Calling The Sopranos the greatest television series ever made is a little like calling Citizen Kane the greatest film ever made. It’s the obvious choice, but that shouldn’t dissuade younger viewers from seeking either one out. Both The Sopranos and Citizen Kane have rightfully earned reputations as towering works of prestige entertainment with a significant influence on their respective mediums. But both also have a secret weapon up their sleeves: They’re really damn entertaining.

The Sopranos was often one of the funniest television shows, and its sense of humor became a defining characteristic of early prestige dramas. While The Godfather and Goodfellas were clear influences on the world that David Chase imagined, seeing the everyday inner workings of the mafia was unprecedented. Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) struggling to balance his criminal empire with suburban family life is the heart of the series’ drama. Still, it is also the source of some of its funniest moments.

The supporting cast and their banter also made the series feel remarkably lived-in. Many of The Sopranos’ most acclaimed episodes revolve around Tony, including Season 1’s “College,” Season 2’s “Funhouse,” and Season 5’s “The Test Dream.” Yet the show’s sprawling narrative also allowed supporting characters to take center stage without sacrificing quality. No episode proves that better than Season 3’s “Pine Barrens.” More than two decades after its HBO debut on May 6, 2001, it remains one of the funniest and most influential episodes The Sopranos ever aired.

‘Pine Barrens’ Turns ‘The Sopranos’ Into a Perfect Comedy

Image by Nimesh Niyomal Perera

As Tony weighs a future with his fling Gloria Trillo (Annabella Sciorra), he dispatches his nephew Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) and right-hand man Paulie Gualtieri (Tony Sirico) to complete a transaction with Russian mobster Valery (Vitali Baganov). Christopher and Paulie, who are frequently at odds, initiate a seemingly lethal brawl with the eccentric Russian and plan to dump his body in the Pine Barrens. Unfortunately, Valery survives the attack and disappears into the freezing woods, forcing the pair into an increasingly desperate search.

The trek through the wilderness is miserable for them, but it becomes a hilarious worst-case scenario for the audience. Cut off from Tony by poor reception and increasingly convinced they are doomed, Christopher and Paulie spend the episode arguing, panicking, and making every possible bad decision. Their supposedly simple assignment quickly devolves into one of television’s greatest comedies of errors, allowing viewers to revel in their distress.

Part of the episode’s inherent humor comes from pairing the two mobsters least equipped to work together. Both men are impulsive, but much of Paulie’s resentment stems from his refusal to accept that Christopher may one day lead the family. Christopher is not technically Tony’s nephew, but rather a distant cousin of Tony’s wife Carmela (Edie Falco). Nonetheless, the two are bound by blood, and Christopher remains Tony’s presumed successor. Paulie’s reverence for his boss frequently reaches absurd levels, causing him to compete with Christopher for Tony’s attention like a child fighting for the approval of a favorite parent.

Seeing these two selfish, paranoid man-children forced to rely on one another grows even funnier as they begin to recognize each other’s usefulness in their own unusual ways. It takes a hellish mission gone wrong for the two men to become too exhausted to continue blaming one another. Their induced madness is somehow the only thing capable of drawing out even a flicker of empathy.

This is also one of Gandolfini’s best comedic performances, even though Tony sits out most of the main action and simply barks orders from afar. His unusually upbeat mood, brought on by his affair with Gloria, quickly disappears when he learns of his henchmen’s incompetence, and no one could scream over the phone quite like Gandolfini. Tony’s breakdown into laughter when he sees the affable Bobby Baccalieri (Steve Schirripa) decked out in outdoor gear, spurred by a raunchy real-life prank designed to capture Gandolfini’s genuine reaction, remains one of the most authentic laughs in the entire series.

‘Pine Barrens’ Perfectly Captures What Made ‘The Sopranos’ Revolutionary

The brilliance of “Pine Barrens” is that Christopher and Paulie’s detour mirrors the larger narrative rhythm of the series, transforming what initially seems like a B-plot into the episode’s dominant storyline. The episode arrives near the end of Season 3, when nearly every character is under considerable pressure. Tony’s daughter Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) is locked in a conflict with her criminally inclined boyfriend Jackie Jr. (Jason Cerbone), Gloria’s erratic behavior threatens Tony’s decision-making, and Tony’s therapist Dr. Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) continues recovering from a traumatic assault. Yet, much like Christopher and Paulie’s supposedly simple mission, all of these intense storylines are temporarily derailed.

That willingness to wander is exactly what made The Sopranos revolutionary. It refused to conform to the expectations of either episodic television or tightly serialized storytelling, allowing its narrative to unfold at a more natural pace. Some consequences did not become apparent for several seasons, while other storylines were left hanging without a clean resolution or the satisfaction of a definitive answer. None is more famous than the show’s lingering final shot. Like real life, The Sopranos allowed itself to be heartbreaking, hilarious, exhausting, and even irritating.

That approach occasionally produced storylines that divided audiences, including Vito Spatafore’s (Joseph R. Gannascoli) retreat to New Hampshire in the first half of Season 6 or the increasingly frustrating ramblings of Tony’s son A.J. (Robert Iler). At its best, however, it transformed a story as seemingly trivial as the one in “Pine Barrens” into something equally farcical and poignant. Much of the credit belongs to director and eventual Season 5 co-star Steve Buscemi, whose experience helming slice-of-life independent films like Trees Lounge and Animal Factory proved invaluable when balancing realism with situational comedy.

“Pine Barrens” does not end with Christopher and Paulie luring Valery into an intense final standoff, nor does it culminate in a haunting shot of him escaping into the distance. Instead, it concludes with a spare reprimand from Tony as he, Bobby, Christopher, and Paulie sit together during a car ride quieter than anything they encountered in the empty woods. Just a few episodes later, Christopher and Paulie are snapping at each other once again. That nobody learns anything from the ordeal somehow makes the episode even funnier. They survive one of the worst days of their lives, only to resume bickering as though nothing ever happened.

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The Sopranos

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Release Date

1999 – 2007

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Network

HBO

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Showrunner

David Chase

Directors

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Tim Van Patten, John Patterson, Alan Taylor, Jack Bender, Steve Buscemi, Daniel Attias, David Chase, Andy Wolk, Danny Leiner, David Nutter, James Hayman, Lee Tamahori, Lorraine Senna, Matthew Penn, Mike Figgis, Nick Gomez, Peter Bogdanovich, Phil Abraham, Rodrigo García

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley and his family are reportedly safe after authorities say they were victims of an attempted burglary.

According to the Tredyffrin Township Police Department, officers were dispatched to respond to a burglary at the 29-year-old NFL star’s Pennsylvania home on Saturday, July 18, shortly after 5:00 a.m. ET. According to authorities, the alleged suspects fled the area prior to the officers’ arrival.

“They were home, and fortunately, as you know, with any situation like this, our main concern is that the residents of that home at the time were unharmed, which they were,” Capt. Tyler Moyer told reporters, per ESPN. “They were fine afterwards, obviously unsettled as anyone would be.”

The Pennsylvania’s Chester County District Attorney’s Office also issued a public statement via social media in the wake of the incident, saying detectives are assisting the local police department with their ongoing investigation.

“We are incredibly grateful that the Barkley family was not injured during this incident,” the District Attorney’s office said in the statement. “We are asking the public to help us identify those responsible by checking any home security cameras for suspicious activity in the area around 5:00 a.m. If you saw anything unusual or have video that may assist investigators, please contact the Tredyffrin Township Police Department immediately.

A slew of high-profile athletes, including Kansas City Chiefs players Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, have been the targets of burglaries or attempted burglaries as of late, prompting the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to investigate whether the break-ins are “connected to a transnational crime ring such as one from South America,” per a November 2024 NBC News report.

At the time, local law enforcement sources told ABC News that the investigation cannot “discount a local person” being involved in the string of incidents either, noting that “it’s very easy” to predict when athletes will not be home due to their very public game and practice schedules.

Around the time both Kelce, 36, and Mahomes, 30, homes were targeted, Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis also claimed his “prized possessions” were stolen from his home while he was playing in a game.

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley Jr. also reported in September that same year that people broke into his home while he was attending a Minnesota Vikings game.

Capt. Moyer told local Philadelphia media outlet WCAU-TV that local authorities are not ruling out a possible connection between the incident targeting Barkley’s home and the incidents involving other athletes.

“We will look at all angles of this because we know, obviously, it’s been all over the news in the past few years about different professional athletes’ homes getting burglarized,” he said.

Championship boxer Hannah Rapp has died. She was 26.

“On Saturday, July 18, 2026, just before 10:00 a.m., deputies with the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 2300 block of FM 150 in reference to a major crash involving a vehicle and a bicyclist,” a statement issued by the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office via their official Facebook page read in part, announcing the athlete’s untimely death.

“Initial reports indicated that a vehicle had struck a bicyclist, leaving an adult female lying in the roadway,” the statement continued. “First responders arrived on scene and provided emergency medical care before the victim was transported to a local hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, she later passed away at the hospital.”

The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office then identified the woman as “26-year-old Hannah Rapp,” an exciting and promising boxer who ran track at Purdue University before relocating to College Station, Texas, where she became a professional athlete while also working as a full-time fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M University.

“During the course of the investigation, investigators learned that the driver of the vehicle, identified as 31-year-old Charles Medina, had passed two bicyclists traveling along FM 159,” the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office continued in the same statement. “After passing the bicyclists, Mr. Medina stopped his vehicle, reversed, and struck one of the cyclists.”’

The authorities continued, “At this time, investigators believe this was an isolated incident. The investigation remains active and ongoing as detectives continue to gather evidence and review all available information.”

According to the statement, Medina was arrested, “charged with manslaughter” and taken to the county’s detention center “without incident.”

“The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office extends his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Hannah Rapp during this difficult time,” the authorities concluded.

Prior to her death, Rapp — who was born in Indiana — boasted an impressive 8-0-1 boxing record before she lost a World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight title fight against Tiara Brown, who paid tribute to the late athlete on social media in the wake of her shocking death.

“I will never let your name fade Hanna [sic],” Brown wrote via her Instagram Stories on Saturday, over a photo of the competitors hugging in the ring and a black-and-white photo of Rapp posing for the cameras with her fists up.

In a comment on a separate Instagram post also paying tribute to Rapp, Brown described the late athlete as “the best dance partner I have ever faced as a pro.”

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“When you asked for my autograph, it filled my heart because we were getting ready for war, yet she was still asking for my autograph,” Brown continued in the comment, per ESPN. “It made me smile, we fought a GREAT fight for the fans from the 1st bell to the last! It was my honor to share the ring with her.”

Mauricio Sulaimán, president of the WBC, also issued a statement acknowledging Rapp’s tragic passing, her contribution to the sport and the pain her friends, family and many fans must be in as a result of her death.

“The loss of Hannah Rapp leaves us heartbroken,” Sulaiman said in a written statement shared on the WBC’s website. “She was an exceptional boxer, but above all, an invaluable member of our boxing family. We join in the grief that overwhelms her loved ones, her team, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and supporting her throughout her brilliant career.”

If you’re a movie fan, you’re probably going to watch Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey at some point.

The epic adaptation of Homer’s classic poem starring Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya and more is projected to top the box office this weekend and probably the rest of the summer.

If you have already watched the film and are craving more ancient history spectacle, or simply want to watch a good film, you’re in luck.

Watch With Us has curated a list of films you should watch if you like The Odyssey and can’t get enough of Hellenic heroism and sweaty men killing each other on the battlefield.

‘Troy’ (2004) – YouTube

The most obvious pick on this list, Troy is also the most satisfying – especially for those looking for more traditional epic movie thrills. Brad Pitt stars as Achilles, Greece’s greatest warrior, who is called into battle when pretty-boy Paris (Orlando Bloom) romances the married Queen Helen (Diane Kruger) and takes her to his hometown, Troy. Troy is well defended by Hector (Eric Bana), Paris’ older brother and a warrior equal to Achilles, and the city’s walls, which are heavily fortified. The only way to penetrate Troy – and get Helen back – is for the Greeks to sneak in, and what better way to do that than by building a giant wooden horse to hide in?

Directed by Wolfgang Peterson, Troy is a loose adaptation of Homer’s The Iliad – think of it as a more action-packed prequel to The Odyssey. The film itself is less cerebral than Nolan’s film – it’s focused more on staging elaborate scenes of armies attacking each other on beaches and within Troy itself. Taking it as it is, Troy is great entertainment – a thrilling, old-school spectacle of brawn, testosterone and military glory. The all-star cast looks great, even when they’re covered in sweat, blood and tears, with Pitt’s Achilles outmogging everyone, even Helen. Odysseus (Sean Bean) appears as a supporting character, but he’s important – he’s the genius who comes up with the idea for the Trojan Horse, which turns the tide of the war.

‘The Return’ (2024) – Paramount+

What happens after the Trojan War, when the remaining soldiers have to return home and grapple with everything they’ve done to survive? That’s what Nolan explores in his Odyssey, but he’s not the first to adapt the ancient text. Just two years ago, Uberto Pasolini released his version of the tale, The Return, which adapts the second part of the poem. As a result, Penelope (Juliette Binoche) is more of a lead character than Anne Hathaway is in The Odyssey, as she has to reconcile with her husband’s probable death and consider remarriage with a host of suitors. Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes) is still alive, though, and he’s not too happy to find out his beloved wife has finally moved on from him.

Less an epic film and more of a domestic drama, The Return probes the psychology of its married couple as well as their son, Telemachus (Charlie Plummer), who gradually becomes affected by all the violence he sees when his father returns. Don’t expect Greek gods in The Return; Pasolini is interested in only the human drama between an estranged husband and wife who still love each other and a child who is ready to leave them behind for good.

‘Spartacus’ (1960) – Prime Video

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The Odyssey has been hailed as an intelligent epic by some critics, but Nolan isn’t the first to combine large-scale battle sequences with complex characterization and bravura filmmaking. Stanley Kubrick’s Spartacus revolutionized the epic movie genre in 1960 and became that year’s top-grossing film, beating out other classics like Psycho, The Apartment and The Magnificent Seven.

Born in slavery and raised in chains, Roman citizen Spartacus (Kirk Douglas) has never known true freedom. When he’s sold to a gladiator trainer and commanded to fight to the death to entertain the Roman elite, something inside Spartacus snaps. He refuses, causing a rebellion that sees the city’s slaves wage war against their oppressors. But law and order must be preserved at all costs, and General Marcus Licinius Crassus (Laurence Olivier) is determined to quash the rebellion as quickly as it started — and consolidate his power in Rome in the process.

Spartacus is a strange hybrid of a traditional sword-and-sandal epic like 1953’s The Robe and 1956’s The Ten Commandments and a psychological character study like Kubrick’s Paths of Glory. The result is a one-of-a-kind epic, a spectacle that dazzles the eyes and engages your mind. Spartacus was nominated for six Academy Awards in 1961 and won four, including Best Supporting Actor for Peter Ustinov.

Fitted dresses had their moment, but thankfully, the fashion world has moved on to options that are just as comfy as they are stylish. The latest dress trend is flowy, delicate and much more flattering than the form-fitting options of the past, and these 13 boutiquey ‘nightgown’ dresses nail the look. Even better, our favorites start at only $4!

Nightgown dresses are defined by their dainty, boutique-like details, lightweight fabrics and loose silhouettes, plus occasional ruffles, florals and other luxe-looking embellishments. Whether you’re searching for a chic dress for errands, baby showers, summer vacations and beyond, these comfy picks have you covered.

13 Nightgown Dresses — From $4

1. Our Favorite: Made with 100% cotton fabric, this floral midi dress is as breathable as it is chic. The ruffle neckline makes it extra special.

2. Cute and Crisp: Channel East Coast vibes in a preppy striped dress. Frilly straps add cutesy flair.

3. Bestseller Alert: Thousands of reviewers rave about this lace-embellished midi dress, specifically the fit, feel and dressy-casual versatility.

4. Miss Polished: When you want to look exceptionally put-together, this flutter-sleeve mini is an easy choice. Add sandals and go!

5. Boutique Vibes: Dreamy and luxe, this $15 tank dress looks straight out of a Hamptons boutique. The tulip print is optional, but it’s a must-have for Us!

Related: Free People Has a Secret Collection on Amazon — Chic Summer Pieces From $12

If you think getting your Free People fix requires trudging to the mall, think again. Amazon is overflowing with the brand’s boho best, including dresses, tops, pants, jeans and everything in between. Better yet, the most stylish pieces start at just $12! These chic wardrobe staples make every outfit look quietly luxe, whether you’re running […]

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6. Gingham Print: Even Kate Middleton is wearing gingham print this summer. Nail the look with this nap-ready number.

7. Like Loungewear: If you live in loungewear, you’ll adore this stretchy maxi that “feels like wearing nothing at all,” per one shopper.

8. Expensive Aesthetic: People will assume you dropped hundreds on Nordstrom’s relaxed-fitting maxi. Lace, pleats and crochet are just a few highlights.

9. Yacht Wife: This easy, laid-back mini dress radiates nautical energy, thanks to the coastal stripes and classic knee length.

10. English Countryside: Elizabeth Bennet, is that you? Decorated with lace and roses, this billowy midi dress is incredibly romantic.

11. Colors Galore: From solid colors to understated prints and bold designs, this stylish dress suits every mood and moment.

12. Detail Person: Flower-shaped buttons, pink roses, a sale tag! This scoop-neck midi should cost triple, but we’re not complaining.

13. Sexy Satin: Dress up this silky mini dress with sandals and a clutch, or down with slippers and a glass of wine. You’ll stun regardless.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 9 seconds ago

I’m on the record as being a very big fan of Solo: A Star Wars Story. While I still think Lucasfilm made a mistake by firing Lord and Miller (like, can you imagine the Spider-Verse guys directing a movie set in that galaxy far, far away?!), this is a very solid standalone film. Talented actors bring familiar characters like Han Solo and Lando Calrissian to vivid life. Additionally, the film introduces a colorful assortment of new characters, including the beautiful Qi’ra and the scheming Dryden Vos. However, none of the newbies are quite as entertaining as L3-37, the droid voiced by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

The movie presents her as a kind of love interest for Lando, with dialogue hinting at a sexual relationship between them. As disturbing as it is to ponder the scoundrel having a living (non)Fleshlight, that’s not the most disturbing thing about this character. Towards the end of Solo, this plucky droid is uploaded into the Millennium Falcon’s computer, meaning she is technically part of the entire Original Trilogy and Sequel Trilogy. This retroactively ruins The Empire Strikes Back, making Lando seem like a heartless monster while forcing us to question if L3-37 nearly got our favorite heroes killed.

Bringing A Third Into The Cockpit

The revelation that L3-37 was part of the Millennium Falcon’s computer retroactively makes many events in the Original Trilogy kind of weird, in retrospect. For example, she was technically part of the Battle of Yavin. Remember when Han Solo showed up at the last minute and nearly got Darth Vader killed? If the Sith Lord had actually bitten the dust, L3-37 would have gotten the assist! She was also in the Falcon when Lando Calrissian led the attack against the second Death Star. That means that she and Wedge Antilles are basically the only living things to have fought against both Death Stars, landing them a place in the galaxy’s history books.

While all of that is pretty cool, L3-37’s presence in the Millennium Falcon’s computer arguably makes the events of The Empire Strikes Back much, much weirder. For example, we see Lando make no real effort to check in on his old flame despite knowing she is still in there (before you finish typing the comment: yes, he checks in on her in a short story, but we never see it onscreen, and 99 percent of fans will never read that book). This, combined with his gambling the ship away in the first place, makes him seem like a monster that never really cared about her in the first place. 

The Most Important Droid In The Galaxy?

Additionally, L3-37 being in the Falcon retroactively makes our heroes’ hyperspace issues in the second Star Wars movie problematic. There are some cute moments, of course: when C-3PO gripes about the computer having an “appalling dialect,” we now know that Lando’s old droid was basically cussing him out. That’s funny, but it also implies that L3-37 was effectively hindering repairs to the ship that were necessary to help Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Chewbacca escape the Empire. Everyone loves a droid with some attitude (just ask Star Wars fans who love Chopper!), but it’s hard to root for L3-37 when she’s clapping back so hard that it nearly gets our heroes killed.

At any rate, this snarky droid gets multiple chances to redeem herself. In addition to helping with the attack on the second Death Star, she was part of the attack on Exegol that freed the galaxy, once and for all, from Emperor Palpatine. In this sense, it’s fair to say that she helped save countless lives throughout the entire galaxy far, far away. Forget all the pilots, Jedi, smugglers, and soldiers that we see onscreen. At the end of the day, the greatest hero in Star Wars just happens to be Lando Calrissian’s former sex toy!

Adam Sandler may have been legally prepared to marry Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, but their wedding guests initially believed his appearance at the altar was part of a comedy routine.

Jonathan Thomas, CEO of American Century Investments, attended the couple’s July 3 ceremony at Madison Square Garden and revealed that approximately 1,000 guests burst out laughing when Sandler made his entrance.

The laughter quickly disappeared as the comedian delivered a surprisingly emotional ceremony that reportedly included jokes, songs, marriage advice, and nearly an hour of personal vows from the bride and groom.

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Thomas recalled the unexpected moment during an appearance on “The Compound and Friends” podcast. “Adam Sandler officiated it,” Thomas told hosts Sean Russo and Downtown Josh Brown. “He came down, everybody laughed and thought it was a joke at first.”

Sandler had reportedly become legally ordained so he could marry Swift and Kelce, whom he befriended while working with the NFL star on “Happy Gilmore 2.”

Once guests realized he was serious, Sandler spoke for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. “He actually spoke for 20 or 30 minutes, vacillated between funny, very sincere, [and] sang a few things,” Thomas explained.

The “50 First Dates” actor also modified a traditional line from the wedding vows to acknowledge the couple’s enormous financial success. “In your typical vows, the officiator says, ‘For rich or for poor,’ and he said, ‘You’re not going to have to worry about that,’” Thomas recalled.

Swift’s net worth has been estimated at approximately $2 billion, while Kelce has accumulated millions through his NFL career, endorsements, media projects, and business investments.

Sandler Offered The Couple Simple Marriage Advice

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Beneath the jokes, Sandler reportedly delivered a straightforward message about maintaining affection throughout the marriage. “Kiss each other every day, in the morning, at night, after dinner, just kiss often,” Thomas recalled the actor telling Swift and Kelce. The advice reflected the balance Sandler brought to the ceremony: enough humor to keep the massive crowd entertained, but enough sincerity to match the significance of the moment.

Sandler has long spoken warmly about both newlyweds. He previously described Kelce as “gentle,” “nice,” and “funny as hell” after casting the Kansas City Chiefs star in “Happy Gilmore 2.” The comedian has also admitted that Swift’s music holds special meaning for his family. His daughters, Sadie and Sunny, are longtime fans, and he once revealed that the singer’s song “The Best Day” made his wife and children emotional.

Travis Kelce’s Vows Left NFL Stars Crying

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Although Sandler’s entrance produced laughter, Kelce’s handwritten vows reportedly had a very different effect on the room. “Travis went first with his vows,” Thomas said. “He probably spoke for 30 minutes, and I don’t want to violate his privacy, but I was crying, which I was trying to hold back.”

Thomas said Kelce made himself “unbelievably vulnerable” as he addressed Swift.

The financial executive initially attempted to hide his emotions before realizing that many of the football players around him were also crying. “I look around, and there’s all these 300-pound men from the football business crying as well, so I felt really comfortable to let go,” he recalled. “It was very, very powerful.”

Swift followed with vows Thomas described as “poetic.” “She also wrote her own vows,” he said. “She probably spoke for 30 minutes, and it was poetic. It was really well done.”

Thomas characterized the overall ceremony as “very solemn, very sincere, very emotional,” despite the laughter caused by Sandler’s arrival.

Madison Square Garden Was Transformed For The Reception

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Following the ceremony, guests entered an elaborate reception space that Thomas said looked nothing like the famous Manhattan arena. “You would never guess you’re in Madison Square Garden the way they did it,” he explained.

Guests reportedly walked through a massive castle structure before reaching an area containing games, expensive giveaways, and a performance stage.

Swift initially sang with Paul McCartney before performing alongside Stevie Nicks. Other musicians reportedly joined the stage as the night continued. “Everyone in the entertainment industry, they just popped up onstage and sang songs,” Thomas recalled.

The dance floor was equally star-studded, with Thomas and his wife finding themselves near McCartney, Brad Pitt, Cindy Crawford, and numerous other high-profile guests.

The Couple Wanted Every Guest Entertained

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Thomas said the newlyweds appeared to design the second half of the celebration around their guests rather than treating the reception as a performance solely focused on themselves. “They went over the top to make sure everybody had a great time,” he said.

The wedding reportedly cost tens of millions of dollars and included luxury gifts for attendees, although the final price has not been publicly confirmed.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs‘ twin daughters, Jessie and D’Lila Combs, are launching a new business, and they have no fears. In a new interview, the 19-year-old entrepreneurs explained why now was the perfect time to launch their new fashion line and why they were unafraid of their father’s legal woes weighing them down.

While speaking with Entertainment Tonight, the twin girls, whom Diddy had with the late Kim Porter, said they weren’t concerned that their dad’s ongoing legal woes would harm their business ventures. “Not at all,” they said confidently.

But why are D’Lila and Jessie so confident that their new fashion line will succeed despite their father being behind bars after being found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution?

“Because people fail to realize that just because he’s our dad doesn’t mean—like his press is his own press,” D’Lila said. “Our press is our own press. Like people fail to understand that we are also individuals. Like it’s separate. So, I don’t have any fear.”

Diddy’s Daughters Said They Weren’t Letting Any Of The Negative Headlines Stop Them From Pursuing Their Dreams

In October 2025, Diddy’s federal trial concluded with a judge sentencing him to 50 months in federal prison.

His trial took place in the Federal District Court in Manhattan, and while the jury acquitted him of major racketeering and sex trafficking charges, they found him guilty on the lesser counts of transporting people for prostitution.

Although hearing that their dad would be imprisoned for a little over four years was hard, Jessie said that the news surrounding him wasn’t going to stop them from reaching for the stars.

“I just feel like we’ve never like allowed any of that to stop us,” she said. “Like we have to keep going. And it’s honestly just made us push and work harder because you know we we’re not going to stop.”

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Where Do Jessie And D’Lila Stand With Diddy Today Despite His Imprisonment?

And even though Diddy has been tucked away at FCI Fort Dix since last fall, the twins shared that they continue to have a wonderful relationship with him.

“We definitely are very close and he gives the best advice,” Jessie said. “He’s always going to be there and he’s always going to tell us the right answers. He’s literally like never wrong. Like everything that like he has told us about this, it’s been so helpful.”

Jessie also shed a little light on how their dad has been behind bars, stating that he’s been “very focused” on being a good person and being there for his family.

The Rapper’s Children Spoke To The Court

Diddy’s children shared a similar message during a 2025 court hearing, per The Blast. Justin Combs called the “Finna Get Loose” rapper his “superhero” while pleading with the judge to give him a “second chance.”

“I can truly sincerely say he’s changed for the better,” Justin continued. “Your honor, I believe my dad still has so much more to give the world, but even more importantly, so much more to give his children.”

Diddy’s other son, Quincy Combs, echoed his brother’s statement, telling the judge that his dad had learned “a major lesson” throughout his legal woes. He went on to say that the 56-year-old had been “transformed” and would do better moving forward.

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Why Are The Twins Starting Their Fashion Line Now?

According to a previous report from The Blast, Jessie and D’Lila’s streetwear line, 12TWINTY1, is officially available for purchase. The line, which features both men’s and women’s clothing, includes hoodies, tanks, oversized tees, and more.

In their latest interview, the teenagers revealed why now was the right time for them to launch their products after dreaming of this day for “many, many years.”

“Now is the time because we’re becoming adults. So now, yes, actually, now is the time because we’re 19-years-old. We’re not in high school anymore. We’re becoming young women. We’re becoming our own individuals,” D’Lila shared.

Like the relentless Deadites that have been there from its start in 1981, the Evil Dead franchise simply won’t die. The latest installment, Evil Dead Burn, has again revived interest in the franchise, reminding moviegoers to be careful about the books they take out of the library. But despite its “Fresh” Rotten Tomatoes score, the film, like 2013’s Evil Dead and Evil Dead Rise before it, is missing the franchise’s arrogant, quip-heavy, bumbling heart: Bruce Campbell‘s chainsaw-wielding Ash Williams. At least in any sort of meaningful way: a brief after-credits cameo in Evil Dead, a voice-only cameo that may be him in Evil Dead Rise, and appearances in photos that, again, may be him in Evil Dead Burn don’t really cut it. Which is why the TV series that centers around Ash Williams, Ash vs Evil Dead, stands as one of the best entries in the Evil Dead franchise as a whole.

What Is ‘Ash vs Evil Dead’ About?

Ash vs Evil Dead picks up thirty years after Ash took out a Deadite with his boomstick at a Michigan S-Mart (“shop smart, shop S-Mart”) in the final scene of Army of Darkness. During that time, he moved from town to town, picking up work at local Value Stops and living out of a mobile home trailer, with only his pet lizard, Eli, there to keep him company, all in an effort to stay ahead of the Deadites. But after reading from the Necronomicon while high, in a vain attempt at seducing a young prostitute, the evil is reawakened yet again. Things come to a head at his latest stop in Jackson, Michigan, when sinister events happening around town jar Ash’s memory about his recent misstep (remember, kids: no reading the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis while on drugs).

Ash prepares to leave town on the down-low, but is stopped by two Value Stop co-workers: Pablo Simon Bolivar (Ray Santiago) and Kelly Maxwell (Dana DeLorenzo), who have figured out that Ash is to blame for the evil being unleashed in the town. They’re reluctant to believe Ash’s account, at first, until a possessed neighbor attacks the three in Ash’s trailer. Ash, in a moment that calls back to Army of Darkness, takes control of his iconic chainsaw once again, stopping the attack and resuming the fight. This time he won’t be alone, as Pablo decides that he’ll fight alongside Ash as his sidekick, referring to Ash as “El Jefe” (“The Boss”).

Kelly, however, is reluctant, but the sudden return of her mother (Mimi Rogers), feared dead after a car accident months prior, raises Ash’s suspicions. Sure enough, despite her mother appearing normal, Ash provokes her into revealing herself as a Deadite, who kills her father (Phil Peleton) with a fork. Still, Kelly’s mother tries to convince her she’s just fine, but a final reveal of her Deadite true-self forces Kelly to accept that she is now, truly, an orphan. After Ash dispatches her, Kelly, now filled with an insatiable rage against the Deadites, joins forces with Pablo and Ash to form the “Ghost Beaters.”

They are soon joined by Ruby Knowby (Lucy Lawless), a mysterious woman who, secretly, is a demon — not just any demon, mind you, but one of the ancient Dark Ones and the author of, yes, the Necronomicon. She reveals herself in the Season 1 finale, breaking bad until the following season, when she must reluctantly join Team Ghost Beaters after losing control of her demon spawn. Revelations, deaths, rebirths, time travel, flashbacks, a fight between Ash and his possessed 1973 Delta 88, and lots and lots of blood — and laughs — permeate Ash vs Evil Dead from the start to its end after three glorious seasons.

Bruce Campbell Shines in ‘Ash vs Evil Dead’

Ash vs Evil Dead brings everything we love about the franchise while expanding on its mythology. The Necronomicon, in particular, is given a deep, troubling history that befits its status within Evil Dead. The aftermath of Evil Dead II is revealed, with the people of Elk Grove, Michigan, refusing to believe Ash’s account of Deadites being responsible for the deaths that occurred in it, accusing him of the murders and giving him the moniker “Ashy Slashy.” There’s the blood, the dark humor, the slapstick, and the practical effects (and some admittedly dodgy CGI, but not enough to derail the thrill of watching it). The supporting cast, too, is perfection: Santiago nails the progression of Pablo from kindhearted and naive sidekick to “Brujo Especial” (a powerful shaman); DeLorenzo brings swagger and sarcasm to her hard-as-nails Kelly; and Ruby might just be the most layered TV demon ever, with Lawless excelling at bringing depth, just as she did with Xena: Warrior Princess.

But make no mistake: Ash vs Evil Dead belongs to Bruce Campbell, full stop. He’s given unprecedented freedom to inhabit the iconic hero, and he makes the best of it, owning the series in a way that only the truly charismatic actors can. His story is fleshed out, giving us a far more in-depth understanding of Ash: his tragic past, the relationship with his estranged father (Lee Majors), and Brandy (Arielle Carver-O’Neill), the long-lost daughter he didn’t know he had. In Army of Darkness especially, Ash is a caricature, an anti-hero with a foul mouth and arrogance in spades. In Ash vs Evil Dead, he’s still a caricature, yes, but one with depth, a careful balancing act that Campbell has perfected with his intimate knowledge of the character.

Ash vs Evil Dead is Bruce Campbell’s last hurrah as Ash Williams, and it sends him out at the top, ready to face the Deadites again in an uncertain future. There is one certainty, however: you, dear reader, sitting your arse down and watching the entire series on Pluto TV for free.