New territory. Gabi and the M&A team enter a new phase with Sir behind bars and Jamie added into their orbit. As everyone learns to adapt to their changing environment, Gabi realizes she is at a cusp of falling back into her old ways. How do you keep the devil in the bottle?  [SPOILERS]  Gabi fights the urge to connect with Sir, who has made several attempts to get her attention. From phone calls to being beaten up by a prison guard, Sir is relentless to reach her. “Gabrielle and I are connected,” he says to Trent. “We are a family. Forever. Mark my words. She will come.” As Sir is eager to speak with her, Gabi battles her own urges to let him in. And she must know why. Why is there a sliver of light that allows Sir to squeeze back in? To solve this mystery, Gabi reaches out to Ethan for help, who doesn’t want to touch this with a ten-foot pole. Their relationship is still unsteady, and Ethan doesn’t think it’s a good idea for him to be her therapist. Because Ethan knows where all the secrets are buried, she feels safe to be her authentic self with him – no censure. Penance is still aching over Gabi. And she needs to know why. So far, we have seen seeds planted for a potential pairing between Zeke and Lacey. Movie nights and sleep overs have been a sweet build with their friendship. The slow burn of Lacey and Zeke reaches a slight detour as Shelley, a 911 operator, comes into the picture during the case of the week. With her ears perked, Lacey is surprised that Zeke has a friend she is unaware of, but it appears Dhan is familiar. When Shelley arrives at Zeke’s home with glasses and champagne to celebrate, Lacey graciously exits stage left to give them privacy. It’s at this moment we see she truly has feelings for Zeke. Does Zeke feel the same?  The missing person case of the week is Zuri, who was last seen during a blind date. Zuri made a 911 call which is hard to hear. Shelley, the 911 operator, reaches out to Zeke to clean up the message and see if Zuri is truly in danger. All hands are on deck to find Zuri who luckily had a burner phone that her overprotective father gave her. As the team begin interviews and gathers clues, Jamie is also eager to help. He seems to connect with Gabi in a way he doesn’t with Margaret. “Could helping people help me?” Jamie asks Gabi. I think at this moment, we get a glimmer of what Jamie is feeling, maybe a path or journey very similar to Gabi. We also learned that Jamie knows how to pick locks! As he is searching Gabi’s office, Dhan and Margaret find him where he claims he’s looking for his missing train. Margaret gives it back to Jamie, but they leave the elephant in the room, what was he searching for? As the search for Zuri continues, Gabi hits a wall where she tries to narrow down what she is missing. Margaret asks if this is when she usually turns to Sir. As uncomfortable as the question is, Gabi knows she is right. But she is resolved that the team will figure this out on their own. Working with Alonzo, Zuri’s dad who was a judge in the military, they try to narrow down who would want to hurt her. Must be someone who knows how to execute an operation and wants to hurt Zuri or Alonzo. After a heated exchange with Dhan, Jamie returns to M&A and suggests reviewing the names again on Alonzo’s list. Anyone close to Zuri or Alonzo may be using an alias that is close to their real name. “Easiest way to remember your fake name is to use part of your real name,” Jamie said. After another search through Alonzo’s military file, the team realizes Zuri’s new roommate, Riley, was also in a case brought to Alonzo. Her real name is Victoria. Alonzo found her guilty, and she was dishonorably discharged. After searching Riley’s room, the M&A team finds a lead that takes them to Zuri. Alonzo is over the moon happy his daughter is found, and Zuri is grateful to Zeke and Shelley for giving her hope that she would be rescued.  As the episode closes, we are brought back to the beginning of Jamie and Margarets’ reunion – the bus station. Jamie wants to deal with their past so he asked Raphael to lift the restraining order so she can return. Margaret has so many questions: why do you want to stay? Is it for me? For M&A? More importantly, she wants to know who took Jamie and he can sense that question percolating. But Jamie doesn’t want to talk about it. Not now. Not yet. Maybe never. As Jamie prepares to leave the station, Margaret realizes he was also using an alias - Nicholas, his middle name. Maybe he was close by all the time? Where was Jamie? As for Gabi, Sir continues to haunt her as she navigates moving forward with her life. Ethan, who is also tempted by the idea of exploring the hold Sir has over her, agrees to meet with her under one condition. Dhan must know about them working together. No more secrets. And Gabi agrees. I must admit, I’m looking forward to seeing what Ethan unravels for Gabi. How deep down the dark hole does Sir lay? Found airs on Thursday nights, stream next day on Peacock.

This episode features Jordana Brewster as a guest star, playing Chloe. It begins with Chloe and Nathan Jordan (played by Larry Pine) dining at a luxurious restaurant in Manhattan on Billionaires Row. Nathan is in high spirits, proclaiming his love for Chloe. As they enjoy their meal, Chloe discreetly slips a capsule into Nathan’s drink. After finishing his drink, Nathan appears a little wobbly, and they leave together. Chloe later disposes of one of two Tomahawk Steak orders in the trash and prepares Nathan for bed, ensuring he falls asleep. She takes care of some of his medication, stores it in the fridge, and discards the second steak in the trash chute. Unknowingly, she leaves the balcony doors open, which wakes Deborah Jordan (Victoria Clark) and Jason Yamamoto (Phil Nee) in the adjacent bedroom. When Deborah goes to check on Nathan, she discovers he has died. At the police station, CPT Wagner and CPT Kershaw discuss the reopening of the Mertens case. CPT Kershaw suggests Detective Rivers shadow their team, and Wagner agrees. Meanwhile, Officer Blanke and Elsbeth arrive at Nathan’s apartment, where they encounter Detective Rivers. They search the apartment and find some suspicious details, including Nathan’s pajamas having mismatched buttons, which leads to questions about the people involved in his death. Deborah, Nathan’s wife, explains that she had Nathan declared medically incompetent due to his condition. When a bottle of pentobarbital is found in the kitchen, Deborah claims not to recognize it, prompting Detective Rivers to arrest her. Elsbeth disagrees with the arrest, sensing a lack of evidence. Later, Elsbeth and Officer Blanke dig into Nathan’s financial records and uncover payments to a consultant named “C,” leading them to investigate the Above the Sky restaurant, where Chloe is known to dine. They discover Chloe's connections to wealthy men and her role as a high-class escort. Elsbeth then visits Chloe’s office, where she is taken aback by Chloe’s beauty and mysterious demeanor. Chloe reveals she helps clients improve their lives but avoids giving specifics. Elsbeth starts to suspect that Chloe had a deeper involvement in Nathan’s death. The investigation leads to more discoveries, such as Chloe’s connection to Nathan, and the reveal that Deborah had tried to stop Nathan’s reckless spending habits. Meanwhile, Elsbeth gets more information about a rare Cezanne painting that Nathan had purchased before his death. It’s later revealed that Chloe had a background in art history, which could explain her connection to Nathan's art collection. Rivers, in his pursuit of Deborah, antagonizes Dr. Yamamoto, who eventually admits to his affair with Chloe. However, Yamamoto denies any involvement in Nathan’s death. Elsbeth uncovers the truth: Nathan and Chloe had planned his death and framed Deborah and Dr. Yamamoto to cover it up. The small inconsistencies, like the buttoned pajamas and the upside-down pill cap, ultimately expose Chloe's role in the plot. Chloe’s motive was not malicious, but rather driven by kindness, as she had a deep emotional connection to Nathan. DNA evidence confirms this, and Chloe asks Elsbeth to donate the Cezanne painting to a museum in Nathan's honor. In the aftermath, Deborah faces legal challenges as the lawsuit against her progresses. Rivers, upset over being outmaneuvered by Elsbeth, is reprimanded and sent for mandatory counseling. Elsbeth and Officer Blanke also discuss their roles in the case, with Elsbeth recognizing the importance of her distinctive approach to solving complex cases. The episode wraps up with Officer Blanke receiving a heart emoji from Cameron and a conversation with Rivers, who continues to express bitterness. As the team moves forward, the tone is set for further developments in both their personal and professional lives. This episode once again highlights Elsbeth’s signature investigative style, paired with her ever-present bags, which remain a stylish trademark throughout. This was a good episode.  Elsbeth’s trademark bags were ever present.

We can all agree that the mid-season episode of The Rookie  was, a lot , right? So many twists and turns with an ending that left jaws on the floor.  Nyla is determined to bring down the notorious serial killer, Liam Glasser. She’s had the LAPD trailing him for quite some time and he hasn’t done anything yet, but now that LA is dealing with a wildfire, chances are this would be his time to strike. Nyla becomes obsessed with this case; she even calls on Wesley to get legal advice on how she can enter Glasser’s home for a search.  Glasser is one sick man; he follows Nyla inside as she searches his home. Now, she’s only allowed to look in places a person could hide and after she explains this, he begins to taunt her. This man is basically telling her he’s a killer, when he says she can’t look in places where “trophies” would be hidden. This was by far the most interesting storyline for me in this episode and I’m not happy that it ended so quickly.  Glasser and his family, like most folks in the neighborhood, were given evacuation orders due to the wildfires. When they arrive at the shelter, Nolan and Miles are tasked by Nyla to keep an eye on him. Everything was great until a fight broke out between James’ volunteer, Kylie, and some guy causing a diversion allowing Glasser to make a quick escape. In that short time, Glasser managed to switch cars, grab a victim, and torture him at one of his houses– WILD! They weren’t left unscarred, but Miles, Nolan, Angela, and Nyla manage to take him down. He may be in custody, but something tells me this isn’t the last we’ll see of him.  Seth continues to be a problem child – this time, it nearly costs Lucy and Tim their lives. He was given orders to avoid a certain road because the fire was quickly spreading and of course he didn't deliver the message in time. Tim and Lucy end up at that exact location surrounded by flames. Tim quickly takes out the fire shelter to protect him and Lucy since the fire is quickly closing in. Now, one of the good things to come from Seth’s error is that Tim and Lucy finally  start to have that adult conversation they’ve been avoiding. Kudos to Tim for getting it started (the “I still love you” confessions when they thought they were dying though? swoon ), but let’s hope it doesn’t stop here.  At the hospital, Lucy tells Tim that she’s going to focus more on her career and is thinking of taking the Sergeants exam. Lucy has always been helping others move forward in their careers and I’m glad she’s finally focusing on herself for once. I think this path would be great for her ( that and she will not be under Tim’s command anymore which is great ). Moment ruined of course when the problem child, Seth, comes in and starts lying again. He tells Tim and Lucy about never getting the order to avoid the area they almost died in. I really wanted Seth to succeed, but he can’t help but be a pathological liar. What was the reason for him to go to the hospital and tell them? I’m sorry ( I’m not ), but Seth needs to get bounced. For his sake and the safety of the officers he’d be working with.  Like I said earlier, this episode had a lot going on, but it wasn’t until the last fifteen minutes or so that I couldn’t believe what was happening. Kylie, a volunteer at the shelter where James works, made a move on him, misreading his sympathy for more than what it was. Nolan sees this, but never approaches James about it. He instead goes to Wesley for advice on what he should do about what he saw. This part was frustrating because not only did Nolan not get the full picture of what happened, he decided to tell a false narrative to Wesley painting James as the bad guy here, which in reality wasn’t the case.  As the episode ends, Kylie and James are talking outside when the man who assaulted Kylie earlier drives by shooting in their direction. Both James and Kylie go down. Celina makes her way outside to find the source of the gunshots only to find both James and Kylie down and the shooter out of sight. What an intense way to end an episode! I’m hoping James will pull through, but even if he does, I’m not sure if he’ll survive Nyla after she finds out what happened with him and Kylie ( which is nothing unless you ask Nolan ).  What’d you think of the mid-season finale of The Rookie ? Share your thoughts!

Matlock  Season 1, Episode 13, "Pregame," definitely feels like a setup for some big, emotional payoffs in the coming weeks. The episode weaves together personal stakes and legal drama in a way that really keeps you on your toes. This week, Olympia is at the center of a class action lawsuit against a company that makes a toxic energy drink called "Slammed." The case seems like it’s going to be a game-changer—until a college student named Zoe gets arrested for manslaughter after allegedly spiking her sorority sister's drink with Slammed. It’s a bold move that speaks to Olympia’s character and dedication, and I’m genuinely interested to see where her cases lead. But what really grabbed me this episode was the developing tension between Olympia and the new ADA. Is it just me, or is there some serious chemistry between them? Their interactions are charged with something that feels more than just professional rivalry, and I can’t help but wonder if an emotional connection will develop under all the simmering tension. I mean, Olympia’s been through a lot with Elijah (who, by the way, was completely absent this episode), and Julian so maybe it’s the beginning of something new? The ADA is clearly out for blood, specifically hers, but there’s an intensity in their exchanges that makes me think there’s more to it. I’ll admit, I’m intrigued. Another standout moment for me was Olympia’s gesture with the Easter bunny costume. It was such a sweet act of kindness, hiding it from Senior for Family Day. You can see how much that moment meant to Julian, and it really shows how complicated their family dynamics are. She and Julian may not be married anymore, but they’re still family. It’s a reminder that even though things have changed, there’s still a deep connection there. The inclusion of their kids in the office was another touching detail. It really added to the feeling that these characters are more than just lawyers—they have lives outside of the courtroom, with real emotions and relationships to navigate. Speaking of family, I have to say I absolutely loved Alfie, Maddy’s grandson, in this episode. He was adorable, and his antics in the office brought a nice lightheartedness to the episode. But, of course, even in these sweet moments, there's still that underlying tension. Maddy is dealing with the aftermath of her fight with Edwin, and watching her struggle with the guilt over Ellie’s death is heartbreaking. The fact that she found some unexpected relief through Senior, of all people, was a bit of a surprise, but I appreciated how it added another layer to their relationship. Maddy is building relationships with people she set out to bring down. Plus, watching Maddy feel the effects of those edibles was honestly hilarious. It’s rare we get to see her so vulnerable and relaxed, and it was such a fun moment in the middle of everything else. But then, just when things seemed to be turning around for Maddy, her little sister shows up for a surprise visit. The timing couldn’t be worse, and I can’t shake the feeling that this is going to complicate everything for Maddy. Will she help with the ruse, or will she make things worse? I have a feeling things are about to get even more chaotic. Not to mention Sarah is now suscipious of Simone and Billy plus Kiera wants an open realtionship - so much drama. All in all, "Pregame" is an episode that keeps you invested in the characters and the stories. The legal drama, personal dynamics, and surprising twists make it one of the stronger episodes of the season so far. There’s so much tension building, both in Maddy’s case and in her personal life, that I’m really excited to see what’s coming next. If this episode is any indication, the rest of the season is going to be a rollercoaster of emotions, and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.

In this episode of Invincible , we’re introduced to a new villain, PowerPlex (Scott Duvall), whose backstory offers a deeper look at the darker side of being a hero. The show continues its balance of humor and grounded realism, offering a thoughtful exploration of how a regular person with minimal powers can be driven to villainy—echoing Mark's own journey. This episode provides a powerful insight into the complex dynamics of both heroes and villains, adding a moral layer to Mark’s character arc, and offers exciting teases for the upcoming Invincible War. The episode begins with Scott Duvall, his sister Jessica, and niece Gretchen enjoying a birthday outing at a park. Scott demonstrates his electrical powers for Gretchen before heading out for coffee. But when he returns, disaster strikes. An explosion devastates the area, and Scott believes he sees Invincible trying to save what he assumes is Jessica’s body amidst the wreckage, leading him to despair. Later, Scott attempts to seek justice for the lives lost in the aftermath, petitioning District Attorney Barnett to file charges against Invincible. However, he’s told that Invincible was only defending Earth from an alien threat, and no regular laws apply in such situations. Returning to his work at the GDA, Scott continues to obsess over the tragedy, driven by his grief. Meanwhile, Invincible trains his younger brother, Oliver, alongside Eve. Oliver questions whether people will ever forget the good things about their father, Omni-Man, who once showed love for their family before trying to take over Earth. Mark and Eve try to help Oliver understand that Omni-Man’s actions have defined his legacy, despite any positive memories. Scott’s grief leads him down a dangerous path as he begins to transform into PowerPlex. With the help of his wife, Becky, he enhances his powers using experimental electrical disks. Though deeply torn by the need for revenge, he prepares to confront Invincible, marking a turning point in his moral descent. At a family dinner, Mark and Eve share a quiet moment with Oliver, Paul, and Debbie. Meanwhile, PowerPlex begins to test his newfound abilities, eventually taking to the streets, demanding Invincible's attention. During a confrontation with Shapesmith, PowerPlex’s powers escalate dangerously, causing significant collateral damage and injuring his opponent. Later, PowerPlex returns home to his wife and son, but his anger causes him to lash out in front of them, unintentionally terrifying his son. This sets the stage for his inevitable clash with Invincible. As the episode progresses, PowerPlex interrupts a memorial for the victims of the Chicago destruction caused by Omni-Man. The Graysons attend, and Eve prepares to take on PowerPlex herself. The Guardians of the Globe also join the fray but are unable to subdue the enraged villain, who narrowly escapes custody and returns to his family. Mark, struggling with guilt over the victims of previous battles, feels a personal responsibility for Scott’s actions. Donald from the GDA secretly provides Mark with information about PowerPlex, hinting at more danger to come. In the episode's climax, Mark meets with PowerPlex, apologizing for the pain Scott has endured. Despite his best intentions, Mark tries to protect Scott’s family from the inevitable violence. But after an intense battle, PowerPlex’s electricity overwhelms Invincible, killing Becky and Jack. In a heart-wrenching moment, Mark is forced to subdue PowerPlex by absorbing the villain’s power, ultimately taking him to GDA custody. Back at home, Mark is unable to shake the horrors of what happened, leading to a quiet moment with Eve on the roof, while a mysterious spy orb watches them from the distance. The orb, belonging to Angstrom Levy, hints at the coming storm—the Invincible War is on the horizon. This episode masterfully explores the blurred line between hero and villain, showing how circumstances can turn someone like Scott Duvall into a deadly adversary. With PowerPlex’s tragic backstory, we see the deeper struggles of Invincible and the consequences of his actions. The emotional stakes are high, and with the shadow of Angstrom Levy’s army looming, the stage is set for an epic confrontation ahead. Invincible  continues to deliver gripping, emotionally charged storytelling with this excellent episode.

This episode has a profound impact on Will, evoking memories from his childhood. It features two guest stars: Scott Foley (from Scandal , Felicity , Whiskey Cavalier ) and Ariana Madix (from Vanderpump Rules ). The episode kicks off with Ormewood preparing for his side gig as a personal security guard. He’s polishing his shoes while on the phone with Angie, who’s at a store picking up oil for her car. As he’s getting ready, someone rings his doorbell, and Faith enters wearing wading boots. She teases him for telling everyone she’s moving in temporarily, while Angie chimes in, mentioning Ormewood is now working security for Ariana Madix—Faith’s favorite reality star. The two women poke fun at him, but he insists he’s keeping things professional and sees it as easy money. Ariana Madix greets Ormewood at her apartment, where he’s immediately taken aback by her beauty. She briefs him on the rules before a gathering that turns into an intervention for her friend Rena. As Rena’s family and friends, including her mother, begin the intervention, things quickly spiral out of control. Rena lashes out, throwing things and yelling, and Ormewood tries to calm the situation. Rena tries to escape to the bathroom, but Ariana insists she’s coming with security. In the struggle, Rena’s purse spills, revealing a packet of cocaine. Ormewood grabs it first, but Rena retaliates by spraying him with pepper spray. Chaos ensues as she makes a run for it, and Ormewood falls to the ground. Meanwhile, Will takes Betty for a walk in the park, chatting with Marion on the phone. Marion’s recovering from her medical exam and is doing well, while Will updates her on Caroline’s recovery. Will leaves Betty tied to a park bench briefly but is distracted by a strange encounter. A man in a baseball cap walks by with a little girl, and Will notices her frightened expression. After running into the bathroom, Will discovers the girl’s jacket in the trash, which leads him to chase the man, eventually tackling him and bringing him in for questioning. The man, Harland Brennan Jenner, denies any involvement in child trafficking, despite Will’s accusations. Back at Ariana’s apartment, Ormewood stays with her while she desperately tries to locate Rena. She vents her frustration, but after setting Ormewood’s dislocated shoulder (she’s a certified EMT), she apologizes and agrees to let him help find Rena. Elsewhere, Will and Faith work on the case, investigating the trafficking of a young girl named Abigail. They track down the suspect’s movements via airport footage and plan to trick him into revealing Abigail’s location. Faith uses drugged food to get him to fall asleep, while Angie helps a bicyclist named Seth who was hit by a car. Seth turns out to be Dr. Seth McDale, a doctor recovering from addiction, and he asks Angie out to dinner to celebrate their mutual recovery. Ormewood and Ariana head to a bar where the bartender gives them information on Rena’s whereabouts. Ariana tricks Ormewood into dancing, and the two bond while she tells him about Rena. At GBI, Marion joins Will and Faith in the conference room as they continue to piece together the investigation. They learn that Abigail’s mother had been beaten and tied up in her basement. Linnox Riggins, a nearby sex offender, was involved in the case, and an APB is put out for him. (Disney/Zac Popik) JAKE MCLAUGHLIN, KOSHA PATEL, ARIANA MADIX Will and Ormewood track down Rena in a building where she’s locked up, hands tied, and mouth taped. After a brief confrontation with Rena’s dealer, who demands $5000 for her release, Ariana gives him her earrings in exchange for Rena’s freedom. But not before the dealer’s bodyguard knocks out Rena’s teeth. Ormewood knocks out the bodyguard, and Ariana fights off the dealer. They manage to escape, though Ariana’s heel gets stuck, and Ormewood gallantly carries her out in his arms—romantic! Back at the hospital, Dr. McDale gets his arm in a cast, and Angie helps him with his meal. They share a tender moment and agree to go on a proper date. Meanwhile, Will and Faith interrogate Harland Jenner, who eventually offers to make a deal. They outsmart him and uncover the location of Abigail, while also shutting down a large trafficking ring. Will visits Abigail in the hospital, giving her Betty the dog and a Betty doll as she thanks him for saving her. He reassures her that her mother will be arriving soon. Will then takes a moment to thank Marion for her support, promising to be there for her as well. Ariana visits Ormewood at home, where he returns her earrings after the dealer’s arrest. They share a passionate kiss before she leaves. This episode was a rollercoaster of action, emotion, and suspense, with a heartfelt rescue and some romantic moments. Both guest stars made a lasting impression, and the show just keeps getting better! And, of course, Betty was adorable as always!

After Beverly's first game resulted in their first loss of the season, KJ is focused to turn things around, finding motivation in watching old game film of Jordan. In his excitement, he shares old Baker plays with the team, upsetting Cassius and causing tension.  At the Baker’s house, Jordan is seen obsessing over news of Coach Bobby possibly being his long lost uncle. He enlisted Layla in his detective mystery work as well as Olivia, who is looking into the adoption.  Over at South Crenshaw, Khalil is finally getting his recognition and support for being a part of the team from both players and coaches. As for his father Marqui, we can’t say the same. His gang affiliation causes conflict for Khalil as he battles being torn between two worlds.  Layla refuses to work with pop star Elle Grant over controversial social media posts mocking  mental illnesses. However, Elle is determined to join Layla as a songwriter, even having Olivia vouch for her. Coop advocates for second chances, as the posts were made years ago, but Layla remains adamant in protecting her peace.  Sensing the tension between KJ and Cassius over the phone, his mom Ava makes a surprise visit from Oakland. After a much needed pep talk from his mom, KJ enters the 2nd half of the game reformed, and rocking the #1 jersey in honor of Jordan.  An hesitant Khalil finds both support and mentorship from Jordan, reminding him of his newfound village and those that want to see him succeed on and off the field.  Wrapping up the episode, we see KJ staying true to the team and not his father after changing a last minute play on the field, giving Beverly their first win of the season. Over in South Crenshaw’s locker room, Khalil is faced off with his father much to his dismay, and chooses school and football over being pulled back into the streets.  Maybe second chances are the move for Layla as she gives Elle an opportunity to be a songwriter for her label. She sees her words as touching and moving, a difference from the teenager who made judgment on her in the past.  Jordan continues with the mystery as a new clue leads him and Layla on a trip to Napa, could this solidify Coach Bobby as their uncle or add more clues for them to solve?  You can catch new episodes of All American on Mondays at 8pm on the CW. Episodes are also streaming on the CW app!

Junior and Nina are on FaceTime as they plan the We Are Family sleepover. Nina, having just met Charro (with a brief cameo by an actress-singer), asks if Junior has invited his father. Meanwhile, Junior is busy brainstorming schemes to convince Poppa to join the family sleepover. At Poppa's, Ivy and Poppa are busy recording their podcast. Poppa recounts his day—a day filled with plenty of sleep—while Ivy teases him that he isn’t just sleeping; he’s practically hibernating. Poppa muses about liking the idea of people without actually enjoying their company. Junior attempts to join the fun, but the door is locked. As Poppa rushes to secure the back door, Junior finds his own way in by climbing through an upstairs window and theatrically rolling down the stairs. He even overplays the invitation to Ivy, acting as if making it exclusive will finally lure Poppa in—but Poppa remains completely uninterested. Poppa’s clearly onto Junior’s antics, and he and Ivy discuss the situation as she continues to try convincing him to come along. Later, at Junior’s home, he tells Nina that Poppa is practically salivating at the idea of the party. The actual games kick off. Poppa is later seen peering out his window with binoculars, declaring that without a formal invitation, he’s not going to show up. Ivy decides to attend anyway, though Poppa warns her that she’ll only really know how she feels once she’s been “LaFonzo’ed”—a jab at that much-maligned distant relative no one seems to like. Desperate, Junior pulls out all the stops—even having his daughter impersonate Poppa with a fake beard to stir up some jealousy. When that tactic falls flat, he switches to negotiation. Enter JJ, who arrives bearing a bottle of single malt scotch as a peace offering, suggesting a man-to-man chat. Knowing Poppa’s secret fondness for Limburger cheese, which JJ conveniently has, they make an even trade. In the end, JJ leaves without Poppa coming along. Not to be deterred, Junior then decides it’s time to bring in the big guns—a real “dragon” in the form of Catherine. She boldly steps in and challenges Poppa, reminding him that he always says no to Junior and never supports him in sports, plays, or any of his endeavors. Poppa sticks to his guns, insisting he won’t attend unless Junior personally invites him. In a final bid, Junior sends over the kids, whom Poppa promptly bribes with ice cream. When that doesn't work, Junior finally extends the invitation himself, and to everyone’s surprise, Poppa agrees with a simple “yes.” Yet, Junior remains skeptical of his sudden change of heart. This all leads to another heartfelt conversation, revealing that Poppa’s reluctance may stem from old wounds—he was teased as a child, and it seems he’s developed a deep-seated fear of rejection that Junior might have inherited. Despite the emotional undercurrents, the family ends up having a good time overall—a decent, funny episode that could do without some of the clumsy slapstick moments that never seem to work.

He’s back! Stephen Amell returns to the small screen in Suits L.A. - NBCUniversal’s highly-anticipated law drama set against the glitz and glamour of the City of Angels. However, if after five minutes it feels like you seen this show before, you probably have — this newest legal drama is now one of no less than 10 shows of this ilk currently airing on either broadcast television or a streaming platform.  While right out of the gate, the new series, which premiered February 23, seemingly brings nothing substantially new to the legal genre, you still find yourself locked-in over here on the left coast to see if it will, at the very least, live up to the hype of its well-heeled east coast mentor. With only one episode in, that still remains to be seen. But, hey, I am certainly willing to give it time.  Set up as a companion series to its predecessor, Suits — the gorgeously styled, brilliantly written show starring Patrick J. Adams and Gabriel Macht, airing for nine seasons following its 2011 debut on the USA Network — this new iteration is once again the brainchild of producer Aaron Korsh. The west coast offering takes us into the world of Ted Black (Amell) as the self-assured, bordering on arrogant, former New York prosecutor-turned-managing partner at a prestigious Los Angeles law firm, newly crowned as Black and Associates.  As the series opens, we find Ted and his long-time partner, Stuart Lane, played by Josh McDermitt of The Walking Dead fame, knee-deep in final negotiations of a merger set to propel their firm into one of the largest entertainment law operations in the city, all while balancing the needs and cases of their high-profile clients, and managing, or dare I say, encouraging, in-fighting of junior associates clamoring to catch their bosses’ attention to snag that proverbial promotion. And, of course, what would be the point of explosive success of corporate big-wigs, without the growing-pains lessons to humble them in the face of it.  While the show is reminiscent of the former Suits , at times, it actually feels more like a call-back for OG L.A. Law fans of the mid-80s must-see TV. Those who know will definitely know.  SUITS LA -- "Seven Days a Week and Twice on Sunday" Episode 101 -- Pictured: Bryan Greenberg as Rick Dodson -- (Photo by: David Astorga/NBC) Though, most of the action in Suits L.A.’s season debut takes place outside of the courtroom, there are a fair amount of similarities to the original series. The writing still works to strike a delicate balance between wit and drama. And, visually, it also maintains the polished aesthetic that reflects its upscale setting — to include the high-rise glass offices packed with silver-tongued, razor sharp, beautiful people, quick with the legalese quips and jabs, forever walking with a purpose from office to office, making no apologies for their ambitions.  At first blush the series’ opener appears to have it all, exploring gray areas of the law, questioning what true justice is and how personal morals can conflict with legal obligations, and even dipping a toe into controversial issues, such as men and women competing for the same job — and the politics vs. qualifications that go into making those final decisions. Tack on the contract negotiations, corporate betrayal, high-stakes drama involving both the mob and murder, and even finding purpose in your work, and it is apparent we are meant to feel as if this is just another jam-packed day at the law office. However, I fear, it is merely a day we have already repeatedly lived in this space. Still nothing new to see here.  So, where does the appeal for this newest law series lie if it all feels very been-there, done-that, you ask? I believe it can be found in the hope that it will find a lane similar to its cross-country counterpart and pick up the pace on its character-driven storytelling, legal intrigue, while capitalizing on the onscreen dynamic of the strong supporting cast, lead by Amell.  Amell has found a nice rhythm and chemistry with his current co-stars. His onscreen interactions with fellow cast members, such McDermitt, as well as Lex Scott Davis (Toni Braxton: Unbreak My Heart) and Bryan Greenberg (One Tree Hill ), as entertainment attorneys Erica Rollins and Rick Dodson, respectively, have a natural, somewhat familiar ease to them. It will be nice to see where the dynamics of these relationships can lead while exploring the backstories of how each character arrived at the present moment.  SUITS LA -- "Seven Days a Week and Twice on Sunday" Episode 101 -- Pictured: Lex Scott Davis as Erica Rollins -- (Photo by: David Astorga/NBC) No stranger to carrying the weight of an episodic series on his shoulders, Amell is best known for his role as Oliver Queen (aka “the Green Arrow”) in his previous hit series, Arrow , which ran for eight seasons on the CW. And though, Amell has ditched the makeshift mask and crossbow for tailored Armani suits and French cuffs, we still find him firmly entrenched in his stoic, yet reluctant hero era. This early narrative reinforces the Ted Black character’s duality as both a savior and a man grappling with the circumstances of his past. And, though set in present day, we spend a considerable amount of time throughout the debut episode revisiting that fact in the back-and-forth trips down memory lane that come in and out of frame as flashback sequences.  Out of those memories, a theme that feels as if we will continue revisit as the season progresses is Black’s relationship with his estranged father, who may have skirted the law a time or two himself, and a brother who may hold the key to the vulnerability buried deep beneath the chiseled facade of a man who seemingly has all the answers to life’s questions, or, at least, HE would like to think he does. Through it all, Amell continues to fall back on his less-is-more acting style that has been the hallmark of his past performances. With his subtle movements and gestures, deep and pensive stares off into the abyss to reflect the emotional restraint of his character, we, as the audience continue to feel the limits of his range and lack of nuance required for those more delicate scenes.  It still feels as if he is portraying the same intense demeanor as before, which can make it difficult for viewers to connect with his more vulnerable moments on screen. That is not to say there are not surprising moments where Amell comes dangerously close to hitting emotional beats that are more genuine and authentic that have not been as apparent in his other roles. The show does provide the actor an opening or two to balance the character’s decidedly challenging moments with a certain charm to make an attempt at creating a more well-rounded leading man, making Ted Black, the character, somewhat more relatable and human in the process. One of the standout scenes for Amell to showcase that effort comes in a cameo appearance of veteran actor John Amos (Good Times and Roots) , playing himself as one of the firm’s celebrity clients. Unexpectedly serving as Black’s character of conscience, Amos reminds the lawyer to do the right thing in terms of his relationship with his father. It was a quiet, but well-played scene for one of TV’s iconic fathers bestowing his best father-knows-best sage advice.  No doubt, Suits L.A. may still have a ways to go in matching the critically-acclaimed success of Suits , there is still considerable room for this new series to grow and find it its own footing in the theatrical world of the law drama. And, if anything, at the very least, as fans of this universe, we still have the promise of a return of Harvey Specter with Gabriel Macht slated for a limited three-episode arc later in the season. I think I can hang in there until then.  Scheduled for a 10-episode season, new episodes of Suits L.A. will drop each week on Sundays on NBC. Episodes will be available to stream on Peacock shortly after airing on broadcast.

Episode 3 of Sweet Magnolias showcases the power of friendship and the importance of having family support, along with a hint of drama.  The episode titled “Abundant Grace” begins with Annie lamenting about her boyfriend, Ty, serving as her personal driver. Not long after, the pair share a kiss, despite the school’s no-PDA policy.  Back at Maddie and Cal’s house, Bill’s mom, Bonnie, explains to Maddie that Bill died of a heart attack and that Kathy has been a huge support. Despite Cal, Maddie, and Paula’s warm and empathetic hospitality, Bonnie proves to be difficult to deal with.  Helen and Dana Sue receive an emergency text while they are separately with Alex and Erik. They both rush to Maddie’s side. Cal, Paula, Bonnie, and our favorite trio all decide that the kids must be made aware of the devastating news before anything is done.  In a silent, yet gut-wrenching moment, Maddie, Paula, and the kids hug each other tightly with tears on their faces.  Bonnie and Helen discover that Bill wanted to be buried in Serenity, and he wants everyone to wear Serenity blue at his funeral, with “How Great Thou Art” playing.  When Maddie asks Ty if he’d like to go to work, and Kyle and Katie if they’d like to go to school or need more time, Bonnie continues to cause more trouble. She accuses Maddie of being a lenient parent, failing to teach the kids the etiquette of grief and mourning, but Paula checks Bonnie, emphasizing that they are Maddie’s kids. Speaking of the kids, Ty, Kyle, and Katie have a slumber party, demonstrating that their bond will remain strong, and they’ll be there for one another.  Later on, Erik comforts Isaac who is drowning his grief in cutting carrots for carrot and ginger soup. Isaac opens up saying that Bill is hurting people he loves once again, and he doesn’t know what to do. Erik realizes that doing what they love most of all, cooking, can help soothe some of the pain.  Helen, Maddie, and Dana Sue “pour it out” and discuss Maddie’s issues with Bonnie, her grief, and the grief of her kids. Their margarita night ends on a lighter note, as they laugh about how they summoned Bonnie on Halloween.  Paula checks Bonnie once again about sleeping in Maddie’s house, sitting at her table, and yet criticizing her every move. Cal tries to play peacemaker, especially in front of Katie, but Katie leaves upset after listening to the chaos.  Despite the challenges, Cal, Maddie, Dana Sue, Helen, Erik, and Isaac go above and beyond to make sure Bonnie’s requests are granted, even opening the doors to Sullivan’s and Friends a little early.  The episode ends at dinner. Ronnie’s heartfelt speech initially touches the group, but the moment is ruined when Noreen and Bonnie get into it. Noreen tells Bonnie that she can’t control how others mourn Bill, and Bonnie then reveals that Isaac is Bill’s son, leaving Noreen stunned. It’s quite the moment.   Isaac and Noreen’s friendship is definitely heading for a shift. Will they recover from this? The entire Season 4 of Sweet Magnolias is now streaming on Netflix.

pen·ance /ˈpenəns/   - voluntary self-punishment inflicted as an outward expression of repentance for having done wrong. To atone is to find peace and Gabi is many miles away from it. The guilt for hiding Sir weighs heavy and she is desperate to break free. The tether that seems to bind Gabi to Sir continues to stretch and coil, leaving her consumed for penance. Every time she moves a step forward, there is a detour that navigates her five steps away. As Gabi seeks a sense of refuge from her past decisions, we embark on the road of faith, forgiveness and freedom. Can she break away from Sir for good?  [SPOILERS]   As Sir adapts to his new reality (no shower in two days? Yikes), Gabi and team move forward with a new mystery hovering them. And there is no one in the basement for Gabi to banter ideas with. Something new for her to maneuver as the team collaborates on the investigation. The case of the week involves Bernie, a pastor and dear friend to Gabi. Bernie is accused of harming his sister and care giver, Violet, who goes missing after a heated exchange. With a history of arguments and calls to the police, Bernie is the prime suspect even though he is blind. After the death of Maria, Bernie’s wife, he spiraled and left his congregation. Filled with anguish and despair, Bernie can’t move forward. He feels alone, abandoned and forsaken. And it’s all Violet’s fault. She had the proxy over Maria’s medical care and had to make a difficult choice. As the team slowly gathers clues and conduct interviews, Gabi struggles with them questioning her instincts when it comes to Bernie and the case. It’s an interesting pivotal point for Margaret who knows Gabi’s instincts are always right and she is not ready to hear them regarding Jamie.  Unable to shake this tether to Sir, Gabi goes to the prison for answers about Christian, his brother who claims to need help. But Sir’s focus is on Gabi’s gratitude or the lack of gratitude which set her free from possible jail time. “You have no more control over me,” Gabi said. “Yet here you are,” Sir counters. And he’s right, she is back in his presence, but before she leaves, Sir gives one more gift to Gabi regarding Bernie’s case. “Find out who else is mad with Violet, then you will find her.” We also see Margaret and Jamie slowly getting acquainted with very little information being exchanged. We don’t know where Jamie was, and he doesn’t want to share. We do know he is interested in Gabi and the case they are working on. Margaret agrees to include him but with reservations. Dhan also seeks more information on Jamie’s past which causes a rift between him, Margaret and Jamie.  At the M&A office, Gabi finds a sleeping Jamie on the couch. As she lays his coat over him, a brooch falls out of his coat pocket as Margaret also enters the room. Looks like Jamie has quick hands and admits to taking the brooch which Margaret recognizes. It belongs to Mrs. Pearl, a member of Bernie’s church, and Gabi realizes she too was upset with Violet. After interviewing Pearl once more, Gabi finds Violet praying in a private room at the church. Gabi has also used this same room during times of self-doubt with her relationship with her father. The ache and guilt Violet feels is unbearable and she too needs penance. The yearning for atonement unravels as everyone faces their fears. Bernie, who felt abandoned by God in his deepest hour, apologizes to Violet. He shouldn’t have blamed Violet for his pain. Bernie says he can feel Maria at the church and believes Gabi will feel her father again when she lets go. But Gabi feels broken. Sir took away her opportunity for penance and doesn’t know how to move forward without it.  I think many can relate to feeling abandoned by their faith which made this episode so touching and vulnerable. When Bernie said GOD abandoned him – he needed GOD, and he didn’t save Maria, it was a release he needed to unload while also asking for forgiveness. A very moving scene between Shanola and Willie C. Carpenter who played Bernie. Meeting with Sir one more time, Gabi said she is not playing with him anymore. He will rot in here and she will heal outside. With Christian found dead, could this be the final thread broken between Gabi and Sir? “Goodbye Hugh – it is finally over,” Gabi says as she leaves the prison.  Breaking the tether from Sir, Gabi begins her purge to create a clean slate. And she starts with her books: Taming of the Shrew, Native Son, Catcher in The Rye, Don Quixote, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, The Crucible – books I’m sure Sir had Gabi read over the years. As the episode closes, Margaret arrives at Gabi’s home and shares that she also found a toy train in Jamie’s jacket. The train was initially in his room after he disappeared. How is it in his pocket? Was the kidnapper in her house. Is it someone she knows? Someone close to the family? Margaret needs Gabi’s help. Someone she knows took Jamie. Who? NBC airs Thursday night and streams next day on Peacock.

This episode opens with  Lawrence Grey/Matthew Broderick, working as an Admissions Consultant at Outmatch. They prepare students from wealthy families for admission to Baden University, an Ivy League University.  He receives a call from one of the students’ parents about his son being denied admission to that prestigious university.  There were messages from other parents with the same issue. Lawrence talks to the Baden University’s Director of Admissions, Ethan Brooks.  Ethan is setting up his office. He still harbors animosity against his parents and Lawrence for pushing him into a university and career path he didn’t want. He wanted to attend a drama school.  He was forced into fencing to get into Baden. Ethan has asthma, and shooed a cat away that had gotten in his office’s open window. He takes a few inhaler puffs. Ethan threatens to reject any other students from Outmatch.  He didn’t care for the shifty methods used to get students admitted to Baden. He vows to expose Lawrence as a charlatan, and throws him out of his office. Lawrence challenges Ethan to a fencing match in exchange for Bobby Shane Jr.’s admission to Baden University. Ethan can’t resist the offer. That night, Lawrence sits at home with his cat in his lap devising a plan. The next day, he administers a practice LSAT exam to a Baden student with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) in the Baden Library.  He gives the kid some ear plugs so he doesn’t get distracted.  He warns he’ll restart the exam if he’s distracted.  Lawrence sets the timer for 1H:10Min, and sneaks out of the room.  He meets Ethan at Baden University’s Fencing Gym for their match.  Lawrence adjusts a fencing mask and puts something inside.  He then places something in his suit.  He hands the mask to Ethan, and helps him put it on.  He zip ties it on the back.  They begin.  Being the school’s expert fencing coach, Ethan toys with Lawrence, showing off his fencing prowess.  Lawrence gets a couple of touches in, but Ethan outmatches him.  Suddenly Ethan starts struggling for breath and collapses.  He asks Lawrence to get his inhaler.  Instead Lawrence steps on his chest, while Ethan struggles and dies.  Lawrence removes the orange zip tie and sprinkles dust on the cabinet near an open window.  He leaves and returns to the Baden Library at the end of the student’s exam.Enter Officer Blanke, Detective Donnelly and Elsbeth.  They are at the crime scene as Detective Donnelly tells them about the victim. They surmise Ethan was practicing alone and just died.  He wore a medical alert bracelet because of his asthma, and they assume something triggered it.  Elsbeth looks into the mask and sees a light blue thread.  She sneezes when she gets close to it cuz she’s allergic to cats.  Detective Donnelly says a cat was near the body, but it jumped out the window. Elsbeth searches through Ethan’s bag and finds his inhaler. She asks why he didn’t pull off his mask and get his inhaler when he felt an attack happening.  She also asks why a cat was in the gym.  Officer Blanke makes a clever joke.  Elsbeth finds the dust on the cabinet top, and thinks it’s oregano.  Elsbeth sees two scores on the scoreboard and asks if they were from Ethan’s last match. She pulls out an epee sword and Officer Blanke asks why the other person didn’t help Ethan.  They wonder what kind of person watches someone die.  In the meantime, Lawrence tells Bobbie’s Dad his son has a good chance of attending Baden University. Officer Blanke, Detective Donnelly, LT Connor, and Elsbeth meet in CPT Wagner’s Office to discuss Ethan’s case.  CPT Wagner says the death of a college admissions director is a significant event, amazing everyone. Detective Donnelly’s glad her kids are dummies.  She tells them about the bruising on Ethan’s chest, which isn’t from fencing injuries.  Elsbeth says something or someone kept him from getting his inhaler.  Donnelly also says the ‘oregano’ dust on the window  sill was actually catnip.  Elsbeth thinks someone lured the cat into the gym to trigger Ethan’s asthma.  Toxicology report identifies cat dander inside Ethan’s mask.  The lab’s still trying to identify the mysterious, light blue thread.  Elsbeth keeps looking over Detective Donnelly’s shoulder while she reads this information.  They assume someone had to put the cat dander in the mask.  Officer Blanke shows them a picture of the cute cat that tried to enter Ethan’s office the other day, Quad Cat.  She’s a Baden University celebrity.  CPT Wagner sends Elsbeth, Detective Donnelly and Officer Blanke back to school.  Officer Blanke announces she successfully completed all her training courses, and Elsbeth invites everyone over to her place to celebrate.  She also shares what happened with her Scottish beau, Angus. They leave the captain’s office, and Teddy’s waiting for Elsbeth outside her office.  He’s there to help Roy move into his new place.  (Yay!  Teddy’s Back!)  Elsbeth invites Teddy and Roy to the party.  Detective Donnelly talks to the Admissions Secretary, and asks about the “No Way” applications on Ethan’s desk.  She said Ethan had his own way of doing things.  Elsbeth searching the office finds Lawrence Grey’s gift basket and asks why it’s not opened. The secretary tells her about Lawrence Grey, an admissions consultant, someone people hire to get their kids into Baden.  Elsbeth questions the ethics.  The secretary shares the Lawrence and Ethan history.  Officer Blanke introduces Kelly Davis, the Quad Cat IG Account creator.  She explains the cat’s unique four toes on each front paw.  Detective Donnelly tells her the cat was seen in the fencing gym, and asks if it could have triggered an asthma attack.  Kelly says it’s not possible cuz Quad Cat is hypoallergenic.  Interesting.  Elsbeth questions what or who had it in for Ethan.  The secretary suggests they look through the rejected applications.  They interview the parents of the rejected student applicants.  They finally admit paying a fee for their kids to get into Baden University to Outmatch.Officer Blanke and Elsbeth visit Lawrence Grey at Outmatch since the rejected applicants were all their referrals. Lawrence explains what they do.  He  lets it slip that he heard Ethan’s demise was triggered by Quad Cat. Officer Blanke tells him the cat was hypoallergenic.  Elsbeth tells him she’s allergic to cats, too, and only sneezed when she got near Ethan’s mask.  Officer Blanke tells him about the mysterious fiber, too.  Officer Blanke tells Lawrence the story of Quad Cat, while Elsbeth tries to sniff him.  He’s a little perturbed with Elsbeth getting too close.  She sneezes, and he gives her his handkerchief.  It’s blue. He lies when Elsbeth asks if he has a cat.  Later, Lawrence gets home that night and tells Veritas, his cat, it has to go. Lawrence and Elsbeth meet again at Ethan Brook’s Memorial display in the Baden Fencing Gym.   She asks him for a consultation for future grandchildren.   Elsbeth asks to fence with him as part of her consultation. Elsbeth and Lawrence fence in the gym.  She points out the mask is easy to put on and take off, and wonders why Ethan couldn’t do that.  They begin. He taps her twice, and she gets one in.  Elsbeth points out the scoreboard, and both their scores.  They continue a fierce battle.  Elsbeth gets Lawrence to talk about his daughter, Mandy, and he suddenly twists his ankle ending their match.  That night, they have Officer Blanke’s Celebration Party at Elsbeth’s apartment.  LT Connor suggests Elsbeth file a report for injuring a suspect, but CPT Wagner tells them to wait. Teddy arrives.  Everyone talks about their past educational memories.  Teddy points out to Elsbeth that she wasn’t around much while he grew up.  CPT Wagner lets something slip about Teddy getting his job, Oh OH.  Teddy leaves angry.  Lawrence is surprised by the return of his daughter, Mandy.  She had been in a hiking and creativity program.  He tells her about the death of her cat.  She tells him he’s the worst father ever.  Elsbeth delivers a gift to Lawrence, and gives it to his doorman, Martin.  The gift is an apology for Lawrence’s accident.  Mandy comes in just as Elsbeth drops off the gift, and invites her upstairs.  They get to know each other, and Mandy tells Elsbeth about her cat dying.  Lawrence comes in and rudely asks Elsbeth to leave.  She returns his handkerchief, and he asks if it matched the mystery fiber.  She tells him no.  Elsbeth and Officer Blanke review more rejected Baden applications.  Teddy arrives, and Officer Blanke leaves them to talk.  Roy made him come apologize, and brought Roy to see Elsbeth.  She hugs Roy and basically interrogates him.  83 mins later, they are still not done.  Teddy’s worried.  Officer Blanke tells Teddy about Angus.  Teddy asks if Angus is a fireman.  Interesting.Elsbeth has Roy telling her everything he’s ever done in his past.  He mentions his dog dying and his parents not telling him.  This sparked something in Elsbeth, and she tells him might have solved her case.  Elsbeth revisits Lawrence and tells him she was very proud of her son, Teddy, and that he turned out just fine.  She tells Lawrence that Mandy helped solve Ethan’s murder.  She tells him how he killed Ethan.  She motions to Officer Blanke and Mandy to come in.  Mandy has her cat, Veritas.   Lawrence couldn’t kill him, and Mandy found him at a shelter.  They found the origin of the blue fiber, a cat toy mouse.  Lawrence lies and claims that’s not his cat.  Elsbeth tells him they can  compare the cat ashes on his mantle to the sandbox in his office.  Lawrence snidely tells Mandy she finally did something.  Elsbeth defends her.  Officer Blanke arrests him. Teddy tells Elsbeth about the latest on Mark Van Ness. He’s proud of what she did.  She tells him she may not have done everything right when raising him, but she ended up with the perfect son!  They hug, and he leaves with her LSAT book.  Elsbeth’s out walking Gonzo, when Judge Milton Crawford pulls up and tells her to get into his vehicle.  He’s been keeping an eye on her, and admires how she got out of the Van Ness scandal.  He threatens Delia, and a determined Elsbeth tells him she won’t stop searching for the personal stake he has in the case.  He lets her and Gonzo out and drives off.  They’re confrontation is coming to a head, and it will be Spectacular to see them Together Again! This episode was So Very Good, and it was interesting to see kitties, fencing and asthma as a central parts of the case. Returning to the Wonderful halls of education is always Fun!  Loved seeing the fencing matches. Kitties foiled the murderer.  Elsbeth and Matthew Broderick fencing was fantastic!  It was Great to see Teddy again, too.  We finally got to see Roy, just when I thought he didn’t exist.  He breezed through Elsbeth’s grueling interrogation.  It was a delight to see Detective Donnelly, too!  She adds a calming, determined, shrewd, no nonsense, clear, focused perspective to crime solving.  LT Connor is getting more and more adorable.  He’s becoming a blended, loved member of the team despite his pretense of a cold, standoffish persona.  The characters and guests were Great mix in this episode. It worked Well!