This review contains spoilers for Dune: Prophecy episode 6.Its time to change tactics, Valya (Emily Watson) declares at the start of the finale to Dune: Prophecy. Valya has good reason for a revision. The High-Handed Enemy finds her plans threatened on every side. The revived Lila (Chloe Lea) is under the control of Dorotea, who wants revenge against Valya for murdering her. Javicco (Mark Strong) seeks to regain control of his empire from not just Valya, but also from the increasingly powerful Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel). At the same time, Empress Natalya (Jodhi May) makes her move for power, while Princess Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) tries to rescue Kieran Atreides (Chris Mason), even as the Sisterhood moves to put her on the throne.With so many plot lines in play, it would seem wise for Dune: Prophecy to change tactics as well. Thus far, the show has been a murky mess of lore dumps and exposition, hamstringing even proven actors like Emily Watson and Olivia Williams and burying human emotions. With all the plotting plotters who fill the show moving into their endgames, nows the time to focus on clear motivations and character exploration.Unfortunately, no such change in tactics occurs in The High-Handed Enemy. Written by Elizabeth Padden & Suzanne Wrubel and directed by Anna Foerster, the season finale squanders its potential to achieve actual compelling drama by favoring exposition and lore.Nowhere is that more clear than in Lilas storyline. Chloe Lea has been a highlight of the series, especially when her wide-eyed true believer character accessed genetic memory and was possessed by her ancestors Dorotea (Camilla Beeput) and Raquella Berto-Anirul (Cathy Tyson). Lea convincingly plays a vengeful adult in the body of a child, and while the explanation of the mix of identities likely confuse viewers who have only seen the Denis Villeneuve movies, the composite character has a legible motivation. Valya killed Dorotea, and now Doroteas back for revenge.The episode starts to follow that trajectory, with thrilling scenes of Lila convincing her sisters to go along with her, before they realize that shes possessed by ancestors. But instead of having Lila go after Valya, she instead gets ideological. Lila spends all of her time gathering sisters to her anti-machine perspective.The ideological turn in the episode fails for numerous reasons. First, its just not as emotionally immediate as a revenge plot. Second, the philosophical stakes of the Butlerian Jihad havent been well-articulated throughout the series. The show has demonstrated people mistrust machines in this world, but the religious fervor that drives Butlerians in the book has not been on display, not so much that it deserves this much attention in the finale, especially over a basic revenge plot. Third, it muddles Valyas intentions, which already fluctuates between revenge against the Atreides and putting a Sister on the throne.Sadly, Lilas storyline is not the only time the finale chooses lore over characters. An otherwise powerful scene at the beginning, in which former Sister and current Suk doctor Nazir (Karima McAdams) exposes herself to the virus with Tulas help, trips up with they throw out the term prana-bindu as if it means anything to anyone who hasnt read the books. Furthermore, the duo discusses at length the viruss attraction to fear, which readers will recognize as setting up an origin for the Litany Against Fear, but doesnt feel like a actual conversation between real people.The failure of the scene between Nazir and Tula highlights the true problem with this series. McAdams and Olivia Williams give proper performances during the interaction, doing their best to find emotional truth under all the jargon. Likewise, Jessica Barden and Emma Canning shine during a flashback scene with young Valya and Tula. Both performers use their expressive faces to speak volumes with just a wrinkled brow or a flicker in the corner of their mouths. In those moments, we believe that were watching two sisters struggle with contradictory feelings and not just pieces on the board, to use a tired metaphor invoked throughout the show.Watson suffers worst of all in this regard. Not only has the writing on the series failed an actor of her caliber, but the adult Valya must be in control at all time, which deprives her of any opportunity to play the emotional range given to her on-screen sister Williams. The viewer can almost see Watson giving up on the character when Valya explains the entire plot of the show to Javicco, even as Mark Strong continues to play against type as the weak-willed Emperor.Frustrating as these positive points are within the episode, they do provide some hope for the future. Surprisingly, Dune: Prophecy has been given a second season and there is enough good stuff here for showrunners Diane Ademu-John and Alison Schapker to make a solid second season. By the end of the episode, Valya has escaped to Arrakis with Ynez and Keiran, Tula has decided to stay with her son Desmond Hart, and Lila/Dorotea continues to recruit Butlerian followers within the Sisterhood.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!The show still has some secrets left to explain. We now know that a machine was involved in Harts transformation, but its not clear who had control. The machine could very well be a specific figure from the books, Omnius or Erasmus, or it could be related to Ixians, a race only mentioned in the show. Either way, the series hasnt shown that it can balance lore with character well, which does leave worries about the second season.Still, Dune: Prophecy ends with a strong cast, a fully-developed world, and, some lessons learned. Hopefully, it wont take centuries of engineering to create a leader who can guide the series into something as rich and moving as the Frank Herbert books that inspired it. Hopefully, a change of tactics will be enough.Every episode of Dune: Prophecy season 1 is streaming on Max now.

Endings are hard. Weve always known endings are hard, says Steve Pemberton in new BBC Two documentary Inside No. 9: The Partys Over. Hes not just talking about devising the perfect conclusion, with the right balance of surprise and satisfaction, for an Inside No. 9 story; hes talking about concluding the whole show.The new hour-long doc goes behind the scenes on the ninth and final series of Inside No. 9, when he and co-creator Reece Shearsmith capped their extraordinary 55-film achievement with Plodding On, a guest star and Easter egg-packed finale that paid due homage to everything thats gone before. As the documentary goes behind the camera on the creation of the shows final six episodes, it revealed some fun Inside No. 9 trivia for fansWorking Titles Included No. 5 and Behind Closed DoorsLooking through Steve Pembertons old notebooks from when the show was being developed, a couple of alternative titles are listed: No. 5 and Behind Closed Doors. If theyd gone with the former, then they might have stopped after the fifth series instead of the ninth, and deprived us of several great instalments. And Behind Closed Doors feels more like the title of a DVD Extra than the creepy, genre-hopping Inside No. 9.The Musical Sting Was a Last-Minute ImprovAccording to Inside No. 9 composer Christian Henson, the shows theme music was originally supposed to have been a fuller piece performed by a whole group of musicians, but when that composition didnt get the thumbs-up, he took less than two minutes to improvise this eight-second pizzicato sting, and submitted it as an alternative. His sister told him that hed be the jammiest person in the world if they went for it, and clearly, he is.Prop SouvenirsIts traditional for creators to take home a prop or two from a wrapped show, and the ones chosen by Reece Shearsmith include: the straw doll that was used in his sacrifice scene in The Wicker Man-inspired Mr King, the leather portfolio used by Pembertons character in Christmas special The Bones of St. Nicholas, the Scaramouche mask he wears in commedia dellarte episode Wuthering Heist, and the model of his own decapitated head created for Halloween special Dead Line.Natalie Dormers No. 9 Claim to FameOf the many, many death scenes filmed for Inside No. 9 (burned to death in wardrobe, drowned in bath, stabbed, guillotined, shot, bitten by vampire) the final one you see in the entire run is Natalie Dormers character falling from the balcony in classical music period piece The Curse of the Ninth.Read more Real-Life Episode InspirationsDonna Prestons character Bev in series six episode Hurry Up and Wait was inspired by a real experience the creators had while filming The League of Gentlemen. Told to wait between scenes in a residential house that they thought was empty, they came across the house owner wearing a dressing gown and telling them, Im having a glass of champagne. Its my birthday today. It went straight in the script. Series three episode The Bill was inspired by Pemberton and Shearsmith witnessing a fight over who got to pay the bill at Stellas Room Caf in Muswell Hill.A Horror Poster PedigreeGraham Humphreys, who designed nine of the shows excellent episode posters (for Sardines, The Harrowing, The Devil of Christmas, The Riddle of the Sphinx, Tempting Fate, Private View, Nine Lives Kat, The Bones of St. Nicholas, and CTRL, ALT, ESC) is a celebrated artist who also designed original posters for Sam Raimis Evil Dead film series.Past Projects RevisitedIn fan-favourite episode Bernie Cliftons Dressing Room, the punk dummy and professorial ventriloquist outfits were inspired by an old photograph of Pemberton and Shearsmith wearing those same outfits on stage in their own pre-TV comedy double act. And series one episode Tom & Gerri was adapted from a play the pair had written very early in their careers called The Dole Boy.The End of the End?The final shot Pemberton and Shearsmith filmed together for Inside No. 9 is actually the final scene of the series (its not always the case). In series nine finale Plodding On, the pair reconcile in the toilets at the wrap party bash and Pemberton (playing himself) asks what they should do next. Shearsmith (playing himself) says There is a third option, which cues up the punchline montage of scenes from an On the Buses-inspired, 1970s-styled sitcom Hold on Tight.Its not quite the end yet though. The Inside No. 9 live show Stage/Fright, starring Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, produced by Richard Osman and directed by Simon Evans, arrives in January 2025 at the Wyndham Theatre. More information here.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Inside No. 9 series one to nine are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.

Unlike series 14s episodes, the new Doctor Who Christmas special wont have an early streaming release followed by a later BBC One airing, meaning that everybody will be able to see it from the exact same time on December 25.Joy to the World is a 54-minute special adventure written by former showrunner Steven Moffat and directed by Bridgertons Alex Pillai. See the official synopsis and trailer below:When Joy opens a secret doorway to the Time Hotel, she discovers danger, dinosaurs and the Doctor. But a deadly plan is unfolding across the earth, just in time for Christmas.And heres the episode trailer:When does the 2024 Doctor Who Christmas Special Come Out?For UK viewers, the 2024 Christmas Special Joy to the World airs at 5.10pm GMT on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Wednesday December 25.Where available around the world, non-UK viewers can stream the episode on Disney+ on the same day and at the same time, which is 12:10 pm EST / 9:10 am PST in the US.Series 14 Recap: Wheres Ruby Sunday?As is (mostly) traditional, the Doctor is without his regular companion in this years Christmas special and is instead joined by guest stars Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton, Derry Girls), Joel Fry (Plebs) and actor-director Stephanie de Whalley as Joy, Trev and Anita respectively who are all part of his adventure at the Time Hotel.In the series 14 finale Empire of Death, the Doctor and Ruby (Millie Gibson) defeated classic-era villain Sutekh, whod been hitching a ride on the TARDIS through the Time Vortex ever since 1975 serial Pyramids of Mars. Sutekh brought his empire of death to the universe, bringing destruction to all life, until the Doctor reversed it all and resurrected everyone and everything.Ruby also solved the mystery of her birth mothers identity in the finale, and discovered that she wasnt part-alien or a scion of some fantasy creatures family, but all human. Rubys mother had simply been a young girl who found herself pregnant and who was forced to give up her baby to protect her from an unsafe home.Reuniting with her birth mother, Ruby chose to say goodbye to the Doctor and leave the TARDIS so that she could spend more time with her family. She and her adoptive mum Carla (Michelle Greenidge) and grandmother Cherry (Angela Wynter) are still around, living their lives on Earth, just without the Doctor.A New Companion for Series 15Millie Gibson will appear as Ruby Sunday in multiple episodes of series 15 but the Doctor will meet a new companion played by Varada Sethu named Belinda Chandra. Well bring you the official season synopsis once its announced.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!A release date is also yet to be confirmed for the new eight-episode series, which once again has showrunner Russell T Davies at the helm, but wed expect it to arrive at some point in spring 2025.Joy to the World airs in the UK on BBC One at 5:10 pm, and will be simulcast on Disney+ around the world.

Ill admit it, I would probably watch an entire TV series that was just about James Bonds housekeeper. Did you not know he has one? Oh, well, let me tell you about May, this funny lady who looks after Bonds apartment in the original novels. Shes Scottish. Shes old. She knows how to cook an egg. Arent you riveted? Dont you want an entire show just about May? Heres the thing, as a Bond nerd I do want a show about May, Miss Moneypenny, or Ms random friends. I also love Kim Sherwoods Double-O books, all about agents in the world of Bond who arent Bond. If there was a Marvel-like build-out of the world Bond (which arguably, in print, there has been for decades) Id be all in.But, I, a Bond nerd, should not be calling the shots. And based on a new explosive report in the Wall Street Journal, the person who should be calling those Bond shots is the same woman who has been running things since the 1990s. To put it succinctly, if you think Amazon is right and Barbara Broccoli is wrong, you know nothing about how art is made or why good things are good.According to the aforementioned WSJ expos, with excellent and incisive reporting from Erich Schwartzel and Jessica Toonkel, Amazon brass wants to expand the James Bond brand into a sprawling franchise, complete with spinoffs about Miss Moneypenny, TV series, and perhaps, alternate Bonds, including a female James Bond. Additionally, apparently, Broccoli was offended when one Amazon boss, reportedly Jennifer Salke, referred to Bond as content, and bristled when a staff member said, I have to be honest, I dont think James Bonds a hero.First of all, whether you think James Bond is a hero, or progressive, or not, is hardly relevant to the art of the films. Critics often like to suggest that retro-Bonds sexist behaviors were acceptable in a bygone era, but this is a fallacy that misunderstands the phenomenon more broadly. Ian Flemings books (which are sometimes tamer than the films in terms of sexism) were often attacked in the 1950s for being provocative and vulgar. Even in his supposed heyday, James Bond was controversial because, on some level, James Bond should be a kind of lightning rod for culture. Hes not supposed to be squeaky clean; the character Fleming created on the page and that Harry Saltzman and Albert Broccoli refined for the cinema, is a study in extremes, a specific examination of masculinity that is neither heroic nor evil. As Fleming said in one of the last interviews before the end of his life in 1964: Bond is detached, hes disengaged But hes a believable manaround whom I try to weave a great web of excitement and fantasy.The idea that Bond is a cipher for the audienceregardless of their gender or sexual orientationis one of the most important ingredients for the success of the franchise. His extreme and outsider status makes him a character that many types of people can relate to. In the 21st century, there have been new, radical re-readings of Bond, including ones in which scholars like David Lowbridge-Ellis unpack LGBTQ+ themes in the books and films.Anthony Horowitzs more recent novels have touched on these themes too, featuring overtly gay characters in a 1950s version of Bond. And of course, the entire history of the film franchise is an exploration of shifting mores about what it means to be James Bond. In 1995s GoldenEye, Judi Denchs M called Bond (Pierce Brosnan) a sexist, misogynist dinosaur and a relic of the Cold War. Any disparaging or politically undesirable things you can say about James Bond, have probably been uttered, explored, or exposed by the Bond franchise itself.And thats because Bond has always been an ongoing cultural conversation. Flemings first novel, Casino Royale begins with 007 being more closed off and sexist. By the end, hes ready to give up everything for love, and questions his place as a pawn in an ongoing cold war. The brilliant 2006 film version of that book does much the same, and for many viewers who had never read the books, this film shook up their notion of who and what James Bond meant to them.Arguably, the movie franchise has several inflection points like this; On Her Majestys Secret ServiceLicence to KillNo Time to Die imagined Bond as a tragic father figure. He may not be a hero but who cares? Should we stop loving The Maltese Falcon because Sam Spade was sleeping with his partners wife?The second major point of contention, it seems, between Bond franchise leader Barbara Broccoli and Amazon is connected less to philosophy and more to the way the Bond films are made. Broccoli and her stepbrother Michael G. Wilson largely took over the family business of Eon Productions during the Pierce Brosnan era. When her father, Albert R. Broccoli, died in 1996, Barbara became the guiding light for the franchise and continues various family traditions to this day.One of those traditions is that Bond movies arent made by committee. Eon doesnt do focus groups, they dont care about optics, and theyve always made the Bond filmsrelative to other franchisesin a crucible. Partners Saltzman and Broccoli were pressured by outside forces not to cast Sean Connery back in the early 1960s but they pushed ahead anyway, knowing that his everyman vibe would appeal to huge audiences. If Saltzman and Broccoli had listened to the Amazon-like execs of their day, they would have agreed that Sean Connery seemed like an average truck driver and that regular audiences wouldnt have loved him. Instead even though American distributors initially stuck Dr. No in drive-in cinemas in Oklahoma and Texas, the film overperformed and the rest is history.Barbara Broccoli has also stuck to her guns. She was the primary champion for hiring Daniel Craig as James Bond in Casino Royale, a move that was obviously visionary. In fact, you could argue that had Casino Royale starred anyone other than Craig, Bond would have died right there in 2006. Broccolis eye for raw talent, and a mix of action and artistry is a massive part of what makes the Bond franchise so arresting and relevant in the 21st century. If you thought Skyfall was a masterpiece, thank Sam Mendes, of course. But also thank Barbara Broccoli for hiring him.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Why wouldnt Amazon trust this woman to make similar artistically informed decisions? More than any other era of Bond, the best Craig films (Casino Royale, Skyfall) have aged better than perhaps any of the other entries in the franchise. And Broccolis instincts are a big part of that.Finally, if this report is accurate, and that Broccoli is resisting the Marvel-izing of Bond, preferring instead to still focus on one film at a time, then she is probably right. As a Bond nerd, I may want the various spinoff shows, but perhaps those specific ideas need to stay in books and comics. The 2017 Moneypenny comic book series is great, and the upcoming Q Mysteries books sound cool. But do we need two Amazon streaming shows about these things? The answer is probably not. The movie franchise has worked for over six decades by being a movie franchise about one character. Maybe it should stay that way.Read more James Bond didnt become one of the best film franchises in history through todays standards of franchise maximalism. The true brilliance and staying power of the character are 100 percent connected to his elusiveness and scarcity. Bond endures because we can never get enough of him, and each film leaves us wanting more. The Bond franchise is mocked for this excessiveness, but if youve seen any of the films, you know that the best thing about them is their deliberateness and restraint. Theres actually not a lot of action in Casino Royale, and From Russia With Love is one of the slowest-burn spy movies youll ever see.In terms of action, Bond films are not like Mission: Impossible or John Wick. Theyre also films about an undeniably compelling character and his place in the world. If Amazon doesnt understand that, were better off getting zero new James Bond movies than a half-baked version of 007, engineered by algorithms. In 1995, the first round of trailers for GoldeneEye reminded audiences that there is no substitute for James Bond. And thats still true today.

This article contains spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 3.Ow! The edge! Sonic the Hedgehog 3 brings another fan-favorite character to the big screen series, a character that may be baffling to those not steeped in Sonic love. In addition to dealing with two Robotniks, regular nemesis Ivo and now grandfather Gerald (both played by Jim Carrey), Sonic must match wits with Shadow the Hedgehog (voiced by Keanu Reeves).Shadow might look like Sonic, but he has a very different attitude. Sullen and harsh, Shadow focuses only on his mission of revenge. Over the course of the movie, we get glimpses of Shadows backstory, which helps us understand Sonics grumpy new pal. But as dark as the story onscreen gets, the video games went much farther.Before he got his own gun-toting, swear-word-saying solo game in 2005, Shadow teleported into the franchise with Sonic Adventure 2 in 2001. That game follows Ivo Robotniks plan to revive Project Shadow, a plan his grandfather Gerald devised 50 years earlier. Working on the cosmic Space Colony ARK, Gerald strived to create the ultimate life form. After two failed attempts, Gerald succeeded with the creation of Shadow the Hedgehog.Geralds one reprieve from his work came in the form of his granddaughter Maria, an innocent who stayed aboard the ARK with him. Gerald brought the young Maria to the ARK in search of a cure for her terminal disease, and she became close friends with Shadow. Despite his bond with Maria, Shadow was still made as a tool of Robotnik, which drew the attention of the Guardian Units of Nations (GUN).Befitting its name, GUN raided the ARK with weapons hot, an attack that led to the death of young Maria. Burning with anger, Gerald gave false memories to Shadow to refocus his mission on a single goal: destroying the Earth.All of that happens more or less faithfully in the movie Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Sure, there are some slight differences, with Carrey playing a more whacky Gerald Robotnik, GUN being less initially violent, and actor Alyla Browne (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) being a bit older than the Maria of the games. But the basic idea is the same. Shadow loved Maria and her death drove him to seek vengeance. After being freed from 50 years of captivity, Shadow will stop at nothing to satisfy that desire.But in the movie, Marias death is more roundabout. As she runs from the GUN soldiers alongside Gerald and Shadow, Maria stands too close to electronic equipment. When a GUN soldier fires toward them, he hits the equipment, causing it to explode. Maria dies in the fireball that ensues. Its horrifying to be sure, especially for a kids movie. Yet the original Sega Dreamcast video game was darker still.Sonic Adventure 2 indeed gets more direct. In a flashback sequence, we watch as Maria makes her escape with GUN in pursuit. She begs Shadow to turn against her grandfathers programming, but looks up just as a gun goes off and the screen goes white. So, sure, we can interpret the moment in different ways, but Sonic fans mostly agree that GUN directly shoots point blank Maria in the game. It should be noted back then, Sega and Sonics brand was to be slightly more edgy (or teen-appealing) than the House of Mario at Nintendo.Its not hard to see why Sonic the Hedgehog 3 made its change though more than 20 years after the fact. While the Blue Blur certainly has fans who have stuck through the characters through some very weird decisions, from inappropriate references to real-world genocide to the infamous fan art of Sonic pregnant with Tails child (no, Im not linking to that), these Paramount Pictures movies are exceedingly kid-friendly. It wouldnt do to have children see someone like them get shot in between scenes of Carrey playing drums on his big belly.Instead director Jeff Fowler and the films many writers handle the tone like a hedgehog running through a track and collecting all the rings. Between Reeves natural gravitas and the actual death onscreen, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 plays homage to the source material, but still leaves plenty of space for the bright colored action that new, younger fans expect.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is now playing in theaters nationwide.

This article contains spoilers for Creature Commandos episode 4.In the post-credit scene of James Gunns first DC outing The Suicide Squad, we see that one of the team members didnt live up to the groups name. Weasel is still alive, free to scurry back out into the night.To the viewers of the movie, Weasels fate was a very, very bad thing. Sure, he may seem harmless and sure, hes played by the lovable Sean Gunn. But he ended up in the Squad because he did very bad things. Namely, he killed 27 children.Thats dark, even for the nasty things that have happened in Gunns DC run so far, which includes The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker, and Creature Commandos. Yet, in all of the press leading up to the premiere of Creature Commandos, including a conversation with Den of Geek, Gunn and the shows stars have said that Weasel is their favorite character. Sean Gunn even went so far as to tell Den of Geek that he didnt think Weasel had an ounce of evil in him.How could they say that about a creature imprisoned for the murder of children?With the fourth episode of Creature Commandos, we finally get the answer. Chasing Squirrels delves into Weasels backstory. In-between prepping for trial with his lawyer (voiced by Linda Cardellini, who previously worked with Gunn playing Velma in Scooby-Doo), a group of neglected children find Weasel while playing in an abandoned school. The outcasts form a community, with Weasel finally discovering people who accept him and the kids getting to have the childhood denied to them.It all goes wrong when a passerby notices the kids playing with Weasel. Mistaking their horseplay for an attack, the passerby calls the authorities, but also grabs a gun to help the kids himself. Between the mans fear and the kids playing recklessly with fire, a boiler explodes, killing many of the kids instantly. Worse, the authorities confuse Weasels attempts to rescue the survivors as a further attack, and they prevent him from saving anyone. In the end, all 27 die, Weasel taking all of the blame.Chasing Squirrels continues the Creature Commandos model of revealing that its main monsters have far more humanity than previously expected. On one hand, theres nothing too novel to a story that shows we misunderstood a good person for something horrible after all Frankensteins Monster is a character on the show. On the other hand, the further context gives us more insight into the DC Universe that Gunn is making with DC Studios co-head Peter Safran.Its been remarked by many that Gunns superhero movies, excellent as they are, tend to be edgier and nasty. Remember, one of the high points in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 involved Yondu slaughtering a bunch of people. So its a bit odd that he would take the reins on Superman. And even though the first trailer to Superman looks (and feels!) amazing, the guts and insults in Creature Commandos revives those questions.Yet, Creature Commandos is as much about our limited judgments as it is everything else. As Chasing Squirrels shows, with its reveal of Princess Ilanas true plan, goodness and badness isnt skin deep. And if thats not something Superman would say, I dont know what is.Creature Commandos streams every Thursday on Max.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!

Only a single tear rolls down his cheek. In perhaps the most emotionally harrowing and poignant moment of Edward Zwicks GloryDenzel Washingtons face that breaks viewers. It is even easy to mistake the tear as what won Washington his first of two Oscars (so far). Hence why some have dubbed the moment his signature move, a claim Washington has forcefully and rightly dismissed.And yet, it isnt the tear that makes the scene of Private Silas Trips flogging so heartbreaking; its everything else Washington is doing in the moment, which stands starkly and diametrically opposed to that small bit of sentimentality. Its a devastating portrait of a man in a single, unblinking glance, and it turned a theater kid from upstate New York into a movie star. Its why, among other reasons, we keep returning to Glory after all these decades.Released 35 years ago this month, Glory remains arguably the greatest movie ever made about the American Civil War. And Washington is one of the chief architects of the movies legacy. Already a talented Broadway actor when he was cast in the film, Washington had previously made in-roads in Hollywood after doing phenomenal work in Norman Jewisons adaptation of A Soldiers StoryCry Freedom (1987). The latter was a movie that turned the life of the murdered anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko into something of a white savior narrative about his biographer.Admittedly, Glory came close to making similar mistakes. While beautifully written by Civil War buff Kevin Jarre (also a forgotten, unsung hero on Tombstone), Jarre made no secret about how he was inspired to write the film by a famed monument to Colonel Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment in the Boston Common. It is the same gallant work of art which is revealed in intimate detail during Glorys ending credits.The son of wealthy and passionate abolitionists from New England and the man who would command the first Black infantry in United States historyleading them all the way to his death on the shores of South CarolinaShaw is deserving of every bit of commendation he earns. But the story of the first Black men allowed to fight for their freedom in a war waged over Americas Original Sin, the story of Glory both as a film and an idea, should never be the white mans alone.Yet Glory was almost that movie. The film is still told largely from Shaws point-of-view and is played on the screen with extreme self-doubt and lamentation over his merit by Matthew Broderick. The movie begins with Shaw barely surviving the Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest day during the war, and afterward being told of the Emancipation Proclamation. We are likewise introduced to the real political power force over the 54ths creation, Frederick Douglass, from Shaws limited perspective.Apparently much and more of Jarres original screenplay was intended to be Shaws story. Meanwhile the actual lives and miseries of the Black men who fought and died by Shaws side were fairly tertiary, with most of them inaccurately being depicted as former enslaved men who escaped the Antebellum South. In actuality, most of the real 54th were freedmen born in Massachusetts and other Union states. Glorys historical embellishment on this particular point survives into the final film and director Zwicks rewrites of the shooting script.Nonetheless, Zwicks focus proved far more astute and egalitarian than originally intendedso much so he recently revealed Brodericks manager and mother made a lot of noise on the actors behalf before production all the way up to seeing a cut of the film where entire subplots about Shaws school days with fellow white officer Major Cabot Forbes (Cary Elwes) and just about every scene between Shaw and his mother (Jane Alexander) were deleted.This was not done by malice on Zwicks part; it was done because he realized that the power of the 54ths sacrifice is that they were literally sacrificed. To prove their valor and worth to the Union Army, these Black men, led by Shaw, needed to volunteer for essentially a suicide mission across the walls of a fort that was never taken. And they did this while fighting to preserve a Union that had left millions like them in bondage for nearly a century, and which still refused to give them the vote or the full rights of citizensin fact, the Emancipation Proclamation didnt even apply to the border states who sided with the North.This is the story of the Black men, be they born free or runaway slaves. Men embodied by the likes of Thomas Searles (Andre Braugher), who as a childhood friend to Shaw represented what was much more of the 54ths fighting force; and also men like Morgan Freemans John Rawlings, Jihmi Kennedys Jupiter Starts, both of whom were born in bondage and risked surrendering their body again to the whip and lash should they be captured alive or lose this war and men like Denzel Washingtons Silas Trip.Which brings us back to that pivotal scene in the movie that elevated Washington to the rarified heights of movie stardom and Oscar winner. In this fateful cinematic moment, Trip has been captured after going AWOL. Brodericks vacillating Shaw is pressured by his blatantly racist drill sergeant (John Finn) to flog Trip in front of the whole regiment for desertion; a punishment Shaws subordinate Forbes is horrified by due to the heinous connotations of whipping a Black man, particularly in a military regiment meant to champion the end of slavery. Without bothering to ask why Trip was discovered away from his tent, or to know the full extent of the situation, Shaw agrees to have Trip flogged in order to maintain what he believes is discipline and order.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!After the order is given, Washington throws the shirt off his back like it were just one more chain he was eager to strip off. In the process, he reveals a back long butchered by a spiders web of scars. The look of contempt Washington gives right into the camera, and right into Shaws soul, challenges you to not look away. He is saying, what is one more beating from a white man?That is at least how Trip wants to appear in the moment. Yet as we watch the sequence play out, there is more than just defiance in Washingtons face. There is also a beleaguered pride in his ability to see right through the bigotries of an oppressive system, even here in relative freedom of the North, and perhaps a pang of sorrow too. The tear reveals the humanity beneath the pridethe truth that all men, no matter how righteous, can bleed. It betrays a question still in search of a final answer: what does true freedom in America look like for a Black man?Before this fateful moment, weve been attuned to Trips bleak pessimism, even when it is so charismatically and gregariously played by Washington. The film pits his character against Braughers freedman Thomas as if this is a clash between a cynic and idealist; the malcontent and the problem-solver. For many white viewers in 1989, and perhaps now, it is easier to sympathize with Thomas, the kind and good-natured man who is introduced as Shaws boyhood chum. He is belittled and demeaned by men like Trip, who in lesser hands might come across as little more than a bully. No one should make that mistake.It happens, as underscored by the times Washington is still perplexed when white journalists ask why Trip is so hard to like, but there is another, richer way to read Trips dichotomy. The character is not cynical. He is realistic, and Washington imbues that practicality with swaggering authenticity that is unbowed, but not necessarily unbroken. Granted, there were not many former enslaved men in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, and there werent any who were flogged for desertion (that manner of punishment was banned in the Union Army in 1861, several years before the film is set).But while inaccurate, the scene is painfully truthful. A well-intended and even compassionate white man is bent by the system to do the oppressive, racist thing because it is easier, and the Black man bears the agony of the mistake. It is up to Washingtons eyes alone to communicate the weight of this injustice, and he shrewdly refuses to play it like a victim. There is neither fear nor anguish in the face, just bitter recognition of a Black mans reality in America, be it in the 19th or 20th century. According to the actor, even the tear was real, a byproduct of the fake whip being wet and actually hurting as it tore into his back. (Hence his disdain for the tear being called a signature move.)Washington plays Trip like so many other of his great performances, wise and unburdened by pretense or delusions of decorum. He knows what time it is, even if it hurts like all goddamn hell.Read more One of the powers of Glory is that despite being largely told from the white mans perspective, it admits to the fundamental limitation and flaw in such a prism. Shaw learns that Trip was not deserting, nor that he is the troublemaker the drill sergeant and apparently some white viewers believed. He was searching for shoes, because Shaws army was letting the mens feet freeze in the rain and snow due to the color of their skin.Shaw responds by doing the right thing, but it doesnt make him and Trip friends. In fact, the only time Trip lets his guard down in the film, in the scene where Washington plays the character with true sentimentality, is when he is surrounded by other Black men aware theyre probably about to die the next day. As the men around them sing a hymn, our two ideological opponents, Washingtons Trip and Braughers Thomas, are the two most moved and awkwardneither prepared to be so vulnerable. Still, they sing all the same.The next day they die too, including with Trip beside Shaw. Both men die around a flag they never get to see wave above the ramparts of the fort. They are subsequently buried together. The two were never friends, and they never could fully understand the others perspective, which came to a violent tragic head at the end of the whip, but they both gave their last full measure to make a better world. And the fact we know Trip did this after seeing the unsparing truth in Washingtons eyes, makes that shared final destination between the men all the more piercingand gallant that they rushed up a hill together without ever seeing the promised land on the other side.

Jack Huston knew if he ever directed a movie, it would not simply be something he wanted to make. It would be something he needed to pursue. An idea which loomed so large and for so long in his minds eye that only he could bring it to life. And, perhaps fittingly, it might have begun with an image that never left him in all the years and days which passed since he played the soulful hitman Richard Harrow on Boardwalk Empire.It began on a New Jersey set and with a co-star pounding away on a sack filled with dirt.I used to watch him punch sandbags in between takes and always going off to the boxing gym, Huston muses when thinking back on his earliest days working opposite Michael Pitt on the HBO period drama executive produced by Martin Scorsese. At the time, Pitt and Huston had a lot of scenes together with the pair playing WWI veterans who for better or worse (usually worse) get caught up in the bootleg racket. But during this same era in their careers, Huston was also making note of his colleagues baleful expressions, and the fact he was increasingly taking up boxing as a hobby.Michael carries himself like a boxer, Huston says. He always has Its there, its in his face. But he also has this sort of amazing vulnerability and sensitivity in his eyes. That look stayed with Huston, perhaps not least of all because alongside moviemaking, boxing is in the Huston familys blood. Before becoming one of the great writer-directors of the Hollywood Golden Age, Jacks grandfather John Huston (The Maltese Falcon, Key Largo) saw success as a pugilist, winning the Amateur Lightweight Boxing Championship of California while only a teenagerand all before a broken nose changed Johns long-term career interests.Something about the solitary figure, of a man in a ring battling his opponent but also himself, has obvious cinematic appeal. So when Huston sat down to write a screenplay about such a classic silver screen silhouette, the words came pouring out; as did memories and that sandbag.I wrote every word for [Michael], Huston admits. I couldnt imagine it being anybody else. I heard his voice in my head as I was writing. He even named his fictional boxer after him, turning Michael Pitt the actor into Irish Mike Flannigan the boxera professional bruiser who is in desperate need of grace.When Day of the Fight begins, viewers are keyed into the grim reality of Mike Flannigan being down on his luck. He apparently just got out of a very long stint in prison for a crime that is not immediately apparent, and in the ruins of his life, he has been informed by a doctor that he absolutely should not box again ahead of the films titular prize fight. But that bout, like absolution, only comes at night. So the rest of the film is about Mike preparing for the big event, not so much like a fighter but as a condemned man putting his affairs in order. He is even able to find something as elusive and sparkling as redemption in a handful of dwindling hours.When he steps into the Den of Geek studio, Huston describes the movie as ultimately being about a life in a day, as well as a narrative about more than who wins or loses during a ringside donnybrook.I always think the best boxing films arent really boxing films; theyre films about the boxer, the writer-director explains. Its one of the most fascinating professions. We always talk about how you could walk into any boxing gym and there might be 30, 50 other stories just like Irish Mikes. Their profession itself sort of takes them on these very interesting paths. For Mike, that path is perhaps less about his solitary nature as the man in the ring, and more the people along the way who are there to prop the fallen challenger back up.If youre on a good path, the people closest to you, the people that really matter in our life are far more willing to forgive than we might expect, Huston suggests.A sense of community has also come through like vivid technicolor to Huston, even as he toiled over ensuring his first directorial feature would be black and white (never an easy fight to pick in the 21st century). It indeed took a village of old friends and colleagues sticking their necks out to get Day of the Fight made, including again that Boardwalk Empire connection via the HBO series Emmy-nominated star, Steve Buscemi.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!It was an uphill battle, Huston says of the process of getting the movie made. So it was incredibly important for us, in order to get the film financed, that certain people showed up. In the case of Buscemi that meant combining two minor tertiary characters from Hustons earlier drafts into a larger role that would allow Buscemi to reunite with his former onscreen protege, Michael Pitt.Huston recalls, We got a hold of Steves manager, and they were like absolutely not. Like it has to be [a much bigger part]. So I was like, Im just gonna call Steve. I made a phone call and I think I sent him the script the day before Thanksgiving, and the day after Thanksgiving, I got a message saying, Yeah, Ill be there first day.Buscemi showed up on set for a day and took the bare minimum SAG pay for his work. But it helped get Day of the Fight made. Thats the stuff where you get emotional, because this film is impossible without these guys who actually showed up when it mattered. And theres a lot of people in my life who showed up when it mattered, and theres some people who dont.Hustons experience on the project is filled with dozens of similar stories, including convincing Joe Pesci to come out of retirement again after The Irishman for a small but pivotal part. It took those contributions plus a million others to get the film as Huston imagined on the screen, complete with haunting black and white interspersed with flints of color.Black and white is almost like a magnifying glass into the soul, Huston says. Theres something about when you put a camera on somebody and you see in black and white, its almost like Im looking inside them. And I found that very early on with Michael that I could put the camera on him and it harkens back to the old [Marlon] Brando, [Paul] Newman, [James] Dean.Of course cinema history runs through Hustons veins. As the grandson of the aforementioned John Huston, and the great-grandson of actor Walter Huston, and several more generations of filmmakers and actors, Jack was raised to love the magic of the moving image.I sit here as an incredibly proud grandson and great-grandson, and nephew, Huston says. I was so lucky that I grew up watching those movies and that they were played for me. Our entire family are lovers of film. Thats the best part about it. We cant think of anything wed like to do more than sit around watching movies.Still, while making Day of the Fight, Jack can hear old John Hustons famous gregarious drawl in his head, familiar to viewers of anything from Chinatown to the Rankin/Bass Hobbit movie.I do feel him sort of chuckling to himself, just because of how difficult its been, Huston laughs. Its like, Well, you wanted to make a movie and you wanted [to make it black and white]. You can imagine this being a really sort of earn the stripes because of how unbelievably hard it was.But like Irish Mike, Jack learned a sense of community can get you to the final bell.Day of the Fight is in limited release in theaters now in the U.S.

This article contains a few spoilers from You season 4.Weve known for a while that season 5 of You was going to be Joe Goldbergs (Penn Badgley) swan song. When the series was renewed for a fifth season back in 2023, it was announced at the time that it would be the shows final season. Netflix has now revealed that season 5 is set to premiere in 2025, showing us a couple of hints at what this final chapter might entail for Joe.In addition to this announcement, Netflix has released two posters, both centered on Joes victims across the last four seasons. Because of this, it seems reasonable to guess (or at least hope) that maybe Joe will finally face some consequences for the trail of bodies hes left in his wake across the last four seasons.For the briefest of moments last season, it seemed like Joe may have felt some remorse for what hes done. His brain created an entirely separate personality in order for him to continue killing, and he came close to taking his own life when he realized that no matter what he does, hes a killer at heart. However, despite surviving his attempt at death by suicide, Joe doesnt see this second chance as an opportunity to atone and face the consequences for what hes done. Instead, with the encouragement of his new incredibly wealthy partner Kate (Charlotte Ritchie), he decides to double down on his misdeeds.One of the posters shows newspaper clippings of Joes victims surrounding his face, with different letters circled and underlined as though someone is looking for clues in the headlines. Nadia (Amy-Leigh Hickman) may have been temporarily taken off the board after Joe framed her for her friends death, but shes one of the few people still living who knows about Joes true nature. Marriene (Tati Gabrielle) is also currently in the wind after faking her death with Nadias help and escaping from Joe. Its not entirely unlikely that either of them, or someone else from Joes past, could be back on his trail as the new season begins.The other poster also features newspaper clippings, but this time arranged in a shadow box of sorts, along with other mementos from Joes past victims. Joes past and his victims are very clearly the focus of these quick teases of the new season. Exactly how they factor into his present or his future has yet to be revealed, but this show is known for taking some pretty big swings. Hopefully these swings involve some actual consequences for Joe, but well just have to see.A show like You has to toe the line between making Joe too sympathetic and coming down too hard on him too soon. This show probably wouldnt have lasted for five seasons if Joe had been caught and gone to prison in season 2. But at the same time, it doesnt seem right to give him a true happily ever after either, given how many people hes killed and everything else hes done to cover his tracks. It will be interesting to see what this final season has in store for Joe and the people pulled into his orbit. Will he continue to embrace the darkest parts of himself without consequence, or will his past finally come back to haunt him?

This article contains spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 3.Sonic saves the day. Even if you keep drowning in Chemical Zone and throwing your old Sega Genesis controller across the room, you know that every Sonic the Hedgehog story ends with the Blue Blur triumphant and Robotnik defeated. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is no different. By the end of his third big screen outing, Sonic (Ben Schwartz) befriends new antagonist Shadow the Hedgehog (Keanu Reeves) and stops Gerald Robotnik and his grandson Ivo Eggman Robotnik (both played by Jim Carrey, hammy as ever) from blowing up the world. Sonic even wins a footrace against Tails (Colleen OShaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba).But the post-credit scene shows that theres much more to the story, and to Sonics group of friends. The post-credit scene finds Sonic getting a bit too enthusiastic about his race and stopping in a New York forest. Before he can make his way back to Green Hills where his animal friends and human pals Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter) wait, a new foe robotic foe arrives well, a legion of new robotic foes arrive: an army of Metal Sonics. Fortunately, Sonic gets an assist from a welcome face in the form of Amy Rose.These reveals will have the longtime Sonic fans in the audience cheering, but for those who left the franchise after playing Sonic and Knuckles, heres a primer.As Sonic himself points out, the mechanical assailant looks a lot like himwhich is exactly the point. Metal Sonic debuted in 1993s Sonic CD, an appropriately sci-fi villain to match the futuristic feel of playing a game on disc instead of a cartridge. Like most villains in the world of Sonic, Metal Sonic is a creation of Robotnik, who decides that the only way to defeat Sonic is to match him. Thus Metal Sonic has the same speed and skills as the hero, along with some extra bells and whistles.However, Metal Sonics greatest asset is his logical mind. Unlike his flesh and blood counterpart, Metal Sonic has no weaknesses for chili dogs, tiny captive animals, or his human pals. As a robot designed to improve upon the original in every way, Metal Sonic puts his mission before everything else, even turning against his maker from time to time after Robotnik keeps testing him in order to prove hes the One True Sonic the Hedgehog.Amy RoseAmys sudden appearance during the post-credit scene isnt an accident. Like Metal Sonic, Amy also joined the fictional world with Sonic CD, although shes been a bit more prominent in other media.As a pink hedgehog with a dress, Amy does fall into the standard trope of giving a male character a girl counterpart in the most superficial way possible. The giant mallet she wields, officially known as the Piko-Piko Hammer, does offset her some from her masculine counterpart, but too many Amy stories limited her roles to having a crush on Sonic and nagging when Sonic did something she didnt like. Even in Sonic CD, Amy was little more than a damsel in distress.However, Amy has begun to come into her own, especially in the past 10 years. In the pages of the Sonic the Hedgehog comics that fan-favorites Ian Flynn and Evan Stanley have been writing for IDW Publishing, Amys become something of a fortune teller, which adds depth to her positive attitude. Last years Amys 30th Anniversary Special, written by Flynn and penciled by Aaron Hammerstrom, serves as a perfect example, as Amys divination allows her to stop Metal Sonic and free her friends.Amy doesnt speak in the teaser, but well likely see a big name get cast in the role, someone on the level of Elba and Reeves. Could Anya Taylor-Joy make a jump from Nintendo to play another video game heroine?Fun as these reveals are, they may also re-contextualize Robotniks fate at the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Robotnik seems to sacrifice himself, helping Shadow prevent the space station from crashing into the Earth. Which makes sense, because even though Robotnik can keep coming back in the games, Jim Carrey demands a high price tag and may be done with the sequels.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Then again, Carrey is one of the best parts of the movies and a big draw for those indifferent to the adventures of fast furry animals. Sonic CD, the game that introduced Metal Sonic and Amy, has a time-travel conceit, sending the heroes through various periods in pursuit of Eggman.Could this mean that Robotnik lives in the future and sent Metal Sonic back to the past to destroy his hated enemy? And could Amys adoration of Sonic come from the fact that she grew up with his legend, instead of the usual little-girl crush from the games?Well find out when Sonic the Hedgehog 4 inevitably gets announced.Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is now playing in theaters nationwide.

News Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd Fight Killer Unicorns in New Bats**t A24 TrailerDeath of a Unicorn looks like the kind of genre comedy nonsense weve been craving right about now.By David Crow | December 18, 2024 | | Photo: A24Mythical creatures. Movie stars. And the studio that recently gave the world The Brutalist and Sing Sing. We probably were always going to be at least a little intrigued by Death of a Unicorn, the upcoming dark comedy starring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd thats oh, so A24 that it even intentionally misspelled unicorn by way of old-timey early modern English when it was first announced. (Its original title was Death of a Unicorne, which might be fitting when one knows the writer-director Alex Scharfman previously worked on Robert Eggers The Witch.)Still, when this mornings gloriously batshit trailer came around, it revealed that in addition to having just natural buckets of alternative cool kids cred, Death of a Unicorn also pivots on more than the cruel slaughter of these majestic beasts from ye olden times it is also a horror-ish movie where a unicorns horn holds the secrets to curing cancer just good luck getting it when these little ponies are revealed to be absolute man-eaters!Indeed, with a bemusing use of the classic Beach Boys banger, Good Vibrations, Death of a Unicorn featuresWednesdays Ortega opposite Americas new favorite dad, Rudd, as the pair are driving into the woods for a fateful work trip that goes horribly awry after they make roadkill of a unicorn. But faster than you can say Tommy Boy, the magic animal proves to be only mostly dead. And by the time they get to the films other cast of characters, including Ta Leoni, Richard E. Grant, and Will Poulterthe latter of whom looks to be having absolutely the time of his life mugging for the camerathe creature is revealed to be on the rebound.After untold bloody hijinks ensue, our quintet of characters have the unwise idea to harness the unicorns enchanted properties to cure all sickness and disease but in reality they might only be inviting themselves to learn what the legendary steeds digestive tract looks like.Notably, Death of a Unicorn is primarily coming out right now because of last years writers and actors strikes. While many studios and streamers chose to let negotiations drag on for months without making a deal with the creatives, A24 cut a separate one which allowed this movie to go into production with SAG members like Ortega and Rudd. And it has all the hallmarks of a skewed, sideways laugher befitting an indie tastemakers who made their name, in part, by producing and/or distributing movies like Spring Breakers and Everything Everywhere All at Once.Will Death of a Unicorn add itself to that illustrious legacy? Well find out soon enough, with the movie scheduled to release sometime next spring. Were just happy though to have another gonzo-minded movie about the death of unicorns after Ridley Scott made a whole cult classic about it in Legendalthough even that movie didnt have a tagline as punchy as poke around and find out.

There are two kinds of Lord of the Rings fans. Those who have seen the Rankin and Bass version of The Return of the King, and everybody else. Its okay. I get it. Peter Jackson delivered a near-perfect version of Return of the King in 2003, so, why would you watch the 1980 animated version, complete with singing orcs who are complaining about getting whipped all the time? Yes, most serious Tolkien-heads have seen the classic 1977 Rankin/Bass version of The Hobbit, but its in the beautiful strangeness of the 1980 Return of the King that the best and weirdest aspects of Middle-earth can truly be understood.And, believe it or not, the flashy new anime film, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, has more in common with the Rankin/Bass animated Tolkien efforts than you might realize. Because while the film obviously honors the books of J.R.R. Tolkien and the films of Peter Jackson, which the film is technically in canon with, theres deeper referential magic at work here. Mild spoilers ahead.First of all, although the idea of a Lord of the RingsThe War of the Rohirrim and the two animated Rankin/Bass Tolkien films of the past. In fact, though produced by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, with a screenplay from Romeo Muller, the actual animation for the 1977 Hobbit was completed by a Tokyo-based animation studio called Topcraft.By 1985, when Topcraft shut down, its animators largely went on to work for Studio Ghibli. So, in a sense, the first several animated LOTR movies ever, including The Hobbit (1977), The Lord of the Rings (1982), and The Return of the King (1980), were created by an anime studio. The mere existence of War of the Rohirrim and the fact that its animated by Sola Entertainment in Japan, and directed by well-known anime filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama, means that on some level this is a return to the earliest tradition of Middle-earth movies.On top of that, The War of the Rohirrim features two unique shoutouts to the aesthetics and narrative choices of the Rankin and Bass animated movies, and very specifically, the 1980 version of Return of the King. Early in The War of the Rohirrim we get some minstrel music action, giving us the feeling that were hearing a tale from deep in the past, or as Miranda Ottos narration tells us, the story of a heroic shield-maiden whose name isnt found in the old songs.But the telltale folk-y minstrel music should transport certain types of Tolkien fans right back to the Rankin /ass movies. The 1977 Hobbit very famously relies on the Glenn Yarbrough folk song The Greatest Adventure, which can be heard throughout the movie. Meanwhile the 1980 Return of the King more liberally asserts an actual minstrel character into the narrative frame of the movie. At some fictitious future-tense birthday for Bilbo, beyond the events of The Lord of the Rings, the Minstrel (again, Glenn Yarbrough) sings a ballad called Frodo of the Nine Fingers, which aims to explain to the slightly forgetful Bilbo about why Frodo only has nine fingers nowbecause of everything that happened with Gollum, you know, biting one of those fingers off.This is all hilarious as it sounds, but the charm of the animated Return of the King is that this goofiness is for the most part played entirely straight. As artistic adaptations of The Hobbit and The Return of the King, these films simply decided to lean on the folky-minstrel thing, which means the allusions to similar music in The War of the Rohirrim cant be an accident.If you remain unconvinced that The War of the Rohirrim is specifically linked to the animated Tolkien films of the past, theres another smoking pinecone of evidence. Although the War of the Ring is still roughly 200 years in the future from the events in the new 2024 anime movie, there are a few overt references to those events still sprinkled throughout Rohirrim. This includes a near-the-end appearance of Saruman (voiced by the late Christopher Lee) taking over as the new master of Isengard. But theres one moment thats an even bigger reference.At one point, in the aftermath of one of the attacks from the wraith-ish Helm Hammerhand (voiced by Brian Cox), we see two orcs gathering random rings from fallen soldiers. These orcs are nervous and frustrated, and among themselves, wonder why Sauron, their master, wants so many rings collected.Read more Book readers know that this is the moment in time where Sauron is trying to trackdown all the rings he helped create, and also, of course, is in search of the One Ring, which at this point is missing. But its the behavior of these orcs in this scene that is most evocative of the 1980 Return of the King. Neither ruthless nor fierce, these two orcs are skittish, and frustrated. This recalls the Orc marching song from the animated Return of the King, Where Theres a Whip, Theres a Way. In that song, some of the orcs sing, We dont want to go to war today, indicating that not all orcs were really excited about Saurons dark deeds, but simply had no other choice. (The Rings of Power gestured at these more well-rounded orcs recently as well.)The way the orcs behave in this scene, and even appear, feels closer to the Rankin/Bass animated Orcs than the Peter Jackson orcs. This is a refreshing deep-cut within The War of the Rohirrim. Because as serious and epic as that movie is, the off-kilter orcs are a reminder that The Lord of the Rings franchise doesnt always have to be fully earnest. In Middle-earth, you can have a little fun too.The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is in theaters now.

This article is presented by Bicycle Cards.The king of all holidays is arguably Christmas. Its a giving time. Its a time for being with family. Its a time for favorite old movies. But most of all, its a time about time. We spend more time with our families during this holiday than most of all the other ones put together. And so the question is how should you spend that time well?Youve decorated the tree together, maybe even sang some songs. Theres plenty of egg nog left, and youve got a great playlist going. Guess what its time for? A great pack of cards. If youre making cocktails, theres some cocktail recipe playing cards, which can work great if you need to lighten up with certain relatives. But if youve got that great deck of cards, you can start to play some games that are more than just the basics. You can play some games that actually take some time to complete. Good games. Fun games. Games that will really pass the time well.Here are three extremely cool and classic games you try out this holiday season, most of which you havent thought about in a while. Dig in. These ones take a second to pick up, but the rewards are a really great time in while the snow falls outside.Thirty-OneThis game is ancient. Not quite as old as Christmas itself, but close. Most variants of this game are known as Cribbage or Blackjack. It may sound unfamiliar now, but youll remember how this goes pretty quickly.The GoalYou want to get yourself a hand that adds-up to 31. You can play the 21 version of this, which is more common at casinos, but 31 is more friendly. For the purposes of adding, aces are worth 11. (Which is probably different from what youre used to.)The SetupEverybody gets three face-down cards, and then, three face-up cards. You can call the three face-up cards the widow. Everybody can see these cards, and in one variation, you can decide to trade these cards with other players.How to Play and How to WinYou want to be the first person to get to 31 without going over. Failing that, you want to be able to have the highest rank hand in a showdown. The best way to play this game is by betting, so use some poker chips, candy canes, or whatever. Everybody antes up an equal amount and then you go around, taking turns, swapping out your cards, hoping that what you have will beat the other players. Keep in mind, youre basing this guess off of the widow cards you can see, rather than the hidden cards.You can then take turns betting, or a player can knockm which is the moment they reveal theyve already hit 31. That person automatically wins the pot. Otherwise, its a test of hand versus hand. If youve got the higher ranked hand, you can beat your opponent, if not, youre out. The last player standing (or the first person to 31) wins.Six Card GolfDont be thrown off by the name of this game. Its not really like golf at all. The only similarity is that theres nine rounds (or deals). You can call these holes like in golf. We wont judge.The GoalYou want to end up with the lowest value of cards. Yes, this is the point of this game, to have low-ranking cards.The SetupEverybody gets six cards dealt to them from the deck. The rest of the cards are then put face down, one top card is flipped over.Each player then has to organize their cards in two rows of three cards each. Everybody flips two cards face up. The rest of the cards are hidden.How to Play and How to WinAfter the setup, you go nine rounds. This is how the rounds go: You can draw cards from the main deck or the discard pile. You can swap new cards with cards you already have, which will go in the discard pile. What youre trying to do is get rid of high-ranking cards, and bring down your overall score.This goes on for nine rounds, and at the end of those nine rounds, the person with the lowest total, wins. Jacks and Queens count as ten, but in this game Kings are worth ZERO, which is, of course, the best card to have in this case. You can also get a zero by having two matching cards, that basically cancel each other out. Otherwise, aces through ten are worth one point to 10 points.SpoonsAs the name of the game suggests, youre gonna need more than just a pack of cards. Youre also going to need several actual spoons. These are used for keeping score, which will all make sense shortly. Oh, also, please remember how to spell!The GoalLIke the basketball game Horse, you dont want to get all the letters that spell Spoon. If you do get all those letters, youre out.The SetupPut a bunch of spoons in the center of a table. Then, using a standard deck, deal four cards to each player. After this, its going to go nuts.How to Play and How to WinYoure trying to get four-of-a-kind. The way this works is the dealer takes a card from top of the deck and then either keeps it, or not. But, then, that person passes the card they dont want to the person on their right. You get the idea, the next person can keep this card or not, always trying to get four-of-a-kind.The first person to get four-of-a-kind grabs a spoon from the center of the table. When this happens, everybody else can grab a spoon. However, if you dont get a spoon you get a letter. Once you get all the letters that spell S-P-O-O-N youre out. Play goes on like this until theres one person with a spoon who hasnt not spelled-out S-P-O-O-N.

Despite the singular event suggested by its title, Day of the Fight features a lower stakes match earlier in the film, hours before prizefighter Irish Mike Flannigan (Michael Pitt) has his title bout. Visiting the gym to check in with his trainer, Mike overhears a young fighter mocking the sparring partner he just trounced. Mike, who has spent the past several years in prison for reasons not immediately clear, is a man whos visibly lived with shame, guilt, and the loss of his once illustrious acclaim. So the cocky contender running his mouth doesnt object when Mike climbs into the ring. Nonetheless, and outside of the arrogant mans opening cheap shot, Mike has total control of what transpires. He dodges each of the loud mans blows and lands a few jabs. But before landing a knock out hook, Mike stays his hand.Next time have a little grace, Irish Mike tells his opponent. You never know whos watching.On first glance, Day of the Fight has a lot in common with the great boxing pictures throughout cinema history. The black and white photography and a cameo from Joe Pesci immediately brings to mind Raging Bull. Michael Pitt plays a Mike by another name who is a sweet mook with more heart than brains, not unlike Rocky Balboa. The story of a former champ trying to clean up his life follows in the footsteps of King Vidors 1931 Oscar nominated, The Champ.But where so many boxing pictures emphasize the individual spirit of the central fighter, Day of the Fight takes a more communal approach, minimizing the climactic title bout to show the many people who make Irish Mike his best self.Directed by Jack Huston, grandson of John Huston and former co-star with Pitt on Boardwalk Empire, Day of the Fight is unabashedly an actors movie. Most of the movie consists of Mike checking in on various people throughout his life, making peace with them before his title bout. Mike spends time with everyone from his supportive uncle (Steve Buscemi) to his ex-girlfriend Jessica (Nicolette Robinson), and even his abusive father (Pesci), silent while in the throes of Parkinsons.Each of these interactions give the actors space to deliver big monologues and chew on meaty lines. Sometimes the work plays into the actors established strengths. Ron Perlman barks and curses his way through the movie as Mikes hard-driving trainer. Buscemi layers soft respect under his sarcastic lines as the uncle encourages Mike.The best of these supporting turns comes from John Magaro, who is quickly becoming one of American cinemas most reliable character actors. As Mikes best friend turned priest, Patrick, Magaro makes the character at once wise enough to give guidance and relatable enough to let loose with some foul-mouthed comments. Magaro melds both tones so effortlessly that viewers may not even notice the incongruity.Likewise, Robinson stands out as the less complex, but no less compelling Jessica. Robinson doesnt shy away from letting Jessicas love for Mike show, but she tampers the feelings with practical needs. Robinson takes advantages of pauses and spaces in the dialogue to let Jessica reset and ground herself, moderating the way she talks with Mike.Unsurprisingly, the most notable performance comes from Pesci as Mikes father. The film establishes Mikes father as abusive and distant, suggesting that the kindhearted man weve followed throughout the movie learned about fighting from his dad. So its shocking to watch as Mike enters a hospital room and find his father there, looking small and vulnerable as he shakes. Pitt does all the talking as Mike, spilling his guts about his anger and frustration with the older man, but Pescis glances, defensive at some moments and pleading at others, unable to reach out with his trembling hand.The train of monologues does sometimes become overbearing, making the movie feel like a series of audition clips more than believable words one person would say to another. But by the time Mike seeks absolution from another old friend, sincerity overtakes our cynicism.The Ring of RedemptionSincerity drives Day of the Fight. For as much as it builds to a match in which two people punch one another in the face, for as much as its black and white imagery and working class characters suggest gritty realism, Day of the Fight doesnt have an ounce of cynicism. It believes whole-heartedly in the possibility of redemption and forgiveness.Again, that sounds like familiar stuff for movies about fighters. With his pretty face atop a severe and muscular body, Pitt resembles Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler. But whereas Darren Aronofsky used Rourkes Randy The Ram Robinson as a Christ metaphor, in which the main character sacrifices his body for our entertainment/sins, Day of the Fight has nothing so nihilistic in mind. Instead its Mikes honesty and bravery that inspires. As such, he finds meaning in the way he relates with other people.The connection to others is what separates Day of the Fight from most boxing films. When Huston films the fighters jabbing at the camera, or cuts away from the match to show how other people respond, he shows that its not all about Mike, Irish Mike against the world. Its Irish Mike within the world, his actions reverberating through the many people who made him the person hes become.So when Mike fights, its not a man to man battle. Its a struggle of people trying to support and forgive one another, despite sometimes disastrous mistakes. Its a fight for grace, something so rarely found inside the boxing ring.Day of the Fight is playing in select theaters nationwide.

Lin-Manuel Miranda has heard the criticism before. As some cynics onthe internet have repeated, the songwriter and actor who gave the world In the Heights and Hamilton supposedly cannot write a villain song. Its an odd take since he previously submitted the delightfully decadent Shiny in Moanaand wed argue Aaron Burrs jazzy barnburner, The Room Where It Happens, isnt exactly an epiphany for good deedsyet the critique persists. And like a certain North Carolina basketball player, Miranda chose to take that personally.And in Mufasa: The Lion King, the Tony winner might just have his slam dunk of a baddie anthem. Written for a sadistic snow white lion laying in wait in the Pride Lands, Kiros (Mads Mikkelsen), Bye Bye has the playfulness and rapid wordplay Miranda is known for, as well as a real wicked sense of humor that seems tailor-made for countless TikToks to come. Also as revealed to Den of Geek during an interview at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the banger was one Miranda had to lobby for and push to get in the movie.The villain song was my pitch, Miranda says when we ask if there were any musical scenes not earmarked in the script for a showtune. They already had such a great villain in Kiros, whos voiced by Mads Mikkelsen, one of our great Bond villains, one of our great movie villains. Hes like an Indiana Jones Nazi! [Laughs] Hes a great villain! So I just wanted a chance to write to his voice and take advantage of the fact they already had this great villain. Lets lean into it.It is indeed the first time we can think of where we hear Mikkelsen, the charismatic but often severe Danish actor who has played everyone from Hannibal Lecter to Casino Royales Le Chiffre, break into a rap. But the tune has a real purpose in Mirandas mind other than to get that voice purring rhymes.Says Miranda, I think my favorite villains have their own reasons, and theyre just antithetical to our protagonists reasons. So to get to write a line like, The Circle of Life is a lie, it is [attacking] the central tenet of what Dad James Earl Jones tells us, may he rest in peace. Its pretty much the best way to do a heel turn for a Disney villain. Miranda even notes the similarities to his previous Disney villain song, which also had a dark sardonic streak.It was similar to when I was writing Shiny for Moana, Miranda explains. Youve got Gramma Tala saying, You have to listen to the voice inside, and then you have Tamatoa being like, It doesnt matter! The outside is the only thing that matters! So its really about having just a really strong opposing force.The role of villainy, and what makes one villainous, matters greatly in Mufasa: The Lion King, a movie which introduces the idea that Scar was not always a bad guy himself. In fact, hes not even called Scar for most of the picture. He is instead known as Taka, a kind, young lion who rescues an orphaned cub named Mufasa before things pull them apart. For the actor playing the cat who would become Scar, Luces Kelvin Harrison Jr., it was also a creative opportunity.I think no ones a villain without having a heart, Harrison tells us in a separate interview. A villain has been hurt at some point, and upset and hurt for so long, it made them angry. So my job was to figure out where all the arrows were pointing to. Theres an arrow pointing at his Dad, theres an arrow pointing to Mufasa, theres an arrow pointing at a lack of community and support, theres an arrow pointing to just the way the politics work in the Pride Lands. Theres an arrow pointed at Sarabi. So all these people were complicit in his confusion, but at the same time, he has to start to understand what accountability means.For Harrison its a chance to dabble in legacy, complete with eventually some Jeremy Irons-like flourishes. But legacy looms large over the whole film. Rebel Ridges Aaron Pierre performed the role of a young Mufasa before James Earl Jones passing earlier this year, however Jones shadow has tracked Pierres mind since well before Mufasa came along.I study James Earl Jones, period, Pierre tells us. Whether it be his extensive filmography or his extensive work in the theater, or his voice work. He is a guiding light for me and my artistry, point blank. So of course that resulted, when being gifted with this opportunity, to being guided by the original portrayal of Mufasa, this iconic, cherished, celebrated character he originated. That was my guiding light that kept me on the path whenever I was unsure, whenever I didnt have the answers. And actually the nerves that I had were perfect, because I was portraying an adolescent version of this great king, and certainly in my experience of being an adolescent, I was unsure. I didnt have it all figured out, and I was searching for answers to questions. So hopefully I served him, and hopefully I served his character.Of course the legacy of The Lion King remains immense, especially to any Millennial 90s kid (hi, there) who will tell the next generation that the 94 classic is still the best Disney movie. Yet there also needs to be some realistic acceptance that if youre going to tackle this world in 2024, things will be different. For his part, Miranda did not try to emulate what Elton John and Tim Rice did while writing the songs of the original classic, often with the help of South African composer and vocalist Lebo M. (whose voice you hear throughout all film versions of The Lion King).I think the fun thing about songwriting is I feel like its a pretty envy free zone, Miranda notes, because the way we write, it just comes out of us different. If you gave me and Elton and Tim the same assignment, wed write totally different things. We cant help it, its just how it comes out of us. Were more filters than anything else. What I did know was that I needed Lebo M. to help with the arrangements and his incredible quality there, because to me that is the secret sauce of Lion King. Its his voice, his musical harmonies. So when I was writing, I just made a lot of space for that. I knew Lebo would come in, and it would be an iterative process where he would add a lot of his own things to it.Still, Miranda admits it helps that he is not the first person to musically revisit the 1994 film in 30 years.I think I probably would have been more intimidated if only the 1994 film existed and this was the next thing, but I feel like a lot of amazing composers have gotten to play in this space. Not only Elton John and Tim Rice and Hans Zimmer, but also Lebo M. and Mark Mancina did such amazing work in adapting the Broadway musical, which expanded the sonic palette, and then Beyonc came out with that album that kind of expanded the notion of what a Lion King song could sound like with The Gift.So making something like Mufasa, at least in Mirandas mind, is not about baton-passing; its a pool that a lot of really cool people are swimming in. I want to jump into the pool.Mufasa: The Lion King invites your family to join in when the movie opens only in theaters on Friday, Dec. 20.

Den of Geek senior editor David Crow was invited to a spooky Nosferatu dinner beneath a real New York City crypt courtesy of Focus Features and TikTok. He has not been since in the office sinceA new batch of LEGO Minecraft sets have been revealed, highlighted by baby pigs, armadillos, and Mooshrooms!Several new Minecraft sets have been added to LEGO.com today, five of which will be released on the 1st of January, with a sixth on the 1st of March.Find out more at BricksetHot Ones, the popular chicken wing-based YouTube show, has sold for a price you wouldnt believe.Hot Ones is going independent. Buzzfeed has officially announced that it will be selling the First We Feast studio for $82.5 million USD. The studio is best known for the popular YouTube hot sauce and chicken wing celebrity talk show hosted by Sean Evans. The group acquiring First We Feast is a consortium of investors including founder of First We Feast Chris Schonberger, Hot Ones host Sean Evans, Mythical Entertainment the media company company created by YouTube stars Rhett and Link, podcast company Crooked Media and Soros Fund Management. Read more at HypeBeastOne of the best action movies of the 1990s was disguised as an animated Disney princess flick, Mulan.One of the biggest rallying cries of the last decade of pop culture discourse has been the call for more strong female characters to inspire young girls. But whats funny is that I actually felt like I already had a lot of them growing up. As a child of the 90s, I was obsessed with animated action shows like Sailor Moon, The Powerpuff Girls, and Princess Gwenevere And The Jewel Riders. I found aspiring female knights in Tamora Pierce novels and animated films like Quest For Camelot. And I loved the heroines of live-action sci-fi and fantasy TV specials like Zenon: Girl Of The 21st Century and The 10th Kingdom.Read more at The A.V. ClubThe Karate Kid universes are combining! Check out the trailer for Karate Kid: Legends, featuring both Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio.In a crossover nobody expected, McDonalds in selling Squid Game-themed Happy Meals.Squid Game, a Korean show about people fighting to the death for money, took the world by storm upon its release in September 2021. Its exploration of wealth inequality and capitalism inspired audiences to learn Korean and sparked special events worldwidefrom a Red Light, Green Light game in Paris to a race in Los Angeles. Recently, McDonalds Australia launched what may be the most head-scratching promotion of the ultra-violent show yet: a Squid Game-inspired Happy Meal.Read more at Mental Floss

The biggest upcoming games of 2025 makes 2024 look like an even slower year for new releases. It seems to be a trend: as the average development time for games continues to grow, more and more major titles are dropping in batches during select years. Like 2023 before it, 2025 is going to be one of those years.While the upcoming year will rightfully be defined by the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, the fact of the matter is that Rockstars next game could slip into 2026 and youd still be left with an absolutely stacked year for new releases. That said, we apologize for putting that thought out into the world.Here are the biggest games you need to keep an eye on in 2025!Assassins Creed ShadowsPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCRelease Date: February 14While its delay left many fans wondering about the state of Assassins Creed Shadows, and whether itd be able to meet expectations, we remain optimistic about this latest chapter in the series. As the Assassins Creed franchises long-awaited trip to feudal Japan, Shadows looks to make good on what many feel is the series most promising historical setting. Expectations are certainly high, but Shadows fascinating two-protagonist system and enhanced combat, stealth, and traversal mechanics suggest it could offer an ideal blend of classic gameplay with more modern flourishes.AtomfallPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox OneRelease Date: MarchAnother survival game? In this economy? Yes, though keep in mind that Atomfall has several tricks up its sleeve that instantly make it more appealing than the countless craft some cheese genre titles out there.Developed by Rebellion, the team behind the exceptional Sniper Elite series, Atomfall places far more emphasis on worldbuilding and storytelling than the average survival title. Set in a fictional version of Northern England following a nuclear disaster, it tasks you with discovering the truth behind this twisted world as you fight to stay alive. Rebellion has suggested that Atomfall is closer to something like BioShock than Rust, which should be enough to excite even the most survival-wary out there.AvowedPlatforms: Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCRelease Date: February 13The phrase new Obsidian RPG is more than enough to get a title on any respectable list of anticipated upcoming games. Obsidian Entertainment is one of the greatest RPG studios of all time, and their recent efforts demonstrate their willingness to keep pushing the envelope.In some ways, Avowed feels like the culmination of Obsidians efforts to create the ideal modern RPG experience. Its an action-packed real-time experience filled with the kind of character-building, role-playing decisions, and clever writing that Obsidian is known for. While our preview of Avowed raised some unanswered questions about the games depth, the allure of its classic fantasy world is pretty powerful.Borderlands 4Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCThe recently revealedbut long-rumoredfourth major Borderlands entry will try to get the series back on track after Borderlands 3 proved to be a somewhat surprising meh entry into the largely celebrated franchise.However, the surprising success of Tiny Tinas Wonderlands and the Borderlands 4 teams early promise to go bigger and better in every way with this game certainly suggests that they are aware of this franchises need to grow (and perhaps change a little bit).Civilization 7Platforms: Windows PCRelease Date: February 11The announcement of a new Civilization game inspires equally powerful feelings of joy and dread. Yay, I get to lose myself in one of the finest strategy series ever created. Oh no, Ill lose hours of my life to the game that famously makes players say one more turn until the cruel light of the rising sun invades the perimeters of their vision.Still, a new Civilization game feels like mostly good news. We know little about this title (a strange theme for the coming year), though Firaxis Games guiding hand and the promised ability to mix and match large chunks of history certainly feels like a winning combo for this franchise that has rarely steered us wrong.Death Stranding 2: On The BeachPlatforms: PlayStation 5Love it or hate it (opinions only seem to go one way or the other), Hideo Kojimas Death Stranding remains one of the most fascinating games of the last five years. The first significant project of Kojimas post-Konami era featured all the eerily accurate social commentary, divisive gameplay, and bombastic storytelling weve come to expected from one of gamings few true auteurs, and the second installment promises to dive even deeper into the weirdness of this post-apocalyptic world.Though we know relatively little about Death Stranding 2, the games star-studded cast, Kojimas creative presence, and the original titles fascinating concepts are enough reasons to consider this one of 2025s most highly-anticipated new releases. Its doubtful this sequel will make many efforts to appease those turned off by the originals methodical gameplay, but Death Stranding 2s confirmed meditations on the impact of post-COVID society should certainly cause a stir.Doom: The Dark AgesPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCWith 2016s Doom and 2020s Doom Eternal, developer id Software did so much more than bring the grandfather of FPS franchises into the modern age. Those games effectively set a new standard for single-player FPS titles that very few other games have been able to match.At worst, Doom: The Dark Ages figures to be a victory lap for a studio making the most audaciously entertaining FPS games on the market. It looks to be so much more than that, though. Dark Ages almost Painkiller-esque weapons, style, and gameplay pacing suggest id has somehow found yet another gear and isnt taking their foot off the gas as they boldly navigate new territory once again.Elden Ring NightreignPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox OneFew expected FromSoftware to return to Elden Ring so quickly, and nobody expected them to deliver something like Nightreign. This spin-off of the Elden Ring series is essentially a co-op roguelike dungeon crawler with several Elden Ring-flavored twists. Picture Dark Alliance with more Elden Ring-like gameplay andwell, that still doesnt quite paint the picture.Yet, between Nightreigns pre-set characters, generally lowered difficulty level, and much faster gameplay, its hard not to be intrigued by what FromSoftware is cooking. Are they testing the waters for a big new concept, or is this simply a standalone passion project?FablePlatforms: Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCThe Fable franchise is one of gamings oddest beasts. It has historically fallen short of expectations, in large part due to the outrageous promises that have come to define the series creator, Peter Molyneux. Yet, those original games also offered a rather unique genre experience that many crave due to a lack of proper alternatives.With their reboot of the franchise (sans Molyneux), developer Playground Games looks to recapture the series unique charms while inching Fable closer to its full potential. Its a tall task, but the Fable footage released so far demonstrates Playgrounds understanding of the humor and whimsy that have long made Fable one of the most enjoyable fantasy franchises to lose yourself in.Ghost of YoteiPlatforms: PlayStation 5With 2020s Ghost of Tsushima, developer Sucker Punch Productions delivered the rare modern open-world title that felt both comfortably familiar and creatively inventive. Ghost of Tsushima didnt break the genre mold so much as it used its historical setting as the basis of one of the most stunning and engaging open-world experiences this side of a Rockstar Games production. It is also arguably the best samurai title ever made.As the standalone sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei obviously wont be able to ride the wave of surprising delights that helped elevate Tsushima among those who went into it with modest expectations. Yet, the Yotei teams promise to emphasize an underdog of vengeance story and the romance and beauty of feudal Japan should be more than enough to get you excited about the opportunity to dive back into this world where every pixel is a painting.Grand Theft Auto 6Platforms: PlayStation 5; Xbox Series X/SGrand Theft Auto 6 may be the most anticipated release in video game history. Its not just the 10+ years since the release of GTA 5, the absurdly high standards of this series, and the ways GTA has reached even the most casual modern gamers. Theres a strong argument to be made that the success or failure of GTA 6 could alter the fate of an industry that is increasingly dependent on its biggest blockbusters. Well, there is no blockbuster bigger than GTA 6.Mind you, we still know relatively little about the game itself. With only one official trailerand quite a few leaksto go on, we can tell you that the next Grand Theft Auto will take us to a fictional version of Florida and focus on two lovers on the run from the law. Everything else will be a surprise, it seems. Thats actually kind of nice. Of course, itd be a lot nicer if we could just finally play the damn game.Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCRelease Date: February 42018s Kingdom Come: Deliverance boasts one of the strangest success stories in modern gaming. Following a Kickstarter campaign that seemed to be built on unrealistic promises, Deliverance launched with quite a few bugs and several controversies. And yet, a few patches and a little distance revealed Deliverance to be one of the best attempts to recapture those old Elder Scrolls feelings and a pretty incredible medieval RPG in its own right.With Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, developer Warhorse Studios looks to make the most of the lessons they learned from the first game. Set shortly after the original, Deliverance 2 looks far smoother than its predecessor ever was yet has lost none of that outside-the-box ambition that made the original feel so special.Mafia: The Old CountryPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCDeveloper Hangar 13 gets to continue what they started in the underrated Mafia III with the upcoming Mafia: The Old Country. As the name suggests, this game will take the franchise back to its relative roots (early 1900s Sicily) and serve as a kind of origin story for the series.The setting is unique relative to other crime games, and Hangar 13 has already shown that they can maintain and elevate this series standard for excellent storytelling, characters, and environments. Its not ideal that this game is coming out the same year as GTA 6, but Old Countrys likely release date head start and distinct style should help it distinguish itself as a worthwhile alternative.Marvel 1943: Rise of HydraPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCThe relative lack of Marvel games during the MCU era of entertainment was always a shock. Conventional corporate wisdom tells us that we should be swimming in games that adapt and go beyond MCU movies and shows. Yet, weve been left with slim pickings so far. Thankfully, Marvel 1943 looks to help fill that considerable void.Set in Paris during World War II, this action/adventure game will follow Captain America, Black Panther, and their military allies as they battle Hydra and the Axis forces. On paper, thats the exact kind of familiar, yet distinct approach to Marvel gaming that helped make Insomniacs Spider-Man titles such a success.Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCThat siren youve been hearing is the warning sound that accompanied the announcement of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and has been trailing the game throughout its development. Simply put, the prospect of Konami approving a remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater following their infamous split with creator Hideo Kojima felt perilous at best and insulting at worst.But the success of 2024s Silent Hill 2 remake has a lot of people feeling much more excited about this next remake. Granted, they are different games being developed by different studios, but suddenly the prospect of a remake of a beloved Konami game delivering a worthwhile experience without the help of their original creators doesnt seem quite so far-fetched.Metroid Prime 4: BeyondPlatforms: Nintendo SwitchGiven that it was revealed around the time that the Nintendo Switch was released, we once thought that Metroid Prime 4 was going to be one of the titles that Nintendo used to sell people on their strange new hardware. Now, Metroid Prime 4 is poised to be the swan song for one of the most successful gaming devices ever made. Hey, no pressure.Yes, its surprising that weve still seen so little of Metroid Prime 4. After all this time, though, the promise of more Metroid Prime is still enough to leave us impossibly excited about this project. At a time when the Metroidvania genre dominates the indie scene and is the DNA of many modern games, Metroid Prime 4 seems primed to finally earn this series the undeniable sales success it always deserved.Ninja Gaiden: RageboundPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox OneThe Ninja Gaiden franchise returns as a 2D sidescroller that will offer the classic lore and gameplay of the Tecmo-developed Ninja Gaiden series from the 8-bit era with the depth and intensity of the modern 3D entries. So, its not quite a throwback but rather a re-imagining of the franchises roots.The biggest reasons to be excited about this one, though, can be found on the back of the box (relatively speaking). Published by Dotemu, the team behind many of the best retro revivals in recent years, and developed by The Game Kitchen, the studio responsible for the exceptional Blasphemous, this one is almost guaranteed to rock.The Outer Worlds 2Platforms: Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCAs the spiritual sequel toFallout: New Vegas, 2019sThe Outer Worldswas essentially a dream Obsidian Entertainment RPG. Along with fulfilling quite a fewFalloutfantasies,The Outer Worldsproved to be a compelling, enjoyable, genuinely funny, and surprisingly deep sci-fi role-playing experience in its own right.WithThe Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian has made it clear that they intend to pick up where they left off and simply go bigger with everything. On paper, its not the most ambitious goal for a sequel. However, given that you can attribute many ofThe Outer Worlds biggest flaws to its first-draft nature, the team doesnt have to go too far out of its way to make this one of 2025s most essential role-playing experiences.Pokmon Legends: Z-APlatforms: Nintendo SwitchThe Pokmon series has been on a surprisingly rough run in recent years. While theyre as successful as ever, the recent mainline Pokmon games have rightly been criticized for their relative lack of ambition and various technical issues. One of the franchises highlights during that era2022s Pokmon Legends: Arceusgarnered acclaim for taking the series in a relatively fresh open-world direction.Based on what we know, Pokmon Legends: Z-A looks to retain most of Arceus core concepts while exploring an era when Pokmon and humans were first learning to co-exist in shared environments. Its a fantastic setup that also seemingly features the return of the largely beloved Mega Evolutions concept.South of MidnightPlatforms: Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCDeveloper Compulsion Games has made quite a name for themselves in recent years. Their previous titlesCompulsion and We Happy Fewwere undeniably unique, yet each suggested that the studios best work was ahead of them. Well, South of Midnight may very well prove to be the developers masterpiece.Set in a dark fantasy version of the Deep South, South of Midnight blends several regions of folklore with original creations and sets the whole thing to a rocking Southern soundtrack. It looks and sounds great, but its the games almost Beyond Good and Evil-esque gameplay that leads us to believe it could be something truly special.Split FictionPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCRelease Date: March 6Split Fiction is the latest game from Hazelight Studios, the studio behind the exceptional co-op adventures A Way Out and It Takes Two. Like those games, Split Fiction will emphasize the value of unique teamwork throughout its entirely co-op campaign.Unlike those games, Split Fiction will explore a far wider variety of genres and gameplay concepts. Based on the idea that two writers have become stuck in their own creations, Split Fiction certainly looks like the most ambitious co-op game from a studio that is in a league of its own in that area.

This article contains spoilers for Yellowstone seasons 1-5.With Yellowstone airing its finale (at least this iteration of the Montana drama, as plans move forward for a proposed spinoff and sister shows) it joins the lexicon of popular, engaging series that simply forget a plot line or two, or perhaps just run out of time. Its hard to argue that Yellowstone ran out of time, having five seasons to answer these questions, and with co-creator Taylor Sheridan writing an entire episode where hes the most important (and most shirtless) character, but alas, here we are.Lets take a look at several major Yellowstone questions that likely will never be answered.Where Did Garrett Randall Get the Money?One of the greatest cliffhangers in the history of the show was the season 3 finale, The World is Purple. It was this generations Who Shot J.R. (Or maybe Who Shot Mr. Burns old age might be affecting this writer) when John (Kevin Costner) was shot on the side of the road and left for dead. In fact, many of the fates of the Duttons were left up in the air in between seasons as Kayce (Luke Grimes) was attacked and shot at, and Beths (Kelly Reilly) office was blown up.The episode aired in August of 2020, and during that fall fans were letting theories run amuck who was responsible for the attack on the Duttons? Many were correct in thinking it was the biological father of Jamie (Wes Bentley), Garrett Randall, played by Will Patton. Randall had a mean grudge against John, and blamed him for ruining his life and taking Jamie away from him.Yet when one mystery was answered, another major one popped up. How did Randall afford all that? The show would have us believe that it was an old cell mate, Terrell Riggins (Bruno Amato) helped Randall out, but this is a three-tiered attack, with militia grade weaponry, taking on an ex-marine in Kayce (Luke Grimes) and someone with enough knowledge of explosives to take out Beth (Kelly Reilly) with a letter bomb. Theres honor among thieves, but it seems like even if Randall owed Riggins a few cigarettes, this is quite a rich favor.How would a small-time criminal, who after being released had no money to his name manage to convince these professionals to take on the hit? Did Randall promise payment once Jamie inherited the Yellowstone?What Happened Between John and Kayce?From the very first season, the YellowstoneRealistically, the brand meant way too many things, even intended as a punishment. After John (Kevin Costner) promised the grandfather of Jimmy (Jefferson White) he would take the kid in and clean him up, the brand was a reminder of leaving the life he had behind.Then comes the story of Kayce (Luke Grimes), Johns youngest son. Kayces only sin was falling in love and having a child with Monica (Kelsey Asbille). John did not respond too well to this and brands Kayce for his crimes. Even for John, does this not seem like an overreaction? What was it about Monica that John hated so much? Why did he feel the need to brand his own son, just to show that John owned him? Why did he never brand Jamie, a son he barely felt an attachment to at times? Why was his reaction to Kayces insubordination so much more harsh that the countless times Beth went against his wishes?Especially considering that the relationship between Kayce and John perhaps showed the most growth, with John coming to be quite tender to Monica, and showing nothing but love to his grandson Tait (a grandson he, at one time, wanted aborted), its strange that John never took the time to explain why he did what he did to Kayce. Tough love or not.What Ever Happened to?This one is a bit of a cheat, as it groups several loose threads together, but Yellowstone was notorious for teasing great new characters who looked like they were going to shake things up, only for those characters never to be seen or heard from again. Names like Cowboy, Angela Blue Thunder, and Christina were additions who came in and made a big impact but never really got a conclusion. Even Johns assistant, Clara (Lilli Kay) was set up to be a major player in the downfall of Jamie even within the middle episodes of season five, but instead apparently the character felt discretion was the better part of valor.One of the more notable abandoned plots was that between Kayce and the seductive Avery (Tanaya Beatty). For several episodes in the fourth season, Avery seemed to have graduated from side character to featured player as she entered the gaze of Kayce. In a very short amount of time, the beautiful temptress even admits that she loves Kayce, and it looked like there was going to be real trouble in paradise.After Kayces spiritual ayahuasca ceremony, where he has visions of Avery, he admits to Monica he saw the end of us. This was clearly intended to be a major storyline, perhaps driving a divide between Kayce and Monica but Kayces vision was the last vision audiences got of Avery.Bill Ramsey (Rob Kirkland) was another character who came in for a few episodes looking as if he was going to shake up the dynamic and be a real thorn in the Duttons side. Gone were the days when John was best friends with the Sheriff, because when Ramsey became Sheriff of Gallatin County, he seemed to be one who was going to clean things up and not be taken in by the charm and intimidation of John Dutton. Kirkland and Costner shared important scenes together, seemingly setting up a real rivalry. However, aside from Ramsey arresting Beth after a barroom brawl, he never crossed paths with the Duttons again.Who Was Jamies Biological Mother?Speaking of characters that should have, or were intended to have more meaning When Jamie finally learned the truth of his parentage, he confronted his biological father, Garrett Randall. The only thing Jamie knew about his parents was that Garrett was a violent criminal who beat Jamies biological mother to death.The strange thing isnt that Jamie and Randall somehow developed a trusting, loving relationship despite that horrific history, it was that it was never really revealed why John and Evelyn Dutton took Jamie in. The relationship between Jamies mother, Phyllis and the Duttons seemed to be more than just casual.John mentions in passing that he took Jamie in because he knew Jamies mother, and wanted to save him from a life of violence (isnt that ironic considering Jamies upbringing). It was theorized that Jamie was perhaps an illegitimate son, or at least a biological relative. Was Phyllis related to Evelyn? Was her maiden name even perhaps Dutton? Its once again such a major shift in character that John, who is often ice cold towards his own biological children, took in a 3 month old child for no reason, unless Phyllis was a major part of his life.Why Was Beths Relationship With Her Mother So Toxic?If any therapists are reading this article, this writer swears he doesnt have any unresolved issues with his mother.Yet another mother-of-a-storyline that needed a lot more explanation was surrounding Evelyn Duttons (Gretchen Mol) accidental death. It was a moment that shaped Beth into the mother-of-all headaches, and coincidentally a thread Sheridan clearly thought about, right until the end.In the finale, when Beth and Rip (Cole Hauser) finally settle into their own ranch, Beth is giving her husband the report on the nearest town. Its seemingly the quiet piece of paradise theyve always been looking for, even with a hitching post outside the local watering hole. This is a major reveal as Beth hasnt really ridden since she was a child, and since she was very indirectly responsible for her mothers death.In the very first season, it is revealed that Beth lost control of her horse, scaring others, and one of them ended up falling and landing on Evelyn. Evelyn specifically tells a young Kayce that Beth is the one who has to ride back to the ranch to get help. Of course, Beth being uncertain on a horse eventually falls off of hers, delaying help, and Evelyn succumbs to her injuries, but the harshness Evelyn threw at Beth was palpable.Audiences have seen strong, no nonsense Dutton women before (even those who marry into the family) but none of them were so devoid of love for their daughter as Evelyn was for Beth. Its awful to think that no Dutton child in this modern Yellowstone generation had a good relationship with both of their parents, but between John being toxic to his boys, and Beth and Evelyns undefined tension, the kids had a rough go.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture is an awesome movie. No, its not as whiz-bang as its immediate successor Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, nor as spectacular as the 2009 reboot film Star Trek. But what word can better describe a movie that spends so much time on loving shots of all things Trekthe crew, the starbases, and especially the USS Enterprise. The movie strives to evoke a sense of awe.But if theres one aspect of The Motion Picture that doesnt get enough recognition, its the redesigned Starfleet uniforms. The Motion Picture introduces a full new set of costumes, eschewing the bold colors of The Original Series for soft cotton earth tones. But outside of a couple winks on Lower Decks and the J.J. Abrams movies, the uniforms were promptly scrapped, tossed aside for the glorious red naval uniforms introduced in Wrath of Khan or variations of the jumpsuits in The Next Generation. To many fans, the pajama uniforms are one of the more embarrassing moments in the franchise and best left in 1979.But odd as they are, the costumes in The Motion Picture capture that movies relaxed, contemplative tone, which has only grown more important as the franchise grows more action oriented.Boldly Gone Beyond TVThe premise of The Motion Picture suggests urgency. Written by Harold Livingston from a story by Alan Dean Foster and directed by Robert Wise, TMP opens with the destructive VGer probe headed toward Earth, giving now-Admiral Kirk the excuse he needs to once again assume command of the Enterprise, returning to the bridge for the first time since the completion of his ships five-year mission. Kirks brash action upsets the Enterprises new captain, Willard Decker, who gets field demoted to Commander and made the ships XO. Then, a transporter accident, one of the more horrific moments in Star Trek history, leaves an opening for a new Science Officer, which brings the long-estranged Spock back to the ship.Despite the movies high stakes, The Motion Picture doesnt do anything quickly, which has earned it the uncharitable nickname Star Trek: The Motionless Picture. But Star Trek has always been more about contemplation than action, but the long shadow of 2001: A Space Odyssey gave creator Gene Roddenberry and director Wise permission to take things slowly. Unlike Star Wars, whose success allowed the project to shift from sequel series Star Trek: Phase II to a proper film, TMP had little interest in dog fights and swashbuckling. Well take no provocative action, Kirk tells Decker in one key moment, succinctly capturing the movies tone.Roddenberry and the producers took advantage of the shift to the big screen to redesign and even correct aspects of the series limited by the initial TV show budget. The Motion Picture marks the debut of what many consider the ideal Klingon look, with their pronounced head-ridges and red-hued ships. The Enterprise gets completely revised, doing away with the neon-lit industrial design of the show, for something closer to the carpeted beige of the Enterprise-D.But the most notable, and controversial aspect, remains the costume design.A Languid LookThrowaway clothing. Thats how Gene Roddenberry saw the future of fashion, according to the book he co-wrote with assistant Susan Sackett, The Making of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. More science fact than science fiction is how costume designer Robert Fletcher put it, reflecting on the film for a 1980 issue of Fantastic Films. Ugly, form-fitting, pastel-colored, one-piece jumpsuits is how William Shatner described them in Star Trek: Movie Memories. [I]t was virtually impossible for any male member of our cast to sit down without seriously endangering his ability to procreate, he adds. All day long, our set was peppered with the pitiful high-pitched yelps and wailings of castmates discovering this particular design flaw for the very first time.As this sampling suggests, the TMP redesign costumes were controversial at the time. The problem began when TOS designer William Ware Theiss couldnt return for the film, and the producers hired theater veteran Fletcher instead. Fletchers ambitions matched those of Roddenberry, and the two egged one another on in designing futuristic clothing, with no regard for the actors practical concerns. Most irritating were the shoes sown into the trousers, which made dressing and undressing a complicated ordeal. So hated were the TMP costumes that the cast refused to sign on to Star Trek II without assurances that the jumpsuits would not be reused.Difficult as they actually were, Roddenberry and Fletchers ideas still have value. Even though cast members such as Nichelle Nichols and Grace Lee Whitney quite liked the miniskirts women wore in TOS, its hard to deny that they felt retrograde by the late 70s. Furthermore, by moving assignment colors from the red, gold, and blue tunics worn in TOS to patches and insignias, the movie emphasized the fundamentally egalitarian nature of Starfleet. Sure, Kirk can and does pull rank on Decker (look up the actors wiki if you feel bad for ol Bill Decker and youll think he got off easy), but the similar colors and tones of the uniforms suggest that anyone has the ability to rise in Starfleet.But the most important aspect of the costumes is how they move away from the rigid military style implied in TOS and accentuated from Wrath of Khan onward. Despite his extended time working with the LA police department, Rodenberry always wanted to downplay the military or law and order aspects of Starfleet. Yet, even when wearing costumes that resembled regular sailors sweaters, Kirk and crew looked like naval officers.By changing into soft (looking) materials and colors, the costumes erase all sense or rigidity and action. Even the security detail, who drape ridiculous looking helmets and chest plates over their tan duds, dont seem ready to leap into the fray. Instead, the costumes look best suited for contemplation, for rumination, for taking things slowly. And if theres one thing that The Motion Picture does best, its take things slowly.Need proof? Check out McCoys arrival on the ship, complete with shaggy beard and a glistening medallion nestled amidst a rug of chest hair. Bones wasnt happy to come aboard, but he fully embodied the free-wheeling attitude of TMPs costumes, ready to hang loose instead of man battle stations.Its not hard to see why the franchise has stuck with the naval uniforms that director Nicholas Meyer insisted upon for Wrath of Khan, much to Roddenberrys chagrin. The crew looks regal in the outfit, befitting characters who have spent years traveling across deep space.But as audience tastes and the demands of modern franchise building leave the slow sci-fi of the 60s and 70s behind, TMPs languid costumes become even more important. After all, if the true undiscovered country is the human mind, then what better way to get there than sitting down in some comfy clothes. Just be careful how you sit, or youll end up with a very different sense of awe.

Den of Geek Hosts Double-Feature Charity Auction with Trading Cards, Comics, and MoreOur eBay Live auctions are always one-of-a-kind, but today we have two in the same day: one for TCGs and the other for comics and action figures!By Michael Ahr | December 16, 2024 | | Den of Geek is ramping up the holiday spirit today by hosting an exciting double feature charity auction to benefit the First Responders Childrens Foundation. This special event takes place across two sessions on eBay Live and will feature many highly sought-after collectibles. The first auction begins at 2:00 PM ET and highlights trading card games (TCGs), while the second, starting at 6:00 PM ET, showcases an array of action figures and comic books.The first auction caters to fans of trading card games and will be headlined by Magic: The Gatherings latest Foundations series. Two standout items are a beginners box, perfect for newcomers to the game with its two instant play decks and eight jumpstart packs, as well as a starter collection that features 23 traditional foil cards, 361 regular cards, 3 play boosters, and even a card storage box.Other TCG fans might be interested in bidding on a World of Warcraft Tarot deck with its own guidebook, combining stunning artwork with a touch of gaming mysticism. Rounding out the auction are numerous bonus Pokmon cards guaranteed to delight collectors eager to expand their decks.The evening auction shifts gears to focus on comics and action figures, featuring rare and nostalgic items sure to excite fans and collectors alike. Highlights include Nacelle action figures like characters from the beloved 90s animated series Biker Mice from Mars and a sculpted collectible of 60s monster icon, The Great Garloo. On the comics front, DC enthusiasts can bid on Adventures of Superman #428 and Green Lantern Corps Quarterly #7. Proceeds from both auctions will support the First Responders Childrens Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the families of first responders. Since its inception, the foundation has provided scholarships, grants, and emergency financial aid to children who have lost a parent or guardian in the line of duty. The foundation also supports programs that promote the mental and physical well-being of children and families in first responder communities. By participating in this auction, bidders contribute directly to these vital efforts, making a tangible difference in the lives of those who serve and protect.Dont miss this opportunity to snag some incredible collectibles while giving back to a worthy cause. Tune in to eBay Live at 2:00 PM ET and 6:00 PM ET to join Den of Geek in supporting first responders and their families.

Its a dicey time for the British TV industry. The BBC may not currently be facing the hostility of the previous government, but its output is being winnowed down by cuts; the chunk taken out industry-wide by Covid-19 has never really been put back; the pockets of the once-shiny new streamers are less deep than they used to be, and more desperate for returns on investment; and the majority freelance workforce that make the shows we love are seriously struggling for security and a future. The model needs to change.Despite all that gloom, 2024 has still seen some amazing work come to screen. Weve had tense crime series, globetrotting thrillers, glitzy entertainment shows, heartfelt comedy, imaginative sci-fi and brilliant period drama. Weve had shows so good they explain why clever, creative people choose unstable careers and crazy hours to make them. Join us in celebrating the most entertaining UK TV series of the year, and add any of your British favourites weve missed below. Youll find the Best Of American TV list here, feat. Shogun and Interview With the Vampire and House of the Dragon and all that great stuff. Happy watching!25. GladiatorsIn terms of uncomplicated, feel-good family joy, few series can beat this years BBC One Gladiators reboot. In an atomised entertainment world where every member of a family is sucked in to their own personal screen, shows with multi-generational appeal are increasingly rare, and this good-natured brawn-fest has to be the pick of the bunch. Presented by light entertainment doyen Bradley Walsh (his son Barney is also there), its charmingly nostalgic for those of us old enough to know who Ulrika(ka-ka) Jonsson is, fresh fun for everybody else, and once again a Saturday teatime staple. Read why its the last feelgood show standing here.24. Renegade NellSally Wainwrights family fantasy felt like a throwback to a different time not the 18th century, when it was set, but the late 20th century, when childrens teatime drama was at its peak. In the 70s, 80s or 90s, this imaginative story about Nell (Derry Girls Louisa Harland), a young woman endowed with magical superpowers by a sprite (Ted Lassos Nick Mohammed), would have been a post-bath and homework Sunday night family favourite. Nells adventures fighting evil lords and standing up for the oppressed were great fun, but sadly couldnt find their audience in the streaming age, hence Disney+ not renewing it. Read our review here.23. Red EyeTheres not much better than a big, silly TV thriller that knows its a big, silly TV thriller and absolutely leans into it. ITVs Red Eye (already renewed for a second series) is exactly that. Richard Armitage plays a surgeon implicated in an international spy conspiracy in this real-time six-parter set mostly aboard a London to Beijing flight. As the altitude climbs, so does the body count and so do the frankly ludicrous twists that come together for a genuinely exciting climax. Brain-off conspiracy fun. Read our review here.22. The Traitors Series 2When it works, it works, and in series two, The Traitors worked. Even the worst TV snob cant argue with the entertainment value of Dianes poisoned fizzy ros death and high drama funeral (well, they could, but as they almost certainly werent watching, the rest of us dont have to listen). Skulduggery, betrayal, twists, and beautiful weirdo Claudia Winkleman the high camp of The Traitors is a thing to behold, and a lifeline in the dark winter months. Bring on series three, and read our guide to the best survival tactics on the show, and why they should put Winklemans face on stamps, here.21. The Red KingFolk horror is a British institution, and one that writer Toby Whithouse (Being Human, Doctor Who) bravely attempted to revive for this Alibi six-parter, with some success. Anjli Mohindra plays Grace, a detective seconded to a remote British island where her investigation into the disappearance of a local teenager leads her to discover a vast conspiracy. Its a twisty mystery that pays bountiful homage to genre classic The Wicker Man and ticks a lot of familiar boxes. Read our review here.20. Until I Kill YouIts become so common for makers of true crime drama to insist that their shows arent exploitative or salacious but instead, all about giving a voice to the victims, that the sentiment has become almost meaningless. Four-parter ITV Until I Kill You though, really delivers on that promise. Serial killer John Sweeney (Shaun Evans) isnt the focus, this is very much the story of Delia Balmer (Anna Maxwell-Martin), a woman who suffered immensely at her former boyfriend Sweeneys hands, but whose story is ultimately one of strength and hope. Maxwell-Martin gives an extraordinary performance as this idiosyncratic survivor. Read about the dramas depiction of Balmers Catch-22 situation here.19. LudwigThis David Mitchell vehicle is charming stuff. Its faintly-ludicrous-but-knows-it story of identical twin brothers (Mitchell) and police conspiracy bumbled along nicely for six episodes, whereupon a cliffhanger made the now-commissioned second series a must. Mitchell plays socially awkward loner John Taylor, a puzzle-setting genius whose more outgoing police detective twin brother James goes missing, leaving his wife (Anna Maxwell Martin) and son behind. To find James, John must assume his identity, and it turns out that a lifetime of solving puzzles is excellent preparation for solving murders. A well-acted, unchallenging binge-watch dotted with treats including cameos by Derek Jacobi and Felicity Kendal. Read our review here.18. PassengerHappy Valley meets Stranger Things in this ITV horror mystery starring Lokis Wunmi Mosaku as a detective investigating weird happenings in an isolated Northern village. The TV screenwriting debut of The Crown and Betters Andrew Buchan, Passenger is a twisty story that pulls you along with eerie revelations, comedic interludes, intriguing characters and a solid cast. Whats really going on at the bread factory? Its worth spending six episodes of this unusual series finding out. Read our review here.17. Day of the JackalSky Atlantics new 10-part adaptation of Frederick Forsyths assassin novel takes the unusual step of following killer-for-hire The Jackal (Eddie Redmayne) and the MI6 agent obsessively tracking him (Lashana Lynch) home to their spouses and children. It slows things down, but adds another Killing Eve-type layer to the action thriller, giving it additional jeopardy as if The Day of the Jackal needed any more of that. Watch it for Redmaynes prosthetic disguises, car chases and expert marksmanship. Read our review here.16. ShardlakeThis TV adaptation of CJ Sansoms Tudor-set mystery novels has been a long time in the coming. Sir Kenneth Branagh was once attached before his attention strayed to Wallander, leaving room for Stephen Butchard (The Last Kingdom) to write this atmospheric adaptation for Disney+. It stars Arthur Hughes as 16th century lawyer Arthur Shardlake, a man tasked with investigating a murder at a wealthy, remote monastery that Henry VIII (Sean Bean) wants to find justification to shut down, and is a transportive crime mystery that does justice to Sansoms character and setting. Read our review here.15. Taskmaster Series 17 & 18What is there to say? Its Taskmaster, one of the most reliably entertaining British comedy shows around. Each new confection of guest brings its own flavour to whatever daft business Alex Horne, Greg Davies and co. have cooked up (performing classical music without any instruments, screaming body parts in Alexs face and secretly saying umbrella five times, to name but a few) . 2024 saw Steve Pemberton, Sophie Willian, Nick Mohammed, John Robins and Joanne McNally vie for first place, followed by Jack Dee, Emma Sidi, Rosie Jones, Babatunde Alsh and Andy Zaltzman. Always daft fun. Read our series ranking here.14. Big Boys Series 2A third series is on the way to Channel 4, so dont worry that the monumental finale to Big Boys second run would be our last visit to Jack, Danny and co. That finale belonged to the excellent Harriet Webb, whose role as Cousin Shannon was expanded this time literally as Shan found herself unexpectedly pregnant and on the labour ward in the last episode. Jack Rookes autobiographically inspired university comedy started strong and just gets better, so expect great things from Jack and Dannys final year at Brent.Read more 13. Blue Lights Series 2Belfast-set BBC One police drama Blue Lights eschews the home life-light approach of a more standoffish crime series like Line of Duty, and foregrounds the characters behind the official acronyms and handcuffs. Series one threw three rookie cops in at the deep end, and series two sees the new trio a little more experienced and steadier on their feet, but still finding their way through policing a city riven by political and religious division. And thats just their work lives; theres just as much drama to be found in the romantic side of things in Declan Lawn and Adam Pattersons well-cast, empathetically written show. Read our interview with Sian Brookes here.12. Mr Bates vs the Post OfficeIts rare in these days of too-much-TV for a single drama to cut through in the way that Mr Bates vs the Post Office did. In what might have been the best scheduling decision of recent years, the ITV four-parter about the sub-postmaster false conviction scandal was stripped across the very first week of 2024, when people were at home and looking for something new post-Christmas. We watched this brilliantly acted (Jason Watkins, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Monica Dolan) true story about cruel miscarriages of justice in droves, and viewers were mobilised to follow the story through the subsequent inquiry and its aftermath.11. One DayThe less said about the 2012 movie adaptation of David Nicholls One Day the better (it wasnt just poor Anne Hathaways Yorkshire accent, everything was just too concertinaed for a movie runtime to make any real impact). This 10-part Netflix series is the only adaptation to watch. Starring Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall as Emma and Dexter, the two romantic leads who meet on St Swithins Day (July 15th for anyone born after the ninth century) in 1988 and whose elliptical story we follow on that day for the next two decades. Funny, warm, nostalgic and be warned a teeny bit heartbreaking, this is a pretty perfect rom-com. Read how the Netflix version fixed the movies biggest problem, here.10. We Are Lady Parts Series 2Nida Manzoors excellent Channel 4 comedy about an all-female, all-Muslim punk rock band went even bigger in its second series. Instead of focusing mostly on the story of stage-fright-suffering guitarist Amina (Anjana Vasan), each bandmember had their turn in the spotlight and their own character drama played out inventively through music. With plenty to say about ambition, selling out, political expression and modern life, this ones a funny, raucous must-watch.9. RivalsPerhaps its the waiting-in-for-parcels time of Christmas talking, but how great is it when something actually delivers? When it was first announced, Disney+s Rivals promised to be oodles of saucy fun and delivered exactly that. It retold Jilly Coopers toff-bonking tale with a top cast (David Tennant, Katherine Parkinson, Aidan Turner, Claire Rushbrook) and an overflowing champagne coupe of bubbly 80s energy. The soundtrack, the outfits, the shagging, the wit it all worked, so thank goodness theyve already renewed it for a second series. Read our delighted review here.8. Almas Not Normal Series 2Sophie Willans Bafta-winning autobiographically inspired BBC Two sitcom has such a deft way with serious stuff (addiction, abuse, child neglect, cancer, death) that youre still grinning before youve even noticed that things have turned grim. Which they wont be for long, because Almas Not Normal brings heart, laughs and silliness to every scene, no matter the subject. Series one was great, but series two, which welcomes Steve Pemberton, Craig Parkinson and Nick Mohammed, is even better, and what it has to say about family and more is worth hearing. 7. SupacellThe emotional drama in Rapmans Netflix series would be enough to hold your attention even without the addition of superpowers and time-travel. Theyre the sci-fi fantasy icing on the cake of this extremely watchable and well made story about five Black south Londoners who discover they can do extraordinary things: telekinesis, super-strength, super-speed Its up to Tosin Coles Michael to bring all five together to complete a mission close to his heart, but when the pressures of real life get in the way, being a superheros not that easy. A second series has already been announced. Read our series one review here.6. KAOSDont cry that its over, smile because it happened? Thats about right for KAOS, a bold, inventive, modern take on Greek myths that was cancelled by Netflix in record time. Why? It was both ambitious (read: expensive) but also idiosyncratic and niche, so couldnt quite wipe its face when it came to drawing enough of an audience for the streamer. Created by The End of the F***ing Worlds Charlie Covell, KAOS reimagined Greek mythology through a modern lens, telling stories with imaginative twists and stuffing its episodes with Easter eggs for mythology nerds to savour. The cast was top-notch (Jeff Goldblum as Zeus? Janet McTeer as Hera? Beautiful.) and the whole thing was totally transportive. Read our review here.5. Baby ReindeerYou cant fail to have noticed Richard Gadds acclaimed Netflix series, though perhaps not for the right reasons. Gadds autobiographically inspired story about being stalked was the centre of a very well publicised legal hubbub (is that hubbub the right term when $170 million law suits are involved?) after the real woman Gadd had fictionalised as Jessica Gunning character Martha was first identified by fans online, and then pursued a case against the show for its description of itself as a true story. Expensive lessons are being learned, and Netflixs legal team will doubtless tighten up its processes in future, but brushing all that aside, what remains is the fact that Baby Reindeer is an excellent drama frank, honest, painful, funny and one of the best this year. With spoilers, read about its stunning fourth episode here.4. Slow Horses Series 4Weve said it before, but we (and everybody else writing about Apple TV+ spy thriller Slow Horses) will say it again: if this was on BBC One on a Sunday night, it would get gangbusters ratings and engender a national obsession on a par with the early days of Broadchurch and the later days of Line of Duty. That said, the BBC couldnt afford Gary Oldman, who makes this Mick Herron adaptation as brilliant as it is, so thats that.In series four, the disgraced spy graveyard that is Slough House dealt with a terrorist bombing, a mercenary international kill squad, a serious threat to a senior spook, and a very personal blast from the past. It was pacey, gripping, funny and well, it featured the best character on television. What more is there to say?3. Doctor Who Series 14Rewatch the trailer above. Do it now, Ill wait. Done? Okay. Wasnt it great? Didnt those episodes contain some of the most memorable and imaginative British television that you (and hopefully your kids) saw this year? Jinkx Monsoon crawling out of the piano, the return of Steven Moffat with the supremely tense Boom, Rubys creepy, unknowable shadow in 73 Yards, the spiffy Doctor and his new beau dancing in the Bridgerton episode, the many faces of Susan Twist, the ongoing mystery of Mrs Flood, THAT blast from the past in the two-part finale Granted, Space Babies wasnt the strongest start, and two Doctor-lite episodes out of eight with a brand new Doctor was too many, but looking back, theres so much to cheer about not least Ncuti Gatwa owning the part like he was the first person ever to play it. Bring on the Christmas special. Read our reviews and more here.2. Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the LightYou could call it recency bias seeing as at the time of writing, the second instalment of Peter Kosminsky and Peter Straughans Hilary Mantel adaptation Wolf Hall, featuring an ethereal score by Debbie Wiseman, is still airing on BBC One, but thats not it. The Mirror and the Light is simply the greatest combination of story, setting, writing, directing and performance that television has seen in years. Almost 10 years, in fact, when the first series aired. Damian Lewis is excellent as King Henry VIII, a vain and childlike man of terrible power, but Mark Rylance is supreme as clever, kind, ferocious and idealistic Thomas Cromwell. Last series was all about Cromwells rise, and this ones all about his fall, making it darker, more emotional and totally compelling. Read our slightly giddy episode reviews here.1. Inside No. 9This was an astounding feat. The ninth series of Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pembertons brilliant BBC Two anthology marked 55 individual stories and distinct settings with several times as many characters, and countless surprises. Not only did series nine contain episodes as good as the show has ever made (tube train-set opener Boo to a Goose is easily Top 10), but the finale was also the perfect capper to everything that went before. In Plodding On, Inside No. 9 went meta and showed us its own wrap party, complete with a roster of past guest stars and more Easter egg references to previous stories than it would be sane to count (we tried). Having been in such regular supply this past decade, it would be easy to take the extraordinary achievement of Inside No. 9 for granted, so we chose not to by putting it at the top of this list. Bravo to all involved. Read our episode reviews here.

Geek culture on television has a more storied history than you might realize. The Dark Knight himself made his small screen debut well before he entered multiplexes with 1989s Batman. The Twilight Zone planted the science fiction flag on TV before the invention of the first handheld calculator. And thats not even to get into the Star Trek of it all. Still, while comic books, space operas, and fantasy epics got themselves comfy in cinemas, TV was largely content to pursue smaller budget pastimes like sitcoms, cop procedurals, and talk shows throughout much of the mediums history. That all began to change with the launch of the streaming era. And now, if our list of the best TV shows of 2024 is any indication, the geeks have well and truly inherited the episodic earth once again. TV was fit-to-bursting with geek-friendly storytelling in 2024. From quality superhero spinoffs (The Penguin, Agatha All Along) to ambitious genre animations (Arcane, Invincible) to heady sci-fi book adaptations (Silo, 3 Body Problem), it didnt take much effort to find nerdy bliss in the TV world this year. Combine that with the more traditional cable efforts like Shgun, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Interview with the Vampire, and we had ourselves a recipe for another calendar turn of televisual excellence.These are our choices for the best TV shows of 2024 from a North American perspective. You can also find our selections for British TV excellence here. NOTE: In the interest of getting you this list in time for some holiday watching, were publishing in advance of several late-December releases like Squid Game season 2. Those will be considered eligible for our 2025 list next year.25. Curb Your EnthusiasmAvailable on:Max (U.S.)You only get one shot at an ending. Unless, of course, you areSeinfeldandCurb Your Enthusiasm creator Larry David. The final season ofCurb Your Enthusiasmworks so well because itnever once hides where its going. Even the most casual fan can sense what the series is building up to a do-over of the reviledSeinfeldfinale that David penned but that doesnt make the journey any less pleasant.David has his cake and eats it too this time around. Season 12 operates as both a collection of solid Curbepisodes and a series of goodbyes for the characters weve come to cringe at so much. By the time you get to the finale, youre equal parts excited to see how David atones for endings past and confident that hes going to get the job done. Alec Bojalad24. Nobody Wants ThisAvailable on: Netflix (U.S. and U.K.)The show may be called Nobody Wants This, but as one of Netflixs most popular shows this year, it seems like a lot of people actually did want this romcom starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell. When sex and relationship podcaster Joanne (Bell) meets hot Rabbi Noah (Brody) at a party, sparks fly despite their glaring differences. They fight their feelings at first, but soon come to realize that their initial attraction could lead to something real and meaningful for both of them. The chemistry between Bell and Brody is unreal, but they arent the only standouts in this series. The supporting cast is just as phenomenal, adding very real stakes as Joanne and Noahs friends and family many of whom have their doubts about their relationship. Nobody Wants This is an incredibly realistic take on what its like to date in adulthood the ups and downs, the joy and the heartbreak. It reminds us that love can come into our lives when we least expect it. Brynna Arens23. The Legend of Vox MachinaAvailable on: Prime Video (U.S. and U.K.)Adapting a Dungeons & Dragons campaign into a TV show cant be an easy task, and yet once again Critical Role has managed to condense hours of gameplay into an epic and compelling 12-episode season. There are some differences between the campaign and the story we see in The Legend of Vox Machina season 3, but every change has been for the better, making this show so much more than just a retelling of Critical Roles first campaign.All of the emotional story beats remain intact. But even if you arent familiar with Critical Role or the original campaign, The Legend of Vox Machina is still a hilarious, fun fantasy with epic stakes. The animation has only gotten better, and this merry band of misfits makes it easy to spend hours with them and their adventures. BA22. BridgertonAvailable on: Netflix (U.S. and U.K.)Though its hard to beat the steamy chemistry of season 2s couple Kate (Simone Ashley) and Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin (Luke Newton) certainly gave them a run for their money this season. With the added tension of Penelopes secret identity as the tons lead gossip Lady Whistledown, their friends-to-lovers story is full of compelling conflict made even richer by their long history.The side plots woven throughout their blossoming romance are also worthy of note, with Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Violet (Ruth Gemmell) finding potential love matches of their own. Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen) is also eager to avoid being married off to a man three times her age, leading her to make someinteresting choices. Really my only complaint about season 3 is that theres not more of it. BA21. The BearAvailable on: Hulu (U.S.), Disney+ (U.K.)The third season of FX and Hulus culinary megahit was rightly criticized for beingwell, a bit boring. While the first two seasons of this (controversially classified as a) comedy operated at the typical breakneck speed associated with restaurant kitchens, the third outing slows things down to let its characters finally catch their breath. The end result was an imperfect year of television that nevertheless remained a truly entertaining and enlightening experience.From its bravura first episode that featured extended flashbacks scored to Nine Inch Nails to a final outing that featured a long-coming confrontation and a terrifying review, The Bear season 3 remained its stylish, compelling self. And thanks to FXs commitment to the traditional TV filming timeline, we wont have to wait too long for the next entry in the adventures of Carmy, Syd, Richie, and friends. AB20. John Mulaney Presents: Everybodys in L.A.Available on: Netflix (U.S. and U.K.)In addition to all the brilliant joke-writing and quick-thinking improvisational skills, comedian John Mulaneys best weapon has always been his taste. Despite being only a hair over 42 years old, the former SNL writer has a deep appreciation for the classics. Like Lenny Bruce, he wears suits for his standup specials. Like nearly every comic from the 80s and 90s, his first attempt at a scripted TV series was a multi-camera sitcom with a laugh track. Now, with this years John Mulaney Presents Everybodys in L.A., he finally gets to live out his Johnny Carson Tonight Show dreams.Everybodys in L.A. was short lived but it burned brightly. The premise for the show was that, if every major comedian was going to be in Los Angeles for Netflixs comedy festival Netflix is a Joke, then there should be a Netflix-hosted, L.A.-based talk show for them all to drop by. The simplicity of Everybodys in L.A.s setup belies just how well-written and funny this whole thing was, even over its scant six episodes. Mulaney blended his usual smart comedy with chaotic celebrity interviews, Los Angeles history lessons, and a Richard Kind as a sidetick to giggle throughout the whole thing. AB19. What We Do in the ShadowsAvailable on: Hulu (U.S.), Disney+ (U.K.)In the fast-paced, short-lived world of modern television, it doesnt take long to become the elder statesman of your chosen genre. In eras past, FXs brilliant vampire mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows would just be entering middle age as a comedy in its sixth season. Now, however, its as old as a well, a really old thing so old, in fact, that it is closing the coffin for good. The final season of What We Do in the Shadows is not necessarily its best but its still one of the most consistently entertaining and chuckle-inducing comedies on television. This time around the Staten Island vampires get immersed in corporate culture, wrapped up in petty politics, and of course: make a gosh darn Frankensteins monster; or more accurately: a Cravensworths monster. Well miss WWDITS when its gone but no one can argue it isnt going out on top. AB18. The PenguinAvailable on: Max (U.S.), Now (U.K.)When Warner Bros. Discovery announced that its The Batman spinoff The Penguin would be moving from its original Max streaming home to HBO proper (alongside Dune: Prophecy) it represented a grand sea change in how entertainment conglomerates viewed the their nerd-coded IP. If comic book stories can achieve critical acclaim in cinemas as Serious Art (TM) then why cant they also find a home on televisions most prestigious channel? Thanks to the efforts of The Penguin showrunner Lauren LeFranc and stars Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti, WBDs creative gamble paid off beautifully in 2024.The Penguin falls well short of its desired The Sopranos in Gotham heights because few shows can comfortably reside in the same breath as the original HBO masterpiece. But this bird still flies higher than it has any right to. A heavily made up Farrell never breaks kayfabe as the waddling Oz Cobb while Milioti turns in a confident performance as one of Gothams unlikeliest power brokers. The Penguin not only continues the success of Matt Reeves The Batman franchise, it lays the ground for more ambitious superhero work on the prestige TV network of record. AB17. ArcaneAvailable on: Netflix (U.S. and U.K.)The creative team behind Arcane set an incredibly high bar for themselves with the excellent first season of the series, and with only nine more episodes to wrap up this story, they certainly had their work cut out for them with the second and final season. Unsurprisingly, however, they have surpassed expectations, giving us an epic and visually stunning end to this story.Arcane season 2 begins right where season 1 left off and only continues to hit the ground running from there. Caitlyn and Vi team up to try and stop Jinx from causing more pain, but Vi finds that its harder than she thought to accept that her sister has changed. Ambessa continues to sink her claws into Piltovers politics, hoping to gain an advantage over the mysterious forces hunting down her family. Viktor becomes Hex Jesus after nearly dying, doing his best to create a utopia for the people of Zaun. The final season of Arcane is a wild ride from start to finish, and everyone involved deserves their flowers for this beautiful, heartfelt story woven with rich lore and told through an impeccably gorgeous art style. BA16. The BoysAvailable on: Prime Video (U.S. and U.K.)Even after three seasons and a couple of spinoffs, The Boys refuses to take it easy. Season 4 feels even more relevant after the fact with its focus on a presidential election and a secret fascist plot to overthrow the government hitting closer to home than many Americans would like it to. Homelander (Antony Starr) and Victoria Neuman (Claudia Doumit) become unlikely allies in their quest to get Supes in the Oval Office. The Boys try to track down a deadly virus that could wipe out all Supes for good. And Butcher (Karl Urban) does his best to stay sane as a V-induced brain tumor continues to give him someunique side effects.The Boys continues to offer smart satire on both the superhero genre and the world at large in its fourth season, while also giving us mutated super sheep, an interesting evolution of Homelanders breastfeeding kink, and quite a few emotional and shocking goodbyes. BA15. SiloAvailable on: Apple TV+ (U.S. and U.K.)Set in a world where all of humanity has been forced into underground silos for their survival, Silos second season finally gives us a small look at the world outside of Juliettes (Rebecca Ferguson) silo. After being sent out to clean at the end of last season, we now follow Juliette as she journeys into a nearby silo, seemingly abandoned after an unsuccessful rebellion killed most of the population. However, Juliette isnt as alone in this new place as she thinks she is, and soon finds out that she may have to trust the mysterious stranger Solo (Steve Zahn) if she wants to find a way back home.Back in her home silo, a rebellion is brewing. Thousands of people saw Juliette survive outside far longer than any other person before her, leading to doubt in their leader, Bernard (Tim Robbins). The show may have expanded its scope beyond one silo, but things are just as tense and claustrophobic as ever. Despite being set sometime in humanitys future, Silo is also unexpectedly timely as we see more and more people come together against their oppressive leadership and uncover the truth about their existence. Community is one of the most important things we can cling to right now, and this season of Silo is a great reminder of how powerful we can be when we come together. BA14. InvincibleAvailable on: Prime Video (U.S. and U.K.)Though the momentum of Invincibles impeccable first season was somewhat waylaid by this seasons split into two parts, season two of the series has still proven to be one of the best shows of this year. After the shocking revelation of Nolans (J.K. Simmons) true intentions for Earth, Mark (Steven Yeun) not only has to contend with the aftermath of losing who he thought his father was, but also with the question of how to continue his life as normal. But as Mark soon learns, life as a superhero is rarely ever normal.From parasitic alien hive minds to an impending Viltrumite invasion to discovering his fathers secret alien love child, Mark does not have any easy go of it this season. And on top of it all, he tries to start college and maintain his relationship with Amber (Zazie Beetz). This season may not end with as jaw-dropping of a reveal as the previous one, but the storytelling, acting, and art of Invincible continues to be top-notch. BA13. 3 Body ProblemAvailable on: Netflix (U.S. and U.K.)Since Star Wars first premiered in 1977, the science fiction genre has increasingly come to be associated with action and adventure more than hard science. Not that theres anything wrong with that, of course! But the real heady, Asimov-ian stuff has had a hard time gaining a foothold in pop culture. Thats why its so remarkable that 3 Body Problem, Netflixs biggest genre swing of the year, is full-on hard sci-fi.Thats not to say that 3 Body Problem, based on a trilogy of Mandarin-language novels from Liu Cixin, doesnt have its kinetic moments. In fact, the series includes one of the most thrilling and violent action sequences youre likely to see. But more often than not, 3 Body Problems lead characters of scientists, government agents, and all-around problem-solvers are primarily engaged with tackling the mathematical and sociopolitical questions raised by the central three-body problem. Oh and there are aliens! AB12. English TeacherAvailable on: Hulu (U.S.), Disney+ (U.K.)The powers that be would have you believe that comedy is hard. Then a show like English Teacher comes along to remind us that no, it really is fairly simple. Step 1: Be funny. Step 2: Dont be not funny. Call that an oversimplification if you must but this FX comedy truly excelled in keeping it simple, stupid. From its self-explanatory title (youre never going to believe what English Teacher is about), to its relatively small cast, to its abbreviated eight-episode run, English Teacher didnt try to reinvent the comedic wheel. Instead creator and star Brian Jordan Alvarez used the familiarity of the series high school setting to present fun little 22-minute vignettes about what it means to be a confused teenager or an equally confused adult in 2024. English Teacher is gently political, but not preachy; sweet, but not saccharine; and above all else: very, very funny. AB11. One Hundred Years of SolitudeAvailable on: Netflix (U.S. and U.K.)Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buenda was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice. These are the opening lines of Gabriel Garca Mrquez classic 1967 novel One Hundred Years of Solitude. They are also the opening lines of Netflixs ambitious 2024 TV adaptation of the work. This eight-episode series (set to receive a second and concluding season at an unknown time) is all about fidelity to Mrquez beloved opus that chronicles 100 years of the Buenda familys solitude in the fictional Macondo. Long thought unadaptable due to its strange chronology and the sheer lyricism of Mrquezs magically-realistic approach, One Hundred Years of Solitude nevertheless received the Netflix treatment anyway. Thankfully for all of us, the show somehow pulls it off. This is a dense, deliberate, and joyful presentation of a largely inscrutable work. Filmed on several locations throughout Colombia with an almost entirely Spanish-speaking Colombian cast, One Hundred Years of Solitude goes about adapting a classic the right way. In the process it captures some real TV magic realistic or not. AB10. Agatha All AlongAvailable on: Disney+ (U.S. and U.K.)WandaVision continues to be one of the few Disney+ MCU series I go out of my way to rewatch, so there wasnt much, if any, doubt in my mind that Agatha All Along would be something special. And yet, Im still blown away by just how incredible this series is. Showrunner Jac Schaeffer has once again told a compelling story of love, grief, and loss through the lens of pop culture. After breaking the curse placed on her by Wanda, Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) is compelled by a mysterious teen (Joe Locke) to gather a coven and summon the infamous Witches Road. Agatha All Along is a queer, campy, witchy, spooky delight to watch, with leads Kathryn Hahn and Aubrey Plaza sharing the most chemistry the MCU has ever seen. This show and its popularity is further proof that Kevin Feige should just let Schaeffer continue to do her thing with the witchy side of the MCU. Agatha All Along is fairly self-contained, but theres still plenty of room for more stories in this world to be told. And if they are, I will absolutely be seated. BA9. FalloutAvailable on: Prime Video (U.S. and U.K.)Whether youre a fan of the video game series or going into the series almost totally blind, Prime Videos FalloutFallout is set in the future, after a nuclear apocalypse has ravaged the planet and left a lawless wasteland in its wake. Somehow, humanity has survived it all, but so many remnants of the old world like religious totalitarianism and corporate greed manage to survive as well, making the mistakes of the past a lot harder to escape.The show manages to capture the essence of the games while still telling a wholly new story led by complicated characters. Lucy (Ella Purnell), a naive vault-dweller who sneaks to the surface in search of her father. Maximus (Aaron Moten) a devout squire of the Brotherhood of Steel sent on an important mission. And the Ghoul (Walton Goggins), formerly actor Cooper Howard, a fierce gunslinger who has wandered the wasteland for 200 years in search of his family, and somehow still looks hot. Their eventual alliance may be a tenuous one, but as the truth about the mysterious company Vault-Tec comes to light, it becomes crucial to their survival. BA8. House of the DragonAvailable on: Max (U.S.), Now (U.K.)House of the Dragon season 2 had a lot stacked against it. From the writers strike impacting the scripts and what could and couldnt be changed during filming to rumors that HBO cut their episode order mere months before filming began, its easier to forgive this seasons shortcomings and focus on what makes it great. And there are a lot of things that make this season great.Despite having only a few scenes together, Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and Rhaenyras (Emma DArcy) relationship continues to be a highlight of the series. This world famously doesnt treat its women very well, and yet House of the Dragon wouldnt be the show it is without these two at its heart. Theres also plenty of dragon shenanigans as the tension continues to build between the Greens and Blacks in their war for the throne. BA7. EvilAvailable on: Paramount+ (U.S.)Now that Evil is wrapped following its fourth and final season, I see its pop culture future so clearly it might as well be standing right in front of me. For as long as this Robert and Michelle King-created paranormal procedural exists on a streaming service, curious genre fans will continue to find it, watch it, love it, and then all ask the same question: Wait, how wasnt this a massive hit? Its a mystery to me as well, hypothetical future Evil-watcher. More than ever in season 4, Evil remained the platonic ideal of a monster-of-the-week supernatural TV drama. While the overarching storylines begin to come to a head (a global network of tech-savvy satanists welcoming the birth of the antichrist and thus ushering in an era of perpetual darkness yada yada yada), the series still made time for compelling weekly mysteries while enjoying time with its core trio of Dr. Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers), Ben Shakir (Aasif Mandvi), and David Acosta (Mike Colter). There will come a time when consumers begin to wonder why there hasnt been an attempt at a modern X-Files. How lucky theyll be to discover that someone had that same thought back in the 2020s and went ahead and made the thing. AB6. X-Men 97Available on: Disney+ (U.S. and U.K.)X-Men 97 somehow manages to capture the fun of the original animated series without being bogged down by nostalgia. It quickly becomes its own thing, and proves how much potential weve been missing out on from the X-Men over the years. X-Men 97 is like a gripping superhero soap opera, full of relationship drama, secret clones, and world-ending apocalyptic events.Whether youre a fan of the original or coming into the series with fresh eyes, it doesnt take long for the show to pull you in (or for the catchy theme song to get stuck in your head). BA5. IndustryAvailable on: Max (U.S.), BBC iPlayer (U.K.)When it first premiered in 2020, HBO and BBC Two finance drama Industry was seen by many viewers as the we have Succession at home option. Thats understandable as both Industry and its better-known HBO cousin deal with the world of the outrageously wealthy as they strive and vie to get an eensy bit richer, no matter the human cost. The comparison was usually an unfavorable one as Succession is rightly considered an all-time great HBO drama while Industry merely staggered along in its wake.With season 3, however, Industry forged its own unique path and turned in a truly great year of television. Bolstered by the ingenious addition of Kit Harington (Game of Thrones) to an already-capable cast, Industry season 3 was more focused, angry, and pulpy. While viewers still needed an advanced business degree to understand any of the financial machinations at way, the familiar human drama never let up for a moment, culminating in a superb finale that is equal parts Bridgerton and The Godfather. AB4. Mr. and Mrs. SmithAvailable on: Prime Video (U.S. and U.K)Taking a premise that has not only been done once, but twice before and making it something fresh and exciting is no small undertaking. And yet Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane have managed to not only make a version of Mr. and Mrs. SmithDonald Glover and Maya Erskines chemistry as the titular Mr. and Mrs. Smith is electric, in both the series serious and more comedic moments. The generic presentation of the spy organization they work for only adds to the mystery of it all, and further emphasizes that John and Jane dont have many allegiances beyond themselves. It all makes for an addictive, gripping spy series that proves Glover and Sloane arent running out of steam as a creative duo anytime soon. BA3. HacksAvailable on: Max (U.S.)Hacks is one of the most reliable comedies on television. Through its first two seasons, you could practically set your watch to this Max series being both an extremely funny take on aging in the entertainment industry and the oddly affecting depiction of a codependent relationship between two women. The shows third installment, however, might just be its best.Hacks season 3 takes everything that already works about the show and cranks it up to new levels. At the center of it all are the remarkable performances of leads Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder as comedy superstar Deborah Vance and her young writer Ava Daniels. Alone, each performance is among the best in the medium. Together, they are a nuclear bomb of charm, tension, and pathos. AB2. Interview with the VampireAvailable on: AMC+ (U.S.), BBC iPlayer (U.K.)Interview with the VampireLestat (Sam Reid) is very much still a commanding presence in the show as Louis deals with the guilt of both trying to kill him and not making sure the job was finished.Armand (Assad Zaman) also proves to be just as formidable a figure, though a lot more understated. The series has become even more adept at weaving its threads between the past and the present to tell the story of Louis life, and we cant wait to see where it goes from here. BA1. ShogunAvailable on: Hulu (U.S.), Disney+ (U.K.)It didnt take long for Shgun to become one of the most talked-about shows of the year, nor is any of its praise unwarranted. Though many have been quick to compare the shows gripping drama and political intrigue to Game of Thrones, I would argue that Shgun is even better. Set in 1600s Japan, Shgun follows Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) and his alliance with an English pilot, John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), as several powers vie for control of Japans future.The cast is incredible, from Sanadas calculating Lord Toranaga to Anna Sawais strong and loyal Mariko to Jarvis fish-out-of-water John Blackthorne and every character in between. There is not a single performance in this show that isnt worthy of praise. While this story may be about mens struggle for power on the surface, the heart of the series lies in its women, who carry this conflict even more than many of the men realize. BA

Warning: contains spoilers for The Mirror and the Light finale.Cromwell kept his composure and shrewdness until the last. Moments from his death, this master of government mastered himself to deliver a final speech the real meaning of which was a secret shared between him and us. Only we could see Wolsey in that scaffold crowd, and so only we understood that when Cromwell prayed heartily aloud for his masters forgiveness, he didnt mean Henry. Stripped of his titles, freedom and life, Cromwell ensured that his last words at least belonged to him and to Wolsey the only man he would ever call father.It was elegantly done, as was the death scene. Instead of seeing the axe fall, or hearing it connect while the horror played out across anonymous faces in the crowd, we heard the sound of a bee buzzing and were transported with Cromwell to Launde Abbey, his little heaven here on Earth. Its the place he told his daughter Jenneke that he wanted to retire when all his work is done, and where hed once imagined her waiting for him in the doorway. She wasnt waiting there in this version of the scene, presumably because this wasnt Cromwells imagination but his final reward.Was all Cromwells work done? Not by half, but his Reformation had lasting effect even during the post-Henry chop-and-change. Wouldnt you know, the former Lord Chancellor was dead right in that soothsaying speech to the vultures at the Tower of London after he was gone, the kings invasions of France and Scotland did drain the countrys coffers. Then, seven short years after Cromwell was killed, Henry died too.On the basis of this drama, good bloody riddance. On the basis of this drama, he should have been the last one ever crowned. Rulers who believe themselves to be Gods envoy on Earth, and who think their every magical wish deserves to be granted are dangerous entities, then and now. It leads to this lives being taken as casually as a sulking child flicks chess pieces off the board in a losing game.What was behind Henry wanting to hear Cromwells letter read aloud a second time? Not his conscience, but his vanity. The pleas for mercy were passed over in favour of a line about Henry living ever-young an idea that clearly appealed to him. However many magic rings Cromwell was rumoured to wear on his hand, he didnt have the power to turn this ageing, impotent, sclerotic king back into a robust roaring boy, which to Henry, was unforgivable. Oh well, Henry, perhaps marrying a teenager will help? No? Shame.Cromwells fate was sealed long before his arrest when Henrys ego was stung by his introduction to Anna of Cleves, or further back during Gardiner and Norfolks horse trading with the French. There was certainly no hope in what he interpreted as hopeful signs. Still, he went down fighting. That glorious 18-minute interrogation scene (eat your heart out, Line of Duty) of him facing his accusers and verbally delivering jabs, crosses and uppercuts to their every allegation was wonderful to watch. ( I cannot always wait for the slow grindings of your brain, my lord is going straight into my email signature) or it would have been if we could have shared his confidence that he still had a future to fight for.Read more Cromwell dominated his attackers, ably defending himself from accusations both ludicrous (the purple doublet, the enchanted ring, the receipt of a pair of gloves) and legitimate (the promise to Catherine, telling Call-Me hed take arms against the king, not succeeding in killing Pole). He missed no chance to threaten, undermine or twist the knife, and as a result, Call-Me looked as though he would vomit at any moment, while Richard Riche shrank to an ant faced with his terrifying former master bellowing LOOK AT ME mid-defence. If thered been a jury, Cromwell would have walked free, with a fat purse for damages.Alas, there was no jury because the verdict had already been decided. Cromwell only realised that when Rafe told him that his London home of Austin Friars was being dissolved, and as a result he was a different man in round two drained and defeated. The shift in tone even forced Norfolk to do something other than hold his nose at Cromwell and call him a plebby poo-pants (this hasnt been one of Timothy Spalls more nuanced performances), when he came out with that strikingly insightful point about Henry seeing them all as merely his hunting dogs. Gardiner too, dropped the schadenfreude for a second and feared for his own safety like a human being instead of a hissing snake.Even condemned, Cromwell still organised and instructed. Son Gregory and nephew Richard were to repudiate him to save themselves. A bruised and bloody Christophe was told not to fight. He even had words of encouragement for his executioner, from one axe-man to another. If dying bravely was his goal, then he achieved it.Crucially, Cromwell didnt die alone. As the birds sang on the morning of his execution, Wolsey returned and granted Thomas the mercy hed been refused by the king. Or perhaps Thomas conscience granted it to himself, depending on how you see the Cardinals apparitions. Either way, the accusation of betrayal that had undone him more than any allegation of treason against the king, was soothed. Well, I dare say daughters sometimes get things wrong, offered Wolsey.Perhaps that was the Light in this moribund episode. Since Dorotheas accusation, Cromwell has been his own painful Mirror reflecting on the man he is and the man he was. His conscience has been pricked by his past, hence those recurring night terrors. Now, hes made right with Wolseys ghost, and given the many parallels between his death and that of Anne Boleyn, maybe with his own life, hes paid his debt there too. The nightmares are over. Its his time to walk in the sweet, quiet air.All episodes of Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.

Five and a half minutes into Nickel Boys, young Elwood stops to watch Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his How Long, Not Long speech. It is broadcast on a stack of televisions in a storefront window. As the TVs click on and the picture comes into focus, Elwoods grandmother, her friends, and other passersby stop and watch the face on the screen, to listen to his faithful claims that the injustice America inflicts upon its Black citizens will soon come to an end.We see this crowd gather not directly, but in the reflection of the storefront window where the faces Elwood and the others blend with that of Dr. King, his declarations growing stronger in their repetition. Thats the first time we viewers see Elwoodlayed as a child by Ethan Cole Sharp, as an adult by Daveed Diggs, and as a teen by Ethan Herissebut not because hes been absent from the films first scenes. Rather its because director RaMell Ross uses first person perspective almost exclusively in Nickel Boys.Although author Colson Whitehead mostly uses third-person narration in the films source material, the 2019 novel The Nickel Boys, Ross and cinematographer Jomo Fray tell their adaptation virtually only through the point-of-view of Elwood and Turner (Brandon Wilson), two friends who bond at the abusive and segregated Nickel Academy reform school. More than a mere gimmick, the first-person viewpoint in Nickel Boys underscores the films themes about the enduring trauma of racial injustice and thus adds a new tool to the language of cinema.How We See StoriesFirst-person perspective is common to fiction because it allows the author to develop characters while also filling out the world in which the story takes place. Jane Eyres passions are informed by her descriptions of Rochesters home. Dostoyevskys Underground Man presents his Russian milieu as a reflection of his own impotence. Humbert Humberts description of American motels in the travelogue section of Lolita underscores his broken moral compass. As this last example demonstrates, first-person narration allows for unreliable narrators, storytellers whose limitations (ethical, situational, or otherwise) make the reader doubt the person guiding them through the world.Try as they might, filmmakers havent had as much success translating the technique to screen. Even if we understand the limitations of the framethat some things exist outside of the cameras gaze, or that some things are in focus while others are not we viewers still take the image as more or less objective. Thats why Rashomon, Atonement, The Last Duel, and other cinematic examples of effective unreliable narration show us the same events from different perspectives. We need multiple perspectives to triangulate the truth between the narratives rather than simply doubt the narrative as its being given to us.Even worse are the movies that attempt sustained first-person POV for reasons other than unreliability. The noirs Lady in the Lake (1946) and Dark Passage (1947) both use first-person for much or all of the movie, the former to replicate Raymond Chandlers propulsive prose, and the latter to hide the protagonists face until he can remove bandages after his extensive surgery and reveal that he looks like Humphrey Bogart. Without question, some found footage movies have effective first-person POV. But as the 2010s showed, for every The Blair Witch Project or Cloverfield, there are dozens of imitators that never transcend the gimmick.Time and again, cinematic first-person POV is nothing more than an attention-grabbing trick, one that only increases the distance between the viewer and the subject. And that makes Ross use of the technique in Nickel Boys all the more astounding.Witnessing the PastMost of Nickel Boys takes place in the late 1960s at Floridas Nickel Academy where the introspective Elwood has been sent after accepting a ride from a car thief. The restrictions of the school, made barbaric by the Jim Crow laws of the era, are particularly rough on the sensitive Elwood, who spends his days separate from the other boys until he forms a connection with the outgoing Turner.The boys meet while at lunch and, as usual, their first conversation plays out through Elwoods perspective. But after Elwood thanks Turner for sticking up for him, the camera takes the latter boys point of view, first in a time-lapse sequence while riding in a train car and then to replay the same conversation we just watched. From that point on, the movie mostly alternates between the two boys perspective, never catching their faces in the same shot until late in the film when the two of them look up at a mirror on the ceiling.Ross decision to replay the conversation isnt to reveal new information we may have missed. Instead it established the movies concept of subjectivity, something hinted in the aforementioned scene of Elwood watching King on television. Elwood doesnt become Elwood, not a full person, until someone else sees him and recognizes him. Its not just that we finally see Ethan Herisses face. Its that we understand what Turner sees when he looks at Elwood, regarding the boys tendency to keep his head down and hide his intelligent eyes.Put another way, switching between the two boys POVs show how their identities and understanding of the world arent just singular. Yes, they may only see from their own perspective, but that perspective gets reinforced and corrected and shaped by the perspectives of others.That communal reinforcement is paramount while at Nickel because the schools administrators work so hard to undermine the boys identities. Whether its the schools head Mr. Spencer (Hamish Linklater) telling them that hes whipping them for their own good or older Black man Blakely (Gralen Bryant Banks) spreading his internalized racism to them, Elwood and Turner must fight to believe what they see with their own two eyes.Never Look AwayAs in Whiteheads novel, Nickel Boys will sometimes jump ahead to the life of the adult Elwood, who makes a modest living with the moving company he founded. Scenes with the adult Elwood dont come through his POV. Rather the camera sits directly behind him as if the viewers constantly look over his shoulder.The shift in POV captures the haunted way that Elwood lives his life as an adult, particularly in his relationship to Nickel Academy. By virtue of seeing him as an adult, we know Elwood escaped Nickel, but many others did not. Those stories, and often their bodies, have been buried under mountains of lies, as history remembers Mr. Spencer as a great and caring man, remembers Nickel as sometimes imperfect, but by and large a positive institution. Adult Elwood is desperate to tear down those lies and find more proof of what he knows.The distance between the viewer and adult Elwood captures the distance audiences sometimes seek in depictions of real atrocities. Whitehead based Nickel Academy on the Dozier School for Boys, which closed in 2011 after the torture and murder that occurred there could no longer be ignored. Its a horrible thing and its only natural that viewers would want to look away, especially white viewers (like this writer), who resemble the villains more than we do the heroes.Throughout history, movies have given viewers outs to look away from racist atrocities. Even beyond the canon of films that valorize the Confederacy and the Old South, movies have white heroes with whom audiences can identify: Robert Shaw in Glory, Skeeter in The Help, Agents Ward and Anderson in Mississippi Burningeven Tony Curtis Joker, who begrudgingly comes to respect fellow chain gang prisoner Noah Cullen (Sidney Poitier) in The Defiant Ones, a movie Elwood watched at Nickel.Read more Given the many failed attempts to make first-person work in movies, the technique could have been another way for viewers of Nickel Boys to look away. We could get so distracted by the technique that we spend more time talking about its successes or failures than we do the actual themes of the film. But Ross never lets the movies technical aspects overshadow its people or their relationship to real suffering. When we watch through Turners eyes as Elwoods grandmother Hattie (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, in an absolutely rich and layered performance) come in for a hug, when Elwood shuts his eyes to prepare for his whipping, when the adult Elwood sees a traumatized adult revert back to the battered child he knew at Nickel, the technique recedes and the immediate human emotion takes over.Its only later that we realize what Ross has done, adding a whole new vernacular to cinematic language without ever losing the humanity that makes art matter in the first place.Nickel Boys is now playing in theaters across the U.S.

If you grew up with 8-bit consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System or home computer of the time, Id wager youll probably remember the painful attempts gaming companies such as serial movie tie-in murderer, LJN, made to bring the classic temporal sci-fi flickBack to the Futureto our screens. These games were some of the worst, defecated out onto the market, and bore little to no relation to the events that took place on the silver screen. Often, they were made up of levels that had the smallest, most tenuous link you can imagine to the source material, and they were invariably of poor quality.Take LJNs terrible 1989 NES release thats supposedly based on the first film. This travesty, which bears little resemblance to the movie, features levels where Marty, clad in a black muscle shirt, has to run along the streets of Hill Valley picking up clocks to extend the arbitrary timelimit, while avoiding bullies, giant bees, manholes, and other obstacles. Oh, and he cant stop running.Picking up clocks is about the most literal goal to put into a game about time travel, and just goes to show how little effort or intelligence went into making it. Later levels dont get much better.One is a blatant copy ofTapper(akaRoot Beer Tapper), where Marty has to throw drinks at foes as they approach the caf counter. Remember that scene from the movie? I dont. Then theres the final scene where Marty is racing in the DeLorean to hit the lightning strike at the clock tower so he can travel back to the future. The odd thing here is the fact that the enemies of the level arewait for itlightning bolts, which you have to avoid.Wait, what? Marty is racing to catch a lighting strikes 1.21 gigawatts of electricity in the DeLoreans flux capacitor so he can time travel, and while he does that, he has to avoid lightning strikes? Hmmm.Lightning strikes twiceThe sequel, also made by LJN and based upon the second and third movies combined, was almost as bad. Although the actual stories of the films were followed a little more closely, focusing on Biffs alteration of the timelines, the game itself was totally removed from the movie.The game was a side-scrolling platformer where you had to pick up random objects and keys littered throughout various levels, returning objects to their correct time periods. You were given very vague clues, and the levels bore little to no resemblance to the time periods themselves. Enemies were also right out of other Nintendo games, even including rip off Koopas, complete with spiked shells. It was a confusing, badly designed mess, and once again did the source material no justice whatsoever.Oddly enough, the earlier, and technically inferior Commodore 64Back to the Futuretitle by Electric Dreams was far closer to the movies in terms of content. It was still a pretty poor game, but in it you had to interact with other characters from the movie, such as Martys mom and dad, as well as Biff, and your progress was reflected by the photo Marty carries that shows himself and his siblings vanishing (to be fair, the NES version also has this). You even had to find key objects from the movie, such as the skateboard, guitar, and radiation suit, and explore familiar locales.Later consoles also got a couple of games, notably theBack to the Future IIIgames of the 16-bit console era (which also appeared on home computers like the Spectrum, Commodore 64, PC, Atari ST, and Amiga). These were once again multi-genre games, with different game types for each level, but few managed to get past the awful first level that saw Doc Brown on horseback trying to rescue Clara. It was poorly coded, far too hard, and simply wasnt worth the time. Once again, a popular film was snubbed with a poor video game adaptation. As is often the case, simply slapping the movies name on a box was enough to sell, so little effort was needed and little effort was provided.All of these games failed miserably to capture the magic of the series, and they didnt even feature any of the memorable music from the trilogy (at least any thats recognizable). The music we all know from the movies, such as Johnny B Goodeor The Power of Lovewere either absent or terribly reproduced, and even the iconic theme by Alan Silvestri was usually missing. It was a stream of poor showings, that much is certain.Thankfully, weve had a more recent, far better game based on the series, thanks to Telltale games and theBack to the Futureadventure series. They certainly capture a lot of the spirit of the movies, but even these didnt impress everyone. TheBack to the Futureseries isone of Telltales least well received, which is a shame.Great Scott!And yet, in the midst of all of this, there was one goodBack to the Futureaction game, one that managed to mix the worlds of the movies and games into a cohesive and enjoyable title. Theres a good chance youve never heard of it, though, as it was only released in Japan. Theres something odd about the fact that a film rooted in Americana and western culture was only given a good action game by a Japanese developer, and was then only sold in its home market. But that is indeed how it panned out.The game in question isSuper Back to the Future IIfor the Nintendo Super Famicom (Super Nintendo to most of us, of course).Developed by Daft, published by Toshiba, and released in 1993, the game is a side-scrolling platformer with a very anime style. You play as Marty, who rides his hover board around the complex levels, using it to perform spin attacks in order to dispatch a variety of enemies. These include police, robots, and boss villains like Griff. And you know what? It all opens with the proper theme tune. Huzzah!It has an interesting score and collecting system, using collected coins in vending machines to buy extra lives, invincibility power-ups, and the like, and the whole thing is wonderfully colorful and slickly presented. The DeLorean even flies towards the screen in the intro, using Mode 7 for the effect. Nice.Still, dont get too carried away. When compared to other classic platformers, this is no award winner. In fact, the controls are a little clunky and the level design verges on the wrong side of frustrating. But its still a decent game, and one that does the movies justice. It even replicates some of the famous scenes, such as Biff running his car into the manure truck during the tunnel chase. Its good, clean platforming fun, and one thats a whole lot better than the other action games that preceded it.HeavyThe reason the game works so well in my opinion is not just because the developer clearly set out to make a real game, one that can be played and enjoyed, unlike most of the above. But it also refrained from sticking rigidly to the films when its an impossible task. Granted, Ive been grumbling that otherBack to the Futuregames have little to do with the story, but hear me out.While many licensed games can suffer from not sticking to movies at all, as with most of the older games, they also suffer when they try to replicate a movie that really cant be replicated in game form (theBack to the Future Part IIgame was guilty of that, too). Often, both problems are present.As good asBack to the Futureis, its hardly a film that can be easily adapted into an action game. Its just not that kind of story.Terminator 2is the kind of movie thats prime action game material (and was still butchered when it crossed to video games), but Marty McFlys adventures arent really as fitting for the genre.Super Back to the Future II, on the other hand, takes the license and likeness of the movies, and does its own thing. It doesnt try to emulate entire scenes of the movie exactly, and it doesnt try to force a sequence not from the film into a terribly produced mess. Instead, it focuses on pure platforming, and adds theBack to the Future style to it. The end result is a game thats more enjoyable than the other action games weve had, and one that fits the console mold it sits in.Its a SNES game, of course, so it has all of the usual quirks and traditional style of a title from thar era, but the developer has taken time to lovingly replicate the main characters and other elements, from the Future Hill Valley backgrounds and run-down 1985 neighborhoods, to the reproduction of Biff Tannens Pleasure Paradise. In the end, its a game that fans of the movies will actually enjoy.Sadly, its not an easy game to get hold of in North America or Europe. Local game stores and importers may be able to grab it, and you can find it on eBay, often for a pretty penny. Emulation is another option, of course, but legal issues inevitably ensue there, and thus you may find yourself on the wrong side of the law.Its worth trying to pick up a copy if you see one for sale, though. It might be out of its time now, and it might be 40 years too late, but its something closer to the kind of video gameBack to the Futuredeserved.

I am old enough to remember when Wicked opened on Broadway. I was still in high school and what felt like a million miles away from New York City. Still, even from the relatively provincial wilds of North Carolina, I was aware something big had landed on the Great White Way; an event so extraordinary to my generation that virtually overnight every theater kid was singing Defying Gravity and Popular in the halls of Green Hope High, whether their classmates wanted to hear it or not.While there had been other hit musicals in my pint-sized life up to that pointthe Rent phenomenon of the 90s was still going strong, and Mel Brooks got his late-in-life embrace of respectability only a few years prior thanks to chorus girls belting Springtime to Hitler to gray hairsthis was clearly different. In fact, there had been no bigger musicals since the 80s blockbusters imported from the UKs West End almost 20 years prior. Those would have been your Cats and your Les Misrables. And of course The Phantom of the Opera. Indeed, the first musical I ever saw on the stage was one of that triohow could it not have been for a 90s kid?with Andrew Lloyd Webbers sweeping strings leaving me and other 12-year-olds balling by the time Christine Daa picked stuffy old Raoul over the Phantoms musical genius!I understand your pain, Phantom! a tween version of myself lamented at the time (probably)barely cognizant of the icky issues of consent and power which audiences in the 80s on through the 2000s glossed right over while making Phantom of the Opera a decades-long running smash. Even today, the show is still running on the West End while it only closed on Broadway last year, making it the longest running show ever in NYC. Well, at least until Wicked catches up.Which brings me to the other intriguing parallels between Phantom and Wicked. In the moment of their debuts on the stage1986 and 88 for POTO, depending on the continent, and 2003 in Wickeds heydaythey were the peak of pop culture synthesis; big splashy and brassy belters that articulated the values of the era with one high note after another. And yet, not by accident, both took nearly two decades or better to make it to the big screen (allowing enough time to soak in as many theater tickets as possible).But when Phantom of the Opera arrived in cinemas 20 years ago this month, it was received with a whimper and treated like an afterthought largely ignored by audiences and awards voters at the time. Conversely, Wickeds popularity has never been bigger than when it grossed $450 million (and counting) in its first few weeks and became one of the possible frontrunners for Best Picture this awards season. What are the differences between these films that might explain the change in perception and reception, and what might it say about the state of the movie musical?Emphasis on CastingPerhaps the most striking difference between what were supposed to be two landmark adaptations of Broadway favorites is how they approached their casting. On paper, it would seem that director Joel Schumacherwho captained Webbers Phantom of the Opera to the screen after more than a decade of discussing the projecttook more risks. When Schumacher was caught in Webbers orbit, POTO was still the hottest ticket on Broadway where star Michael Crawford had just won a Tony to accompany his Olivier for playing the self-described Angel of Music. Webbers own wife at the time, Sarah Brightman, also originated the role of Christine in both London and New York.Yet it was the end of Brightman and Webbers marriage that caused Schumachers first stab at Phantom to be waylaid until the 2000s, and by the time the project rolled back around, a choice was made to cast primarily unknown talent. Emmy Rossum was only 17 when cast in the role of Christine Daa for the screen, with only one major film role on her resume up to that moment: as Sean Penns murdered daughter in Mystic River (2003). However, she was also filming The Day After Tomorrow while auditioning. Meanwhile Patrick Wilson was known on Broadway for playing Curly in a revival of Oklahoma! (the same production that made Hugh Jackman a star on the West End, in fact), as well as appearing in the original cast of The Full Monty. Neither though were a household name.The biggest and most important piece of casting, however, was that of relatively obscure Scottish actor Gerard Butler in the title role of the Phantom. Keep in mind this was nearly half a decade from 300s release, and the thing Butler was best known for at the time was playing a shirtless vampire in leather pants via Dracula 2000.Intriguingly, director Jon M. Chu took almost a diametrically opposed tact when tackling Wicked 20 years later. When it came to his two leading ladies, the filmmaker, Universal Pictures, and Wicked maestro Stephen Schwartz either only pursued or settled on major names in the modern world of social media users who would already be attuned to Wickeds theatrical and YA-adjacent roots. Think Cynthia Erivo, who won a Tony for tremendous work in The Color Purple, as Elphaba and Jonathan Bailey fresh off Netflixs steamy Bridgerton as Fiyero. But most obviously this applies to Ariana Grande, one of the most popular pop stars in the world in 2024, as Glinda, the Good Witch whose attire in the movie musical veers straight into princess iconography.At a glance, one might think Schumacher took greater chances than Chu. And yet, thats true in more ways than one. While Phantom of the Opera did not feature a starry cast, its ironic to know Webbers first choices for the roles of the Phantom and Christine were future stars of the Les Misrables movie, Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway. And when those didnt happen, he still went for a casting that would mirror Tom Hoopers later, highly divisive Les Mis film: he picked a movie actor who could not handle the musical material he was given.While Rossum proved a decidedly vulnerable and delicate Christine, befitting Schumachers snowy (and youth-obsessed) aesthetic, with a voice like a clarion bell, and Wilson likewise is a terrific tenor, in the crucial part of the supposed Angel of Music, Webber and Schumacher chose Butler, a talent with a voice solid enough to front a rock band in his school dayswhich was Butlers only singing experience before the filmbut woefully short of a character who has been performed by literal opera singers. On the one hand, this seemed to curiously confirm Webbers original vision of the Phantom never left.Indeed, before Crawford turned the Phantom into a tortured, aged loner with a maniacal laugh in the 80s, Webber originally cast former 1970s glam rocker Steve Harley as the Phantom, a role which he kept until almost the eleventh hour when legendary stage director Harold Prince replaced Harley with someone a little more tragic (and full-throated).Webbers ideal of the Phantoma misunderstood musical genius who can seduce any woman with the power of his talentapparently remained that of a sexy rock god, and Butler was cast to deliver exactly that. In one sense, it reveals a unique interpretation of the character by his musical patron thats antithetical to what Prince and Crawford turned into an icon on the stage. But it also was part and parcel of many movie musicals of the 2000s. The art form had only recently returned to popularity a few years prior to the POTO movie thanks to the success of Moulin Rouge! and Chicago, it also was recognized as a great place to cast starry talent like Catherine Zeta-Jones in her Oscar-winning role. After Chicago, the impulse time and again seemed to be to cast big names regardless of their musical talent in roles written for greater vocal ranges.And to be sure, Butler is not the worst offender in this regard. There is, after all, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth in Mamma Mia! (2008) or infamously Russell Crowe in 2012s Les Mis, to name but a few. Nevertheless, Butlers rugged and untrained rock and roll voice literally tripped and faltered over high notes most stage Phantoms soared past. And for a character renowned for his musical gifts, its glaring.Conversely, 20 years later audience expectations from singing talent has seemed to grow. Whether this is a reflection of social media heightening an appreciation for a good singer versus a bad one, or simply because traditional movie stardom matters less in the 2020s, I am not sure. But while getting Ariana Grande to play Glinda in Wicked undoubtedly had a lot to do with that movies initial attention-grabbing following on IG, Grande also has the musical versatility of a stage soprano. Meanwhile Erivo is one of the great Broadway talents of her generation.Some of the supporting cast, such as Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum, might be cast purely for their marquee appeal, but the biggest roles have talent that can broadly match audience expectation for a stage Elphaba or Glindawhich seems par for the course in a time where Steven Spielberg cast Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose in West Side Story, and actual Broadway star Anthony Ramos took over the role of Usnavi in In the Heights.A New Kind of Commercial AppealLest this article turn into a piece too critical of the 2004 Phantom of the Opera movie, it is worth noting that time has in some ways been crueler to the movie musical adaptation. Twenty years ago, Schumachers goal was to translate everything that made the stage show popular to the screen. One might argue that this is in itself a trap since a moment that sings on stage could fall flat on the screen (remember those candelabras rising from the water of the Phantoms underground lake?). Nevertheless, this is the M.O. of nearly every Broadway adaptation.So while its open to debate whether Schumacher successfully transferred the power of Hal Princes theatrical designs to the cinematic medium, you still had all the basics there: the tragic love story between the Phantom and his muse, a story full of melodramatic murder, mayhem, and falling chandeliers, and of course every luscious piece of pseudo-operetta Webber penned for the show. All that, plus the bittersweet ending.Meanwhile Wicked has come out in a very different context. Whereas two decades ago, a popular Broadway musical was just another type of story to interpret for the screen, one with a built-in and pre-existing audience who saw the show on stage, now it is something far more coveted: potentially valuable intellectual property. It is a brand in the same way Harry Potter is or Marvel; Coke and Pepsi. And the best way to exploit a brand is to expand on it and event-ize it as much as possible. Hence the opening title card of this Novembers musical smash where its confirmed youre actually watching just Wicked, Part 1. Aye, while being only four minutes shorter than the stage show, which includes an intermission, Wicked the Movie consists of only the first act, or roughly 60 percent of the musical.There are all sorts of explanations and rationalizations given in the press, but at the end of the day this comes down to the fact that like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, and The Hobbit, there is a lot more money on the table when you split a story into two or more parts.And to be fair, if you were ever to do that with a musical, its hard to think of a better one than Wicked. Defying Gravity is the greatest Act One showstopper this side of One Day More in Les Mis, and seeing how turgidly that aural epic was transferred as just a montage of close-ups in Hoopers 2012 film gives credit to Chus choices to turn it into a monumental climax in Wicked where Elphaba struggles with literal flight before looming large over her insecurities and oppressors.Its a hell of a mic drop. So much so, that one wonders if in the long run it might harm Wicked, Part 2. After all, its an open secret among theater fans that most of the musical bangers in Schwartzs songbook for the show are in Act One. There is nothing on the scale of Defying Gravity, Popular, or Dancing Through Life in the shows second act, which might be why Schwartz and Chu have already confirmed new songs have been written for Part 2.Whether they succeed or not, Wicked has turned into something more than a beloved film; it is now also a franchise. In the long term it remains to be seen whether that will help or hurt the movies joint legacy, but it certainly raises the popularity in the 2020s where audiences have been trained to thrill at the prospect of both a cliffhanger and a teaser for another one.Read more Timing Is EverythingIn the end, we must concede the different receptions between the Phantom of the Opera movie and the first half of Wickeds Hollywood plunge comes down largely to timing. Other creative choices beyond casting played a role as well. For as much criticism as Wickeds rather flat and washed out color palette has received, the film still has a certain grandeur befitting its story. The Phantom movies cinematography and hair and makeup choices, comparetively, always made the material seem more harlequin than it does on the stage.But these aesthetics matter less to audiences than how a film generally makes them feel, and Wicked came out at a moment where its finale of self-empowerment in the face of rising authoritarianism is liberating. Its wish-fulfillment. By contrast, the intentionally toxic relationship between the Phantom and Christine, a dynamic where the antihero grooms the heroine into thinking he might be the ghost of her dead father but also the specter of her ideal lover, had not fully aged out of the zeitgeist by 2004, but it was certainly a lot creakier-seeming than it appeared in the 80s and 90s.The stage show came out during a period where sweeping Gothic aesthetics and overwrought emotions were in vogue. Anne Rices vampire novels were bestsellers, Meatloaf was a pop star, and movies that ran the gamut from Francis Ford Coppolas take on DraculaDavid Bowie in LabyrinthInterview with the Vampire movie) off her feet. But 18 years after Phantom debuted on the West End, tastes had changed, and the Gothic revival of the end of the century ended.Which is a long way to say Phantom of the Opera looked like a blast from the past when it arrived in cinemas circa 2004. Wicked, on the other hand, deals primarily with something as timeless as profound adolescent friendships between young women, and the sense of losing touch with your youthful self. Plus, its once seeming window-dressed themes about standing tall against fascism have grown frightfully relevant over the last nine years. Hell, just the last month.The Wicked movie arrived at exactly the right moment whereas Phantom might have missed it years earlier when Schumachers first attempt to adapt it fell by the wayside. They can both have their fans, but it would seem Wickeds popularity was built to always defy gravity.

Increasingly, over the last few decades, modern pop culture has warmed up to embracing the frightful chills of the winter holidays in films like Gremlins, Black Christmas, Terrifier 3 Love Actually. But the historical roots of this time of year have always had a darker, spookier side. Long before Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol an era when families of Victorian England gathered to share ghost stories by the fire on Christmas Eve pre-Christian folklore told of a thin veil between worlds, where spirits (and goblins, beasts, and gods) lingered during the winter solstice.Those ancient beliefs blend with modern natural introspection of the holidays. Along with the (sometimes saccharine) jubilations, Christmas and the winter festivities encourage people to reflect on the past, lost loved ones, and the lingering ghosts of memory. Add to that how this month is populated by magical home invaders, and a creepy surveillance imp on the shelf, and December is a rather fitting time for mystery, the macabre, and paranormal tales.Celebrating the scarier side of the holidays is not only a sort of subversive counter-programming by pairing cheer with fear, it allows us to acknowledge the dichotomy of light and dark, contrasting cozy, nostalgic evenings with long, eerily silent nights.All of this is a very drawn out way of saying I love getting creepy, spooky, and downright scary gifts for the holidays, and I love shopping for loved ones who also appreciate a little splash of blood red with their Christmases so white. And so, we return with a Talking Strange Show Seasons Screamings Gift Guide for 2024. After the success of last years guide, we are going bigger and bloodier with gift suggestions for the horror and paranormal fans in your life. Comic books, action figures, statues, graphic novels, swanky shirts and hats, paranormal investigation equipment, and even some vodka and cologne are all included, and all part of the theme.The video and list below are broken into categories Monstrous Merriment, Ghosts and Ghost Busters, Creepy Comics for Christmas, Spooky Lifestyle, Spirited Treats, Halloween In December, and Merry Scary Christmas. And we have dedicated an entire segment to the iconic Mistress of the Dark herself, Elvira.Neither Talking Strange nor Den of Geek have been paid to feature these items. We just think they are cool. But we do appreciate the involvement of NECA, Super7, Mondo, Funko, Loungefly, Dark Horse Comics, Hasbro, RSVLTS, Harridan Vodka, GhostStop, Spooky Nerd Shop, Kreepsville, Elviras Bootique, Thirteenth Floor, Heretic Parfum, and more.Finally, if you dig the list, the best gift you can give to me, your ol Spooky Nerd host Aaron Sagers, is to listen, subscribe, and share the Talking Strange Show on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you check out your favorite shows.Monstrous Merriment For the monster lover in your life.Creature From The Black Lagoon Super Cycles (Super7)$60.00Buy it here!Universal Monsters Halloween Kids ReAction Figures (Super7)$20.00Buy it here!Universal Monsters Creature from the Black Lagoon (Super7)$20.00Buy it here!Universal Monsters Gill-Man (Creature from the Black Lagoon) Funko POP!$12.00Buy it here!Universal Monsters 7 Scale Action Figure Ultimate Creature from the Black Lagoon (B&W) (NECA)$43.49Buy it here!Universal Monsters Glow-in-the-Dark Retro Invisible Man 7 Scale Action Figure 2024 Con Exclusive (NECA)$30.00Buy it here!Ghosts and Ghost BustersFor fans of paranormal pop culture, and the paranormal investigators on your gift list.Beetlejuice (1988) Black and White Striped Suit Beetlejuice 7 Scale Action Figure (NECA)$24.99Buy it here!Ghostbusters Stay Puft Ecto-1 Light Up Mini Backpack (Loungefly)$80.00Buy it here!Venkman with Slimer (The Real Ghostbusters) Funko POP!$12.00Buy it here!Casper the Friendly Ghost Glow Mini Backpack (Loungefly)$80.00Buy it here!Haunted Mansion Madame Leota Funko POP!$12.00Buy it here!$199.95Buy it here!GhostStop Solus Graphing Data Logger (GhostStop)TBDBuy it here!Halloween in DecemberFor that gift recipient who isnt quite ready to let go of October vibes.Beetlejuice Ben Cooper Costume Kids Action Figures (NECA)$79.96Buy it here!Halloween: 40th Anniversary Edition Original Soundtrack LP -Beyond Fest Edition (Mondo)$32.00Buy it here!Halloween 2 Nightmare Vessels (Mondo)$105.00Buy it here!The Addams Family Wednesday Nevermore Academy Castle Glow Mini Backpack (Loungefly)$80.00Buy it here!Funko POP! Yourself 2-Pack with Harry Potter Accessories (Funko)$45.00Buy it here!Merry Scary ChristmasNot to be confused with Halloween in December, this is a list for when you want inject some extra dose of creepy and scary into Christmas.Glow-in-the-Dark Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come Funko POP!$12.00Buy it here!Krampus Statue based on 2017s Eisner Award-winning Hellboy: Krampusnacht (Dark Horse Direct and Mantic)$118.00Buy it here!$75.00Buy it here!Chucky (TV Series) Ultimate Chucky 7 Scale Action Figure Holiday Edition (NECA)$34.99Buy it here!Scary Xmas Elvira 8 Clothed Action Figure (NECA)$34.00Buy it here!Gremlins (Stripe and Gizmo) Ben Cooper Costume Kids Action Figures (NECA)$79.96Buy it here!Wrapped Up With ElviraFor the super fan in your life who loves the Mistress of the Dark, and knows you can never have enough Elvira underneath the Christmas tree.Elvira 8 Clothed Action Figure Elvira Red, Fright, and Boo Clothed Figure (NECA)$34.99Buy it here!Elvira 8 Clothed Action Figure Elvira, Mistress of the Dark Black Dress (NECA)$34.99Buy it here!Funko POP! 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Willem Dafoe is not against the idea of a possible Norman Osborn return to the MCU in Spider-Man 4.Willem Dafoe: Well see. I could come back. Listen, Tom was great to work with and the whole series of Spider-Man films that I did were great fun.Read more at ET OnlineTimothe Chalamet was taken off guard by Bob Dylans seal of approval for his portrayal of the singer in A Complete Unknown.Timothe Chalamet: I was stunned. Hes a man of few words. Bob Dylan is very mysterious figure. I could never imagine that Bob Dylan would be shouting me out, so it was a huge moment of affirmation. A dream come true.Read more at ET OnlineThe cast of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 shared their ideas for the perfect day or perhaps even the perfect holiday.Keanu Reeves perfect day: Spending it with loved ones and friends. Working on a film or project that you love.Jim Carreys perfect day: This! All the cameras pointing at me.Read more at ET OnlineWhat does Ariana DeBose think of a possible movie version of Hamilton ten years after the stage debut?Ariana DeBose: Personally, it was such a special experience, I dont know if I could imagine what that would actually look like. Which is a first. I dont know if Ive ever said that about anything!Read more at ET OnlineJennifer Love Hewitts new book Inheriting Magic really helped her push through her personal grief.Jennifer Love Hewitt: My magic for my kids really became not sort of sitting in my grief and realizing that I had a job to do I had to make things magical that first Christmas and I couldnt sort of sit in my pain because I had a little girl and a new husband, and I needed things to sort of be that way.Read more at ET Online

This Star Trek: Lower Decks article contains spoilers.For a character we almost never see, Curzon Dax had a lot of influence on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The host of the Dax symbiote before Jadzia, Curzon became the stuff of legend. His legacy lived not just in the way he shaped Jadzia, but in the the valor of Captain Sisko, the Blood Oath sworn to Klingons Kang and Koloth and Kor, and in the many tales of his exploits.Yet, outside of a flashback, the closest we came to actually seeing Curzon in action was in the DS9 season three episode Facets, when he took over Odos body and reshaped himself to look, well, just like Ren Auberjonois.For its penultimate episode Fissure Quest, Star Trek: Lower Decks finally lets us see the man himself. Or, at least a variation of that man. Fissure Quest checks in on Boimlers transporter clone William, now working (refreshingly sciencey, not at all dystopian) secret ops for Section 31 on a ship crewed by familiar characters across the multiverse. Weve got Garak and Bashir, actually married with no OBrien (or Rick Berman) to muck it up. Weve got TPol, with a greater understanding of human behavior after a six-decade marriage to Trip Tucker. Weve got Lily Sloane from First Contact, actually getting the respect that she deserves. And weve got so many Harry Kims, all but one is still an ensign.The most vivacious of the bunch is an elderly Curzon Dax, pushing 100 and not ready to give it up. On one hand, this Dax (voiced by Fred Tatasciore, but retaining Auberjonoiss signature growl) spends a lot of time griping about TPols (Jolene Blalock, who makes her Star Trek return, along with Garret Wang, Alexander Siddig, and Andrew Robinson) attempts to correct him. Even a suggestion as small as Eat less sodium sounds like an insult to Curzons ears.Lower Decks being Lower Decks, the ribbing plays as jokes, framing Curzon as a cranky old man who does reckless things to hang onto his youth. Curzons big moment in the episode comes when he grabs a batleth and takes on an army of Khwopians, which plays at first like an elderly delusion. Even the resolution, in which TPol takes the katra of the dying Curzon to carry elsewhere, turns the Trill into the butt of the joke, realizing he was wrong about the Vulcan.Yet, the jokes also add to the rich tapestry of Curzon. Throughout the first seasons of Deep Space Nine, Jadzia felt like she lived in Curzons shadow. In Facets, she even admits that she delayed the zhiantara because of her feelings of inadequacy. That episode concludes with Jadzia gaining confidence after see learns about some of his vulnerabilities, which makes for a satisfying arc.In Fissure Quest, however, Curzons failings are less dramatic, more relatable. The episode knows that the viewers have seen how much Jadzia and Ezri appreciate the experiences he gave them, putting us on Curzons side in squabbles with TPol. But the jokes deflate the importance of these moments, putting them in proper context. Yes, Curzon is creating a record that will go on to enrich the lives of generations of Trills, but hes also a cranky old man who throws a fit at the slightest ribbing.In other words, Fissure Quest lets us see Curzon less as a major figure in Star Trek history and just as a person. Unlike Facets, Curzons foibles arent so grand that they almost create another Tuvix situation when he argues that he and Odo have become a unique individual. Rather, theyre dumb and petty and understandable.In this way, Curzons story mirrors the lesson that Lily tries to teach William Boimler, one that many Trekkies would do well to remember. The purpose of exploration isnt to learn about new life and new civilizations, not really. Its about learning about ourselvesthe people doing the exploring, sure, but also the audience watching Star Trek.The cranky old man Curzon is fundamentally human, just like millions of other elderly grouches across the globe, who take even the slightest concern for their safety as a blow to the ego. Instead of diminishing the old man spoken of with such reverence by Jadzia and Sisko, the touches help us better relate to both Jadzia and Sisko, people who try to honor the memory of those who came before, and to Curzon himself, someone who feels the weight of expectation and still screws up sometimes.The Curzon jokes in Lower Decks help us better understand how to be human, the greatest legacy that any TV show can leave behind.Star Trek: Lower Decks releases new episodes every Thursday on Paramount+.

A Clayface movie is on its way. And it couldnt come at a worse time. Variety reports that a Clayface movie will begin production next year, produced by The Batman director Matt Reeves and written by Mike Flanagan, creator of The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass. The news comes just before the release of Kraven the Hunter, the last in Sonys ill-fated attempts to build a shared universe around Spider-Man villains. Which begs the question: why would DC try to follow in Sonys shameful footsteps with its own Batman rogues?The obvious answer is that Reeves and company just finished The Penguin, a very good (no reallyI only gave the first few episodes low reviews) series focused on multiple villains. Second, the Clayface movie will happen under the aegis of James Gunn and Peter Safran, who have already done good villain-centered work with The Suicide Squad and Creature Commandos. Further, Flanagan is one of the most exciting writers working today.But the most important reason is the most simple. Clayface is one of the richer villains in comic book history, one better suited to carry his own movie than Kraven, Madame Web, and Morbius.Molding ClayfaceWhen most people hear the name Clayface, they think of a glob of brown muck who can perfectly take the form of anyone he chooses. But the first Clayface who battled Batman and Robin was no one so fantastic. In 1940s Detective Comics #40, by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, Batman and Robin investigate a series of murders on a film set where Bruce Waynes fiance Julie Madison is working. The Dynamic Duo reveal the killer as disgruntled B-movie actor Basil Karlo, who masqueraded as Clayface, the monster from a horror picture he was making, to commit the crimes.Finger later reimagined the character in 1961s Detective Comics #298, The Challenge of Clay-Face by Finger, Sheldon Moldoff, and Charles Paris. Befitting the sci-fi tones of the Silver Age, this Clayface was treasure hunter Matt Hagen, who turned into a shape-shifting muck monster after encountering mysterious ooze at the bottom of the ocean. The Hagen Clayface became the primary model for decades, even as different variations popped up.In 1978, Len Wein and Marshall Rogers introduced Preston Payne, a rich man who stole Hagens blood to reshape his physical abnormalities and become Clayface III. Payne eventually met Sondra Fuller aka Lady Clayface, and they had a son named Cassius Clay Payne, the fourth Clayface. In Batman #550 (1998), Peter Malley, a scientist in the Department of Extranormal Operations, experiments on Cassius and becomes Clay Thing. Malley may or may not be the amnesiac shape-changer who eventually settled on the appearance of actor Todd Russell and was rescued by Catwoman in 2002. And then theres firefighter Jonathan Williams, introduced in 2003 as a tragic figure who becomes a Clayface after being doused with chemicals. This Clayface fights with Batman for a bit, but eventually helps the Dark Knight cure Alfred before sacrificing himself.In the current continuity, with its reboots and retcons, Karlo is back as the main and only Clayface, albeit with aspects of the previous Clayfaces integrated into him. Writer James Tynion IV recently reimagined Karlo as a tragic figure, one given a chance at redemption during The Rise and Fall of the Batmen arc from the Rebirth issues of Detective Comics.While its unclear which Clayface will star in the new movie, the point is theres plenty of comic book history to pick from as Flanagan et al craft the ideal version for the big screen.The Man Inside the MonsterLook at them! demands Batman at the end of the brilliant Batman: The Animated Series two-parter Feet of Clay. The Dark Knight has chased the villain into a room filled with screens, each of which displays one of the personas adopted by Clayface. You can play those parts again, Hagen, Batman urges, identifying the villain as Matt Hagen, even though he acts more like Basil Karlo. Let me help you find a cure.Clayface refuses, stumbling back and losing control of his powers, shifting from one form to another. Each transformation blurs into the next, burying Clayfaces true identity under a pile of false selves.Its a classic tragic end for a villain from The Animated Series and perfect for a writer such as Mike Flanagan. Although hes worked entirely within the horror genre, Flanagans always had more than scares on his mind. As demonstrated in feature films such as Doctor Sleep and shows such as Fall of the House of Usher, Flanagan loves to construct tragedies about the nature of faith, the foibles of humanity, and the persistence of trauma. Whether hes writing about a masked killer invading a deaf womans home, a dead woman reliving recent conversations with a caretaker, or a priest who confuses a vampire for an angel, Flanagan always finds humanity and empathy for the monster. The scariest thing in all of his stories is the way people hurt instead of heal one another.That approach works particularly well for Clayface, who has had his share of rich stories over the years. Clayface drives the story of in this years Batman 89 sequel novel Batman: Resurrection, in which hes a discarded actor who gains face changing abilities after being exposed to Jokers Smylex poison. Although he doesnt consider himself a monster, Karlos delusions of grandeur allow him to be manipulated by a larger, more malevolent force.The Animated Series spiritual sequel, Batman: Caped Crusader (which features Flanagan collaborator Hamish Linklater in the lead) takes Karlo back to his roots as a riff on The Phantom of the Opera. There, the classically-trained actor resents the horror roles hes given because of his unusual looks, a deep-seated hurt that drives him to become a real villain and kidnap a starlet.Last years one-shot Clayface: One Bad Day by Colin Kelly, Jackson Lanzig, Xermnico, and Romulo Fajardo Jr. updates Karlos origin for modern day. The story emphasizes the way Karlos looks separate him not just from the acting industry but all of humanity, making his murderous ways an extension of his desire for acceptance.These and other Clayface stories serve as perfect material for a thoughtful and empathetic writer like Flanagan, someone who can create pathos in the most outrageous of genres.And as these stories show, Clayface is not the same type of character as Kraven or Morbius. Sure, those guys are compelling villains and have had great stories told about them, but Sony wanted anti-heroes. So instead of building on the pathos inherent in the character, Sony simply reshaped them into edgy heroes, something they were never meant to be and nobody wanted (except from Venom, who somehow became part of a rom-com couple).Flanagan doesnt need to make monsters into heroes. He lets monsters be cruel, pathetic, and ultimately human, and thats where Clayface works best. Hopefully, the new DCU will stick to what Clayface has long been in comics, books, and television: not just a compelling bad guy but one of the most compelling and human characters in genre fiction.

For more than two years, Yellowstone has thrown around ideas for potential spinoffs, sequels, and prequels, all the while naming every big-name actor that co-creator Taylor Sheridan has on his Christmas list of talent. Now the future of the show has finally become clearer. Deadline has revealed that a yet-unnamed Yellowstone project will continue the modern Dutton narrative. The site reports that Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) will be the co-leads of this new show, with other preexisting Yellowstone characters rounding out the cast.This news should come as no surprise to avid viewers of Yellowstone. Rip and Beth are fan favorites, so creating a new series around them is a no-brainer. This announcement also presents a major opportunity for the franchise, however. Yellowstone has been playing it extremely safe for more than two seasons at this point. The biggest bombshell in the shows world (the death of Kevin Costners John Dutton) arrived because negotiations broke down between the show and Costner, not necessarily because Sheridan thought shaking up the dynamic was in the plots best interests.A Rip and Beth spinoff represents Sheridans chance for a fresh start. It can make up for the milquetoast, self-indulgent effort that Yellowstone has put forward in its controversial fifth season. It also means that fans might have to prepare to get uncomfortable in order to improve the story and revive the franchise. Thankfully, certain storytelling seeds have already been planted in Yellowstone that might blossom in Rip and Beths future.Heres how the planned Rip and Beth spinoff could pan out.Beth Will Become a Better CharacterA Rip and Beth spinoff needs to remember that character growth is not weakness. Beth being an unrelenting monster for five seasons straight to anyone other than Rip, Kayce, or John has been mentally exhausting for a lot of viewers. True strength of character comes from those who can admit they are wrong, even occasionally. Beth has been wrong so many times throughout the show that it makes her more akin to an antagonist than a protagonist. In fact, if you take the literal meaning of antagonist, thats exactly what Beth is. She antagonizes people.Sheridan has graciously given us a glimpse at a different Beth in the last few episodes of this season of Yellowstone, and its one of the only times fans have actually seen maturity and growth from her. Shes listened to her partner when he has needed her. Shes been more of a matriarch, both to the Dutton family and her surrogate son, Carter (Finn Little). Shes shown warmth, tenderness, and love. Once again, that is not a sign of weakness. That does not make her any less of a bad-ass bitch as so many would write on online forums. It makes her a well-rounded character with multiple layers.The Beth mentioned above is the kind of character that needs to lead this spinoff. That is the kind of character that needs to be the matriarch of the Dutton family. Strange to think that we are mere moments away from Beth being the full-fledged mom of the family, but that is certainly the direction the show has set up.The Spinoff Should Borrow from 1883 and 1923Fans have been put in a very uncomfortable place by Sheridan in the latter half of Yellowstone season 5, and not just when the showrunner and actor chooses to show his shirtless tanned hide in superfluous pool party scenes. The biggest change that fans are preparing for is that the Dutton family, in all likelihood, will no longer own the Yellowstone Ranch after the conclusion of the finale.Den of Geek has previously suggested the family needs to lose the ranch even before season five started, among other suggestions to revitalize the show. With Sheridan pushing the story inches away from that major loss, and only one Yellowstone episode left to go, lets give that narrative not just a tiny nudge, but a massive shove. This writer would even go so far as to abandon the story of Rip and Lloyd (Forrie J. Smith) remaining to work the ranch, even if the Duttons dont own it. These men, and these characters deserve their own success story, and that might mean they stray a bit from the family legacy.Why not have this generation of the Dutton clan build something of their own? Its been the one characteristic that has separated them from the other Dutton generations weve seen. Their struggle has not been the struggle for survival from the original Duttons in 1883, it hasnt been the struggle to keep a family together and fight for love and honor as seen in 1923.The struggle of the modern Duttons has become less and less relatable because of how often they are literally above the law. Why not give us something to cheer for that we can also relate to? For a show that touts how black collar workers such as cowboys and farmhands are the salt of the earth, it has built itself around a predominantly white-collar family full of well-educated white people who tote a lot of political power.Have Beth and Rip build their own ranch. Fans enjoy when the Duttons are the underdogs and the new show needs to have them be true underdogs.The Yellowstone season 5 (and probable series) finale airs Sunday, December 15 at 8 p.m. ET on Paramount Network.

Warning: contains finale spoilers for Shetland series nine.Forget Professor Rossi and the world of spies, forget the mussel farming Harris men, forget Stefan Jakobson and Dr Mohan and their illicit experiments. Forget even the thankfully incorrect theory that young Noah Bett was the one who pulled the trigger on his mum Annie and her pal Anton Bergen. The real killer was somebody impossible to suspect.In its final episode, Shetland series nine chucked almost every previous diversion away to tell a new story: that of Noahs aunt and uncle, Noreen and Michael Stack. Ian Betts sister Noreen and her charity worker husband Michael had taken Noah in after Annies murder. No wonder the boy kept having nightmares, because was living under the same roof as his mothers killer.Who Killed Annie Bett and Anton Bergen?Annies sister-in-law Noreen Stack shot and killed Annie and Bergen at the Wethersta croft and then threw the gun into the sea, left Noah in the house with his mothers dead body, and drove home with her own baby Finn sleeping in the car. The murders werent premeditated, but accidental, opportunistic and driven by an instinct for self-preservation.Noreen was trying to save her family by covering up a rape committed by her husband Michael. Annie had been confided in by Lisa Friel, a client Michael had attacked at Shetlands HEM centre, and told Noreen that she planned to report Michael to the police the next morning. Instead of confronting Michael, Noreen chose to silence Annie. She followed her to the party at Bray, then on to the lab at Nesting where she picked up Anton, and finally to the croft where she confronted Annie, picking up the gun Annie had taken from Lisa (whom she feared would use it to get revenge on Michael) earlier that day.Noreen threatened Annie, who lunged for the gun, which went off, apparently accidentally, and killed her. Anton was drawn by the noise and Noreen shot him dead.Yes. Annie was planning to report Michaels crime against Lisa to Tosh. Because of Lisas criminal background and reputation for violence, and because there was no physical evidence of the rape, its assumed that Lisa would have had a hard time being believed if shed made the report herself. Community member Annie reporting her own brother in law though, would legitimise the report. Annie may also have wanted to report the gun shed taken from Lisa.Why Did Annie Call Rossi For Help?On the night she was killed, Annie called her former MI5 handler Euan Rossi in London using their secret code for needing help: Its getting late. That doesnt seem to have anything to do with Lisa Friel, or Michael and Noreen Stack, but to do with her and Anton Bergens plan to rescue Astrid from her fathers experiments and smuggle her off the isles and to Estonia to live with her mother.Read more In a major contrivance that turned out to have no impact on anything, Annie had identified Astrids stepmother Karin as a former Swedish intelligence agent codenamed Brutus, who had shot Annie in a bungled operation over a decade earlier. Perhaps she feared being recognised by Brutus and wanted Rossis help.What Was the Lizard?That was what little Noahs mind had transformed his aunt Noreen into in his nightmares about his mothers murder on account of the green, hooded waterproof coat she was wearing, which made her resemble a lizard to him. We know that Noah has an active imagination because he thought the two cranes at the Nesting lab site were a dinosaur. Noah had the breakthrough that the lizard chasing him and his mum in his nightmares was Noreen when they were standing outside the croft with her arms around him, wearing that same jacket.Where Did the Gun Come From?Lisa Friels ex-boyfriend Kyle Frost had used it in a drive-by shooting in Manchester months earlier, and then tasked her with getting rid of it. Lisa, however, kept the gun and Annie feared that she might use it to take revenge on her rapist Michael Stack. Annie took the gun from Lisa and brought it to the croft, where her sister-in-law Noreen used it to kill her and Anton.What Happened to Tosh in the Past?In series three, which aired in 2016, Tosh was abducted and raped to send a message to then-DI Jimmy Perez during an investigation into a double murder. That, and her natural empathy, made Tosh realise that Lisa Friel had suffered a similar attack and so she was able to learn the truth about Michael. Details of the rape were in Toshs police files, so though Tosh hadnt told Ruth about the attack directly, she knew that it had happened.What Happens Next?Series 10 was commissioned at the same time as series nine, so another six-episode mystery starring Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder will arrive at some point in 2025.Character-wise, Ian Bett took son Noah away from the isles and to Edinburgh for a fresh start. His sister Noreen went to prison for the double murder of Annie and Anton, and his brother-in-law Michael was hopefully charged for the rape of Lisa Friel. Presumably John Harris was charged for the death of his son Fergus, and Stefan Jakobson and Dr Mohan were also charged for their unlicensed medical experiments. Professor Euan Rossi returned to London and sent Ian Bett a letter about Annies time as an MI5 analyst.Lisa and Angus left the manse and travelled on to more conspiracy theory investigation at the spaceport on Unst. Ruth and her brother Alan planned to spend time together, while the investigation took its toll on Toshs relationship with her friends, forcing her away from them and closer to her colleague Ruth.All episodes of Shetland series nine are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Its official. Knull has destroyed Sonys Spider-Man villain universe. Morbin time is over. Ezekiel Sims has prevented the future. Kravens last hunt has commenced. Or so a cynic might say! (Ahem.) Be that as it may, The Wrap is indeed reporting this weekends Kraven the Hunter will bring an end to the shared universe Sony has built around Spider-Man villains.Honestly, its about time. Look, weve all had our fun. Tom Hardys sweaty take on Eddie Brock made the Venom movies into unlikely and enjoyable rom-coms. Morbius spawned hilarious memes, which in turn spawned major studio blunders. And apparently, people enjoyed seeing third-generation Hollywood nepo baby Dakota Johnson condescend to her own projects on the Madame Web press tour. But lets face it, Sonys shared cinematic universe was a dubious idea from the beginning.Not-So-Amazing DecisionsSony lucked out when they licensed the film adaptation rights to Spider-Man from a flailing Marvel Comics back in the 1990s. Against all odds, they did the right thing by giving the project to Sam Raimi, an incredibly talented filmmaker whose sensibilities perfectly matched the material. Raimis whizz-bang camera movements and utter sincerity led to Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2, the latter of which is still the best superhero film ever made in this writers opinion.But Sony remains a giant business, run by legions of executives who need to please their shareholders. And so good things couldnt last forever. The studio began increasingly pressing notes onto Raimis Spider-Man 3, insisting on the inclusion of Venom. When Raimi left during production of Spider-Man 4, Sony decided to do a gritty reboot with a brooding teen lead, hoping to match the tone of Batman Begins and the Twilight series. While The Amazing Spider-Man and its sequel benefited from fantastic chemistry between Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker and Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy, it squandered it with overstuffed stories designed for shared universe spin-offs.The train wreck of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 led Sony to cut a deal with Kevin Feige, paving the way for Tom Holland creating a new Spidey in the MCU. Nonetheless, the new status quo of sharing the character didnt cause Sony to completely reverse course. Instead they doubled down on making a shared universe, turning Spider-Mans enemies into anti-heroes and stars of their own stories. Although Morbius and Venom have turned heroic and they, along with the Spider-Women in Madame Web, have all carried their own comics from time to time, each title stemmed from a comic book universe where Spider-Man was a a constant daily presence in NYC. And yet, noticeably, whether it was Venom: Let There Be Carnage or Morbius, the new Sony spinoffs refused to ever feature the greatest superhero of all-time.The Great Responsibility of Spider-Man MoviesAt his core, Peter Parker is a regular guy who doesnt seek the great power given to him. Power doesnt simplify his life, it complicates it, making it harder to pay his bills and maintain a relationship. Hes overcome by responsibility. Yet as much as he sometimes resents that responsibility, he never fails to see it out, because he knows what it means to struggle, to make a mistake.Sam Raimi also knew that Spider-Mans superhero battles stemmed from that fundamental truth, which is why he always focused on Peters story first and then the supervillain he was fighting second. At their heart, Morbius, Venom, and Kraven are people who received great power and didnt know what to do with it, which led to their villain turns. They exist to highlight Spider-Mans qualities, not to replace him.Theoretically, making these characters into protagonists of their own stories would have solved their secondary status. Instead of Eddie Brock being a roided up loser whose hatred of Peter Parker prevented him from doing good, Venom and its sequels could have given him a different source of inadequacy and had him wrestle against his worst tendencies, accentuated by the symbiote. Morbius could have been someone who had to fight through his mistake and his vampiric lusts, a conflict with value on its own, outside of its dark reflection of Spider-Mans plight.Most galling is Madame Web, which takes a somewhat heroic character who does not rely upon Spider-Man and botches it in the worst possible way. Madame Web reimagines Spider-Mans primary line With great power comes great responsibility and changes it into When you take on the responsibility, great power will come. Instead of making Johnsons eponymous hero a character who learns to care for the Spider-Women because its the right thing to do, she becomes the opposite of Spider-Man, someone who seeks out power, even if it requires taking responsibility she doesnt want.In every instance, Sonys Villian-Verse proved that the company understood nothing about the characters it adapted, let alone Spider-Man. The company only wanted to make IP-driven cash-ins, and it showed.Against the Spider-VerseSonys utter mishandling of its Villain Universe is further highlighted by the one project they got consistently right. Both Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse are miracle movies. Somehow they take a concept known for multiversal shenanigans, focus on the lesser-known Spider-Man Miles Morales, and add in a ton of deep cut variants, and still turn out visually gorgeous and emotionally gripping storiesnot once, but twice!Even today, its hard to understand how exactly the Spider-Verse films were made (turns out, a terrible working conditions were part of the equation, sadly). But it sounds like Sonys determined to find out.According to The Wraps report, Sony will turn its attention away from the villain films and toward the next Spider-Man movie. That means a fourth Tom Holland Spider-Man flick, which might require Feige to take a heavier hand in the follow-up to Spider-Man: No Way Home. But it also means the third Spider-Verse film.Does this mean that Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse will pit Miles and his Amazing Multiversal Friends against Knull? Does it mean Vulture will suddenly appear back in the MCU to fight Tom Hollands Spidey, this time with Dr. Michael Morbius in tow? After a dance with Morbin Time, its fair to say anything is possible.Kraven the Hunter closes out Sonys Villain Universe in theaters on Friday, Dec. 13.

News 28 Years Later Trailer May Have Just Confirmed the Fate of Cillian Murphys JimDid the 28 Years Later trailer spoil the fate of Cillian Murphy's Jim? Some fans think so.By John Saavedra | December 10, 2024 | | Photo: Sony PicturesNot quite 28 years later, filmmakers Danny Boyle and Alex Garland are returning to the zombie tale that revitalized and evolved the zombie genre. The horror story that kicked off with 2001s 28 Days Later and continued in 2007s 28 Weeks Later jumps forward almost three decades to a world completely changed by the Rage Virus.In fact, the first trailer for the long-awaited third installment reveals an England where survivors armed with bows and arrows live in primitive settlements and a filthy Ralph Fiennes stalks around a temple-like structure made of human skulls. But the trailer may not just be showing us what happened to society after the Rage Virus spread to mainland Europe (and presumably the rest of the world). According to some eagle-eyed fans, it may also reveal the dark fate of Cillian Murphys protagonist from 28 Days Later Watch the trailer below:So, wheres Jim? Fans quickly locked in on one very brief shot in the trailer, at 1:47, in which an emaciated infected rises from a field to do some chomping, while kind of bearing a resemblance to the Oscar-winning actor. To some viewers, this is confirmation that Jim was infected by the Rage Virus at some point after the original film. That of course wouldnt be completely surprising if he happened to be one of the people who returned to England to re-settle the country right before things went to absolute hell in 28 Weeks Later. Or perhaps Jim, Selena, and Hannah were never actually rescued as the ending of the original film suggested.Of course, it must be said that a big deal has been made about Murphys return to the franchise. Bringing back the Oppenheimer actor just for a cameo as a walking corpse would certainly be a choice. In fact, Murphy was spotted filming scenes as Not A Corpse Jim as recently as September. But even if the infected in this scene really is meant to be Jim, theres another possible explanation: in the original film, Jim has dreams that are initially presented as reality. Perhaps thats whats happening here. An older Jim is imagining what would happen if he were to be infected. Thats this writers theory, anyway.Most of the rest of the trailer revolves around Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Alfie Wilson journeying through rural England, while in another thread, a group of armed soldiers become zombie food. Its unclear how the two storylines tie into each other, or how creepy Ralph Fiennes and his skull tower fit in, but the trailer certainly leaves us wanting more. Its refreshing in this day and age to get a trailer that doesnt hand out a bunch of answers before youve even sat down to watch the movie.Also, shout out to the person who chose the Rudyard Kiplings disturbing poem Boots (read by actor Taylor Holmes in the trailer) to accompany the terrifying images on screen. Meant to evoke the repetitive thoughts of a British infantryman marching to his doom in South Africa during the Second Boer War (1899-1902), Kiplings 1903 poem is the perfect companion to Taylor-Johnson and Comers own march through the zombie-infested hills of England.28 Years Later, which is out in theaters on June 20, 2025, is just the first installment in a planned trilogy of zombie flicks penned by Boyle and Garland. While Boyle is back in the directors chair for this next entry, a sequel titled 28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple will be helmed by Nia DaCosta (Candyman).

The best games of 2024 feel like misfit masterpieces. Maybe thats because they are products of a bad environment. In case you didnt know, the video game industry is not doing so great. Hey, who is? Bad investments into outdated ideas have led to mass layoffs. Meanwhile, the anti-culture of gaming descends into a never-ending spiral of discourse fueled by nutrient-deprived shouting heads who seem to know exactly how the world should look despite the fact they have not been outside in a very long time.At a time when it feels like we are circling the drain, perhaps it should come as no surprise that the best games of 2024 all feel a littledifferent. Yes, some are remakes, sequels, or variations on a genre or theme, but in each of them, we find a concentrated effort to do something at least a little bit different. Here is Den of Geeks ranking of the best games of the year.16. Animal WellSeveral smaller games were battling it out for the bottom spots on this list (such as Crow Country and 1000xRESIST). If something separates Animal Well from the pack, its the ways this game takes nothing for granted.Though it is most easily described as a Metroidvania title, you cant put Animal Well in a genre box quite that easily. To fully explore this games puzzle-filled labyrinth, youll need to reconsider how you acquire items, how you interact with environments, and even how you browse the internet. Unlike other puzzle games which sometimes make you feel inadequate for not seeing beyond the doors of perception, Animal Wells magnificent pacing, wonderful score, and fantastic style will leave you feeling like every moment is a wonderful discovery. Thats because they so often are.15. Thank Goodness Youre HereTruly great comedy games are a rare beast. Not only is comedy incredibly subjective, but its difficult to make a comedy game that is fun to play without compromising the timing that great jokes require.Thats what makes Thank Goodness Youre Here quite special. Nearly every interaction in this game is meant to both move the adventure forward and offer at least an audible chuckle. Unless you are entirely opposed to very British humor, you will likely find much to love in this quaint little adventure game that pokes fun at the endless monotonous tasks video game protagonists must endure. Some comedy games are barely more enjoyable than suffering through your friends stand-up routine, but the consistent charms of Thank Goodness Youre Here recall the joys of settling in with your favorite sitcom.14. Like a Dragon: Infinite WealthThe Like a Dragon (formerly Yakuza) franchise has become a masterclass in how to evolve a series over time without alienating your core fans. Fundamentally, Like a Dragon offers many of the same pleasures youll find in previous series installments. It features the turn-based combat seen in the last Like a Dragon title rather than the real-time action of the previous Yakuza installments, but its still full of big characters, elaborate plots, a ton of minigames, and that underlying sense of weirdness that helped make this franchise a cult classic in the first place.Infinite Wealth refines those fundamentals while showcasing developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios willingness to keep trying new things. An almost Animal Crossing-like resort management minigame highlights the refreshing decision to move these games out of Japan and explore new scenarios. Is it the best game in the series? Truth be told, its difficult to say simply because these titles keep offering unique charms while delivering what you expect based on the name on the box.13. Prince of Persia: The Lost CrownEarlier this year, Ubisoft decided to disband Prince of Persia: The Lost Crowns development team due to the games reportedly poor sales. Its a sad story that exemplifies the tragic state of the modern gaming industry. There are times when even great doesnt seem to be nearly good enough and when the biggest studios seem terrified of letting smaller ideas organically grow into something bigger.If you can, though, push all of that aside long enough to enjoy the modern Metroidvania masterpiece that is The Lost Crown. You dont need to be a Prince of Persia fan to appreciate how this game exemplifies that pure sense of adventure that we so often seek in these types of games. The love that went into this title, and the ways it so cleverly evolves this genre and the franchise, will carry the weight for you.12. Tekken 8Its not easy to be a great fighting game these days. Were far removed from the mass market appreciation of the genre that defined the arcade era, which means that a few franchises are often left to battle for the attention of dedicated players while trying to court new fans. So where does Tekken 8 fit into that market melee? Well, it just may be the best overall 3D fighting game in the world.The fluidity of Tekkens gameplay shines in this masterful sequel that somehow improves upon nearly perfect combat. If youre not familiar with Tekkens style, youll especially enjoy the many modes this game offers that allow you to dip your toes in the water without feeling like youre lingering in the shallow end. Perhaps the Tekken series is still missing that little something that grabs the attention of the masses in the same way that the Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter franchises have. Then again, to play Tekken is to love Tekken.11. Dragons Dogma 2Dragons Dogma 2 is sloppy at best and arguably broken at worst. It often feels like a series of concepts rather than an entirely finished product. Its the incredibly curious case of a sequel that seems to retain many of the technical flaws of a predecessor released 12 years ago.Yet, so many of Dragons Dogma 2s bugs feel closer to features. Dragons Dogma 2 encourages you to constantly explore the nuances of your character, equipment, party, environment, and combat options more than many such titles would ever dare to. Does that occasionally result in something odd or awkward occurring? Yes, but there is something magical about an RPG that allows you to consistently carve such a unique role for yourself, even if the game youre playing doesnt seem entirely sure what the consequences of your actions will be.10. Final Fantasy 7 RebirthFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a lot of game. It offers a ton of optional activities spread across a plethora of elaborate environments and strung together by a bold story that will often infuriate and delight in equal measure. Its rare to see a studio use such ample resources and a legendary franchise name as an excuse to just go for it and try to make so many big ideas work.Thats what ultimately makes Rebirth so easy to admire. For some, it will deliver an endless series of thrills across a massive adventure. But even if some of the things in this game dont entirely work for you, youll likely find that the elements of Rebirth that do work are so plentiful and work so well that youll end up looking at other great games and finding them to be wanting.9. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of WisdomEchoes of Wisdom raises the old argument that we hold the Zelda franchise to an impossible standard. We expect every new Zelda game to shake the industry because they often do. So we understand why something like Echoes of Wisdom may get lost in the upper echelon of the awards shuffle this year. We certainly dont think its impact will be more substantial than what you get from playing it.Strangely, thats also the games greatest strength. The Echoes of Wisdom team almost seems to have used Zeldas starring role as an excuse to let themselves loosen up and just play with a few new ideas. The best of those new ideasZeldas ability to summon echoes of objects to overcome various challengesrecalls the way the first Legend of Zelda made everyone rethink how they interacted with video games. Much like the handheld Zelda adventures gone by, it feels vital to recognize the joys of this game now before it ends up on a list of games we took for granted later.8. Helldivers 2Helldivers 2 is a purely joyful gaming experience. Then again, so was the original Helldivers. Both bless you with the opportunity to use an absurd arsenal of weapons to eradicate an army of creatures with a little help from your friends. Its a classic formula for a good time.But by moving from an isometric view to full 3D, the Helldivers 2 unlocks the incredible intensity at the heart of that original experience. Its one thing for scripted gaming battles to feel appropriately epic, but in Helldivers 2, every bullet fired, every ability used, and every teammate revived is like sipping from an adrenaline cocktail with a dopamine kicker. While the game has struggled to make the most out of its ambitious live-service, galaxy-spanning war mechanics, those occasionally botched attempts at bold ideas do little to diminish the pleasures of playing this shooter. Hey, if you were willing to forgive that teammate who threw that grenade at your feet, you can forgive Helldivers 2 for its misfires.Developer Atlus Persona series has long attracted a passionate following with its undeniable style, refined JRPG combat, and fascinating combination of high school dynamics and dungeon-crawling demon hunting. However, some have always struggled to connect to the high school relationship/drama elements. With Metaphor, Atlus essentially transported many of those mechanics to a new setting: a fantasy kingdom desperately searching for its next ruler.The results are incredible. Granted, Metaphor is so much more than Persona in a medieval fantasy worldit combines elements of many of Atlus previous series with entirely new ideasbut that simple summary helps capture so much of what makes this game so special. Palace intrigue and feuding kingdom factions prove to be an appropriate substitute for high school social shenanigans. Crucially, those relationships help tell a story that delivers so many vital messages across significant thematic ground without ever taking the focus off its incredible characters and their compelling conflicts. Its a complete JRPG triumph from a studio that often seems to be in a league of its own.6. UFO 50The word you keep hearing when UFO 50 is discussed is value. Its undeniably an appropriate word to use when youre describing a game that offers 50 unique games of varyingthough often substantiallength for $24.99. The problem is that the word value has been corrupted over the years by brands that use it to sell inferior products that we often turn to when better alternatives are just out of reach.That is not what UFO 50 offers. It isto quote the games Steam descriptiona throwback to the experience of going to a friends house and perusing their game library. You will certainly find a few favorites in this genre-spanning collection of games that could have easily been standalone releases, but thats only part of the joy. The greater joy comes from loading that menu, staring at those icons of possibilities, and recallingor perhaps experiencing for the first timethat feeling of seeing a wall of cartridges and just knowing that there is something magical waiting for you.5. Indiana Jones and the Great CircleIndiana Jones and The Great Circle is more than a love letter to the Indiana Jones franchise. Oh, its certainly that, but its so much more, too. By aspiring to get every aspect of Indiana Jones right, developer MachineGames has delivered one of the most robust and satisfying AAA action-adventure gaming experiences in recent memory.Essentially an immersive sim (think Deus Ex and Dishonored), The Great Circle functions as both an incredible Indiana Jones film and the Indiana Jones simulator we could previously only dream about. Few doubted MachineGames ability to craft a cinematic, Nazi-punching epic (thats what they do), but the ways this game allows you to live your Indiana Jones fantasies within a new story worthy of the characters greatest adventures make it a treasure so beautiful that youll start to wonder if you should be looking directly at it.4. Silent Hill 2Like a letter from your dead wife asking you to come to the town you once visited, people looked at the Silent Hill 2 remake and saw nothing but red flags. The publisher currently best known for making pachinko machines asked the developers responsible for sometimes formulaic horror games to remake one of the most unique creative expressions in gaming history? Good luck, babe.But few games have cut through so much cynicism as quickly and eloquently as the Silent Hill 2 remake. What developer Bloober Team essentially did was take the original Silent Hill 2 and mold it into something that improves on the dated original in almost every way. Not since the original Resident Evil has a horror game received a remake this good.3. Elden Ring: Shadow of the ErdtreeWe get the debate over whether or not Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree should qualify for game of the year discussions given that it is a piece of DLC. In some ways, that debate acknowledges that allowing DLCs to be represented in that way will take away spots from entirely newand probably smallerexperiences. However, that debate is rooted in hate for the greedy history of DLCs rather than what Shadow of the Erdtree actually delivers.Theres a good chance were not getting Elden Ring 2 anytime soon (if ever). Shadow of the Erdtree is the studios way of not just revisiting that world in a reasonable timeframe but allowing themselves to test the boundaries of their creation by making it more mechanically complex, more structurally ambitious, and, yes, more difficult. By doing so, they deliver one of their best experiences yet as as well as a game that will undoubtedly propel them to new creative heights moving forward. As for those Game of the Year concernswell, if a $40 DLC is offering more than $70 games, maybe some of those $70 games should be put under greater scrutiny.2. Astro BotFor the last decade or so, developer Team Asobi has been hard at work making Astro Bot the next great gaming mascot. The problem was that their efforts always came with an asterisk. So far, Astro Bot has been limited to VR titles, cameos, and elaborate pack-in demos. In an industry where it sometimes feels impossible for small projects to be pushed to the next level, Astro Bot seemed destined to become a throwaway representative of the bigger PlayStation franchises that have been grandfathered into the upper echelon.Thats part of the reason why 2024s Astro Bot triggers reactions of pure joy that border on primal screams. Yes, it is filled with loving and clever throwbacks to various PlayStation properties woven organically into an otherwise original experience. Yes, it may be the best 3D platformer of the last 15 years or so that doesnt star Mario. More than all of that, Astro Bot is an undeniable declaration that the beating heart of gaming lies in talented studios with original ideas that just need a slightly bigger budget and a little faith to deliver the next great game. It ignites hope that love, talent, and opportunity will not be kept quite as far apart as they have in recent years.1. BalatroSince the indie game boom, many years have brought us games like Balatro. Not exactly like Balatro, mind youhow many poker-like roguelike deck-builders could there be?but rather smaller games that steal our hearts and occupy our time. Were talking about games like Stardew Valley, Super Meat Boy, and Vampire Survivors. The love that went into them is often as undeniable as the hours we put into them. Come awards season, though, there still seems to be this hesitation to put them above those bigger games.2024 is the year of Balatro, though. Quite possibly your favorite game developers favorite game, Balatro is a frighteningly addictive experience that lures you in with a concept that could have been included in every Windows 95 machine (a solitaire version of poker) before gradually revealing incredible new layers of depth. Every turn reveals new cards, every new card reveals new strategies, and every new strategy encourages yet another run of joyful experimentation.Its about more than that, though. The AAA gaming industry is currently eating its tail in the homeless pursuit of infinite growth. Those too big to succeed projects fail, studios are closed, and livelihoods are lost alongside the ideas that those laid off individuals could have gifted the world if only this industry even pretended to care about them. In a world on fire, we return to Balatro. If there is going to be a future, we need to celebrate its brilliance in the present.What are your favorite games of 2024? Let us know in the comments!

This post contains spoilers for Dune: Prophecy episode 4 and details from the book Dune Messiah.In the final minutes of Dune: Prophecys fourth episode Twice Born, Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson) feels a twinge of doubt about her mission. However, she recovers her resolve when she faces her beloved older brother Griffin, whose death decades earlier inspired her revenge quest. Griffin speaks words of reassurance, even when Valya asks if she pushed her brother too far.As the conversation reaches its conclusion, Griffins face begins to crack. Thank you, Theo, says Valya, who then watches what appeared to be her brother walk away. As he moves, he transforms into a taller, older male-presenting figure and then into a shorter Black woman. In that moment, we realize that Theo is Sister Theodosia (Jade Anouka), the acolyte who came with Valya to Salusa Secundus.Even newcomers to Dune understand that Theodosia is some sort of shapeshifter. But in Dune terms, Theodosia is a Face Dancer, a key part of the Frank Herbert novel Dune Messiah, which Denis Villeneuve plans to adapt as Dune 3.Face Dancers are a creation of another group mentioned in Dune: Prophecy, the Bene Tleilax, the patriarchal society that practices genetic engineering. Those practices led to the creation of Face Dancers, asexual and servile shapeshifters who perform a variety of functions within the Imperium. Often, the Face Dancers provide forms of entertainment for citizens in the Imperium, but they can also serve as spies and assassins.In fact, thats how Face Dancers are introduced in Dune Messiah. Picking up 12 years after the end of Dune, Messiah deals with a conspiracy targeting Emperor Paul Atreides, whose Fremen Jihad has intensified his enemies anger against him. That conspiracy includes expected members, including Irulan, Pauls legal wife and daughter of the previous emperor, and Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam, as well as Scytale the Face Dancer.As has been commented many times since its initial appearance in Galaxy Magazine in 1969, Dune Messiah is a much knottier book than Dune. Not only did Herbert make Paul a much more unlikable character in Messiah, part of his goal to underscore a mistrust of charismatic leaders, but much of the action happens off the page, with more of the books attention devoted to palace intrigue and secret plots, not unlike Dune: Prophecy.However, Scytale brings some dynamism to the storyline. The book opens with Scytale assassinating a Fremen leader and then sneaking into Pauls court in the guise of a trusted figure. Its no wonder that David Lynch counted Scytale as one of the elements that most intrigued him about adapting Dune Messiah for Dune II. In fact, he already began seeding that part in his take on Dune, as the next movie would have revealed that Baron Harkonnens doctor (played by Leonardo Cimino) was Scytale in disguise.Given that it takes place 10,000 years before Dune Messiah, its hard to draw too many connections between the book and Dune: Prophecy. However, the appearance of a Face Dancer among the acolytes does shore up one of the shows major theories. Like the Bene Gesserit, the Bene Tleilax havent reached their full power yet, and thus they do not quite have the same rivalry with the Sisters as theyll develop. However, they do have their own goals, and arent above giving their creations as gifts to enemies to strengthen their positions.In fact, thats probably whats happening with Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel), who may be twice born because hes a ghola created by the Bene Tleilax. He could be working for Emperor Javicco (Mark Strong) as part of a Tleilaxu plot to gain power, something the Emperors too dense to realize.Valya might be smarter than Javicco, but she is blinded by her anger. So although she knows that Theodosia is a Face Dancer, and knows that Face Dancers come from the rival Bene Tleilax, she believes that she can out with the manipulators. At least, thats what Paul thinks when a ghola of a beloved friend arrives in his court in Dune Messiah to mixed results. Is Valya smarter than Paul Atreides? Well find out as Dune: Prophecy airs its final two episodes.Dune: Prophecy airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max, culminating with a finale on December 22.

This review contains spoilers for Dune: Prophecy episode 4.After three episodes of plotting in the shadows, Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson) finally makes her first big move midway through Twice Born, the fourth episode of Dune: Prophecy. A montage shows Truthsayers in Valyas hire whispering suggestions to a trio of heads of the great Houses. The Truthsayers suggest to the heads that Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong) assassinated Pruwet Richese (Charlie Hodson-Prior). When the heads all express their worry that investigating the claim will bring unwanted attention to their respective Houses, the Truthsayers encourage them to promote an ambitious minor House to their number and make that newcomer launch the investigation. The House in question? Harkonnen.Without question, the scene looks great. Director Richard J. Lewis blocks the conversations well and the costume work by Bojana Nikitovic remains fantastic. Its always striking to see the black clad members of the Sisterhood leaning toward the ornately costumed House heads.At the same time, the plan is thuddingly obvious. Even suspending disbelief to allow for the compressed nature of a story like this, Valya Harkonnens hand in elevating her House to a prominent position and then making it the obvious fall guy for a move against the Emperor is anything but hidden.This problem has been present from the beginning of Dune: Prophecy. As much as the show wants to be about schemers in secret, its in fact about people declaring plot points to one another and pretending that its all quite sneaky. To be clear, the problem here isnt necessarily that this is a talky show instead of an action show. The Frank Herbert novels (and, to a much lesser extent, the prequel novels by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson) largely consist of ideological debates and philosophizing.No, the problem with Dune: Prophecy is that the ideas characters discuss, much like Valyas plan in Twice Born, written by Kevin Lau & Suzanne Wrubel, is thin and dumb. Dune and Game of Thrones, the latter being the true forerunner to Prophecy, already thoroughly explored the vagaries of power plays in much greater detail. Prophecy rarely has anything to say on the subject beyond People do bad things to keep power!Its not that Prophecy cannot do anything other than exposition. Twice Born begins with a powerful cold open that finds the Sisterhood acolytes all plagued by a nightmare in which they stand in near the well in their home and slice their own throats. The episode returns to the dream in a later sequence in which Tula (Olivia Williams) instructs the acolytes to enter a trance and draw what they see. Their drawings more or less recreate the shows opening credits, but Lewis paces the scene well and Williams anchors the scene by playing Tulas loss of control.The acolytes end their drawing session with an image of two eyes peering out from a black space, which has reappeared throughout the series. God is watching us, declares Sister Emeline (Aoife Hinds). The recokoning is here.Powerful as the moment is, Twice Born doesnt let the audience or the actors sit in it. Worse, it feels the need to include a follow up scene in which Tula and Sister Avila (Barbara Marten) interpret the drawings. For all their discussion (and the actors screen presence), the conversation boils down to Theres something scary out there we dont understand.The conversation underscores the other major problem with Prophecys plot-heavy approach. Instead of letting characters or themes drive the story, it relies upon the mystery of Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel). Who is he? How does he have these powers?Even that mystery seems beyond the shows ability to do well, as it relegates all conversation about Hart to the obvious (why does he have these powers?) to the rich in dense in lore from secondary Dune novels (is he in service of Omnius or Erasmus or the Titans?). By the time the episode ends with the reveals that Lila (Chloe Lea) has been resurrected by the Sisterhoods illegal Thinking Machine Anirul and that a Bene Tleilax face dancer is in House Harkonnen, neither Herbert fans nor casual viewers are shocked or engaged.For that reason, Travis Fimmel proves to be the best part of Dune: Prophecy. Twice Born climaxes at a meeting of the Landsraad, in which Harrow Harkonnen (Edward Davis) enacts Valyas plan by bringing charges against House Corrino for the murder of Pruwet Richese. At the same time, Keiran Atreides (Chris Mason) plants his bombs to destroy the Great Houses. Before either Harrow or Keiran can act, Princess Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina) arrives to make the case against her father.Hart interrupts the proceedings and claims to deliver order. He admits that he killed Pruwet for using a thinking machine and proceeds to produce members of the resistance, including Horace (Sam Spruell) and the Ixian, but not Keiran nor the Fremen Mikaela (Shalom Brune-Franklin). With Javiccos permission, Hart uses his internal burning powers to execute the resistance leaders and the Heads of the houses plotting against the Emperor.It all comes with a monologue delivered with ridiculous theatricality by Fimmel. His lilting voice, his pregnant pauses, his ostentatious poses all feel overly contrived. At no point does Fimmel feel like a real person existing in the world. Hes constantly showing audiences how hard hes acting. And thats exactly what makes him so compelling. When great actors like Williams and Emily Watson must play dumb people pretending to be plotters, Filmmels inability to pretend to be a scheming soldier makes him feel truly chaotic.Harts preening monologue and the spectacular execution that follows proves what Ive feared about Dune: Prophecy from the beginning. Its the exact opposite of what it tries to be. Its a dumb show about people pretending to be smart. Its an obvious show about people who say theyre playing three dimensional chess. As Twice Born demonstrates, that contradiction can have its pleasures, especially with such strong visuals. But the episode, and the series on the whole, feels undercooked.Dune: Prophecy airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.Learn more about Den of Geeks review process and why you can trust our recommendationshere.

Warning: contains spoilers for The Mirror and the Light episode 5.What was Henry trying to tell Cromwell by recalling that business with the untaken trip to the Weald? That hed been searching his memory, and perhaps concluded that the bond he thought theyd shared like that visit to the ironmasters never existed? Henrys nostalgic memories of he and Cromwell on horseback and enjoying the sunlight were a fiction romanticising a relationship that never was. To Henry, Cromwell has proved first a disappointment and now, thanks to Gardiner and Norfolks poison, a traitor.Henrys not one to suffer disappointment, as his less-than-regal response to Anna of Cleves showed. After the quasi-comedic scene in which Henry was warned not to expect great chat from his goody goody two-shoes new queen (dont sing, dont hunt, what do you do?), he settled on the worst courtship idea since Oedipus made eyes at his mother. Cromwell and Risley attempted to dissuade the king from rooting through his dressing-up boxes and jumping out at his new wife dressed as a one-man Nativity play, but alas, The Book Called Henry is right: never say what the king willnotdo.Henrys jape predictably backfired, and like a tantruming child given the wrong birthday toy, he found fault with everything about his new wife. Her height, her bonnet, her breasts, her displeasant airs The real problem was simply that Anna had failed to be astonished and delighted by her prince. Henrys ego couldnt take the humiliation, nor any of the blame.That had to go elsewhere: first to Fitzwilliam, whod signed off on Annas comeliness, and then, fatally, to the man whod engineered the match. No wonder Cromwell tried to appease Henry by pretending that the Bavarian clock was a gift for the king; Henry didnt need any further reminder that this marriage was the Lord Chancellors coup.Regifting the clock was really the only move Cromwell made towards saving himself in Mirror. Despite the predators circling, on he pushed, putting himself in increasing danger by pressing Henry towards a wife he didnt want, and refusing to back down from Norfolks various provocations and facial contortions. He ignored the dukes insistence on special treatment for his priory and insulted him using language that befitted a lowborn blacksmiths son, which is how Norfolk sees him anyway. Was it wise, asked Risley? Not at all wise, no. Even less wise would have been sticking Norfolk with that handy little knife, but Cromwell held back from that. Why? For hope.Read more How often do you get the chance to change the map of the world? Just once in two or three generations? he asked in this episode. To let that chance slip away More idealist than pragmatist in his final years, Cromwell is convinced of his Reformation. Getting that over the line and divorcing England irrevocably from the Emperor and the papacy is his only concern. The alliance with Cleves furthers that cause, and so he stuck by it, even when Henrys dissatisfaction, kneaded and expanded by Cromwells enemies, turned to rage.Its tantalising to imagine as Cromwell no doubt will once hes locked in the Tower all the scenes in this fateful episode that wedidntsee: Gardiner telling Henry of Cromwells Lutheran heresy and the great damage his primacy does to the kings reputation abroad. Norfolk spreading rumours of Cromwells designs on the throne, all the while making his own secret alliance with the French and pushing his succulent niece in the kings path. Henry gifting Catherine Howard rubies that once decorated her cousins unfortunate neck. Fitzwilliam and the rest of those jackals conspiring to pull off that cruel stunt in the privy council chambers.So many manoeuvres being made out of sight, so many whispers happening beyond Cromwells earshot and our own. Like him though, we could scent the danger in the air every new exchange sounding another uh-oh. This was an episode of uh ohs.The Mirror and the Lightis so meticulously written and performed that the audience are trained to be as alert to detail as its courtly characters are to shifting reputations. Coldness and jibes to Cromwell were everywhere, from Henrys cruel I miss Wolsey annual appraisal (has there ever been a worse boss? You just know that Henry would insist on fancy dress and party pieces at the Christmas work do), to Mary snubbing his arrival at her clavichord, to Norfolks reheating the gossip about his ambitions on the kings daughter. Watch the avoided eye contact just as much as the raised voices that attack on Cromwell was plotted well ahead of time.Was Risley part of it, or was it just a coincidence that he called Rafe away from Cromwells side minutes before their master was stripped of his office? At least Archbishop Cranmer, perhaps Cromwells only friend at court, wasnt part of the hunting party. Like a splinter in the flesh of the nobility, Cromwell has been plucked out.What next? How did that quote from Cicero (another political visionary whose reformist zeal got him executed) go live hopefully and die bravely? Cromwells done the first. Now for the last.Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light concludes on Sunday December 15 on BBC One.

This article contains spoilers for Outlander season 7 episode 11.Outlander fans, whether theyve read the books or not, knew that it was only a matter of time before one of the storys biggest secrets would finally be revealed. In an episode already packed with twists and turns, the very last scene of season 7s A Hundredweight of Stones delivers the ultimate emotional blow.In Season 4, Lord John (David Berry), Jamie (Sam Heughan), and Claire (Caitrona Balfe) agreed that young William would fare better in life if he were presented to society as the future Earl of Ellesmere and not the illegitimate son of a Scottish prisoner of war-turned-landowner. Keeping this promise was much easier when William was an ocean away. Now the events of the Revolutionary War have brought both Lord John and William near Jamie and Claire.Jamies failure to return from Scotland plus Claire being accused of helping the Americans by British authorities in Philadelphia led to the sudden decision of Lord John to marry Claire in season 7 episode 10. Claires grief and the awkward adjustments to save face in public as Lord Johns wife dominate this episode.Williams life has not changed that much since Lord John married Claire. Now William Ransom a.k.a. William Grey, hes still a British soldier. He may not know the full story but he trusts Claire and is more focused on the possibilities of love and future promotion. Jamies unexpected return from Scotland on a different ship suddenly upends everything. He accidentally overhears a conversation between Jamie, Claire, and Lord John where they discuss the truth theyve concealed for over 20 years.Den of Geek spoke with showrunner and writer Matthew B. Roberts, and executive producer and writer Maril Davis about the big reveal. In addition, actors Caitrona Balfe, Sam Heughan, and Charles Vandervaart (William), share their perspectives on Williams pain and how this story will continue in future episodes.Anytime Jamie and Claire get separated, its never good, Caitrona Balfe says. That separation sets off this chain of events that has such a huge impact on Jamie, Claire, John Grey, and William. Its one of the biggest tests Jamie and Claire have faced in a very long time this family interrelationship drama coexisting alongside the political drama.Both Claire and Lord John feel Jamies absence from their lives. Claires depression and grief drive her to contemplate suicide as she feels she has lost all meaning and purpose. Lord John also feels Jamies loss but is compelled to dress up the situation for Philadelphia society.We all knew going in that this would be such a weighty episode, and huge props both to Caitrona and David Berry for really bringing it, Maril Davis says. I remember watching it for the first time and I got so teary. I think grief is very individual and they both brought the right amounts of grief in their ways to the table. You dont need to add anything to it.In the last episode, Lord John promises Claire that they dont have to consummate their marriage officially. This situation is especially painful for Lord John as the years of unrequited love hit so much harder after the loss of Jamies friendship. However, their shared grief leads to a moment of intimacy. They would rather have Jamie as a partner.We decided to let the scene breathe onscreen and that we dont need to cut away. We dont need to find other stories to delve into because the audience will be there with us, Matthew B. Roberts says. When you watch Outlander, you may get a 10-minute scene, and thats our language of storytelling.While Claire and Lord John are working out what this marriage for protection means for them, William is searching for Mrs. Right.I believe he is quite naive, and maybe there is a world in which he and Rachel were good for each other, but I think William has a lot of growing to do before he can be present in a relationship, Charles Vandervaart says.Jamies sudden return forces all involved to confront what happened and what that means for Claire and Lord Johns marriage. This is the conversation that William isnt supposed to hear but he does and it changes everything for him.Its a huge moment, and Jamies processing all of this information but I think for Claire and John Grey its way harder, Sam Heughan says. Theyve been through this grieving process, this strange relationship. On top of that, to have William find out is a huge moment for Jamie. Jamies always wanted to be part of Williams life but he also knows how dangerous it is for people to find out that Jamie is actually his father.Its a very painful time in Claires life to have to go through this process of believing hes dead, grieving, and where that leads her, Balfe adds. For then to have to deal with Jamies anger about it is very complicated.Willam was entirely unprepared to hear the truth because of the confidence Lord John instilled in him. Hes lost in this particular moment in his life, Vandervaart says. His end goal was to fight for king and country and to represent those ideals that he learned from Lord John Grey. Now he has no idea because thats a lie. He still identifies with that part of himself, but he doesnt necessarily know if thats who he truly is anymore. This is Williams entire identity falling apart in front of him.William curses Lord John, Jamie, and Claire and storms off. I think in his confusion at that moment, he means it, Vandervaart says. William is a very fiery person and its akin to that really cliche phrase hurt people hurt people.There were a lot of intense emotions portrayed on screen and the on-set experience reflected that for Balfe and Heughan. It was very tough stuff to film, Balfe says. Its one of those storylines where youre like, how do we get into this? How do we make this feel honest to these characters? And working with David in that way was amazing. Its also those challenges that make the work interesting. Because if you were doing the same thing over and over or just doing easy stuff, it doesnt really challenge you and it doesnt make you have to dig deep.As for whats next for William, Lord John, and the Frasers, Vandervaart teases: The scenes just after that in the next episode were the most fun to film because its just pure rage. Hes an incoming wake of destruction because he has no idea what hes supposed to be doing now. His entire moral compass and direction in life are now in turbulence. There are so many great scenes where Im kicking over chairs and channeling that Fraser rage that we all have inside of us, confirming who his dad is.Heughan and company promise that the revelation will have long-lasting effects on the rest of the season. Balfe even goes as far as to say that whats to come is some of the most beautiful dramatic stuff the show has ever done.And Davis agrees: Theres a moment in the last scene of the last episode that propels Outlander into season eight that I think will surprise fans. Im looking forward to it.New episodes of Outlander season 7 premiere Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on Starz.

While 1984s Supergirl is very much a low-budget attempt to cash in on the majesty of the Christopher Reeve Superman movies, it does maintain the world that Richard Donner established in one regard. Midway through the film, Supergirl (Helen Slater) strikes a classic hero pose to face off against two baddies.I am Kara of Argo City, daughter of Alura and Zor-El, she says with confidence. And I dont scare easily. Unfortunately, she says those words to a witch called Selena, portrayed by Faye Dunaway at her hammiest. With just a flick of her finger, Selena flings Supergirl into an A&W vending machine.How could anyone defeat the Maid of Might with such a simple gesture? Any comic book loving reply guy would be quick to answer that Kryptonians like Kara and Kal-El are vulnerable to magic (what, exactly, vulnerable means is subject of much debate, but thats not important right now). That fact makes Selena a compelling villain, one who brings something different than the standard baddies in Superman-related movies: the Luthors and the Zods weve seen time and again. No matter the iteration, the pair offer a familiar, and often sci-fi, threat. By contrast to that bog standard villainy, however, is Selena, a sorceress who reminds viewers that Superman and Supergirl are so much weirder than the blue clad boys and girl scouts theyre so often portrayed to be.Both Superman and Supergirl have a host of magical and fantasy-based characters in their history. In Superman #14 from 1942, just four years after Supermans first appearance, the Man of Steel gets thwarted by a pianist called Krazinski, who uses magical hypnotism to befuddle Superman. That same issue sends Superman to an undersea city, foreshadowing Lori Lemaris, a mermaid and love interest. Beyond Lori, other magic-based characters frequent Supermans world time and again. The fifth-dimensional imp Mr. Mxyzptlk is one of Kal-Els oldest and strongest adversaries, a trickster who can only be defeated by being tricked in turn to say his name backwards. Supes regularly fights the Silver Banshee, victim of an Irish curse. As a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes, Superboy served alongside the magical Princess Projectra of Orando and battled the wizard Mordru. The oddball comics of the postwar, early code era dabbled in many other genres as well, including fantasy stories that saw Superman face off against mythical heroes Hercules and Samson, or joining King Arthurs Knights of the Round Table.The fantasy aspects are even more pronounced in Supergirls stories. She interacted with most of the same magical characters as her cousin, including Mxyzptlk and Mordru. But she had her own strange adventures, most famously involving her flying horse Comet, who changed into a human via a spell from the witch Circe and who dated Supergirl for some time. Supergirl counts among her rogues gallery the sorcerer Zond, the sorceress Nightflame, and more recently, Legion baddie the Emerald Empress, whose Emerald Eye of Ekron has magical properties.Dunaways Selena may have been invented for the movie, but shes very much in line with these eerie antagonists. Supergirl writer David Odell and director Jeannot Szwarc follow the tone and world established by Silver Age DC Comics. The Argo City of the film may look like the science-focused Krypton of Richard Donners movies, but it counts among its citizens the wizard Zoltar (Peter OToole), who holds a powerful MacGuffin called the Omegahedron. When Kara arrives on Earth and masquerades as human girl Linda Lee, Selena and the sniping warlock Nigel (Peter Cook) use their powers not just to find the Omegahedron but also to mess with Karas romance with groundskeeper Ethan (Hart Bochner, playing a very different type of white knight than he did in Die Hard).The mixed-up identities, goofy romance, and earnest emotional outbursts in Supergirl fit right alongside the stories of the era, stories that formed the bedrock of the character. Even though several different versions of Supergirl have appeared since the original version died in 1985s Crisis on Infinite Earths #7including a blob of shapeshifting goo, a fallen angel bonding with a teen girl, and a midriff-baring escapee from Darkseidboth the comics and adaptations keep coming back to the original version that debuted in 1959, the one who had all the magical fantasy adventures.In fact, the next Supergirl movie will likely continue this fantasy turn. Written by Tom King and illustrated by Bilquis Evely, the 2021-2022 comic book series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow certainly has its sci-fi elements, as Kara and Supermans dog Krypto go across an alien planet, and even some aspects of a True Gritstyle Western, as it is narrated by a young girl who wants revenge against the man who killed her father.But Evely presents the story as high-fantasy, as announced by the cover of the first issue, which shows Kara raising a sword into the sky. The series imagines Supergirl as a type of wandering warrior or a knight of old who walks into a situation and helps the defenseless, pledging her allegiance to a quest. She even reunites with Comet, albeit back in horse form.James Gunn has announced one of the rebooted DC Universes next movies will be Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, and starring House of the Dragons Milly Alcock as Kara. We dont know at this point how faithful to the comic the movie will be; Gillespies previous films I, Tonya and Fright Night dont have much fantasy, Western, or sci-fi in them. However, its hard to believe that Gunn and DC Studios co-head Peter Safran would stray too far from the source material, especially since the comics writer Tom King is also part of Gunns coterie of creators.If indeed Woman of Tomorrow holds true to the comics, then it will be returning the all-important fantasy aspect back to the House of Steel. It will make Superman, Supergirl, and the entire DC universe that much more wonderful and strange, and it will be following in a trail blazed by Selena and Supergirl, one magical finger flick at a time.