Short Summary:  This is a short comedy about Evan Alvarez, a High School English Teacher in Austin, TX.  He is half Columbian, and surrounded by some quirky teachers, friends,  ex-boyfriend, a straight-laced principal and a potential love interest.  His students add hilarity and wisdom beyond their years to complete this oddly comedic collection of characters.  They challenge his wannabe comfortable, quiet life. Evan is also openly gay, but not overly emphasized.  It attains a level of comedic charm with its ensemble of actors. It has potential. This show is for mature audiences. NOTE:  There are only 8 episodes with this first season.  To Date, the show has not been renewed, yet.  The last epi, S1E8, aired Monday, 14 October 2024. This epi begins with one of Evan’s students asking for help in determining if he's gay.  Evan is taken by surprise, and gives him a confusing explanation of what to do that makes no sense, and brings the laughs.  His student leaves to do as advised.  Later, Evan’s ex gives him a surprise birthday party at a gay bar they used to frequent when they were together.  Evan is Really surprised to find his work friends there. There are some fun times watching his work friends in that environment. Evan clumsily tries to help ease his stressed out principal and the tough guy football coach.  The coach blended in just fine.  The laughs came from the subtle innuendos, and slightly drunken situations. Evan shocks everyone by kissing his ex while karaoking.  This epi ends with all the teachers and principal relaxing poolside at a friend's house.  Evan and his ex also get back together.  This was a cutely, entertaining episode and show.  What did you think of the show? Drop a comment an vote in our poll.

In episode 8 of Ryan Murphy’s American Sports Story, Aaron Hernandez spirals even more out of control mentally, and develops a new friendship that turns deadly.  The doomed episode began with Odin Lloyd, one of the real-life victims of Hernandez, getting breakfast made by his mom. Shayanna’s sister dated Odin, who was a fan of Aaron.  The four of them were supposed to have dinner, but Aaron was too busy getting high. Shayanna tells him to come home immediately. He finally meets Odin, who says he plays semi-pro football. The conversation actually goes well and Aaron senses that he’s a good guy.  Aaron’s world shifts when his cousin Tanya tells him she has breast cancer and has already started chemotherapy. It’s a very emotional moment, especially since viewers have seen them be each other’s rock. Tanya assures Aaron that she isn’t going anywhere.  In the locker room, Murphy calls Aaron to inform him that Sherrod has filed a lawsuit against him and advises him to settle the case. The Patriots player agrees angrily.  Shayanna returns home to comfort Aaron about Tanya and invites him to watch Odin play with her and her sister. Aaron instantly becomes Odin’s biggest cheerleader and even takes pictures with his teammates after the game is over. Aaron also gives Odin money so that he can hang out and skip work the next morning.  At the club, Odin starts to see Aaron’s ways of drinking and doing drugs. When the star tight end hallucinates and sees Sherrod, he invites his friends back to his place, where Odin gets teased about being whipped.  Aaron then shows his new friend his gun closet and explains the reasoning for needing it. The room becomes tense, filled with an unmistakable sense of discomfort, emanating from Odin. Odin leaves when Aaron falls asleep and comes home to an angry Shanea, letting it slip that Aaron has a secret home.  Shayanna and Aaron’s marriage unravels when she arrives at the apartment, revealing that she knows everything, which puts a target on Odin’s back literally. During practice, Aaron’s anger boils over, and he gets into a physical brawl with his teammates, which Bill Belichick seems to relish.  After failing to contact Shayanna and Odin, Aaron gathers his people and ambushes Odin at his house. They arrive at a dark, unknown location where Aaron forces Odin to tell him everything he knows, eventually shooting him twice. It was a grim and dreadful scene.  Shayanna asks Aaron to come home when news breaks about the murder. Not long after, Aaron asks Shayanna to get rid of something for him.  The episode ends with the police arriving at Aaron’s house to question him about Odin’s murder. Aaron turns them away, leaving Shayanna worried and distressed as she looks over her sleeping sister. Does Shayanna know about Aaron’s deplorable crime?  In episode 9, viewers will be introduced to the NFL player’s life behind bars and the consequences of his arrest. It will air November 5 on FX and will stream on Hulu the next day.

The second episode of Poppa’s House  builds on the strong start, balancing humor and heartfelt moments while delving deeper into family and relationship dynamics. Damon Wayans and Damon Wayans Jr. continue to shine with their natural chemistry, setting the tone for an engaging watch. The episode kicks off with Damon paying an unannounced visit to Poppa’s house—a visit that Poppa isn’t thrilled about, despite them being neighbors. Damon arrives to celebrate Poppa finishing the remodel of his home, which should be cause for joy. However, Poppa, ever the curmudgeon, just wants to stick to his early bedtime routine. It’s the allure of Nina’s lasagna that finally convinces him to join the dinner. Meanwhile, at the radio station, Poppa and Ivy clash in a lively "battle of the sexes" segment. Things escalate when a heartbroken caller seeks advice on dealing with a breakup. Poppa dismisses him as overly emotional, and a "simp". He cuts the call short. Ivy, however, senses unresolved emotions in Poppa, especially when he dodges questions about what he misses about being married. Their exchange highlights Poppa’s old-school mindset clashing with Ivy’s modern sensibilities, hinting at deeper layers beneath their banter. Later, Ivy pushes professional boundaries by showing up at Poppa’s house unannounced, intent on prying into his personal life.  Poppa tricks her into leaving but just as Ivy back in, Nina and Damon arrive with the promised lasagna. Nina, a fan of Ivy’s work, invites her to stay for dinner, much to Poppa’s annoyance. The dinner scene is filled with both laughs and tension, as Ivy provides unsolicited couples counseling, projecting her personal struggles onto Nina and Damon’s relationship. Poppa, surprisingly, plays the voice of reason, advising the couple to stay strong through their challenges. Ivy later comes to see that Poppa is right and their dynamic takes on new tension—still adversarial, but now with a hint of intrigue. The scenes underscore how Poppa’s House  balances humor with real-life relationship issues, making the show both entertaining and relatable. This episode further cements the chemistry among the cast, with each character bringing something unique to the story. The witty banter, playful tension and occasional emotional moments keep viewers engaged, promising even more development in future episodes. With laughs and heart in equal measure, Poppa’s House  continues to evolve into a compelling family comedy. Catch new episodes of Poppa’s House  every Monday on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+ the following day.

Alright, so let’s start off by saying this is different from the “ Down on my Luck, Back against the Winddd”, playwriting Tyler Perry that we are all used to. “Beauty In Black” is the latest Netflix hit written, produced, and directed by Tyler Perry. Those that deep dived in found themselves in a world of drama, lies, sex, and more SEX!  The 8 episode series starring Taylor Polidore, Crystle Stewart, Ricco Ross, Richard Lawson, Charles Malik Whitfield, Debbi Morgan and many other talented actors follow the complex lives of the Bellaire family and those impacted by them.  On one side of town, you have the esteemed Bellaire Family. They are noted as moguls in the Beauty Industry, yet family secrets threaten to rip everything that generations have worked for to shreds. CEO Mallory Bellaire (Crystle Stewart), although married into the family, is just as cut-throat and selfish as every other member of the family! She has no problem using people to get what she wants, when she wants. The same goes for her husband, Roy (Julian Horton). If Roy focused half as much energy into helping the family business or even his marriage as he does sex, alcohol, and drugs, maybe things would be different for them.  On the other side, Kimmie (Taylor Polidore) finds herself in some legal trouble after being kicked out at 17 years old by her mom. After avoiding jail time, she is coerced into paying off her debt at a Bi-Sexual strip club in Chicago, owned and operated underground by Jules (Charles Malik Whitfield). A chance encounter with an older man (Ricco Ross) at the club offers her a glimpse of hope in a rather dull situation. Her journey is one of many trials and tribulations as she navigates through betrayal, prostitution, and a whole lot of drama!  Whew! Dynamics and representation within the Black Community highlight different issues as stereotypical topics are noted. Such as how one views societal beauty standards, financial stressors within families and options to make it out of poverty as well as how someone shows up for the people they love. The plot skillfully shows the drive and will of the characters to survive throughout the series aid in the resilient storylines that follow. Overall, Perry’s unique and consistent way of storytelling and cinematography gives the perfect blend of emotional impact and drama that leaves the audience invested and wanting more! “Beauty In Black” is scheduled to release new episodes in Spring 2025. Until then, you can stream all 8 episodes now on Netflix.

All good things must come to an end! And, so it goes as the curtain falls on the final episode of Season 4 of “Only Murders in the Building.”  Though the season-ender proved to be light on the whirlwind breakout laughter that has come to define the mystery-comedy series, starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, it did bring unusually quiet humor, a tinge of suspense, and surprisingly heartfelt moments throughout to tie a nice bow around the season.  The setup from episode 9’s dramatic reveal allowed the finale to weave the unexpected into a plausible narrative for the modern-day whodunit. As a matter of fact, it’s just plausible enough that the only thing that truly remains farfetched in the series is the inordinate amount of people who seem to drop dead in this one apartment building. Seriously, it’s a revelation that should be studied or, at the very least, invite a modicum of concern from the authorities. But, I digress. For those trying to keep up, this season centered on the murder of Sazz Pataki, Charles’ (Martin) long-time stunt double from his Brazzos TV show days. Sazz was found dead in Charles’ apartment at the close of Season 3, and as luck would have it, a short list of suspects pop in and out of the frame as the season progresses, until there was only but one.  When we last we saw our trio of true crime podcasters, Mabel (Gomez) had just found an original script of the fictional “Only Murders” movie, but unknowingly written by Sazz, stuffed in a case of Irish beer in her refrigerator, while rookie scriptwriter Marshall P. Pope stews over his own script’s needed re-writes in her apartment. Across town, Charles (Martin) and Oliver (Short) had a light-bulb moment figuring out Sazz’s murderer over soup, with the help of iconic movie director Ron Howard. Charles and Oliver attempted to give Mabel a heads-up on their discovery, but the message falls into the wrong hands, literally.  While much of the episode centers on the killer’s confession monologue and crime scene walk-through, the reveal is not only clever but also ties in beautifully with some of the series’ nostalgia, if you have been paying attention. The final moments bring closure to various character arcs, particularly Oliver’s search for true love, Charles fight to avenge a friend, and Mabel’s quest to be…well, just Mabel. The resolution of the murder mystery, complete with a dramatic confrontation and a sprinkle of “wait, what?,” is satisfying enough and leaves you with the best feeling that there will be more.  To also wrap up the season is the fictional show-within-a-show subplot of the “Only Murders” movie production. With it comes the return of the crime-solving trio’s movie alter egos, played by Eugene Levy, Zach Galifianakis, and Eva Longoria as themselves, and a brief appearance of fictional movie executive Bev Melon, played in more reserved fashion this go-round by Molly Shannon.  In a masterful balance of comedic moments and just enough genuine tension, the show never fails in allowing the characters to shine in their eccentricities while keeping the plot tightly woven to the bitter end. Though, admittedly, the success of this season, as with all others before, rests squarely on the on-screen dynamic and chemistry of the series’ three popular leads. Their witty banter, timing, and interactions with the support players — including their West Tower neighbors, the movie set doubles, and even confronting the one who did it — result in fun-filled experiences that keep the audience guessing even as they are slapped in the face with the a-ha moments. As the wrap up unfolds, the episode takes a turn, leading to that proverbial curveball in the denouement that reminds you that what you thought were throw-away scenes leading up to that point were decidedly potential clues — all of them. A highlight of the series not given enough attention the season is the show’s aesthetics. Visually, the episode maintains the show's signature style—meticulously curated set designs, unique background decor to match the moment, and even a whimsical score at times that enhances the humorous elements. The cinematography, something that is perhaps the most underrated, deftly captures the most stunning character in the “Only Murders” cast  — the Arconia apartment building, itself. The grand, old world architecture of the residential enclave in NYC’s upper west side, with its vintage charm and renaissance-styling, provides a beautiful canvas on which the show effectively captures the unique blend of mystery, humor, and character-driven storytelling.  Though, Only Murders wrapped its fourth season with a quiet close, of sorts, the finale not only delivers on the promise of a wedding and a mystery yet to come. It also succeeds in  reinforcing the notion that while murder may be foul, laughter remains THE best remedy. Created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, “Only Murders in the Building” has been renewed for a fifth season. Until then, catch all 10 episodes for season 4 streaming now on Hulu.

Title:  Billion Dollar Revenge Author: Sharon Wood Genre:  Contemporary Romance Release Date: October 25th 2024 Rating: Enjoyed Spice: Flamin Hot Cheeto Synopsis: Revenge is so much sweeter when it’s with your ex- boyfriend's billionaire boss. And it doesn’t hurt that his broody boss looks hot as sin in a three-piece suit. Thoughts: Revenge has never been so sweet. This story had me fist bumping the air in sweet sweet victory. I dislike cheaters, so watching Chelsea rile up Billy with her upgrade, was great. Chelsea’s inability to let others really get in there and help her, was relatable af. Cause #missindependent , no? Although Chelsea’s desire & drive for the HEA with the marriage & kids made her seem a bit desperate to me, understanding the drive to take control back of her life put it in perspective.  Evan Lincoln, is the man of many women's fantasies. Billionaire owner of a media empire who loves his family and has regular chats/visits & dinners with his nana. A man who loves his nana? Gets the ovaries kicking every time. Sharon Woods knew what she was doing when she brought that man to life on page and I thank her.  Though there is plenty of spice, and even some chuckles, at its center, this book reminds us to never stop following our dreams.  Quotes:  For those who dream big, find someone who will help turn that dream into reality. Don’t settle.   *Author Dedication I want her to smother me with her pussy. -Evan  I’m used to handling everything on my own, so the idea of someone actually stepping in to help feels foreign.  -Chelsea **************                                                                                       @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. Thoughts? Drop a comment!

Title:  The Desire Variable Author: Ana D’Arcy Genre:  Contemporary Romance Release Date: October 15th, 2024 Rating: Enjoyed Spice: Flamin Hot Cheeto Synopsis: Andy starts a new job at a dream company, with a dream team. All but her surly, slightly sexist and annoyingly sexy boss, Alexander (Lex) Coleman. The tension becomes too much and soon the two begin a workplace romance that can only end in heartbreak.  Thoughts:  This was another hilariously spicy book from Ana D’Arcy. I love the women in STEM rep, the Mexican/American woman rep, and the deaf/hard of hearing rep.  Andy is ‘second- hand embarrassment’ funny, her desire to do meaningful work while also breaking glass ceilings, makes her a FMC I love to support.  Lex however, leaves a lot to be desired. He’s toxic but not in the fun “who hurt you? I’ll unalive them” kinda way. More like, “I’m controlling but will have you think it’s something you have to fix in me, and will blow up YOUR world in a misguided way of protecting you from dangers only I see in a way that uses the very fears you already expressed to me, against you”, kind of way.  Although I enjoyed the book, it did end on a cliffhanger, which I take as a personal attack, so shame on you Ms. D’Arcy.  Now to twiddle my thumbs as I wait to ride the drama llama that is sure to be the conclusion of this story.  Quotes:    To those who know that the line between love and hate can be very, very thin. Here’s to passionate arguments and even more passionate makeups. *Author Dedication Fuck me dead and bury me pregnant. The man is temptation incarnate. -Andy The man is a f*king encyclopedia, and I enjoy his display of gray matter a little too much. -Andy He has some sweet moves for a white boy. -Andy “I would ask how the sex is, but you’re practically limping.” -Kate   **************                                                                                       @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. What did you think? Drop a comment!

Following last week’s mind-blowing twist in Ryan Murphy’s Grotesquerie, viewers are now back to two episodes a week. In episodes 8 and 9, Lois deals with the fallout of her coma-induced dreams, and Raven Goodwin has a breakout performance.  Episode 8 starts with a specialist, Dr. Witticomb, visiting Merritt and explaining that he wants to study her mother’s case by uncovering her dreams. Merritt finds out that Lois viewed her as a shut-in obese homebody trying to audition for the reality show “Half-ton Trauma.”   While Lois struggles during her physical therapy exercises, Dr. Charlie, formerly known as Father Charlie in Lois’ dreams, comes to visit. The stubborn detective is not happy to see him and insists that he leaves because he tried to kill her.  Witticomb continues his study by questioning Megan on her relationship with Lois. Megan explains that Lois was a mentor to her, and that they had a fight at her retirement party. He brings up Andrea, the girl drenched in blood from Lois’ dream. The mention of her name clearly triggers Megan, who starts fidgeting with her hands and says Lois blew that case.  Megan is introduced as a quirky nun, who struggles with her own inner turmoil and can see the nuance in life, but her reality is far from it. Chief Megan is cynical but has a right to be given the horrible, abusive relationship she’s trapped in with her partner Justin. When Megan returns home, Justin grabs her head and punches her in the face. However, Megan gets her gun, puts it in his mouth, and threatens to end it all for him. Michaela Diamond shines in this scene. Megan then goes to a hotel, which is the same one from Lois’ dream.  Lois starts to realize that she has a long recovery road ahead of her when she starts therapy. She explains that the dreams felt so real and that she still feels like she’s in a coma, trying to work through them. Witticomb asks Lois why she put Merritt in the “Half-ton trauma” TV show, and she explains that it’s not because she’s disgusted by her, but because she’s seen a lot of extreme cases in her line of work, including “enormous shut-ins, dead heart disease lifted out of their homes by a crane.” Lois opens up, saying she doesn’t know why she was that angry at her daughter.  As the session progresses, the Witticomb delves deeper into her life and begins to understand why she positioned the people around her in certain ways. She put Marshall into a coma because she felt that her marriage had spiraled out of control. She saw Megan as a nun-like figure, who always did everything right as Co-Chief. She appointed Ed as a caregiver because he was there for her, which ultimately led to their affair. She made Dr. Charlie priest and killer because she heard him talking about taking her off life support, someone who she felt would save her. She made Redd a nurse, declaring that she didn’t hate her. And Grotesquerie was the culmination of all the trauma and PTSD she had experienced from her job.  Megan picks Lois up from her session, and they get into an argument about Lois’ dreams, each accusing the other’s generation of being the problem in the world. However, the Andrea case is brought up once again, which is clearly the central point of their tension. Lois tells Megan to grow up, pointing out that the bruise on her face is evidence of her being possessed in both her waking life and her dreams.  Lois decides to make amends, so she has Maisie, her housekeeper, drive her to Merritt’s house. As Lois and Merritt’s conversation goes on, it escalates. Merritt accuses her mother of portraying her as a “fat freak” in her dreams, because of her own insecurity. Also, that sleeping with Ed, is her “unforgivable sin.” Lois, however, attributes this to misplaced loneliness, self-pity, and excessive drinking. It wasn’t about sex, but connection. This triggers Merritt, and she slaps her mother so hard that the room went silent. Merritt criticizes Lois, saying that being around killers has rubbed off on her and has driven her insane. Ed’s betrayal was predictable, but her mother’s broke her heart. Raven Goodwin put on a stunning monologue.  Merritt wouldn’t be the only person Lois visits. In episode 9, she also visits Marshall and Redd, telling them that she doesn’t blame them for the affair and pulls out divorce papers. Marshall snaps, calling her a chimera and a beast, and declares that the world would be better off if she were dead, or if they both were. With that, Lois leaves.  Lois returns to Merritt’s house, takes a stand, and asserts that her daughter was difficult, even questioning whether she ever truly loved Ed. Lois retaliates against her daughter by slapping her and eventually telling her that if she wants a relationship, she knows where to find her.  The former chief has another session with Witticomb, during which he brings in another doctor, Dr. Smythe. Witticomb views her as a prophet due to her dreams, and Smythe claims that Lois’ soul touches him.  The label of prophet being applied to Lois would later prove significant, as in the middle of the night, Megan calls her with an emergency case. It’s a shock to the system, as the murder case is identical to Lois’ dream, right down to the baby in the boiling pot. This leaves Lois rightfully shaken.  The episode ends when Megan brings her former partner to the hotel where she’s staying. Lois asks Megan to cut her with a knife to prove that she’s in reality and not back in a coma. She bleeds, and when she tries to clean herself up, Justin suddenly appears and hits Megan. Lois hears the commotion and blows Justin’s head right off.  The season finale of Grotesquerie is sure to be explosive and unlike anything viewers have ever seen. It will premiere October 30 at 10 PM on FX and will stream on Hulu the next day.  What did you think of the episodes? Drop a comment and remember to vote in our poll.

The breakout hit, Shrinking, makes a return for its long-awaited sophomore season on Apple TV+.  The comedy-drama series that first premiered on the streaming platform in January 2023, follows the story of Jimmy Laird, a therapist, who finds himself knee-deep in complicated relationships with his teenage daughter, his colleagues, and his patients, as he navigates his own personal grief and struggles following the recent death of his wife. Picking up where we left off, season 2 reads like a beautifully nuanced next chapter of that once engaging book you couldn’t put down, but almost allowed yourself to forget why you ever started reading. It hurts and heals all at the same time. Instead of adhering strictly to the norms of therapy, Jimmy dives head first into the unorthodox, with his informal approach to patient counseling, often at the cost of professional boundaries. No doubt, Jimmy’s unconventional tactics reflect his own personal struggles bleeding over into his work. Spoiler alert — his offerings of unfiltered advice, candid feedback, and even opening up his home to a patient all lead to unexpected and often humorous consequences.  With a talented ensemble cast, led by Jason Segel as Jimmy, Shrinking offers a unique exploration of therapy and personal growth, blending humor with poignant moments of self-discovery. Joining Jimmy on this journey are his fellow therapists with whom he shares a practice —  Paul as the veritable wall of stoicism and reluctant sounding board, tough-love advisor to everyone but himself, played by Harrison Ford in a surprise small-screen casting move; and Gaby, played by Jessica Williams, best known for her starring role in The Incredible Jessica James, whose one-two punch of wit and sassiness bring an unfiltered energy to every scene. The bonds between the main characters highlight the importance of friendship and those necessary ride-or-dies during challenging life events. This rich tapestry of relationships, humor, and emotional depth that unfolds each episode allows the series to explore serious themes while maintaining a lighthearted tone. In split seconds, you find yourself laughing, then crying, then laughing again, only this time hysterically to keep from crying. It gets to you because it is so relatable.  Rounding out the ensemble cast are Christa Miller (you know her from Scrubs ) and Ted McGinley (best known for the classic Happy Days ) as Jimmy’s well-intentioned, but cannot-read-the-room next-door neighbors; Alice (Lukita Maxwell) as Jimmy’s daughter, whom some fail to remember is also embroiled in her own struggles with her mother’s death coupled with classic teen angst; Sean (Luke Tennie), Jimmy’s young patient-turned-permanent house guest who must balance the fragility of his issues with those around him; and Julie, played by Just Shoot Me alum Wendy Malik, as Paul’s neurologist treating his recently diagnosed Parkinson’s disease and also sharing his bed. Yeah…you read that right.  Each character's journey is intertwined with Jimmy's; each moment layers onto the next, reflecting the complexities of human connection and the healing process, while also uncovering why doing this life with perfectly imperfect people just makes more sense. The show balances the heart with the laughs, without the Sunday sermon, in a way that makes the challenges of truly moving forward while grappling with profound loss more palatable.  Jimmy struggles with the guilt of his counsel to his patients, and his immediate regret with leading them astray; Gaby struggles with her feelings in her ongoing friends-with-benefits relationship with Jimmy, complicated all the more knowing she was Jimmy’s dead wife’s bestie; Paul struggles with his deepening relationship with his doctor, uh…what were you telling Jimmy about professional boundaries, Paul? Alice struggles with her dad relapsing with his grief while confronting her issues with the drunk driver who killed her mom; Sean struggles with past associations, current anger issues, and his burgeoning food truck biz with Liz; Liz, ironically, often proves to be the most authentic of the brood, even as she struggles with the vulnerability of loving and being loved by the people around her. I mean, seriously, what do you have to do to get a rock? If you know, you know.  What could easy become cardboard caricatures of mental health, Shrinking deftly moves in between the emotional and the comical that is life, while giving us a precise look at the fight to keep it all together and embrace the messy people in our messy lives. But, ultimately, the show gifts us the escape and the joy that comes from knowing that the most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed.  The first three episodes of Shrinking’s season 2 are streaming now on Apple TV+. New episodes drop each Wednesday.                                                            ### On the KP Scale = 9 out of 10

In Season 3, Episode 6 of From , tension builds as characters wrestle with emotional turmoil, deepening mysteries, and eerie developments that refuse to offer easy answers. The episode opens with Tabitha haunted by nightmares. Jim’s attempt to console her backfires, triggering an argument where unresolved issues bubble to the surface. Old resentments resurface, including the reasons behind their past discussions of divorce. Their heated exchange culminates with harsh words, only to be interrupted by the howls from the lurking creatures outside. This unsettling reminder of their dangerous environment pulls them back into reality, and Jim leaves at dawn. Julie, skeptical and emotionally drained, questions her mother about Jim's absence. Tabitha tries to cover, claiming he’s gone foraging at the lake, but Julie—having overheard the argument—remains unconvinced. Meanwhile, Jade dives deeper into his obsessive quest for answers, taping ideas on a wall cluttered with numbers and clues. He uncovers a new thread: the possibility of multiple bottle trees. Boyd, adding to the enigma, shares a number—1864—etched on a bottle he opened, hinting at yet another layer of mystery. Victor, in a rare moment, communicates with his father, who is waiting for him in his room. Their conversation hints at the existence of a woman with knowledge of the bottle trees, but Victor’s reluctance to engage emotionally with his father keeps a distance between them. Eventually, he allows his father to accompany him briefly on his quest to find Jasper, but tension simmers beneath the surface. Elsewhere, Boyd checks in on Randall, whose recovery is marked by agitation. After a moment of hesitating, Boyd leaves, running into Kristy, who mentions that the ambulance was stocked with medical equipment—including an ultrasound machine. This introduces a solution to the intriguing puzzle of the child that Fatima is carrying. Fatima, whose strange pregnancy cravings hint at something far from normal. Ellis is excited about the news and suggests a scan, but Fatima avoids facing the reality that something could be wrong with their child. In another subplot, Donna works on sealing Dale’s body in a concrete tomb, knowing the stench will make it impossible to leave him in the open. Tabitha confides in her, and Donna offers pragmatic advice, softening slightly when Tabitha surprises her with a rare hug, revealing cracks in her usually tough demeanor. Victor and his father venture deeper into the tunnels. The monsters that dwell there deliver a chilling message: if he keeps returning, they will force him to stay. The episode closes with more unsettling developments.  This episode masterfully weaves suspense and emotional depth, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. Just as the narrative teases revelations, new enigmas surface. What is really going on with Fatima and her pregnancy? How do the three red stones tie Miranda and Tabitha together, what is the connection? And how does the Kimono Lady, whose identity may be revealed in a picture, fit into the increasingly tangled web of Fromville? Overall, this installment heightens both the tension and intrigue. With each twist, it draws viewers further into its dark, enigmatic world, ensuring that even as clues emerge, the path forward remains murky.

In episode 7 of Ryan Murphy’s American Sports Story, Aaron Hernandez’s chaotic behavior and growing list of crimes put a target on his back in all aspects of his life.  The show begins with two workers discovering Sherrod’s body, which is rushed to the hospital with blood flowing from his eye. A phone call from Sherrod soon reveals that Aaron himself is the culprit. Sherrod warns Aaron that he should’ve made sure to kill him, and that he’s coming for him.  Aaron frantically rushes Shayanna home after answering questions from reporters, locking every door and window. He takes his gun out of the closet, loads it, and then surveils the house from the window, looking for his old friend. Shayanna gets weary when Aaron sets up a whole new security system in their home.  The tight end’s paranoia skyrockets when he receives a text from Sherrod during his physical, claiming that he’s outside the facility. Aaron shockingly pulls out a gun from his locker and rushes to the parking lot. Turns out Sherrod wasn’t outside and was simply taunting and trying to scare Aaron. This moment is specifically for dramatization because the Patriots player never actually brought a gun into Gillette Stadium in real life.  DJ, Aaron’s brother, brings him a new phone with a new number. Wracked with guilt and fear, Aaron goes all the way to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis to request a trade from coach Belichick. Aaron tries to persuade him, explaining that his family isn’t safe and that he’s at a loss for what to do next. Belichick suggests that goes to California for his surgery and stay there for a while, letting everything blow over, and if Sherrod remains a problem, then they’ll take care of it with their security.  Aaron gets some joy by surprising Shayanna with their California home which overlooks the ocean. Holding their sweet baby girl, Shayanna wants to take a picture, but Aaron tells her no, claiming it’s better that nobody knows where they are because it’s “about them.” Aaron surprises his wife with a date night and declares that he wants to be the man she deserves. She reassures him that she wants him to be himself.  In the hospital, Aaron is getting ready for surgery. As Shayanna waits in the lobby, she goes through Aaron’s phone and sees a text saying, “Wishing you well. Miss you.” Once Aaron gets home, his agent calls to inform him that Sherrod is suing him and that he knows about the request for a trade and the incident where Aaron shot Sherrod in the face. Aaron denies it, of course, but his question to Murphy about how much his former friend wants only increases Murphy’s suspicions.  Although Chris made it clear he wants nothing to do with Aaron, the two end up reconnecting at a restaurant and later in a hotel room. Soon after, Aaron gets a call from Murphy telling him Sherrod is asking for $2.5 million. Aaron becomes furious at the request and personally texts Sherrod, refusing to pay him anything.  The whole ordeal ultimately causes Aaron to get so high that he passes out in the bathroom, neglecting his responsibility to watch his daughter. Shayanna finds him and they have a massive fight, which ends with Aaron knocking over a vase and leaving Shayanna terrified.  The next morning, DJ comes over to comfort Shayanna and then finds his brother sitting on the beach with his gun in hand. In a vulnerable moment, Aaron expresses that he’s tired of not being where he wants to be. DJ pleads with Aaron to give him the gun and to not leave his daughter. Aaron breaks down in his brother’s arms. Once again DJ and Aaron show the power of sibling bonds, and Josh Andrés Rivera and Ean Castellanos give great performances.  The episode ends with Aaron taking Belichick up on his offer for more security and telling him he won’t miss any more time on the field. The star player brings a bag full of guns into his new secret home. As this story continues to unfold, there are sure to be more heavy moments highlighting everything Aaron Hernandez experienced in his life. Episode 8 will premiere October 29 on FX and will stream on Hulu the next day.  What did you think? Make your voice heard in the comments and our poll.

What do I spy with my little eyes? Besides Sir enjoys a boiled egg for breakfast, the man plans to travel. [SPOILERS] Along with books on Russia, China, and Holland we also see passports! For Sir and  Gabi. Don’t worry, Sir is also looking for their next home. With a basement. Do you think he will bring his own chains or will that need to be included in his purchase? With Lacey reunited, Gabi focuses on finding Sir before Trent fulfills his promise to arrest her. What initially seems like a slam dunk, has become a needle in a haystack as Trent is forced to build a case against Gabi. Chief Mallory finds it far-fetched that Gabi made a confession. And if she did, Trent will need a solid case before bringing it to trial. As we know, Mallory has a mentors’ heart when it comes to Trent and his career. So, it’s no surprise when he ask the tough questions - is this about a broken heart? Or breaking the law? Ouch . As everyone searches for a path towards forgiveness, a new case lands at M&A, a missing couple. Jay, a teenage boy, is worried for his parents. Well, more worried for his mom than the dad apparently. Trent is also at M&A hoping to get more details for his case against Gabi. With his ears perked, he tries to take over but is persuaded by Dhan to leave. We know how effective Dhan can be. As Trent leaves, who do we spy? It’s Sir outside of M&A. And he is following Trent. Maybe they will go to happy hour and share childhood stories over buffalo wings and beer? Maybe? I don’t think so either. Margaret and Trent checks out the MacKenzie home for clues. Trent makes another failed attempt in building his case against Gabi and reveals the hurt Margaret still carries. There are no sides in this situation, she says. There is no trust. You can tell it’s heart breaking for everyone involved. Trent, with his super vision, sees a small vent on the floor. When he opens it, fresh blood is inside. What happened in this home? As Lacey returns to normal…well, a new normal, something remains the same - Sir haunting her. Just like when she was a child. The trauma has painfully lingered as we see flashbacks of Child Services investigating her home and possibly taking her away from her mom. Due to a concussion, Lacey doesn’t remember Gabi’s confession ( awkward ). And Zeke thinks it’s best not to ruin her joy. She’s back and wants to work. Though, she can’t seem to reconcile if she truly saw Sir on the surveillance camera? Or is he a ghost in her head? Back at the police precinct, Trent is also focused on the case and wonders if it’s a domestic violence situation. After seeing a file on his desk with her name on it, Gabi warns Trent to leave her M&A family alone. Does this sound familiar? Just me? Okay. Never wanting to be left out of the fun, Sir also goes to the MacKenzie house to survey the space. Trent also returns to the house and realizes something is off. Could it be Sir? Could the two most  important men in Gabi’s life finally face-off? Could we be that lucky? As Trent walks down the hall, with our heart racing with each step, Sir prepares to greet him. As Trent enters, the room is empty. Sir is gone! Leaving only a note for Gabrielle. As the M&A team piece the mystery together, the Grandmother admits Sam, the husband, has a temper and she has seen bruises on Kate, his wife. Zeke is able to find some audio and video that helps prove abuse by the husband. Jay is afraid for his mom and it’s at this moment Trent connects with him and shares his story about his sister and her abusive husband. You can hear a pin drop in the room.   After Gabi reads the letter from Sir, it comes together that Kate is not a victim. She is a fighter. Did Kate kidnap Sam? She would need a controlled environment, and Gabi thinks she knows where - the blueprints from Kates’ social posts. That must be where they are. And true to form, Kate did take Sam there.  At the hospital, we see Jay and Kate reunited. Heart strings are pulled in every direction. For me, the most impactful moments are when Jay confronts his father and says he is the man mom made him to be.  “Thank you for not making me you. Thank you for not paying enough attention to me.”  Successfully closing the case, the M&A team has their ritual back in place. Lacey shares that she remembers Gabis’ confession and that “saving lives come first.” Lacey is truly the heart of this group. Still searching for a path to forgiveness, Margaret wants to see the basement. Once inside, she looks around and realizes it’s too much. Everything around her floods in and she escapes out of the room. She must be thinking of her son. How could she not. As the episode closes, we see Lacey and Zeke snuggled sleep-over style on the floor in his highly secured, state-of-the art, home. Nothing can breach it. Right? Wrong!  Zeke awakens to alarms going off and a missing Lacey. Again?! Does Sir have her? Where is Lacey? We continue the hunt next week Thursday on NBC and Streaming on Peacock.