Young and the Restless spoilers for next week anticipate Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) and Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle)’s steamy kiss that finally happens. Plus, Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) has a vibe of his own happening in rehab. We have got the latest Young and the Restless spoilers for the week of August 24th.

And also in the week of August 24th through the 28th, we’ve got Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) worrying about Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) and Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) going off on Adam Newman (Mark Grossman) while Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) faces a growing army of enemies looking to take him down hard.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Nikki Worries

First, let’s talk about Jack’s situation that has Nikki so worried. At the end of this week, Lily Winters (Christel Khalil) heads over to Jabot to talk to Jack about Billy Abbott. And as we predicted, Lily offers to pay back the loan that John Abbott (Jerry Douglas) gave Philip Chancellor decades ago with interest. That way, Lily and Jack can wipe the slate clean. They can honor the debt it was owed to John while preserving both Katherine Chancellor (Jeanne Cooper) and John Abbott’s legacies.

Jack tells Lily he wants to think it over, but she presses him and says this is urgent. She wants to get it all settled before Billy gets even crazier. But Jack reminds Lily that there’s more at stake in this for him. This isn’t just about a company for Jack. This is about his family. But he does agree to consider it and Lily leaves just as Kyle Abbott shows up and then Jack tells Kyle about the offer that Lily made.

Jack Risks Alienating Billy Y&R

The issue is Jack knows that if he takes the offer, Billy will see it as a betrayal. That’s why he’s hesitating and Jack worries that Billy will just cut him out of his life. And then next week’s Young and the Restless spoilers have Nikki showing up at Jabot and she tells Jack she senses he wants privacy and Nikki is worried that something is wrong.

So, I’m sure Jack’s going to fill Nikki in about Billy’s claims about Chancellor and the war between Billy, Lily and Cane Ashby (Billy Flynn). I mean maybe Victor already told Nikki at this point, but I kind of doubt it because Victor usually hides most things from Nikki, even things that don’t need to be hidden. But somebody else might have told her. So, that may be why she comes to check on Jack.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Victor Ready to Strike

And at the end of this week, Cane stops by and tells Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) and Adam what’s going on with Billy’s latest Chancellor scheme. We predicted that Cane would wind up working with both Adam and Victor and that manifest in coming days. He’s furious. Billy’s trying to take Chancellor and Victor’s calling Billy a punk.

And then Cane tells Victor that unfortunately Billy might actually have the law on his side. Cane tells Adam and Victor that Billy is claiming Chancellor belongs to the Abbotts and Billy is planning to take over and run it himself. And of course, Victor explodes and says no way is he going to let Billy get his hands on Katherine’s company.

Adam Targets Billy on Y&R

So, Cane tells Victor and Adam that he thinks Jill Abbott (Jess Walton) actually knew about the unpaid loan, but that she kept Billy in the dark about it. And Adam, of course, finds that funny because he loathes Billy. So, Victor then orders Adam to use Newman Media to burn Billy’s reputation to a pile of ash. Problem is that might also tank John Abbott’s legacy. And you know, Cane doesn’t care so much about that other than Jack might get in the game, but he wants Adam to promise none of this Newman Media stuff will blow back on Lily.

Meanwhile, Chelsea Newman (Melissa Claire Egan) shows up really irritated because Billy wouldn’t give her any information. But Adam says Billy’s not the only source and says Cane’s going to give them everything they need for this article. Chelsea thinks Victor is tainting their story and Chelsea’s wondering if Billy is in the right about this. I mean, that’s debatable. He’s certainly not acting right about it.

Young and Restless Spoilers: Victor’s Run-In with Billy

And then we also have Victor facing off with Billy by the end of this week up at the GCAC. And Victor vows to destroy Billy. He makes it clear, Victor says he will never let Billy run Katherine’s company. And then Billy runs into Cane and Lily and gloats that he will be running their company very soon. So, this Chancellor storyline has almost everybody pulled into it. And I honestly don’t see Billy coming out on top. It would be a big change if he did.

Also, we’ve got more on Nick Newman’s rehab struggle. Remember, Matt Clark (Roger Howarth) just showed up to see Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) at Crimson Lights and then she went to visit Nick at rehab after that. He’s been refusing to see his family when they’ve tried to visit and he tells Sharon that they may be annoyed with him. Bottom line is Nick’s just not ready for other visitors. And then Sharon stresses him out when she tells Nick about Matt stopping by Crimson Lights and saying that he really needs Sharon and Nick’s forgiveness.

Matt Desperate for Forgiveness on Y&R

So, Sharon’s telling Nick that Matt doesn’t expect everybody to forgive him, but he desperately and very specifically wants Nick and Sharon’s forgiveness. And this ticks Nick off because he’s got no interest in forgiving Matt at all. And Sharon said that she doesn’t want to see Matt around, but she says seeing him doesn’t hurt her like it used to. Nick says he doesn’t want to deal with any version of Matt when he gets out of rehab.

And Sharon thinks it’s okay for Nick to decide if family can visit him or not, that this process belongs to him. Sharon’s just glad that Nick agreed to let her visit. And he appreciates that Sharon always cuts him a break and is kind to him. And then Nick tells her that basically he and Sharon have seen each other at their very worst. So that’s why he feels comfortable having her there.

Young and Restless Spoilers: Sharon Urges Nick Not Rush His Recovery

Then Nick talks to Sharon about how he’s doing in rehab. She urges Nick, “Take your time. Don’t set a limit on how long it’s going to take you.” Nick also tells Sharon about Marie Kirkland (Jade Harlow), the motel overdose woman that he told Sharon about the night she drove him back to rehab. So, she’s surprised to find out Marie is also in rehab with Nick. And he talked about it being a full circle moment. Says he’ll never forget Marie. Of course not, because he’s seeing her constantly.

Because in next week, Young and the Restless spoilers, we have Nick still in rehab. He’s sitting at a table alone doing a jigsaw puzzle and it looks like Marie spots a puzzle piece he didn’t have placed right and Nick asks how he missed that and Marie says sometimes it just takes a fresh pair of eyes for everything to fall into place.

Y&R Spoilers: Nick & Marie Romnce Ahead

I definitely see Nick and Marie getting closer, possibly beginning a romance, which is interesting since Nick and Sharon were talking about taking a trip together with the kids once he’s done with rehab. Meanwhile, we got to wonder if Victor has had enough of Matt defying his orders because in next week’s Young and the Restless spoilers, Phyllis Summers storms up to Adam at the GCAC bar and confronts him.

He’s there with Cane. I’m sure they’re talking about Billy and Chancellor, and Phyllis freaks and demands to know where the hell Matt is and what Adam’s family has done with him. So, it sounds like Phyllis’s new lover is MIA. And I wouldn’t be surprised if Cane and Adam taunt Phyllis that she can’t even keep a psycho like Matt Clark around.

Also, in huge, huge Young and the Restless spoilers for next week, it is finally happening. Victoria is up at Jabot and she tells Kyle she is going to love knocking the swagger out of him. And then they kiss and it is steamy. I am here for it.

But I’m sure that Claire Grace Newman (Hayley Erin) is going to have some issues with it. And I know Victor is going to lose his whole entire mind at the idea of Victoria getting with another Abbott.

Even among some of Bravo’s most recognizable faces, introductions can still go hilariously wrong. 

Cynthia Bailey recently looked back on a memorable moment from “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th” when fellow Housewife Vicki Gunvalson failed to recognize her altogether. 

The surprising encounter unfolded while the cast was filming in Atlanta and quickly became one of Bailey’s favorite behind-the-scenes stories from the anniversary series celebrating two decades of the “Real Housewives” franchise.

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While speaking on Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea,” Cynthia Bailey recalled approaching Vicki Gunvalson during filming only to realize the “Real Housewives of Orange County” veteran had absolutely no idea who she was.

“I go up to Vicki [and] she literally has no idea who I am,” Bailey said, adding, “She might’ve been a little afraid of me, actually.”

The confusion stemmed from Bailey’s appearance as 50 Cynt, the male alter ego she famously introduced during her 50th birthday celebration on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” Season 10. 

Dressed as the character while filming at an Atlanta party, Bailey assumed Gunvalson would at least recognize her as a fellow cast member.

Instead, the model said Gunvalson appeared completely baffled. “Gunvalson is looking at me like I’m crazy, so finally I’m like, ‘Vicki, it’s Cynthia,’” Bailey recalled. The realization did not come immediately, either. According to Bailey, Gunvalson responded, “‘Cynthia?’” prompting her to clarify, “‘Bailey … from the Atlanta Housewives.’”

Only then did the situation click. Bailey said Gunvalson reacted with, “‘Oh, my God! I didn’t know who you were!’” 

Bailey’s Story Comes As Gunvalson’s Mix-Ups Continue

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For longtime Bravo viewers, the misunderstanding may not come as a complete surprise. Vicki Gunvalson has developed a reputation for occasionally confusing fellow Housewives, even within the larger franchise.

A recent example occurred during the second episode of “RHUGT: Roaring 20th,” when Gunvalson mistakenly identified former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Crystal Kung Minkoff as Sutton Stracke. Kung Minkoff later laughed off the incident while speaking to Page Six.

“I did Vicki’s podcast [before that], but sometimes we get mixed up,” Kung Minkoff said.

Meanwhile, the new season of “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip” marks the franchise’s 20th anniversary and brings together some of Bravo’s most recognizable personalities for a cross-country road trip. 

The series also serves as a notable return for Gunvalson, who exited “RHOC” in 2020 before rejoining Bravo programming for the milestone celebration.

While Bailey and Minkoff were able to laugh off Gunvalson’s latest cases of mistaken identity, not every interaction on “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th” ended on such a light note. 

As the cast continued their cross-country adventure, Gunvalson found herself at the center of a much more serious confrontation when Teresa Giudice accused her of repeatedly making comments about her past legal troubles. 

The tension surfaced while the cast traveled together in a luxury van, when Gunvalson commented that someone could be “mean” at times before admitting, “I can be mean too.” 

That remark prompted Giudice to immediately address lingering frustrations from the previous day. “Vicki, you were mean to me yesterday,” she told the “RHOC” veteran, leaving the other Housewives noticeably silent. 

Giudice then accused Gunvalson of making remarks suggesting she had changed the most since joining the franchise and of bringing up her legal troubles. 

According to Teresa, Gunvalson had previously shouted, “Pay your taxes,” a comment she interpreted as a direct jab at the prison sentence that followed her tax fraud case. 

Gunvalson Reveals Why Her Daughter Told Andy Cohen To ‘Lose My Number’

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Before finding herself in the middle of yet another Housewives dispute, Vicki Gunvalson turned her attention away from cast drama and toward a much more personal subject: her family. 

While the “RHUGT” star has spent years sharing her life on camera, she revealed that not everyone in her inner circle shared her enthusiasm for reality television. 

In fact, according to Gunvalson, her daughter Briana Culberson had become so determined to leave the Bravo spotlight behind that she once delivered a blunt message to Andy Cohen when the possibility of returning to the franchise came up.

Speaking about her family’s complicated relationship with reality television, Gunvalson told The Hollywood Reporter that Briana’s reluctance stemmed largely from how the show portrayed her husband, Ryan Culberson, after his military service. 

Ryan, a former Marine who completed six overseas deployments, struggled with PTSD, and Gunvalson believed the series failed to handle that reality fairly. 

According to Gunvalson, the experience left a lasting impression on Briana, who eventually decided she wanted nothing more to do with the franchise. 

Recalling a conversation about a possible appearance, Gunvalson said Briana told her, “Mom, I want nothing to do with it.” She later revealed that when Cohen reached out directly about filming, Briana’s response was even more definitive. She reportedly told Cohen, “Please lose my number.” 

Vicki Gunvalson Responds To ‘Debbie Downer’ Criticism From Fans

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Gunvalson’s comments about Briana’s decision to step away from reality television also arrived as the longtime Bravo personality faced renewed scrutiny of her own. 

While her daughter has chosen a more private life away from cameras and public opinion, the 64-year-old remains firmly in the spotlight, where every interaction and on-screen moment is dissected by viewers. 

That scrutiny recently intensified after some fans and fellow Housewives labeled her a “Debbie Downer,” a description that the reality TV star reportedly found difficult to shake.

The criticism gained traction after “RHOC” cast member Emily Simpson used the phrase during a game. According to Gina Kirschenheiter, Gunvalson was deeply bothered by the label and continued bringing it up throughout filming. 

“Vicki brought it up at every event, every table, and every place we went to this season,” Kirschenheiter told Decider, adding, “She was really offended by that comment.” 

Despite the criticism, Gunvalson has pushed back against the perception that she brings negative energy to group events, arguing that she remains the same outspoken personality fans have watched for years.

If you think summer-to-fall fashion means jeans, think again! Jennifer Garner isn’t slipping into stiff denim yet, and honestly, neither are we. After seeing Garner’s breezy skirt style, we’re rocking her elevated, boutiquey look through October.

Garner was spotted heading to church in a modest black sweater, a floral midi skirt and a sleek shoulder bag. The soft, delicate print against a solid knit is a formula that works year-round, and it takes you straight from Sunday service to afternoon brunch (or just afternoon brunch — we’re not judging). At only $24, this Amazon twin is already in our cart!

Get the Allegra K Floral Midi Skirt for $24 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

This Allegra K Midi Skirt features a similar floral print, hits just below the knee and comes with a built-in slip, so you won’t have to worry about any wardrobe mishaps. The stretchy elasticized waistband is a major bonus.

Related: Jennifer Lopez Solved Our Transitional Wardrobe Woes With a $36 Dress Style

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Choosing what to wear from now through November isn’t an easy task, but Jennifer Lopez makes it incredibly simple, wearing a loose, polished shirtdress that stuns with flip-flops, sneakers and booties alike. Somehow, her chic look is only $36! Exploring Italy with her kids, Lopez wore a striped shirtdress with easy sandals and a headband. […]

One five-star reviewer described it as feminine, flowy and lightweight. They added, “Comfortable stretch in the waist, so it’s not too tight. Perfect with office heels or summer flip-flops.”

But this celeb-approved skirt style isn’t just a pretty piece. Instead, it’s a workhorse for real life. Another happy shopper wrote, “I’m a teacher and was looking for something to wear other than jeans with our school T-shirt on Fridays, and this fits the bill!”

Pair it with a black cashmere sweater and sandals for the full Garner Sunday look, or rock it with a silk tank and loafers for date night. At $24, this midi skirt is the low-risk closet addition you’ll reach for constantly this fall, and then again next spring.

Get the Allegra K Floral Midi Skirt for $24 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more stylish skirts, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Blake Crouch’s thrilling sci-fi series Dark Matter follows Professor Jason Dessen, played by Joel Edgerton, after his mysterious and inexplicable disappearance. Unbeknownst to those in his waking life, Jason is trapped in a labyrinth of unending variants of his own life. Dessen embarks on a harrowing journey as he attempts to decipher this living nightmare from his true reality. Plus, not to mention, he commonly must brush up against perhaps the most terrifying antagonist one can imagine: himself. This mind-melting sci-fi masterwork received uproarious praise, and as season 2 approaches, fans are growing eager for its return to Apple TV on August 28th.

To state it plainly, the people love Dark Matter, and for good reason! Most notably, applause has been extended to each respective lead. Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly, who plays Daniela Dessen, have been doted upon, most notably for their grounding presence in this effervescent labyrinthine dreamscape. While other shows that require a similar suspension of disbelief, such as Stranger Things, fell flat with critics in its later season for the floaty, nonsense plot and similarly lackluster performances, Dark Matter is made followable by the cast’s acting chops.

What to Expect from Season Two of ‘Dark Matter’

Image via Apple TV

To understand where the show is going, one must first remember where Season One left off. In short, the ending can be most accurately summarized by two events: a reunion and a choice. After an exhaustive journey, the real Jason proves his rightful identity to Daniela and his son, Charlie, played by Oakes Fegley. However, this loving embrace is cut short when dozens upon dozens of varying versions of Jason converge on one plane, creating a hair-raising standoff. Thus, all at once, they realize they will never be able to truly return to their once peaceful life, and instead make the game-time decision to step back into the Box. This edge-of-your-seat finale leaves several loose ends to be tied, as all the greats tend to. Most notably, what exactly is going to happen to the many Jasons left behind? And what awaits the Dessens in this Pandora’s Box? And can the audience really trust the real Jason?

In terms of what can be expected from Season 2, so far it appears that while the family explores what seems to be a utopia, Jason is being hunted. And this time, it isn’t by himself. Thirteen Jasons appear in body bags, leaving just him as a target for what exactly isn’t clear. As for Daniela, pushed right to her edge, this season seems to particularly explore her growing paranoia and rightful distrust of her husband. Or at least what appears to be her husband. The story culminates with an enormous battle between the family, their allies, and the all-powerful box. Will this lead to their ultimate undoing? Or will it finally put this winding story to rest? Unfortunately for the Dessen family, it appears the former is more likely.

In summary, the highly anticipated second season of ‘Dark Matter’ is just around the corner. With so much to unfold and peel back, this season sounds like it’ll be jam-packed with the same thrilling action and evocative plot that gripped audiences initially. As stated by Edgerton, in an interview with Collider, the series that once closely followed the narrative it adapted from may now diverge down a few different avenues. With just one week left of the two-year hiatus, this show is back with a vengeance, and expectations are impossibly high for the multiversal mind-bender. Here’s to hoping ‘Dark Matter’ can stick the landing.

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Release Date

May 7, 2024

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Network

Apple TV+

Directors

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Jakob Verbruggen, Alik Sakharov, Roxann Dawson, Logan George

Writers

Blake Crouch

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The one show that rivals all the best gangster movies in history, if you’re talking about the whole crime/drama genre, would have to be The Sopranos. It feels a bit silly to even introduce it at this point, much like how talking about Goodfellas or The Godfather is difficult to do, when so many words have already been said, but hey… that’s a testament to something being iconic and widely discussed.

The Sopranos has well and truly earned all that praise, functioning incredibly well as a series about the mob, family conflict, and psychology/therapy, all at once. Tonally, it’s all over the place, but never messy, since at its best, The Sopranos can be funnier, more dramatic, or even more frightening than just about anything else TV-wise. Its fourth season was a little slow-paced and maybe even challenging, but the show’s standards, but didn’t really contain any truly bad episodes, and some of the show’s best hours were featured here, in any event. All 13 episodes of season 4 of The Sopranos are ranked below, starting with the fairly good and ending with the absolutely incredible.

13

“Christopher” (Episode 3)

Image via HBO

“Christopher” is the worst episode of the series, to be brutally honest. It’s not being criticized here because it’s about race-related issues, touching on anti-Columbus Day protests and anti-Italian sentiments. It’s more the case that these topics are handled quite clunkily, with a good deal of dialogue throughout not really feeling natural, and it makes The Sopranos suddenly feel weirdly preachy.

These are things that could be explored without things feeling preachy, but “Christopher” doesn’t manage that. It feels out of step with so much of the series, and all the episodes where ridiculous things might happen, but you still can believe that these characters are real and consistent (at least within the world the show builds). It’s a testament to how good The Sopranos is, though, that even “Christopher” has a couple of great moments. Bobby’s grief here, in a subplot about the death of his wife, is powerfully done and important going forward, and Christopher’s misunderstanding of Tony’s rant about Gary Cooper is pretty incredible (and one of many moments from the show that’s become an enduring meme).

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“Pie-O-My” (Episode 5)

image via HBO

Season 4 can feel a little slow the first time you watch the show, but on a rewatch, it feels much richer and more meaningful. The only episode of the season that’s worse on a rewatch is the aforementioned “Christopher.” This isn’t a great comparison, but if you can liken seasons 2 and 5 of The Sopranos to Breaking Bad, with intensity and pacing, then season 4 is like, comparatively, its Better Call Saul. Or maybe it’s a grower in the way Twin Peaks: The Return was, compared to the more immediate first two seasons of Twin Peaks.

That’s all to say that “Pie-O-My” is much better than “Christopher,” even if it’s also not ranked particularly high here. That’s also an indication that the territory of good-but-flawed episodes of The Sopranos is now being moved on from. “Pie-O-My” is good, with Tony and Ralph clashing over the titular horse being important going forward, and Bobby having a compelling subplot here, dealing with grief over his recently deceased wife. It’s not quite a stand-out episode, but it’s harder for an episode to stand out when it belongs to a series as packed with legendary episodes as The Sopranos is.

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“Watching Too Much Television” (Episode 7)

Image via HBO

“Watching Too Much Television” (and the episode that followed it), and its subsequent episode, proved a little slow. It doesn’t stick out too badly, though, owing to how season 4 is a bit more laidback on a narrative front, in contrast to the first two seasons with Tony sort of at war with the older generation (Livia and Junior), and the final two seasons being largely about Tony at war with Phil Leotardo, who wouldn’t enter the picture until season 5.

“Watching Too Much Television,” like many episodes in season 4, is still very interesting for what it says about the characters, and that side of the show is honestly more compelling than the “narrative” (so to speak) a good deal of the time. Tony’s hypocrisy and jealousy in this episode prove to be the most memorable and important part, with him eventually snapping and lashing out at an associate who’s having a relationship with one of Tony’s ex-mistresses. Elsewhere, most of the other threads of the season (Paulie feeling disconnected from Tony, Adriana grappling with being an informant, Furio wanting to be with Carmela, etc.) creep forward slowly but surely.

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“Mergers and Acquisitions” (Episode 8)

Image via HBO

Right after all the drama with Tony and one of his ex-mistresses, he goes right back into pining for another woman who’s just his type, and she’s a new girlfriend of Ralphie’s. He then starts having an affair with this woman, named Valentina, and it drives home even more how ridiculous his outburst at the end of the previous episode was.

This eighth episode is important for the rest of the season, since events transpire (or events expire, as Little Carmine might say) in episode 9 that make the possibility of continuing to see Valentina even easier, for Tony, living in a post-Ralphie world and all. But then the cheating here is also significant for the final episode of season 4, which has Tony and Carmela clashing in a big way because of all his infidelity. Both those episodes are a good deal better than the admittedly still pretty good “Mergers and Acquisitions,” though, so more on them later.

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“For All Debts Public and Private” (Episode 1)

Image via HBO

The best scene in “For All Debts Public and Private” is Tony and Bobby conversing at a diner, and the dialogue following the latter saying, “You know, Quasimodo predicted all this.” There is another storyline in this episode that’s solid, albeit more so after watching The Many Saints of Newark, since it concerns Christopher seemingly getting revenge on a man who purportedly killed his father, Dickie Moltisanti (who was at the center of that 2021 prequel movie).

Or at least knowledge of that movie colors and complicates what Christopher goes through here. Otherwise, “For All Debts Public and Private” is another pretty good episode of The Sopranos. A little slow, like some of these season openers tend to be, and maybe you can also criticize it for not really setting up a clear direction for season 4. That’s intentional, in hindsight, given season 4’s somewhat looser feel, but in the moment, it does make this episode feel a bit rambling/listless.

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“No Show” (Episode 2)

Image via HBO

And now, conveniently, following right on from the first of the season’s episodes, here’s the second episode of the fourth season. So much of the drama in season 4 revolves around a joke Ralphie makes about Johnny Sack’s wife, Ginny, and said joke happens in “No Show.” It’s not automatically low-stakes, since Ralphie is already on thin ice with a lot of people after the events of season 3 (see “University,” for example), but it does feel like an eventually big deal was pretty small, at least initially.

Christopher also gets to be a general mess in this episode, hitting on Adriana’s friend, who’s actually an undercover FBI agent, and then the whole ordeal leads to the agent revealing her identity to Adriana. From there, Adriana is subsequently made an informant for the FBI, threatened with a drug possession charge if she doesn’t comply. So, on those two fronts, things are heating up, albeit slowly, which is appropriate for this slow-burn fourth season.

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“Eloise” (Episode 12)

Image via HBO

The biggest shake-up to the status quo, provided by “Eloise,” is that it features the departure of Furio, who’d been a pretty consistent presence in the series since being introduced in season 2. Furio honestly doesn’t do a ton outside of causing some turmoil with his almost-affair with Carmela, which heats up throughout season 4, and gets dangerous in “Eloise,” prompting Furio to retreat back to Italy.

It’s a bit anticlimactic, but having Furio be one of a handful of penultimate episode casualties might well have felt more forced. The middle ground would’ve probably been to bring him back in some capacity during the last two seasons, to give actual closure, but The Sopranos never played by anyone’s rules but its own, so farewell, Furio. “Eloise” is, other than that, pretty light on drama and conflict, but it set the stage decently enough for what ended up being a great season finale. It’s also worth noting that penultimate episodes for other seasons of The Sopranos are usually a little more memorable than this (see seasons 2, 5, and 6 especially).

6

“Everybody Hurts” (Episode 6)

Image via HBO

Hey, look at that: episode 6 at number 6. The most intense hurting in “Everybody Hurts” probably comes from the revelation that Gloria, with whom Tony had a fling in season 3, has taken her own life. Her last appearance in the show, not counting dream sequences, was in that third season, and the death happening suddenly and off-screen works in making viewers feel just as caught off-guard as Tony is, when Carmela tells him about Gloria (she, however, doesn’t know Tony knew Gloria to that extent).

Artie’s also struggling a lot in this episode, and in his typically Artie way, those struggles are almost darkly funny, and then also just quite sad (though he doesn’t succeed in trying to end his life, unlike Gloria). Also, Paul Dano is in this episode a little, joining Lady Gaga (who showed up briefly in season 3) as another then-unknown – but soon-to-be-famous – actor who showed up because of an A.J.-related storyline in The Sopranos.

5

“Calling All Cars” (Episode 11)

Image via HBO

There’s an argument to be made that “Calling All Cars” is the scariest episode of The Sopranos, just because of some of the dream imagery here, with Tony’s dreams in this particular episode being especially concerned with death. It’s a way for some of the more recently deceased characters in the show to temporarily return, since both Gloria and Ralphie show up here.

Livia does, too, or at least seems to, with that ambiguity – and her shadowy appearance – proving quite terrifying. The Sopranos usually nailed the feeling of being in an unpleasant or confusing dream better than just about any other show or movie out there, and “Calling All Cars” is yet another indication of that. The rest of the episode is typically strong stuff for the show, but it’s ultimately the dream-focused parts that stand out here specifically.

4

“The Weight” (Episode 4)

Image via HBO

“The Weight” is about a weight-related joke that Ralphie made earlier in season 4, because that’s just Ralphie being Ralphie for you. That joke starts to have more dramatic consequences here, and really, the most intense mob-related drama comes about, in this season, because of that joke, and how Johnny Sack wants to strike back at Ralphie for it.

This episode also gives screen time to Ginny, Johnny Sack’s wife, showcasing some of her struggles with her weight in a way that is humanizing and compassionate, all the while also showing Johnny’s dedication to her that goes some way toward making him one of the better/more honorable gangsters in the show. The episode does have some heart to it, and Johnny and Ginny honestly have one of the better and healthier relationships throughout the seasons they’re in, compared to almost all other couples on the show.

Sandra Bullock joined social media in 2026, starting with a playful post about the upcoming “Practical Magic 2.” However, in a recent interview, the Oscar-winning actress opened up about the true reason she reversed course on her earlier comments about social media, revealing that she did so to combat scammers.

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Bullock appeared on the “Smartless” podcast in August 2026 and discussed a wealth of topics. However, during the conversation, the topic of her social media presence came up, with the actress discussing her complicated relationship with the medium before finally launching an Instagram account.

She stated, “About a year and a half ago, I had to because there were people that were using my name and likeness to scam money out of people. My sister would have people reaching out to her saying, ‘Your sister took thousands of dollars from me.’”

Bullock continued, “The harm that it was causing families, going ‘We don’t know how to tell this person it’s fake,’ and I would have people call them saying ‘It’s fake, it’s not real.”

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Bullock continued discussing her aversion to social media, stating that, despite having projects to promote, she had no desire to join. According to her, “I had no intention of ever going on social media. It was never my calling.”

From there, she opened up about the impact of launching her Instagram, noting that it didn’t fully prevent scammers from using her likeness. She shared, “And then once I did that, it stopped a little bit, but it doesn’t really. It’s just never-ending.”

Bullock’s comments come after she issued a warning to fans in February 2025 about potential scams and safety concerns. Per PEOPLE, she said, “My family’s safety, as well as the innocent people being taken advantage of, is my deep concern, and there will be a time when I will comment more, but for now our focus is helping law enforcement handle this matter.”

The “Practical Magic 2” star continued, “Please be aware that I do not participate in any form of social media. Any accounts pretending to be me or anyone associated with me are fake accounts and have been created for financial gain or to exploit people around me.”

It was also around that time that Bullock’s sister, Gesine Bullock-Prado, took to social media to highlight how much time she spends reporting scammers impersonating the “Speed” star.

Much Of Sandra Bullock’s Instagram Account Has Been Mostly Devoted To Her Work

Bullock’s first Instagram post arrived on the platform on April 14. In it, she could be seen recreating the midnight margaritas scene from “Practical Magic.” She captioned the post, “Midnight somewhere…” Since then, she’s used the platform to promote the highly anticipated sequel, including sharing the trailer on April 20. Additionally, the account contains several posts with footage featuring her costar, Nicole Kidman.

Bullock has also made more personal posts on the platform, including celebrating Father’s Day and Sister’s Day. Her most recent post came on August 18, featuring several candid shots. She added the caption, “Friends, family, fun, fishes, furries, aaaand work.”

‘Practical Magic 2’ Comes Out In September

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Warner Bros. announced in June 2024 that “Practical Magic 2” was in development following the success of the original 1998 film. After that, production began in July 2025, with the cast and crew filming at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire, England. They wrapped the movie in September 2025.

Now, the long-awaited movie is set to arrive in North American theaters on September 11. In addition to Bullock and Kidman, the Susanne Bier-directed sequel stars Dianne West, Stockard Channing, Joey King, and Lee Pace.

Sandra Bullock And Nicole Kidman Previously Teased The New Movie

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According to Deadline, Bullock and Kidman made an appearance at 2026 CinemaCon. While at the convention, Bullock discussed returning for the film, saying it “felt like we came back to a home that we once lived in.”

Regarding what fans can expect, she teased, “We rebuilt the original house on the cliff. We filled that house with many old and new characters that you’ll love and brought Alice Hoffman’s ‘Book of Magic’ to life.”

Kidman chimed in, adding, “Home is what this is, and getting to return to these characters that have been so loved and so shared, it really has been magical. And being back together, it just clicked.”

If you’re bored with sneakers, you’re not alone. There’s a reason the streets of New York City, Los Angeles and London are overflowing with polished flats, which are a classy and equally versatile alternative. We found 13 luxe-looking pairs that deliver the comfort of sneakers, and seriously, you’ll wish you found them sooner.

These timeless flats make any outfit appear high-end, whether you wear them with dresses, trousers, jeans or even sweats. Nobody will ever guess that they’re so comfortable — or that prices start at only $12. Read on to see our favorites from brands like Vionic, Skechers, Toms and more!

13 Flats That Feel Like Sneakers — From $12

1. Our Favorite: Gold is optional, but it gives these metallic ballet flats an old money edge. Shoppers say you can comfortably walk miles in these.

2. Ruby Red: Make a statement in these plush Mary Jane flats that elevate your look, provide breathability and feel soft on the skin, thanks to the fine knit material.

3. Celeb-Approved: We spotted Kate Hudson wearing this jelly flats style with a dress on vacation, and we’re doing the same for every occasion on our agenda.

4. Sassy Slingbacks: Channel rich mom vibes without even trying in these suede slingback flats. They make summer-to-fall the most stylish time yet.

5. Leopard Print: Rich moms are leaning heavily into leopard print, so it only makes sense to get it on sleek Mary Janes.

Related: These Are the Trending Denim Styles Cool Girls Are Wearing in 2026

Even as fashion writers, it’s hard keeping up with the ever-changing denim trends. They can be downright confusing, even to Us! When in doubt, we turn to celebrities, rich moms and fashionistas on the streets of New York and Los Angeles. And this year, they’re all in agreement on these denim styles. If you ask […]

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6. One of a Kind: Yes, the memory foam insole is great, but so is the one-of-a-kind scrunched design that keeps these sparkly wonders secure.

7. Classy Act: You can’t go wrong with these camel-colored Vionic flats that put the class in classic. We adore the metal aglets.

8. Pretty Pointed: When you want to feel confident, opt for these poised pointy knit flats that carry you from brunches to boardrooms.

9. Secretly Skechers: The brand’s collection has grown far beyond its chunky dad shoe style, as seen from these minimal Mary Jane flats. They’re dainty, elevated and so comfy.

10. Trendy Toms: We’re a little (a lot) obsessed with these cutout flats that give basic a charming twist. The brand’s signature CloudBound foam is just a bonus.

11. Luxe Alert: Between the cute bow, pointed toe and textured material, it’s hard to believe these staple slip-ons are only $12.

12. So Splurge-Worthy: Simple and timeless, these square-toe Mary Janes will anchor your wardrobe for seasons to come. Just ask the hundreds of happy reviewers.

13. Must-Have Hybrid: If you can’t decide between loafers and flats, opt for these hybrid shoes that combine two of the most elegant looks in one.

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

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