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This review contains minor spoilers for Episode 1 of ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2. Peacemaker . © DC Studios x HBO Max Three years later, James Gunn is the co-head of DC Studios alongside Peter Safran. We've gotten Creature Commandos , where we first met Rick Flag Sr (Frank Grillo), and then we got Superman , which Peacemaker had a quick cameo in. Now we have the second season of Peacemaker , which James Gunn has said is the continuation of the events that took place in Superman and will have larger ramifications for the future of the DCU. The question that has been on everyone's mind was how this was going to integrate itself into the DCU after having its first season set in the defunct DCEU, and it provides that answer quite easily and rather fast. The first episode opens up with a "Previously on the DCU", where we get a run-through of the events of Peacemaker Season 1 and are met with changes such as the Justice League mentions being swapped for Lordtech's Justice Gang. We also get to see them make an appearance during the S1 finale, where we see Mister Terrific, Superman, Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), and Supergirl, which replaces the DCEU Superman, Aquaman, Flash and Wonder Woman. Peacemaker might've killed his father during the first season, but that hasn't brought him the peace that he thought it would, and this first episode gets to take us through some of the emotions and problems that Chris Smith has. We open the episode with Chris sleeping before Eagly (Dee Bradley Baker) rudely wakes him up so that he can be taken for a walk (a fly?), but due to it being freezing outside, Chris instead takes him into the Quantum Unfolding Chamber, where it's warm and there's a lot of flying space. The Quantum Unfolding Chamber is just as you would remember it from the first season, but now there's another set of Peacemaker helmets? A door that leads to a strange, unrecognisable room? Chris's father is alive? It's a lot for the audience and Chris to take in before the new opening credits begin to play. The new opening dance sequence might not be better than the first season's iconic theme, but it's almost just as good with the inclusion of the new characters such as Rick Flag Sr, Sasha Bordeaux and even the alternate versions of Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) and Chris's very much alive family. The intro song this time around is "Oh Lord" by Foxy Shazam, and while originally, I'd say it wasn't a song you could dance to, James Gunn proves me wrong by having the cast of Peacemaker Season 2 display their best moves. John Cena as Peacemaker and Danielle Brooks as Adebayo in Peacemaker Season 2. Courtesy of DC Studios/HBO Max. Chris saved the world; he killed the butterflies and the cow. As Adebayo (Danielle Brooks) says, "You're a superhero now." It's clear that Chris feels like he still hasn't attained that status, and this audition to join the Justice Gang might be what he needs to feel validated, but unfortunately for him, the Justice Gang is run by Lordtech CEO Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn), who's quite the asshole and that paired with Guy Gardner is a recipe for disaster. We get a quick glimpse of White Rabbit (Brey Noelle), giving our first glimpse at the other vigilantes that roam the DCU. The interview plays out exactly as Chris imagined; he's seen as a joke, and this only clouds his head more with hate towards himself. From the first episode, we get a quick look at where the rest of the 11th Street Kids are, and similar to Chris, they're all having problems of their own. Harcourt is struggling to secure a job at various intelligence agencies after the aftermath of Amanda Waller being exposed. Adebayo is having relationship problems. Adrian (Freddie Stroma) calling Economos (Steve Agee) every night highlights that he hasn't got someone he can call a real friend to talk to. Economos is working for Rick Flag Sr but unfortunately is being made to spy on his friend. This season is all about dealing with the consequences of their actions from the last season and how it's affecting them emotionally. While people love to find the similarities with James Gunn's writing, he shows that with each thing he writes, he improves and also has a deep understanding of his characters. Emilia Harcourt is taking the job rejections hard, injuring herself and putting herself in fights which are epic but also end in her bloody and beaten. This pain might be her way of dealing with her feelings, and while it's not healthy, everyone has their own coping mechanisms, and fighting is the only way for her to relieve her anger and calm down. Since we last saw Chris and Harcourt, something has happened between the two that took place on a party boat. While the two never disclose what actually happened, it's obvious that it has led to Chris's feelings for her developing more, and with Harcourt not currently sharing the same sentiment, this just leads to Chris believing that he feels misplaced in this world. Jennifer Holland as Emilia Harcourt in Peacemaker Season 2. Courtesy of DC Studios/HBO Max. It doesn't help that one of his friends is working behind his back for Rick Flag Sr, who wants all eyes on Chris to prevent another incident like the "Luthor Incident" from Superman from taking place again. Anytime Chris opens the door to the Quantum Unfolding Chamber, ARGUS is made aware. While this may seem like the reason Rick Flag Sr has eyes on him, it's James Gunn's chance to finally prove that not only can he have a character appear in different mediums and feel the same, but if executed right, Rick Flag Sr's story, which began in Creature Commandos , could come full circle. We get to see Chris return to the parallel universe he discovered at the start of the episode, communicating with Keith (David Denman), his previously deceased brother, and Auggie Smith (Robert Patrick), his also previously deceased and racist father. He's discovered a world where everything seems to be the opposite of his world: his brother is alive, his father isn't a raging racist and is a loving father, and they're all seen as heroes called "The Top Trio". This is everything Chris could dream of, but the only thing in the way is the parallel universe's Chris Smith who finds him and mistakes him for a shapeshifter (perhaps Martians are around in this universe). We get to see Peacemaker vs Peacemaker as ninja stars are sent from the helmet that cut into Chris's back and continuously dig in. We get to see how the parallel Peacemaker fights, and there's a great usage of the jetpack and combination of the helmet's powers, but the fight ends rather quickly as he accidentally gets impaled. James Gunn doesn't really write this as the epic fight audiences might've expected, as Chris is really trying to become a changed man; he doesn't want to just simply kill because he can, and also the sight of seeing himself completely freezes him. Now with his own lifeless body in front of him, what's the next step for Chris? Peacemaker Season 2 Episode 1 is an outstanding great start to the season and overall return of the show. James Gunn already showcases with his writing that this season is going to be vastly different from the first, as it focuses more on the emotions of our characters and less on the action, which still exists but isn't so in your face with it. There's a long way to go with this second season before it reaches the same heights as the first season, but the performances from John Cena and the writing from James Gunn that highlight Chris's vulnerability lead me to believe that this may be proof that the DCU is exactly what we needed. Rating: ★★★★☆ Peacemaker . © DC Studios x HBO Max About Peacemaker Season 2 About Peacemaker Season 2 Premiere Date : August 21, 2025 Episode Count : 8 Executive Producer/Showrunner : James Gunn Writer : James Gunn Director : James Gunn, Greg Mottola, Peter Sollett, Althea Jones Production : DC Studios, Troll Court Entertainment, The Safran Company Distribution : HBO Max Cast : John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, Robert Patrick, Frank Grillo, David Denman, Sol Rodriguez, Tim Meadows Synopsis : In season 2, Peacemaker discovers an alternate world where life is everything he wishes it could be. But this discovery also forces him to face his traumatic past and take the future into his own hands.

It has all been leading up to this very moment! Tom Cruise brought this latest installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise to the screens, closing out a storyline that began back in 1996 with the original film. Now, Paramount is bringing all the stunts to a smaller screen near you with its digital release. As a Mission: Impossible fan, it's always fun watching Tom Cruise partake in the various stunts for the franchise; they're so thrilling and impressive that they've started becoming the selling point for franchise. What's the next huge stunt that Cruise is going to do that will top the last one? What preparation do Tom Cruise and the entire crew go through for a single stunt? That's the beauty of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning finally releasing on digital. It has all the bonus features we could watch, going into detail on the extravagant stunts that take place in the film and how they brought it to life. SYNOPSIS Our lives are the sum of our choices. Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt in MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – The Final Reckoning. BONUS CONTENT DETAILS Fans who purchase the film on Digital, 4K UHD and Blu-ray can take a deep dive into the breathtaking production with behind-the-scenes interviews, exclusive commentary, and deleted footage not seen in cinemas. For the 4K UHD SteelBook®, 4K UHD HMV Exclusive SteelBook®, 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray, all bonus features, apart from the commentaries, will be included on a separate Blu-ray Bonus disc. Check out the full dossier of bonus content* below: BEHIND THE SCENES Taking Flight —Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie take you through the biplanes stunt. Witness them push things to the next level to capture these incredible flight sequences. To The Depths —Dive in with Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie to explore every detail of the water tank/moving gimbal, the special masks/water suits, and the rigorous planning and execution of this one-of-a-kind stunt. To The North —Journey with the cast and crew to see how they filmed in extreme conditions to create the breathtaking sequence in the high Arctic of Svalbard. Through the Mine —Explore the Middleton Mine as the team highlights the risks, challenges, and practical elements to pull off this incredible action sequence. The Score —A behind-the-scenes look at the original music composed for the film. EDITORIAL CONTENT Deleted Footage Montage with Optional Commentary by Director Christopher McQuarrie —Director Christopher McQuarrie shares some of the stunning, never-before-seen deleted shots that did not make the final film. Olifants River Canyon with Optional Commentary by Director Christopher McQuarrie —Director Christopher McQuarrie details the difficulties of shooting the dangerous, low level flying sequence through the Olifants River Canyon in South Africa.  Biplane Transfer with Optional Commentary by Director Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise —Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie discuss the challenges of filming the highly technical and extremely dangerous biplane transfer stunt at high altitudes. COMMENTARIES Commentary by Director Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise —Enjoy a compelling, in-depth discussion with Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise. Commentary by Director Christopher McQuarrie, Editor Eddie Hamilton, and First Assistant Director Mary Boulding —Experience the film with riveting insights and analysis from these acclaimed filmmakers. Commentary by Composers Max Aruj and Alfie Godfrey, and Score Producer Cécile Tournesac —Hear from the artists who enhance the action with thrilling music. ** PROMO SPOTS Parachute Burn — Watch Tom Cruise earn a Guinness World Record for the most burning parachute jumps by an individual.  Snorri Rig Camera — Survival is in the details.  See the unique camera set up for Tom as he does his parachute jump. Jump Flip — Witness Tom’s epic jump. Long Wing — See Tom hang on to the wing of the biplane mid-flight. STILL GALLERIES Tom Cruise (Biography included) Christopher McQuarrie Collaboration Supporting Cast ISOLATED SCORE TRACK *Availability of bonus content varies by digital retailer.  **Not available as part of the Blu-ray release.  MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—The Final Reckoning will arrive on 4K Ultra HD SteelBook, HMV exclusive 4K Ultra HD Steelbook, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on October 13, 2025. The seventh and eighth installment of the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE franchise (MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – The Final Reckoning and MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – Dead Reckoning) will also be available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD as a 2-movie box set on October 13, 2025.

Charlie Cox recently created some confusion among fans as he called season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again , the “final season” at GalaxyCon. Cox later apologized for his comment stating that season 2 would not be the final season. His co-star Vincent D’Onofrio also refuted that claim, initially stating that there would be a good chance of season 3 happening. Sources tell Nexus Point News that Daredevil: Born Again is expected to continue through at least a third season, depending on the reception of season 2. Season 2 of the series wrapped production in July of this year and is currently in post-production and eyeing a Spring 2026 release. Although season 2 is several months away, Marvel Studios has already begun prepping for a potential renewal and is aiming to begin production on season 3 in March 2026 and shoot through the Summer, similar to season 2’s production schedule. Cox and D’Onofrio’s contracts indicate that they have both signed on for three seasons. Following season 3’s release, their contracts for the series will be up and will need to be renegotiated pending the status and reception of the series. Daredevil: Born Again  season 1 premiered on March 4, 2025 on Disney+ following a rocky production. Shooting began in 2023 and was halted by the WGA strike which led to the series being reevaluated and overhauled. This delayed the series by almost a year and led to scenes and even whole episodes being reshot. Dario Scardapane joined the series as showrunner following the overhaul with Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead as the lead directors. Scardapane, Benson, and Moorhead returned for season 2 of the series, which thankfully experienced a much smoother production. Daredevil: Born Again  serves as a revival and continuation to Netflix’s Daredevil series. Charlie Cox returns as the titular character, Matt Murdock/Daredevil, with Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson, Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page, Ayelet Zurer as Vanessa Fisk, Wilson Bethel as Benjamin Poindexter/Bullseye, Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle/Punisher, and Vincent D’Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin. Krysten Ritter is set to reprise her role as Jessica Jones in season 2. Bernthal will also reprise his role as the Punisher in a Punisher-led Special Presentation, co-written by Bernthal and Reinaldo Marcus Green and directed by Green, in 2026 which will bridge the gap of season 1 and 2. Season 2 will feature Murdock in an all-new black suit as he joins forces with Jessica Jones to take down Mayor Fisk’s Anti-Vigilante Task Force while also fighting other enemies such as Bullseye. Daredevil: Born Again  season 2 is set to release in Spring 2026 on Disney+ as part of Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

This article contains spoilers for  Hostage . © Netflix Political dramas aren’t new to British television, but Hostage manages to make the genre feel sharper, faster, and more personal than it has in years. Starring Suranne Jones as the newly elected Prime Minister, Abigail Dalton, the five-episode series, streaming on Netflix from August 21, combines the intensity of a high-stakes kidnapping with the murky compromises of modern politics. Dalton’s carefully constructed world is upended when her husband, Dr. Alex Anderson (Ashley Thomas), a doctor working abroad, is taken hostage in French Guiana. Jones takes on a role that demands both commanding authority and raw vulnerability, and delivers on both fronts, portraying a leader who must navigate impossible choices while keeping her family from splintering under the strain of public life. She is matched brilliantly by Julie Delpy as French President Vivienne Toussaint, whose poise and determination make her as compelling as she is unpredictable. The relationship between the two women, veering between allyship and rivalry, becomes one of the drama’s richest aspects. (L to R) Suranne Jones as Abigail, Julie Delpy as Vivienne in Episode 1 of Hostage. Cr. Kevin Baker/Netflix © 2025 The opening episode wastes no time establishing the stakes. We first see Dalton’s hesitance about running for office, which is encouraged by her husband, before she is swiftly ushered into Downing Street with her family. The optimism of that moment fractures eight months later, as she faces an opposition lambasting her for gutting the military to fund the NHS. When a desperate shortage of cancer drugs begins to claim lives, Dalton makes the fatal political error of promising on the floor of the Commons that “nothing will distract” her from fixing it. Hours later, Alex is kidnapped in French Guiana alongside his colleagues, at the hands of armed men. Ironically, a chilling ransom video demands her resignation within 24 hours. If she fails to do so, those taken will die one by one until she reigns, binding her personal life to her political survival. Ashley Thomas as Dr. Alex (Right) in Episode 2 of Hostage. Cr. Ollie Upton/Netflix © 2025 From here, the show rarely lets up. When Dalton faces off against Toussaint, it’s not just a question of who holds the stronger hand in their negotiations, but also who can emerge politically unscathed. Toussaint’s demands, framed around border security and migration, as she fights to be re-elected, carry a harsh reminder that politics is rarely about a single issue. Every decision has consequences that ripple far beyond the immediate crisis, a theme the series returns to repeatedly with devastating effect. By episode three, a viral video of a child dying from a lack of medication exposes the brutal human cost of the NHS shortages, and Dalton is forced into even murkier alliances. The clip of five-year-old Attaf Diwala gasping for breath outside a shuttered pharmacy in his distressed mother's arms becomes political dynamite, weaponised by her opponents in Parliament. Dalton’s daughter, Sylvie ( Isobel Akuwudike), meanwhile, begins to question whether her mother cares more about her job than her family, heightening the personal cost of office. The series never shies away from Dalton’s missteps, and though she remains sympathetic, she is not spared the political and personal compromises that come with power. The pacing is relentless. Across five episodes, Hostage  rarely slows down. Though its Netflix release encourages bingeing, the series feels almost designed for the slow-burn tension of weekly instalments similar to Bodyguard on BBC One. As the episodes pass by, it becomes clear that the series is meant to be watched together as theories run rife on social media. Episode four is the most shocking of the lot, and the strongest of the five, with a cabinet rebellion, an attack, and a death that will leave the audience reeling. Creator and writer Matt Charman never lets you forget that in this world, no one is safe, and even the most powerful can be sacrificed or find themselves in harm’s way. After all, a single laptop can bring Downing Street to its knees, and alliances can dissolve without warning. By its conclusion, Hostage has delivered a political thriller that is both urgent and unsettling. Its conspiracies and crises may be heightened for drama, but the questions it asks about power, loyalty, and the price of leadership are grounded in concerns that feel distinctly of our moment. The series is as much about a woman trying to hold her family together as it is about the future of a government under siege, making it resonate on both intimate and national levels. Even when it occasionally veers into melodrama, think a secret affair you'll grow to root for and blackmail plots, it remains grounded in an unnerving plausibility. As Dalton learns, every decision in politics leaves casualties, and ghosts of past compromises never truly disappear. In an era where politics can often feel like theatre, Hostage  reminds us of what is at stake behind the soundbites and headlines: lives, relationships, the Great British public, and the weight of responsibility. Charman's high-stakes storytelling masterfully delivers a sharp, breathless piece of television - one you’ll want to devour, even if you wish you had savoured it more slowly. Rating: ★★★★☆ About Hostage Premiere Date:  August 21, 2025 Episode Count:  5 Executive Producers: Matt Charman, Foz Allan, Suranne Jones, Steve Searle Writer: Matt Charman Director: Isabelle Sieb, Amy Neil Production:    Netflix with Binocular Productions Distribution:  Netflix Cast:    Suranne Jones, Julie Delpy, Corey Mylchreest, Lucian Msamati, Ashley Thomas, James Cosmo, Martin McCann, Jehnney Beth Synopsis: When the British Prime Minister’s husband is kidnapped and the visiting French President is blackmailed, the two political leaders both face unimaginable choices. Forced into a fierce rivalry where their political futures, and lives, might hang in the balance, can they work together to uncover the plot that threatens them both?

This review contains minor spoilers for 'Exceptional X-Men' #12. © Marvel Comics One of the things I’ve appreciated most about Exceptional X-Men  is how authentically it captures the tone of a youth- or teen-focused X-Men book. Compared to other titles that often lean into heavier or more mature themes, this series maintains a sense of exuberance and charm that feels both natural and refreshing. That’s probably why I was especially excited to see the development of Trista’s crush, Reggie. In this issue, it’s confirmed that Reggie is a mutant, and it appears he may have accidentally used his powers to send Kitty Pryde into the past. But more on that in a moment. A recurring thread in recent issues has been the eagerness of the newer mutants—Bronze, Axo, and Melee—to prove themselves. Ever since their encounter with Sinister, they’ve seemed increasingly ready to jump into action and demonstrate that they can handle real challenges. That energy is present again during a training session with Iceman, which gets interrupted when they realize Kitty has gone missing. There’s understandable concern, as she’d last been seen storming off upset, but before anyone can go looking, Ironheart arrives with Reggie and starts to explain what’s going on. © Marvel Comics From here, the pacing starts to feel a bit rushed. Emma Frost quickly identifies Reggie’s powers and how they work after only a brief mind scan and a couple of questions. It’s also determined that neither she nor Bobby can travel into the past to retrieve Kitty, as their involvement would disrupt key parts of Kitty’s development. This conveniently clears the way for the new trio to take on their first mission alone. Their excitement feels a little over the top given the circumstances, but Ironheart does provide them with a way back, which adds some structure to the setup. The momentum continues to pick up, though not always smoothly. Emma helps Reggie open a portal to the past and supports him in holding it open long enough for the others to pass through. But just as Axo, Bronze, and Melee step through, three Sentinel Hounds arrive. This moment felt out of place, especially since Sentinels haven’t played a role in the series up to this point. Riri explains that the Hounds were drawn not to mutant signatures, but to the energy of Reggie’s powers, which felt a little thin and sudden. The issue ends on a cliffhanger as the young team encounters someone unexpected during their search for Kitty. I won’t spoil who, but it sets up an intriguing next chapter. Overall, this was a solid issue, though probably the weakest in the run so far. The pacing and plot mechanics could have used more breathing room, but the engaging cast and consistent artwork help hold things together. It’s still a worthwhile entry, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these new X-Men rise to the occasion on their first true solo mission. © Marvel Comics About Exceptional X-Men #12 Release Date:  August 20, 2025 Written by:  Eve Ewing Art by: Federica Mancin Cover by: Carmen Carnero Page Count: 26 Synopsis :  KITTY PRYDE IS MISSING! And only her beloved students AXO, MELEE and BRONZE can get her back. But first, they need to uncover the truth about a mutant who's been hiding a secret.

This review contains minor spoilers for 'Psylocke' #10. © Marvel Comics There aren’t many comics that can hold my attention for ten straight issues without any drop in quality, but Psylocke  easily stands out. Yes, it helps that it blends so many elements I love—ninjas, mutants, and the supernatural—but there’s more to it than that. Alyssa Wong has crafted a compelling, character-driven narrative around Kwannon that’s difficult to look away from. It’s clear she understands the character deeply and knows how to elevate her without relying solely on spectacle or power displays. In this issue, Kwannon remains possessed by the Lady in White, a yokai who has taken her to Tokyo to help dismantle a local branch of the Hand. Although Mitsuki continues speaking to Kwannon as if she’s still present, the Lady in White is clearly in control—slaughtering Hand ninjas and preaching her belief in punishing the guilty by making them live with the weight of their sins. Together with Mitsuki and other yokai, she begins making quick work of their enemies. © Marvel Comics Kwannon, however, isn’t gone. She is still inside her mind, fighting to regain her free will. This struggle for autonomy has been a consistent theme throughout the series and continues to resonate with her long, complicated past. As Greycrow and Devon approach the fight from the outside, Kwannon confronts the Lady in White internally. I particularly liked that she doesn’t win through force but through reason, challenging the yokai’s logic and forcing her to see the hypocrisy in her actions. Kwannon then offers a deal—she will give the Lady in White what she wants if she ends the violence. This final issue succeeds in giving Kwannon a satisfying arc while also introducing new long-term threats. Mitsuki and the Lady in White are now well-positioned as future antagonists after their defeat, especially since Kwannon owes the yokai a debt. Devon is a welcome addition to her circle, and the inclusion of her relationship with Greycrow adds emotional weight, giving the story a stronger sense of personal stakes. While it’s disappointing that there aren’t more issues of Psylocke  on the horizon, I’m grateful for what this series accomplished. Since her return during the Krakoan era, Kwannon has steadily risen to become one of the more compelling figures in the mutant lineup. If this story is any indication, her journey is just beginning, and I’m excited to see where she goes next. © Marvel Comics About Psylocke #10 Release Date:  August 20, 2025 Written by:  Alyssa Wong Art by: Vincenzo Carratu Cover by: Mahmud Asrar Page Count: 28 Synopsis :  A mysterious assassin has appeared in Japan, stalking members of the Hand: the Lady in White. But what sort of powers does a being that can prey on Psylocke's former masters have? And why does she have Kwannon's face?

This review contains minor spoilers for 'Alien: Earth' Episode 3. Last week, we got the double episode premiere of Alien: Earth , which was arguably one of the best double premieres we've gotten for a show. It introduced us to the two companies, Yutani and Prodigy, who will be at the forefront of this show, fighting for something that doesn't truly belong to either of them. We met Wendy (Sydney Chandler), the first synthetic hybrid who misses her brother Hermit (Alex Lawther) and takes the Lost Boys to the crashed Yutani vessel, Maginot, which has a Xenomorph on the loose alongside other specimens which security officer Morrow (Babou Ceesay) is in charge of retrieving at any cost. Alien: Earth episode 2 ended in sort of a cliffhanger as the Xenomorph finally caught up to Hermit, taking him hostage, with Wendy once again on the search for her brother. In this episode, we start to get a clearer understanding of the ringing in Wendy's ear. She has a connection with the Xenomorph, and while the show hasn't explained exactly why she's the only hybrid to have this connection, it's clear that this connection is what's leading to her to have an advantage against the intellectual creature. The intellect of the Xenomorph is put on display as it could've easily killed Hermit but instead uses him as a trap for Wendy, understanding that it can get two for the price of one. In moments where the Xenomorph has a clear kill shot of both Wendy and Hermit, it still chooses not to kill, staring down Wendy as it feels like they have a conversation that the audience can't hear. This relationship that Noah Hawley is building with Wendy and the Xenomorph is one that the Alien franchise has barely touched. Prometheus and Alien: Covenant might've played with the idea, but Alien: Earth takes the risk of possibly giving us our first character who can communicate and understand the Xenomorph. It's here that we get Sydney Chandler's most iconic moment of the show so far as she channels her inner Ripley, taking down the Xenomorph in a one-on-one fight which doesn't end with it being blown out into space (as we're on Earth) but instead decapitated. One of the many reasons why Alien: Earth remains engaging as Noah Hawley subverts expectations with what fans are so used to from the franchise. While Wendy might've been victor, she still ends up going offline after taking too much damage which leads to her, the deceased Xenomorph and her injured brother being taken away from the crashed ship to recover as they return back to Neverland. Samuel Blenkin as Boy Kavalier © FX As captivating as Wendy is becoming with her unique talents, Boy Kavalier (Samuel Blenkin) continues to be a character that intrigues with the writing that Noah Hawley delivers with him. He's so close to achieving immortality yet is pushed by greed and his ego to take Yutani's specimens and experiment on them in hope of discovering something new that he can hopefully utilise or monopolise. His dialogue still leans into the idea of what being a prodigy means, as he has a discussion with Curly (Erana James), a hybrid who believes she's the best out of all the hybrids and that she can become bigger than Boy Kavalier one day. He said it in the last episode; he wants to engage in a conversation with someone that's interesting, and while Curly may not be his favourite yet, there's a hint that these hybrids might be able to give Boy Kavalier exactly what he has wanted for so long. Earlier in the episode, Morrow comes across Slightly (Adarsh Gourav) and Smee (Jonathan Ajayi) and quickly comes to the conclusion that they're something new that no one has ever seen before. While Morrow escapes before the alien egg hatches, he's able to get free from the ship, but his mission isn't over, as now his specimens are in the hands of the enemy. Morrow has only known one thing as a cyborg: to ensure that these specimens make their way to Yutani. Every character in Alien: Earth believes they're the good person, and while, from the viewpoint of the audience, him slowly manipulating Slightly, who's still a kid, might seem genuinely despicable, Morrow is only doing what he must and the only thing he has been programmed to do. The first two episodes showed us the lengths that Morrow would go through to ensure the safety of the specimens; if that and the conversation with Slightly are anything to go off, it's not looking bright for Prodigy. Alex Lawther as Hermit and Sydney Chandler as Wendy © FX Alien: Earth episode 3 leans heavily into the sci-fi of the show as we begin to see experiments take place on the facehugger, which gets extracted from the egg. Wendy finally wakes up towards the end of the episode and continues to hear a ringing and screeching sound that attracts her towards the creature as she witnesses the embryo being placed into a lung which seemingly belongs to her brother Hermit. This third episode is quite fast-paced compared to the previous two, which set up the storylines for this first season of the show. We get Sydney Chandler delivering iconic scenes, although they barely last, and Noah Hawley continues with the genius writing that he lends to his characters, which not only continues to keep the show engaging but also allows for the build-up to feel worthwhile. Rating: ★★★★ ☆ Alien: Earth . © FX About Alien: Earth Premiere Date:  August 12, 2025 Episode Count:  8 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Noah Hawley Writer: Noah Hawley, Bob DeLaurentiis, Bobak Esfarjani, Lisa Long, Maria Melnik, Migizi Pensoneau Director: Dana Gonzalez, Ugla Hauksdóttir, Noah Hawley Production:  FX Distribution:  Hulu Cast:   Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, Essie Davis, Samuel Blenkin, Babou Ceesay, Adarsh Gourav, Erana James, Jonathan Ajayi, David Rysdahl, Diêm Camille, Moe Bar-El, Timothy Olyphant, Kit Young, Sandra Yi Sencindiver, Lily Newmark, Adrian Edmondson, Amir Boutrous, Lloyd Everitt Synopsis: When the mysterious deep space research vessel USCSS Maginot crash-lands on Earth, Wendy (Sydney Chandler) and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet's greatest threat in FX’s Alien: Earth .

This article contains spoilers for The Map That Leads To You . Romantic dramas often walk a fine line between sentiment and cliché. Prime Video’s The Map That Leads to You , directed by Lasse Hallström ( Dear John, Safe Haven ) and streaming August 20, plants itself in the former camp, though not without falling into the latter along the way. Based on J.P. Monninger’s novel, it promises a tale of love, destiny, and the courage to choose your path. With Madelyn Cline leading as Heather and KJ Apa portraying Jack, this adaptation makes for a fitting summer romance thanks to its beautiful backdrops, believable connection, and a secret that threatens to unravel everything. The result is undeniably watchable, if uneven. KJ Apa as Jack and Madelyn Cline as Heather in Prime Video's The Ma p That Leads to You . Courtesy of Prime. The story follows Heather, a young woman embarking on one last European adventure with her best friends Connie (Sofia Wylie) and Amy (Madison Thompson) before starting a high-powered banking job in New York. Heather, ever the meticulous planner, is travelling for the sights, while Connie is in it for the food, and Amy is hoping to mend a broken heart after a bad break-up. Their journey gets off to a promising start when Heather crosses paths with Jack, a mysterious stranger whose easy charm and unconventional way of travelling on a train catch her attention. They strike up a connection over Ernest Hemingway, and before long, it’s clear their lives will intertwine in ways neither of them expected. KJ Apa as Jack in Prime Video's The Ma p That Leads to You . Courtesy of Prime. Connie pairs off with Jack’s friend Raef (Orlando Norman), while Amy finds herself in the orbit of a less trustworthy suitor. Heather and Jack, left together, slowly transform their flirtation into something deeper. Jack reveals that he is following the footsteps of his great-grandfather, Russell, a soldier who remained in Europe after the Second World War. Heather is intrigued, even if she bristles at Jack’s slightly pretentious disdain for modern tourism and the selfie stick. Their exchanges shift from playful banter to pointed arguments, but their chemistry remains unwavering. Unknown to Heather, Jack is harbouring a secret. A past health scare, revealed early on, explains his insistence on living in the moment and avoiding concrete plans. Heather, whose life is so carefully mapped out, finds herself torn between her longing for certainty and the thrill of unpredictability he offers. Their joint adventures, once separated from their friends, include a sing-along at a get-together, a bull run, and long conversations about purpose. However, beneath the light-heartedness is the unspoken question of how long their romance can survive when one of them refuses to think about the future. The tension comes to a head after a call from a Barcelona hospital, where scans taken after an accident Jack had during the bull run reveal something concerning. Heather dreams of bringing him to New York, imagining a shared future, but Jack backs out at the last minute. At the airport, just when it seems he’s settled in his decision to join her, he vanishes after a supposed panicked trip to the toilet before they were due to board their plane, leaving only a text that she can’t respond to. It’s a cruel, if predictable, twist. Back in New York, Heather struggles to move on. Her friends are quick to remind her that Jack’s behaviour was unfair, but his absence is felt. A holiday trip home to Texas allows her to reconnect with her dad, where she admits that she doesn’t like or even love banking and that the life she had so carefully planned isn’t what she wants after all. She misses the freedom she had with Jack. Her father reassures her that she’ll find it again - and she does. When the story returns to the wedding from the film’s opening, Heather is handed a letter from Jack by Raef that reveals the truth. His cancer had returned, and he couldn’t ask her to endure his decline, so he left. Heather, moved and determined, sets off to find him, leading to a reunion at a festival that gives the story its bittersweet closure. Cline is easily the film’s strongest asset. She brings Heather to life with warmth and conviction, making her both likeable and relatable even when the script leans on clichés. Her chemistry with Apa is strong, highlighted in quieter, more intimate moments through conversations on trains, shared silences, and tentative confessions. The cinematography is another highlight, with sweeping shots of Europe that will increase your interest; if only we could all holiday throughout the summer the same way. Madelyn Cline as Heather in Prime Video's The Ma p That Leads To You . Courtesy of Prime. Despite this, The Map That Leads To You  is not without flaws. The dialogue occasionally feels heavy-handed, especially when Jack muses on destiny or purpose. For some, the narrative may also lean too heavily on coincidences such as overheard conversations, letters blowing in the wind, and perfectly timed reunions (though I remind you that this is a romance and instances like these are a staple within the formula). Jack himself is not always easy to root for; his disdain for modern habits can border on pretentious. While his secret softens him, it arrives almost too late to redeem some of his earlier arrogance. Still, there’s no denying the film’s appeal as an easy summer watch. For myself and audiences willing to surrender to its melodrama, it offers two hours of escapist charm, full of locations you’ll hope to visit and a tearful reunion you'll wait for. For others, it may feel like a patchwork of familiar romantic tropes stitched together for the sake of it. Rating: ★★★☆☆ The Map That Leads to You . © Amazon MGM Studios About The Map That Leads to You Premiere Date:  August 20 2025 Producers: Martin Bowen, Wyck Godfrey, John Fischer, Isaac Klausner Writer: Les Bohem and Vera Herbert Director: Lasse Hallström Production:   Temple Hill and Nostromo Pictures Production Distribution:  Amazon MGM Studios Cast:   Josh Lucas, KJ Apa, Madelyn Cline, Madison Thompson, Sofia Wylie Synopsis: The Map That Leads to You  follows Heather (Cline), a young woman setting off on an adventure across Europe with her best friends before settling into her perfectly planned life. When she crosses paths with Jack (Apa), a magnetic and mysterious stranger, their instant spark ignites an emotional journey neither of them expected. As their connection deepens, secrets, life choices, and hidden truths will test their bond—and change her life in ways she never imagined. From director Lasse Hallström ( Dear John , Safe Haven ) comes this adaptation of JP Monninger's novel about love, destiny, and the courage to choose your own path.

The cast of Street Fighter  continues to expand as sources tell Nexus Point News that Eric André has joined the cast. Although details of who Andre is portraying is being kept under wraps, NPN can suspect it’s likely the character Don Sauvage. Don Sauvage first appeared in Street Fighter V  as a non-playable character and serves as the ring announcer for the CWA. He appears as Zangief’s announcer in his character story and later appears in the Shadow Falls  story mode. André is best known as the creator and host of the long running series, The Eric Andre Show  on Adult Swim. He’s also known for his roles on Man Seeking Woman  and Disenchantment . Andre most recently appeared as Stuart Clarke/Rampage in Marvel’s Ironheart . This mark Andre’s second collaboration with director Kitao Sakurai following his leading role in Sakurai’s Bad Trip . André is repped by UTA. Street Fighter  is a series of fighting games, with the first installment being released in 1987. The games center around a global fighting tournament organized by M. Bison, the leader of the evil organization Shadaloo. The latest installment in the game, Street Fighter 6 , was released in 2023 and won “Best Fighting Game” at the 2023 Game Awards. Street Fighter is set to be directed by Kitao Sakurai ( Bad Trip ) and the latest draft was written by Dalan Musson ( Captain America: Brave New World ). Noah Centineo and Andrew Koji are set to star as Ken and Ryu, respectively. Jason Momoa will portray Blanka, Roman Reigns will portray Akuma, 50 Cent will portray Balrog, Callina Liang will portray Chun-Li, Andrew Schulz will portray Dan Hibiki, Cody Rhodes will portray Guile, and Orville Peck will portray Vega. David Dastmalchian is set to portray the lead antagonist, M. Bison. Danny and Michael Philippou were originally attached to direct the film before falling off. Legendary Pictures is developing the film with Capcom and is set to be released by Sony Pictures.  Production is currently underway in Australia. Jeff Sneider was first to report that André was being eyed.

Heartstopper star Joe Locke will take on the role of Jasper in Rhys Marc Jones’ upcoming psychological thriller Black Church Bay as many fans have speculated. The filming on Black Church Bay has already begun in Wales, with Rhys Jones directing from his own screenplay and Alex Polunin producing. Sources tell us that the storm scene has already been filmed. Set against the backdrop of the Isle of Anglesey, the film follows Barry (40s) and Jasper (17) — which could be code names — as they escape for a secretive weekend getaway. Their idyllic retreat turns tense when Jasper begins to toy with Barry about the risk of their relationship being exposed. When 17-year-old Jasper drowns during a weekend getaway, his older partner Barry (40s) is faced with an impossible choice: protect the truth about their relationship, or risk his own downfall. Joe Locke made his acting debut in Netflix’s queer romance Heartstopper . He went on to join Marvel Studios’ Agatha All Along , playing Billy/Wiccan, the son of the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). Locke recently wrapped production on his first film Heartstopper Forever , which will serve as the conclusion to the hit series. Following the shoot for Black Church Bay , he will make his West End debut in Clarkston , starring opposite fellow Marvel newcomer Ruaridh Mollica. Locke is repped by Markham, Froggatt & Irwin and Prosper PR in the U.K., and CAA and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern in the U.S.

This review contains minor spoilers for the first two episodes of 'Alien: Earth.' Last year, we got the release of Alien: Romulus , which, for a lot of people, was the start of the Alien franchise returning to its glory, but for others like myself, while still a good film, it still felt like it was retreading previous mistakes. Enter Noah Hawley: the man who created both Legion and the Fargo television show for FX returns to the network to bring the first live-action television series in the Alien franchise, Alien: Earth . In the double premiere of Alien: Earth , we’re introduced to the Weyland Yutani vessel, Maginot, as it finds its way heading to Earth to deliver specimens to Yutani (Sandra Yi Sencindiver) before the ship crashes into Prodigy City after horrific unforeseen circumstances. Meanwhile, Boy Kavalier, who is CEO of Prodigy, the newest corporation that’s on the come-up, has created their first hybrid synthetics and sends them on a mission to the crashed ship to test their limits but also secretly get his hands on what Yutani is trying to obtain. What they all don’t know is that they're dealing with the biggest threat that Earth has ever seen. Alien: Earth Episode 1 - "Neverland" The worry when it comes to creating a show or a project in an already established IP is that fans may see it as a carbon copy or a cheap attempt to use nostalgia to dangle keys in front of the audience, hoping that will be enough to hold them off. Thankfully, that isn't the case with Alien: Earth , as it would be hard to watch 8 one-hour-long episodes that don't hold any real substance. Noah Hawley has a knack for dealing with numerous characters in one show and ensuring that they all get the spotlight; it was proven in Legion and Fargo , and with this first episode, he introduces several groups of characters while still giving them space to breathe. Syndney Chandler in 'Alien: Earth' © FX If you watched Alien (1979), you'd remember that it opened on a Weyland-Yutani ship famously known as the Nostromo, which consisted of a captain, executive officer, warrant officer, navigator, science officer, engineers and also, a cat. The opening to Alien: Earth follows suit as we watch a similar crew aboard the Maginot sit around the table, eating breakfast, and cracking jokes at each other while Morrow (Babou Ceesay), their security officer, brings down the fun energy a notch, reminding them that they've got a job. With 4 months until they arrive on Earth and not much fuel left, they've got to ensure that they make it safely to Earth with the specimens that they've been tasked to deliver. As Earth is a new location that the franchise hasn't deeply explored before, it gives Noah Hawley a lot of room to create new history for this expansive world. We quickly learn that Yutani operates within North and South America, and this is where we discover the all-new corporation, Prodigy. There are five corporations that don't only rule parts of space but rule Earth altogether. With Alien: Earth taking place two years before the original film, there's a lot of space to create new aspects within the universe that could hopefully lead into intriguing storylines. " In the future, the race for immortality will come in 3 guises: Cybernetically enhanced humans: Cyborgs Artificially intelligent beings: Synths and Synthetic beings downloaded with human consciousness: Hybrids . Which technology prevails will determine which corporation rules the universe. " The episode opens up on this quote, and it's one that will sit with you throughout the show as you watch Yutani and Prodigy go head to head, but in this first episode, Boy Kavalier (Samuel Blenkin) is already one step closer to finding the key to immortality. The episode brings us to "Neverland", a research island on Prodigy where Boy Kavalier is experimenting with this new program which allows for him to take the consciousness of a human and put it within the body of a synthetic. With his new program, which is currently under wraps, he's able to take the consciousness of a human and put it within the body of a synthetic. This episode finds itself referencing the story of Peter Pan , from Boy Kavalier reading the book to the original film being played for the kids who are getting their consciousness transferred to a synthetic body. The episode is titled after their research island but is also the name of the fictional island in Peter Pan where he and the Lost Boys live and is also a place where children can stay young forever. Boy Kavalier is using children who have terminal conditions to allow them a longer lifespan, one without an expiration date, forever keeping them as children through mind only. The first of the children to become a hybrid is Macy (Florence Bensberg), who chooses the name Wendy (Sydney Chandler) for herself simply because her synthetic body looks like a Wendy. Noah Hawley never shies away from the idea that children are full of limitless imagination; it's a core theme in Alien: Earth and is first found when Wendy explains to the other kids going through the same procedure as her that they must use children, as adults' brains are too "stiff" compared to the brain of a child, which is not yet fully developed. This is just one of the many instances that Hawley reminds the audience that while this is a horror series with grotesque creatures and a fight to rule the universe, the children are the stars of the show. Timothy Olyphant in 'Alien: Earth' © FX The only downside to the kids being granted immortality is that they forever lost contact with their original family. Except for Wendy, who has secretly been keeping in contact with Hermit (Alex Lawther), her brother, who she has a deep relationship with. Noah Hawley uses superimposition throughout his editing to either provide moments of horror or, in this instance, to let the audience not only see their flashbacks but also experience them through the character's eyes and have a better connection to their emotions. It's also through this superimposition and some quick flashes that we get glimpses of the tragedy that has taken place on the Maginot. A tragedy that Noah Hawley smartly decided not to rush through in this episode but instead give it its own episode, which is easily the highlight thus far of the six episodes I've watched. Morrow is easily the most interesting character in this entire episode, as we get to see him bordering the line of villain as he leaves the last alive crew member to save himself and as much of the ship as he can while it begins crashing down to Earth. We get our first real glimpse of the Xenomorph as it kills the last remaining crew member and tries to also kill Morrow. No matter how many times you see a Xenomorph in action, it'll never not be the most terrifying experience while watching Alien . With that being said, the quick flashes that were provided earlier showcase that Noah Hawley plans to depict the Xenomorph and other specimens in ways that the franchise has never done before. Back on Earth, we get to meet Wendy's brother and witness the life he lives without his sister, who he believes is dead. There isn't much time wasted as the Maginot crashes into New Siam-Prodigy City, and Hermit is sent on a search and rescue as a medic to survey the crash site and ensure everyone's safety. Hermit and his team's exploration deeper into the ship leads them to discover the unexpected. While we don't get the return of the Xenomorph in this episode, we're met with a vampire termite that is small and slightly cute but proven to be deadly, as it drains the blood of its victims with ease. Hermit now in danger means that Wendy wants to go to the rescue, and while this may prove a huge risk, Boy Kavalier approves the request as it allows him to test how capable they are in the field. This plays into Wendy's relationship with her brother and how her fellow hybrids and Kirsh (Timothy Olyphant), her synthetic mentor, view that relationship. Kirsh provides the real and harsh reality to her that she will never be able to save him from death, as he'll either get sick or eventually die from old age, unlike her, who now has the capability to never get sick again or die. Wendy, determined as ever, rejects that idea of her brother dying as she tells Kirsh once more, "No, he's not going to die. I'm going to save him," leaving Kirsh astonished and intrigued by Wendy's way of thinking before the episode closes out on the heavy metal song "Mob Rules" by Black Sabbath. Alien: Earth Episode 2 - "Mr. October" The first thing that’s noticeable with Episode 2 that’s unlike any other show is how they handle their episode recap. Noah Hawley brings his own style to Alien: Earth , although this episode does tend to honour the styles of Ridley Scott and James Cameron. The previous episode showed how Hawley uses quick flashes, and he brings that to his title card, which is blended with the episode recap, showing the most relevant parts that will matter for the current episode instead of just info dumping in a sluggish way what previously happened. The cherry on the top is that those beautiful distorted vocals you hear during the title sequence may possibly belong to Noah Hawley himself, as he isn’t opposed to providing vocals for his own projects. The episode doesn’t waste any time with replicating that original Alien feeling with the horror. Noah Hawley is able to recreate the uneasy feeling as the search and rescue team walk into the unknown, seeing the dead bodies without any awareness of what took place. This effectively works, as Hawley’s decision to hide what happened to the Maginot crew until later places us in the same boots as the search and rescue team, not aware of the dangers that are about to give everyone involved a rude awakening. Alex Lawther, Moe Bar-El, and Diêm Camille in 'Alien: Earth' © FX Noah Hawley’s writing can’t be praised enough when it comes to this series. This tiny exchange between Rashidi and Hermit is beautifully written to complement the following scene where it’s revealed that the Xenomorph is hiding, blending in with its surroundings, which it uses to its advantage in this episode to continuously gain the upper hand. The Xenomorph has been around for 40+ years; there’s not much mystery when it comes to the 8-foot-tall creature, yet with his dialogue, he’s able to still revitalise that mystery and keep the audience engaged with the terror that’s to come. This episode begins to tackle the mortality of humans and how the hybrids feel and deal with the idea of death, knowing that they’ll never meet it but that the people that they love around them will. Slightly’s conversation with Wendy about his father’s death reminds us that although he has the appearance of an adult, he’s still a kid at heart and doesn’t really understand or is able to comprehend death. We’re taken to a day before the tragedy of the crash took place as Hermit tries to take time off from his contract so that he can attend medic school on Mars to make his deceased father proud, but what we learn in this scene is that Wendy has the capabilities to rewrite the code in the robot he’s talking to, going back to their references of Ice Age 4. It’s one of the touching, fleeting moments we get before horror ensues. The Xenomorph isn’t the only problem in Alien: Earth , as we finally run into the eye parasite which has taken over the body of the cat on board. The body horror is grim and even hard to look at when it involves such an innocent animal as a cat, but it’s nightmare fuel at its finest and a hectic scene which involves the speedy parasite trying to take out Nibs (Lily Newmark). The idea of potential is such a big part of this episode as we truly start to begin to understand what the Boy Kavalier wants from these hybrids. Yes, to have the key to immortality, but that’s not all. It’s that final line in his conversation with Dame Slyvia (Essie Davis) that matters the most. He wants to have an interesting conversation, and while this scene is a highlight within the episode and proves why Noah Hawley’s writing is one of the strongest factors about this show, none of that matters to Boy Kavalier, as it’s clear that not even this conversation, which lasts 3-4 minutes, was a conversation worth the time. This is a conversation that’s to be remembered for later episodes as we continue to further understand Boy Kavalier as a character and how he perceives not only Wendy but also the other hybrids. This showcase of Wendy’s potential is only the beginning, as not long after when they land at the crash site, she begins to hear clicking sounds that none of the other hybrids are able to hear. Now at the crash site, there’s only one goal in mind for Wendy: to save her brother, while Boy Kavalier has new plans for what he wants from that ship. While Yutani calls him in hopes of an agreement to allow her people to retrieve their stuff, Boy Kavalier is an a**hole who only begins to gain interest in what the ship holds simply for the fact that Yutani so desperately wants it back. We’re so used to the Xenomorph being sneaky, using the vents to kill its prey, but Hermit doesn’t get the pleasure of dealing with a sneaky Xenomorph. This one is out for blood, chasing him through the tight confines of the ship’s hallway, hitting wall after wall, only inches away from its kill. It’s chase sequences like this with the Xenomorph throughout Alien: Earth with how Noah Hawley has decided to film them that make these scenes feel fresh and different from what we’ve seen before. Have you ever wondered what happens when you invite (or don’t invite) a Xenomorph to a party? Well, with the search and rescue team trying to vacate the premise of the building which the ship crashed into, they struggle to get uptight partygoers to vacate the premises, which leads to their timely deaths by the Xenomorph, which cleans the floor (with their blood) in the matter of literal seconds. The Xenomorph almost makes quick work of Hermit before Morrow arrives, stunning the Xenomorph and also Hermit too. A quick reminder that Morrow isn’t here to help the “good guys”. He has his own mission that he will do anything to complete. Jonathan Ajayi in 'Alien: Earth' © FX Wendy, alongside Slightly, finally finds her brother, and while she tries to keep it a secret from him, Slightly can’t help himself with his childish nature and reveals that Wendy is indeed the sister he thought was dead. Hermit struggles to accept that his sister is alive after believing she was dead and attending a funeral for her but soon comes to accept it after she proves herself. Family is everything, no matter what happens. It’s impressive that within all this horror, Noah Hawley is able to provide these calm, touching moments before throwing us back into reality. An aspect that’s usually missing from the Alien franchise or that hasn’t been handled this well before. The episode comes to a sudden end when they find a room of Alien eggs, which leads to Hermit being taken by the Xenomorph who has finally caught up with him. Wendy isn’t about to lose her brother again after just reuniting, and while Episode 2 might be the most action-packed, heavy episode next to a future episode, the beginning of next week’s episode might be the coolest thing that has ever been witnessed throughout this whole franchise. Alien: Earth Episodes 1+2 are a great showcase of why Noah Hawley was the perfect fit to bring this show to life, with outstanding writing that challenges the characters and your beliefs, cinematography that throws you right into the horror and action and a score by Jeff Russo that neatly brings everything together. You'll find hints of Ridley Scott and James Cameron in these first two episodes, but it's very much a Noah Hawley production. Rating: ★★★★½ 'Alien: Earth' © FX About Alien: Earth Premiere Date:  August 12, 2025 Episode Count:  8 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Noah Hawley Writer: Noah Hawley, Bob DeLaurentiis, Bobak Esfarjani, Lisa Long, Maria Melnik, Migizi Pensoneau Director: Dana Gonzalez, Ugla Hauksdóttir, Noah Hawley Production:  FX Distribution:  Hulu Cast:   Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, Essie Davis, Samuel Blenkin, Babou Ceesay, Adarsh Gourav, Erana James, Jonathan Ajayi, David Rysdahl, Diêm Camille, Moe Bar-El, Timothy Olyphant, Kit Young, Sandra Yi Sencindiver, Lily Newmark, Adrian Edmondson, Amir Boutrous, Lloyd Everitt Synopsis: When the mysterious deep space research vessel USCSS Maginot crash-lands on Earth, Wendy (Sydney Chandler) and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet's greatest threat in FX’s Alien: Earth .

This review contains minor spoilers for 'Magik' #8. Illyana Rasputin’s mission to save Cal and eliminate Liminal continues in Magik  #8, which opens in explosive fashion as she teleports into Las Vegas—specifically onto the High Roller Ferris wheel—interrupting a wedding proposal and tackling the would-be groom through a window. What follows is a visually stunning action sequence that highlights just how versatile Magik’s powers are, with combat that flows seamlessly across vertical, horizontal, and even upside-down panels showcasing her stepping disks. The man she’s fighting is a low-level thug working for the Scarlet Eye, a faction of defectors from the Society who’ve stolen powerful magical artifacts. One of them, Zosimos’ Quill, could be the key to saving Cal and purging Liminal’s corruption from his body. Unfortunately, trust is still an issue, especially with Liminal himself, and despite Magik’s objections, she and Dani Moonstar are forced to bring him along as they pursue the Scarlet Eye. © Marvel Comics It’s great to see Illyana and Dani back in sync, even if only briefly. Their infiltration of the Scarlet Eye’s hideout quickly turns chaotic when they trigger an illusion trap that disorients them. Liminal, surprisingly useful, offers a few solutions to Magik’s frustration, but it buys them the time they need. Together, they hatch a clever plan: Dani channels Liminal’s fear to break through the illusion, giving them the upper hand and turning the tide of battle as Magik picks them off in the darkness one by one. Once the illusion is shattered, Illyana and Dani finally take a moment to confront the emotional tension that’s been building between them over the last several issues. Dani confesses her fear of repeating past mistakes, while Illyana struggles with her tendency to shut others out. It's a heartfelt exchange, drawing a few tears, and adding much-needed emotional depth to the issue. Their peace is short-lived, though. The team quickly realizes something’s wrong with their situation. The mission doesn’t add up, and the truth begins to unravel. The defector in possession of the relic has been using Society tech to monitor them and rants about the “help” he's received, clearly implicating the Society itself. Before the trio can get answers, one of the Society’s Acolytes appears, brutally assassinating the defector and destroying the relic with a single shot. Magik  #8 is a strong, well-paced issue that finally delivers the emotional resolution between Illyana and Dani while deepening the mystery around the Society and Liminal’s role. With trust fraying on all sides and powerful forces closing in, the only thing these two have left is each other, and it might take everything they’ve got to make it out alive. About Magik #8 Release Date:  August 13, 2025 Written by:  Ashley Allen Art by: Matt Horak Cover by: Pablo Villalobos Page Count: 27 Synopsis :  WELCOME TO THE SOCIETY OF THE ETERNAL DAWN. WE CANCEL APOCALYPSES. Tenuous alliances with both Liminal and his ancient enemies bring Magik and Moonstar to Sin City! Can the mystic mutants trust either side? And has Magik found a new calling in the Society's mission or a new addiction?