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WATCH: Dan Stevens Talks ‘Hangmen’, Stand-up Comedy, and More on ‘The Late Late Show with James Corden’

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The Late Late Show with James Corden had a brightly-dressed guest last night — Dan Stevens!

Stevens arrived on the show donning a fantastically yellow Versace suit (and matching nails, to boot). He and Corden dove right into a discussion about the unfortunate premature shutdown of Hangmen, a play which Stevens was a part of. Martin McDonagh’s award-winning production had been set to make its Broadway debut (having first gained critical acclaim in London in 2015), but the COVID-19 pandemic meant that the show was shut down permanently during previews, just a week before its grand opening (and thus I tossed a sad glance to the drawer where my unused ticket stub for the show now lives).

The two also discussed Stevens’ college days as a stand-up comedian, track four from Monty Python Sings, and exactly which words from the aforementioned song seemingly prevented Stevens from belting it out live on the show. He also talked about one of his latest films, Blithe Spirit, and working with Judi Dench.

Watch the full video below.

Watch The Late Late Show with James Corden weeknights on CBS at 12:37 a.m. ET/PT.

Studio Ghibli’s ‘Earwig and the Witch’ Now Streaming on HBO Max!

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Getting ready to settle in for another weekend at home? Consider your plans made, because as of today you can now watch the latest Studio Ghibli film from the comfort of your couch. Goro Miyazaki’s (From Up on Poppy HillTales from Earthsea) Earwig and the Witch is now officially available to stream on HBO Max!

Earwig and the Witch, which is Studio Ghibli’s first 3DCG animated feature, is based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones (who also wrote the book that Howl’s Moving Castle was adapted from).

“Growing up in an orphanage in the British countryside, Earwig has no idea that her mother had magical powers. Her life changes dramatically when a strange couple takes her in, and she is forced to live with a selfish witch. As the headstrong young girl sets out to uncover the secrets of her new guardians, she discovers a world of spells and potions, and a mysterious song that may be the key to finding the family she has always wanted.”

The film’s English voice cast includes Richard E. Grant, Dan Stevens, Kacey Musgraves, Taylor Henderson, Vanessa Marshall, and more.

Watch the trailer below.

For those hoping to venture outside of the house to catch this film, Earwig and the Witch is also playing in select theaters.

Credit for planning on Earwig and the Witch has also been given to Miyazaki’s father, Academy Award-winner Hayao Miyazaki. This film is a co-production from Studio Ghibli, NHK, and NEP.

The Super Squad Gears up for a Fight in ‘Legacies’ Season 3, Episode 4 “Hold On Tight” Promo

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The promo for next week’s episode of Legacies — titled “Hold on Tight” — is here! With next week being the original season 2 finale, the episode looks like it’s going to be a hectic one.

The promo begins with Josie telling everyone that The Necromancer is planning a blood ritual and that everyone is in danger. Sounds like a perfect job for the Super Squad to handle! In fact, it seems like they are gearing up to fight some sort of monster that comes into play. The Malivore storyline also seems like it’s finally coming to an end; whether he has been resurrected at Landon’s hand or The Necromancer is no matter because he is back.

Check out the promo below!

The CW has also released photos for the episode which you can find here. Also be sure to check out our favorite moments from last night’s episode, “Salvatore: The Musical!”

Legacies airs Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on The CW.

New Images for ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’ Season 2, Episode 6 “Zoey’s Extraordinary Reckoning”

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist continues to hit it out of the park every week with its balance of emotional, entertaining, and uplifting scenes that give the show a unique quality not often found in television. Plus, fans are treated to the variety of heart songs Zoey witnesses, even some including Zoey herself!

It looks like this week, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Reckoning” will take an interesting turn, if the new pictures, paired with the synopsis, are anything to go by. The full synopsis reads:

“Simon wrestles with his future at SPRQ Point after calling out racial bias at the company. Mo and Max pitch a new investor for their business venture.”

With Mo looking fabulous and Max downright dapper, it seems they might be pitching someone at SPRQ Point as their new investor! Check out the images below:

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“Zoey’s Extraordinary Reckoning” airs Tuesday, February 9 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT. After this episode, Zoey’s will go on a short hiatus and return to Sundays beginning Sunday, March 28.

Recap: An Old Friend Comes to Town in ‘Walker’ Season 1, Episode 3 “Bobble Head”

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Saddle up Walker fans because last night’s episode was full of bittersweet flashbacks, some rowdy teen rebellion, and a mischievous old friend of Walker’s that ties in to his current case. Let’s jump right into “Bobble Head.”

The episode opens 17 years earlier with Emily and Cordell in her gorgeous red mustang convertible as she teaches him how to drive stick shift. It’s not going great, but Emily continues to encourage him as they banter about his “motor skills.” Emily places a Texas Rangers baseball team bobble head on the dash that Cordell questions immediately. Emily says it’s for good luck, “He’s always smiling, no judgement. Puts your mind at ease.” With the bobble head in place, they head to The Side Step as Cordell gets the hang of driving stick and they cruise down the road.

Flashing forward, Cordell places the same bobble head on the dash of Micki’s new truck while they are on a stake out at a strip club and quotes the same line, “Always smiling, never judging.” Micki want’s to focus on their stakeout to find Torreto, an illegal arms dealer, but Cordell wants them to get to know each other. He tries to guess her middle name — Michelle, Rachelle? Swing and a miss, sir. Micki asks about Stella and Cordell shares that she has a court date soon and she tells him, “No one benefits from the easy route,” advice that will stick with him for the remainder of the episode.

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Inside the club, we meet a new character who is moonlighting as a cowboy male dancer covered in glitter and wearing chaps and a cowboy hat, winning him the most unusual character introduction award thus far. He straddles Torreto and quietly tips her off to the Rangers staking out the place, inviting her out back as an escape route.

Outside, Micki talks about a high school friend she had wild times with when they notice everyone is leaving but Torreto’s car is still there. They charge inside to find her, but are too late. As they ask around, tires squeal out front and they discover Torreto and the unknown cowboy escaping in Micki’s truck.

Stella and August wander down the sidewalk as August hilariously narrates the social lives of the gathered teens in a David Attenborough British accent, “The senior herd pay no notice as the sophomores and freshmen evade in the hopes of ensuring their survival for another day.” Stella tells her friends she won’t be at the annual bonfire what with her pending court date and all. She leaves and August runs into Ruby who asks if he’s going. He tries to say no but ends up agreeing to go so he can see her again. This should be fun.

Bonham pulls out the good china as Abby tells him to put it away, it’s just family coming for dinner. However Bonham intends to hide it from whoever their guest is and she scolds him for acting this way. He concedes and sets in on hiding the good alcohol but she takes that back too, much to his dismay. Bonham clearly distrusts whoever is visiting!

At the station, Captain James gives the run down on Torreto to the department. She’s an arms dealer who buys guns all over Texas and then sells them across the border and is expected to be in town for another 36 hours. James plays the security footage of her escape which shows Torreto and the mystery cowboy stealing Micki’s truck. Before he breaks in, the cowboy does a signature jump kick that immediately registers with Cordell. It’s clear he knows exactly who this is.

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When he arrives home, Cordell gets the greeting of a lifetime as the stripper cowboy attacks him from behind. They tussle, Cordell pinning him to the truck and eventually throwing him to the ground. Here we discover this mischievous character is Hoyt, an old friend of Cordell’s. That jump kick was his signature touch down move from their high school days! Cordell is angry about the truck, but Hoyt claims he has no idea what he’s talking about. Cordell asks him point blank if he’s in on the Toretto job, and Hoyt again plays dumb but says, “Maybe you just got spotted before this criminal mastermind you speak of got away.” Abby picks this moment to charge out of the house full of excitement at Hoyt’s arrival.

The Walker family and Hoyt settle in for dinner, Wagyu steaks supplied by Hoyt. Liam and Cordell make a few prison references, and Hoyt asks about Stella’s illegal activities. They make it exactly five minutes before Bonham excuses himself to the barn to finish his steak in peace. Hoyt tells Stella that Emily started the bonfire night that high schoolers still go to every year, then switches to court hearing advice to which Liam offers contrasting information.

Micki is driving while talking with a company that has located her truck. She pulls up to the Walker ranch, and calls Cordell when she realizes where she is. As she sneaks around the property looking for her truck, Bonham finds her (shotgun in hand). She fills him in on her truck and he invites her to the barn for steak, “There’s not enough evidence to make an arrest or my son would have already collared him.” She sees the logic and joins him for dinner where Bonham tells her Cordell has a blind spot for old faces and sometimes needs reminding.

Before Hoyt leaves, Cordell suggests they hang out the next day with Hoyt agreeing if they go to the Side Step so he can see his old flame, Geri. Cordell tells Hoyt he’ll arrest him if he’s involved in the arms deal and Hoyt does his jump kick on his way out the door. Subtle, Hoyt. Real subtle.

The next day, Hoyt takes Cordell to a storage facility in the middle of nowhere where Hoyt is storing Emily’s red mustang. With a flashback, it’s revealed that Cordell gambled the titled away to Hoyt. Emily tells him they’re pregnant and broke, and the car is their only option to win any money. It’s also a tender scene as Cordell named the car Stella, the first name that came to mind, and we learn the origin of teenage Stella’s name.

Micki checks in with James about the fact that Hoyt, Cordell’s friend, is the suspect. She’s worried about his conflict of interest in the case, and James tells her he probably thinks he’s gathering intel by hanging out with Hoyt. We also discover a meat delivery truck was stolen, likely what Toretto will use to traffic the guns. Hoyt’s stealing Micki’s truck was his “audition” to join Toretto.

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Hoyt and Cordell take the mustang for a ride to the Side Step where they play cards, a chance for Cordell to win it back. Geri has mixed feelings about seeing Hoyt again as he fake proposes to her with a plastic ring. Their game of cards gets interrupted though when Micki comes in and tricks Hoyt into attempting to bribe her with a drink so she can arrest him. Cordell is angry, but Micki tells him she’s covering his blindspot. At the station Micki shows him the stolen meat truck which was carrying Wagyu beef, the very brand Hoyt brought to dinner. They’ll hold Hoyt for 24 hours to try and get information on Toretto. Micki interrogates Hoyt who surprisingly gives up the location of the gun pick up.

At the bonfire, Stella and her friends visit when one suddenly points out August. Stella watches in disbelief as he dances to the music, clearly drunk and unaware that several bystanders are laughing at him. He attempts to break dance as Stella narrates it like a wildlife documentary, “And the meerkat peers out from his cavernous hidey-hole only to risk possible extinction.”

The Rangers, SWAT, and local police all stake out the location Hoyt specified. When there’s no movement, Cordell and Micki go in to investigate only to find an empty unit. Well, almost empty. Inside is the mustang with Emily’s bobble head and a note from Hoyt saying Team Sassy Boots (we’re so stealing that) suck and he’s giving Cordell the car back. Cordell pieces together that the original storage unit where Hoyt kept the car is the new pick up location and they roll out.

Later that night at the bonfire, a very drunk August prepares to walk barefoot over hot coals to impress Ruby. Thankfully she stops him and Stella steps in, dragging him away to a nearby truck. He asks why Stella is acting out, if she wants to drive Cordell away again, but he throws up before she can answer. Stella calls Cordell for a ride, but he doesn’t answer so she tries Liam. Liam and Bret are picking up wedding cake samples from a bakery when he gets her call. Bret is a little irritated until Liam tells him August got drunk, “August drunk? Are you kidding me, I’m not missing that for the world. Get in the car.”

Hoyt calls Abby as the gun drop happens to tell her he isn’t making their planned mushroom hunt the next day. She gives him some sage advice, “Hoyt, just because your family is bad does not mean that you are. You saved my boy, and I’ll never forget that.” Seems there’s even more to Cordell and Hoyt’s past than we thought!

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Liam and Bret pick up the teens where August is thrilled to find cake in the backseat and Liam tells Stella he won’t be there for her court hearing. They all load into the car and August cranks up the music, Fleetwood Mac of course, and the whole crew sings along as they leave the bonfire.

The Rangers pull up to the gun drop and the criminals scatter as a big gunfight ensues. Toretto and her accomplices are arrested, but Hoyt sneaks out and into Micki’s truck again. However, Micki activated her security features and uses it to shut the truck off allowing the officers to arrest him at last. Cordell asks about Micki’s rough high school friend and she tells him Garrison never got the tough love he needed and “skated right off the edge.” That hits Cordell hard and he takes the tough love comment to heart.

Early the next morning, a nervous Stella is disappointed to find Cordell isn’t wearing his uniform to her court hearing. He’s going only as her father, and swats August with a pillow while screaming “Let’s go frat boy!” to wake up the hungover teenager. They pile into the mustang as he tells them it was Emily’s car and head to the courthouse.

Inside, Bonham and Abby seem to be having some marital problems as she packs her bag to go mushroom hunting alone. He offers to go with her, but she turns him down as she’s still upset about Hoyt. She throws her bag over her shoulder and he says softly, “I miss you Abby” as she leaves.

At the Side Step, Micki orders a shot of tequila from Geri and gives her the plastic ring Hoyt left for her. Geri pours Micki another shot (along with one for herself), and dare we say they might strike up a friendship?

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After her hearing, Stella apologizes to Cordell for her behavior and we discover she’s been charged a fine and 100 hours of community service and her license is suspended. They pile in the car and Cordell takes them to an empty back road and forces everyone out of the car. He puts Stella in the driver’s seat so she can learn to drive a stick shift and makes August run off his hangover along side the car. Seems like he’s spreading the tough love message to both his kids.

Cowboy Hat Count: 6

Walker airs on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on The CW, streaming free the next day on The CW app!

‘Riverdale’ Recap: The Gang Says Goodbye to High School in Season 5, Episode 3 “Chapter Seventy-Nine: Graduation”

It’s the end of senior year at Riverdale High and emotions are all over the place. As everyone celebrates graduation, the gang worries about where they all will be in the years to come. Jughead finally learns the truth about his girlfriend and his best friend, Archie makes a decision about his future, and not all friendships and relationships last after high school.

Keep reading for a recap of Riverdale‘s third episode of season 5, “Chapter Seventy-Nine: Graduation.”

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“From the start, this story has been about a town, and the people who lived in that town, and the darkness that lived in some of those people.” Jughead narrates the opening of the episode, talking about Clifford Blossom, The Black Hood, Gargoyle King, the Stories. And to their ranks, his sister, Jellybean who had been the Voyeur/Auteur, making the videotapes that had been disturbing their town for months. Jughead looks at all of the masks of him and his friends that are lying on the table and Betty comes over to him, saying it’s not his fault. “It just feels like it.” He was the one that convinced her to move out there, away from everything she knew. And then he ignored her. Betty tells him he was in the fight of his life at Stonewall Prep, Jellybean is tough. She’ll get through this.

Later, F.P. finishes talking to Jellybean and comes downstairs, telling Alice, Betty, and Jughead he doesn’t know how she is. Alice doesn’t know if he’s going to like this idea, but she’s been looking into child therapists and she found one that has excellent references. F.P. hopes they’re in Ohio, because that’s where he’s taking Jellybean. Back to Toledo. Maybe F.P.’s right, Alice says she might need a mother. “And her father.” F.P. tells Alice that Jellybean is his little girl and if this isn’t a cry for help, he doesn’t know what is. They will have a conversation about this, but first thing’s first. Jellybean told him where her accomplices were hiding out most nights.

Jughead and F.P. knock on Archie’s door and F.P. tells him they need him to open up his gym. The three of them make another stop to the Pembrooke, Tom Keller now with them. F.P. tells Hiram he needs to reinstate Tom as Sheriff, “Right the hell now.” They get to the El Royale and look under the boxing ring, sure enough seeing all of Jellybean’s friends sleeping.

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“Asleep, they almost looked innocent.” Jughead tells Betty what happened, saying they survived the death of Jason Blossom, and the Black Hood and the Gargoyle King, but he didn’t even consider how the fallout of that would affect the generation coming up behind them, including Jellybean. Unless a meteorite strikes the town in two days, they’ll have survived graduation, but will they? “And are we just doomed to be haunted by this town for the rest of our lives?”

Archie, meanwhile, has other thoughts. While sleeping, he has a dream of the Core Four getting ready for graduation, and Archie is telling his dad to take the picture. In an emotional reveal, the late Luke Perry as Fred Andrews is holding his phone, Mary standing next to him, telling him the ceremony starts in 10 minutes. “I can’t believe we’re here. Archie, you’re graduating. Didn’t think I’d live to see this day.” Archie wakes up in a sweat.

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As the last day of school starts, the seniors gather together as they unlock the time capsule from the Class of 1945, the first senior class of Riverdale High. Mr. Weatherbee tells the students as their seniors prepare for their own graduation, it’s time to open it. Cheryl and Toni open the box and start going through the items and afterwards, Cheryl says that all of the items will be on display for closer inspection. She then tells her fellow seniors to enjoy their last day of high school.

Archie is nervously waiting his turn in the principal’s office until Jughead comes out, giving him the news that he’s graduating. “No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks.” Archie goes in, but he doesn’t get the same news as Jughead. Despite his efforts, Weatherbee tells him he will not be graduating with his classmates. Summer school also won’t be enough. As if not graduating wasn’t the worst of it, Archie will have to repeat his senior year. Archie asks if he can still walk and Weatherbee tells him of course. In fact, Weatherbee was hoping Archie might record the graduation song. Archie would be happy to.

The seniors are all in their final class, anxiously looking at the clock. The bell rings and everyone celebrates, hugging, kissing their significant others, happily leaving class for the last time. Archie goes over to the table with the time capsule items and looks at the picture of the four graduates getting ready to head off to war, as Veronica looks over.

It’s officially graduation at Riverdale High. Betty’s on stage, giving the class valedictorian speech. And soon, with Archie’s cover of “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)” playing in the background, the class that we have come to know, love, and worry about, that we have known since their sophomore year, are walking across the stage one-by-one and getting their diplomas as their families and friends watch on.

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After the ceremony, F.P. and Jellybean are getting ready to leave. F.P. tells Jughead he knows he would have given up Iowa for Jellybean and he promises she is going to know it too. Jughead going to college, being a success, it’s good for them. F.P. says his goodbyes to Alice, who wonders if this is it. “The end of our story?” F.P. hopes not but for now, Alice knows what he has to do. And she loves him for it. Falice has one last kiss goodbye and Alice, Betty, and Jughead watch F.P. and Jellybean ride off on the motorcycle. Archie, meanwhile, goes up to a military booth at the school and asks the recruiters if it’s too late. One of them tells him it’s not, and they’re happy to discuss options with him but this isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. Archie tells the recruiter he understands, he’d love to hear what what they have to say.

On the Riverdale High football field, Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica, Kevin, Reggie, Toni, and Cheryl have gathered together to bury their own time capsule. That night, the Core Four are sitting on the bleachers and Archie tells them they are the best friends anyone could ask for. “Uh-oh. Sounds like another vow is coming on.” Archie says to make a vow, really. The four of them, right now. That in one year, no matter what’s going on in their lives, they’ll meet back at Pop’s, one year from that day. And every year after that.

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They make the deal, then Archie tells them he enlisted and leaves for basic training in the morning. He can get his high school degree without repeating senior year, which is what he was going to have to do. He’d be set up for college. For the first time in a long time, Archie doesn’t feel scared or uncertain about his future. The others look shocked and worried. Veronica tells Archie she won’t sit there and support this. She reminds him that there’s a war going on, telling him that he doesn’t have a plan and she gets that that’s scary. But this is just straight up lunacy and she won’t indulge it.

At home, Jughead asks Betty how Veronica’s doing, wondering if she thinks it’s crazy that Veronica had no idea what Archie was planning to do. Maybe it’s just him, but it kind of seems like the two of them have been squirrelly since prom. He just doesn’t know what the problem could be. Betty tells Jughead she thinks she may know what happened. Jughead can already tell what’s coming and Betty tells him about the kiss between her and Archie. She swears to Jughead that it was only once. She’s guessing Archie told Veronica and that’s why she’s been acting so weird. Betty didn’t tell Jughead and she’s sorry. She should have told him right when it happened.

In the morning, Archie says goodbye to his dog and his mother, thanking her for everything, and he and Jughead leave for the bus stop. At the bus stop, Archie begins to tell Jughead about what happened between him and Betty and Jughead tells him he knows. She told him. Jughead says it’s okay, seriously. He knows neither of them did it to hurt him or Veronica. “Maybe a little normal high school angst is good for us.” They’re okay, they always will be. Meanwhile, Betty sees Veronica telling her she has to apologize to her for something. Veronica knows, and she’s not mad at her. She can’t be, not today. She’s too upset. Betty says she’s sorry and hugs Veronica. She tells her she feels so responsible for what’s happening between her and Archie. Veronica, through tears, tells her it’s not that. “It’s how it’s all ending,” so sudden and unresolved. She wishes she had said goodbye to him. More than anything, she wishes she had hugged him one more time. Betty tells her Archie’s bus may not have left yet, she knows exactly how they’re going to get there.

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Driving the jalopy, Betty and Veronica get to the bus stop to find just Jughead sitting on the bench. He tells them the bus left a minute ago, he’s gone. Betty tells Jughead to get in and they drive off. On the bus, Archie is looking at a picture of him and Fred at Pop’s, then gets flashbacks of his dad, Veronica, Betty, Jughead. The jalopy’s horn can be heard and Archie looks out the window, surprised to see his friends driving next to him. All three wave to him and Veronica tells him she loves him. Archie begs the bus driver to pull over and he does. Archie gets a proper goodbye with Veronica, Jughead, and Betty before getting back on the bus. He looks out the back window, seeing his friends one last time.

“Once Archie had left, it was as if the glue that had held our group together had begun to dissolve.” First to go was Veronica, who tells her friends she’s going to take some time off before school starts. She’ll spend her summer with her mom and Andy Cohen in The Hamptons. Veronica was gone within a week. As for Jughead and Betty, things had changed. They never talked about her and Archie, about the growing distance between them. Not even when Betty announced she would be going to New Haven early. She and Alice are taking a road trip before Alice drops her off. Jughead tells Betty they deserve the R-and-R. But what’s going to happen to them, Betty wonders. Jughead still loves her and always will. Betty tells him the same thing. But for now, Jughead tells her she should focus on Yale and he’ll focus on Iowa. Betty and Jughead say their goodbyes when it’s time, and Jughead watches her and Alice leave.

After the Coopers left, Jughead says it didn’t feel right to keep living at their house anymore. So, he moved into Archie’s house, which was empty for the time being waiting to be sold, until they cut the electricity, gas, and hot water. Jughead sought refuge in a place he knew all too well. “Honey? I’m home.” He’s back at the bunker, staying there until August when it was finally time for him to go where no Jones man had gone before. College, but not without having one last Pop’s burger.

As Jughead left for his new future, he wondered if they would keep the vow they made on the bleachers, to return home to their booth at Pop’s one year later. “Only time will tell.” And time did tell. One year later, Jughead would be the only one waiting for his friends at Pop’s, who would never show up. “It would be six years before I saw my friends again. We’d be different people, each of us, brought together by, of course, a new crisis and mystery. But that’s another story. For another day.”

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Catch Riverdale when it jumps ahead six more years starting this Wednesday, February 10 at 8 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. CT on The CW, streaming free the next day on The CW app!

The Best Moments From ‘Legacies’ “Salvatore: The Musical!” Episode

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Last night’s episode of Legacies was the second musical episode of the series, “Salvatore: The Musical!” The episode acted as a love letter to the shows that have come before it, The Vampire Diaries and The Originals. Although in the beginning it was hard to imagine what it would be like to revisit these storylines and beloved characters, each and every actor excelled in their performances (in a way that showed they really do respect the work of the two previous shows) and truly brought enjoyment to the forefront.

Check out some of our favorite moments from the episode below!

Jade Lends an “Arm” to Josie

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After coming off stage, the guidance counselor-turned-monster, Puck, who after telling Josie she is doing a wonderful job in her depiction of Elena and understanding her story, in the same breath breaks Josie’s arm thus making it so she couldn’t finish the musical. Back in her room getting treated, Jade comes in the room to assist her.

You’re Special

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At first, Hope was entirely against the musical and wanted to distance herself as far away as possible. But when she had to drop Lizzie’s letter off from her mom, she sees Puck with a younger girl playing her performing a scene. It reminds her of exactly how her dad would be to her, giving her a sense of comfort.

Hello, Brother.

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Of course, we can’t forget the Salvatore brothers! Jed and Kaleb truly got into their roles as the brothers (down to Jed’s brooding Stefan face and Kaleb’s Damon smolder). The “Hello Brother” song was the perfect example of the masterful performance these two gave.

Hope Sings “Always and Tomorrow”

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Because of Josie’s broken arm, Hope steps in as Elena, and as the last number to close out the musical, she sang “Always and Tomorrow.” To me, if anyone had to step in and sing it, it was the perfect idea for her to be that person. She was working through something extremely personal to her, and this song was the perfect reflection of that. And Danielle Russell’s beautiful singing voice is a positive, too.

Lizzie’s Time to Shine

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Let me begin by saying I believe nobody else could pull off playing Caroline as Lizzie did (she is her mother’s daughter after all!) That being said, she gets a solo in the musical, and much of Caroline’s early story is similar to Lizzie’s. She feels like she is second best and not good enough. Of course we know that isn’t the case, but because she got to portray her mom, it made it that much more sentimental and really pulled at the heartstrings.

Caroline’s Cameo

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Although Caroline didn’t exactly make an appearance on the episode, she did send Lizzie a beautiful letter of encouragement. The letter was read to us in Caroline’s voice, and it was the perfect way to show Lizzie just how loved and appreciated she is by her mom and it was clear that this was something she needed to hear.

“Dear Lizzie, hopefully this can give you some perspective on who I used to be. When I was your age, I remember feeling like I was a total mess, like I was waiting to become a better version of me so my real life could start. But it wasn’t becoming a vampire that changed everything. Change is a series of small moments that build on each other, like steps up the side of a mountain. Your life isn’t on hold until you figure everything out. It’s already happening. You’re already changing, moment by moment. And Elizabeth, there is nothing wrong with you. Your brain chemistry creates unique challenges for you, but you are not broken. You are growing and changing every day, and it is beautiful to watch.”

Honorable Mentions

Jed and Kaleb lifting Josie
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“Actually … I kinda like Stefan.” “Me too!” ” … He’s like the anchor to the whole story.” – Jed and Landon

“Doppelgänger, Doppelgänger, Doppelgänger, Doppelgänger!”
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What were your favorite moments from the episode? Let us know in the comments below.

Legacies airs Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on The CW.

Recap: The Facade is Breaking “On a Very Special Episode” of ‘WandaVision’ in Season 1, Episode 5

Marvel/Disney+

We broke away from the sitcom and saw outside the energy field. S.W.O.R.D. and the FBI are on the mysterious case of the the forgotten town of Westview and everyone who’s gone missing inside. FBI Agent Jimmy Woo (Randall Park) and Dr. of Astrophysics Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings) of MCU movies past joined the team as they all try to uncover who and what is beyond the “Westview Anomaly.” This week, we’re back with Wanda, Vision, and the twins Tommy and Billy in the 80s … what will be uncovered this week?

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Wanda and Vision are finding parenting to be a bit more than they bargained for. The boys won’t sleep. Vision heads to grab their binkies. Wanda decides that enough is enough and tries to lull the boys to sleep in a way only she can, but somehow the boys are impervious to her powers and continue to cry, wide awake.”Why won’t you do what I want?” Wanda asks before Vision arrives right on cue, binkies in ears (ears he doesn’t have.)

The magic of the binkies lasts only a moment before Wanda admits they need some help — ding dong. Auntie Agnes has arrived with a few tricks up her sleeve! She’s ready to dive in and get those babies to sleep, but an overprotective Vision stops her from picking either of the twins up, and that’s when it gets weird. Agnes stutters over her words before asking Wanda if she wants her to “take that again?” After a pause shes continues, “You want me to hold the babies. Should we just take it from the top?” She’s acting as if they’re really filming a television series, and Wanda is the director.

Wanda is confused, but brushes it off as Vision looks on suspiciously, laughing through his own confusion. Wanda laughs as well before telling Vision to let Agnes give it a try. He reluctantly agrees, and the awkward silence is broken as they all snap back into character. Vision has no idea what’s going on. He wants to know what on Earth that was about. Wanda acts as if she saw nothing, and Vision asks if she really didn’t see what he saw? She reassures him they both need a break and Agnes being there is a good thing.

The room is suddenly silent, and Wanda and Vizh revel in it, before realizing the bassinets are now empty. A small voice calls out, “Mommy … daddy?” from behind them, and the boys are in front of the stairs, now about five years old. Agnes looks on unfazed, sipping whiskey on the counter. “Kids, can’t control ’em, no matter how hard you try.”

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After the 80s themed opening credits scene of WandaVision, Monica Rambeau is being treated after her journey out of Westview. She says she remembers pain and Wanda’s voice in her head, and a heavy weight pulling her down, it was as if she was drowning — grief. Wanda’s grief.

Jimmy and Darcy head in to check on her and update her on what’s happening. The medical tech returns, stating she needs to take Monica’s x-rays again, because there’s something wrong with the machine, and her images are blank. Somehow her bloodwork didn’t come out either, and she has to do it again. Monica refuses, she’s ready to get back to work.

Director Hayward is giving a briefing on the “Westview Anomaly,” calling Wanda the principle victimizer. Jimmy gives a brief history on Wanda, but Hayward isn’t having his positive views on Wanda. To him, she’s a villain. Jimmy also confirms that Wanda has no alias, she’s just Wanda, even in the Avengers. Monica defends Wanda when Hayward refers to her a terrorist, saying she has no political agenda or inclination toward destruction. She also states that even though Wanda threw her miles across New Jersey, she’s alive because Wanda chose to protect her. Monica then brings up an interesting point: Wanda has put up her own quarantine, rather than risk the lives of defenseless citizens should she lose control of herself.

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Hayward still isn’t having it. He brings up a visual from nine days prior of Wanda storming the S.W.O.R.D. headquarters and stealing Vision’s corpse, which violated both Vision’s living will and Section 36b of the Sokovia Accords. Jimmy questions how exactly Wanda was able to resurrect Vision without the Mind Stone.

Tommy and Billy have brought home a puppy they found outside, crying and alone. Wanda seems on board, and when Vision walks into the kitchen donning his human disguise, Wanda asks why he’s looking so “formal.” He tells her it’s just in case someone pops over for a visit with exactly what they need at that very moment — the door opens and in strolls Agnes, dog kennel in hand.

Agnes says she saw the puppy through her kitchen window as she asks the boys about his name. They settle on Sparky (put that in your Easter Egg basket if you’re keeping track!), and Wanda manifests a new collar for the little pooch … right in front of Agnes. Vision is appalled that she’d use her powers so blatantly in front of a human, but Wanda assures him Agnes didn’t even notice. In fact, Agnes hadn’t even noticed when the boys went from babies to 5-year-olds.

Vizh and Wanda get into a little argument about it, and Wanda tells him she’s tired of hiding, so perhaps he doesn’t have to either. Vision doesn’t go for it. “Wanda, we are usually so much of the same mind, but right now … what aren’t you telling me?”

The couple is interrupted by Billy asking if Sparky is their dog. The parents agree that the boys need to be 10 years old before they’d be responsible enough to be able to take care of a dog. So, the boys age up to 10 years old. Agnes jokes that they better hope at least the dog stays the same size!

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On the S.W.O.R.D. base, Monica and Darcy are brainstorming ways to get Monica safely back into Westview. Jimmy arrives with coffee as Monica and Darcy land on a theoretical solution, and Monica says she knows an aerospace engineer who would be up for this challenge (cough, Rhodey, cough). Darcy has named the Anomaly “The Hex” (fitting …) and Jimmy asks if the boys have been identified yet as missing people. Monica assures him that the boys are not a victim of Westview, but a product of Wanda. They’re hers.

The trio gets into a discussion about just what is comprising Westview. It’s real objects in there, this isn’t just a mind game, Monica tells him. Jimmy admits that if that’s the case, this is far exceeding any level of power Wanda’s displayed in the past. Monica reminds them that she would have been able to single-handedly take down Thanos if he hadn’t initiated that blitz. And she’s not wrong. Then, Jimmy brings up a sore subject for Monica — Captain Marvel. He tells her that Captain Marvel had also come close, and Darcy confirms that, like Wanda, Carol Danvers’ powers also came from an Infinity Stone. Monica quickly changes the subject, then spots the photo of the S.W.O.R.D. drone she’d flown into Westview on the wall. She’s got an idea.

They head to the lab and find “Geraldine’s” outfit hanging, and Darcy and Jimmy have to acknowledge that this isn’t all mind control, because they can see the outfit plain as day. Monica fires three shots of Jimmy’s gun at her fish bellbottoms — they’re bulletproof, just like the Kevlar vest she was wearing when Westview sucked her in. This isn’t an illusion, Wanda is re-writing reality to fit the narrative. So what happens if they send something in that doesn’t need to change?

Vision is at work, Norm fawning over their new computers. Vizh sits down to show him how the internet works, and an email comes in. It’s from Darcy.

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The rest of the staff laugh it off, but Vision doesn’t. Norm tells him, “It’s a joke. None of it is real.” But Vision knows. Utilizing his own powers, Vision snaps Norm out of his character, and he’s a terrified man begging for help. He doesn’t know what day it is, or how long it’s been. He begs Vision to help him, to stop her, she’s in his head … it hurts so much. Vision snaps him back into character.

Back at home, Wanda and the boys are having a great time with Sparky, and Tommy and Billy want to show Dad his new tricks. Wanda tells them he’s at work, and the boys are confused because it’s Saturday. Wanda says no, it’s Monday, but the boys insist it’s Saturday. Wanda quickly adjusts and tells them their was an emergency and he needed to go into the office. She continues and says that Dad just needed a break. Her and him aren’t on the same page, but family is forever. Tommy asks if she has a brother, and she tells him she does, but he’s far away …

Sparky gets agitated and heads to the door barking. Wanda hears a strange and unwelcome whirring. Monica has found a drone from the 80s to infiltrate Westview. She’s located Wanda. She tries to communicate through the microphone on the drone, and Wanda’s eyes glow red. Hayward then commands to “take the shot” … at Wanda. That wasn’t part of Monica’s plan. She’s furious. The broadcast on Darcy’s television goes dead as something breeches the energy field’s perimeter.

It’s Wanda, carrying the drone, dressed her in familiar Avengers attire.

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Wanda throws the destroyed drone before the crowd of S.W.O.R.D. operatives, Hayward, and Monica. With her Sokovian accent making its return, she cautions Hayward that this will be his only warning.

Stay Out of my home.

She just wants to be left alone, “You don’t bother me, I won’t bother you.” She’s surprised to see Monica still present, and she flashes her signature red energy as Monica approaches. Monica tells her that she knows Wanda knew who she was, that she willingly let a S.W.O.R.D. agent into Westview — her home — because she knows that Monica wants to help her, but what does she want?

I Have what I want. ANd no one will ever take it from me again.

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As she heads back through the energy field, Wanda’s telepathic powers make their way around the crowd as dozens of guns are now pointed on Hayward, and she commands them to drop before sealing the field back up.

Commercial break: Lagos Brand Paper Towels with the same two familiar actors as the previous three. “Lagos. For when you make a mess you didn’t mean to.”

Tommy, Billy, and Wanda are searching the streets for Sparky — he’s missing. A passing mailman tells them he’ll turn up, their mom wouldn’t let him get far … Some bushes rustle and the boys are thrilled, but a somber Agnes pokes her head up above the bush. She’s got Sparky wrapped in a blanket. He ate too many poisonous Azalea leaves, and she didn’t find him until it was too late.

The boys are obviously distraught over the loss of Sparky and give each other a familiar glance — they’re going to age themselves up. Wanda stops them, telling them that she knows the urge to run from this feeling is powerful. Tommy begs Wanda to fix it, “You can fix anything mom, fix dead!” and Agnes looks on shocked, “You can do that?”

She tells the boys, “We can’t reverse death, no matter how sad it makes us, some things are forever.” They beg her to bring him back, family is forever, and Vision approaches asking, “Bring who back?”

That night, Vision confronts Wanda about what the heck is going on here in Westview after he buries poor Sparky in the backyard. He tells her that he spoke to Norm’s suppressed personality free of Wanda’s oversight. She tries to change the subject, but Vision tells her she can’t control him like she does them. “Can’t I?” she responds.

The end credits begin, but the show isn’t over. Vision follows Wanda into the living room, inquring about the “Maximoff Anamoly” and says that he hopes she’d subconsciously formed it and only recently became aware. She still doesn’t acknowledge that she even knows what he’s talking about.

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Jetting into the air, Vision commands that she stop lying to him, and she follows him up off the floor, saying this is all for us, so let her handle it. He asks what is outside of Westview, and she tells him he doesn’t want to know (because outside of Westview he’s dead?) He tells her she can’t make that decision for him, and after her offended response to his behavior he exasperatedly reminds her that he can’t remember a thing before Westview. He can’t remember his life. He doesn’t know who he is, and he’s scared.

You are my husband. You are Tommy and Billy’s father. Isn’t that enough?

Vision still isn’t satisfied. He knows there are no other children in Westview, and then Wanda asks him, “Do you really think I am in control of everything? That I am somehow in charge of everybody in Westview?”

I don’t know how any of this started in the first place.

Vision, trying to comfort her, leans on the floor in front of the couch and places his hand on her knee, telling her that what she’s doing is wrong. The doorbell rings, and Wanda assures Vision that wasn’t her, she didn’t do that, but she knows he doesn’t believe her. When she answers the door, she gasps.

On the front steps is a new character in this story, but one we’ve seen elsewhere before — Pietro (Evan Peters, X-Men: Days of Future Past).

long lost bro get to squeeze his stinkin’ sister to death or what?

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As she’s watching the broadcast, Darcy notes the blatant recasting (MCU Pietro was played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Avengers: Age of Ultron). This is a new Pietro, but Pietro nonetheless. And obviously Wanda recognizes him still. But how?

WandaVision is currently streaming its first five episodes exclusively on Disney+. Episode 6 will premiere next Friday, February 12.

‘Monday’ Starring Sebastian Stan and Denise Gough Acquired by IFC Films, Release Date Announced

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A release date for Argyris Papadimitropoulos and Rob Hayes’ romantic drama Monday has finally been announced, now that the North American rights have been acquired by IFC Films (as reported by Deadline).

Monday stars Sebastian Stan (Endings, Beginnings, Avengers: Endgame) as Mickey and Denise Gough (Colette) as Chloe. The two meet one night at a party in Athens, the attraction between them instant, and spend the weekend together caught in the throes of a whirlwind romance. But what happens on Monday morning when reality sets in? This dark romance is an honest take on relationships, exploring harsh truths, emotions, and vulnerability.

Those hoping to see Monday can now look forward to a theatrical and On Demand release date of April 16.

Book Review: ‘Shuri: The Vanished’ by Nic Stone Is an Enthralling Tale From Start to Finish

Princess Shuri of Wakanda is back in a new story from New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone. In Shuri: The Vanished (the follow-up to Shuri: A Black Panther Novel), Shuri faces a curious mystery, taking place a few months following the events of the first book. Now that the heart-shaped herb is thriving once more, Shuri can focus her attention on her training. Soon, though, Shuri hears about extraordinary and talented young girls going missing — girls similar to Shuri. With the help of her best friend (and another familiar face), Shuri sets out to find the girls, determined to ensure they aren’t forgotten.

Stone wastes no time jumping into the story, using her prologue to establish the effect the missing girls will have on Shuri. This also informs a burden Shuri experiences, continuing the solid characterization Stone created in book 1. Readers get a deeper glimpse into Shuri’s mindset; despite being a brilliant young woman and princess, she longs to prove herself, tired of being seen as a naive child. Stone creates a dynamic protagonist, one who sits well inside existing canon but also earns the chance to thrive in her own unique right.

Along with Shuri, Stone introduces a compelling cast of supporting characters. Foremost is Shuri’s best friend and Dora Milaje-in-training K’Marah. Their dynamic shifts slightly from book 1, and it’s interesting to see how the girls are both incredibly similar and different from each other. It’s also evident that the two only have the other’s best interest at heart, even when their actions suggest otherwise. Readers will meet Stone’s rendition of Riri Williams (aka Ironheart), who offers her help to Shuri in an unexpected way. The two girls are excellent complements for each other, despite hardly knowing one another. Characters such as Shuri’s brother and mother — T’Challa and the Queen, respectively — return, along with the Dora Milaje Nakia and Okoye. Stone also brings in several new characters that each provide their own contributions to the story that help keep it fresh and intriguing.

The story in general is written and told well. Stone drops in references to the first book that help provide context without overwhelming book 2’s story. She provides a more in-depth look at Shuri’s study and training regimen, building on what was previously established in book 1. Stone continues to examine the role of women in Wakanda, however this time around, she places a greater emphasis on women’s importance, especially through new characters she introduces. Where the first book focused more closely on Shuri, The Vanished broadens that viewpoint, creating a delightful girl power story. Each major aspect of the book also lends to its overall intensity and suspense, whether it’s waiting to learn how Shuri does on her assessments or whether she, K’Marah, and Riri solve the mystery of the missing girls.

Stone crafts an enticing mystery in Shuri: The Vanished. It is an enthralling tale guaranteed to keep readers hooked from the first page to the last word. Like its predecessor, The Vanished is wonderful love letter to every brilliant young Black girl, science and tech-minded or not. The story swells with Black girl magic. The Vanished will not only delight readers in its target age range, but Marvel and Black Panther fans of all ages will enjoy this continuation in Shuri’s story. Readers will want to stick with Shuri until the very end.

“Who run the world? Girls.”

Grab your copy of Shuri: The Vanished now online or in stores.