Bonding and Reflecting: This Is Us "Both Things Can Be True"/Brotherly Love"

 

"Both Things Can Be True"

While Kevin tries to send a message to Randall about being his best man, Miguel and Nicky are set to plan for the rehearsal dinner. That is until Nicky tries to go against everything Miguel has offered. That's because of how Nicky thought of Miguel married to Jack's wife. 

But Miguel tells him that he didn't jump to Rebecca's side after Jack died and that his opinion doesn't mean anything to him. We see in a flashback when Jack was planning to propose to Rebecca with the help of Miguel. While the ring got stuck on Miguel's finger, Rebecca's dad, who came over to somewhat give Jack his blessing, helped them get it off Miguel's finger. That was after Miguel stood up against Rebecca's dad after his so-called approval.

Meanwhile, Kate began her new job as a teaching assistant but had some trouble focusing on work and showed the class teacher that she could do the job after he told her that she wasn't his first or second choice. And Beth, who prepares for Tess and Alex's studying, has trouble adjusting to their relationship, even after seeing them kiss in Tess's room. 

After spending the day trying to figure out what to say to Randall, Kevin calls him and asks if he would be his best man at his wedding. But he also tells him that he wants to come up and talk about their last argument. 

"Both Things Can Be True" was a fantastic episode. I loved the Beth-Tess story in this episode because it gave Beth and Carol a great moment to let go of what mothers have planned for their children. And the Miguel flashback was so good that it even tied up with the present day with Miguel and Nicky. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

"Brotherly Love"

Kevin and Randall discuss their fight and Randall's racial insensitivities growing up. But as things take a turn, they get locked out of Randall's house and go to a neighbor for a spear key. 

We see not one but two flashbacks in this episode, one that takes place when Jack had the weekend with Randall and Kevin and gets tickets to take them to see a live taping of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The other occurred when Kevin lived in Los Angeles and Randall visited for a college event. Kevin tries to show Randall a fun night, but Randall sees the struggle that Kevin has been dealing with as an actor. 

While the two didn't fix everything, they did improve enough that things looked okay with the two.

"Brotherly Love" might be my favorite episode of the season. I love watching these two characters bond together, whether in tough times, fun times, or emotional times. I was satisfied with how the episode ended. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch This Is Us on Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC.

Virtual World: Chicago Med "What A Tangled Web We Weave"/"A Red Pill, A Blue Pill"

"What A Tangled Web We Weave"

Oh my god! What an episode this turned out to be! 

We see Goodwin entering the ED after an accident involving a young boy riding his bike at night. Goodwin tries to get information about the boy. However, the situation soon turns when she confronts the boy's mother and tries to explain why she did not perform the surgery. 

But it turns out that after the surgery, Goodwin gets word about DCFS coming; she does one more thing to help the mother: giving her a job and a place for her boys to stay while she's working. 

Manning gets worried after her mother has developed a cough after taking the trial drugs. As soon she asks Will about it, Will searches for those pills that Kinder did not pick up. It even gets Will and Marcel to bump heads with one another with a patient who doesn't want surgery. 

Meanwhile, Maggie tries to meet her long-lost daughter, who is in the medical field. When April signs up for a nurse practitioner position, Dr. Archer forces her to perform a procedure that puts her in an uncomfortable situation. 

"What a Tangled Web We Weave" was such a good episode. Even though she broke the rules, I couldn't get enough of Goodwin's storyline. Goodwin being Goodwin. Manning also plays with Halstead and Marcel about her mother. It's wild, but I loved their argument in this episode. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

"A Red Pill, A Blue Pill"

Are we living in a Matrix simulation? 

Dr. Archer, Dr. Charles, and April tend to a patient with abdominal pain who refuses treatment because he believes he's in a computer simulation. The patient pushes Archer, which worries April because he seems to overdose on the patient to get surgery. 

Natalie rushed to the ED with her mother as her health declined. Will soon suspected Natalie was the person who took the trial medication. After hearing that Natalie's mother's heart is improving, Will decides to give more of the trial drug, slowly move her out of the LVAD, and get her on the transplant. 

Marcel tends to a patient who came in with a gunshot but couldn't find the bullet until it was in his child's body. Marcel saves the child just in time. Maggie gets to watch her daughter work in the ED but gets in trouble with Ethan. 

"A Red Pill, A Blue Pill" was a good episode that kept me on my toes for the whole hour. It's from an excellent #Manstead storyline. Of course, I ate that up. Plus, the Archer storyline is getting good, and Maggie and Vanessa were also as good. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

What did you think of these episodes? Leave a comment below!

Chicago Med airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC; all seasons are streaming on PeacockTV.

One Chicago Preview: Chicago Med "What a Tangled Web We Weave"/Chicago Fire "Don't Hang Up"/Chicago PD "Troubled Dolls"

 

Here's a preview of the next week's all-new epsodes of One Chicago. 

Chicago Med 

"What a Tangled Web We Weave"

An auto accident sends Goodwin into a spiral as she tries to help a young boy and his mother. Natalie's secretive behavior begins to draw the attention of Dr. Halstead and Dr. Marcel. 

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Clips:

Promo:

Chicago Fire 

"Don't Hang Up"

A mysterious caller who is in danger relies on Kidd to help save her and her brother. The firehouse helps Cruz get ready for fatherhood. 

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Clips:

Promo:

Chicago PD 

"Troubled Dolls"

The shocking murder of a young pregnant woman leads the team on a desperate hunt for the killer, revealing something even darker than expected. Burgess has to make a tough decision about Makayla. 

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Promo:

Thoughts:

So looking forward to next week's episodes. With Fire being probably the one I'm looking forward to the most with Stella helping to find two kids. From the promo, I get the SVU episode (9-1-1) vibe. But also Cruz getting fatherhood tips from the Herrmann and others, that looks to be a fun story yet I expect some moments. 

Med looks good and while I'm concerned about what happens with Goodwin, I'm more concerned about Natalie's next move after what she did in the previous episode (taking a dead patient's drug trial medicine). And PD looks good as well. Will Ruzek forgive Burgess? Will Burgess keep Makayla?  Get the popcorn ready for an exciting night!  

Are you looking forward to next week's new episodes? Leave a comment below!

You can catch One Chicago Wednesdays beginning at 8/7c on NBC.

The Spirit of Toledo: A.P. Bio: "Ride the Ram"/"Kinda Sorta" Season Finale

"Ride the Ram" 

It's school spirit week, and as the school is battling its rival in the annual Ram Championship, Whitlock tries to do what it can to win. Even though the blood drive was ruined, Helen saved the day by giving enough blood to win. But when it came to the principal challenge, Ralph couldn't do it due to his procedure.

 

Jack comes in to help Ralph after he had ruined their time at his birthday dinner the other night. Jack gets on the mechanical ram, and instead of going up against the rival principal, he's going up against Heather's former love crush. After Heather's move on Chad, he gets thrown off, and Jack wins it for the school and Ralph's friendship.

"Ride the Ram" was a delightful and hilarious episode. The Ralph and Jack character relationship is so good in this episode that it gives Jack a rethinking of their friendship that, at times, he denies it. Paula Pell does it once again with another standout supporting performance. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

"Kinda Sorta"

In the season two finale, Jack has a one-shot out of Toledo if he helps Sarika get into Harvard. But he and the class must help Sarika make a good impression by changing her outlook and not being so rude-looking. After training, Jack and Sarika meet with the advisor of Harvard, who happens to be someone Jack dated. Yikes!

Jack tries his best not to get sexual with the advisor, but after seeing Lynette with someone else at the bar that night, he is considering going for it. But that all ended when he stopped it and ran to see Lynette, telling her about this dream he had with her and their four fat Toledo kids. The two finally become exclusive as boyfriend and girlfriend.

Jack learned that Sarika had snuck her paper into the advisor's bag and that her aunt was impressed with his book. Jack's got an appointment to see her, but will he go? Also, Jack learns from Ralph that he has a new student...Helen! Helen didn't graduate high school. Oh boy!

"Kinda Sorta" While it felt like two parts of the series finale and season finale, I'm glad that the series was saved and moved to the Peacock Streaming Service. I love this episode! This episode was such a good development for the character of Jack to realize that staying in Toledo isn't all that bad with someone that he has feelings for in Lynette. Also, I can't get enough of the Jack and class dynamic, and helping Sarika was just the icing on the cake. I can't wait to see what Season Three has in store. I hope Elizabeth Alderfer, who played Lynette, returns because she was so good in season two.

Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch A.P. Bio on NBC.com, the NBC app, and the Peacock Streaming Service.

An Emotional Goodbye: The Good Place "The Final Chapter: Whenever You're Ready" Series Finale

Note: I apologize for not writing this up and posting it. It's been almost four months since this aired. And well, let me say that after watching it the first time, it was tough to protect it during the second time because it was so emotionally powerful.

The series finale of The Good Place might be one of the best finale endings in quite a long time, and saying goodbye to these characters is overwhelming emotions. The episode picks up as everyone enjoys their time in A Good Place, from learning ethics to seeing everyone doing their own thing and being happy. The new system looks to work for the best as the Judge learns from Michael and Chidi.

But things took a turn quickly when Justin won the Super Bowl in the video game with his dad, and he felt it was time for him to leave. After throwing a party, Justin walks with Janet to the doors to the universe. Tahani reunited with her sister and learned that their parents had passed the system, but what they had expected wasn't the case with their parents as they showed love and affection. After many moments, she decides she's ready, but instead of leaving, she wants to be like Michael and work as an intern.

Later, Eleanor learns that Chidi is on the verge of wanting to leave and tries to keep him here by taking him to all the places he loves. But Eleanor knows that to be happy, she can't ruin someone's happiness, too. After an emotional and memorable scene of the two at sunset, Chidi leaves Eleanor while sleeping. But a surprise comes when, just as Chidi walks into the door to the universe, Justin pops out to give Janet the necklace he had made for her, and after another moment, he walks with Chidi.

Soon, Eleanor felt it was time; she brought Mindy St.Clare to The Good Place to agree to take the test. She gets the Judge to grant one last favor for Michael; he becomes a real-life boy who goes to Earth and lives out his best life, from learning guitar to cooking a meal in the microwave.

Just before Eleanor leaves, she talks with Janet and has one last drink with her. Soon, she walks into the door to the universe to see her body turn into stars, where one falls to Earth to a man who almost threw out someone's mail but returned it, that happens to be Michael.

"Whenever You're Ready" was one of the best series finales since Parks and Recreation. The finale felt like a natural closure to the series, with the characters deciding to leave or stay and become something else, like Tahani wanting to do what Michael has done. Each character had a memorable moment; the one that stuck was Chidi and Eleanor with that sunset, in which Chidi described the ocean waves. This episode should get an Emmy nomination for best writing. Overall, I give this episode a 10/10, while the season gets a 9.5/10.

You can catch The Good Place on Netflix and Google Play. 

Spinoff and Advice: Fresh Off the Boat "The Magic Motor Inn"/"Mommy and Me"

"The Magic Motor Inn" 

When Evan is worried about the spelling bee, Eddie tries to get him help from a three-time champion  Simryn, a former classmate. While Eddie takes Evan to get her help; he has Trent looking out for his SAT scores just in case Jessica gets a hold of them. But soon Eddie learns that he scores high and Evan learns that while Eddie might not have studied just as hard as he, even Simryn didn't either as they are both naturals.

Eddie tells Evan that his natural is studying hard than the rest of the people and that got the encouragement to be in the spelling bee. Which I think probably won.

Meanwhile, Emery must find a job or he won't be having anything new or to eat. While Louis gave him the benefit of the doubt; Jessica made sure Emery got a job and a job he has got as a shirtless model at the mall. While Jessica tries to hide it from Louis; he finally learned pretty fast about Emery's new job.

"The Magic Motor Inn" was a very good episode from start to finish. This is the episode that has a backdoor pilot for a potential spinoff that I'm very much interested in watching and hopefully ABC will go for it. Megan Suri was very good and funny along with making Mandy Moore references. All in all, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

"Mommy and Me"

When Honey asks Jessica for advice about kids clinging to their mothers; what Jessica didn't know was that her advice was going to hit her right back. Just as Jessica was recording the audiobook of her novel, Evan comes home in tears as his girlfriend had broken up with him. This turns Evan into cloning to Jessica in the creepiest way.

After trying and trying, finally, grandma played a recording of Jessica talking about how clinging he has been with her and that pretty much snapped that with Evan.

Meanwhile, Louis, Eddie, and Emery are burger hopping trying out burgers that is until Emery decides that he's going vegan. After doing to a vegan burger shop, Eddie and Louis decide to go on without Emery to a burger joint with Trent. While hurting Emery's feelings, Louis and Eddie come up with a new burger at the Cattleman's of a vegan burger that Emery enjoys.

"Mommy and Me" was a very funny episode. I've always enjoyed an episode story with Jessica and Evan and this one was no expectation. I'd very much enjoyed this and even the Louis and the boys dealing with eating vegan burgers. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

Break Off and Reunion: Single Parents "Welcome to Hilltop!"/Chunkies"

"Welcome to Hilltop" 

As Miggy tells Angie how he's exclusive to his girlfriend, Angie learns from Poppy that her ex-husband's wife is expecting, and the two talk about it. But they soon spot Miggy's girlfriend with another man, and they follow them to her house, where they believe she is cheating, but Poppy and Angie learn that Miggy has a threesome relationship.

Meanwhile, Sophie tries to fight for the school's parrot's right to be taken home for the three-day weekend. But with no approval from the principal, Sophie takes the bird anyway, and while it's just for the weekend, Sophie tries to let the bird fly but falls and crashes to the ground, ending up dead. Will gets Doug and his girls to help and teach Sophie how to lie, but Will doesn't want his girl to lie, so both do clean-up duty at the punishment school.

"Welcome to Hilltop" was an okay episode with some good moments. While I enjoyed the Angie and Poppy story, the Will and Sophie story was a bit predictable. Overall, I give this episode a 7/10.

"Chunkies" 

As Will prepares for his date with his girlfriend, Sophie believes that she will dump her father after their dinner. Sophie tries to fake an illness, but Will's girlfriend catches on and tells Will she's faking it, but he doesn't believe her. That is until he walks into her room, jumping up and down on her bed. Sophie tells her dad, and Will soon understands. Later, he catches up with his girlfriend, and as they talk, they decide to take a break due to what's been going on in the last few weeks.

Graham prepares to meet his father, and by the time he meets him, he gets sick. Angie tries to get Derek back before Graham's subsequent sickness, and soon, the two bond quickly with Q&A. While Angie tries to help put Graham to bed, she's not feeling good, either, and Derek steps up and takes care of her too. The next day, they bonded well.

Emma and Amy tell Doug that their TV is dead, and they try to fix it unsuccessfully. But when Miggy comes over to watch TV, he seems to set the TV. The girls are stunned at what has happened. They learn that Miggy didn't fix the TV at all.

"Chunkies" was an excellent episode, mainly about Graham meeting his father, Derek, for the first time. While the others were funny and heartwarming, Graham, Angie, and Derek were full of heartwarming moments and emotions. Maybe Derek can be the man for Angie to care for Graham and her—solid writing and performances from the cast. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Single Parents Wednesdays at 9:30/8:30 on ABC.

Personal Struggle: Chicago PD "I Was Here"/"Center Mass"

"I Was Here"

In one of the most brutal episodes to watch, it was this season's best episode.

As Burgess takes light duty as a 911 dispatch operator, she gets a call from a young woman who requires help. After letting it go, it turns out that the young woman needed help and was part of a human sex trafficking ring. 

As Burgess takes the lead on this case, the circumstances don't go well for her. When Burgess found the woman's location and was by herself, she went in to save her. After making some horrible beatings, the injured Burgess kills the suspect and saves the young woman. But as Ruzek gets Burgess to the hospital later that night, she learns that she has lost the baby.

"I Was Here" was one of the season's most divisive episodes. It had thrills, but near the end, when Burgess goes in without backing up to help, the victim was on the edge of your seat with your stomach turning in every way possible. Marina Squerciati gives one hell of a performance. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

"Center Mass" 

Sometimes, things don't always go their way.

When a former caseworker from Rojas's past asks for a favor to find a homeless man, it leads her and the Intelligence to investigate the homeless man's murder. But as the investigation moves forward, the team learns that they're pursuing a cop killer who had killed the homeless man for his identity.

But when Rojas finds a witness, it is not only helpful but hard to handle due to being a paranoid schizophrenic. It doesn't end well with both the suspect and the witness.

"Center Mass" was a good episode with character development for Vanessa Rojas. The character uses her experience to help the witness find the murderer and help him get well. You can see from Voight's point of view that this case will be complex for her, even in the end. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

You can catch Chicago PD on Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC.

Difference in Helping: Chicago Med "Pain is For the Living"/"It May Not Be Forever"

"Pain is For the Living."

"Man, the day sucked."

You can say that again, Dr. Charlies. Wow, this episode of Chicago Med titled "Pain is For the Living" was another powerful installment of our heroes at Chicago Med dealing with the not-so-good and some-good moments, from Dr. Charles and Choi treating a family that has an 11-year-old boy that has anger issues after coming in from beating up his little brother. Marcil also didn't have a good day as he lost a patient that he should have saved but later learned that his patient died from a bullet while driving.

Meanwhile, Natalie was struck when a mother, who showed no signs of worry about her baby, came to find out that she had a genetic disorder and could feel no pain. At the same time, Will treats a patient with a cyst in the bowel. But the twist comes when a doctor for his patient happens to be the one that he had saved at the off-site clinic.

This episode was as good as it could have been. The Natalie story was intriguing, with the mother not feeling any pain. Marcil took another nose dive and should have taken the x-ray on that patient but didn't. The angry child storyline was so good and powerful to watch these doctors try to find a way for this kid to get the treatment he needed. And it looks like Halstead is at the corner with Dr. Asher as someone who could take him down. Oh boy! Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

"It May Not Be Forever" 

When a car crash victim of a husband and wife comes to Chicago Med, it becomes more than just a random accident. As Natalie treats the wife, she sees evidence of abuse; while Marcil is treating the husband, she needs to have part of his leg taken off. When Marcil asks the wife for permission, she declines and wants to wait. It took Goodwin and the Ethics Board to rule over the wife. But by the end, the wife ended her husband by shutting down his ventral machine and was taken to jail.

Ethan and April deal with a young married couple, and the wife is suffering from some allergic reaction. It was when April saw them having sex in the room that Ethan put two and two together to come up with the idea that the wife was allergic to her husband's seaman. But it's excellent. April and Ethan are close as they have their romantic dinner and a ready crib.

Curry finally gets a solid win as she and Dr. Charles cure a boy from what was a misdiagnosis. While Will tries to get Dr. Asher the help she needs, even if it has him quitting the clinic.

"It May Not Be Forever" was a good episode from start to finish. While some cases, like the one in Ethan and April, were a bit predictable, Curry and Charles were very good with character growth. The Marcil and Natalie story was also good, but I feel this relationship is building to something. I feel like where Will is is a good story arc, and it makes me nervous about where this whole thing with Asher is going. Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.

You can catch Chicago Med Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC.

Chicago Love and Respect: Chicago Fire "A Chicago Welcome"

This episode might be my favorite out of this season.

When someone is in need of help, Chicago is there. That's what I took out of this Chicago Fire episode, "A Chicago Welcome" as Firehouse 51 saved a married couple that had moved to Chicago not too long ago. While the husband survived, his wife didn't and their cat goes missing; but with Brett and Casey being there for him by finding his cat and even pulled a few strings to get more than a few people to come to the funeral. It was enough to make you grab the tissues and as a #Bresey fan, it just makes both Brett and Casey's relationship grand.

Meanwhile, while Froster is throwing a party at Cruz's apartment; Cruz felt that he was left out when he tried to come to the party. Froster apologies and makes it up for him to throw a better party than that one. Truck 81 gets a new truck and Herrmann isn't too pleased about it. Mouch pushes too much on Herrmann that puts a string on their relationship, but not too long.

But it was Grosh that comes back to bring even more hell on Chicago. As he was the reason he gave Truck 81 the new truck. Boden and Severide don't think he has crawled over a new leaf and investigated it. It turns out that Grosh has been scamming the city and in return gets fired.

"A Chicago Welcome" was such an amazing episode. This episode had played a lot in my emotions. Brett and Casey's story won me over so much. We even get the start of Brett's new story arc as she's wondering if she should meet with her biological mother, who sent her a letter. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Chicago Fire Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.

Love All Around: This Is Us "A Hell of a Week, Part 3"/"The Cabin"

"A Hell of a Week, Part 3"

Is Kate and Toy's marriage in turmoil? Here a recap to the conclusion to this season's big three trilogy.

As we pick off to a young sleepless Kate wakes up Jack; the two tell a bedtime story together in like a princess and her prince type of story. While telling the story, we see a teenage Kate dealing with her boyfriend's mix emotions and her taking so much crap from him, but even though Rebecca worries about her, Kate still loves the guy and decides to go to the family cabin.

Meanwhile in the present, as Kate prepares for the family trip to a retreat for parents whose kids have a disability; but Toby is looking up information about how a kid had gotten 30 percent of her sight back. Toby doesn't go but Rebecca goes with Kate and the two have a mother/daughter time that broke the barrier even more as the two grew more and more. Even Rebecca tells Kate what's been going on with her. All in all, after an excellent weekend, Kate tells Toby that she needs him to be the man that he needs to be with her and their son.

That's when the phone from Kevin and Randall came and the three plan to go to the family cabin after a week that they just had. And as Kate tells Toby what she's going to do; he tells her that he'll watch Jack for the weekend.

"A Hell of a Weel, Part 3" was a very good episode. I couldn't get enough of the Rebecca and Kate dynamics whether it's the past or the present. But I think the present scenes like when they were in the pool were probably my favorite; the karaoke scene just made me put me in happy tears. The writing was so good with such strong character developments; the performances from Chrissy Metz and Mandy Moore were amazing! Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

"The Cabin"

This was the episode that really got me grabbing the tissues.

Let me just get this out of the way, so I can just tell you how much you should watch this episode. In this episode, Kate, Kevin, and Randall join each other at the family cabin; they learn of each other's problems and learn from it, even Kevin gets in the loop about what's going on with Rebecca. 

Meanwhile, Toby and baby Jack are hanging out and while things are going good, Toby gets a scare moment. And Rebecca, Kevin and Randall help save teenage Kate from her abusive boyfriend.
The Big Three get a jolt of life back when they dig up their time capsule that Jack had them do back in 1993. But it was in it that things really got going with a message from Jack that gave everyone hope and an idea that leads us back in the future tense.

"The Cabin" might be my favorite episode of the season so far. It's much from the past storyline the family confronting the boyfriend, which was good; but it wasn't like watching, Sterling, Justin, and Chrissy just take control of each scene with grace and power. Even the scenes with Jack and Rebecca were as good too. But it was that last few minutes when the three was listening to a tape from Jack that really had me grabbing the tissues more and more as the scene played out and the promo came on. If that scene doesn't get you or motivate you, I don't know what to say to you. Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

What did you think of the episodes? Leave a comment and tell us your thoughts!

You can catch This Is Us Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC.

There For Each Other: Chicago Fire "The Plunge" "It Wasn't About Hockey"

"The Plunge"

When on a call, an accident occurs that hits close to home for one firefighter, while threats make one paramedic scared. Here's a recap!

When on a call, Herrmann and his crew rush but are followed by a wild driver who causes an accident. The crew stops and rescues what Herrmann learns was a teenager and saves him before the car bursts into flames. Later on, the aftereffects take Herrmann on an emotional spin and take it out on his son by punishing him for a dent in the car that happened two months ago. Soon, Herrmann's wife learns, and even Herrmann confronts his son and apologizes for his actions.

Froster deals with harassment from Shaw after she turns him down again. Soon, she and Brett get a call from Lakeshore about questionable actions from someone.  Foster not only tells Brett about the situation with Shaw but also Boden, and he tries to help but can't change the boss' mind at Lakeshore. After a call, Foster confronts Shaw and is outspoken about what he has down to her that not only the nurses and doctors hear but also the boss. As soon as Foster leaves to meet with Brett, Shaw runs out, and just as he threatens her, the entire Firehouse 51, with Boden speaking to Shaw and telling him to watch his step. He backs off and is gone for good!

Meanwhile, the team prepares to take the polar plunge in Lake Michigan and even tries to use tactics like taking cold showers, etc.  But the morning/afternoon of the event, everyone gets there, including Foster, and all raced to the water. Also, Casey and Severide get their bromance on by hitting the clubs, Kelly-style.

"The Plunge" was a fantastic episode with some great drama moments with Herrmann and thrilling moments with Foster and Brett. That scene when 51 comes to represent Foster was powerful. And I can't leave out a lot of humor from preparing for the polar plunge, but Casey and Severide had me smiling and laughing as it reminds me of the bond between Geroge Clooney and Anthony Edwards on ER. Strong character development with Foster and Herrmann. Even good writing for this episode. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

"It Wasn't About Hockey" 

"It Wasn't About Hockey" was the episode I have been waiting for since Gabby left Chicago Fire. We've seen Casey, Severide, and Dawson have their moment to shine, and this time, as I was hoping for Brett to have her episode to shine, it was a triple duty of women's power with not only Brett but Foster and Kidd. 

As Brett, Foster, and Kidd prepare for a Valentine's Day weekend together at Brett's mother's cabin, things take a turn when Brett and Foster witness a bus accident and must help save not only two teenagers but a farmer, too. There was no signal to call for help and no one for miles; they had to rely on their training and try to keep everyone alive. Soon, Kidd gets there and helps, and later, the hockey coach and player make it back with the police, ambulance, and firefighters. 
Meanwhile, with the girls gone, it's chili night at 51, with everyone battling to make the best chili and win the money pot. As everyone fixes their dish, even Casey and Severide get in on the action, but in the end, it isn't anyone from 51, as Brett and Foster's stand-by paramedics, who won it. Shocking to all. 

"It Wasn't About Hockey" might be one of my favorite episodes of the season. As I said earlier, I've been waiting for this episode since Monica Raymund left the show so we could see Kara Killmer get her time to shine. But it was even better with the teamwork of Killmer, Miranda Rae Mayo, and Annie Ilonzeh. The character development was good, and even the writing was good, with enough action and humor to balance the episode. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Chicago Fire on Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.

Battle for Approval: Brooklyn Nine-Nine "The Bimbo"

When Kevin asked Jake to take a case, it's a personal matter why Holt isn't asked. While it's game on for who's got the better lunch date between Amy and Terry. Here's a recap!

When Jake gets asked by Kevin about a case of three missing coins, Jake wonders why didn't he asked Holt to take it. Kevin doesn't want to ask Holt because of his embarrassment with Dean Allister. But Holt finds out about Jake and Kevin meeting and takes on the case with Jake. That's until Jake and Holt talk to Allister about the missing coins and Holt loses his confidence, but after finding a clue of a footprint Jake and Holt confront the Dean and accuse him of stealing the coins.

Later Jake confronts Holt about the embarrassment that he just went through again. Holt uses Jake's advise and figured out who actually stole the coins that turn out to be the janitor. Later Kevin shows his temperament to the dean and even shows his feelings towards Holt.

Meanwhile, Amy and Terry take the crew out for lunch but it gets competitive from taking them out to a steakhouse to corny dogs and karaoke. But the crew and staff have had enough and decides to leave them, but Terry and Amy apologies.

"The Bimbo" was a very good episode. I just loved how the episode really puts Holt on the spot about an incident that made him vulnerable and not to mention his relationship with Kevin grows as well. Even Jake giving Holt some advice about dealing with fancy professors was a funny and special moment. The lunch fight was a very good storyline and so interesting to see how they went from low call to up the game. Which team would you pick to go to lunch with? I might have to with Amy. The episode had strong character development and the writing was solid.  Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

You can catch Brooklyn Nine-Nine Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC.

Fly Away Love: Superstore "Lovebirds"

Love is in the air at Cloud 9 in any way possible! Thursday's episode of the  Superstore "Lovebirds" was another brilliant half-hour comedy that delivered so well, even though it took place during Valentine's Day. Here's a recap!

With everyone excited for Valentine's Day, not everyone was too pleased when Dina brought all her birds to work. But when Garrett saw that in the cage was a bag of his favorite chips, he tried to get it. The birds escaped and flew away.

Dina was so upset that she tried to call her birds back to her. With Garrett feeling horrible, with the help from Jonah and Amy, he tries to help Dina, getting her hopes that they could return to her home, but they don't. Dina decided to take her mind off of her birds by having sex with Garrett, which he didn't know how to handle in the situation.

Meanwhile, Amy and Jonah, while dealing with Dina and Garrett, decide to tell each other they love them. Somehow, their saying "I love you" was underplayed while being mad at each other for handling the Dina-Garrett situation. But they made it up and headed out for their Valentine's Day date with Dina somewhere no one goes to a tofu restaurant.

After last week's episode-ending moment, Sandra started to get memorable Valentine's Day gifts. Everyone starts to think that she's pretending to have a boyfriend again. But after getting a teddy bear and a quartet sings to her, it turns out that her secret Valentine's Day happens to be Jerry.

Cheyenne helps Marcus give him a tattoo of his mother on his back as a Valentine's Day gift for his mother. But let's say that it didn't turn out that well. As for Glenn, he tries to make a video for his daughter because he doesn't see her all that much. From reading books to giving a toast to her wedding day, Glenn soon realizes that he doesn't need to manage anymore and walks off during taping.

"Lovebirds" was another hit episode for Superstore; not only did I love the situation that Dina and Garrett were put in. But I was stunned to see how the episode ended with Glenn deciding to leave his job. Also, Amy and Jonah said they love one another; it was so clever in how they said it. Lauren Ash and Colton Dunn deserve top performances of the episode. They loved the writing of the attack that it just had strong character development.  Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Superstore Thursdays at 8/7c on NBC!

Family Shocker and Revelations: Fresh Off The Boat "Grand-Mahjong"

Could Jessica and Grandma Huang's relationship be fixed? Here's a recap!

When Elaine sees that Jessica and Grandma Huang aren't in a good relationship, she tries to help her build upon it. After learning the fundamentals, she uses it when playing a game with Grandma Huang; at first, it seemed that Jessica was going to lose it but regains and acts nice and shows her care. Even though Grandma Huang could see what was going on, she uses it to her advantage but Jessica could play it her game too and soon the two have a good understanding relationship.

Meanwhile, after making fun of Emery's weakness, Louis tries to fixes his relationship with him by using his neighbor's "good luck" wrestling technique. At that point, it became known that Emery finally could take down someone like his old man as he won the wrestling match by accidentally punching him in the face. Call it the Ali moment.  Even though it was a shocker, they were soon on good speaking terms.

"Grand-Mahjong" was a very good episode. It was very much one of the best episodes with not only the ensemble cast but also the guest stars too with Ming-Na Wen and Reggie Lee. Strong character development and writing that I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Fresh Off the Boat Fridays at 8/7c on ABC.

Our Air: This Is Us "Our Little Island Girl"

Last week's episode of This Is Us was another brilliant and beautiful episode of the season. Here's a recap!

As Beth and Zoe drove to visit to check on Beth's mother after learning she bruised her hip at school. We see not a warming mother that we would imagine but a mother that is driven to make her daughter and niece be the best; considering that Zoe's work isn't what she calls potential but when she learns that Beth was laid off from work, she starts to help her find another law firm.

Throughout the episode, we see a flashback of a young Beth going for ballet and trying to get her parents to agree to let her join a top ballet academy. While she's trying her best and making a few mistakes, she sees what would be her competition. But at home, she and Zoe learn of Beth's father diagnosed with lung cancer and things start to go from "go for your dreams" to "stop dreaming" and think about the future for which she did and goes to a college meet and greet where she bumps into Randall.

Back to the present, Beth confronts to her mother and not only tells her about why she doesn't bring her girls to visit but that she could have been a great ballet dancer. Her mother agrees and thought that she did it for the best just like her own mother did it for her. Later as Beth comes home, she tells Randall that she knows what she wants to do next: ballet teacher.

"Out Little Island Girl" was such an amazing, beautiful and strong episode. The performance from Susan Kelchi Watson was outstanding and I would consider it to be an Emmy nomination for it. Not to mention that Phylicia Rashad's performance was stunning and we got to see how and why we see Beth as she is as a realist and not like Randall or her father. The episode had strong writing and character development for Beth and her mother. Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

You can catch This Is Us returns next Tuesday at 9/8c on NBC. 

One Night: Chicago PD "Night In Chicago"

It's the most powerful episode of the season so far that will have you shocked. Here's a recap!

While on an undercover job to take down drug boss, Gamble,. As Atwater gets close enough with Daryl, Gamble's relative and who works for him, he gives him a tip about a friend he knows to help with the lost drugs that the Intelligence took down earlier.

But as things were to go smooth, Atwater and Daryl get pulled over by two Chicago cops. Not only watching this, Voight tells the team to wait. But when the cops got word of a robbery and the suspects were two black males, they go their way to arrest Atwater and Daryl. Atwater tries to explain but when Daryl argues with the officer and gets shot in front of Atwater. Voight comes in and talks with the officers and offers to take the suspect to the station. As Atwater gets into the car, Burgess asked if he was okay and his response was no as it's just another night in Chicago.

Later, as Voight talks with Kelton about the situation, Kelton was pissed to learn that Atwater was arrested and that he couldn't tell the cops that he was CPD undercover. But if he would have done that their undercover would have been blown. Not only did this situation puts Atwater in a difficult position to choose a side that he thinks is best but also carry out the undercover to take down Gamble, for which he did.

As Atwater rewatches the tape from the officer's camera, Ruzek talks to him and tells him that he's got his back no matter what, even if he doesn't understand being black. Later on, he met with Ray Price, who was the man who helped Voight take down Gamble, to asked him to use dirt that he got on the officer that shot Daryl because it would be the start point for Price to run for Mayor.

After Atwater gave his version of the event, he goes after the officer that shot Daryl, even though he got away scot-free. But that doesn't mean they are going to be best of friends for that and instead, Atwater takes their beef outside the bar where Atwater kicks his ass and warns him.

"Night In Chicago" was a powerful and intense episode of Chicago PD, but it was LaRoyce Hawkins' best performance of the season so far since the early episode this season. It was, as usual, the classic style of Chicago PD but then took a turn that got to an intense seriousness but also made my skin crawl as well. As much as I'm okay with what Atwater decided to do, but it would have interesting to see where would his character have gone if he took Price's offer and told the investigation team about it.

Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Chicago PD Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC.

Secrets, Truth and Lies: Chicago Med "Ghosts in the Attic"

After a week off, Chicago Med brings in another powerful episode that would leave us stunned. Here's a recap!

Ethan deals with a patient that no other nurse would want to help treat. When he confronts April about the situation, he learns that the patient is a child molester and assaulted one of the nurses, who had him as a piano teacher. Ethan understands but wants a nurse to help treat him, but none would but after the patient goes into cardiac arrest, he dies and Ethan thinks that April or one of the nurses might have given him too much medicine. It draws both Ethan and April into deep tension til Ethan learns that the patient had a tumor that had killed him.

Conner and Ava worked together to treat a patient, who comes in with broken ribs and is in need to place metal plates but is also HIV. After the first half was a success, working on the other half was a task when as they start to begin Ava cuts her finger. Goodwin ordered Ava to head to the Infectious Diseases Control and start taking meds. Conner, who feels bad, visits her with a forgive me present. But it was when Conner returns to Med that someone mentions that it's weird how that happened with Ava because she's so careful, which makes him think about it. Was it an accident or on purpose?

Natalie not only deals with Will's car being broken in but a patient who she assumed was playing with his wife about his cancer illness. It turned out that her patient wasn't playing, but knows that his illness is getting worst. But when it comes to Will, who was kind of on the edge with his car being broken in by someone. Learns the truth that Will didn't turn in the gun that he said he would do. After that, she's done and returns the ring.

Maggie, who hasn't had a strong storyline so far, not only dealing with Med down a nurse but deals with someone who asked for her help. Thinking that it might not be serious, turns out to be very sick when Will exams her and are in need of a kidney transplant.


"Ghosts in the Attic" was a marvelous episode! It was such intense and dramatic at times, that it had me on the edge of my seat almost throughout the episode. Strong character development and writing. I don't want to give up on #Manstead but I know that Will has been such an idiot that I wish that Jay or someone would just slap the reality back into him. He had one chance and blew it! I still have a little bit of hope they would get back together and I know some don't. Conner and Ava have been such an up and down with the did she or didn't she with his father. But now it's anyone's ball game whether if she played him with what had happened in that OR room. Anyone think that everyone needs to have a sitdown with Dr. Charles to talk this out? And Maggie's storyline was probably one of the best as the character hasn't had her own story in a while. I think next week's episode will have her go the distance to save the patient. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Chicago Med Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC.

Chicago Med "Ghosts in the Attic" Episode Preview

Here's a preview of next Wednesday's episode of Chicago Med titled, "Ghosts in the Attic."

"Ghosts in the Attic"

As Dr. Halstead is withholding some important information from Dr. Manning, she beings to question his suspect behavior. Dr. Choi comes to some difficult conclusions involving April over patient care. And an incident in the OR involving Dr. Bekker at the hands of Dr. Rhodes may have serious implications.

Photos:

Promo:

You can catch Chicago Med Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC!