Happy New Year!!
So we’re back with the second installment of 2023 Wrapped, and as you already know, we’re not doing any ranking. We’ve got enough on our plate; cracking our brains over who should be 1st, 2nd or 3rd is not welcome. Anyways, let’s get into it!
MISS ACOLATSE
A gripping tale of a young girl who gets pregnant from a one night stand, this has two sides to it. The first season dwells on her mistake and its consequences, and I must say, her parents do not cover themselves in glory at all. Yes, everyone will understand your displeasure at her getting pregnant, but overreacting to her statement and disowning her on the spot? That’s way too much. Way too much.
As for Drill… yeah, he’s those types. The type who will happily get what he wants and will turn his back on you once he’s done. What he did to Akushika once she got pregnant was repulsive, yet not too surprising. These cowards will always resort to those pathetic tactics. As for Akushika… well, thank God for that angel with granite palms, because her story could well have gone from bad to worse. As for her friends, especially Celina… smh. Talk about not having real ones in your corner.
The second season, though? Such an uplifter. After getting saved from possible sexual abuse, Akushika finds herself in a very welcoming family, and boy, aren’t we happy for her? From the pleasant Sir Remmy to the motherly, lovable Maa Dru to Raymond and the young couple Jonny and Bukky, she’s surrounded by awesome people. Granted, there are flaws, as we see with Jonny’s selfish attitude towards his girl, but that’s rectified, and we couldn’t be happier for Akushika. She made a bad choice, but Sir Remmy, Maa Dru and the others showed her all the love and support she needs. It’s wonderful to witness, and a beautifully written season.
But then, that plot twist at the end raises so many questions. What the hell is Drill doing there? And why is he suddenly now claiming the child (in that most insulting style)? What in the world is going on? That third season better give us a good resolution to this tale…
WHAT’S YOUR PRICE?
Ah, yes. When corruption is called out. You’ll always have someone ready to gag the lips that speak truth to power.
Reverend David is a fierce critic of the evil going on in government, and he fulfills his God-given duty faithfully. Off the pulpit, though, he’s a loving husband and father who loves to spend quality time with his family. His bond with his wife in particular is a delight to watch. This makes it so easy to root for him, seeing all these sides to him.
And then there’s Roger. That politician who happily shows off his wealth and doesn’t care about the suffering of others. He’s got some nerve trying to bribe the man of God, that’s for sure. The fact that it almost works, though, is scary. With certain issues popping up, you just know the devil was working overtime to make him slip. And he nearly did.
Until ‘The Labyrinth’ came up, which has to be one of the greatest episodes of all time on the State. Walking through that nightmare with David is one frightening experience. And we can be thankful for not just for how awesome it was, but for the fact that it brought our man back to his senses. That money would have destroyed him for real.
As far as that dismissal in the finale goes, you just know it’s setting the stage for a pretty fiery second season…
YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO
A church where God alone is exalted, and the men of God are properly appreciated. That’s what it’s supposed to be.
Unfortunately, there are many churches where the opposite happens, and we see how that pans out in this story. Dear Sylvester (or let’s stick to Sly) finds himself in a youth church where the founder is more exalted than the God who called him. What an error!
The kind of things they’re taught will have you slapping your face in frustration. I mean, how the hell do you tell young believers that they need their vision in life to be revealed to them through their pastor? Did the Holy Spirit pass away without us knowing or something?
And of course, the whole ‘marry from your church’ belief. Another crazy doctrine they tried to enforce as the gospel truth. The fact that one of the pastors was actually breaking that rule and Reverend Randy had no problems with it, while they punished one guy for dating a girl in another branch of the same church is nothing short of infuriating. The utter hypocrisy!
Eventually, after enduring enough stress, gaining wisdom from Elder Tackie, and that dream, Sly got out of the church, and good for him. The only downside was how his friend, Benjamin, stopped going to church altogether. Honestly, church hurt can run deeper than you think.
Oh yeah, and it was good he never actually tried to date Jubilee. Considering how she was sold out to every bit of madness in that youth church, that relationship would never have lasted. The fact that she blocked him for leaving is proof enough of that…
FAR FROM HOME
A beautiful retelling of the famous parable of the prodigal son in a more modern setting.
From the onset, it’s clear that young Leonard doesn’t know what he’s about. He wants freedom just so he can do what he wants to do. And wisdom is nothing but an irritant to his ear; he must have his way at all cost. You can’t blame Lennart for his reactions too much, it’s clear his brother is immature and highly misguided in his thinking. But well, he leaves nonetheless.
And boy, does he waste his life! Just engaging his every single flimsy desire. And he has friends (using that term very loosely, because we all know they’re not) and concubines to help him do that. Is it any surprise that when he loses everything, they turn their backs on him? Not in the slightest. If you’re expecting loyalty from a silly girl who calls you at 6:30 am to demand money for skincare items… your intelligence is on par with Marv from Home Alone (in case you don’t remember, he’s the taller thief).
But it’s the ending that shines. Leonard comes to his senses and returns home, and as we see throughout, Johannes has not forgotten his son, despite what Lennart thinks. And Johannes’ love for his son is so apparent and so reflective of the love of God the Father. And the conversation between him and Lennart is powerful. His reminder that Leonard’s foolishness doesn’t erase his sonship is memorable, as well as his indication that welcoming Leonard back doesn’t mean he endorses his actions. It’s a beautiful reminder of the real Father’s love towards us, and how He does not cast away those who return to Him.
GUILT. GRIEF. GOD.
This is a lovely little reminder that God can turn an undeserving nobody in the pits into a somebody whot sits with kings. He’s still in the ‘road to Damascus’ business, and this story is one of them. Of course, that means there’s a lot of drama involved.
From the start, Mawuli’s birth is quite the peculiar one. Ten thousand old cedis and a bar of soap? In other words, one Ghana cedi and a bar of soap? Sigh, Little Daavi placed zero value on her cookie. And the relationship between her and her parents really went downward after what they did to little Mawuli. Unfortunate, that.
This story also reminds you how friends can influence the trajectory of your life. Things were fine with Mawuli until Castro and Emma showed up. Without them, he certainly wouldn’t find himself involved in crime. Unfortunately, he did.
In case you were thinking the guilt and grief comes from him regretting his past actions, you get an unpleasant revelation soon after: it’s because of his mother’s death as a result of her trying to help her son. Man, the mental torment he went through after that was insane!
But God came in at the right time, and he received the redemption he needed so bad. Thankfully too, the pastor kept an eye on him, and eventually brought him into the ministry.
Amazing Grace couldn’t have been a better way to end that story.
CORAM
Sowutuom Circuit Court has quite some goings on there, as far as their workers are concerned. From annoying neighbours to wedding matters.
For Natalie, you really cannot understand her pattern of thinking concerning having a big wedding. ‘Covered in glory’?? Isn’t the fact that Naphtali is making you his wife enough covering with glory? Her reasoning was infuriating, to say the least. Daniel Dolphyne’s little cameo came with quite a headache, didn’t it? In the end, you can’t blame Naphtali for calling the wedding off; he was bound to get frustrated.
I feel for Elias. Having to deal with a horny couple unleashing their passions on each other is tough to deal with. But when they’re also toxic and yelling at each other every other day? Ugh, horrendous. That Felix boy is one incredibly idiotic fool, if we’re being honest. Talking about he doesn’t know where the pictures of his ‘third leg’ came from. What a pathological liar.
That said, is Elias doing himself a favour by falling in love with Akyaa, knowing how much her mother doesn’t like him? Well, only the next few seasons will tell.
Speaking of horny couples, Wayne and Alayaa certainly fit the bill, minus the toxicity. It’s so obvious, even Judge Paul tells Wayne he knows he’s been ‘playing with his wife’s buttocks up and down the house’. The man is obsessed! And so is she. Of course, we have no issues with that; it’s nice to see a husband hungry for his wife’s assets on the State.
Their quest to help the young man was admirable and kind, which is why Sodjah’s rude reaction to the counter-offer came as quite a shock. Boy, be grateful they’re helping you! You’re not entitled to come stay with them! Well, with the message Wayne sent him at the end, you can only wonder if the relationship’s been irreparably damaged…
SAVING MY LIFE
Sigh. Pastor Esdras.
You could honestly see it coming. Those type of people never really stick to their word.
He made a pact with the devil, and it was always going to end badly for him.
But boy, did he suffer before that! That introduction is as visceral as they come. His description of his surroundings just jumps at you with a fury and lets you know he’s in absolute torment. It’s not exactly the biggest shock to see him give in, if you think about it.
And his pushback to how you’d feel at his decision to kill his girls… man, it’s so obvious he’d hardened his heart and found the most logically sound excuses for doing what he was going to do.
Well, he did send his girls into the arms of Jesus. That’s one happy aspect to pick from that dark tale.
THE SHOWROOM
Jay Parker introduces his debut in a rather interesting manner. All we have for now is the backstory, but if it’s anything to go by, it is clear that there’s some serious church and family politics in Honest City Church. Bishop Kusi, for whatever reason, does not like his brother-in-law, Wilson, and is working assiduously to ensure that he’s removed from his position. Bishop Rhamses is clearly not in agreement with all this; he knows what the ministry is for. “Ministry isn’t puppeteering; it’s the work of stewarding people’s souls.”
It doesn’t look like Kusi and Erica understand that, though. And the Bishop seems to have given in.
On his end, Wilson does seem to have quite the stubborn streak. Not a streak you’d be expected to have when you marry into a big, successful family. But the man knows why he’s doing the work of God, and his wife has his back (and a little one on the way, too). This appetizer from Jay is enough to let us know that this will be one thrilling drama!
CUES CORNER
The story of six millennials who have been friends since childhood.
Bruce and Nana Asor are that couple that just seem to get each other and have each other’s backs all the way. Makes you hope they get that child they’re praying for. Mr. Aforo has quite a headache in his boss, though. The man is just a demon with an assignment to make him miserable, it’s that obvious. How does everything become Bruce’s fault, and you refuse to explain why it is? Good on Bruce that he’s leaving.
The Fugar twins don’t have the best of bonds, and you can’t be too surprised. Why did Delasi think it was a good idea to bring that weirdo to the house, anyway? That’s something they should handle in the coming seasons.
As for Clarence, didn’t he say he wanted to get a job before delving into relationships? Huh, I guess he thought Irene was too good to pass up.
And lest I forget, this story introduces us to possibly the most pathetic father the State will ever see: Becky’s father. All he did during his wife’s illness is shameful, but to return and blatantly tell your kids that men are not built to stick around when times get rough? How stupid can you be? No wonder Becky has so much rancour in her.
As far as chemistry is concerned, they have it in truckloads. “FIFA, Disney & Bonds” is a perfect reflection of that. And those around them are worth noting too, like Didayy’s hilariously silly girlfriend Olivia (her PSG-Nottingham Forest excuse is insane!) and the very popular Bishop Gordon (we need to know his backstory soon). The next seasons should definitely build upon this awesome series.
THE COCOON NEVER FORGETS
A little girl with loving parents witnesses their brutal murder. She grows up wanting vengeance. She tracks down the people behind it and dishes out punishment. Sounds simple enough, right?
Well, once it’s in the hands of Kay, no, it’s not. At all.
It’s complicated from the jump when we meet a woman named Connie citing a similar event while dealing with a certain Markham Greene (can I just say she gave him one hellish punishment? Good Lord, leaches!). We see Mina trying to solve the mystery of her parents’ deaths five years prior, with her husband by her side. And there’s Sukuyaa in the mix as well. The non-linear tale it is (which Kay really likes), you know you gotta move along to discover certain things.
So, split personality disorder. That never would have occurred to me until Sukuyaa hits that play button while Mina is busy in the kitchen and awakes Connie. One twist I did not see coming, although Major Givens did give it away in his convo with Mina.
Then, we discover there’s a syndicate that apparently ordered her parents to be killed. Along with Sukuyaa and Mina/Connie, we join in their meeting with their leaders Athena and Hermes, only to be introduced to a shocking discovery.
Mina/Connie’s parents were never dead, and they are the leaders of this evil syndicate!
Yeah, the story totally flipped on its head for me at that point.
From there, the whole faking of their deaths is unraveled, and a large question arises: why did they do it?
Well, after an explosive and bloody end, the answer’s in that key found at the bottom of that gun.
And unfortunately, only Connie and Sukis will get to find out… or will they?
LORD DRECK
Undoubtedly one of the darkest tales on the State, with one of the evilest characters we’ll ever see.
The innocent village of Mandeland was in a happy place when the story begins, with their popular festival taking place not long after we’re introduced to them. Sadly, that’s where the happy part ends. Once we see the sinister Dreck in the shadows proclaiming they don’t know what’s coming, it’s the start of misery for them.
Poor Billa and Diyaka have to deal with so much under this reign of terror: Billa losing his best friend Chika, nearly losing their lives in one hell of a cruel game those bandits played with them on the fields (that was spine-chilling to read), losing both parents in quick succession… damn, those boys really suffered. No wonder they were ready to just give up. Thank goodness for the twist of fate that occurred.
Speaking of which, yeah, Lord Dreck really showed his callous side with that execution of Oren. Yeah, you demand obeisance no matter what, but instant execution was needless. That set off the chain reaction that ultimately brought his downfall. It was long and winding, but given how dear Oren was to Soayi, Dreck was never going to be spared for that.
And my, what an intense clash it was between the two! There was no telling who would win. It was a rollercoaster! From joy to despair… and then young Billa steps in to do what we were all hoping for: kill Dreck. His death is probably the most horrific we’ve ever seen on the State. Well-deserved, too.
What an absolute virus. And imagine if his brother had been alive. I don’t think Mandeland would have survived.
HELL’S ANGELS (POWER COUPLE SEASON 2)
That was short but revealing! So, Stella didn’t have the Benton couple killed, but kept them under some crazy torment. Whoever had them freed did a bang-up job, but the question is, who exactly is that person?
We also got the history of Stella and Karla, and it wasn’t on a good note at all. As a matter of fact, this backstory just makes Kane Glazer look worse. Setting up your own sister to become a drug addict so your suspicions are confirmed? Cruel! And poor Stella had no other choice. In a way, you can understand her motivations for wanting him dead once they got together.
The only thing is, it’s becoming very clear he’s not. And he’s made it clear to them and the Bentons. Meaning they are in serious danger. That third season is gonna come with some serious flames, coz it’s certainly revenge Mr. G has in mind.
And that scene with Caris’ sister raises another round of questions. Who was the guy that confronted her at the church that midnight? And what role does Katherine have in all of this?
Well, whatever the answers are, one thing’s for sure: Kay Parker’s “Citizen Kane” story is set to have an incredible third season, and we’re here for it!