Riverdale‘s Cole Sprouse is a man in mourning in the new dramedy Wake. He’s part of an ensemble cast that finds itself trapped at a wake where everything seems to be going wrong. Before the film makes its festival premiere next month, Collider is proud to exclusively present a first look at Wake and its cast. In the film, Sprouse plays Cade; he’s one of four semi-estranged siblings who are thrown back together after their father dies by suicide.

Now, reunited with sisters Rose, Cassie, and Becca, he has to deal not only with them and their wildly contrasting grieving methods, but with overbearing relatives, clueless guests, and a funeral director who suffers from an intense aversion to death. Wake is set to make its world premiere early next month at the Heartland International Film Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana; it will then screen later in October at the Newport Beach Film Festival in Newport Beach, California.

Sprouse has recently starred in the indie thrillers Neglected and Under Fire. In Wake, he’s part of an impressive ensemble cast. It also features performances by Penelope Ann Miller (Carlito’s Way), Chris Parnell (Rick and Morty), Nelson Franklin (New Girl), Riki Lindhome (Wednesday), Michael Learned (The Waltons), Ali Astin (Candy Cane Lane), Willow Shields (The Hunger Games), Kelly O’Malley (Swing), Ali Gallo (Forever), Michael Shacket (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle), Oliver Durante (V/H/S/Halloween), Sasha Compère (Single Drunk Female), and Dylan Alvarado (The Mandalorian).

Who Are the Creatives Behind ‘Wake’?

Wake is directed by Devon Michaels, an actor who appeared on Gilmore Girls, House M.D., and The Rookie; the film serves as his feature-length directorial debut. He also co-wrote the script for the film with Kelly O’Malley, who also stars. O’Malley penned the script after her own father’s suicide, using it to explore and process her grief. O’Malley produced the film with Michel Rangel and Eugenio Villamar; Sprouse executive produces with Jodi Schwartz Gomillion.

Wake will have its world premiere at the Heartland International Film Festival in October in Indianapolis, Indiana; it will then have its West Coast premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival later that month. Check out our exclusive images above and stay tuned to Collider for future updates.

Christina Haack is crediting her boyfriend, Chris Larocca, for changing the way she views love and life as she marks two years together. 

The “Flip or Flop” alum has openly praised Larocca for bringing a sense of ease and patience into her life, while also addressing speculation about a possible future marriage.

Beyond her romance with Larocca, Haack has openly shared how she has developed a more cordial co-parenting relationship with some of her ex-husbands, adding another layer to her evolving approach to love, family, and life.

Christina Haack Celebrates Sweet Milestone With BF Chris Larocca

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Haack recently celebrated her second dating anniversary with Larocca, with a three-slide Instagram post featuring loved-up photos of the couple.

In the caption, she thanked him for handling life with “grace and understanding,” saying his approach had also taught her to do the same.

“I have watched you handle everything with grace and understanding and therefore you have taught me to do the same,” Haack wrote. “Thank you for making my life EASY. What a true gift that is.”

The television personality also admitted that she might not have fully appreciated such a relationship earlier in life. Now in her 40s, Haack said she had learned to value taking things slowly instead of constantly rushing toward the next chapter.

“Taking things slow and not rushing through life is something I also can greatly appreciate in my 40s,” she added. She ended the tribute by thanking Larocca for being “a true partner in all the ways.”

Haack further shared that their relationship also extended beyond romance as the couple built the Clé Cachée champagne brand, partnered on a television house flip, and traveled to different destinations together.

Christina Haack Sparked Marriage Rumors With A Mystery Ring

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While Haack is clearly enjoying her relationship with Larocca, speculation has surfaced about whether wedding bells could eventually be ringing in the future.

In March, the reality star sparked marriage rumors after she was photographed wearing a ring on her wedding finger at an HGTV event in Los Angeles.

For Haack, however, marriage did not appear to be an immediate priority. After three previous marriages, she said she would probably marry eventually but made it clear that it would not happen anytime soon, per The Blast. 

She even joked that, if she became engaged again, she would want to remain engaged for at least five years. “Marriage is just not on my radar right now,” Haack confessed.

Christina Haack Previously Called Her Boyfriend A ‘Good Person‘

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The latest two-year tribute is not the first time Haack has publicly praised Larocca’s character. In November 2025, she celebrated his 53rd birthday, giving fans a closer look at what she appreciates about the Network Connex CEO.

According to The Blast, she described him as someone who helped the people he cared about without expecting anything in return.

“You help me (and everyone you care about) with zero motives,” she wrote.

She also called him a “good person” and praised his drive, positive attitude, and commitment to personal growth. Haack described him as an “amazing father, son, and friend,” adding that he held her hand and guided her through difficult situations.

Christina Haack Faced Questions About Their Romance Timeline

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While their relationship became increasingly public, it also faced scrutiny about how and when it began.

As The Blast previously reported,  Andrea Deanna, Larocca’s former girlfriend, questioned the timeline of his romance with Haack.

Deanna claimed that Larocca met Haack in June 2024 while she was still married to Josh Hall and Larocca was still dating her. She also alleged that Larocca had been unfaithful during their relationship.

Haack’s representative denied the allegations, stating, “This person continues to make false allegations and spread lies. Christina was separated when she met Chris.”

Larocca’s representative also rejected the claims, saying he ended his relationship with Deanna before becoming involved with Haack, denying that the pair met in June.

Despite the controversy surrounding the early timeline, Haack and Larocca continued their relationship publicly. 

Christina Haack Found A Different Dynamic With Her Ex-Husbands

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As Haack continues to build a new romance, she was also navigating a different kind of relationship with her ex-husbands.

As reported by The Blast, Haack shares three children with her former husbands, Tarek El Moussa and Ant Anstead, while her marriage to Josh Hall ended without children.

Her relationships with El Moussa and Anstead became more cordial in recent years, particularly when it came to co-parenting with Anstead.

The former couple shares son Hudson, and Haack previously spoke about having a heart-to-heart conversation with Anstead about creating a healthier co-parenting relationship.

They eventually began attending Hudson’s soccer games, sitting together at school events, and celebrating birthdays together. Haack said she was grateful they reached a point where their son could experience those family moments with both parents.

Filipino culture has slowly been making more of an appearance in U.S. pop culture recently — but when Filipino cultural identity turns up in films or shows, it tends to be an Easter egg rather than a driving force for the characters or main story. So it was a surprise when DreamWorks announced a film inspired by Filipino culture, co-directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the creative team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, with a soundtrack featuring some of the decade’s biggest P-pop (Philippine Pop) artists. Forgotten Island promises to be a celebration of Filipino culture and identity, similar to what KPop Demon Hunters did for Korean culture. But did it hit the mark?

‘Forgotten Island’ Puts Filipino Culture In the Spotlight

Image via Universal Pictures

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Forgotten Island follows Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano), two longtime best friends whose relationship was forged through their mutual fascination with the island of Nakali (aka Forgotten Island), a mythic place often spoken about by Jo’s grandmother, Fatima. But when we meet the pair, they’re young adults, and their friendship is put to the test: Raissa has revealed that she’s moving to the U.S. for college, leaving Jo behind in the Philippines. On their final night before Raissa’s flight, the two find a portal that finally transports them to Forgotten Island — but the next day, they wake with no memory of the previous night, and no knowledge of how to get back home. They begin their journey back with the help of Raww (Dave Franco), a were-aspin (or were-dog), and begin encountering other creatures based on Filipino mythology. Soon, the pair learn that leaving the island might require them to give up some of their memories of their time together.

Jo and Raissa are two sides of the same coin, polar opposites in personality and intellect, but they share a deep love, as well as a passion for Forgotten Island. While it is something of a cliché to pair the rowdy artistic kid who does not take advantage of their potential with the academically gifted child who’s deadset on leaving home, their opposites-attract friendship helps set the scene for film’s conflict, and H.E.R. and Soberano truly sell this relationship through their voice acting. With their warm dynamic, you genuinely believe that the two really did grow up together, and that even in a wild adventure, they’re trying to negotiate this new phase of their friendship.

‘Forgotten Island’s References to Filipino Culture Are More Than Surface-Level

On the surface, Forgotten Island is a story about friendship and how you should not take memories for granted. But deep down, it is a celebration of Filipino culture and identity (co-writer/ director Mercado is Filipino-American). One thrilling example is Raissa’s despedida (going away party) right before she plans to leave for college in the U.S. Details shown throughout the scene — like the giant banner featuring a photo of Raissa’s face and a font you commonly see in the country, the lechon (roasted pig), and an older woman’s use of “mouth pointing” to help Jo locate her friend in the crowd — scream, “yep, this story takes place in the Philippines.”

When it comes to the animation, it seems like Forgotten Island takes a page out of the same style handbook as KPop Demon Hunters, as there are scenes when the art direction breaks away from its primary style, transforming to either a “chibi” style when expressing exaggerated emotions/reactions, or changing the art style entirely, especially when it comes to the somewhat-unreliable narration from side characters.

This animated storytelling technique is important, because almost half of the story breaks the “show don’t tell” rule. After landing on Forgotten Island, Jo and Raissa, their memories of their arrival wiped, have to rely on the stories of the Forgotten Island’s residents to retrace their steps; the changes in animation help differentiate which events are true and which ones could be exaggerated. This stylistic flip only occurs when necessary for the story, which helps maintain a consistent aesthetic — and when the two girls finally fully remember what happened in the past, the payoff is those same scenes, shown again in the film’s original animation style.

Forgotten Island uses Tagalog in the dialogue, and even if you don’t know the language, you can understand the words through context clues. But there is one phrase used repeatedly: “Tayo na” (let’s go). It’s a good phrase, especially for two friends who travel together and need a confidence boost. But it gets said a lot, and at times it feels cringe or out of place, mainly due to its frequent repetition. Perhaps it was a creative choice by the filmmakers, who wanted a line that was easy for a Western audience to understand through context clues.

Forgotten Island has so many Filipino references and Easter eggs that those immersed in the culture will go “Oi! Philippines.” But the rest of the world will still understand what is going on, since it’s explained well and the context clues help the viewer follow along. So, while Forgotten Island draws on Filipino culture, a Western audience can still understand the story.

Forgotten Island also uses the full extent of Filipino mythology to create its story; its supernatural beings take inspiration from folklore from the Philippines, but are made a touch more family-friendly. Traditionally, Philippine supernatural beings are portrayed as scary creatures that will possess your body and destroy civilization when released into the human world. But in Forgotten Island, they are mostly friendly, as long as you show respect, creating a unique take on this type of storytelling. It is more of a reimagining rather than whitewashing, which is a good thing for the story — most Filipino supernatural stories share what happens when a spirit is mad, but never when they are happy and calm, so engaging with that side gives this story an interesting twist.

‘Forgotten Island’ Can Be a Bit Overpacked

Image via Universal Pictures

The most disappointing part of Forgotten Island was the many side characters placed alongside Raissa and Jo. Their sheer density, as well as the film’s many side quests and locations, can make it feel cramped at times, which is a shame — viewers automatically want to get to know each character more or see more of this fabulous fantasy place. Just one example: later in the film, the girls meet Mermahn (Kevin McCann), a merfolk, and his role is minimal, serving only a minor plot point; he could be removed and it wouldn’t change a thing. It feels like the movie wants to cram in as many supernatural beings as it can, but it doesn’t always serve the story.

Another disappointment: Lea Salonga was severely underutilized as the Dreaded Manananggal. Why did DreamWorks get one of the biggest singers from the Philippines, but give her only a handful of lines and a bunch of grunts? One could argue that Forgotten Island pulls what Disney’s Enchanted did with Idina Menzel, who said yes to appear in the movie because there was no singing and she was flattered. But Menzel had more lines as Nancy, a side character, than Salonga did as Manananggal, Forgotten Island’s main antagonist.

What Forgotten Island did well was utilize well-known Filipino talents —and not just ones known to the younger generation, but also ones more familiar to adults, as well. Using BINI‘s “A Parallel World” as the main theme worked well, and you hear some of its musical motifs in the later parts of the story, which is a nice touch. It was a genius choice to have SB19‘s cover of “Mga Kababayan” (fellow countrymen) by Francis M play as we are introduced to the village where Raww brings Raissa and Jo, to make it clear to the viewer that the supernatural beings living there are based in Philippine mythology and will be very different compared to how they are seen in the West. It could have been great to include more OPM (Only Pilipino Music), especially older songs, since it is a celebration of culture. The movie already trusts its global audience to understand Tagalog and Filipino mythology, so why not do the same with the music? It feels like a missed opportunity to introduce international audiences to even more Filipino artists and songs.

When addressing the real-world plotline of Raissa moving to the U.S. and how it affects Jo, it’s not entirely different from what is seen in Philippine media, but it also shows the other side of wanting a better life outside the country. Traditionally, Philippine storytelling, and sometimes the culture in general, either frames staying in the country as a chance to use your talents at home, or celebrates leaving as a dream opportunity and sacrifice for a better future. What it rarely addresses is the impact leaving has on those left behind. Forgotten Island does this by acknowledging that moving to the U.S. is good for Raissa’s future while still validating Jo’s feelings of abandonment. Jo is allowed to be hurt, but Forgotten Island never suggests that Raissa should sacrifice her future for their friendship.

Forgotten Island celebrates Filipino culture and identity while telling the story of two girls whose friendship is put to the test, making that culture truly part of the story. While the film can feel crowded and some of its Tagalog dialogue feels out of place, Jo and Raissa’s friendship makes the movie work. Their conflict over leaving the Philippines, pursuing a better future, and being the person left behind makes their Filipino identity essential to their story and particularly relatable to Filipino audiences. For Western viewers, however, Forgotten Island offers a glimpse into Filipino culture through a universal story about friendship, change, and the fear of being left behind. Forgotten Island isn’t just a Filipino story because of its mythology, music, or references; it is Filipino because its culture drives the friendship at the heart of the movie.

Forgotten Island premieres in theaters on Friday, September 25, 2026.

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Release Date

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September 25, 2026

Runtime

109 Minutes

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Director

Joel Crawford, Januel Mercado

Writers

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Joel Crawford, Januel Mercado

Producers

Mark Swift

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Cast

• 
• 

  Liza Soberano

  Raissa (voice)

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Pros & Cons

• Jo and Raissa share a convincing friendship that relatable.
• A new and fresh take on Philippine Mythology
• Filipino culture and identity is now a driving force rather than an Easter egg

• The amount of side characters featured makes the film feel crowded
• Lea Salonga is underutilized.
• Some Tagalog feels repetitive.
• Missed opportunity to include more OPM in the soundtrack

If you’re an avid fan of “The Real Housewives,” a new book that’s getting ready to be released should be on your list. 

“Lessons from the Housewives,” written by feminist media scholar Evie Psarras, opens the curtain on many behind-the-scenes insights that fans might be fascinated to learn more about. Through interviews with Housewives and producers, cultural analysis, and her own take on the hit Bravo franchise, Evie shares a relatable look at the shows that has many fans glued to their TV screens week after week. 

Evie Psarras sat down with The Blast to chat exclusively about the book ahead of its October 13, 2026, release. She shared why she felt this was a topic she wanted to do a deep dive into, what makes fans come back for more each week, and what has contributed to the success of the reality shows for two decades. 

The Time Was Right For Evie Psarras To Write ‘Lessons From The Housewives’

For Evie, the time was more than just right to dive into writing a book about the Housewives. She shared that she’s a “day one viewer” of the franchise and has continued to watch the entire 20 years its been on the air. 

“I just remember the first moment seeing Vicki Gunvelson and Lauri Peterson working in her home office and being like, ‘Who are these babes?’ Like, they get to live the life. This lady has a waterfall pool in her backyard,” Evie told The Blast. “At the time, it was like fly on the wall reality TV, like we literally just got to peek into their lives. There wasn’t drama amongst the women, and it was just like we got to watch how these wealthy people lived behind the gates of this community, and I was fascinated.” 

Evie recalls her love of strong female characters began in her teen years as she read Jackie Collins books. She also grew up watching shows like “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Melrose Place,” where strong women dominated the screen and drama was served every episode. 

“I just loved the drama, but also loved that it was like these shows were showing women at the center, and I felt like that’s something that should always be taken seriously,” she said. 

After graduating and struggling to find a job, Evie decided to go back to school and get a Master’s in Sociology and that’s when her “academic brain took over.” 

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“I was like, okay, something’s really going on here with these shows that are celebrating ostensibly wealthy women, but they’re sort of there to be laughed at,” she shared. “During this time, economic disparity, and at this time of an economic recession, we’ve got these women on here who are celebrating materialism, so that sort of started my journey into academically considering Housewives and taking it seriously.” 

What Surprised Evie The Most During Her Research

Throughout her official research for the book, Evie learned something many might not realize – how the women are chosen to star on the show. She was told by a former producer that the way they cast the women, might not be exactly how you think it’s done.

“We obviously want strong women characters and people who would play well on TV,” she was told. “But they cast the house before they cast the Housewife, is what he told me.”

She reiterated that they look for women who have the “McMansions, the ginormous houses.” 

“That tells me that they’re looking for women who can at least perform wealth and class and status and materialism and all those things. Because we also know these women have gotten evicted from those homes,” she continued. “But what it told me is that producers and Bravo can also make any woman a Housewife, right? It’s not just a process and so that sort of led me down a path of these women are actually doing a job for Bravo, and they are employees of that network, paid to carry out the labor of being a Bravo Housewife.” 

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‘We’re Watching A Mix Of Authenticity And Complete Fabrication’

While Evie did interview some Housewives, they couldn’t talk too much about certain things because of their “ironclad” contracts. One Housewife, who remains anonymous, gave her “a great heading in the book.” 

“What we’re watching is a mix of authenticity and complete fabrication,” Evie shared. “Because she was like everything that she was doing on camera was partly herself and who she is authentically but there was also a push and pull with what they knew network executives were going to ask for and what producers wanted to put on right for the season.” 

Evie said she had a “hunch that these women are sort of playing into certain characters.” 

Evie Realized Through Her Research That The Housewives Were More Than Just Reality TV

Evie explained that because of the time period in which the series became such a phenomenon and has spanned two decades, you can’t exactly make an argument that the Housewives have reshaped what it means to be a woman today. 

“You can’t make that argument right out of the gate. It’s more so like you have to look at it over this period of time,” she said. “What I love so much about the early seasons is they really show some of these women were housewives. You see a lot of women who have been in abusive or bad relationships with men. You literally get to see them take that Bravo platform and use it to their advantage, but also through the platform, find their voice, find their strength, and leave those bad men and create a life and an income for themselves separate from their husbands that they probably wouldn’t have ever had the opportunity to do.” 

Evie said she feels the Housewives series’ documents examples of “feminist progress over these last two decades.” As the women realized their power, they rebranded themselves and started businesses, became influencers, began podcasts, and made their own path in the world. 

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Thinking About The Formula That Makes ‘The Real Housewives’ Last The Test Of Time

With so many reality shows on television, and many not lasting more than a few seasons, you might wonder what “Housewives” does differently to not only last the test of time, but continually add new cities to the lineup.

An example discussed with Evie is how fast “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” took off but then just as quickly, began to derail along the way. 

“I sort of left the ‘Mormon Wives’ train. I liked season 1, but they can’t hook me because at the base, you’re talking to a feminist media scholar. I’m always looking for the feminist angle that I can find in watching media that sometimes is packaged to look anti-feminist,” Evie told The Blast. “But I think at the end of the day, ‘Housewives’ has actually been a great thing for women to witness over the last two decades, because many viewers probably were in the same sort of positions as some of these ‘housewives’ in the beginning years.” 

Viewers have witnessed the “housewives” go through breakups, start businesses, and evolve from those early days. With “Housewives,” Evie said you’re “watching a celebration of women.” 

“If you’re watching ‘Ultimate Girls’ Trip’ right now, it’s like we get to see the actual sisterhood that is being a ‘housewife,’” she added. “And I feel that’s something that more and more women want to see today.”

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For more information and to purchase “Lessons from the Housewives,” visit Sourcebooks’ website.

Wendi McLendon-Covey broke her silence after her former costar Jeff Garlin called her “very resentful” in the years after his departure from The Goldbergs.

“Let’s just say I remember things very differently, as does the crew, the other actors, the writers, and our executives,” McLendon-Covey, 56, wrote in a social media comment after Garlin, 64, spoke about the show’s tumultuous conclusion on the Daily Beast’s “Obsessed” podcast.

Garlin claimed on the podcast that his undiagnosed bipolar disorder contributed to how he behaved on set, saying, “I actually empathize with [Wendi] because, at the time, I was undiagnosed bipolar. I was miserable on the show, and I was miserable with my performance.”

The actor recalled receiving support from McLendon-Covey, who played his wife on the show.

“I didn’t believe her. I just got to the point where I had to quit,” he said. “And she was very resentful.”

Garlin continued to address the challenges he faced, adding, “Being bipolar, I was either one of three things: dark, dark, dark, dark, didn’t talk and look at anyone. Then happy to the point of mania, never turning off my thing. Or mean — really, really mean.”

In December 2021, reports surfaced that Garlin allegedly engaged in a “pattern of verbal and physical conduct that made people uncomfortable” while working on The Goldbergs, which debuted in 2013. Garlin denied the accusations following a human resources investigation.

“No, I was not fired from The Goldbergs. I have not been fired from The Goldbergs,” he told Vanity Fair after confirming to the outlet that Sony had been looking into his behavior for three years. “There was no … Nothing physical by any stretch of the imagination. And the verbal part was a joke that was completely missed — because I like this guy.”

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Related: Kelly Rowland, Emma Watson and More Stars Who Stormed off Sets

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Everyone has bad days, but for celebrities, their bad days sometimes happen while on set. Several stars have made headlines for storming off the sets of TV shows and movies over the years, including Kelly Rowland. The actress and singer reportedly left the Today set right before she was set to guest host an episode […]

He added: “If I said something silly and offensive, and I’m working at an insurance company, I think it’s a different situation. If I, as the star of the show, demanded a gun range and on set, and I was firing guns every day and I was a little bit loose — to me, that’s an unsafe work atmosphere. If I threatened people, that’s an unsafe work atmosphere. None of that goes on ever with me. That’s not who I am. I am sorry to tell you that there really is no big story. Unless you want to do a story about political correctness.”

Garlin was ultimately released from his contract in 2021. The Goldbergs was later canceled after 10 seasons on ABC.

McLendon-Covey previously referred to Garlin’s exit as being “a long time” coming, saying on Andy Cohen’s SiriusXM show in 2023, “And [when] it finally happened, it was like, ‘OK, OK. Finally someone is listening to us.’”

The Sopranos is one of those shows that honestly ended pretty excellently. It did all the things excellently, really. It had a bold first season, an improved second season, some risky things that paid off in seasons 3 and 4, and then a pretty big overall plot in season 5, with gang-related chaos building up and threatening to explode in season 6.

All that while, personal and family relationships were being tested, and it all made for great drama, alongside more than solid comedy (when appropriate). The final season of The Sopranos was extra long, and split into two, with the first 12 episodes being season 6A, and airing in 2006, while the final nine episodes were season 6B, and they aired in 2007. All 21, all up, are ranked below, starting with the pretty good and ending with some episodes that are among the very best in TV history.

This article will contain spoilers for all six seasons of The Sopranos.

21

“Chasing It” (2007)

Episode 16

Image via HBO

Across six seasons, Tony’s vices were explored in ways that usually felt organic, and he obviously remained compelling and human throughout, even with him being more flawed near the show’s end than he was at the start. Still, giving him a full-on gambling addiction so close to the end of the series felt weird, and that’s what “Chasing It” is largely about.

Not that Tony having a gambling problem seemed absolutely preposterous, but the way it sort of just arrived in this episode felt odd, and then felt even stranger because of how close the series was to its end, at this stage. There are only five episodes after “Chasing It,” and they’re all much better (especially the show’s final four episodes). Tony stumbling into an Uncut Gems-esque narrative here for one episode honestly felt a bit like one of his bizarre dreams, albeit unintentionally.

20

“Luxury Lounge” (2006)

Episode 7

Image via HBO

Of all the episodes that spend quite a lot of time with Christopher and his screenwriting aspirations, “Luxury Lounge” is probably the weakest, and it does feel a tad gimmicky. Or maybe prone to stunt-casting is a fairer way to describe it. Christopher and Mr. Sacred-and-the-Propane himself, Little Carmine, both travel to Los Angeles to try and cast “Cleaver,” the mafia-themed horror film Christopher’s been developing.

They meet Lauren Bacall and Ben Kingsley, who get to play fictionalized versions of themselves, and that’s a bit fun, albeit also quite broad for The Sopranos, with the comedy and satire dug into here. The show’s usually a little smarter with the things it wants to critique, but The Sopranos at its broadest is still wittier than most other TV shows out there (yes, even the comedies, because The Sopranos is pretty much a crime dramedy a lot of the time, a bit like how Succession is almost equal parts comedy and drama, too).

19

“Moe n’ Joe” (2006)

Episode 10

Image via HBO

“Moe n’ Joe” is one of a few season 6A episodes where it feels like things are moving just a tiny bit too slowly. It’s not fair to call the season padded, necessarily, but The Sopranos gets closest to feeling like it has padding in this particular season, or this first half of this particular season, with season 6B generally faring a little better. For season 6A, though, the Vito storyline, where he temporarily flees New Jersey, gets a decent amount of blame for that feeling, but it’s a bit more than just that.

Vito’s time in New Hampshire is a particular focus of “Moe n’ Joe,” and to some extent, the slowness of it all is purposeful, because it illustrates (in a way that’s darkly funny but also tragic) how Vito can’t really fathom living a normal, quieter life after being associated with the mob. He returns to New Jersey at the episode’s end, and that does lead to the most dramatic event of season 6A in the next episode… but more on that later.

18

“Johnny Cakes” (2006)

Episode 8

Image via HBO

Vito gets a lot to do in “Johnny Cakes,” because a good chunk of this episode concerns him beginning a brief romance with a man in a peaceful town he flees to, after being outed. It’s a change of pace for the show that doesn’t work 100%, but it is built upon and paid off eventually, as a way to showcase strange morals and prejudice within the whole mafia thing (you know, that thing of theirs).

A.J. continues drifting as well, getting some initiative at one point, but the wrong kind, seeing as he makes a very poorly planned attempt to kill Junior in retaliation for what he did to Tony at the start of season 6. Things generally fall apart in other areas of the show, in rather small ways, and then it doesn’t take too long for the one thing being built, in “Johnny Cakes” (Vito’s new relationship), to also fall apart. That’s just season 6 for you, in all its heaviness.

17

“The Ride” (2006)

Episode 9

Image via HBO

Season 6A has been quite well-represented so far, unfortunately for it, and here’s another episode from that first half of the final season: “The Ride.” The strongest scene here is a flashback, which might sound like it contradicts the mixed feelings just expressed about the flashbacks in “Down Neck,” but the “flashback” here was actually more of a deleted scene from one of the best episodes of season 5, repurposed to fit in with “The Ride.”

It involves Christopher telling Tony about Adriana being an informant, and it was left out of “Long Term Parking,” but fortunately not cut altogether, as the acting here, by James Gandolfini and Michael Imperioli, is really powerful. Christopher’s scenes in “The Ride” are very strong, but the other major storyline in this episode, involving Paulie and an accident on a ride at a street festival, isn’t nearly as compelling.

16

“Kaisha” (2006)

Episode 12

Image via HBO

“Kaisha, whatever happened there…” No, but for real, the complications with season 6 arise once more, because “Kaisha” is the final episode of season 6A. And if you want to count it as a season finale, it is quite easily the worst of them. You’re not going to run into another season finale until you get to the top 30 of this ranking. The season finales are that good, and all range from excellent to perfect, so long as you don’t count “Kaisha.”

The real season 6 finale is “Made in America,” which is also the series finale, or some might still say it’s the season 6B finale, and then “Kaisha” is the season 6A finale. Really, not much happens in “Kaisha.” It is a good episode if you treat it like the mid-season episode (within the broader sixth season) that it is, but it disappoints if you want anything finale-worthy. It’s mostly concerned with being a calm-before-the-storm kind of thing. And it’s a Christmas episode, too, for what that’s worth. Yay?

15

“The Fleshy Part of the Thigh” (2006)

Episode 4

Image via HBO

“The Fleshy Part of the Thigh” is a better music-focused episode than “A Hit Is a Hit.” And, to be fair, it’s not as focused on the music industry as that misfire of a season 1 episode. The part the title refers to is more of a humorous subplot that involves Bobby taking part in a staged shooting in a purportedly harmless part of an aspiring rapper’s body, in an attempt to boost said rapper’s street cred.

This comedic subplot then becomes kind of bitter, in hindsight, when you compare it to the shooting Bobby has to do in “Soprano Home Movies,” a good bit later in the final season. “The Fleshy Part of the Thigh” is also quite good as a Paulie episode, and then Tony’s recovery following waking up from his coma (the one he was in throughout episodes #2 and #3 of the season… more on those in a bit, because they’re both amazing episodes) also makes for compelling drama.

14

“Remember When” (2007)

Episode 15

Image via HBO

“Remember When” is itself best remembered for being the movie where Paulie really gets on Tony’s nerves, to the extent that Tony seems like he’s right on the verge of just murdering Paulie in the moment. He doesn’t, but then three episodes later, he’s in another situation where someone who’s technically on his side does cross a line in a big way, and he makes a decision in the moment to go through with murdering them.

In that sense, “Remember When” readies you for – or foreshadows – that even more dramatic late-stage Sopranos episode. And then if you want to talk about the thing “Remember When” is second most remembered for, Lin-Manuel Miranda shows up in what feels like a cameo, but it’s just him being an extra, basically, since he wasn’t a recognizable face at that point, unless you were a big theater fan and had seen one of the very earliest shows of In the Heights.

13

“Live Free or Die” (2006)

Episode 6

Image via HBO

Not to be mixed up with an identically named Breaking Bad episode, “Live Free or Die” is one of the better hours found in season 6A of The Sopranos. Vito was first caught out in season 5 of the show, but then in “Live Free or Die,” there is no doubt, and it’s mobsters who witness him in an establishment mafia men don’t usually hang out at, which is what prompts him to flee New Jersey.

Tony shows he has some morals regarding Vito, perhaps more than some of his associates, and the conflict around what to do for this whole situation does make for engaging drama. It picks things up a bit, though after this, Vito’s time on the run does slow things down a little, once more, in the next couple of episodes. But “Live Free or Die” is a very good episode, and the main storyline in this episode does prove undeniably important going forward.

12

“Cold Stones” (2006)

Episode 11

Image via HBO

Though Vito’s season 6A was mentioned before as a little slow-going, his death isn’t being celebrated here, with the relatively high placement of “Cold Stones.” This is the episode where his attempts to go back to New Jersey cost him his life, since he’s ambushed and taken out by Phil in a way one imagines Phil probably wanted to do a season earlier to Tony B.

So, if you don’t absolutely detest Phil at this point, here’s “Cold Stones” for you, as one more chance to finally get the memo. The taboos and controversies about Junior in “Boca” were played for laughs, but Phil is well and truly a good deal more brutal than anyone back then, since he resorts to doing this when he finds out the truth about Vito. It’s not a nice episode, but it is one where something big happens (and there aren’t a ton of big events in season 6A, once you get past the first three episodes), and it’s undoubtedly important for the narrative going forward.

General Hospital fans, our leaker told us a while back and we shared it with you that Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) would make a prison break and then we shared an updated leak that Sidwell gets loose after an attack. And now it looks like those leaks are a lot closer to being confirmed. Because of this week’s promo with him and Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner).

Today we’re going to talk about Sidwell’s brutal attack he suffers in prison, who’s behind it, how Curtis gets involved, and what comes next with new info from our leaker, and also some official General Hospital spoiler info.

General Hospital LEAK: Sidwell Makes a Break for it

So, the brand new promo, if you haven’t seen it, for General Hospital this week shows big trouble in Pentonville. Jenz Sidwell is in danger this week and Curtis Ashford gets tangled up in it, which to be honest is his own fault. Remember, the warden placed Sidwell and Curtis together, and that was to be able to keep a closer eye on both of them. The warden said it was. Because he and Sidwell were both high-profile and high risk. But it looks like those safety measures don’t pan out.

In the promo, we have Curtis being warned to find a reason not to be in their cell after lunch. And then Sidwell gets cornered in the cell he shares with Curtis and it looks like at least two other inmates attack Sidwell, maybe three. And if the leak is correct, the brutal assault in Pentonville this week is bad enough to send Curtis’s cellmate to General Hospital for treatment.

But Sidwell might not be the only one that gets a trip to General Hospital. Because of their injuries. I have shared some of the leak about this over the past many weeks, and I’m always excited to see when things from the leak go from the status of rumor to the status of official General Hospital spoilers, and it just happened.

Sidwell’s Strategy Revealed on GH?

What is not certain is if Curtis also winds up in the hospital and there’s a question of who is behind the attack. So, Sidwell’s plea deal was for him to serve thirty years behind bars. And I doubt that Sidwell took that deal from Justine Turner (Nazneen Contractor) office intending to serve all that time. That’s just not the kind of man that Sidwell is.

Even though Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) fully expects that his enemy will rot behind bars, I honestly wouldn’t put it past Sidwell to be staging an attack on himself, paying prisoners to attack him. Something bad enough to send him to General Hospital. Not so bad he’s handicapped or killed. But it would need to be something more serious with Sidwell than the Pentonville Infirmary can handle.

General Hospital: Jason Morgan Behind It?

However, our leaker told us that somebody surprising is behind the assault. They said it’s Jason Morgan (Steve Burton). Our inside source says Jason finds out Sidwell and Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) are behind his torture at the WSB black site in Indonesia. So, as you know, Jason falsely confessed to save Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr). But for a while, Cullum and Sidwell believed that Jason shot Cullum. And then Jason was taken away and he was tortured and he came back a drastically changed man. The leaker said he spirals and wants revenge on Sidwell.

I’m not entirely sure it’s going to play out quite like that if it is Jason. Because there’s just no time for the spiral. The assault on Sidwell happens this week and we had this leak a while back. So if Jason finds this out and has a spiral, we might see it more in flashbacks. Also, Jason came back saying he was done with the violence. So, him setting up a hit on Sidwell in Pentonville kind of contradicts that. However, Jason might do this for closure. And if it is intended as a hit, Sidwell being a dead man means that Jason can move on and people will be safer.

Curtis Gets Involved on GH

Then again, maybe it’s not intended as a hit. Maybe Jason set it up as payback on Sidwell for the physical abuse that Jason suffered. Because of him and Cullum. The leak also said that Curtis gets caught in the crossfire of Sidwell’s attack and that seems to be intentional. Because Curtis is warned to stay away. So, I’m sure he figures out quickly that something bad is going to happen to Sidwell and Curtis should just stay out of it.

But I think him sitting by while Sidwell is getting attacked, even if Curtis doesn’t like Sidwell, isn’t something he’ll do. Plus, Curtis thinks he’s a tough guy. We know he can throw a punch. Just ask Isaiah Gannon (Sawandi Wilson). But Curtis should stay out of it. Because he doesn’t need to risk his parole in two years, especially for a dirt bag like Sidwell.

General Hospital: Repeat of Drew/Cyrus Storyline?

But we also know General Hospital likes to repeat plots. And this reminds me of when Drew Cai (Cameron Mathison) was in Pentonville and saved villainous Cyrus Renault (Jeff Kober) several years ago. If you forgot, Drew saved Cyrus from a physical attack and then he had a coronary moments later. Drew did CPR and saved his life. Didn’t help Drew get out early or anything. In fact, after he saved Cyrus, the warden put Drew in solitary confinement, and that was for getting into a fight with another prisoner, even though it was done to save Cyrus.

In fact, he repaid Drew by having him beaten in prison as part of his scheme. So, looks like Sidwell is attacked by the end of this week and Curtis intentionally intervenes when he shouldn’t and he may wind up injured or he may wind up put into solitary if the warden similarly punishes Curtis for getting into an altercation even if it’s to save Sidwell like the warden did with Drew.

If the leaker is correct, despite Curtis’s help, Sidwell is hospitalized and this could set the stage for November sweeps. So Curtis plays hero, Sidwell’s taken to General Hospital for treatment and Sidwell could be there a week or two and then if he escapes that would be right in time to be a big part of November sweeps which kicks off October 29th. The search for Sidwell and the danger is absolutely perfect. The kind of thing they love to do for sweeps and this might set the stage for Curtis to get out of prison early.

General Hospital: Curtis Gets Out Early?

If Jason’s behind the attack on Sidwell, he might feel horrible that Curtis became collateral damage. And Jason might use his money or Quartermaine family ties to get Curtis released early from prison. Saving a horrible criminal is not the usual thing that gets you like a governor’s pardon. But you never know.

You know, Jason and Curtis both are close friends with Mayor Laura Collins (Genie Francis). She could use her influence except she’s in Ireland visiting Kevin Collins (Jon Lindstrom) and Ace Cassadine (Jay and Joey Clay). But acting mayor Ezra Boyle (Daniel Cosgrove) might help if Jordan Ashford (Tanisha Harper) or somebody else leans on him. That would be interesting because Sidwell is somebody who terrifies Ezra and he’s not going to want Sidwell on the loose. And I’m not sure Ezra would necessarily help with anything to do with Sidwell. But you never know.

General Hospital: Curtis’ Life on the Line

General Hospital Fall spoilers say Curtis may get help from a surprising source if he lives long enough to accept it. That to me definitely sounds like Curtis is injured possibly seriously. We’ll see. That might have something to do with the attack. But even though the leakers said Sidwell is attacked, them saying Curtis is caught in the crossfire means he might be seriously injured. So, Jordan might even go to Willow Tait Corinthos (Katelyn MacMullen) for help.

I think the most surprising source would be Kai Taylor (Jens Austin Astrup). He might see how stressed Portia and Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali) are after this. And Kai might appeal to have Curtis’s sentence lessened. He could make a victim impact statement asking for leniency. In the meanwhile, Sidwell escapes and wreaks havoc one last time, and that would be a lot of soapy fun for November sweeps.

Consider this my official resignation from wearing stiff trousers five days a week. As much as I love how polished they look, I’d rather spend an eight-hour workday in something soft, stretchy and considerably easier to move in. Thankfully, a good fall dress can give me the best of both worlds.

I found 13 polished styles that I’d happily wear for everything from meetings to after-work plans, including cozy knit dresses, flattering wrap silhouettes and expensive-looking maxis. Some are classic and understated, while others feature fall trends like chocolate brown, leopard print and lace trim. With prices starting at $19, I’m more than ready to give my trouser collection a few days off.

13 Comfy Office Dresses That Have Me Ditching Trousers

1. Our Favorite: If I’m going to trade my trousers for a dress, I want it to be as comfy as this pleated sweater dress. The soft wool-blend material, waist-defining tie belt and flowy pleated skirt give me all the polish I want.

2. Boss Energy: I’m clearly not the only one who wants this black midi dress in my workwear rotation — it’s already a bestseller. The one-and-done style looks just as chic with a blazer and pointed flats as it does with heels and gold jewelry after hours.

3. Comfort Queen: A stretchy smocked bodice is exactly what I want when I’m sitting at my desk for eight hours. This flowy work dress balances that comfort with a square neckline, long sleeves and tiered skirt that make it polished enough for the office.

4. Rich Mom-Approved: This chocolate brown dress looks exactly like an effortless piece worn by a stylish rich mom. Add a chic blazer, pointed-toe heels and gold jewelry for the full effect.

5. Tummy-Flattering: I’m drawn to wrap silhouettes when I want a little extra definition around my waist with a slimming effect. This ribbed sweater dress nails the look with a crossover neckline and adjustable tie.

Related: 17 Throw-On Amazon Dresses With ‘Rich Mom Running Errands’ Energy

There’s a very specific kind of rich mom style worth channeling this fall, and it’s inspired by the woman who somehow looks put together while grabbing coffee, getting groceries or knocking out errands. Her outfit looks expensive, but more importantly, it feels effortless — and a throw-on dress might be the easiest way to recreate […]

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6. Easy Does It: On days when I basically want to be extra comfy, I reach for this T-shirt maxi dress. The soft, stretchy fabric keeps things comfy, and the knotted waist flatters the midsection.

7. Compliment Magnet: I can already picture coworkers asking where I got this polo maxi dress. It’s simple enough to throw on without thinking, but the contrast trim and fitted shape make it way more interesting than your average work dress.

8. CEO Style: If the goal is to look like I run the meeting, then I’m showing up in this ivory knit dress. Between the polished cream shade and oversized gold buttons, this pick has that rich-lady look I aim to recreate for less.

9. Sweater Weather: This cable-knit dress is perfect for chilly mornings when getting out of pajamas feels like an accomplishment. It’s basically a cozy sweater turned into an entire outfit, which is the kind of low-effort workwear I want.

10. Pumpkin Spice: This rust-hued sweater dress is basically everything I want to wear once fall officially hits. I can see it worn with knee-high boots and a suede bag for an office outfit that practically screams ‘October.’

11. Leopard Lover: If my office wardrobe starts to feel a little boring, this leopard-print dress is just the fix. The solid black top keeps it work-friendly, while the swishy printed skirt brings enough personality.

12. Top Trending: Lace-trim pieces are everywhere right now, so naturally this mini sweater dress caught my eye. I love how the hem peeks out from underneath, making it feel way more fashion-forward.

13. Closet Staple: Sometimes the simplest work dresses end up getting the most wear, and I have a feeling this sweater maxi dress would be one of them. It comes in everything from easy neutrals to pretty pink, blue and green shades.

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

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Related: 17 Chic Fall Amazon Blouses That Look Like Boutique Bestsellers

Before I became a shopping editor, I spent years working at a boutique, where I learned pretty quickly which pieces customers couldn’t resist. Come fall, pretty blouses were always in the mix — especially styles with rich colors, romantic details and an expensive-looking finish. Some were the kind of pieces I could barely get onto […]

Several lawsuits filed against the manufacturers of the GLP-1 drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro claim that some patients experienced sudden vision loss after taking the medications. The complaints were filed against Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.

RELATED: Aht Aht! Boston Richey Reacts After Fans Question His Weight Loss Following New Video (WATCH)

Lawsuits Claim GLP-1 Drugs Carry Risk Of Vision Loss

Multiple lawsuits were filed against the manufacturers of the GLP-1 drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, according to the Wall Street Journal. The complaints claim that patients were not warned of a specific potential side effect caused by the drugs known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION.

The vision loss is usually permanent, but folks with diabetes are reportedly at an increased risk regardless of using GLP-1 drugs, according to ABC News.

However, the manufacturer of Wegovy and Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, said that the lawsuits are “without merit,” according to ABC News. A statement from Novo reportedly says that the company takes “all reports of adverse events very seriously,” and “Novo believes the personal injury lawsuits filed in the U.S. are without merit and are vigorously defending them.”

The manufacturer Mounjaro and Zepbound, Eli Lilly, also shared a statement about safety.

“Patient safety is Lilly’s top priority,” it reads, per ABC News. “We actively monitor, evaluate, and report safety information for all our medicines to the FDA. As part of our routine safety review process, we have ongoing discussions with regulators regarding potential safety topics, and we will continue to review data, including any data regarding ophthalmic issues.”

The FDA also issued a statement saying they monitored the drugs for safety, per ABC News.

“The FDA routinely monitors the safety of drug products postmarketing,” it reads. “The FDA identifies safety signals from a variety of sources, evaluates the available data, and takes regulatory actions when appropriate.”

WHDH in Boston reports that thousands of personal-injury vision-loss lawsuits have been filed against the drug makers. Researchers have reportedly been studying a link between GLP-12 drugs and NAION since 2024. However, no study has proved that GLP-1 drugs cause the disorder.

Roomie Reactions Are Mixed

Roomies reacted to the news after it was shared on TSR‘s Instagram page. Several folks noted that they’d used a GLP-1 drug and had no issues, while others issued jokes.

User @breeeeia wrote, “I’ll just keep my back big because baby I’m already squinting as it is 😭.”

@xo.eryn.xo replied, “30lbs down and i can still see, Praise the Lord 🤣.”

User @xo_.honey wrote, “They tell you on that LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG paper that comes in the box lol.”

User @livin.laviissh replied, “Yeah im not sacrificing my eyesight to lose a couple pounds like how am i supposed to see the changes? 😂😂😂😂.”

@datboul_jaereal added, “Walking around blind and skinny like stinkmeaner from the boondocks😂😂😂.”

@domdomda_bomb issued a warning. “My bf mom is a diabetic on Mounjaro and lost almost all of her eyesight in her right eye. Be careful everyone and stay prayed up.”

User @shawndean773 joked, “They said you wanna be big… or you wanna see!?.”

@_coachg30 noted, “Hopefully they see it through.”

@tammiethehairtrapper wrote, “Everybody gone be fine & blind .. 😂😂😂.”

User @katrinarosee26 added, “The only thing i can’t see is my waist. Bye!.”

@therealashleywalker replied, “These comments are diabolical 😂.”

User @matthew_bowman05 wrote, “You might be blind, but you gone be fine!”

Lawsuits Also Claim Ozempic Causes Gastroparesis

According to ConsumerNotice.org, several lawsuits also claim the drug Ozempic causes a stomach paralysis known as gastroparesis, per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

The condition slows or stops food from moving from the stomach to the small intestine despite there being no stomach or intestinal blockage.

The lawsuits claim that Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs were linked to gastroparesis, as well as intestinal blockages called ileus. Symptoms included severe nausea, vomiting lasting for weeks, abdominal pain, significant weight loss, and vision loss (NAION).

RELATED: Clapback Season! Alabama Barker Teases Ozempic Plans Following Body-Shaming Comments From Trolls Online (VIDEO)

It’s been less than 24 hours since we learned the grand jury findings in the case of Nolan Wells‘ death. Ultimately, the jury found insufficient evidence to support any criminal wrongdoing charges. Nolan’s family lawyers addressed the decision in a statement and later in a press conference. His mother, Christine Wonsley, stated that she’s not convinced he died by accidental wrongdoing. Meanwhile, social media users

RELATED: Lawyers For Nolan Wells’ Family Respond After Grand Jury Finds Insufficient Evidence Of Criminal Wrongdoing In His Death

Recap Of What The Grand Jury Said About Nolan Wells’ Death

District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath announced the no-charges decision on Sept. 21. The update comes after months of intense speculation about how the 18-year-old disappeared from a popping party and why the friends who ferried Wells to the island left without him.

The grand jury in Jackson County, Mississippi, found no evidence of criminal conduct. It noted that examinations of his body by the Mississippi medical examiner’s office and an independent forensic pathologist found the cause and manner of death to be undetermined. Nolan Wells’ family hired the independent pathologist.

“If credible evidence comes to light in the future that suggests Mr. Wells’ death was non-accidental, this matter should be represented to the Jackson County Grand Jury for further consideration,” the panel’s report said.

The grand jury also debunked public assertions that Wells was the only Black person on Horn Island on July 4.

“These false assertions have led to misidentification, speculation and rumors concerning the death of Mr. Wells,” it said.

The report concluded with the panel expressing sympathy for Wells’ family. “The evidence received in this matter convinced the Grand Jury of Mr. Wells’ outstanding character,” it said.