qfx

Nintendo hasn’t said much about its plans for 2026, and their recent presentations have mostly highlighted games from independent developers and other companies. Big news now often appears unexpectedly on the Nintendo Today app, which seems to have replaced their larger, more elaborate Direct presentations as the main source of announcements. However, if a recent rumor is accurate, it’s big enough to warrant a major announcement of its own.

Turns out the kidnapping of Lord John Grey is far more complex than it seems! It’s not just about the war, but also involves time travel and, surprisingly, tackling issues of racism and homophobia. Captain Richardson, John’s captor, reveals his elaborate plan: he’s discovered John’s brother, Hal, is about to speak against further funding for the war with the American colonies. Richardson believes this speech will sway public opinion, leading to British defeat and the loss of America, which he’s determined to prevent. His solution? Blackmail. He’s using letters detailing John’s past relationships with men – provided by Percy and another former lover, Neil – to threaten him. Richardson plans to ruin John’s reputation with a public scandal, and hopes to pressure John into convincing his brother to support the war effort. It’s a complicated scheme, and you might think it’s destined to fail, but brace yourself – it’s about to get even more surprising.

The social media team at The Late Show deserves another shout-out for their clever use of sounds on TikTok. I’ve been meaning to mention this for a while, ever since they had Senator Elizabeth Warren lip-sync to a classic scene from Lizzie McGuire. Their choice of sounds is brilliant – like using a clip of Sally Field kissing Stephen Colbert for a bit about being a ‘Role Model’! And their use of the “We are such a delight” sound, previously used by Apple Martin, for a Colbert/Stewart lip-sync was perfect. Here’s a look at other highlights from late night this week.

The Happy Valley Steering Committee meets, and we find out that the leaders of ISN are hesitantly stopping their financial and resource support for Happy Valley. They need to avoid conflict with Earth, as the M-6 nations are starting to suspect ISN is secretly aiding the base. This loss of support means they’ll have to ration supplies even more, making the crops grown in the base’s greenhouses – known as ‘ag-domes’ – incredibly important. Luckily, Lee has organized all the teenage Martian residents into a strict schedule for tending the crops and spreading fertilizer. Everyone is on the schedule except Alex, who mysteriously never seems to be assigned to the night shift. The other teens tease him about it, but it’s all friendly and lighthearted – a really positive atmosphere!