Entertainment

In the concluding moments of “Somebody Somewhere,” there’s no secret messages, dramatic revelations, or decisive resolutions. Instead, the profound transformation lies in the fact that Sam is now content, or at least more so than she has ever been. Played by series creator and writer Bridget Everett, Sam works at a bar, not her ideal job but sufficient for the moment. She’s also volunteering at an animal shelter, dreaming of adopting a dog someday. A potential romantic relationship is on the horizon with Iceland, the man renting her family farm. The series ends with a subtle embrace between them. Sam’s friends and sister are present, gathering at the bar on a Sunday afternoon to spend time with her. It’s not that they all came; it’s that she invited them, which in itself is a source of joy. The final scene features Sam singing “The Climb,” a song emphasizing the importance of enjoying the journey rather than focusing on the destination.

In the world of Housewives, two unchanging rules often hold true: (1) The conflicts portrayed on-screen in shows like Housewives are usually just surface-level disagreements masking deeper power struggles unfolding behind the scenes, a fact emphasized by Brian Moylan numerous times. (2) It’s best to avoid discussing or speculating about parenting matters, as this can lead to conflicts that mirror a small war. Some franchises, like New Jersey, sometimes push these boundaries, appearing ready to attack each other’s family lines at any moment. However, meddling in parenting is generally considered the equivalent of declaring war. This season on Potomac, though, the cast appears to be increasingly crossing this boundary – and based on this episode and future previews, it seems the ladies from DMV are dangerously close to discarding Mia’s bathwater along with the proverbial baby.

Over the course of many centuries, between the events depicted in “Dune: Prophecy” and the rise of Paul Atreides in “Dune,” we can expect that the Harkonnens will not just amass power to become the malevolent empire of the Great Houses, but they will physically embody the wickedness that led them there. In both films, Baron Harkonnen stands out as the antagonist, a monstrous figure who wields galactic power cruelly and heartlessly, almost like an abscess of human suffering. “Dune: Prophecy” seems to suggest that Valya and Tula Harkonnen mark the beginning of the family’s downward spiral. A mission initially intended to restore the Harkonnen name, tarnished by history, has evolved into a desperate struggle for power, fueled by lies and deceit from both sisters, which threatens their original objective.

This remarkable series we’ve been blessed with, “Somebody Somewhere,” is truly a treasure. As it concludes, I’m certain many hearts will be heavy, especially among the top-notch recap commentators in town. However, despite the tears I’ve shed while rewatching it three times, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of joy. “AGG” is a rare gem that has moved me to tears of both laughter and heartache. It’s almost unbelievable that such a heartwarming, charming, and inviting show exists. These slice-of-life series often provide the exact comfort we need. Indeed, it’s a remarkable piece of art.

The final episode of “Somebody Somewhere” aired on HBO last Sunday, but Bridget Everett, both star and writer, isn’t quite ready to part ways with her character Sam and the show’s cast yet. “In my imagination,” she shares, “the characters are still living, inhabiting the world of Manhattan, Kansas. I just can’t seem to stop envisioning this universe.

The term ‘Authentic’ is often used casually, but in this context, it truly fits. The series, which concluded last night, focused on the two main relationships – the deep bond between Sam (Bridget Everett) and Joel (Jeff Hiller), and the complex ties between Sam and her sister Tricia (Mary Catherine Garrison). Throughout the story, we see that Sam, who initially struggled with grief over her younger sister’s death and was hesitant to open up, has grown into someone confident enough to reveal herself fully to others. This transformation allows her to offer support to those she cares about. In every scene featuring Everett, Hiller, or Garrison, there’s a strong sense that they are genuine individuals expressing their true emotions in the moment.

I found myself repeating a disbelieving statement while watching this week’s almost-final episode of “Yellowstone”. Typically, I know what I’m getting into with this show, particularly during its final season. However, the episode titled “Give the World Away” was surprisingly less engaging than normal. It seems unusual for an episode so close to the end to be this monotonous, and there’s definitely something amiss about the excessive amount of Taylor Sheridan in it.

In the 12th episode of Yellowstone’s fifth season, Travis Wheatley, a character portrayed by Taylor Sheridan who is also a horse trainer, states that John Dutton has died. This intricate mockery towards Yellowstone’s former lead actor Kevin Costner, who played John Dutton, stems from the deterioration of their professional relationship, primarily due to disagreements about who could wear a larger cowboy hat more convincingly (these disagreements were mainly about money and schedules). It might seem that, given this public show of personal hostility, Sheridan would no longer write scenes into his main TV series that could be seen as self-congratulatory victories.

Hey folks! Guess what? I can’t believe it, but the Queen of “King Tut” herself, Trisha Paytas, made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live! In a hilarious sketch poking fun at Spotify Wrapped and our shared love for internet rabbit holes, Paul Mescal found himself mysteriously addicted to Satoshi Gutman’s acecore music and his podcast featuring none other than Trish. I mean, if you didn’t feel something when that one came on, then I don’t know what to tell you!

In the latest “Please Don’t Destroy” sketch, Martin Herlihy refers to Paul Mescal as another heartbreaking character he might play next, and given his past roles, it seems like a certainty. From his captivating debut in the Sally Rooney adaptation of Normal People to his emotionally charged, Oscar-nominated performance in Aftersun, and even Gladiator II, Mescal has shown a knack for portraying tortured souls who require more than just a hug – I’d say they need a professional counselor!