COL Quinn/Patrick and MAJ Shah/Abraham are in the Base Laundry Center electrical circuit room, trying to figure out why blackouts are happening. MAJ Shah emerges with cables in hand that appear to have been chewed on. The lights flash on and off, and he imagines seeing two different women. He asks MAJ Shah if he sees them, but he doesn't. The colonel turns and rushes them out of the room, only for him to see three different women at the door. One is Iris (named Aisling), another is German (named Luisa), and the third is American (named Nina). MAJ Shah still sees no one and asks what's going on. COL Quinn tells him it's all three of his ex-wives coming back to haunt him. It wasn’t an apparition; all three of COL Quinn's exes really did come to visit. They sit in his office, and CPT Quinn/Maggie arrives to greet her mom and all of the exes. She tells her dad that she goes on vacation with all of his exes and their children every year. They’re all close friends and have been vacationing together for twenty years. They never thought to invite him. Nina explains how they all got together, and COL Quinn is amazed. His exes are like sisters to each other, and it’s unsettling for COL Quinn. Maggie goes on to tell her dad all about her mom, Nina Quinn, and her step-moms' wonderful accomplishments. A private enters COL Quinn's office to get his signature on a document and fangirls over Nina Quinn, a popular newscaster. Nina does her famous sign-off, and the private is overjoyed. Nina tells COL Quinn that they just stopped by to see Maggie on their way to Cologne to start the annual Quinn Family Vacation. He freaks out, insisting that it's not a Quinn Family vacation if he's not included, because Quinn is his name. He’s outvoted three to one. Meanwhile, in the Base Laundry Center, 1SG Conway tells MAJ Shah they need to get the electricity back online or they’ll fail their main mission of doing laundry. They are distracted by one of the workers. In walks COL Quinn and CPT Quinn. He asks more about the family trips and discovers they have a family beach house. MAJ Shah updates them on the blackout situation in the laundry center. There's a mouse nest living in the room. CPT Quinn says they can’t call an exterminator or electrician due to Vlaggetjesdag/Flag Day, the First Day of Herring Season, a Dutch National Holiday. She suggests they do the extermination themselves using the cheese the base makes. What could go wrong? MAJ Shah and COL Quinn shoot down her idea, and she tells her dad that’s why she prefers being with her three moms. COL Quinn becomes jealous and starts bragging about how great he is on vacations. He boasts about a vacation he took with MAJ Shah to Mazatlán. Maggie tells her dad he’s never had any interest in any of his wives or her, and that’s why they prefer to vacation without him. He claims he’s changed thanks to Kataya, his new girlfriend, not Maggie. Maggie storms off. Later, CPT Quinn meets with her moms at the dining facility. They compliment her on her superb cheese charcuterie. Her moms are so proud of what she’s done with her life. Then, COL Quinn walks in and tries to find a way to join the Quinn Family Vacation. He insists that he’s changed. They invite him to dinner to prove it. He’s bringing Kataya, his new girlfriend, who used to be a prostitute but is now a doctor. MAJ Shah is alone in the laundry center, having set up cheese-loaded mouse traps all over the floor. There are mice running around everywhere, but it doesn’t seem to bother him or CPT Quinn, who gracefully steps over the mice as she walks in. She thanks him for listening to her idea and tells him that she asked some of the troops to start washing laundry by hand temporarily. He congratulates her for taking initiative. The lights flash on and off again, and squeaks are heard as multiple mice are decapitated. COL Quinn asks CPT Quinn to come to dinner with him and act as a buffer between his exes and girlfriend. She refuses because it brings back bad memories of her parents' divorce days. COL Quinn tells her she did a bad job of fixing that problem and has a chance to correct it now. He earnestly begs her, and she agrees to attend. He says marriage and everything is combat, and he just won that battle. There’s no hope for him. Papadakis and Conway both like the new civilian worker. They agree to battle over her, with Conway making the first move. Papadakis steps up and gets her attention. He wins a date because they bonded over a love of archery. He stalked her on IG. Maggie and Nina meet in her room as she dresses for dinner with her moms, dad, and Kataya. Maggie would rather work with Shah and subconsciously keeps mentioning him. She says they make a weirdly good team. Her mom tells her she talks about Shah a lot and thinks she’s crushing on him. Maggie denies it. Nina tells her she can go see her "friend" if she likes. Her moms can handle her dad. COL Quinn and Kataya are at the restaurant, discussing how to handle the dinner without his daughter as a buffer. She settles his nerves. They sit together, and he thanks everyone. He reads off a list of his changes. The exes are more interested in learning about Kataya. Nina is fascinated by her published research, and she and Luisa bond over speaking German. COL Quinn is surprised and Kataya berates him for not speaking German after being married to Luisa for two years. Back at the laundry center, Maggie is acting oddly around her buddy. She tells him she found an electrician, Private Anthony Chapman/BA. He clearly isn’t good at it. Maggie YouTubes a how-to video on electrical wiring to help him. He admits he’s colorblind, so most of the wires look the same. He mistakenly connects wires and gets shocked. MAJ Shah is shocked too, as he pries him loose. BA bounces up, electrified, while Shah passes out on the floor. At the restaurant, the exes and Kataya laugh and talk in German. COL Quinn feels left out and thinks they are talking about him. He lets out more unknown facts about himself and his exes, causing them to leave abruptly. Kataya asks if he ever did marriage therapy, and he says no. She finds out he abandoned them and proposes couples therapy for him and his exes. He plans to fake his way through it, convincing them he’s changed, so he can go on the family vacations. Kataya tells him he has to be sincere. Papadakis finds Conway setting up a romantic dinner in the sumptuous secret supply room. In walks Maud, the pretty new laundry civilian worker. Conway gives in and says he can date her. CPT Quinn takes MAJ Shah back to the break room. She flirtatiously teases him. They discuss their personal issues, and she softly touches his hand. Just as they are about to get closer, in walks Papadakis, who’s happy about his date and tells everyone! Kataya counsels the exes and Patrick. He tells them he wants to vacation with them, and the exes talk it over. While waiting, Kataya tells Patrick she’s proud of him and how much he’s changed. The exes decide to invite him, and moments later, he tries to wiggle out of it. The next morning, COL Quinn asks Jan to teach him Dutch for Kataya. Of course, that doesn’t go well. This was a very funny episode! Wonder if CPT Quinn and MAJ Shah will get together and what havoc that will bring?

This episode features guest stars Alyssa Milano and Michael Emerson, playing Pupetta DeMarco and Judge Milton Crawford, respectively. The story kicks off with Elsbeth, Teddy, and Roy (Hayward Leach) enjoying a Famous NYC Crimes Tour. Their final stop is the infamous mob murder at Pupetta’s Restaurant. Roy and Elsbeth have become close friends, with Roy affectionately calling her “ET” and mimicking the iconic finger-touch moment. As the group enters the restaurant, Elsbeth playfully embarrasses Teddy by mentioning his childhood potty training struggles. Tour guide Henry (Murray Hill) sets the scene by recounting the dramatic Moresco mob murder story, captivating everyone. Guests are served Goldie Moresco’s last meal, and Henry’s storytelling leaves the group hooked. Elisbeth, however, begins to notice inconsistencies in the murder story and starts asking probing questions. Just then, a stranger named Pupetta interrupts, offering her own thoughts on the case. As the tour wraps up, Elsbeth spots a photo on the wall and questions Henry about it. The photo features the real Gene Genetti, the lone witness to the murder. Elsbeth is immediately curious and approaches him. He’s reluctant to engage but begins to argue with Pupetta, and before leaving, he scribbles an address on a takeout menu and hands it to Elsbeth. Teddy is hesitant about Elsbeth following up, but of course, she does, with both him and Roy tagging along. They arrive at the address only to find the police there. Elsbeth calls Officer Blanke (Kaya) for information, and the three head inside to discover that Gene has been hit by a car in a hit-and-run. Detective Flemming (Daniel Oreskes) arrives and questions Elsbeth about her connection to Gene. Meanwhile, Pupetta makes a dramatic scene at the crime scene, leading Flemming to speculate about her involvement. The mystery thickens when Blanke and Elsbeth notice how quickly she arrived on the scene. The next day, LT Connor meets with CPT Wagner to discuss Officer Blanke’s performance, who has received stellar reviews. When Wagner asks about the Ashton Hayes plea deal, Connor praises Blanke’s work and secures her detective gold shield. However, they agree to assign someone to watch over Elsbeth, given the mysterious events surrounding the Moresco case. Back at the restaurant, Elsbeth and Flemming visit Gene’s wife, Mrs. Del Monte, and inquire about the hit-and-run. She insists that Gene has no enemies but admits that she often argues with him. Elsbeth mistakenly believes the fights were about her younger friend, but Mrs. Del Monte reveals it’s actually about their son, Gene Jr. The detectives learn that Gene and Pupetta’s son may be involved in the case, and Flemming rushes to the hospital when Gene is out of surgery and able to speak. Unfortunately, when they speak to Gene, he no longer seems willing to talk. Elsbeth suspects Pupetta may have threatened him into silence. The next day, Blanke brings in evidence revealing that money had been laundered through Pupetta’s restaurant for years and that the Del Ponte crime family may still be active. Elsbeth adds Pupetta’s name to the Moresco murder investigation, suspecting her involvement in both the hit-and-run and the original mob murder. Pictured (L-R): Daniel Oreskes as Det. Buzz Fleming, Alyssa Milano as Pupetta Demarco and Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni Photo: Michael Parmelee/CBS ©2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pupetta is called in for questioning, but she denies any involvement and asserts that any further inquiries should go through her lawyer. Later, Elsbeth and Flemming watch the movie City on a Knife Edge  about the Moresco murder at Roy’s place. Elsbeth becomes obsessed with the details, particularly the appearance of the Pupetta character’s nails, and realizes this may provide a crucial clue. The next day, Elsbeth and Flemming present their theory to CPT Wagner that Pupetta is the real murderer of Goldie Moresco. However, Wagner insists they need a confession or hard evidence before reopening the case. Elsbeth later meets with Gene Jr., who reveals his mother’s push for him to join the family business. As she leaves, Elsbeth asks him to tell his father she was asking about him, as Pupetta watches from afar. Back at home, Teddy is cooking dinner, and Roy suggests Elsbeth should start a podcast about unsolved detective cases. She agrees, and Roy plans to interview Flemming for the first episode. However, CPT Wagner calls Elsbeth to inform her that Judge Crawford may be blocking their efforts to exhume Goldie’s body, making him a powerful adversary. The following night, Elsbeth returns to confront Judge Crawford. She tries to convince him to reopen the case, but he suggests a new confession is the key to moving forward. Later, Elsbeth is alarmed when she sees Teddy talking to Pupetta outside her apartment. Pupetta implies she knows all about Teddy and Roy, and threatens Elsbeth and her friends. Back at the station, Flemming and Elsbeth discuss the reopening of the Moresco case, with Wagner still unconvinced. But Officer Blanke brings crucial evidence showing that money laundering has been taking place through Pupetta’s restaurant for years. They link it all back to the Del Ponte crime family and discover that Gene Jr. looks eerily similar to Goldie Moresco. Elsbeth confronts Gene at the hospital and reveals what she’s learned about him and his son. Gene admits he made a deal with Pupetta but now realizes she didn’t keep her end of the bargain. Elsbeth convinces him to help her get Goldie’s body exhumed, and Gene confirms that Pupetta was the real killer. Elsbeth takes a coffee cup that Gene Jr. throws away for DNA testing. Later, while watching the director’s cut of the Moresco murder movie, Elsbeth notices a critical clue: a broken nail belonging to Pupetta. She contacts Flemming and Blanke, and Goldie’s body is exhumed. Gene’s false confession helps make this happen. Back at Pupetta’s restaurant, Henry continues telling the story of Goldie’s murder, unaware that Elsbeth is about to reveal the truth. She walks in and exposes the facts: Pupetta was pregnant with Gene’s child at the time of the murder. Flemming presents the evidence, and they arrest Pupetta. Gene and Gene Jr. have an emotional moment, and Gene thanks Elsbeth for her help. At the station, Roy begins recording his first podcast episode with Flemming, while Teddy talks to Elsbeth about possibly ending his relationship with Roy. Officer Blanke reassures Elsbeth that Teddy and Roy will work things out. Meanwhile, LT Connor and CPT Wagner discuss assigning a new uniform officer to watch over Elsbeth once Blanke moves on to her detective role. Wagner remarks that it won’t be the same. This episode delivers a gripping two-murder mystery with a satisfying resolution, showcasing Elsbeth’s brilliance in solving complex cases. Another excellent addition to the series!

"Game Day" certainly lives up to its title as the episode that really throws a curveball at the audience with several pivotal moments. However, it’s clear the writers could have done a better job building up the Slammed case throughout the season, as it feels like it’s suddenly the focal point after only a few mentions in earlier episodes. It leaves viewers with a sense of “wait, we’ve been building up to this?”  without enough of a buildup to really feel the weight of this pivotal case. Maddy’s sister, with her incessant baking and classic Southern charm, is still a lot to handle. While it’s understandable that she would get under Maddy’s skin, the tension between the two seems to take up more screen time than necessary, especially when there’s a high-stakes case in play. That being said, the dynamic between the two is surprisingly heartwarming when Maddy finally finds the time to bury the hatchet after Ellie learns her secret. It’s a nice moment of personal growth, and I appreciated how the show handled it, though I do think it we could've explained their dynamic in an offshoot line about how Maddy gets a lot of her stories from her sister. Then there’s Olympia. She’s clearly the driving force of this episode, and while the court drama surrounding the class action against Slammed is a solid plotline, it feels a bit rushed. The case itself hinges on the testimony of a sorority girl who, while an interesting character, doesn’t offer enough to keep the stakes high. The moment when Olympia’s case seems to be a lost cause is heart-stopping, and the $400,000 settlement feels like a betrayal of what this case was supposed to mean, both for her and for Maddy. No job promotion? If Julian wins it will feel so unearned as we never see him in Court on his own. The show’s attempt at a “swing for the fences” moment with this potential settlement felt flat because of how underdeveloped the case had been until that point. The real tension, though, lies in the revelations about Julian’s and Olympias (imagined) movements. The discovery that Olympia was possibly using Julian’s key card all along is a huge blow, not just to Maddy as a colleague but also to the friendship she thought she had with Olympia. It leaves Maddy in a precarious position, and I'm eager to see how this affects her next steps. While it’s a fantastic twist, it also feels a bit too sudden and discombobulated, as the show hasn’t laid enough groundwork for Maddy to have truly suspected this up until now and the back and forth of whodunit is kindly wearing a tad thin. On the positive side, Sarah confronting Billy about his relationship with Simone is another lighthearted moment, as is the back-and-forth between them and their respective partners. There’s a lot of personal drama that gives a much-needed layer to the legal theatrics, and I enjoyed seeing these character relationships evolve. All in all, “Game Day” is a solid episode that makes several bold moves but also suffers from some rushed narrative decisions. I definitely felt the episode was a game changer  in many ways, especially with the personal revelations and the shocking twists. It’s one of those episodes that leaves you questioning everything and eager to see how these developments will play out, but the pacing and buildup could have been tighter, especially when dealing with a case that’s been so underdeveloped.

“What Have I Done?” This episode begins with a flashback of Mark/Invincible walking in a deserted area desperately wiping away blood from his body.  Left behind are half destroyed bodies.   The bodies are composed of human and robotic elements.  One, Dr. Angstrom Levy (Sterling K. Brown), disappears through a dimensional portal, while a decomposing body lies on the ground with The Technicians  looking on. WOW!  This looks like a battle nobody won.  The Technicians rebuild him.  Looks like The Invincible War has Begun! Day ONE Army of Invincibles Invade Earth Months later, multiple portals open on Earth and an Army of different Invincibles (Superhuman-SH Invincibles) and spy orbs like the ones found at Mark Grayson’s house arrive.  They descend and destroy everything, as Dr. Angstrom Levy commands.  Destroy everything in their paths, and make them fear and hate Invincible; everything will be theirs.At the moment, Mark and Eve are in Eve’s bedroom.  She tries to comfort Mark, as he still thinks of what happened with PowerPlex/Scott Duvall.  She tries to console him.   Mark’s not convinced.  He still thinks PowerPlex’s problems were his fault.  Eve cancelled their dinner plans with her parents, because she tells him they’re terrible.  She gets a call for Invincible, Inc., their Peyton Penitentiary security business.  Cities around the world are bombarded and attacked by the SHInvincibles.   They attack all the superheroes defending Earth.Meanwhile, Rex helps Rae move into a seedy looking apartment building. It’s her first day away from superheroing.  He doubts the place is safe, but she assures him she’ll be fine, and the place is cheap. Rex is surprised by how Rae makes him feel and brings out his best qualities.  They hug outside her apartment building, and she invites him up to her new place.  Before they can go up, there’s an explosion a few blocks away.  Rex suits up.  Rae does, too, and he asks her not to, it’s her first day not superheroing.  He tells her she can’t un-quit on her first day.  Rex happily takes off telling her he’ll be right back.  Invincible arrives at Peyton Penitentiary and meets an Invincible version of himself with a mohawk.  He yells for Mark to leave and help cover the whole planet.  The SHInvincible realizes Mark is the original Earth Invincible.  Mark asks how he got there and they start fighting and Mark finds  SHInvincible is stronger than him.  Mark literally knocks out SHInvincible as a spy orb appears.  He’s attacked by other superheroes, while the pen inmates escape, and one is PowerPlex.  SHInvincible gets up and PowerPlex attacks him.  Mark’s knocked out by King Thor.   Oliver to the Rescue At the Grayson Home, Debbie and Oliver watch the news broadcasting the invasion around the world overwhelming local and government forces.  Everyone watches the craziness happening.  Amber and Kyle also watch on her laptop, and William and Rick on their cell.  Oliver tries to take off to help his brother, but Debbie stops him.  She tells him not to return home until it’s over.  She asks him to find Mark.  He worries about her, but leaves when she assures him she’ll be  safe.   At the penitentiary, the SHInvincible is unconscious and Mark is helped up by Bolt.  Bolt tells him the GDA’s been contacted.  Eve speeds away overhead and Mark follows.  At the GDA, Cecil and Donald and the Guardian Robots finish off a female SHInvincible. Donald says there are at least eighteen other SHInvincibles out there, and they come from alternate dimensions where Mark is a bad guy.  Donald tells Cecil they don’t seem to have a plan, they’re unpredictable.  Cecil tells Donald to make more noise makers that caused Mark so much pain.  Donald tells him the engineering wing was destroyed.  Cecil says they call in EVERYONE! Day Two Uniting to Fight and Rex DIES By EVERYONE, Cecil meant EVERYONE in the Universe.  Brit on another gets heroes to the transporter and sends them to Earth.  Back on Earth, Oliver helps people escape a destroyed building.  He sees Invincible fly over and follows him.  It’s an SHInvincible.Eve and Mark survey the damage and destruction, and devise a plan to defeat them.  Mark says there’s only one person who could do this, but he’s already killed him.  Mark spots another SHInvincible below and goes to fight him.  He falls near a temple where a light emanates from a giant box and he’s taken by Ka-Hor.  The SHInvincible breaks free of Ka-Hor, and strikes The Immortal.  Meanwhile, Ka-Hor crawls back into the hole he came from, as a random woman archaeologist walks by carrying another one away.  She berates Ka-Hor as she passes his hole. Back on Earth, An SHInvincible battles Oliver.  Oliver’s about to sock him again when more superheroes arrive to help him.  Superheroes fight other SHInvincibles all over the planet.  At another location, Eve and Mark fight a loud-mouthed SHInvincible when a superior SHInvincible joins him.  He fights Eve, while Mark continues the fight with the loud-mouthed one and knocks him out.  He goes to help Eve when Mark’s double-teamed by both SHInvincibles.  Eve’s hurt by the Superior SHInvincible, and he goes to save her.  The two SHInvincibles challenge him.  In come the Guardian Robots to fight them.  Cecile’s drone directs Mark to bring Eve to GDA HQ.  Donald volunteers to fight.  Cecile lets him and tells him to find Brit.  At Guardian HQ, Darkwing, Black Samson and Immortal fight another SHInvincible.  This SHinvincible already defeated many of the Guardians.  This SHInvincible is obnoxious.  He decapitated Immortal and killed Multi-Kate.   DarkWing takes this SHInvincible to the Shadowverse.At the Grayson’s Home, Debbie tells Paul to stay away from the windows, as she watches the news broadcast.  Paul suggests they go with the National Guard evacuating the neighbors.  She won’t go because she’s worried about her sons.  Rick and William are on their college campus running for their lives when a building literally falls on William.  Rick stops it and saves William.  At the Grayson’s house, Mark’s voice is heard calling his Mom for help.  The house is empty and a SHInvincible bursts through the roof.  He came to kill Debbie. Black Samson asks Shapesmith if he can pull himself back together.  He’ll make it, but not sure about the other guardians that were destroyed.  In the lab, another SHInvincible pulls Rudy out of the Robot suit.  Bulletproof comes to fight the SHInvincible.  Rudy tells Bulletproof to save Amanda/Monster Girl and Rex.  Rex refuses to leave and gives them a message for Rae.  He fights the SHInvincible while Bulletproof escapes with Rudy and Amanda.  Rex says everything about this fight is stupid, but they’re doing it anyway!  He maneuvers SHInvincible to the electrified panel floor in the middle of the lab and ELECTRIFIES IT!  SHInvincible is not amused.  Rex Splode explodes his skeleton and destroys them both.  Rae’s driving towards the New Guardian HQ and sees the explosion.  Bulletproof puts Rudy and Amanda down on a rooftop as they also see the explosion.  Rex Splode Dies! Devastation Billie Eillish’s song, “When the Party’s Over”, plays in the background as the superheroes left recoup, others are totally destroyed and Brit uncovers what’s left of Donald’s robotic body.  At the GDA,  Mark sits at a comatose Eve’s bedside.  Cecile tells him he needs to leave, but Mark refuses.  He knows the other SHInvincibles could come there to kill her.  Cecile reminds Mark about his Mother and Oliver is still out there, but he won’t leave. In another section of GDA HQ, the Guardian Robots kill another SHInvincible.  The other SHInvincibles continue their rampage.  Oliver’s out saving people and superheroes.  PowerPlex is happily killing all the SHInvincibles he can find.  Day THREE Phase One Complete Some SHInvincibles have been destroyed, but so Many More Live.  Dr. Angstrom surveys their destruction of Planet Earth via spy orb.  He tells them Phase One is Complete and to rendezvous at the known location.  Eight SHInvincibles float above the Grayson Home, and Dr. Angstrom finally makes his entrance.  He updates them on their progress, and directs them to find Mark so they can reunite.  The multiple Invincibles argue and want what Dr. Angstrom promised them dimension takeovers.   One actually came to find Mom, Debbie, and bring her back with him.  They mutiny and make their demand and threaten to kill or torture Dr. Angstrom.  Angstrom transports them to another dimension.  Mark and Angstrom Battle Mark paces up and down at Eve’s bedside in the GDA Infirmary.  Cecile comes to tell him they found Angstrom and asks if he still wants to sit this one out.  Mark is transported to see Angstrom.  They fight, and Angstrom uses his dimensional skills.  He tells him how he survived.  Mark fiercely battles him.  Angstrom’s taunts energize him, and Mark has Angstrom when Oliver appears encouraging him to kill him.  Mark’s distracted and Angstrom returns to The Technicians’ alternate dimension. He orders them to fix him.  The Technicians refuse.  He failed them, and they make him work for Them. The Clean Up Back on Earth, Mark and Oliver see the Earth’s devastation.  The news broadcasts the damage and death toll.  Survivors are found, but no one knows what and why it happened.  Why did all the attackers resemble Invincible?  Mark returns to Eve’s bedside.  She’s still comatose.  Cecile enters the room and tells him they will rebuild the planet, and the Guardians. Cecile interjects some hope.  They’ll prepare for the return of Angstrom.  He tells Mark he found Debbie at Paul’s house.  Eve’s parents are coming in to see Eve.  Cecile asks Mark for help in New York.  Oliver’s already there helping rebuild.  They teleport there.  Oliver is happy to see him.  A furious PowerPlex zaps Mark and tries to kill him.  Mark and Oliver hold him down as he burns off all his energy.  Brit takes him away, but not before he yells that all the death and destruction is Invincible’s fault.  Everyone looks at a disheartened and demoralized Mark.  Back at GDA, Mark sits at Eve’s bedside updating her on the rebuilding.  He tells her it’s all his fault.  He can’t handle it.  Eve’s parents, Betsy and Adam, enter the room.  Her Dad tells him to leave.  Her Mom asks if he’s Mark, and knows Eve has powers.  He says Yes.  They were worried something like this would happen to Samantha/Eve.  She chatters on and tells him about Eve’s childhood friend.  Adam gets her to return to the room. Immortal wakes in another GDA medical room.  He’s happy to see Multi-Kate alive.  Immortal asks her to go with him and start a family.  Later, Cecile updates the Guardians on their members’ status.  Cecile asks Mark to lead the Guardians.  He refuses.  Cecile lets him know he’s there if he needs to talk.  Mark returns to the Clean Up.   A Viltrimite, Conquest, appears!  Mark’s aching to Hit Something. They Fight! This episode was INTENSE like Season 1!  It was filled with action, destruction, lots of superheroes, dimensional transporting, more moral dilemmas and emotions, and injuries and losses of Mark’s loved ones.  Angstrom and the destruction he brought is TERRIFYING!  The return of Dr. Angstrom Levy was AWESOME!  Great seeing Brit and Ka Hor and more superheroes.  Billie Eilish’s song was a Wonderful Surprise!  What Happens Next in the Season Finale?  Will there be a Rex Splode Memorial Service or Return, and will DarkWing and Omni-Man and Allen the Alien return?

This week on All American, both Beverly and Crenshaw High players take a break from their winning streak seasons and giveback to the community.  Amina organizes a volunteer lock in to help package food for those hungry, while facing a personal dilemma. She contemplates running for Student Council President, especially since her campaign speech coincides with her late mother's birthday. Enlisting the players at Beverly, KJ decided the day of service would be good for them as well. Shoutout to Cassius for catering his Oakland famous BBQ for the event.  Meanwhile, Coop attends a law panel, exploring her academic and personal  interests with her Professor, Breonna. An office hours questions session turned into having drinks and questioning her long distance relationship with her girlfriend, Patience.  Another developing love triangle . . . or should we say square is noted among the teens at the lock in.  Anima is observed being comforted by KJ much to the dismay of Khalil and Beverly High cheerleader, Tori. In an effort to continue making Khalil jealous, Amina proposes a fake relationship with KJ, believing this might rekindle his interest. KJ agrees, setting the stage for potential complications, especially since he was going to finally admit his feelings for Amina, prior to. After a conversation with his dad, Cassius.  Additionally, Khalil struggles with his father's return and the associated challenges. He is striving to maintain his distance from past troubles while enjoying all the perks of being a student athlete. After a conversation with Preach, he’s more focused than ever on proving he can be his own man and stay out of the streets.  However, with his father, Marqui needing an alibi will family ties prove stronger than the straight and narrow path of resistance?  Tune in to All American Monday nights at 8pm on the CW, as well as streaming on the CW app.

On their podcast, Ivy talks about dating and shares her list of what not to look for in a partner. Poppa bets she made that list after her divorce, and she admits he’s right. Just then, her mother, Felicia, dials into the podcast to remind her about her graduation party. Felicia flirts with Poppa, and to Ivy’s horror, he thinks she’s cool and even offers to DJ the party—something Ivy is not on board with. At Junior’s, Nina congratulates Trey for getting straight A’s at his private school. Trey, however, is focused on whether their party will be better than Joey’s. Junior insists it’s not a competition, but Nina and Trey disagree. Nina wants Joey’s mother to be seething with jealousy over how amazing Trey’s party will be. Junior argues that a petting zoo is boring—they need an anime character instead. He recalls how his father hired an off-brand Spider-Man, giving him an idea. At the graduation party, Ivy introduces Poppa to her mother. Felicia greets him warmly, which is unusual for Poppa, but she takes it as flirtation. She calls him sweet, and he playfully responds that it's what the Sweet in his DJ name stands for. Without missing a beat, she teases that she knows what the D stands for, then introduces herself as Felicia—but tells him he can call her Felicious. Ivy is horrified. Before walking off, Poppa says he’ll see her around. Meanwhile, Felicia takes every opportunity to insult Ivy, bringing up her flaws and ex-husband before sending her to help Aunt Bertha in the ladies' room. At Junior’s party, things are in full swing when Joey arrives—and he’s as snobby and rude as ever. He critiques the decorations, judges the snacks, and even threatens to leave in his limo when he finds out Goku isn’t coming. Thinking fast, Junior tells the kids that Goku is stuck between dimensions but will be there soon. It’s obvious he’s about to try dressing up as Goku himself. Back at the graduation party, Felicia takes it upon herself to comb Ivy’s hair and make her look presentable. She insists that Ivy has to look good for when David arrives. Ivy immediately says that if her ex shows up, she’s leaving. She tells Poppa about it but gets tongue-tied when she sees him. To her surprise, Poppa also gets flustered—because David is an NFL champion. David greets Felicious before turning to Ivy, calling her Mushroom. Poppa immediately quips that it sounds like a fungus. Ivy explains that it’s because she grew on him, but Poppa jokes that it sounds more like a tumor. David sizes him up and asks if he knows him. Ivy explains that Poppa is her podcast partner. David doesn’t hold back—he insults Poppa, saying Ivy used to make him listen to his show, and all he could think was, Who is this clown? Poppa, ever the professional, laughs it off and walks away to handle his DJ duties. Meanwhile, David turns on the charm, telling Ivy that he regrets leaving someone as beautiful and special as she is. He wants her back, but Ivy isn’t sure she can trust it. He insists he’s changed—he’s been to therapy, read all her books, and wants to prove himself. He tells her he purchased land for the wellness center they once dreamed of building to show how serious he is. It’s ready to break ground. Overwhelmed, Ivy says yes, and they share a dance. At Junior’s, he finally appears as Broku—his Goku costume. At first, the kids boo him, but after a few over-the-top, Junior-style shenanigans, they cheer him on. Later, however, he’s left sore and exhausted from all the kicks and jumps he attempted while pretending to be an anime character. Meanwhile, Poppa and David sit down for drinks. Poppa congratulates him on rekindling things with Ivy, saying he’s glad they’re happy and in love. But David corrects him—it’s not love, it’s business. Seeing an opportunity, Poppa slyly plies him with more alcohol, getting David to admit that he’s using Ivy to rebrand his image. His investors won’t support him unless Ivy is involved. Poppa immediately tries to warn Ivy, but she refuses to believe him. She accuses him of wanting her to be alone and miserable, just like he is. But Poppa tells her to believe her eyes—and then directs her attention to David, who is caught kissing the waitress he had been flirting with earlier. The next day, Ivy shows up at Poppa’s. He’s surprised, admitting he didn’t think she’d come back. Ivy confesses that neither did she. When he asks if she wants to talk, she finally opens up to him about her pain. The episode ends with Poppa making her laugh, proving once again that, no matter what, he’s in her corner. A solid episode this week, 7/10.

Episode begins with the base commander, COL Patrick Quinn, CPT Maggie Quinn, his daughter, and MAJ Abraham Shah going out to the base courtyard.  They see the Dutch civilian workers relaxing, playing games and doing nothing.  COL Quinn finds this unacceptable.  He’s incapable of doing that being the career soldier he is.  CPT Quinn was used to it, since she was the base commander before he came.  She says the civilians are great at niksen, the art of doing nothing. At that moment, one of the US soldiers, Corporal Papadakis, kicks a hacky sack at the colonel to get him to join them.  He says it’s good for mental health.  The colonel takes it and angrily throws it away, and tells the corporal that’s good for his mental health. The colonel orders MAJ Shah to stop the “doing nothing” before it spreads to his troops.  MAJ Shah says he’s on it, changing an entire country’s work ethic is not a problem.  His daughter disagrees.  COL Quinn spots his Dutch translator, Jan,  playing with a hula hoop, and asks him if he’s high at work.  Jan says he’s not anymore, because he’s coming down very slowly, and trying to hoop it all out.  COL Quinn happily fires him on the spot.  CPT Quinn halts the colonel’s joy by telling him all Dutch citizens employed over three years can’t be fired since they are tenured.  Jan continues hula hooping. COL Quinn is still irked about niksen and watches from his office window, trying to find a way to stop it.  In walks MAJ Shah who’s been researching Dutch labor law.  He tells him it’s almost impossible to fire someone in the Netherlands.  Even a substandard employee gets three strikes Jan only has two.  CPT Quinn comes in and irks her Dad more by telling him the civilians get unlimited sick days, too.  COL Quinn asked the major how many sick days he took last year, and he said zero and he loves America!COL Quinn says nothing’s more important than work.  Maggie’s upset because he forgot about her, his family.  COL Quinn plans to stalk Jan to catch him if he messes up again, then fire him and make an example of him for all the other civilians. The next day, COL Quinn watches from his window, and sees Jan bump into Private BA with his bicycle.  Jan helps him up.  Quinn sees it as Jan running over an American soldier and takes him to court. MAJ Shah welcomes the judge, Hendrick, to the courtroom. Hendrick is confused and asks why there’s an audience.  The colonel comes over and Hendrick says it is just a mediation not a trial.  The colonel wanted to jazz it up like the “A Few Good Men” movie.  Hendrick liked that movie and is fascinated with the gavel he gives him.  He calls it a war hammer and is loving that!CPT Quinn tells MAJ Shah the courtroom drama may be too much.  Shah says no and he spent all night prepping.  Jan enters the courtroom.  COL Quinn begins his deliberation and recounts Jan’s three strikes. Jan tells everyone how he hit PVT BA (Private Dumby).  Jan says PVT BA was failed by the education system.  In the Netherlands, bicycles always have the right-of-way.  He steps down.  COL Quinn points out Jan admitted to hitting the victim.  Jan asks CPT Quinn to help him with the colonel. COL Quinn scares everyone in the courtroom by threatening overtime for everyone.  CPT Quinn stands up and objects.  Judge Hendrick doesn’t know why because he’s enjoying the courtroom antics.  CPT Quinn volunteers as Jan's defense lawyer.  Her Dad’s shocked. CPT Maggie’s reviewing Jan’s personal information when Corporal Papadakis sits down and asks to join her law firm.  He says he knows about law.  His experience consists of binging Law and Order. COL Quinn continues his deliberation and recalls Jan to the stand.  MAJ Shah gave him some leave requests documents that the colonel said were fraudulent.  CPT Quinn cross examines and gets Jan to explain his reasons for taking multiple paternity leaves.  The colonel calls PVT BA to the stand, and he gives his version of the accident.  CPT Maggie lets CPL Papadakis cross examine him.  He announces that BA is lying, and was never at the gym.  PVT BA confesses he lied, but points to 1SG Conway to explain.  They put Conway on the stand and she says they were filming a Tik Tok, because she made BA a minor celebrity in Malaysia, Leather Pants Man.  She’s making a lot of money off this.   Conway didn’t tell Papadakis, cuz he can’t dance.  Papadakis shows her what she’s missing.  MAJ Shah shows COL Quinn the Tik Tok which he enters as evidence.  They put it on screen, and it shows the moment Jan ran into BA. COL Quinn gloats. Hendrick says they will reconvene in the morning. That night, MAJ Shah meets with CPT Quinn to help her with her case.  They don’t see the colonel outside.  The next day, CPT Quinn called MAJ Shah to the stand, but the colonel sent him on a spa vacation.  She calls COL Quinn next.  CPT Maggie meets with Conway during break and asks her to get all her Dad’s financial documents.  CPT Quinn asks COL Quinn if he hates Jan, and the fact that Jan puts his family first.  This is a reference to her life.  She makes him admit he’s proud of her.  1SG Conway brings the financial books to compare how much was spent on bike repair.  They make the colonel ride one of the base bikes and he crashes.  Jan’s bike failed to stop because the brakes failed.  The judge’s verdict is Jan’s not guilty and his employment continues indefinitely.  Everyone cheers!  CPT Maggie tries to get her Dad to say he’s proud of her again, but he won’t budge. MAJ Shah returns and shows CPT Maggie his pics in Conway’s secret store room.  COL Quinn broods in a chair nearby as he makes a list of his enemies in his head.  This show is cutely hilarious!  The characters and their situations make it so.

We are back with a brand new episode of Watson! This episode has a lot going on. Below is a recap full of spoilers! Watson was teaching a class to his select students on a "Signal to Noise" exercise in the lab, presenting three intriguing case studies. The first case was Ellen Sanderson, who had no fingerprints. She fainted while visiting her new grandson in the hospital, and after closer inspection, they discovered that her grandson shared the same condition. Next, they discussed Vaughn Timms, a patient with frequent bone fractures, the most recent being a wrist injury from opening a pickle jar. Finally, there was William Betancourt, who impaled his tongue while using a floss threader. The question was: what’s signal and what’s noise? After reviewing the cases, Watson concluded that Ellen Sanderson’s condition was noise, Vaughn Timms was noise with extenuating circumstances, and the only potential signal was William Betancourt. Dr. Sasha Lubbock seemed to recognize something about Betancourt’s condition, so Watson asked her to explain. Upon closer examination, Sasha determined that the texture of his impaled tongue showed Cowden lesions, which are a genetic precursor to cancer, as the Croft twins had mentioned in sync. Patients with these lesions are at higher risk for multiple cancers at a younger age, making early screening crucial. Watson called for volunteers to take on this case, and both Sasha and Stephens Croft stepped forward. Watson selected Adams and Ingrid to track down Betancourt and schedule the necessary screening. Meanwhile, Watson hurried out to speak with Shinwell about the green whiteboard markers in the office, which he found offensive to the senses. He informed Shinwell that the office supply budget came from the hospital’s funds, not the Holmes clinic budget, and thanked him for his help in addressing the issue. Ingrid and Adams were on the phone trying to reach Mr. Betancourt. Adam connected with a live person, while Ingrid reached Betancourt, who preferred to be called Bill, and set up an appointment to discuss his tongue injury. When they met, they informed him that he was genetically predisposed to cancer, but Bill dismissed their concerns, feeling too busy to take them seriously. Adams complimented Sasha on how she handled Watson earlier, to which she responded that she was simply protecting her time. Eventually, Bill agreed to proceed with the screening, starting with a colonoscopy, during which multiple polyps were discovered. Watson confirmed that Betancourt was indeed the signal, and surgery was scheduled. During the procedure, tumors were found in other areas of his body, and he went into cardiac arrest. Sasha, watching the situation unfold, had a flashback to med school when she had dissected a cadaver. Sadly, Betancourt passed away. Watson contacted Betancourt’s family, and then asked Sasha if she had ever seen similar tongue lesions before. She shared a memory of the cadaver from med school and began to cry, wondering if anyone had warned the cadaver or his family about the risks. Watson suggested she reach out to Betancourt’s family and encourage them to come in for early screenings. It was a mystery waiting to be solved, and that’s what they did. Sasha presented her findings to the group, and Ingrid was quick to pick apart her case, questioning details about the cadaver. Sasha began to doubt herself. Watson intervened, suggesting that the research could have long-term implications for future generations. Adams and Stephens pointed out that the issue might have already been solved. Watson introduced a formula and asked the group what variables were needed to solve the problem. Ingrid argued against attempting to solve the issue, but Watson instructed Sasha to let Adams and Stephens review her notes for any overlooked clues. He, along with Sasha and Ingrid, would head to the anatomy lab to search for answers. Before leaving, Watson stopped by his estranged wife, Dr. Mary Morstan’s office. She reminded him that she’d been trying to get him to meet with her and her lawyer, but he’d been unavailable. He asked her to send him a time and place, and he would meet with her lawyer. She hinted that the flood of green markers in his clinic was her way of getting his attention. In the anatomy lab, Ingrid had a flashback of her cadaver. Brenda, the anatomy lab doctor, recognized the group and Watson asked if they could look through the lab’s confidential ledger to find the specific cadaver. She refused at first, but Watson bribed her with Pittsburgh Steelers tickets. Adams reviewed Sasha’s detailed notes and noticed that two pages were missing from one of the notebooks. Watson, Ingrid, and Sasha quickly devised a plan to review the ledger and track down the cadaver’s donor. Watson encouraged Sasha to recall any small details about her time with the cadaver, which led to the identification of the specific donor. However, the donor's name was obscured by a coffee stain. Adams then informed Sasha about the missing notebook pages, which she recalled were taken by an art student, Micah, who had asked her to let him into the lab to do sketches. The group tracked Micah down at a museum, and he still had the drawings of the cadaver, revealing a distinct tattoo that Watson recognized. He explained that the tattoo design, an Amish Star of Bethlehem, reminded him of the best summer he’d ever had, where the community had made him a quilt with the same design. The cadaver might have been Amish or connected to the community. It was time for a road trip. Watson began questioning local residents as Stephens and Sasha discussed wedding plans. He interrupted to share details about the cadaver, identifying him as Jacob Hochstetler, and recommended screening the entire community for Cowden syndrome. They couldn’t find Jacob’s immediate family, as they had left the community due to embezzlement accusations, but Benjamin, a young boy Watson had helped, provided a phone number for a family member. Watson asked Adams to find an address while Sasha and Stephens began screening Lancaster residents. Watson would head to Harrisburg to find Jacob’s family. Adams found Rachel Smith’s address, and he commented to Ingrid that Watson treated her differently, in a special way—similar to how Sherlock Holmes had treated him. Ingrid agreed, adding that James Moriarty was also in Watson’s inner circle. Adams found Rachel’s address. Shinwell was in the lab, talking with the robot, Clyde, while taking samples from the fridge. He handed them to Moriarty’s agent, who reprogrammed the robot to upload the clinic's patient genome data. Shinwell stealthily followed the vehicle and retrieved a tracking device. Watson visited Rachel Smith to discuss Cowden syndrome and urged her family to get tested. Her son, Amos, had lesions on his tongue and feared he might have cancer. Watson organized the team to research Amos’s condition, with Ingrid and Stephens gathering his medical records. Sasha spoke with an Amish woman, Traya Coblin, who thanked her for helping the community. Later, Adams remarked to Sasha how impressive it was that she could recall so many details about the cadaver. He told her she was remarkable for caring about the cadaver’s community. Rachel and Watson took Amos to the hospital when his breathing became difficult. A growth on his neck was pressing on his airway. In the hospital, Adams informed Watson that Amos’s tests came back negative for cancer, but Watson suspected that unpasteurized camel’s milk might be the cause of the swelling. Ingrid drained the abscess to help Amos breathe, and an operation followed to resolve the issue. Later, Traya visited Rachel and Amos in the hospital, bringing a quilt made by the community. The team discovered twelve cases of Cowden syndrome in the Amish community, and some individuals were already showing signs of cancer. Their efforts saved many lives. Ingrid met with Sasha at Micah’s art show and saw through her deception about being engaged. She urged Sasha to stop pretending, revealing that her current boyfriend was using her. Watson visited Mary and informed her that he wasn’t contesting their divorce. He would attend the next mediation, assuring her that she would always have a place in his heart. A flashback showed how they had met over a cadaver in med school. This episode wove together a scientific mystery with flashbacks to the team’s early med school experiences. It was an amazing journey that ultimately saved lives and strengthened community ties—a truly remarkable episode.

Title:  I Accidentally Hooked Up with a Vampire (ARC) Author: Jessica Cage Genre:   Paranormal Romance Rating: Loved Spice: Flamin Hot Cheeto Synopsis: Just when life seems to be going her way, the rug is swept out from under Whitney’s feet and now nothing makes sense. Whitney’s grappling with her sudden unemployment status and worried about how she’s going to make the mortgage payments on the condo she just closed on, when she runs into Domino Jones at an event. One night of mind-blowing sex leads to uncovered truths that threaten to bring Whitney’s whole world crashing down around her and leave her questioning everything she thought she knew about herself and those she loves. Can Whitney come to terms with her truths in time to save herself and her family?  Thoughts: Jessica Cage has done it again! This book is chock full of drama, vampire and hunter lore, a demonic cat, spice, bad ass black women killing monsters and… alien demons? Whitney’s ability to adapt to the ever changing landscape of her life is admirable. The strong friendship she shares with her best friends, Lena and Jackie, celebrates the bond of sisterhood while acknowledging the work done to maintain and nourish true friendship. Their friendship isn’t always perfect and secrets hurt, but being able to empathize and apologize are key to their long lasting bond. Domino is your typical sassy pants vampire, who has seen and done it all. He’s not a “good doer” he’s just less evil than most other vamps. He still craves Whitney’s blood but his insta attraction to her is deeper than just her blood. He craves the woman, and will do anything in his power to protect her from his brother, even work alongside his enemies.  This story is perfect for lovers of rom coms with a paranormal twist. If you’re looking for laughs, spice and action this is a must read. Quotes:  “I mean, is that how vampire babies are made or something?”      -Whitney “I plan to taste you, but I want to take my time with you. Savor you.” -Domino There he was, dick slapping his thighs as he fought off my cat. -Whitney “I will earn your love because it is worth the effort.”  -Domino “You owe her a damn gift basket.” -Jackie “It’s fine. I’ll outlive her.”  -Domino Available March 4th, 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.

Title:  Sven (ARC) Author: Mary Warren Genre:   Sports Romance Rating: Enjoyed Spice: Flamin Hot Cheeto Synopsis: When one of the biggest playboys in the NHL finds himself unexpectedly with a daughter, his life gets turned upside down. Now he’s got to figure out how to be a better dad then the one he has while navigating his feelings for his new nanny.  Natalie Roper has only ever wanted to be a teacher. Her family legacy is all about teaching children, but when she fights against Book Banning, she ends up watching her dreams ripped from her. When Natalie leaves Alabama for New York looking for a fresh perspective on her future, she never thought she’d find her happily ever after instead.  Thoughts:  The Glendale Magic series is full of sexy hockey players and plus size babes, and the latest book in the series, Sven, is no different. Blending flirty banter, real world problems and spice, Sven is a beautiful story of learning your worth and finding your way in a world that seems set against knocking you down. Sven’s instant transformation from Playboy to PapaBear put my heart in a chokehold and wouldn’t let go. The way he jumped in with both feet ready to give his daughter the world was such a panty wetter for me. His determination to turn his life around to be baby friendly, turning a guest room into a nursery overnight, and making the ultimate Target run for baby gear, and then learning of his craptastic parents, really clinched it for me. Sven is the BEST of the Best when it comes to single daddydom.  Natalie’s inability to break past her “Southern good-girl” upbringing to stand up for herself was tough to watch but the way Sven helped her get through her emotions in a healthier way than just bottling it up, was sweet and spicy.  As usual the Magic team pulls together when shit hits the fan. Their dedication to not only their sport but to one another really gives you all the familia feels.  Quotes:  “You know I can catastrophize with the best of them.”  -Natalie “You say that like it isn’t a whole ass trope in romance books.”  -Alice “That sounds like a Southern way of saying I look like shit on a cracker.”  -Sven Sven is Available Now! **************                                                                                       @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.

Episode 4 titled “How Great Thou Art” brings pain, emotion, vulnerability, drama, and a funeral to the forefront.  It began with Maddie and Cal discussing the bombshell of Bill being Isaac’s dad with Ty, Kyle, and Katie. Maddie reassures them that they have the right to feel their emotions, and that everything will be okay because they all love each other.  Back at Isaac’s house, Noreen is furious, saying Isaac should have told her he was Bex’s half-brother the minute he found out. She walks out, leaving Isaac stunned and sad.  Helen warns Peggy about Bonnie’s announcement, and Paula confronts Bonnie for being a complete wrecking ball, failing to teach Bill to take responsibility for his mistakes, which have led to a trail of secrets and destruction. Maddie hears the fighting and asks Bonnie to leave.  After a sweet moment with Cal, Maddie confesses to him, Helen, and Dana Sue that she had known for over a year that Bill was Isaac’s father. Helen says that friends carry each other’s burdens and can’t keep secrets from one another. Maddie asks her besties to help plan the funeral after they pour it out.  At Erik’s house, he encourages Isaac to examine his grief by hiking and sitting at the prettiest nature site he can find, allowing himself to feel everything he wants to feel.  In a tear-jerking moment, Ty rushes into Annie’s arms, and she tells him that she wants to protect him from the world and mend his heart. He assures her that she has. This scene will surely make Tyannie lovers swoon.  Maddie and Paula finally meet with Kathy, Tripp, and Bonnie. Bonnie once again says something smart, but Maddie shows her unfaltering grace. Not long after, Maddie and Bonnie get into a tussle about Bill’s funeral arrangements, with Bonnie wanting to heavily insert herself into the service. Kathy and Tripp calm her down, encouraging her to do what Bill asked.  A highlight from this episode was a heartwarming moment between Helen and Katie. As Katie helps pick out her clothes for the funeral, she tells Helen that although she’s sad, she knows there are people still around who remind her of him, like her three brothers and sister.  Later, Kyle recites the poem he wants to read at his dad’s funeral to Maddie, and Kathy asks Ronnie to help pick out Bill’s casket.  Cal makes a romantic and thoughtful gesture for his wife by setting out roses, candles, sweet treats, and a novel, allowing her to have some needed self-care time, especially since she’s been taking care of everyone else.  The funeral begins with everyone dressed in their best Serenity Blue. Isaac attends the funeral but tells Erik he can’t stay, as he needs to be with his real dad. When Ty struggles to read his passage, Bonnie jumps in and starts singing, and everyone looks disappointed in her.  Pastor June gives a passionate sermon that leaves Erik on edge. Genevieve runs after him and he confesses that he doesn’t want her to wait for him. She’s left stunned, saying she didn’t think they’d end like that.  Chaos ensues at the end of the episode when Bonnie chastises Ty for following his music dreams. Ty explodes saying he doesn’t want to be known as Bill Townsend’s son. Cal, Maddie, Dana Sue, Helen, and Annie all witness the argument, with Maddie jumping in to read Bonnie the riot act.  The spat almost turns physical when Bonnie attempts to slap Maddie, but she catches her. Everyone is left completely speechless.  The drama will continue to unfold as the season progresses. The full season 4 of Sweet Magnolias is now streaming on Netflix.

Now that I’m not as into the MCU as I used to be, I mostly watch these movies just to hang out with my friends. It took me a while to get around to Captain America: Brave New World, but after finally watching it, I have to say—it was better than I expected. The plot wasn’t boring, and there were some genuinely great elements throughout. The mystery at the center of the story kept me engaged, and I liked how they continued Sam Wilson’s journey. That being said, the biggest flaw is that this didn’t really feel like a Captain America movie. Instead, it felt more like a sequel to The Incredible Hulk (2008)—just without Bruce Banner. Also, I don’t think marketing should have spoiled the Red Hulk reveal. That should’ve been a surprise. While it was cool to see callbacks to the Hulk films, this still needed to feel like Sam Wilson’s movie first and foremost. The film clearly aimed for a Winter Soldier vibe, but where that movie leaned into a serious, gritty tone, this one kept undercutting itself with unnecessary comedy. It’s a reminder of how cheesy these films have become. On the plus side, I’m glad they finally addressed the giant Celestial sticking out of the planet from Eternals. It only took them four years! From a filmmaking perspective, this wasn’t as CGI-heavy as some recent MCU entries, which was refreshing. The cinematography had some interesting shots, and I have to give credit to the stunt team—the action sequences were solid. But my favorite technical aspect? Laura Karpman’s score. It really complemented the political thriller tone they were going for. Anthony Mackie gives a solid performance as Sam Wilson/Captain America, but I still feel like he’s missing that movie star factor. Harrison Ford also does well taking over from William Hurt, but the filmmakers act like Hurt never even played the role. No flashbacks, no nods—it’s like Ford’s version is a total retcon. The supporting cast didn’t really stand out, but one actor let me down: Giancarlo Esposito. He’s an amazing actor, which makes it frustrating that he completely phoned this one in. His character is forgettable, and honestly, I can’t believe they wasted him on a role like this when there are so many better characters he could’ve played in the MCU. Overall, Captain America: Brave New World is a decent popcorn flick—entertaining enough, but ultimately another manufactured MCU product full of cheesy quips. At least it was better than Black Widow and The Marvels—this one actually held my attention, and I didn’t find myself checking my phone. I’d rate it a 7/10 or 3.5/5 stars. Next up is Thunderbolts, which I’m actually looking forward to. Hopefully, that one delivers.