Exciting Times in Writing: My Recent Progress

Laptop on wooden desk with coffee cup, glasses, lamp, and floating digital icons

Hello my dear readers. First of all, my thanks to you for your time and support. This has been the been the best month to date with over five hundred views. The vast majority of views are from outside Ireland, most are from the United States. It will be interesting to see where I can bring it from here. Exciting times.

A brief update on my social media

X – my handle is @markahern2000

I have 149 followers. Slow growth

Bluesky – @markswritingcorner.bsky.social

2,800 followers. Growth in followers was explosive at one point but has since come to a complete halt. Disappointing but engagement on the platform has improved.

Mark’s Writing Page on facebook

135 followers. This is showing slow growth.

I have 61 people subscribed on the website and I also post to my 600 friends on Facebook.

So, enough statistics. What about the creativity aspect?

Wheelchair Wars – This is what I’m concentrating on at the moment. More or less at 40k words. However, I need 55k to 60k so expect more post on this lol

Galway Girls and Pegasus – Parked for now.

Distant Love – First Draft – expect more posts.

Of course, I will still be doing my reviews of whatever I fancy. Think I might even do one later.

That’s all for now. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you wish to comment.

And please subscribe to one of my platforms if you have not already done so.

Distant Love (Part 74)

Dim hallway with wooden door labeled 12B slightly ajar letting light in

“And what role do these people that are coming later have in the group?” Derek asks.

The auntie now sits at the table. “They are what is called an active duty cell. The rebels who get their hands dirty. You may find some of the stuff they do reprehensible but its all for a good cause.”

Derek looks her right in the eyes. “I understand. The thirst for freedom, to live one’s life as you wish. It is something intrinsic to being human. My life on the moon had been set out. Leaving and seeing Earth was never supposed to be in my future. I understand.

The auntie nods.

Derek retreats to his room. It’s important that he would be on top of his game later on. Guilty thoughts plague him.

He awakes hours later to the noise of chattering.

They have arrived.

There is a knock on his door as he transfers back into his wheelchair “Yes?”

“It’s me, Maeve. They are here and asking to meet you.”

“I’ll be out in a minute.”

He took a big breath and looked into the mirror hanging on the wall.

It’s important I make a good impression. My life may depend on it.

Malcolm in the Middle Revival: A Nostalgic Return

Man sleeping on beige couch in a cluttered living room with TV on and empty cups on table

Twenty years ago, Malcolm in the Middle was a mainstay on television. It was a single-camera comedy series that followed a dysfunctional working-class family and starred Frankie Muniz in the lead role as Malcolm, a child prodigy. The ensemble cast included Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek as Malcolm’s parents, Hal and Lois.

It was a show that I watched with my friends and family.

So, what’s the latest series like? Well, it appears life is still unfair..

This four-episode limited revival, which dropped on Hulu (and Hulu on Disney+) on April 10, 2026, brings back the original magic with Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, Bryan Cranston as the ever-optimistic Hal, and Jane Kaczmarek as the formidable Lois. Nearly 20 years after the original series ended, it feels like no time has passed — except now the kids are grown, Malcolm has a daughter, and the family dysfunction has evolved into even wilder, more relatable territory.

The premise is pure Malcolm: After years of keeping his distance to build a stable life for himself and his daughter, Malcolm gets pulled back into the family vortex for Hal and Lois’s 40th wedding anniversary. What follows is a rapid-fire barrage of slapstick, awkward family revelations, gross-out humor, and surprisingly touching moments about growing up, parenting, and the unbreakable (if exhausting) bonds of family.

The cast chemistry is electric. Cranston steals scenes as the aging but still manic Hal — his physical comedy and wild energy are peak form. Muniz slips back into Malcolm’s exasperated genius with ease, while Kaczmarek’s Lois remains the unstoppable force of nature we love (and fear). The brothers (Reese, Dewey — with a recast that works surprisingly well — and Francis) bring their distinct flavors of chaos, and the whole ensemble feels lived-in and authentic.

I found the end of the first series particularly hilarious, but I won’t spoil.

The show keeps the signature fourth-wall breaks, fast-paced editing, and irreverent tone, but adds emotional depth around adulthood, legacy, and what happens when the “genius” kid becomes the reluctant adult trying to escape the cycle.

Five stars out of five from me. You know what to do.

Surviving the Jehovah’s Witnesses: An HBO Docuseries Review

Shadowy human forms merging with golden light energy in space

To be honest, I haven’t come across any Jehovah Witnesses recently. They used to be always around the town I’m from but in the last few years, not so much. Perhaps, it’s due to damaging revelations such aa this Spanish language series.

Surviving the Jehovah’s Witnesses (2026) is a powerful, unflinching, and ultimately hopeful HBO docuseries that stands as one of the most compelling explorations of high-control religious groups in recent years. This three-episode Spanish production (originally titled something like Sobrevivir al Paraíso) premiered on February 20, 2026, and is now streaming on platforms like HBO Max, Prime Video, and Hulu. It delivers raw, intimate testimonies from former members while providing essential historical and psychological context

The series smartly structures its narrative across three chapters—”Genesis,” “Exodus,” and “Apocalypse”—mirroring biblical themes while chronicling the real-life journeys of its protagonists. It begins by grounding viewers in the origins of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, their core beliefs, and the genuine appeal that draws people in: a tight-knit community, a clear sense of purpose, and the promise of a paradise earth. This balanced setup avoids cheap shots and instead builds empathy, helping audiences understand why rational, loving people might dedicate their lives to the organization.

What follows is profoundly moving. Former members—primarily from Spain—share deeply personal stories of growing up under strict rules, constant surveillance, shunning (disfellowshipping), and the ever-present fear of Armageddon.

Visually and narratively, the series shines. The editing, while occasionally stylized with neon doodles over archival footage (a choice some critics found jarring but which I found creatively effective at highlighting the surreal nature of the experiences), keeps the pace tight and engaging across its roughly 2-3 hour runtime. Interviews are handled with sensitivity and professionalism, allowing survivors to speak at length without interruption.

In an era of increasing scrutiny on institutional power, Surviving the Jehovah’s Witnesses excels by humanizing a faith often misunderstood from the outside. It doesn’t attack beliefs per se but thoughtfully examines practices like mandatory proselytizing, blood transfusion refusals, handling of child abuse allegations, and the suppression of critical thinking. The result is enlightening rather than preachy, fostering important conversations about consent, indoctrination, and the rights of children in religious environments.

Three stars out of five from me.

Wheelchair Wars (xvi)

Nun walking in stone monastery hallway lit by candles beside wooden doors

“Praise be” was once more hollered.

She was now caught up in a rage. “Every person in the galaxy will be converted and it will be beautiful”.

Then the eyes of all the nuns turned a bright green and they all spoke at once. “You will have a chance to repent. We can feel your fear. Others will take time, but we have plenty of that.”

The prisoners formed a single file and began to march down a steep incline of stone steps. They were no longer in control of their own bodies. They then entered their individual cells, except for Audrey and Brona who shared one.

Brona put her down on one of the twin beds in the purple colored room, at all times careful not to hurt her. The room was small with no natural light.

Looking up at the ceiling, tears welled in Audrey’s eyes.

I have failed the Emperor.

Brona hovered over her and wiped away a tear and smiled. “We can’t have the other Troopers seeing that. In front of me, it is okay.”

She leaned down and kissed her lips. “Is there any hope?”

Audrey sniffled. “Timothy will come. It may take a very long time, but he will come.”

Wheelchair Wars Audrey (Part xv)

Hooded figures standing in a circular stone chamber around an altar with purple smoke rising

An arc of nuns in purple habits awaited them inside. A tall one, with glowing green eyes stood at the center. Her face was young, full of vitality.

She spoke, “What has brought you brought you all here?”

Audrey spoke, “We are here on behalf of the Emperor. You will lay down any weapons you may have. The Emperor will be made aware of your intransigence to date.”

A cackle went up amongst the nuns.

Then the nun spoke again. “Oh dear, we shouldn’t laugh. We were just like you. Fools who believed in the power of the Emperor. Little realizing this he was drawing his power from us.”

Audrey felt rage building up inside her and roared out, “This is heresy.”

The noise returned and she convulsed.

“Please stop,” Brona begged.

The noise stopped, Audrey gasped for breath.

“Then many orbits ago, a warp anomaly appeared the sky. We feared death. But an alien appeared that delivered our salvation!”

“Praise be,” the other nuns said in unison.

There was no stopping her now. “It showed us to power of the Jeni and the error or of our ways. The Empire will fall and the Emperor will be brought to his knees.”

Wheelchair Wars Audrey (xiv)

Silhouette of kneeling person with colorful abstract explosions and sensory waves around head

Audrey turned to the Trooper on the right. “Prepare an A1 bomb.”

The Trooper took out a small, black, rectangular device and placed it in front of the silver metallic door. They retreated from the area.

It exploded. A translucent, blue shield activated. No damage was done.

Where did that come from?

The Troopers looked at each other in disbelief. Audrey peered ahead. There are many more devices.

There is a clinking noise, and the door begins to open.

Finally, these nuns are coming to their senses.

It started as an almost inaudible ringing in her ear. It grew louder and louder. She put her hands to her ears. Around her, all her Troopers were doing likewise.

Her mind is scrambled, no longer able to frame thoughts.

A woman’s voice speaks. “Put down your weapons if you wish to live. Two of you, take your leader from her chair and carry her inside. Four others are to carry the chair inside, separately. Failure to comply results in the following.

A roar goes out as one of the Troopers falls to their knees as their head explodes, smearing the ground with their blood.

Brona and another Trooper lift Audrey from her chair and walk towards the entrance.

I am like a child once more, helpless.

Wheelchair Views Audrey (xiii)

Group of armored futuristic soldiers walking on rocky path near a lit Gothic cathedral at sunset.

Audrey’s pupils dilated, and she felt warm throughout her body. Her pain disappeared, and she felt a sudden sense of elation. Any sense of fear disappeared. She was now the queen of this world, and nothing would

Brona turned to her and smiled. “What did you do? I feel so good.”

Audrey motioned with her hands for her to come closer. “I fixed you.” She pulled her closer and kissed her lips, they were soft. Her tongue explored her mouth.

Brona pulled her head back. “What about your boyfriend, Timothy?”

Audrey smirked. “Don’t worry about Timothy, he won’t mind.”

“Now, forward Troopers,” she commanded.

Progress was fast. Each Trooper walked as if ever getting tired was an impossibility. That energy could be created from within, it no longer needed to be consumed.

The convent grew larger. Soon they could see the iron triangle that adorned it from above. But it was broken.

This is an insult to the Emperor.

They reached the large doorway. It did not open even when Audrey’s battle chair emitted the required code.

Audrey addressed her Troopers. “Something has gone seriously wrong. Treat everyone we meet inside with caution. The nuns may have turned their backs on their God.”

Wheelchair Wars Audrey (xii)

Soldiers firing weapons from trenches as drones explode above and tracer fire lights the dark battlefield

“Troopers, prepare to fire your incendiaries at the central mass of the drones. For the Emperor!” Audrey roared.

The gun of each Trooper was able to shoot a small explosive in size that nonetheless delivered a great punch.

A few seconds passed. “Fire.”

The sky lit up as powerful explosion lit up the sky obliterating drones. Pieces dropped over the landscape.And yet, still they came.

Audrey’s chair shook back and forth as her machine guns activated. Her Troopers followed her lead.

The remaining drones circled overhead before executing kamikaze dives on Troopers, detonating on impact. Their numbers dwindled though, under the concentrated fire. One by one, they disappeared from the sky. Then there was none.

Pools of blood, body parts and debris surrounded Audrey. Half of the Troopers, exhausted remained.

Brona stood beside Audrey. Her face vacant, gazing into the distance. Audrey knew it was time for what was known on Uisneach as Devil’s Gold. A powerful elixir, it was a stimulant that enhanced the spirit, strength, and alertness creating super warriors full of energy and without fear. Longer term, it decayed the human body. A signal emanated from Audrey’s chair giving both her herself and the Troopers a dose.

Person of Interest: A Masterpiece of Smart Television That Deserves Every Bit of Its Cult Status

Night cityscape with digital surveillance and tracking data overlays on buildings and map

I was hopping through my various TV entertainment options when I came across the boxset for Person of Interest on Netflix. God, I love Netflix. There were a few episodes I had missed from years ago so I eagerly pressed play. If you haven’t watched Person of Interest (2011–2016), you’re missing one of the smartest, most consistently excellent dramas of the 2010s. Created by Jonathan Nolan and produced with a perfect blend of CBS procedural DNA and ambitious, high-concept storytelling, this five-season series starts as a stylish vigilante-of-the-week show and quietly evolves into one of the most compelling explorations of artificial intelligence, surveillance, privacy, and the future of humanity ever put on television. It is, quite simply, a gem.

John Reese (Jim Caviezel), a haunted ex-CIA operative presumed dead, is pulled out of his self-destructive spiral by the eccentric, reclusive billionaire Harold Finch (Michael Emerson). Finch has built “The Machine”—an all-seeing artificial intelligence that predicts violent crimes before they happen by monitoring every camera, phone call, and digital footprint in the United States. Because the government only uses The Machine for terrorist threats, Finch and Reese take the “irrelevant” numbers (ordinary people about to be victims or perpetrators of everyday crimes) and intervene anonymously. What begins as a weekly rescue mission slowly reveals itself as something far larger: a shadow war between competing AIs, government agencies, and private interests.The beauty is how organic this escalation feels. The show never betrays its roots; it simply grows in scope and depth season after season.

Person of Interest was ahead of its time. It grappled with mass surveillance, the ethics of AI, predictive policing, privacy versus security, and the dangers of unchecked power long before these became daily headlines. It asks big questions: What happens when an AI becomes sentient? Who gets to decide whose life is “relevant”? Can good people maintain their humanity when operating outside the law with god-like tools? Yet it never feels preachy. The philosophical depth is woven seamlessly into thrilling, character-driven stories.

In an era of bloated, effects-heavy spectacles, Person of Interest proves that clever writing, strong characters, and thoughtful themes can carry a show further than any CGI budget. It respects the audience’s intelligence while delivering popcorn entertainment. It’s rare to find a series that improves almost every season and ends on such a strong note.

Five stars out of five from me. Make sure to give it a watch if you haven’t already done so.