Pushing the Limits: Chicago Med "For the Want of A Nail"/"So Many Things We've Kept Buried"

 

"For the Want of A Nail"

Talk about a freaky episode!

Dr. Charles, Halstead, and April treat a patient, Romona, who comes into the ED with a nail in her foot and a brain bleed. But she didn't want to be treated at Med but wanted another hospital. It gets creepy when they learn that Romona has been going to the other ED for over a year, pulling fake emergencies. 

Charles gets Romona to accept the surgery at Med, but there seems to be a fallout when she shows signs of having a crush on Dr. Charles. 

After Auggie has left with his brother and adoptive family, Maggie helps a young pregnant woman who suffered an emergency and needed a C-section. Maggie and the young woman learn that that baby has spina bifida occulta. But bonding with the young woman made her decide to search for her daughter, and she gave up. 

Dr. Archer has an issue with Manning and Marcel when they overstep his medical judgment with a patient and tell Ethan about their relationship. That gets both Manning worried about going public with her relationship with Marcel. 

"For the Want of a Nail" was a good episode, but sometimes freaky regarding Romona and Dr. Charles. Has anyone got that Fatal Attraction fab from her? What an excellent way to work with new colleagues when it comes to Dr. Archer, who pushes the envelope when it comes to being a creep as well. I loved that Maggie storyline once and loved how she guided the young woman on whether to keep her baby or not. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/

"So Many Things We've Kept Buried."

Talk about another powerful episode! 

Will and Ethan treat a surrogate patient to her daughter's baby, who's having heart complications. Ethan and Will differ in treating the patient; also, I feel they were showing off with Dr. Virani. But in the end, Will comes through with a treat that could have gone south but didn't. 

Dr. Marcel tends to a problematic surgery when a bullet in a patient's leg moves to the liver. But when Godowin's son offers a way to get that bullet out of the patient's liver, it doesn't go so well and runs to the patient's heart. That is until Marcel learns that the patient has a heart defect and takes him into emergency surgery before the bullet goes into the brain. Luckily, Marcel got the safe and bonded with the patient, who at first wasn't pleased being in the ED.

April goes the extra mile in this episode when she treats a patient in the field at a construction site. She tries her best to see the patient through. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Charles and Manning treat a patient who suffered from a broken arm that needed surgery, but something doesn't add up when she tells them she attacked near an ally. There was no video footage of it, and she later learned that her husband had shot her, who happens to be retired from the military. 

Charles doesn't think that it's not domestic abuse but instead that the patient's husband is suffering from night terrors and is attacking her without knowing it. The husband won't face charges but will go to a facility to get help.

"So Many Things We've Kept Buried" was a unique and powerful episode. I loved the Marcel storyline and bonding with the patient after showing him that he goes a mile to help his patient. Plus, Dr. Charles and Manning's story of the couple was so good and heartbreaking. And I loved the battle between Ethan and Will, and I just had this feeling that they might be going at it because of Virani. Anyone? 

Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

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

Chicago Med airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC, and all seasons are available on PeacockTV. 

Understanding: This Is Us "The Ride"

 

The pressure of being a parent begins with the first car ride home. That's what this week's episode of This Is Us showed us with a few surprises. 

This Is Us "The Ride" Episode Preview

 

Here's a preview of this week's episode of This Is Us. 

"The Ride" 

A series of car rides propel the Pearson's towards new stages of their lives.

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This looks to be another good episode. The ride home after the birth of a child or children is the biggest moment in the parent's lives. While this isn't the first time with Kate and Toby, it is with Kevin and Madison. But the one thing that will be concerning will be Jack's drinking. That's probably the biggest bummer from the promo. 

What are your thoughts on the upcoming episode? Leave a comment below.

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

Helping and Answering: Fresh Off The Boat "TMI: Too Much Integrity"/""Lou Wants to Be a Millionaire"

"TMI: Too Much integrity" 

Louis tries to start a new way to start a new business consulting. But soon finds away by using Honey's mommy blog called TMI (True Mommy Insights). Honey sees that Louis is taking the fun out of her new blog when he pushes her and the website too far after getting sponsors. Louis apologies to Honey after he took off the post from her blog and posted the original post.

Meanwhile, Jessica is jealous to see her boys having more fun at the new neighborhood piazza that's in their circle drive neighborhood and tries to stop it by using a fun wheel. She tries to ruin the piazza for the boys by taking over the park; which got the boys upset. Both apologies and played boccie ball.


"TMI: Too Much Integrity" was a fun and good episode. It wasn't the best overall episode this season but it was entertaining. Overall, I give this episode a 7.5/10.

"Lou Wants to Be a Millionaire" 

As Lou goes on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, trying to win a million dollars; while filming he and Eddie argue over the idea of adding Asian fusion to the restraint menu. Meanwhile, Emery and Jessica are locked out of the studio but he uses acting to get back but Jessica doesn't follow him as she believes it's dumb.

After a while, Emery comes back for Jessica and talks about him loving acting and wants her support. After she accepts, as they go in Lou gets one question that uses the phone a friend to Eddie and tells him that his idea was a good one. As for the answer, Lou got it wrong.

Evan awaits for Lou's phone call from millionaire but gets distracted from Marvin's accident phone switch and Grandma's phone call to the all science question hotline.

"Lou Wants to Be a Millionaire" was a very good episode. I've very much enjoyed it from start to finish. While Eddie and Lou's story was good the Jessica and Emery's story was the better out of this episode. Seeing Jessica, who's not a fan of acting, finally accepting her son as he wants to be an actor. I hope that producer calls back soon for Emery. Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.

You can catch Fresh Off the Boat Fridays at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.

Family and Education: Single Parents "Every Thursday Should Be Like This"/"A Place Where Men Can Be Men"

"Every Thursday Should Be Like This"

"Every Thursday Should Be Like This" was one of the season's best episodes. The episode had hilarious moments, and Tony went at it to cook the turkey to the kids trying to figure out a play to put together for their parents. And while Miggy and the kids' school teacher are a thing, the moment with Doug was also perfect. 

But it was Angie, Amy, and Will who had the moment. As Angie tries to bond with Amy, things get out. Amy tells Angie that she thinks that Sophie is annoying and soon realizes and leaves. Angie tries to fix it by telling Will and taking him to her at a local restaurant where singles go on holiday. But Angie never told Will what Amy said, and the three got back in time for turkey. 

But it was the final moment as Angie sat at the table that Amy thanked her for not telling Will about what she had said but also for keeping Angie's secret. I'm guessing she has feelings for Will. 

This episode was so well written, with moments of emotions and hilariousness. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10. 

"A Place Where Men Can Be Men" 

It's time to tell the birds and the bees after Graham got suspended from school after bringing Doug's porn magazines for show and tell. Will and Doug try to help Angie give Graham the talk, but things get complicated when Will learns that his father had cheated on his mother after seeing a secret letter and photo in a math book. Doug tells both Will and Graham the meaning of how sex can be curious and confusing. 

Meanwhile, Poppy Miggy and the girls see Rory's new look. But after he reveals the new look, it looks like one of the girls wants to look different, too, but the other sister isn't for it. Poppy tries to help find each other with their look while Angie and Sophie bonded. 

"A Place Where Men Can Men" was a beautiful episode of learning about life, role models, and finding your looks.  The cat gave an outstanding performance that was funny and heartwarming. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

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

Save Halstead Chicago PD "Absolution" Fall Finale

The fall finale of Chicago PD left us holding our breaths. Here's a recap!

It has been weeks since Marcus West died for a crime that he didn't commit, and Jay hasn't forgotten it whatsoever. He's been kind of a friend with Marcus's widow, Angela, and his son. But when Angela gets into the wrong kind of job, she and Jay end up held hostage, and the Intelligence Unit hunts down.  Call it that Angelea and Carlos stole the harmful drugs from the wrong gang, and while Intelligence tries to find leads, they go to one man, Darrius.

After meeting and offering with the boss that the drugs belong to, Intelligence waits for the drop off to exchange, but it goes south pretty badly as Jay and Angelea aren't there. After capturing the boss or father to the kidnappers, Hailey played hardball and used the boss's father to give the location of where Jay is. While this was going down, Jay told Angela the truth that he was a cop and was the one who put her husband in jail and killed him.

When Intelligence gets to the location, only Hailey gets in, with the rest following. As Jay knocks out one brother and kills the other, he checks on Angela, who happens to shoot him, leaving in a cliffhanger.

"Absolution" was the best fall finale of the rest of the Chicago series this season. Holy smokes, the episode doesn't hold anything back, and Jesse Lee Soffer performs fantastically. And Tracy Spiridakos gives her best performance, too, as her character fights tooth and nail to find her partner. Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

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

Fly: Chicago Med "I Can't Imagine the Future" Fall Finale

The fall finale of Chicago Med holds nothing back. Here's a recap!

In the fall finale, we see Dr. Charles do one last thing for his wife: throw a party with family and friends. At the same time, it may not be something new for Charles to do for someone. It's a real turning point for the character as, at the start of the episode, he gets overwhelmed with emotions when Caroline tells him that she wants him to remarry. 

Things aren't looking great for April and Ethan as April learns she's going into early menopause, but with luck, the IVF could work. She takes not having children to heart and takes it out on Ethan, who's been reading a book about being a father. Later on, the two will have even more arguments when both Ethan's and Marcil's patients could be part of the domino transplant. However, when Ethan's patient dies before going on the table, Marcil's patient still gets the kidney from Ethan's patient's mother. Ethan and April leave on bad terms, with April kissing Marcil as Ethan is about to head out overseas.

Will treats a patient who believes he can fly when he skates on the ice. With an injury to the vertebrae, Will options the patient's father for him to have the brace instead of surgery, but that's not what the patient wanted, and he got the surgery and passed with flying colors to make a full recovery. While Maggie takes care of Ben, who almost is at heaven's gate, but instead creates a full recovery from fighting the measles.

As for Natalie, while treating and hoping that Phillip's daughter gets the surgery, her memory returns, as she gets flashbacks to the events leading up to the crash. After learning about the girl making a full recovery, Natalie remembers what she wanted to tell Will and meets him on the roof to say that she loves him, but in return, Will tells her that he's taken to what she had said and has moved on. NO!!!!!!!!

"I Can't Imagine the Future" was a fantastic fall finale with powerful writing and performances from the cast. The Maggie-Ben story was emotional; I wondered if he would make it. Dr. Charles's story was overwhelmingly inspirational; we have never seen his character be that full of emotions that just took my breath away. And the Natalie and Will situation again has me pulling my heart out as I've wanted these two to get back together. It can't end like this again! Once again, I still have hope! Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

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

Chidi the Answer Please! The Good Place "Chapter 48: The Answer" Fall Finale

The fall finale of The Good Place asked the question and gives the answer to that question. Here's a recap!

With no time to spare Eleanor get Michael to bring back the original Chidi and to do that Michael will have to put all of Chidi's memories back in the right order. By doing so we see moments of time he comes home after birth to save his parent's marriage from divorce with a counterpoint presentation.

Piece by piece we see Chidi's memories come in order to his girlfriend dumping him to writing a horrible book; even the moment he gets killed by a falling air conditioner. Then we get to where he's in The Good Place from the moment in season one to the multiple versions from Michael to even when all things started to happen between Eleanor and Chidi's relationship. And by the time we catch to the moment where he loses his memory, we see him talking to Michael and then asking Janet to hold a note for him if he ever gets back.

As Chidi comes back full memory and all, Eleanor tells him that he needs to help save the universe before the Judge reboots the universe. Chidi says that it's gonna take a lot of time but then ask Janet for the note and when he reads it it says "there's no answer" but "Eleanor is the answer." 

"The Answer" was as good as any clip show I have seen in years; probably since Community. It was a brilliant and witty character growth of Chidi since the peeps in the chill episode. While we hoped to learn that Chidi has the answer to the question to save the world; it apparently relies all on Eleanor. How will she be the factor into this is the million-dollar question and with only four episodes to go, I'm nervous and emotionally intense to see how it all ends. Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

You can catch the return of The Good Place tonight at 8:30/7:30c on NBC.

"You Mean the World to Me": Chicago Fire "Best Friend Magic" Fall Finale

CROTIS FOREVER!!!!!

The fall finale of the Chicago Fire was one to remember for all the right reasons and more.

While cleaning up the firehouse, Cruz finds an old drone that belongs to Otis and is determined to fly it once more. But as Cruz tries to fix it, he tells Ritter that the reason why he's doing this is that he was the one who hid the drone. After repairing the new part, something was still wrong, and when he checked it on the computer to find a video of him and Otis about to fly the drone with "Best Friend Magic."

The story that we've been waiting for since the rumors and news broke was the return of Dawsey. Let me say that this episode wasn't a disappointment. Dawson returns to Chicago for a fundraiser but stops at Firehouse 51 to see Otis' memorial. After Casey and Truck 81's skyscraper rescue, Casey and Dawson have a moment to talk, but he gets invited to a charity event she's attending to get donors.

After thinking it over and asking advice from Brett, Casey went and had a ball dancing and learned that Dawson wanted to come to Chicago. As Casey and Dawson danced away, the two returned to her hotel and had a one-nighter. Just before she leaves, Dawson leaves a message for Casey, offering to come to help her out. It doesn't look like it's the end for Dawsey. That worries me.

Kidd shows off that she can handle the workload of driving Truck 81 and being at the academy. But it does have a toll, and it shows when Brett and Foster order her to go home to rest, and as she drives off, she hits a van with a mother and daughter inside. After learning that the mother and child are okay, Bowden sees the effects both jobs have on Kidd and tells her that he's going to help change that for her and the rest of the future trainers.

Severide opens up another arson case that proves a guilty man innocent that involves a company burning down their property for insurance.  After getting Casey's input on it, Severide and the team get the help of the SWAT and CPD detective to raid the suspect's whereabouts at an abandoned warehouse, where Severide finds the suspect in the basement. And we leave the episode with the suspect holding a firestick and Severide one-on-one in a dangerous basement.

"Best Friend Magic" delivered more than what I had expected. This episode was well written, with character growths packed with suspense and emotions. The Dawson and Casey might have been the episode's highlight, but I give Cruz's story the winner as it was powerfully well written, mainly at the end when Cruz sees that video of him and Otis. 

While the Casey-Dawson gave me chills and emotions, that moment when they danced took me to breathe away in more ways than one. And I think this won't be the last time we see Dawson. And the Kidd storyline was good and, I believe, an educated moment as well. And Severide is leaving with an intense cliffhanger. OMG!! Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch the winter premiere of Chicago Fire tonight at 9/8c on NBC.

Hope, Help and Compassion for All: Batwoman "Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part 2"

To find truth and courage will rely on two people. It's probably who and who not you're thinking. Here's a recap of Part Two!

Moments after Part 1, the team is greving from the lost of Oliver; Harbinger has gotten another version of Legend's Waverider and Mick from another Earth; for them to use and help. The Monitor tells the team that what he read in the "Book of Destney"; they must find the seven Paragons that could help get a win against the Anti-Monitor. While they got two of them, Sara the dysteny paragon and Kara the paragon of Hope. The other two rely on Superman and Batman.

As Clark, Lois and Iris search for Superman; they're challeneged by Lex Luther, who steals the book of Distney and tries to kill all the Supermens on each of the mulitverisons of Earth. While they stopped on Earth-167 where Smallville Clark Kent lives; Lois, Iris and Clark found the right Clark Kent in Earth-96, but as Lex gets to them he has both Supermen fighting each other. That is until Lois knocks Lex out and both her and Iris save Earth-96 Clark from killing our Clark.

Meanwhile, Kate and Kara go find Batman in Earth-99; but when they get there the Bruce that Kate knows is no longer familair as he's not only old but broken while wearing an exoskeloton suit. Kara  help Kate decide that Bruce is not the paragon of courage after learning that he had killed Superman of that plaent. Kate knocks Bruce out and electicutes him.

Later on as Ray Palmer and Clark Kent of Earht-96 introudce each other; Kate learns that the bat of the future is no  that turns out to be The Anti-Monitor, who is asking for her help.

Part 2 was a very good next chapter in this crossover event. The episode does live up to the hpe from the previous episode with strong character development and some very overwhelming at times, nostalgic.

Let me just say that I ate up every second of seeing Earth-96 and Earth-167 of Supermen. I love Smallville and very much think that Superman Returns is an underrated Superman movie that no one gives enough credit just like Man of Steel. And I ate up when Lex from Earth-38 meets with Clark of Erath -167 and realie that he has no powers and still wiped Lex's butt.

Anyway, Kevin Conroy playing Bruce Wayne was a television moment dream come true; as someone who's been the voice of Batman in the animated tv shows, movies and video games. This was very, very good.

The Kate and Kara story was so damn good and that I hope down the road there's gonna be a crossover between them. That needs to happen!! Hear me CW! Needs to happen!! Just like the comics and animated shows, I just love how these two can help each other when one of them are down. But I am worried about what Kate will do with that spare kryptonite she took from Bruce. Don't ruin something that's good now!!

As for the Barry/Mia/Sara storyline, what's the point of a death if they're trying to bring him back to life? Wouldn't that ruin the entire moment and momentum of this event?
Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Part 3 of the Crisis on Infinite Earths Tuesday on The Flash at 8/7c on The CW; and stay tune for the Aftershow.

Help! This Is Us "So Long, Marianne" Fall Finale

It's another Thanksgiving episode with the Pearsons, you know there will be a lot of cry time in this episode. Here's a recap!

It's Thanksgiving and as the Pearson family prepares for their holiday tradition; Deja and her mother reunited, but with how well Deja's mother has been with work and hanging out with friends it upsets Deja to the point that why couldn't she had been like that with her. But the upside she forgave and enjoyed her mother's presence.

Toby gets a truth bomb about baby Jack's first solid food (for which I have no clue why tell him) that didn't go so well. Even though that upset Toby, Kate was mainly upset about how Toby has changed since doing CrossFit classes. After talking to Beth about it, she was going to tell him how she feels; but instead wished him happy Thanksgiving and proceed on but reads a text message from what seems to be a lady in Toby's class. Uh Oh!
Randall takes Anne and Nicky on a road trip to the old house to get the Pearson Family Thanksgiving traditions and while getting it; there happens to be a collection of CDs. One of the music playings happens to be a song called "So Long, Marianne" that Nicky got emotional; because it brought memories back to when he and Jack celebrated Thanksgiving together. As they got back Nicky had Randall make a stop to get some stuff to make a shrimp plate; that is now added to the family tradition, which a grownup baby Jack displays for his family Thanksgiving.

Kevin helps with Tess' problem of how to come out in public. As they went for a Thanksgiving pre snack; they stopped at a fast food joint and he advises her to use the drive-thru intercom to come out and once she did it was all good that even she posted her celebrity crush; which got a ton of likes. Even after Nicky's speech, he tells Kevin that it's time for him to move back and if they needed each other that they would call. Kevin was thinking of living in a smaller environment.

I know that we all be worried about since the last episode is about Rebecca. While Randall tries to apologize to her for his concern. She decides to go out for a walk to see a movie, but as we see her go out it turns out to be a flashback to what's to come in the nine months. We see her lose her way around the town, forgot her phone, and couldn't find her credit card. She then ended up being dropped off at the cabin by police; where we see Kevin, Kate, and Miguel celebrating their 40th birthday, without Randall due to a fight.

But when we come back to the present time; we see Rebecca back at Randall's house with a bake good and tells him that when she went to see a movie she couldn't remember what movie she was seeing during a trailer for Cats. But she admits to him that she needs to see someone.

"So Long, Marianne" was such an emotionally powerful episode; that really plays to your heartstrings like all of the holiday episodes from this series. This one really hit hard with me due to the fact that I've seen how people are with either Alzheimer's and dementia due to seeing my mother take care of patients at nursing homes and me being a homecare aide that we have to learn the signs of these diseases. I think we're going to see Mandy Moore give some of the best performance this season and beyond because after the fall finale I thought she really played the character so well. Also, I thought that Griffin Dunne gives another strong performance as well. This episode was not only written well but had so much strong character development that it was done so well. Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

You can catch This Is Us returns on Tuesday, Jan. 14th at 9/8c on NBC.

Once Upon a Time: Life in Pieces "Four Short Fairy Tales"

From lying about a rat in the house to battling for partnership at a law firm, these are just some of the stories in this episode of Life In Pieces.
The first thing 
"Four Short Fairy Tales" is just what it is with the Short family characters dealing with life moments from a fairy tale perspective, and it works. Tim buying (for his efforts to stay healthy by buying a wired wig) gets the family pretending to like it but not. Jen deals with the work-life in a Cinderella style with evil co-workers, thinking that mommy life takes away from Jen's work life. After staying at work and finishing up paperwork, Jen enjoys the night with her boss and co-workers. The next day,y Jen's co-workers try to take credit for the work she did but prove that she did it because of the breast milk stain that was left on the paper.   

Joan deals with her family through a retirement party, but she gets saved by a rat in the house. After Oscar comes and receives the rat, Joan still uses the rat as an excuse for not having the retirement party. She tells Oscar about it and comes to terms with John, but when she sees a real rat across the room, John doesn't believe her.

Meanwhile, Matt and Greg tried to build a playhouse for their kids that their dad took down twice. After realizing that John didn't make his boys builders, he took the time to create the final and perfect playhouse out of bricks but also have its water source.

This episode was another hilarious one, with many great moments, from Tim's new hair and getting the only support from Colleen. Jen fighting for that partnership in the style of Cinderella was good and tied with Joan's crying rat in the house as the best story in the episode. And the father and sons of John, Greg, and Matt building a playhouse for the kids was perfect. Strong writing and good character development, mainly with Jen and Joan, I think. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Life In Pieces on Thursdays at 9:30/8:30 on CBS.

Redemption: A.P. Bio "Dr. Whoopise"

As Jack tries to redeem himself after an accident that went viral. Also, will Helen and the teacher find out who the sugar daddy is? Here's a recap!

When Jack does a test tape for TedTalk at the school; he doesn't actually make a home run out of it; as he becomes a viral video hit when he falls off the stage with an injury of smashing butt. The next day comes and Jack tries to find a way to redeem himself; to be a hero instead of a joke. The students come up with a scenario of that of Baby Jessica and use Victor as Baby Jessica in a manhole. But when the plan goes sideways, Jack and the students try to find Victor.

As the students try to find Victor they somehow ran into what they call the "Rat King" and ran back out of the manhole. Jack finds Victor, who's been going through somethings and tells Jack that his parents are getting a divorce. As things patch things up, Jack and Victor get out of the manhole but as the ambulance and fire department come Jack falls back and lands on his back.

Helen and the teachers are on the lookout as the sugar daddy is back littering at the school of candy wrappers. The teachers didn't come close but Helen sure did as she spots Ralph dropping a candy wrapper and walking away. She confronts him and gets him to spill the beans and runs out to face the cops that turn out to be the ambulance and fire department who came for Jack's rescue.

Jack gets what is his redemption when Victor and Heather speak out on Jack's behalf with the TV reporter; becomes happy and replays the YouTube clip again and again.

"Dr. Whoopise" was a fine episode that had its good moments and some weird ones. The Jack story was good and the scenes with him and Victor were heartwarming and even funny at times. But the one that one me over was Helen finding out that Ralph was the sugar daddy; confronts him in one of the best scenes of the season so far. I didn't quite like the three teachers hunting down like it was somewhat of a wacky Law & Order spinoff even as they question Dale. Yikes. Overall, I give this episode a 7.5/10.

You can catch A.P. Bio Thursdays at 8:30/7:30c on NBC.

Rivals: Brooklyn Nine-Nine "The Golden Child"

As one is jealous to reunite with her brother, another is jealous for not getting the undercover role. Here's a recap!

Brooklyn Nine-Nine "The Golden Child" Episode Preview

Here's a preview of this week's episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine titled, "The Golden Child.'

"The Golden Child"

Jake helps Amy navigate the complicated relationship she had with her brother, David. While Charles introduces some drama into an undercover mission involving Terry and Holt.

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Promo:

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

What If: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt "Sliding Van Doors"

This episode asked the question, "What if this had happened?" Here's a recap!

"Sliding Van Doors" was one of the best and most special episodes as the ninth episode of season four. It asked that simple question: what if this had happened? Would things be different? It would be so, but it all comes back in the end. When Kimmy and Titus thought that they could have met each other in Indiana if Kimmy hadn't gotten in that van.

If Kimmy hadn't gotten in that van, Kimmy and Titus would have met at a movie theater and moved on their way. Kimmy goes to college but gets hit and lands in a coma until she wakes up and becomes a famous local reporter who lost her husband to their maid. She flies to New York City, and when she gets there, it doesn't turn out how she had hoped until she reunites with Titus.

After meeting with Kimmy, Titus gets to New York City but misses the audition and does the unthinkable thing: joining Scientology and becoming Tom Crusie's stunt double in his movies. He soon gets the role of a lifetime and keeps his perfect image during press screening until his fiance dumps him and has to find someone else. He finds Kimmy, and becomes partners for life until a murderer comes in to kill them.

Meanwhile, Jacquline turns upside down when she tries to find a wealthy billionaire who turns out to be Mike, the construction worker. They have five children and try to find that big break until they enter the witness protection program. Lillian, looking for a renter, turns out to be a gang leader just like that and decides to kick Jacquline and her family out to do her business.

It's such a great episode with solid character development and writing. The performance of the cast was outstanding. I couldn't get enough of this episode from start to finish. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, available now on Netflix.

The Blacklist "Marko Jankowics"/"Minister D" Episode Preview

Here's a preview of the upcoming two-hour episode event of The Blacklist airing Friday, Feb. 22.

"Marko Jankowics"

When Liz and Jennifer search for a woman who may know a secret about Red's past, they find themselves in the cross-hairs of a ruthless smuggler, forcing Liz to ask an unexpected source for help. Meanwhile, Red mediates between two rival gangs in prison.

"Minister D"

While Red fights in court to clear his name of treason once and for all, Liz and the Task Force investigates a Blacklister who has a reputation for leveraging dark secrets.

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Promo:

I can't wait for this Friday's episode event! I wonder if Dembe will tell Red what Liz had told him at the end of the previous episode.


You can catch the two-hour episode event of The Blacklist on Friday, Feb. 22  at 8/7c on NBC

Couple's Retreat: Fresh Off the Boat "Just the Two of Us"

The first new episode of the new year, Jessica and Louis take a trip that more of working instead of relaxing. Here's a recap!

When Jessica, Louis, and the kids try to win a radio contest, Louis got to be the 88th caller to win. But what they won was a choice between a trip or computer software. Jessica decides the trip that apparently is a couple's retreat to fix relationships.

While there Jessica and Louis meet with Guru Sheela, who uses exercises to help couples on their relationships. Instead of seeing exercises, Jessica sees it as a competition against the other couples but failed each exercise and later realizes that it's Louis'attitude. Soon Jessica comes to terms to agree to some of Louis' ideas in their marriage.

Meanwhile, Eddie isn't too pleased with the driving arrangements as grandma is his license passenger but don't like his style of music. But when he ease the music on her, she not only becomes a fan of Will Smith but knows what Eddie is up too and pulls a fast one by not riding with him to his little birthday party. The two saw eye to eye and comes to terms.

"Just The Two Of Us" was a nice and solid episode that had good moments. The Jessica and Louis retreat storyline was good, but it could easily be best by Eddie and grandma's storyline with the Will Smith references and using the phrase, "Just the two of us" when calling their time in the car. But it was Emery and Evan that pretty much stole the episode with their commentary.

Overall, I give this episode 8/10.

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

Moving Up: Superstore "Managers' Conference"/"Shadowing Glenn" Fall Finale

"Managers' Conference" 

When Glenn gives up two tickets to a Cloud 9 managing conference, Amy and Jonah take it after learning it's an all-paid trip with the works. As they get there, it is his to get in, but Jeff gets them in by sneaking them in with other IDs. As they try to leave, Amy learns that the managers get free stuff and take advantage of it.

Jonah tells Amy that she should go for a manager position, and after meeting a couple of managers who don't think their workers should get high wages. After that, ma, maybe she should go for a managing position.

Garrett and Dina fight over who can wrap gifts for their customers best. As soon as they had the perfect wrapping on a blessing, they were done.

Glenn asked Mateo for his social security number,r as it showed in the records that it belonged to someone else. This worried Mateo that this could be the last we see him. But when Glenn asked again, Mateo gave him another set of numbers, and when Glenn checked it out, it was right.

"Managers' Conference" was a hilarious episode that felt like a fall finale. This episode should have ended up being the fall finale with the Christmas moment of Glenn helping Mateo. From Garrett and Dina to Mateo and Cheyenne, I couldn't get enough of watching these rich and well-developed characters play to each other. Good writing and performance make the frecareeres as good as they would be in an episode of Superstore. Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.

"Shadowing Glenn" Fall Finale

In the fall finale, Amy decides to go for managing training and asks Glenn for approval. But he decides to train her in the comedy version of Karate Kid. He teaches her what he knows, but Amy doesn't think she needs to know all this since she thinks she knows what to do.

That was until Amy made a mistake with one of the orders and tried to get the shippers to ship them back. But Glenn comes and saves the day and gets the other orders returned.

Cheyenne and Mateo decide to go into the business together and come up with a funny name, Cheateo. It may or may not work. But I would think it would be fun.

Meanwhile, Dina is looking for a new career and gets Jonah to help after he was the one who called out while Amy watched Glenn's managing video. After turning down almost every job, there might be one that she would be good at.

"Shadowing Glenn" was a well-written, well-performed episode. The cast puts on a tremendous performance. Amy and Glenn's storyline gives that Karate Kid at work feel to it. Lauren Ash's performance was terrific, And even Cheyenne and Mateo's storyline could beat its best this season with them working together to run their own business. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Superstore when they return in March next year and catch up with episodes on NBC.com and the NBC app.

Chasing Your Heart: Chicago Fire "Always a Catch" Fall Finale

The fall finale of Chicago Fire is not only a hyperdrive of drama, but it also gives us the biggest cliffhanger of the other Chicago shows. Here's a recap!

The episode started as usual: he laughed, and even Bodens showed his love for Tuesday the dog. That was until Cruz was on the phone with Chloe, who was about to get donuts for the crew, until she got into an accident on the highway. When 51 gets there, it's one of the most significant pileup accidents probably since Chicago Med season two's "Cold Front" episode.

Getting there, the only thing that Cruz could do was search for Chloe. Moving down from vehicle to vehicle, he finally sees her badly hurt. After the team gets her out and into the Med chopper, Cruz and the team get to Med as fast as they can, and the only thing they can do is wait. At Med, Cruz informs Chloe's parents about her condition and plays the waiting game. Fast-forwarding: Chloe wakes up and kisses Cruz, but Cruz learns from Chloe's mother that he's been the best thing for her for a long time.

Severide and Kidd's relationship could be in trouble even before they could put a year on it. Kidd learns from Tyler that Severide has been jealous of having him around her. She confronts Severide about it and responds that he's not, but she has known Severide for a long time, and he has a history of jealousy. But this time, he's not looking out for her, as it's Tyler trying to win Kidd back for him. The episode leaves Severide eating pizza while Kidd hangs out with Tyler at the bar.

After a heroic call and switching vehicles to get a child to Med, Foster meets with a familiar face. Foster gets an opportunity to go back and become a doctor, but after talking with Boden, she decides to stay as a paramedic because she believes that's what she should do. Cheers to that!

After seeing Cruz's relationship with Chloe, Brett decides to go for it with Kyle and asks him for dinner. When she asked him, his response was yes.

Casey and Namoi take their relationship to a new level. After interviewing the company's family accused of those trailer home fires. After getting threatened, Namoi makes a counterpoint threat and leaves with Casey excitedly. Later, Casey moves their relationship to the next level. After they fall asleep, Casey wakes up and sees a fire in the apartment that seems to come from the scene from the Super Bowl episode of This Is Us. But it leaves us with a cliffhanger to hang on to til January.

"Always a Catch" was an exciting, character development-driven episode. It felt like a movie-sized hour episode that held nothing back for viewers to see good and bad things. The pileup scene gave me chills from the crossover event early this season. I feel that this will be the end for Kidd and Severide. I think Kidd will realize that Tyler has been messing with them. But I also believe if she doesn't know it, Severide will do something. The happy moments go to Brett, Cruz, Chloe, and Foster. Not to mention Boden and Tuesday. As much as I would love to slap Casey for taking his relationship to a new level so quickly. I'm slightly okay with it. But leaving them in that situation of trapped fire, will one of them live? I can't wait for January.

Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch Chicago Fire when they return on Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 9/8c on NBC.