WILL Episode 9

Episode 9 of WILL shows that Richard Burbage has survived the quarantine, but his friend who had contracted the illness did not survive.  Will still wants Richard Burbage to star in his new play, designed to take down Richard Topcliffe, but Richard Burbage is not yet emotionally ready.

 

Alice Burbage decides that she wants to be baptized.  Her words and actions continue to escalate in virtue and decency.  This is a fantastic depiction of the transformative power of God’s grace.  The positive change in Alice Burbage, now that she has given her heart to God, is evident and inspirational, especially when compared to who she was in some of the earlier episodes.  Her courage and confidence have greatly increased.  Her intuition and intelligence have also grown sharper, as she gives Will useful advice for his play, advice that does not involve theft, as her previous advice had.

 

Richard Topcliffe continues to torture Catholics.  By threatening to torture one man’s son, however, that man gives up the location of Robert Southwell.  A raid soon occurs, while Alice Burbage and Christopher Marlowe are present.  Alice Burbage tries to save Robert Southwell’s book that was designed for Queen Elizabeth 1 to read in hopes it will help inspire her to declare peace between Catholics and Protestants.  In Alice’s attempt, she is captured by Richard Topcliffe, partially due to Robert Southwell needing to close off a door to an escape route, to protect the remainder of the flock, a move that Christopher Marlowe does not agree with. 

 

Robert Southwell’s character is coming under question by Will, and now by Christopher Marlowe, but Alice still keeps her trust in him and his greater cause.  Different people can hold different valid opinions as to whether they agree with Robert Southwell’s continuous willingness to sacrifice the safety and lives of others, while maintaining his own safety, connected to the greater good of his message getting to Queen Elizabeth and leading to peace.  It is a fascinating ethical dilemma, applicable to the degree of sacrifices in any war.  Do some people’s ranks among the troops in a war make their lives less disposable than those of the heroes who rank below them, from the perspective of achieving the greater good?  This judgment is ultimately in God’s Hands, yet it becomes a judgment that military leaders are often forced to make. 

 

While Alice is in captivity, Christopher Marlowe attempts to plead her case before Richard Topcliffe.  This does not work, although, it does spare her some degree of torture.  Robert Southwell’s book ends up in Richard Topcliffe’s hands, but rather than inspiring him in the direction of peace, the hatred in his heart is so strong, that he chooses instead to burn the book.

 

Christopher Marlowe informs Will about Alice’s capture.  Will immediately begins his journey to Richard Topcliffe.  Richard Topcliffe meanwhile hits Alice Burbage.  Showing incredible valor and strength, moved by grace, Alice forgives him, and verbalizes that to him.  He responds by trying to choke her, which is where this episode ends, a true cliffhanger.

 

Will Will arrive in time to prevent Alice from being choked to death?  If Will arrives, in time, what will be his strategy?  Will he immediately attack Richard Topcliffe, or will he try to negotiate with him?  Richard Topcliffe is still under the impression that Will is on his side.  Will Will use that fact to his advantage?   Find out in the season finale, next Monday, Labor Day, September 4, on TNT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRINCESS CUT

It is wonderful to see a movie that conveys a truly great romantic love story, one that honors God, the Author of love.  We see a romance centered on trust in His guidance and direction, exemplifying His values.  We see a highly likeable courtship that requires patience, chastity, modesty, honor, respect, trust, and strong family values, virtues all rooted in Christianity, attainable by the grace of God, provided through the Holy Spirit.

 

The culture depicted in PRINCESS CUT is both spiritual and regional, the refreshing brand of Christianity that we have previously caught glimpses of in the writings of Josh Harris, the music and lifestyle of Barlowgirl, the “wait for me” convictions of Rebecca St. James, and the love story between Joel Smallbone of For King & Country and his wife, Moriah Peters.  While the level of purity exonerated in this culture may seem foreign, even among devout Christians in certain regions of America, the beauty of the relationships it yields is impossible to earnestly dispute.  Young singles interacting and connecting with each other, in the way this movie glamorizes is inspirational, encouraging, and illustrative of the highest level of decency upon which singles can manifest their sexuality.  Single hearts that desire true romance will yearn for the genuine beauty of the relationship depicted in this movie.

 

The central protagonist, Grace, is played by an amazingly talented actress named Ashley Bratcher, whose Carolina accent and wholesome smile make her perfect for this role of a Carolina girl who radiates chastity.  Grace is always modestly dressed, and conducts herself in a ladylike manner.  Her Christian faith is at the center of her life, and she lets her light shine.  She seeks someone to love, someone who is marriage oriented, shares her love for God, and who will cherish her virtues. 

 

Rusty Martin, Sr. gives a powerful performance as Jim, Grace’s father, a devout Christian who shows love towards Grace, towards his wife, and towards his two sons.  He is faced with the challenge of genuinely wanting to see his daughter fall in love, yet an all too realistic awareness that there are few genuinely decent men out there who would truly treat her with the degree of respect and human dignity, fitting for a child of God.  Jim wisely advises Grace to trust in God’s timing for the right person to come around, while working on becoming all who she is meant to be, in Christ, in the meantime.  Jim considers it to be his sacred duty to protect his daughter’s chastity, while Grace shows loving trust and respect in her father’s good judgment on the matter.  This father/daughter dynamic may seem old fashioned to some, and completely foreign to others, but daughters who love and respect the fathers who love and cherish them become wives whose husbands are beyond grateful for the way his wife’s parents raised her.

 

Grace becomes a relatable character to all older siblings, who sometimes displace our anger onto our younger siblings, and say something hurtful that we deeply regret, the moment the words leave our mouths.   Grace has two younger brothers, and although loving towards them, has a brief moment in which she speaks very unkindly to the youngest brother, mad at something he did by accident.   Talented young actor Evan Brinkman plays Drew, the younger brother whose temporary emotional pain created by his sister’s harsh words is clearly radiated in his countenance.  The movie’s tone magnificently makes the viewer simultaneously feel for both Grace and Drew, at that moment, and sends a joyful sense of relief to the viewers, at the moment Grace and Drew reconcile, both being highly likeable characters, throughout the movie.

 

By God’s grace, Paul Munger, the writer, producer, and director has truly created an amazing movie with an excellent cast that also includes stellar performances from Joseph Gray, Jenn Gotzon, Cory Assink, and Kate MacCallum whose roles I will not go into detail about, in that I do not want to create any spoilers for this movie, available on Pureflix and DVD, that I highly recommend for all audiences of all ages, without exception.  For young single men and women in particular, this movie, by God’s grace, has the power to help put you on the path you are meant to be on, to lead you to the person who you are meant to be with.  It is definitely worth your time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

WILL Episode 8

“Some fight with the sword.  You fight with the pen.  We must all be the hero we were born to be,” is advice that Will receives, in Episode 8 of WILL, advice that we should all take, as all are called to use our blessings to make the world a better place.  While we may be in different places, and different times, we are all called to trust God’s grace to transform us into the best versions of ourselves, most magnifying our own unique gifts that are meant to be abundantly shared with the world.

 

Will decides that he is going to write a play for Richard Topcliffe, but that it is going to be a play that exposes Richard Topcliffe for the vile man that he is.  Will deceives Richard Topcliffe into giving him an interview, one that gives Will more insight into the mind of that terrible person.

 

Alice Burbage becomes a far more likeable character, after she has severed ties with Will.  She stands up for herself, rejecting Will, and by grace, takes a stand for God, under the positive influence of Robert Southwell.  Will confronts Robert Southwell, accusing him of letting other people become martyrs for Southwell’s cause, suggesting that Southwell is really crossing a line by risking Alice Burbage’s safety.  Robert Southwell’s response is on a higher spiritual level, explaining that Alice’s biggest danger was losing her soul, and now she is safer than ever.    It is fascinating that Will’s deficiency of faith puts him constantly on the offensive, against Robert Southwell, a rather common attitude that many, but not all lapsed (fallen-away) Catholics tend to take towards the devout, perhaps to attempt to justify to themselves, their poor decision to walk away from God.

 

The inner turmoil of those who have turned their back on God only grows worse and worse, the more they deny their need for Him.  Christopher Marlowe continues his dangerous decent into darkness, to the point where he believed he was irreparably damned, an attitude held only by those who are unaware of the bountiful mercy of the all-loving God, unaware that the love of Christ is more powerful than all our sins.  Marlowe hits rock bottom, but finds that life as a Satanist is empty and unfulfilling.  He finally realizes that he needs God. Marlowe approaches Will, indicating to Will, that he saw God’s presence in Will’s works, and wants to meet Robert Southwell, to meet God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession.)  With Presto’s influence, Will agrees to help Marlowe.

 

Will presents his idea about the politically charged play to Richard Burbage who initially likes the play, until Will explains that it is an attack against the most dangerous man in England, Richard Topcliffe.  Richard Burbage rejects the idea, but Will continues to try to persuade him, asking Richard Burbage about what he believes in.  Richard Burbage, to his credit, is honest in naming “women,” as the top thing on his list, which is consistent with how he has behaved throughout the series.    Unlike Will, at least Richard Burbage is aware of who or what he worships.  When Richard Burbage’s friend contracts the plague, and needs to go to the place of quarantine, a place that often leads to death, Richard Burbage decides to join his friend, much to the horror of both Will and Alice, who potentially may reunite over their shared pain, for more than just that moment.

 

Will Will and Alice get back together?  Will Christopher Marlowe truly accept God’s grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness?  Will Will’s play about Richard Topcliffe go on?  Will Richard Burbage avoid contracting the plague, and therefore survive the quarantine?  I hope so, as Mattias Inwood has been wonderful in that role, and I would like to see him continue in the final two episodes of the season.  The answers may be found next Monday, August 28, on TNT, in Episode 9, which I believe will also be worth your time.   

CAGED NO MORE

CAGED NO MORE is a movie designed both to raise awareness of the prevalence of human trafficking, and to motivate action to help us all work together to put a stop to this modern day slavery that still exits both in America, and globally. 

 

The excellent writing, directing, casting, and acting communicate the message in a way that truly touches the minds and hearts of the viewers.  Unlike some other movies that tackle human trafficking, there are no on-screen rape scenes, and the actresses are never scantily clad or otherwise objectified.  This conservative approach to the topic actually enhances the reality of the situation, in that male viewers can more clearly see these women as having the human dignity and inherent worth as people who are loved by God.  This is a huge difference from the counterproductive method of some other human trafficking movies that in an earnest attempt to convey reality have instead provoked male viewers to perceive the actresses the exact way the traffickers do, as objects to be lusted after, rather than as the precious human beings who they truly are. 

 

Cassidy Gifford, who phenomenally portrays trafficking victim Skye, is able to communicate the terror of Skye’s experience through facial expressions that believably convey fear and trauma.   When, in her brothel room, Skye is approached by a well-intentioned young man who speaks to her in Greek, a language she doesn’t understand, her instinct is to assume he is there to rape her, so she cries, and remains unreceptive to his attempt to communicate with her.  As a viewer, your heart breaks for her, realizing that she has been so emotionally wounded that even a kind vocal tone does not dissuade her from assuming the worst, as she appears to have lost hope.

 

Actress/singer Abigail Duhon also brilliantly conveys her character’s emotions through facial expressions and vocal tones, as she portrays Skye’s younger sister, Elle, who is being groomed for trafficking, yet suspects that something is not quite right about the “modeling contest,” she has been told she is preparing for.  Abigail Duhon’s strong acting brings Elle’s pure and innocent personality to life in a convincing way that sends a strong and heart-wrenching message about just who these trafficking victims really are, how they can be our friends and relatives, human beings with dreams, desires, and goals for excellence in life, before they were targeted for such cruel inhumanity. 

 

Kevin Sorbo, who is double cast as two brothers, thrives in both roles.  He portrays Richard, the "good" brother who is an American philanthropist, and Jack, the villainous brother, who has individually brought both his daughters (Skye and Elle) to Greece, in hopes of selling them into human trafficking.  Sorbo plays both roles in such a strong way that these two brothers are always distinctly different, yet both remain believable at all times.

 

Alan Powell plays the role of Will, who is Richard’s son, who spearheads the quest to rescue Skye and Elle, his younger cousins who he never met, due to the estrangement between his father and their father.   Will is an extremely likeable character, played so well, and with such a brave and noble intent that the viewing audience can’t help but want to see him succeed in his potentially self-sacrificial mission.

 

Other stand-out performances come from Loretta Devine as Aggie and Debra Wilson as Leona.  Aggie is the movie’s most overtly devout Christian, constantly praying and placing her trust in the Lord, even during the most difficult times.   She was the primary caregiver for Skye and Elle, before they were taken to Greece by their father.  Her courage and determination are highly admirable.   Leona is Aggie’s niece who is far more straight-laced than Aggie, sometimes shocked by Aggie’s direct, risky, yet always well-intentioned behavior.  I hope to see Loretta Devine and Debra Wilson together again in future movies, because their screen chemistry is first-rate.  As a fan of the 1980s sitcom, Gimme A Break, I found the dynamics between Loretta Devine and Debra Wilson to be reminiscent of those between Nell Carter and Thelma Hopkins, to the point where I felt as if I was watching new material from my all-time favorite female comedy duo.

 

This movie gives publicity to organizations that are actively engaged in fighting against human trafficking domestically and globally, and how we can become involved in this battle against this grave evil that targets our daughters, sisters, cousins, friends, students, and other fellow human beings who share equality of human dignity with us all. 

 

I highly recommend CAGED NO MORE, even for younger teen audiences, provided they are watching with parental supervision.  The movie is currently streaming on Pureflix, and available in other formats, as well.  Please also visit the movie’s website at http://www.cagednomoremovie.com/ to find resources to help get involved in this epic fight against modern day slavery, a fight that can be won, by God’s grace, as we let His light shine through us.

 

 

 

WILL Episode 7

Episode 7 of WILL brings a fire to the theater, a fire later found out, by Will, to be set by Presto.  This further jeopardizes the livelihood of the Burbage Family, as James is slated to be arrested, due to debt that he can not pay back. 

 

Will makes it his goal to write a new play and find a benefactor to help save the theater.  He finds a man who is willing to bail James Burbage out of debt, and save the theater, if and only if the play can convince the woman of the benefactor’s fancy to marry him.  Will gets to work on writing, and creates what is essentially A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 

 

Richard Burbage is cast as the “King of the Fairies” who is essentially Puck.  The woman of the benefactor’s fancy attempts to seduce Richard, backstage, but Richard refuses, placing his family’s well-being ahead of a cheap thrill.  Richard encourages the woman towards the benefactor, using a line that we later find out is from the play.

 

Richard Topcliffe survived Presto’s knife attack, but appears wounded and weaker than before.  He continues with his persecution of Catholics.

 

Alice Burbage expresses her hatred for Will, to Will.  Robert Southwell attempts to witness to Alice, explaining that Christ’s love is trustworthy and will never leave her.  Robert Southwell is excellent at imitating Christ’s love towards the woman caught in adultery.  He does not condone the sin, but witnesses to a love that is stronger than the sin.  Alice watches an infant baptism, but a raid occurs, in which two Catholics are taken away by Topcliffe’s minions. Robert Southwell, trusting in God’s ultimate goodness, the resurrection of the just, and the noble necessity of his cause accepts that the martyrdom of the two captives will lead to their ultimate peace in Heaven, surrounded by the glory of God. 

 

Presto sees Richard Topcliffe in public and plans to stab him to death, but Will catches Presto and advises him not to, on the grounds that such a public action would surely result in Presto’s death, and would not be an effective form of vengeance.  Will, however, promises Presto that Will will help him find a more appropriate form of vengeance against Richard Topcliffe.

 

Christopher Marlowe, who meanwhile has been getting more and more lost through the past several episodes attempts to have Satan invoked.  After finding the attempt to be a hoax, he decides that he wants there to be a new play featuring the devil on stage.

 

Will’s play ends with the benefactor’s proposal to the woman, and her acceptance.  James Burbage receives the money needed to pay off his debts and keep the theater functioning.  James is furthermore excited about this new play and the potential money that it can bring in, moving forward.

 

What will Will’s vengeance that he "owes" Presto against Richard Topcliffe constitute?  Will Robert Southwell convince Alice Burbage to convert to the Catholic Church?  Will A Midsummer Night’s Dream (variation) be a success?   What will Christopher Marlowe’s play be like?  The next episode is scheduled for Monday, August 21 on TNT.  I predict that just like the first 7 episodes, Episode 8 will be worth your time!

 

 

 

 

 

WILL Episode 6

In Episode 6 of WILL, Richard Topcliffe continues with his torture of a Catholic man, who refuses to renounce his Faith, as he recites from the Apostle’s Creed.  It does not seem that Topcliffe’s victims are well versed in the specific Bible based apologetics used to show the authority of the Catholic Church, under the Pope, as none of Topcliffe’s victims have attempted any Scriptural appeal, such as showing the Church’s authority through 1 Timothy 3:15 or 1 John 4:6. They don’t attempt to show the Pope’s authority through Matthew 16:17-19, further clarified by the “Feed my sheep” commands given to Peter in chapter 21 of John, through the lens of Mark 9:35, confirmed by the universal acceptance of Peter’s words, shown in Acts 15:6-12, words that by divine authority supersede the Old Covenant command found in Genesis 17:14.

 

With Alice’s convincing, Will and Alice commit adultery together, again.  The man who Alice’s parents tried to get her to marry senses Alice’s lack of love for him, and ends up breaking off the engagement, much to the horror of Alice’s mother who proceeds to tell Will that if he truly loves Alice, he must break her heart and stop leading her on, since he is a married man.  Will proceeds to do what Alice’s mother said, and is particularly hurtful and nasty about it, being a complete jerk to Alice, going far beyond what Alice’s mother asked Will to do, Will perhaps felt it was necessary to go to that extreme.  He was so cruel to her, though, that it was almost as difficult to watch as the Richard Topcliffe torture scenes.

 

Will meanwhile proceeds to start writing the play that Richard Topcliffe has asked him to write.  In that play, Will personally attacks Robert Southwell with outright lies.  Robert Southwell, however, remains humble and forgiving, hoping and praying that Will comes back to the Faith.  Robert Southwell also attempts to comfort Alice, when it is clear that Will has wronged her.  While Will remains the central protagonist, Robert Southwell remains the noblest character on the show.

 

Things get rough for the prostitute Apelina and her brother Presto.  Apelina’s madam puts Presto in a dress, Presto initially under the impression it would be an effective disguise to rob people.  When Apelina informs Presto that the actual intent was to pass him off as a girl to be prostituted off to men interested in sodomizing a little girl, Presto runs off.  The madam informs Apelina that if Presto does not return, Apelina will be killed.  Presto returns, is made up to look like a girl, and then discovers that his first client is Richard Topcliffe.  Presto proceeds to stab Richard Topcliffe, run off, and tell Apelina to run, too.  In the attempted escape, Apelina gets shot, and dies. 

 

Will’s wife, Anne, who previously did not support Will’s dream of becoming a stellar playwright, gets to see one of Will’s plays successfully performed.  She is moved to tears, tears that she later explains are a result of accepting the harsh reality that Will would always view his marriage as secondary to his career dream as a playwright.  She realizes that London is not the place for her and the children.  With great sadness, while she remains married to him, she releases him to pursue his dream, without interfering, asking merely for him to send money back to her and the children.  This is indeed a sad moment, brilliantly performed by actress Deirdre Mullins who projects Anne Shakespeare’s pain out to the viewing audience in such a way that our hearts break for her.

 

Will Richard Topcliffe survive the stab wound?  Will Will finish Richard Topcliffe’s play that betrays Will’s cousin, his family, his Faith, and his God?   Will Will get back together with Alice, now that Will’s wife is out of town?  Will Alice even take him back after the inexcusably cruel way he spoke to her?  Find out next Monday, August 14 on TNT.  I predict it will be worth your time, like this week’s episode.