Another year has passed, and you know what that means: another annual review of everything released in the past year!
We’re dealing with various seasons of multi-series first, so, let’s get into what Makafui has to say about the past year’s releases…
What’s Your Price? Season 2
“He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword.” In an age where truth is so distorted, it was refreshing to find a man so unflappable. After seeing what Osofo David rejected in Season 1 and how he did it, this season was set up to be a must-read, and it did not disappoint.
We got to see how the love between David and Sika kept them in sync all the way, (tends to happen when your mind has been borsted by sweet lips and thickness) and we got to know just how far Roger Wakefield was willing to go. Vandalism is one thing, but threatening a man in front of his wife and kids? And then straight-up kidnapping? This State has seen its fair share of villains, but the owner of a media house who engaged in silencing speech has to be in the top ten.
Plus, and this cannot be stressed enough, if you’re arrogant enough to go against God’s house and his ministers, you really should follow the old rule of setting your house on fire before going at a king. There’s nothing like the vengeance of God when arrogance is on the opposing team. Allowing Roger to think he had escaped free before changing his address to the cemetery was a nice touch.
This tale was worth the read and merits another one.
The Showroom Season 1
This glimpse into the world of church ministry left me with so much to consider. First off, who sends a man to preach during his HONEYMOON?! I am honestly impressed that Wilson didn’t pitch a fit, although Ellen certainly took care of that on his behalf.
The life of a pastor behind closed doors looks like a wild ball of uncertainty. Wilson went from doing one sermon to three, but his effect on the church was palpable. For there to even be a consideration of moving him sounds crazy, but this church sounds like one that deals in crazy. (Pastors almost coming to blows in front of their founder is a level of madness I’d much rather never see.)
I’m curious as to what the dynamics between Stella and Josh are, and why she thought it wouldn’t be a bad thing for Wilson to be moved. Also curious why Josh and Ellen don’t get along. Erasmus, with his job struggles, was a figure I found empathy for. I’m wondering what he has to do with Honest City Church, if anything. This one was definitely set up for a season 2.
Season 2
That ending was…OMG!
Jay managed to do it to us again. He gave us a season of intrigue but also teased us so long that it started to hurt. This behind-the-scenes tale into church work only got juicier with this season, and now I need Season 3 yesterday.
First off, the way Bishop Wilson began is so opposite of how he ended, and I can’t believe how abrupt it was. Then there’s the issue of just how much Josh has invested in this relationship with the McQueens, and how he’s going to be affected by their absence.
I still can’t get over Bishop Kusi. What on earth is his problem? Being a man of God comes with the expectation of being above board, yet he and Erica only seem to care about the consolidation of their power. Doesn’t power come from the Lord? Also, why was Bishop Rupert so happy to be leaving a branch he failed to lead? Shouldn’t he be disappointed that he couldn’t do more? What is with that branch!
Also, and I can’t ask this with more emphasis, what is with the Erasmus of it all?! I need so much more detail from this story, and I need Season 3 to bring it!
Cues Corner Season 2
The tales of the “Cues Squad” continue to elicit many different emotions, ranging from laughter to absolute rage.
In Season 1, we met the squad and had so many questions. Will Clay ever get a job? Will Bruce and Asor finally conceive? Should Becky even consider forgiving her father? Will the Delas ever go back to normal? Season 2 came with answers, and more questions. I would give a shout to Victor for finally waking up, but given what it took, and how much of a heel he was, he can die in peace.
I love how Delasi showed Clarence to love, Delali showed Didayy to forgive, and Didayy showed Clarence to a job. I also quite enjoyed the small moment where Bruce obliterated Asor’s cousin for being so out of pocket. That kinda konkonsa is why people hate to open up, and it needs to die. I still want to know what Bishop’s secret past is, and how Asor and Bruce are going to navigate what looks like a pregnancy! (I say “looks like” because we all know Dabar and his twists; I can’t trust him till I see confirmation.) I am excited for what’s to come in Season 3.
Season 3
This season may have been the sweetest among the bunch, but also the most moving. We got a hint that Asor and Bruce may have been expecting…and they were! (That was not enough to change Mrs. Out-Of-Order’s ways; she got even worse with it!) We also finally saw Didayy do the needful and “make an honest woman” out of the delightful Olivia. (By the way, sucking at a video game is an art unto itself. But being crushed by the boys right before you get a marriage proposal is the nastiest of works.)
It was a treat to watch Becky finally find good love after the horrors she’d gone through, although it came in the most unusual of ways. Mr. FCC couldn’t have been a better reward, and he came through Clay, who met him because of Didday. The way each person’s success has roots in that of the others is partly why this squad is so special. (Also, anyone who could get Becky to finally drop that insane Margot Robbie concept deserves a medal, cos years with the group could not get that done.)
The one angle I’m certain that no one saw coming was Bishop Gordon’s recounting of his first marriage. First off…what?! A man so kind and so gentle could be that cold and inconsiderate? It was hard enough getting past the fact that he used to be married, but then to see how he treated his wife was mind-blowing. I couldn’t help but wonder what could’ve been of Kim if she’d survived, or how Bishop Gordon’s life would’ve been different. Would he ever have met Akpene? Would the squad have ever met “Our Bishop?”
Still, it was a great reminder of the saving power of Christ, and His ability to transform us all if we allow Him to. It lent so much more perspective to Bishop’s treatment of his family and his church, which is stellar on both fronts.
It was a joy reading Cues Corner from Season 1 to Season 3, and I was a little sad to see it end. If you’ve been a member of the State of Dabar long enough, you’ll know that nothing comes near Meet The Dolphynes. This tale of friendship and an unbreakable bond comes as close as possible to it. Worth a re-read any day.
Heaven’s Mercenaries
Kay Parker’s unpredictability is the only certain thing about him. Every twist in this tale bears witness to this. In Power Couple, Stella was the big reveal. In Hell’s Angels, it was Kane. In Heaven’s Mercenaries, that honor belonged to Katherine.
The last time we saw Kate, she was the sister who had inherited the family business and followed after God. Now, she’s having visions and issuing commands to what looks like a professional paramilitary outfil. How did she become that person, and why is she blowing up any space Inspector Kpodo inhabits? Poor guy could not catch a break. Also, why is she helping Kane, a man whose vices so blatantly oppose everything she stands for as a minstrel of God? Also, what’s next for Caris and Carol? And what’s Jenny meant to do with the location of Karla and Stella?
This series has had so many twists and mind-blowing turns, and it dares one to look away from the page for any reason. I fully expect more to come; there are so many questions to answer.
Stay tuned for the second review!!