Latest news with #Hobbits
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Phoenix Fan Fusion bag policy: What's allowed in Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 is quickly approaching. The comic con and pop culture gathering will take over the Phoenix Convention Center downtown Friday through Sunday, June 6-8. In addition to the packed schedule of special guests including Hayden Christensen, Charlie Cox, Simon Pegg and the Hobbits, meetups, tournaments, trivia and photo ops, cosplayers will be roaming the streets and packing the convention center halls dressed to the nines in their comic con best. Whether that's a superhero, a favorite anime character or an alien from a galaxy far, far away, you'll see it all and more at Fan Fusion. Wondering what you can bring inside the Phoenix Convention Center? Here's what to know about the Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 bag policy and prop rules. There are three secured entrances to Fan Fusion at the Phoenix Convention Center, with screening at each one. Ticketed fans will go through a metal detector, and bags and props will be screened. Find out more at Go right ahead and bring your sonic screwdrivers, fake sword, wand and lightsaber. Don't bring any real, replicated or simulated explosive weapons or devices of any kind, excessively noisy props like airhorns, glass or stone props, slingshots, cast-iron skillets and more. Real and replica firearms of any kind, regardless of how unrealistic it looks, or what material it's made of are prohibited. This includes any weapon resembling a firearm such as a Star Wars blaster, Nerf guns, toy guns, Overwatch firearms, etc. To see all the Phoenix Fan Fusion prop rules, go to The bag policy for Fan Fusion at the Phoenix Convention Center is pretty straightforward, as they don't state on the website that you must have a clear bag of a certain size to enter. All bags, and any props, will be checked by security as guests go through a metal detector at all three of the entrances. To see the full list of prohibited items, visit are no bag size restrictions or clear-bag requirements on the Phoenix Convention Center website. Bags are subject to inspection. No. Outside food and beverages are prohibited at Phoenix Convention Center. Rockstar Games delayed GTA 6 release: Here's the official release date (This story has been updated to include additional information.) Meredith G. White covers entertainment, art and culture for The Arizona Republic and She writes the latest news about video games, television and best things to do in metro Phoenix. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Fan Fusion bag policy: What you can and can't bring
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fan Fusion 2025: Everything to know about the comic con at Phoenix Convention Center
Fan Fusion, Phoenix's annual pop culture convention and comic con, is returning to downtown, bringing an impressive lineup of celebrity guests along with game tournaments, fan panels, cosplay contests and more. It all takes place Friday-Sunday, June 6-8, 2025. Fans can get autographs and photo ops or catch a panel conversation with Anakin Skywalker himself, Hayden Christensen. Or get in line for Elijah Wood, Sean Astin and all of the Hobbits from 'Lord of the Rings," 'The Office' star Rainn Wilson and many more. Whether this is your first time at a con or you're a seasoned pro, here's everything you need to know about Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Yes. The Phoenix comic con is called Fan Fusion. Fan Fusion 2024 highs and lows: Dick Van Dyke, the GOAT, gets 2 standing ovations Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 will take place Friday-Sunday, June 6-8, with all your favorite fandoms, cosplayers, celebrity guest panels, authors, artists, meet-and-greets and much more. Here's the Fan Fusion 2025 schedule: Friday, June 6: 8:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Saturday, June 7: 8:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Sunday, June 8: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Hours for the lower level exhibit halls (1-6) and the Hall of Heroes are: Friday, June 6: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, June 7: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, June 8: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Hours for the programming events in ballrooms 120 and 301 and meeting rooms 101-232 are: Friday, June 6: 10:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Saturday, June 7: 10:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Sunday, June 8: 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Phoenix Fan Fusion is at the Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third St. downtown. There are three entrances to Fan Fusion at the convention center: Second and Adams streets, Third and Monroe streets and Third and Washington streets. No. Fan Fusion tickets, or memberships as they're called, can be purchased at Here's the full breakdown of Fan Fusion ticket prices for 2025: Weekend pass: $99. Friday pass: $44. Saturday pass: $64. Sunday pass: $44. VIP weekend pass: $595. Kids 12 and younger: Free. VIP passes include a $100 voucher for the merch booth, early access to celebrity panels, a special line for most celebrity autographs, a VIP lounge and more. There are parking garages, lots and street parking within walking distance of the Phoenix Convention Center. Costs vary; expect to pay $20-$30 per day. These parking garages are closest to the Phoenix Convention Center: Convention Center East Garage: Fifth and Washington streets. Heritage Garage: Fifth and Monroe streets. Convention Center North Garage: Fifth and Monroe streets. Convention Center West Garage: Third and Washington streets. Hyatt Regency Garage: Second and Washington/Adams streets. You can reserve a parking spot at Valley Metro light rail costs $4 for an all-day pass or $2 for a single ride. You can pay at the kiosk at each light rail stop or purchase your fare in advance on the Valley Metro app. Here are the stops closest to the convention center: Third and Washington streets. Washington Street and Central Avenue. There are three secured entrances to Fan Fusion at the Phoenix Convention Center, with screening at each one. Ticketed fans will go through a metal detector, and bags and props will be screened. Find out more at No. Outside food and beverages are prohibited at Phoenix Convention Center. The bag policy for Fan Fusion at the Phoenix Convention Center is pretty straightforward and clear bags aren't required. Here are the rules: Oversized rolling suitcases are not allowed. Camera bags without a press badge are not permitted. All other bags are subject to search by security. As for props, you can bring your sonic screwdriver, fake sword, wand and lightsaber. You are not allowed to bring any real, replicated or simulated explosive weapons or devices of any kind, excessively noisy props like airhorns, glass or stone props, slingshots, cast-iron skillets and more. To see the complete rules, visit What is the golden rule of cosplay? The unspoken etiquette of asking for photos Here are just a few of the things you can do at Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025: "Wicked" Singalong: Come sing your heart out with fellow "Wicked" fans at 1:30 p.m. Friday in North 231ABC. Arizona Droid Builders: Get a closer look at the blueprints, guides and software needed to construct screen accurate models primarily of Star Wars droids at 1:30 p.m. Sunday in West 103AB. "Nosferatu": Discussing Robert Eggers and a Century of Horror: Come learn why the name Nosferatu has inspired fear for over 100 years as a panel discusses how director Robert Eggers' film honored the history and themes of the 1922 classic film at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in North 224AB Fantasy. One Skit to Rule Them All Contest: Cosplayers will act out scenes in character and all fandoms are welcome to participate. Fill out the application at This event is at 4:30 p.m. Saturday in North 231ABC. Trivia from Another Dimension: The Twilight Zone: Enter a new dimension as you hear retellings of famous episodes in five minutes or less while the audience plays themed trivia for prizes. 1:30 p.m. Saturday in North 127C Horror. The full schedule is at Rockstar Games delayed GTA 6 release: Here's the official release date Some of the biggest names in geek and pop culture will be at Phoenix Fan Fusion, signing autographs and participating in panels. Autographs and photo ops will take place in the Lower Level Exhibit Halls 1-6, which will be open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Here are just a few of the Fan Fusion 2025 celebrity guests: Hayden Christensen: Best known for playing Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader in the Star Wars prequel films "Attack of the Clones" and "Revenge of the Sith," as well as reprising his role in the Disney+ TV series "Ahsoka" and the mini-series "Obi-Wan Kenobi." Anthony Daniels who played Anakin's trusty protocol droid C-3PO also will be in attendance. "Lord of the Rings" cast: Elijah Wood (Frodo), Sean Astin (Samwise), Dominic Monaghan (Merry), Billy Boyd (Pippin) and John Rhys-Davies (Gimli) will be at Fan Fusion. Rainn Wilson: Best known for playing Dwight Schrute on all nine seasons of NBC's "The Office," along with roles in "House of 1000 Corpses" and "Star Trek: Discovery." Manny Jacinto: Famous for playing Jason Mendoza on NBC's "The Good Place" and had roles in "Top Gun: Maverick" and the Star Wars series "The Acolyte." Marisa Tomei: You may know her as Aunt May Parker in the "Spider-Man" films, but this Oscar-winning actress has an impressive career with roles in "My Cousin Vinny," "What Women Want" and "The Wrestler."If you're looking to keep it casual, you can stick to fandom tees and jeans, but a lot of the fun of comic cons is dressing the part. While professional cosplayers will be in attendance, everyone is encouraged to wear their fandom proud, whether that's with official merch or a DIY costume. Here are a few of the closest hotels to the convention center: Hyatt Regency Phoenix: Across the street from the convention center at 122 N. Second St. Rooms start at $199 a night, valet parking is $44 and self-parking is $34 per day. Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Downtown: Three blocks from the convention center at 77 E. Polk St. Rooms start at $152 a night, valet parking is $39, no self-parking. Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown: Two miles from the Convention Center and adjacent to the light rail at 10 E. Thomas Road. Rooms start at $119 a night, self-parking is $32 per day, no valet parking. Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown: Five blocks from the Convention Center at 132 S. Central Ave. Rooms start at $127 a night, valet parking is $43 a day, no self-parking. Residence Inn Phoenix Downtown: Five blocks from the Convention Center at 132 S. Central Ave. Rooms start at $127 a night, valet parking is $43 a day, no self-parking. AC Marriott: Three blocks from the Convention Center at 414 N. Fifth St. Rooms start at $149 a night, self-parking is $30, no valet parking. (This story has been updated to include additional information.) Meredith G. White covers entertainment, art and culture for The Arizona Republic and She writes the latest news about video games, television and best things to do in metro Phoenix. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025: Ultimate guide for comic con fans
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Football's equivalent of the Hobbits' return to the Shire
Like The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, just when you think the football season has finally been wrapped up and you're waiting for the closing credits to roll, along comes another clatter of matches to leave you in serious doubt that this hamster wheel of ours will ever stop turning. In recent weeks the climactic (and often anticlimactic) battles have been fought, the subsequent coronations have been staged and now in what seems like the perfect time for a nice refreshing break in which to recuperate, recalibrate and prepare for the nonsense that is the Club World Cup, Football Daily finds itself forced to contend with the football equivalent of the Hobbits' return to the Shire that is the latest international break. Oh to be Frodo, sailing off into the unknown of the Undying Lands. While Football Daily likes to think it has its finger firmly placed on the football pulse, it behoves us to admit that we'd completely forgotten that England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are all due to play this weekend. And it is a good thing the respective governing bodies of all five teams were not similarly absent-minded for fear they might have been forced to spend the coming days scouring the bars and beaches of Ibiza trying to find players willing to represent their national sides in their imminent double-headers. Truth be told, a quick trawl of any random beach in the UK would probably yield enough decent English players to see off Andorra in Saturday's World Cup qualifier but that hasn't stopped Thomas Tuchel's latest squad selection for that game and a subsequent friendly against Senegal being taken very seriously indeed. Predictably overwrought has been some of the wailing and handwringing over various inclusions and omissions from a 26-man group that is ostensibly in Barcelona to take on a ski resort. In Liechtenstein, Wales host similarly exalted opposition in the first game of their qualifying double-header that concludes with a trip to Belgium, but you can be sure Craig Bellamy will not be taking the minnows lightly. Famously intolerant of international teammates who didn't pull their weight during his time as a player repeatedly failing to qualify for major tournaments – or simply colleagues refusing to sing – Bellamy has brought the intensity of 10,000 TV dramas starring Stephen Graham to his role as head coach. 'From his first meeting you could tell how much he wanted to achieve here – big things – and straight away he wanted to drill things into us,' trembled Swansea's Ben Cabango of his gaffer, who has yet to taste defeat as Wales boss. 'I feel like he's not laid off that one bit. We're not here for a large amount of time so it's quite intense when we are here.' Proceedings are likely to be considerably less intense in the other camps, with only friendlies looming in the short-term for all three nations. The big news from an Ireland camp preparing for summer kickabouts with Senegal and Luxembourg has been the tardy arrival of Caoimhin Kelleher due to him having to cough for the doctor at Brentford, while Northern Ireland have recalled Kelleher's former teammate Conor Bradley for their games against Denmark and Iceland, after he missed the last international break through knack. And finally, having just checked to see if Steve Clarke is still the manager of Scotland, we can reveal that he very much is and will be hoping his side can avoid the potential embarrassment that comes hand in hand with friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein, before an eminently winnable qualifying campaign that kicks off in September. Now you know as much as we do, so make like Frodo and go away. Join a mystery guest from 8pm BST for hot Nations League semi-final updates from Germany 2-1 Portugal. 'We had a backpack with snacks and we played around on our phones to kill time. The lights were on all the time and the sitting position was uncomfortable, so sleeping was almost impossible. That made it physically and mentally difficult' – Neal Remmerie explains how he, along with fellow Belgian TikToker Senne Haverbeke, spent 27 hours in an Allianz Arena bog before watching the Bigger Cup final for free. 'We looked carefully at which security guard was paying the least attention,' whooped Remmerie. 'While on the phone and with food in our hands, we just walked on, and suddenly we were inside.' I've just read your recent article regarding the York City owner's push for three promotion places from the National League to League Two (yesterday's Football Daily). I wanted to write in full support of her position – and to thank you for highlighting this vital issue. As a supporter of Dorking Wanderers, a club that finished sixth this past season and fell short in the playoffs, I can say with confidence that many clubs and fans across the National League share her view. The idea that a team finishing sixth or seventh – often 15 to 20 points behind second or third place – can leapfrog into the Football League while stronger teams miss out is increasingly hard to justify. You questioned whether York's owner would feel the same if her club finished seventh. I genuinely believe she would, as would many other club owners, including the management at Dorking. This isn't just about individual clubs – it's about fairness, progress, and ensuring that ambition is matched by opportunity. The National League has become increasingly professional and competitive, and its clubs deserve a pathway that reflects that. I hope the EFL takes note of this growing movement. Thank you again for covering this important topic – and please keep the conversation going' – Stephen Parrott. It's probably worth pointing out that the 3UP campaign is supported by all 72 clubs in the National League, including the North and South leagues, of which my team, South Shields, is part, although we certainly weren't troubling the playoff contenders this season just gone' – Phil Gibson. I'm sure I will be one of 1,057 pedants to point out that in the 2021-22 National League North season, Brackley Town finished second on 87 points, seven points ahead of the side that finished third and a whole 21 points ahead of the team that actually ended up being promoted through the playoffs. The name of the side in question … York City' – Andy Riddell (and others). Forget 3UP (yesterday's Football Daily), I've long thought 8UP to be the answer. A straight eight up and down across all divisions. It would take real commitment to spend 10 years in the same tier. Loads of different teams to play each year and different grounds to visit. You'd have an interest in matches through to the end of the season. And it would level the financial playing field nicely with so many teams yo-yoing. What's not to like?' – Dave Lambley. If you do have any, please send letters to Today's winner of our prizeless letter o' the day is … Dave Lambley. Terms and conditions for our competitions, when we run them, can be viewed here. Daniel Melamud has curated a collection of lovely images taken by some of the most respected snappers in the game. Do check out this selection. Michael Carrick has been hailed as part of a new breed of astute young manager almost as long as his tenure as Middlesbrough manager, which has ended after the best part of three years in the job (a lengthy spell by Championship standards). Boro announced Carrick's passage through the door marked Do One after a poor run-in that resulted in a 10th-placed finish. Carrick took Boro to fourth place and the playoffs in 2023, where they were beaten in the semis by Coventry, but they dropped back to eighth a year later. Failure to improve on that in the past 12 months means Carrick joins a number of Noughties England luminaries facing tricky times in management. He is followed out of the Riverside by his assistants Jonathan Woodgate (another Noughties England mainstay) and Graeme Carrick. 'We'd like to thank Michael, Jonathan, and Graeme for all their hard work and unwavering commitment. We wish them all the very best for the future,' blah-blahed a club statement as Boro seek a Premier League place for the first time since 2017. Millie Bright will not play for the Lionesses at Euro 2025. The defender has withdrawn from possible selection as 'it is the right thing for my health and my future'. Bright's withdrawal follows the international retirements of Mary Earps and Fran Kirby, the latter of whom confirmed her news after England's 2-1 Nations League defeat in Spain. Boss Sarina Wiegman is at least confident that Lauren James will be fit for the tournament. Elsewhere in the WNL, Scotland drew 1-1 in the Netherlands, but Wales got a 4-1 hiding at home against Italy. 'The first half felt like a punch in the face,' sighed manager Rhian Wilkinson. 'Let's be clear, that was not a performance that I expect from this team.' Lucas Paquetá's spot-fixing trial has ended but West Ham have been left unhappy at having to wait up to eight weeks for a verdict. Stop us if you think that you've heard this one before … Manchester City are going on a spending jag. The first man in? Tijjani Reijnders of Milan, the Dutch attacking midfielder costing an agreed fee of €55m. Meanwhile, following Kevin De Bruyne's departure comes news that Scott Carson, the reserve goalie who has played 108 minutes and won 11 trophies, could also be doing one. Andrée Jeglertz, the Swede who will lead Denmark at Euro 2025, is in line for the Manchester City Women's top job. Sheffield United are to be the lucky losers after Blackburn's withdrawal and remain in WSL 2 next season. Liverpool want Milos Kerkez. Bournemouth want £45m. Will Crystal Palace escape the bind that might deny the Eagles a first proper European tilt next season? John Textor, largest shareholder but also owner of Lyon, is trying to flog his shares in Palace to ease passage into Bigger Vase. 'All of the UK knows that I don't have decisive influence over Palace,' he roared. Liam Manning has done one from Bristol City to take over at Norwich. And Rio Ferdinand thinks that Manchester United's failings have made him a laughing stock. 'It's sad, man. I'm on TV, I've got to talk about this stuff. Everyone can take the mick out of me,' he wailed. 'I'm a meme sometimes on social media [disgraces] because of my team. So it's hard, man, I'm doing punditry in the worst possible time in Manchester through this terrible moment.' Thomas Müller, Patrik Schick, Vincent Kompany and Leipzig's 'scumbag football': all part of Andy Brassell's review of the German season. Jacob Steinberg picks over why Jadon Sancho is back at Manchester United, after the end of his sale and return move to Chelsea. What next? Ben McAleer looks at the Premier League players who could possibly to with moves to reboot their careers. Get these bookmarked if you haven't already: our men's and women's summer transfer interactives. And this week's Knowledge investigates British players conquering Europe's top five leagues, late-career goalscoring centurions and huge gaps between league titles, among much else. Winding the clock back to 4 June 1997: Paul Scholes, 22, beams after scoring his first England goal, in only his second senior international, as Italy are beaten in Nantes. Scholes also laid on the other for his strike partner that evening, Ian Wright, as England ended up winning Le Tournoi, the warm-up event for the 1998 World Cup. Scholes has described his England career as an overall disappointment, but their performances in France that summer got everyone back home excited. Wright, knacked that following season, missed the World Cup. Only Mick Channon played more times for England without being selected for a World Cup or European Championships squad. These days, Scholes and Wright occasionally find themselves still paired up, reminiscing across Gary Neville's kitchen island on that show you see all over social media disgraces.
Boston Globe
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
'04 Sox champions sail in Boston Harbor, and a fairy tale inn opens in British Columbia
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The whimsical Hazelnut Inn's handcrafted, fairy tale-inspired suites offer a magical getaway for those looking for a unique departure from standard hotel and inn offerings. HANDOUT Advertisement THERE: FAIRY TALE INN OPENS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA What happens when a family of theme park and tourist attraction designers dream about building their own hotel? Travelers can find the answer when they book a stay at the whimsical Hazelnut Inn. Located on a former hazelnut farm in Chilliwack, an hour from Vancouver, B.C., the inn's handcrafted, fairy tale-inspired suites offer a magical getaway for those looking for a unique departure from standard hotel and inn offerings. Owners Hailey and Peter Sawatzky will be opening the two finished suites in June. The North Star Suite is designed to evoke the romance and adventure of the sea, like stepping into the pages of 'Treasure Island' or a sequel to 'Pirates of the Caribbean.' Sleep in the Captain's quarters, guarded by twin mermaids, relax in a soaker tub for two, and explore the playful artifacts in the lush garden where waterfalls and a fire bowl await discovery. The ground floor Under Hill Suite is imagined as a home where rabbits or Hobbits might live. Built into a hill, the twining roots of a tree above form its ceiling. The suite features a soaker tub for two, separate rainfall shower, and private garden with fireplace and waterfall. Both suites have in-floor heat, air conditioning, flat screen TVs, kitchenette with sink, mini-fridge, microwave, and complimentary beverages and snacks. There's free parking onsite and an EV charging station. A third suite, a classic fairy tale castle named the Copper Crown, is expected to open at a future date. Guests must be 18 and older. Book by July 1 and stay anytime in 2025 for $270. Otherwise, a single-night stay is $415; two or more nights $270, depending on exchange rates. 1-604-845-4628; Advertisement The Chimani AI guide to National Parks, an AI-powered tool offering users personalized park itineraries tailored to individual travel styles and interests. HANDOUT EVERYWHERE: NATIONAL PARK APP LAUNCHES Are you ready to hit the road this summer? Don't say 'yes' until you've checked out the Chimani AI Guide to National Parks. Recently launched by Chimani, a designer of mobile travel apps for national parks since 2010, this new AI-powered tool offers users personalized park itineraries tailored to individual travel styles and interests. Leveraging AI, user preferences, and Chimani's 60-plus professionally written national park guides, the app ensures that every trip is both seamless and uniquely designed, whether you're visiting Yellowstone, Yosemite, Acadia, or the Grand Canyon. One-click planning allows key features, including customizable activity levels — for leisurely strolls or summit scrambles — alongside interest-based options that prioritize favorite activities like hiking, auto touring, or wildlife viewing. Offline custom park maps allow you to follow daily plans, even deep in the park without a cell signal. Users can also receive and view real-time reports from others in the park, such as parking issues, weather hazards, and more. The best feature? It's free. Advertisement NECEE REGIS Necee Regis can be reached at
The Guardian
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Reacher is a show about a very large man punching his way through crime – and it's perfect
What if there was a man who was substantially larger than other men? This is the big question posed to us by the philosophers behind Amazon Prime's original series Reacher. Based on the (many) Jack Reacher books by the crime author Lee Child, the show (which just wrapped its third season) follows the adventures of a mountain of man-flesh who uses his beefy body, brawny mind and slab of moral fortitude to kick and punch other men, and solve military crimes. It's hard to explain exactly what the plot of Reacher is: in the ancient tradition of shows like JAG (what if lawyers could fly jets?), it follows a retired US army military cop (what if a soldier could also solve crimes?) who wanders America with only a toothbrush. However, as he says, 'wherever I go, trouble seems to find me' – usually in the form of organised crime needing to be less organised, or old grudges resurfacing, or the murder of an old pal, all of which means he has to reluctantly come out of retirement to stoically punch and kick yet again. Our titular hero starts off as a recognisable trope in the action genre – a figure of terrifying efficiency who is capable of brutal violence; a John Wick or even Jason Bourne-style action man. But there is an important point of difference: roughly four feet of extra height. Famously (per Child's books) 6ft 5in and 250 lb (113kg), Jack Reacher (played here by Alan Ritchson, still terrifyingly large at a mere 6ft 2in) is both tall and wide, qualities that may seem superficial but are in fact the heart and soul of the series. Many of the action scenes resemble behind-the-scenes footage of Lord of the Rings, where you see the tiny child actors brought in to create a forced-perspective illusion that Ian McKellen was running around Middle-earth with a bunch of Hobbits – except in Reacher it's just regular men, forced to stand near Alan Ritchson. Our hero's impressive musculature is also the main point of conversation for the other characters. In the rare moments where, say, a beautiful yet foul-mouthed Boston FBI agent stops monologuing pertinent exposition points, we may be treated to such lighthearted comments as: 'Last time I saw a guy twice your size was on Mount Rushmore.' It's an utterly ridiculous premise, but it's just some of the most enjoyably addictive action on TV right now. For fans of Child's books, it's also a kind of cosmic rebalancing to the existence of the 2012 film Jack Reacher, where the titular hero was played by the famously short king Tom Cruise. By contrast, Reacher's beautiful obsession with its protagonist's girthiness shows that it's a series that understands exactly what it's doing: entertaining us with a massive chunk of hero who will get out of most situations by punching with his head. It's not even just violence – there's a labours-of-Hercules logic to the show, exemplified in a season three episode where he is forced to take off all his clothes (the nudity of Jack Reacher is a recurring plot point) and swim across a punishing stretch of icy storm-tossed water to sustain a kind of Mrs Doubtfire-style farce of being seen in two places at once. He swims as if he is punching the very ocean itself into submission. Reacher feels like a thought experiment, where we're treated to a group fantasy about just how big a man can be, and what kind of things a man that huge would do. The writers then decided that a man that large would be a kind of weird American folk legend, a libertarian wet dream who travels the country on greyhound buses, experiencing liberty so hard that he has shed all his belongings, all methods of communication, all family and friends. A hyper-violent Quentin Tarantino retelling of the Johnny Appleseed myth. There's also a fascinating commentary on masculinity, harking back to the wild west type of no-nonsense, no-frills, emotionally repressed archetype who takes the law into his own hands. Sometimes, he's a Ron Swanson-style figure of noble independence, at other times a cranky old man disgusted at the existence of lavender-flavoured ice-cream. And while his motives are always based in his own brand of ethics, I cannot stress just how much murdering this man does. Sure, they're bad guys, but even they have rights. Just not to Jack Reacher, who is too big for the law. With season three in the rearview and a fourth slated for 2026, you may think there is a danger of diminishing returns for Reacher – after all, how much story can you really milk out of the existence of a very big guy? But there's a wisdom in Reacher's simplicity, and this season our huge hero faces his most terrifying foe yet: a man even bigger than himself. A perfect escalation, for a perfect TV show. Reacher Season 3 is streaming on Prime Video.
