at Poppa . Later, after claiming Nina'a advice as his own idea, Junior storms into Poppa’s place. He's discovered his father’s Achilles heel—Poppa can dish it, but he cannot  take it. To make sure Poppa truly gets a dose of his own medicine, Junior brings in reinforcements from the person who knows Poppa best, Catherine, his ex-wife. Catherine, breaks out the receipts which includes a portable TV with a VHS player. She plays an old  commercial Poppa once did, and it is awful . The group guffaws at the show cringey it is, Poppa even floats down a toilet bowl. Junior reassures him that no one’s judging—well, maybe a little—but all they want is an apology. Poppa finally caves, apologizing to Catherine first, then Ivy, and finally, Junior. In an unexpected moment of vulnerability, Poppa opens up about leaving home at 14 because his father tried to crush his dreams. It’s a rare glimpse into why he is the way he is, and for once, Junior truly understands. The tension eases, and they share a hug. The episode wraps up with the finished  commercial, which is just as cringeworthy as expected. But surprisingly, Gregory loves  it, and the billionaire agrees to work with Junior. A win is a win. Like previous episodes, this one balances humor with heart, maybe leaning a little more into the latter. However, I’m still struggling to fully connect with the show. One way to elevate it? Bring in the kids more often—they could add a stronger comedic punch. As it stands, the show would thrive with Damon Jr.’s family taking center stage, while Poppa remains the side-splitting comedic force. But overall, Poppa’s House  continues to find its rhythm.

This week on All American, classes are in session at both South Crenshaw and Beverly High!  Cassius (Osy Ikhile) prepares for his first day as Head Football Coach of Beverly while navigating tension with KJ (Nathaniel Logan McIntyre) as he still processes the move.  Similar to Spencer’s start at Beverly High, KJ battles being new to the team during practice and getting teased for being the coach’s son. Cassius introduces the team to “Cassius’s House” after receiving pushback on how hard he was working them during practice, asking them the famous line “ do yall want to win?!”  Samantha Logan returns to the canvas, guest appearing as Olivia Baker-James for a dedication honoring Coach Billy Baker (Taye Diggs). Layla is noted to be super excited to have her best friend back as she shares some exciting news… she could be pregnant! However, she feels the support is lacking from Olivia due to her many obligations while visiting LA.  Over at South Crenshaw High, Amina (Alexis Chikaeze) encourages Khalil (Antonio J. Bell) to stay focused and block out the haters after repeating the 11th grade. However, things take a turn for the worst during Preach’s (Kareem J. Grimes) literacy class, causing Jordan to intervene when Yasi (Elijah M. Cooper) antagonizes him. Jordan (Michael Evans Behling) sparks an idea while hearing Khalil’s perspective on past game footage and learning he used to play football himself.  After practice at Beverly High, KJ is introduced to Tori (Lauryn Hardy), a fellow student who he unintentionally rubbed the wrong way after she volunteered to show him around school.  Meanwhile Coop is all set for her first day of law school at GAU, despite the nerves. She’s seen having a panic attack on campus as she struggles to regulate her breathing but learns a new way to cope from a mysterious source. Beverly High brings the gang together in honoring Coach Billy and the legacy left behind after his untimely passing. KJ’s excitement for introducing Cassius to Jordan is overshadowed by Cassius’s not so subtle shade. As well as feeling like he’s in the shadows of “ thee ” Billy Baker. One can only foreshadow what will happen when those two coaches go head to head on the field.    Winding down this week’s episode, Coop’s mysterious new friend turns out to be her professor, although both characters have chemistry… hmmm let’s continue to watch how that will play out!   Later, we learn that Tori was once the head cheerleader at Beverly High, having to unwillingly end the sport early due to injury and developing the twisties. However, she opens up to KJ and helps him see that he has to be a part of the team before coming in and trying to lead them.  We find out Layla is not pregnant but Olivia is! Emotionally and excitedly she calls Spencer to share the news with him.  Jordan shares his idea with Khalil, offering him a spot on the football team and himself a chance to continue his dad’s role as a mentor. Khalil is starting to see his self-worth and wants more from life, accepting Jordan’s offer.  All American airs Mondays on the CW at 8pm or you can catch it streaming on the CW app!

This episode delivers a heavy mix of tension, reveals, and some gruesome Dexter lore callbacks. We open with an adult, Bryan, of all people, casually playing bingo with a woman named Barb. Soon, the focus shifts to the hospital, where everyone anxiously waits for news on Bobby. Meanwhile, LaGuerta pulls Harry aside with some pointed questions about his little "heist"—stealing a file from the Tampa PD. She asks about Bryan Moser. Surprisingly, Harry doesn’t even try to cover his tracks. He tells her the truth, admitting he blames himself for everything. His mind drifts to a memory—Bryan was once a sweet kid. What happened? Cue a flashback of Harry pleading with the Captain to let him lead the charge to find Laura, whom he suspects has been kidnapped. The search takes them to the shipyard. In the present, Spencer puts on a masterclass in fake grieving, and Dexter isn’t buying it for a second. Determined to prove Spencer is behind Nikky’s disappearance, Dexter breaks into his bachelor pad, hunting for evidence—evidence that would justify putting the Captain on his kill table. He’s locked and loaded, needle in hand, when Spencer walks in… but Harry is with him, forcing Dexter to make a last-minute escape through the window. The following day, the Morgans sit down for breakfast, with Harry forced to break some devastating news to Deb—Bobby, her godfather, isn’t doing well. A Blood-Soaked Past Back in the past, the search crew finds the shipping container—the one filled with Laura’s fellow victims. When they open it, an ocean of blood pours out in one of the series' most stomach-churning scenes. The remains are horrific. But amidst the carnage, there’s a faint sound—Harry follows it, wading through the blood until he finds a tiny Dexter, still alive. As he picks up the boy, Bryan, also still alive, reaches for him… but is left behind. Instead, Bobby scoops up Bryan, setting into motion the fates of both boys. Meanwhile, Nikky is locked away, but he's figured it out. He knows  his father kidnapped him. Spencer finally drops the act, removes his mask, and coldly tells Nikky, “It’ll be over soon.” Back at the station, the department has organized a blood drive for Bobby, and of all people, Dexter  gets stuck drawing blood—an ironic bit of punishment given his extracurricular activities. He clearly hates it. Meanwhile, LaGuerta starts digging deeper into the cartel by visiting old case records, despite Harry’s repeated warnings to back off. After she leaves, a clerk reassures Harry that Dexter's name doesn’t appear in the records. But when Harry asks if she was able to find out anything where Bryan ended up, the trail is cold. Not a single trace of him. It starts clicking into place—Bryan may very well be the serial killer LaGuerta is hunting. The Dark Origins of the Morgan Boys A flashback reveals a painful truth: both boys were in need of placement in a safe and secure home. Harry, with an extra dose of audacity asks Doris to adopt them. The social worker made it clear—siblings should stay together. Doris, asks Harry flat out if Laura, the woman he had an affair with is their mother. Harry admits to the connection, and Laura surprisingly picks up Dexter declaring that the boys need a mother. Jumping back to the present, Deb tries to get closer to LaGuerta, prying into what she’s working on. LaGuerta brushes her off, but Tanya—warmer and more willing to share—opens up about her own journey into law enforcement. It feels like the first spark of Deb’s eventual police career. Meanwhile, Dexter’s misery at the blood drive takes a turn when Spencer sits down for a blood draw. They talk about Nikky, and Dexter isn’t buying his concerned father act. Why would the cartel target a child? Spencer doesn’t have a good answer, and Dexter knows  he’s lying. The cat-and-mouse game has begun. Dexter toys with him, a game that the captain doesn't know that he is playing. Dexter is itching to get him on the table. But before he can make a move, duty calls—he has to give blood himself. Unfortunately, he gets some unexpected (and horrifying) news: a partner at the station tested positive for HIV, meaning that he cannot give blood. Given his sexuality he doesn't want to raise questions as to why he has not donated. Dexter helps him fake taking the test by using his own blood instead… but Masuka, ever the enthusiastic pest, pushes him to donate again , forcing Dexter to dangerously give blood twice in a short time span. The Bryan Moser Problem Another flashback drops a bomb— both  boys were taken in by the Morgans at first, but Bryan was already sick. One day as Doris steps into the kitchen for a moment, he hears Deb crying as a baby and tries to smother her. Dexter, frozen, watches the whole thing. Harry comes home to talk to him but Bryan has a meltdown that leads to more violence. That’s the moment that seals Bryan’s fate—Harry and Doris realize they can’t  handle him. They aren’t equipped to raise a child with such violent tendencies. Back in the present, LaGuerta edges closer to the truth, and Harry pieces together something chilling: the killer she’s after isn’t just anyone—it’s Bryan.  Harry makes the final, gut-wrenching connection through photographs—Bryan has been stalking Dexter.  A perfect callback for longtime fans of Dexter , knowing that Bryan always sought to reconnect. Meanwhile, Bryan’s next target is revealed—Barb, the woman from Bingo. But Barb isn’t just a random victim. She was the social worker  who separated the brothers all those years ago. Now, she’s about to pay for that choice. Deb gets an unexpected reprieve. The college that had been scouting her knows  about her incident, but she’s that  good at volleyball, so they still offer her a scholarship. As Dexter prepares his next kill, he’s weakened from blood loss but still determined. Harry confesses his dilemma at the hospital to an unconscious Bobby—if he brings in Bryan, the whole truth could come out, exposing Dexter’s past. But Bobby, barely regaining consciousness, offers one piece of advice: Save Dexter. The Deadly Endgame In another flashback, the Morgans sit down with the caseworker. Bryan is spiraling, lashing out violently. There’s nothing more they can do. Harry tries to reach him, but Bryan is beyond saving. The writing is on the wall. Bryan isn’t just troubled—he’s dangerous. The social worker takes him away, leaving poor Dexter to ask where he is going. And now, in the present, Spencer is on the hunt again, armed with a gun, looking for another child to take. But what he doesn’t  realize is that Dexter has already set a trap for him luring him into an arcade decked out in plastic. The episode culminates with Spencer waking up on Dexter’s kill table, confronted with all the evidence against him. But Spencer sees himself as a hero, a protector. He claims Nikky was brainwashed by his mother. Dexter thinks he has everything under control, but he makes a mistake. He had loosened Spencer’s arm just enough  to cut off his fingers—but as soon as Dexter steps away, Spencer seizes the moment, breaking free. Meanwhile, Bryan confronts Barb. She promised not to separate him and Dexter… and will now pay  for breaking it. In a brutal moment, Bryan butchers  her with a chainsaw as Dexter rushes to find Nikky. Final Thoughts This episode was insane —one of the most intense yet. The stakes have never been higher between Dexter’s deteriorating condition, Spencer’s narrow escape, and Bryan’s emergence as a full-blown nightmare. With only one episode left, the question remains: Can Dexter find Nikky before the captain? Will the captain expose Dexter as the killer he is? Will Bobby survive? The countdown to the season’s end has begun.

Since 2023, fans have been waiting to “pour it out” and dish about Season 4 of Netflix’s charming series Sweet Magnolias.  Episode 1, titled “The Other Side of the Veil,” starts off with a Halloween time jump a year after Dana Sue and Ronnie’s wedding, where everyone’s favorite trio, Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen are trying to figure out what to toast to, revealing that Sullivan’s is rebranding, Maddie’s book tour is a huge success, and Maddie is engaged to her handsome guy, Cal.  At the gathering, Helen and Erik’s chemistry is still as palpable as ever, but Erik is with Genevieve, and Helen has a new man of her own, Alexander. Alex is an architect from Nashville who worked on the renovation for Sullivan’s and Friends.  At Maddie’s house, the lingering feelings between Ty and Annie become apparent as Annie takes photos of Kyle and his friends for their stream, with Ty implying that Annie is even more perfect than the photos she’s taken.  Later, Mayor Peggy Martin visits Helen at her house, bringing milkshakes to win her over before asking her to become the new town manager, but Helen declines the offer, instead suggesting she can help in another capacity.  Maddie hosts a library reading with her book for the children of Serenity, but she soon gets bad news from Carla that Saturday readings might be cut due to budget cuts.  During a romantic walk, Ronnie senses that Dana Sue wasn’t as thrilled as she pretended to be at the Sullivan’s and Friends tasting. She opens up to her husband that she feels she may be deserting her friends who work with her at the restaurant. She also expresses her nervousness yet excitement about her new job as a teacher.  The sweetest surprise revealed is that Jodi Benson, the one and only, now plays Cal’s mom, Iris Maddox. She is a fantastic addition to the show. Also, while decorating for Halloween, Helen confirms to Maddie that the library is indeed in trouble.  Before Dana Sue begins her first day as the new cooking teacher for the vo-tech program, Ronnie confirms to Cal, Erik and Isaac that Dana Sue loved the meal at Sullivan’s and Friends, and that she’s simply going to miss them all.  The season 4 premiere concludes with a lively Halloween party at the spa, featuring line dancing and a long-awaited love confession from Ty to Annie, which leads to their first kiss. It’s going to be great to see these crazy kids in their couple era.  The Halloween bash would also facilitate a cliffhanger: Maddie and Cal’s surprise wedding, a trick and treat all wrapped into one. The start of season 4 is off to a great start. What will happen in the future for the beloved citizens of Serenity? You’ll have to see for yourself.

This episode has Alan Ruck of “Succession” and Ethan Herschenfeld of “Manifest, Blue Bloods” appearing.  It begins with Bill Hepson telling his twin brother he’s resigning from their firm, Hepson Capital. He was shaken after his private jet almost crashed, and it changed him. He was giving away all his material things.  Peter is in disbelief.  He tells his brother he won’t last a week, and practices his golf swing in his office.  Later, Peter Hepson is being interviewed on a Financial News Show, and he tells Ava Mornier about his brother, Bill, retiring.  He didn’t want to discuss his brother.  She shows a photo of his brother on a city bus, and tells him he also donated money to help others. Peter gets upset and leaves.  Peter meets a man on the street who mistakes him for his brother Bill.  He thanks him for a shelter he built there in town.  Pete tells him to “Buzz off!”.  His angry attitude continues when he has a bad golf game with office friends.   They tell him the latest thing his brother did.  The next day, Pete is dressed like his brother, and enters the apartment building where he lived.  He goes to see him and they fight in the hallway.  Peter pushes Bill out the hallway window.  All the while he continues on a business call.  He takes his brother's wallet and returns to the office to play golf. Meanwhile, Elsbeth is in a van talking about the big Van Ness divorce case she was on, while Officer Blanke sat in the front seat with headphones on.  That way Elsbeth didn’t violate the attorney-client privilege.  Blanke tells her she should be able to defend herself, since someone in that previous case hid her client’s abuse police report. They broke the law.  Detective Smullen interrupts them and asks them to come in and help with the murder investigation.   Officer Blanke promises Elsbeth she won’t say a word about what she told her.They go see Bill Hepson’s body, and Elsbeth looks around doing her investigative thing.  Smullen gives them a background on Bill.  Officer Blanke shows them a ten dollar bill that was stuck to the body.  It is a little strange, and Smullen pulls one from his wallet to compare.  At that moment, Pete Hepson drives up and angrily pushes his way into the crime scene area.  He yells and asks who’s in charge.  Detective Smullen addresses his irate attitude.  Elsbeth and Officer Blanke observe and remark on his terrible temper.  Officer Blanke goes to talk with him, while Elsbeth goes to the nearby donut vendor, Duncan’s Donuts. She tells him about Bill’s death, and Duncan (played by Ethan Herschenfeld) knows him and tells her what a nice guy Bill was.  He always talked to him, but that morning he didn’t, and acted like he didn’t know him and seemed very angry yelling into his cell phone.  Elsbeth watches Pete Hepson yelling into his cell nearby.  Smullen and Officer Blanke come to tell her about a potential suspect.   Detective Smullen updates CPT Wagner on the Bill Hepsen murder in his office.  He thinks the suspect lived in the area, and may have robbed him.  Elsbeth is sitting in the office, but doesn’t believe the theory.  She’s reading a book on the Hepson Brothers.  She found it odd that Bill’s tv was on.  So, she questions when the killer killed Bill.  She’s curious about the brothers’ relationship.  She suddenly leaves when she sees her old lawyer friend, Carter, go to her office.  He tells her Van Ness is in town.  The firm is accusing her of burying the abuse police report. She could lose her job.   Officer Blanke comes in to tell Elsbeth Detective Smullen wants them to visit the brother, Pete Hepson, while Smullen talks to the suspect.  She notices Elsbeth’s not listening and asks what’s wrong.  Elsbeth tells her what just happened with Carter, while they wait to speak with Pete.  Pete takes them to the conference room.  Smullen contacts Officer Blanke that the suspect had an alibi.  Elsbeth asks Pete why anyone would want to kill his brother.  He tells her about himself and his brother, and how they got rich.  Elsbeth asked about the dollar bills in a case on the wall.  It was from the Grant administration.  He said his brother collected rare paper currency.  Elsbeth asked about Bill’s transformation, and shared her experience with a twin.  She told him about the donut cart vendor and that he might have seen him there.  Peter says he didn’t spend time at Bill’s place. Officer Blanke tells Peter his brother’s time of death, and asks him for his whereabouts.  She has more questions, but he rushes out and tells her to leave them with his assistant.    In CPT Wagner’s office, Smullen tells everyone that the neighborhood loved Bill, and no one would harm him.  If they did, the neighborhood people would turn them in.  Elsbeth suggests it could have been his brother.   CPT Wagner says Peter’s alibi is Ava Mornier, Financial News.  He was on tv giving her a live interview.  They find another possible suspect, Conrad Deckels, Telnon Technology.  Elsbeth’s in investigative mode, and asks if Peter was really on live tv, or was the episode pre-recorded.  They go to talk with Ava.  Elsbeth questions Peter’s manipulation of the market or activist adventure.  Back at the station, Smullen interrogates Conrad.  Officer Blanke tells Elsbeth Carter issued the press release, and LT Connor says it doesn’t look good.  She volunteers to resign, but CPT Wagner stops her.  Elsbeth reviews Peter Hepson’s interview with Ava in her office. Officer Blanke offers to help her with the Van Ness case problem, but Elsbeth tells her no.  She pivots back to Bill Hepson’s murder, and tells Officer Blanke she’s been watching Peter’s interviews with Ava.  She tells her what she found out. She theorizes that he may be guilty.  She walks into Peter’s office and asks him about his alibi.  She thinks he took his brother’s life change personally.  Elsbeth goes to the office poker game and announces Peter wasn’t in his office, but called Ava when Bill died.  CPT Wagner and LT Connor want to brainstorm to help Elsbeth with her Van Ness case problem.  Elsbeth asks Detective Smullen to meet her at the crime scene, and she recreates what may have happened with Bill and his murderer.  Officer Blanke is there, too, and has figured out the motive.   It has to do with Virtual Private Network (VPN). Hepson Capital invested in the company.  They explain how it worked, and how Peter murdered his brother.Ava and Pete are having dinner at a restaurant, and the waiter mistakes him for his brother Bill.  Ava tells him the police came to review her metadata on his interview.  She unsuccessfully tries to blackmail him.  He doesn’t give in, and threatens her.  Elsbeth comes to speak with Ava after he leaves.  She asks her why Bill’s death affected the cost of cobalt. Ava explains the price spike. Ava showed Elsbeth the money Peter left to pay for his half of the meal.  Elsbeth took the $5 bill as evidence.Peter and his company celebrate acquiring Telnon Technology.  Hepson’s stock prices soar, then suffer a sudden drastic drop in price.  Ava texts his assistant about a heavy law enforcement presence outside her office. Detective Smullen, Elsbeth and Officer Blanke enter Peter’s office to arrest him.  Elsbeth proves why and shows him the $5 bill he left Ava. Bill collected rare bills, and that was one of his.  Peter resented his brother for the attention he always got from their mother, and everyone.  He taunts Elsbeth as he’s taken away.Elsbeth goes to meet Van Ness to discuss his old divorce case and police report.  He threatens her.  Hearing it all, Officer Blanke walks over to arrest him for menacing and threatening Elsbeth.  She’s no longer bound by attorney-client privilege and can now defend herself.  Carter gives her an approving look.  Van Ness goes down.  LT Connor gives Elsbeth a nod of approval at the station.  Officer Blanke reminds Elsbeth she has more work to do, which includes taking down Judge Milton Crawford.This episode is quite good!  It had lots of twists and turns with interesting mini-plots.   There were times when I thought Elsbeth wasn’t going to get Pete, but of course she figured it out with the help of her partners Blanke and Smullen.  Loved how they also showed the closeness and camaraderie of the police station team.  Alan Ruck played the duo roles perfectly!  Could really believe there were two brothers.  Ethan Herschenfeld actually made you want to buy a donut, a real believable character! Elsbeth’s donut looked yummy!  This was one of the best episodes this half of the season. Funny Side Note :  Elsbeth was carrying an awful lot of bags, don’t have a clue why!