Entertainment

Joe Reid: Nate, congratulations on another season in the Oscar trenches. It’s always such a roller coaster, and if this season didn’t have it all — beginning with a wide-open field, disrupted by a controversy that actually seemed to have some impact, and ending with a big major-category upset at the last second — at least it had a lot. With a couple weeks of distance, how are you feeling about it? Any words of wisdom to impart to me as I prepare to take the Gold Rush handoff for Emmys season?

The confirmation for season three arrives ahead of the December release of season two, which was recently completed in Vancouver. The initial season of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, featuring Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, and Aryan Simhadri, premiered in 2023, but it wasn’t until around a month following the season-two finale that we received word of another season. Rick Riordan, overjoyed by the earlier greenlight for season three, considered it a “strong indication of Disney’s commitment,” expressing that it reflects the fervor with which fans have welcomed the series. In essence, he’s encouraging everyone to keep creating those fan edits!

This episode presents a significant acting challenge, which I think is crucial on Drag Race because it’s a skill the contestants might actually use in real life. It helps to identify who can remember lines, occupy space, follow directions, and deliver punchlines effectively. However, these challenges can be tough to watch, as I often find myself haunted by memories of “Breastworld.” This episode is somewhat typical, offering a mix of pain and insight. The problem is that the information provided isn’t particularly thrilling. With minimal plot progression and an acting challenge, this episode is the least exciting of the season so far, and after last week’s excitement, it’s a letdown.

As a passionate fan of The Bachelorette franchise, I found myself reflecting on its journey in 2023. That was the year when Mike Fleiss, the creator, decided to part ways after an investigation into allegations of racial discrimination. Following this event, co-executive producers Keely Booth and Michael Margolis, who is my wife Freeland, chose to step down. After reading about these resignations in Deadline’s February report, I find myself wondering if the studio might still use that iconic line from The Bachelor, “Can I walk you out?”, as they bid farewell to this dynamic duo. I reached out to ABC and producer Warner Bros TV for their take on this turn of events.

Poor Coach Ben, a recurring sentiment among Yellowjackets viewers, has endured numerous hardships throughout the series’ three seasons. On the first day after their plane to nationals crashed in the Canadian wilderness, his player Misty Quigley (Samantha Hanratty) was forced to amputate Ben’s leg with an ax. In season two, overwhelmed by his longing for his boyfriend Paul back home and ostracized for his refusal to partake in cannibalism, he contemplated suicide. In season three, he was accused (though possibly falsely) of setting the fire that destroyed their cabin during the winter. Despite being the only adult among them, he holds the least authority in this chaotic power structure.

The introductory credit sequence of “Dope Thief” emphasizes a recurring theme: A solitary, hooded adolescent dashes through the rapidly altering streets of Philadelphia on a bicycle. His speed is swift and his stride unwavering, yet the environment around him undergoes rapid transformation. Potholes swap places in the twinkling of an eye, shoes mysteriously appear on overhead power lines, gas prices surge erratically on a Gas Station sign. The streets are in perpetual, tumultuous flux, and Ray Driscoll is pedaling as if propelled by the wind, not just fleeing his past but also outpacing a relentless present that’s hurtling into the future more swiftly than he can pedal.

Similar to the Evil Queen from the fairy tale putting a curse on Snow White, Disney has recently decided to suspend grand events associated with their movies indefinitely, following a string of controversies surrounding the upcoming “Snow White” film since its announcement in 2021. The premiere for this movie will be scaled back significantly, with many media outlets worldwide being excluded from attending. The usual interviews and social media interactions that generate thousands of impressions will not take place. However, the main cast members, Zegler and Gadot, are expected to make brief statements only to a pre-selected Disney team who might avoid challenging questions.

Approximately fifteen years ago, FX was renowned for gritty, raw shows like “The Shield,” “Sons of Anarchy,” “Justified,” and “Terriers.” These series offered a unique blend of personal and professional relationships, set against the backdrop of organized crime, drug wars, and land disputes. While other cable networks leaned towards glossy prestige TV, FX shows were typically grittier, more violent, and explicit in their portrayal of life’s harsh realities, particularly focusing on the struggles faced by the working class.

Interestingly, Apple TV+, which tends to favor big-budget sci-fi, masculine earnestness, and female-led prestige shows, has become home to “Dope Thief.” This is an unexpected choice but it’s appreciated! “Dope Thief,” premiering its first two episodes today, isn’t just a nod to this specific genre of aggressive programming. Instead, it breathes new life into the formula by featuring standout performances from Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura that delve deep into male loneliness, only to lift us out with a heartwarming, tender friendship. This relationship is as comforting and nurturing as the show itself is dark and brutal.

St. Patrick’s Day stands out among other holidays due to its unique blend of tradition and festivity. Unlike many Christian holidays whose original significance often fades, St. Patrick’s Day has maintained a tradition associated with revelry and indulgence since its early days. Originally, the lifting of Lenten alcohol restrictions was part of the celebrations. Today, many people interpret this as an opportunity to wear green, drink excessively, and forget about Saint Patrick and Irish heritage for much of the day. Its closest analogue might be Halloween, another holiday steeped in mischief and upheaval that both unites and divides us in equal measure.

Currently showing in New York (with plans to expand soon), Lesage’s captivating film is not a horror movie as you might expect – it’s actually a dramatic piece, with comic elements thrown in at times. The Quebecois director has a knack for building tension and suspense. In Who by Fire, several individuals gather at a forest cabin, leading to a whirlwind of emotional upheaval. Unlike traditional narratives, this film doesn’t follow a typical plot or clearly define its themes and structure. Instead, it leaves viewers to interpret the characters’ motivations and feelings on their own.