Peacock has entered the streaming wars. The NBC platform launched last week and boasts of over 20,000 hours of shows, sports, and movies. But the question we have is, is it worth the download? Is it really worth downloading another app and possibly paying another subscription?
What to Know
There are 3 Tiers – Free, Paid ($5), & Paid+ ($10)
One of the things that makes Peacock stand out from the crowd is that it offers a free plan. It’s a nice little break from having to shell out more money for another streaming service that you may or may not use. The free plan has commercials of course, but that’s understandable. The free plan also offers a lot of content, but if you want more, you have to sign up for the paid version. The paid version unlocks all the content Peacock has to offer. Want all the content but no ads? Peacock has you covered, but you gotta pay $5 more.
Live Streaming Channels
Another stand-out feature is Peacock’s streaming channels. These are not network streams, but more specialized ‘themed’ streams much like PlutoTV. For example, they have channels that stream clips from The Office, SNL, and even Bob Ross. It’s a nice little addition to the service.
Not Available on Roku or Amazon Fire TV
This is very unfortunate. Just like HBO Max, Peacock did not secure a deal with Roku or Amazon before launch. Roku and Amazon make up most of the streaming devices in America, so there is a good portion of the population that won’t be able to access the app on their TVs at the time. We hope a deal gets in place soon.
So, is it worth it?
It’s doesn’t hurt to keep the free plan. The streaming channels are great. However, the paid version may not be worth the money at this time. However, it does have way more to offer than AppleTV+, but that’s another story…
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Reno 911!: Thomas Lennon On The Return of Officer Dangle
It’s been 11 years since the final episode of Reno 911! aired on Comedy Central. Thanks to Quibi, the show has returned with brand-new episodes and doesn’t skip a beat!
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How to Get That Elusive Playstation 5
The Playstation 5 is the Tickle Me Elmo of 2020. Everyone is trying to find Sony’s newest console. Most stores have only four or five in stock and they sell out as soon as they hit the shelves. Online is even worse. Bots snatch up new stock as soon as it goes live.
So how can you get one before Christmas?
Our very own, Michael Zavala tells you how he was able to purchase his Playstation 5 and how you can do it too!
MZ’s Guide to Getting that PS5
- Follow @Wario64 on Twitter.
“This guy is the greatest. He tweets the best deals on games and toys. I honestly don’t know if he ever sleeps. He tweets all hours of the day! Follow him and turn on your notifications. When a Playstation 5 goes live somewhere, he will let you know. It also won’t hurt to follow @GameStop either.” - Stay away from brick and mortar
“It’s not worth standing in line for hours only to find out their entire stock of two PS5 sold out three hours ago. Don’t waste your time driving from store to store. Online is where it’s at. You can find one while wearing your PJs.”
- Stay away from Walmart.com and Target.com
“Again, not worth it. Their sites crashes the moment the stock goes live. You MIGHT get lucky, but you also MIGHT win the Mega Millions. Try if you must, but in my opinion, it’s a waste of time.”
- Shop at BestBuy.com and GameStop.com
“Best Buy doesn’t seem to crash when their stock goes live. But they do make you do this weird “second step” thing. It worked for me, but I can’t say they are the best. GameStop has been good to me. Usually, you will have to purchase a bundle, but I think it’s worth it. ”
- How to Prepare
“Make sure you are logged in and your credit card and shipping information are on file. You will need to be as quick as possible! You’re trying to beat the bots, so don’t waste any unnecessary time. If you have more than one device, make sure you are logged in on those as well. If you can, make sure you are on the URL of the bundle you want to purchase on each device.”
- Patience and Perseverance
“Now for the fun part. Beating the bots. Once the stock goes live, click ‘Add to Cart’ on every device you have it open on. 99% of the time, the ‘Add to Cart’ button will gray out and ask you to try again. Hit ‘Refresh’ right away on every device. Rinse and repeat.If you’re lucky, you’ll have it in your cart after a few dozen clicks. If you don’t, you might get the dreaded, OUT OF STOCK or UNAVAILABLE message. This is where most people give up. They think the stock is gone and they take the L and log off. But in my experience, it is nowhere near done! Keep hitting ‘Refresh.’A few minutes later, you’ll see that the stock is back! This can happen multiple times. But stick with it. It took me an hour before it finally hit my cart. That’s it! You win. You beat the bots. GameStop also ships quickly so you’ll be swinging around New York as Miles Morales in a few days!”
We hope these tips help you out and bring you some Holiday cheer! After what 2020 gave us, we all need a little pick-me-up.
- Follow @Wario64 on Twitter.
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Why Seven of Nine Was Captain Shaw’s Perfect First Officer
In Star Trek: Picard, the relationship between Captain Liam Shaw and Seven of Nine is a compelling narrative that delves into leadership, personal growth, and the challenge of confronting deep-seated prejudices. While Shaw’s rigid and often abrasive demeanor made him appear an unlikely ally to Seven, their evolving dynamic revealed why she was the perfect choice as his first officer aboard the USS Titan.
“No matter how you slice it, no matter what time continuum, it’ll always come up Seven of Nine.”
Confronting Personal Demons
Captain Shaw’s decision to appoint Seven of Nine as his first officer was a significant step in his journey toward confronting his own biases and fears. As someone with a traumatic history involving the Borg, Shaw’s choice to work with Seven—a former Borg—was laden with personal challenges. Reflecting on this decision, Shaw’s actor, Todd Stashwick, stated, “I think Shaw had a lot of growth that he needed to do. And so by hiring a person who was a former Borg, [it] allowed him to confront fears and prejudices in himself.” (MZNOW)
This decision was not just about filling a role on his ship but about pushing himself to overcome past traumas. Working alongside Seven forced Shaw to face his prejudices head-on, a process that was both difficult and transformative for him.
A Necessary Voice of Dissent
Another critical aspect of Shaw’s decision to choose Seven as his first officer was her ability to challenge him. Shaw understood the importance of having a first officer who would not just follow orders but would question and push back when necessary. As Stashwick noted, “She was the best choice. She challenged him on things that needed challenging, and he knew that she would do that. So, a good captain chooses a first officer that isn’t a yes man, that challenges his order” (MZNOW).
This respect for Seven’s perspective and strength highlights Shaw’s growth as a leader. Despite his initial resistance, Shaw valued the dissenting voice that Seven brought to the bridge, recognizing that it was essential for effective leadership.
A Story of Redemption and Growth
Throughout Picard‘s third season, the evolving relationship between Shaw and Seven is marked by significant character development. Shaw’s initial reluctance to fully accept Seven’s identity as a former Borg gradually gave way to respect and acknowledgment. Reflecting on the importance of their dynamic, Stashwick remarked, “No matter how you slice it, no matter what time continuum, it’ll always come up Seven of Nine.” (MZNOW)
This statement underscores the inevitability and rightness of Shaw’s choice.
In selecting Seven as his first officer, Shaw not only chose the best person for the job but also took a crucial step in his own journey of redemption and self-improvement.
Their relationship serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership is about embracing challenges, both external and internal, and growing from them.
References:
- RedShirtsAlwaysDie. (2023). Why Captain Shaw has Seven of Nine as his first officer on Titan. Source (Redshirts Always Die).
- SlashFilm. (2023). Why Captain Shaw Won’t Call Hansen Seven Of Nine In Star Trek: Picard. Source (SlashFilm).
- The Digital Fix. (2023). Who is Captain Shaw in Star Trek Picard season 3? Source (The Digital Fix).
- MZNOW (2024) Michael Zavala‘s Interview with Todd Stashwick Source (Youtube)
Watch the full interview with Todd Stashwick on MZNOW with Michael Zavala.
