Latest news with #Riri
Vogue Singapore
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
No one does maternity style quite like Rihanna. See her best fashion moments
Rihanna has never been one to play by the rules—especially when it comes to fashion. Ever since the 'Diamonds' singer made her debut in 2005, there hasn't been quite a shortage of high-octane fashion moments from the cultural supernova. From classic noughties looks to her iconic full yellow Guo Pei Met Gala gown, Riri has always been ahead of the curve. And so when she announced her first pregnancy with A$AP Rocky in 2022, in an epic reveal that featured a hot pink knee length Chanel puffer jacket and multicoloured belly chains, it was clear that she was rewriting the rules of maternity style. Sure enough, a little over a month later she arrived at the Dior show in a sheer black lace babydoll dress that showed off her stomach and her lingerie. During her second pregnancy, her fashion game remained at its high. Literally. She announced the good news to the world durning her iconic 2023 Super Bowl Halftime show, whilst suspended above the stadium in a custom red Loewe breastplate and matching jumpsuit. And so history repeated itself. Now well into her third pregnancy, Rihanna has become a seasoned pro at delivering a head-turning maternity style moment. And it had to be at an opportune moment—none other than the 2025 Met Gala—choosing a finely tailored custom Marc Jacobs ensemble to share the good news. And just when we thought we'd seen it all, the Barbadian singer kept us on our toes. Attending the Smurfs movie premiere in Los Angeles, Riri turned heads in a lace trimmed Saint Laurent gown paired with a black leather jacket and chic sunglasses. But the real show stealers? Her sons RZA and Riot, who arrived at the carpet in head to toe custom Dior by Jonathan Anderson—miniature version of the looks shown at the designer's debut menswear show for the house. Yes, fashion runs in this family. Here, we dip into the archives to round up Rihanna's best maternity looks. Getty 1 / 21 In Chanel Getty 2 / 21 In Miu Miu Getty 3 / 21 In Dior Getty 4 / 21 In Alaïa Getty 5 / 21 In Saint Laurent Getty 6 / 21 In Dior Getty 7 / 21 In custom Marc Jacobs Getty 8 / 21 In custom Maison Margiela Getty 9 / 21 In The Attico Getty 10 / 21 In Ann Demeulemeester Getty 11 / 21 In Y/Project Getty 12 / 21 In custom Loewe Getty 13 / 21 In custom Valentino @diggzy 14 / 21 In vintage Chanel 15 / 21 In Coperni Getty 16 / 21 In Alaïa Getty 17 / 21 In Fendi Getty 18 / 21 In Dior Getty 19 / 21 In Gucci Bauer-Griffin 20 / 21 In Loewe Getty 21 / 21 In Loewe
Black America Web
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Marvel's ‘Ironheart' Soars Above The Hate
Source: Maya Dehlin Spach / Getty In one of the most heart-wrenching moments in Marvel's new excellent Disney+ series Ironheart , MIT tech genius, badass inventor, and complicated superhero Riri Williams is emotionally gutted after the AI version of her deceased best friend N.A.T.A.L.I.E. is deleted. 'Oh my God…' panics Tony 'Iron Man' Stark's rebellious mentee—played with layered grit by the criminally underrated Dominique Thorne. Riri discovers the sobering consequences of using dark magic to amp up her new and improved black and red metal suit for her showdown with mystically enhanced villain The Hood. Source: Marvel Studios / Ironheart The Ryan Coogler-executive produced Ironheart has exceeded expectations. The six-episode show currently holds an 86% critics rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes (that score ranks among the best of Marvel Studio TV and film properties). San Francisco Chronicle's Zaki Hasan summed up much of the buzz surrounding Ironheart , praising the series' bold, personal storytelling in a genre usually heavy on save-the-world bluster. Fans have been even more ecstatic, following the shocking [SPOILER ALERT!!!], long-awaited MCU introduction of one of Marvel Comics' most powerful demons, which already has folks envisioning a Midnight Sons team-up movie featuring Doctor Strange, Ghost Rider, Moon Knight, Elsa Bloodstone, Blade. 'Ironheart is one of the best tv shows Marvel has made FIGHT WITH A WALL I DON'T CARE,' said one overly hyped viewer. 'Riri, you will forever be loved. AND FINALLY GETTING MEPHISTO???? oh we're so back and I will be expecting a season 2.' 'I think it's so yummy that Riri doesn't have to walk the traditional hero path,' Thorne told Entertainment Weekl y, following the jaw-dropping cliffhanger in which Ironheart makes a deal with 'the devil' to bring Natalie back to life. 'She has already crossed some lines and figured she'll handle the consequences on the other side. So what exactly is the scope? What's the scale of those consequences? And does she continue to resist? Does she continue to do the right thing or does she lean into the other part of her?' Credit for Ironheart's we-didn't-see-that-coming story building and smart, methodical pacing goes to head writer and showrunner Chinaka Hodge. She and fellow Oakland native Coogler unload an unapologetically Black yet inclusive show that somehow manages to balance over-the-top comic book fantasy with the grounded backdrop of working-class Chicago. Yet the initial rollout for Ironheart , which currently sits atop Disney+'s most streamed properties in the US, was tepid. Some fans have called out the show's bantam episode count (in comparison, the 2024 miniseries Agatha All Along was given nine episodes). Promotion for Ironheart , originally announced back in December of 2020 by Marvel Studios boss Kevin Feige as part of the Disney-backed company's new slate of shows, has been muted. Since then Marvel's 'Phase 5' has been hit and mostly miss (the all-heart Thunderbolts* deserved better). Source: Marvel Studios / Ironheart It was as if Feige and company were spooked by so-called superhero fatigue. But there was something more disturbing happening. Before Ironheart even made its June 24 premiere, it was review-bombed by belligerent fanboys apparently outraged over the mere idea of a Black woman headlining a superhero show. 'Ironheart' Star Has Defiant Response to Audience Negativity as RT Score…'Ironheart' has been gaining some mixed reactions, but that is fine by one star of the MCU series. Never mind that Williams—originally created by comic book writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Mike Deodato, and introduced in 2016's Invincible Iron Man No. 7—became an instant fan favorite following Thorne's appearance in the 2022 blockbuster Black Panther: Wakanda Forever . The theory goes that Marvel suits were reluctant to fully embrace Ironheart due to the current toxic, racist, and misogynistic-fueled DEI scare. 'Without knowing who was responsible for marketing… it's hard to believe that it wasn't a factor,' film and television writer Cheo Hodari Coker tells Cassius Life . The pen behind Ray Donovan , Southland , Notorious , and Creed II has had experience with working inside the Marvel world. Coker was showrunner for the Netflix superhero series Luke Cage , one of Marvel's early Black characters to headline their own book in 1972. Coker sees similarities between the two productions, recalling the time he premiered the Luke Cage trailer at Comic-Con in 2016. Ol' Dirty Bastard's 'Shimmy Shimmy Ya' blasted in the background as an ass-kicking Cage ran through an army of bad guys. 'We leaned into Hip-Hop and into Luke's Blackness, much how the show leans into Riri's,' adds Coker. Coker further makes the case that Coogler's recent box office glory with a certain Oscar-ready vampire movie has helped give Ironheart extra momentum. 'Ryan's triumphant turn with Sinners , I suspect, made [Marvel] realize that associating with his brand was an asset that could transcend any of the racist trolling,' he continues. 'And that, at the same time, once people actually got to see the show, they would see just how brilliant it is.' Indeed, Ironheart diehards have certainly done their part, pushing back against brazen attempts by the usual suspects to sabotage the show. And OG Iron Man , Robert Downey Jr, who Thorne calls her 'bestie' (he's set to play Marvel's next big baddie Dr. Doom in the upcoming 2026 film Avengers: Doomsday ) has given his full, glowing support to the actress and the Ironheart crew. Beyond the cool CGI and slick fight scenes, the show's strong cast is reason enough to give Ironheart a watch. Anji White gives Riri's supportive, no-nonsense mother, Ronnie, a wise, regal aura. The aforementioned Natalie, played by the scene-stealing Lyric Ross, embodies the coolest (and effortlessly hilarious) best homie from around the way. Regan Aliyah delivers offbeat charm as future Doctor Strange protégé Zelma Stanton. Anthony Ramos injects Ironheart's ominous Hood with enough eye-winking charisma to make Jessica Jones' David Tennant (Purple Man) jealous. LaRoyce Hawkins (Riri's stepfather Gary Williams) will break your heart while the youngest of the cast, Harper Anthony, gives Martin's iconic Hustle Man a run for his money as the wise-cracking Landon. The irreverent Sacha Baron Cohen was seemingly born to play Mephisto. And Thorne leads the entire production with a ferocity balanced by raw vulnerability. While it's too soon to say if Ironheart will be extended for a second season, Coker, an unabashed fan of the show, says he's ready for more. 'The same way that Luke Cage embraced '90s Hip-Hop and proved their was a huge audience, taking cues from James Gunn's embrace of '70s AM rock for Guardians of the Galaxy , my hope is that Marvel and Disney understand that there is a huge audience for Ironheart .' SEE ALSO Marvel's 'Ironheart' Soars Above The Hate was originally published on
Forbes
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Ironheart' Ended Strong, It Deserved Better Than This From Disney
Ironheart While I wasn't sold on the first three episodes of Ironheart when they aired last week, as reviews said, it really did pick up in the second half, and by the end, it delivered on its potential. But the show and character deserved better than how Disney delivered this series. The promotion for Ironheart has been all over the place. Despite the fact that it was allegedly ready to air some time ago, Ironheart was released a full three years after Riri Williams had her high-profile debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, when it should have been developed and aired much closer to that release. In addition to that, its late airing and focus on magic feels well outside anything that Marvel is currently doing, either on TV with its street-level punchy-shooty heroes like Daredevil or Punisher, or its larger Fantastic Four/Avengers projects. I would be floored if Riri ended up in either. I was extremely impressed with Dominique Thorne as the lead here, who didn't especially catch my eye with her appearance in Wakanda Forever but here, I thought she gave a charismatic, compelling performance in a way I feel like I haven't seen in one of these series since Iman Velani's Ms. Marvel. Ironheart Ironheart was a grounded tale in the sense that it was focused on both grief and the subsequent anxiety it brings. I can't say I've ever seen a hero actively have believable panic attacks in the Marvel universe before, and none of it felt forced. Action-wise, it's clear that this show has a larger budget than its viewership will justify, but its use of non-nanotech, mechanical suits is something that got lost in the MCU over time, and it was great to see it back. It would have been nice to see more than a single real suit fight, but alas, that's where the budget kicks in, no doubt. The show struggled the most with its villain, The Hood, though his character got better by the end (his outfit, however, did not). Easily the most MCU-significant moment of the series is finally the introduction of Mephisto after endless theorizing about his appearance in past series like WandaVision or Agatha All Along. Marvel decided to finally show him off here, and in more than just a post-credit tease or something along those lines. Sascha Baron Cohen may have seemed like an odd choice for the part, but he was excellent. Mephisto But the way this show has been handled, despite being set up for a second season dealing with the aftermath of Riri's deal with the devil, it seems almost certain nothing will come of this. There are no places where it feels like Riri or Mephisto would be slotted into the larger MCU from here, given its current focus and its next phase being X-Men-based. Ironheart was dumped out in three-episode batches with little fanfare, too late after it should have aired, and seemingly with no large plans to plug these great new characters in anywhere else. That's a shame. Watch it, appreciate it, but I guess now we just move on. Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram. Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
Metro
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
TV fans can now binge all 6 episodes of 'thrilling' action series
Warning: Spoilers for Ironheart, you have been warned… Looking for something to watch now you've binged The Bear and seen off Squid Game? Well, you're in luck! Six episodes of an incredible new action show are available to watch now on Disney Plus. The show is called Ironheart and it's the latest chapter in the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now, if you're a fan of the MCU, you'll no doubt know what Ironheart is about, but if you're not up to date on what's happening on Earth-616, allow me to explain. Set after the events of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ironheart follows genius gadgeteer Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) as she teams up with the mysterious Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos) in the hope of scraping together enough cash to build a new suit of Iron Man-style armour. However, Parker isn't what he seems, and before long, Riri finds herself torn between the mystical and the mechanical. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video When the series first dropped, there was an outpouring of celebration from fans who were thrilled by Riri's adventures. On Reddit, CharlesFluidSmith said, '[The] show is fantastic. Can say without hyperbole, it's my favourite Disney+ show.' AdRevolutionary4061 was similarly enthusiastic about Riri's adventures, posting 'Loving this show a ton already!', a feeling echoed by saintnick524, who wrote, 'This show is amazing!! I really enjoy it.' It was Xekshek33 who perhaps put it best, however, when they wrote: 'This show is a banger'. The delight wasn't exclusive to Reddit either. On X, @jjmastermind claimed: 'I'm hooked and there [are] only 3 episodes/one week left'. @captaincupkicks meanwhile said: 'I LOVED the first 3 episodes of #Ironheart! It's a gorgeous show with fun action, real stakes, and an exciting take on legacy… Can't wait to see the rest next week!' @KeyWatkins51299 felt similarly, adding: 'The first 3 episodes of #Ironheart were truly something iconic…This is a truly unique MCU series, and I am loving it so far. Can't wait for next week.' Metro's own Zac Haniff sat down with Ironheart executive producer Ryan Coogler to get the latest on the MCU … Everyone knows that the MCU is building to the Secret Wars, but Marvel Studios already has an eye on the future and the end of the Multiverse Saga. And do you know what's coming next? Why it's Marvel's merry mutants, the X-Men of course! More excitingly, plans are already in the works for the film with Ryan telling Metro that Jake Schreier (who just made Thunderbolts) will direct the X-Men reboot. Let's hope Ryan had permission from Marvel head honcho Kevin Feige to tell us that… Since then, however, the show's won over more and more fans, especially in the back half of the season, where Marvel finally introduced a highly anticipated villain. In the final episodes, we met the devilish Mephisto – the Marvel Universe's Satan stand-in – played by Sacha Baron Cohen, and it's fair to say he left one hell (pun intended) of an impression on viewers. 'Arghhh, Human Mephisto in Ironheart… this just became top 3 Marvel TV!!! #Ironheart,' wrote @Onlykayoo on X. [We're finally getting Mephisto,' added @tonisattorney. 'We're so back and I will be expecting a season 2.' More Trending Meanwhile, @paullydoughnuts declaredthat 'Ironheart was a good show, better than most of the shows they have been making… 100% better than WandaVision.' If that doesn't convince you to watch the show, you might be pleased to hear that Ironheart currently has a rather robust 86% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Sadly, the audience score is a lot lower at just 53% but it's worth noting the series was review-bombed before it was released, making that measure a little unreliable. Ironheart is available to watch now on Disney Plus. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: Truth about dad who jumped off Disney cruise to save daughter after police shut down rumour MORE: Mystery over how five-year-old girl plunged 50ft from Disney cruise ship MORE: Games Inbox: What will be the first Mario Kart World DLC?
The Advertiser
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
The clock is ticking in new Prime action series Countdown
Cops and agents from various branches of law enforcement are brought together on a task force in LA to prevent the potential loss of thousands of lives in new action drama Countdown. It looks like bad guys have got their hands on some highly dangerous material that could cause a Chernobyl-level disaster in the City of Angels, so this crew will do whatever it takes to stop that from happening - even if it involves colouring outside the lines and putting their own lives in significant danger. It's a ragtag group centred around LAPD officer Mark Meachum (the always-charming and ever-watchable Jensen Ackles, Supernatural) who has just done a nine-month undercover stint in prison. Then there's Amber Oliveras (Jessica Camacho), who spent significant time undercover with drug cartels, tech whiz Evan Shepherd (Violett Beane, Drop), man mountain Lucas Finau (Aussie Uli Latukefu, The Last Anniversary), third generation FBI agent Keyonte Bell (Elliott Knight) and the folks in charge, Nathan Blythe (Eric Dane, still best known as McSteamy from Grey's Anatomy) and his right-hand man Damon Drew (Jonathan Togo, CSI: Miami). The action is pretty decent and the characters are likeable. Countdown is a highly palatable action series with a broad appeal, easily sitting alongside the likes of Reacher or The Night Agent. After an initial drop of three episodes to get you hooked, the series is releasing episodes weekly. Marvel's TV shows have been very hit and miss thus far - mostly miss, if we're being honest. While the likes of Daredevil, Ms Marvel and Hawkeye were brilliant, we had to endure the lacklustre Secret Invasion, Loki season two and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Ironheart is the latest offering, and it follows Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), a gifted young scientist/inventor who was first introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. After picking up a bunch of knowledge during her time in Wakanda, Riri has gone back to college and found the resources just aren't up to her new standard, and has started completing other students' projects for cash to fund her work. The school, of course, is not on board with this and she is expelled, sent back home to Chicago with what little she could pocket on her way out. Down on her luck and without the funds to truly amaze in her iron suit, she falls in with a less than legal crew who are taking on morally questionable rich folk in the city. They're led by The Hood, played by the talented Anthony Ramos (Hamilton, Into the Heights). Aussie Zoe Terakes is also one of the band of misfits, who each bring their own set of skills to the criminal group. While Riri is working hard on getting her iron suit up to scratch, she accidentally creates a new AI helper (like Jarvis was Iron Man's helper before he became Vision) in the form of her dead best friend. It's a nice touch and one of the better points in the series. She's also formed a friendship with 'Joe McGillicuddy' (Alden Ehrenreich, Solo: A Star Wars Story), who is hiding a familiar identity behind his fake name. Ironheart has its moments, and sometimes hits those Marvel notes of old that we all love, but on the whole it's not one of the more memorable instalments in the Marvel TV hall of fame. The opening couple of episodes might be a little uneven, but the performances and concept in Smoke should be enough to keep you intrigued beyond them. Taron Egerton (Rocketman) plays Dave Gudsen, a former firefighter turned arson investigator with designs on becoming an author. He's got two serial arsonist cases on his desk when detective Michelle Calderon (Jurnee Smollett, The Burial) is reassigned to help him out. She's out of favour in her own department and is determined to score a big win on the arson cases. The show is moody and a little offputting, and even features a song by Radiohead's Thom Yorke in the opening titles. We follow one of the arsonists from the start, played by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, and his performance is highly impressive and sad. There's a reveal at the end of the second episode that's played like it's a big shocker but was fairly obvious to anyone paying attention. Time will tell if the show lives up to the promise of its cast (which also includes Greg Kinnear, Rafe Spall and John Leguizamo) and writer, Dennis Lehane (known for the likes of Gone Baby Gone, Mystic River and Shutter Island). Season four of The Bear is not going to be for everyone. If thus far you've merely put up with the characters' more introspective, slow-moving moments while you waited for the plot to kick in, this season might just lose you. There's very little actual movement in the story. The crazy intensity and chaos of the kitchen that drove seasons one and two has faded away. Now it's all about how these flawed but lovable characters are feeling more than what they're doing. Just about everyone on the show has recognised their own shortcomings and is actively working to remedy them - a remarkable thing to behold. If you've made it this far because you love seeing Carmy, Richie, Syd, Tina and the rest grow and tackle their issues and obstacles, you'll still love The Bear in season four. While there aren't any episodes to rival Fishes or Forks from season two, or even last season's Napkins or Ice Chips, episode seven of this season is beautiful and moving, and filled to the brim with guest stars, including new addition Brie Larson. Other guest stars this season include Rob Reiner and Danielle Deadwyler. The final season of juggernaut Korean series Squid Game, which is really much more of an extension of season two than its own thing, has arrived on Netflix with six brand new episodes. For something less intense, catch Mark Ruffalo and Riverdale's Lili Reinhart in the eight-episode dramedy Hal and Harper on Stan. For some documentary action, catch the film Shark Whisperer on Netflix, Ewan McGregor's latest motorcycle travelogue series The Long Way Home on AppleTV+, and the truly moving and affecting film My Mom Jayne, from Law and Order SVU's Mariska Hargitay, about her famous mother Jayne Mansfield, on Max. Cops and agents from various branches of law enforcement are brought together on a task force in LA to prevent the potential loss of thousands of lives in new action drama Countdown. It looks like bad guys have got their hands on some highly dangerous material that could cause a Chernobyl-level disaster in the City of Angels, so this crew will do whatever it takes to stop that from happening - even if it involves colouring outside the lines and putting their own lives in significant danger. It's a ragtag group centred around LAPD officer Mark Meachum (the always-charming and ever-watchable Jensen Ackles, Supernatural) who has just done a nine-month undercover stint in prison. Then there's Amber Oliveras (Jessica Camacho), who spent significant time undercover with drug cartels, tech whiz Evan Shepherd (Violett Beane, Drop), man mountain Lucas Finau (Aussie Uli Latukefu, The Last Anniversary), third generation FBI agent Keyonte Bell (Elliott Knight) and the folks in charge, Nathan Blythe (Eric Dane, still best known as McSteamy from Grey's Anatomy) and his right-hand man Damon Drew (Jonathan Togo, CSI: Miami). The action is pretty decent and the characters are likeable. Countdown is a highly palatable action series with a broad appeal, easily sitting alongside the likes of Reacher or The Night Agent. After an initial drop of three episodes to get you hooked, the series is releasing episodes weekly. Marvel's TV shows have been very hit and miss thus far - mostly miss, if we're being honest. While the likes of Daredevil, Ms Marvel and Hawkeye were brilliant, we had to endure the lacklustre Secret Invasion, Loki season two and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Ironheart is the latest offering, and it follows Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), a gifted young scientist/inventor who was first introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. After picking up a bunch of knowledge during her time in Wakanda, Riri has gone back to college and found the resources just aren't up to her new standard, and has started completing other students' projects for cash to fund her work. The school, of course, is not on board with this and she is expelled, sent back home to Chicago with what little she could pocket on her way out. Down on her luck and without the funds to truly amaze in her iron suit, she falls in with a less than legal crew who are taking on morally questionable rich folk in the city. They're led by The Hood, played by the talented Anthony Ramos (Hamilton, Into the Heights). Aussie Zoe Terakes is also one of the band of misfits, who each bring their own set of skills to the criminal group. While Riri is working hard on getting her iron suit up to scratch, she accidentally creates a new AI helper (like Jarvis was Iron Man's helper before he became Vision) in the form of her dead best friend. It's a nice touch and one of the better points in the series. She's also formed a friendship with 'Joe McGillicuddy' (Alden Ehrenreich, Solo: A Star Wars Story), who is hiding a familiar identity behind his fake name. Ironheart has its moments, and sometimes hits those Marvel notes of old that we all love, but on the whole it's not one of the more memorable instalments in the Marvel TV hall of fame. The opening couple of episodes might be a little uneven, but the performances and concept in Smoke should be enough to keep you intrigued beyond them. Taron Egerton (Rocketman) plays Dave Gudsen, a former firefighter turned arson investigator with designs on becoming an author. He's got two serial arsonist cases on his desk when detective Michelle Calderon (Jurnee Smollett, The Burial) is reassigned to help him out. She's out of favour in her own department and is determined to score a big win on the arson cases. The show is moody and a little offputting, and even features a song by Radiohead's Thom Yorke in the opening titles. We follow one of the arsonists from the start, played by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, and his performance is highly impressive and sad. There's a reveal at the end of the second episode that's played like it's a big shocker but was fairly obvious to anyone paying attention. Time will tell if the show lives up to the promise of its cast (which also includes Greg Kinnear, Rafe Spall and John Leguizamo) and writer, Dennis Lehane (known for the likes of Gone Baby Gone, Mystic River and Shutter Island). Season four of The Bear is not going to be for everyone. If thus far you've merely put up with the characters' more introspective, slow-moving moments while you waited for the plot to kick in, this season might just lose you. There's very little actual movement in the story. The crazy intensity and chaos of the kitchen that drove seasons one and two has faded away. Now it's all about how these flawed but lovable characters are feeling more than what they're doing. Just about everyone on the show has recognised their own shortcomings and is actively working to remedy them - a remarkable thing to behold. If you've made it this far because you love seeing Carmy, Richie, Syd, Tina and the rest grow and tackle their issues and obstacles, you'll still love The Bear in season four. While there aren't any episodes to rival Fishes or Forks from season two, or even last season's Napkins or Ice Chips, episode seven of this season is beautiful and moving, and filled to the brim with guest stars, including new addition Brie Larson. Other guest stars this season include Rob Reiner and Danielle Deadwyler. The final season of juggernaut Korean series Squid Game, which is really much more of an extension of season two than its own thing, has arrived on Netflix with six brand new episodes. For something less intense, catch Mark Ruffalo and Riverdale's Lili Reinhart in the eight-episode dramedy Hal and Harper on Stan. For some documentary action, catch the film Shark Whisperer on Netflix, Ewan McGregor's latest motorcycle travelogue series The Long Way Home on AppleTV+, and the truly moving and affecting film My Mom Jayne, from Law and Order SVU's Mariska Hargitay, about her famous mother Jayne Mansfield, on Max. Cops and agents from various branches of law enforcement are brought together on a task force in LA to prevent the potential loss of thousands of lives in new action drama Countdown. It looks like bad guys have got their hands on some highly dangerous material that could cause a Chernobyl-level disaster in the City of Angels, so this crew will do whatever it takes to stop that from happening - even if it involves colouring outside the lines and putting their own lives in significant danger. It's a ragtag group centred around LAPD officer Mark Meachum (the always-charming and ever-watchable Jensen Ackles, Supernatural) who has just done a nine-month undercover stint in prison. Then there's Amber Oliveras (Jessica Camacho), who spent significant time undercover with drug cartels, tech whiz Evan Shepherd (Violett Beane, Drop), man mountain Lucas Finau (Aussie Uli Latukefu, The Last Anniversary), third generation FBI agent Keyonte Bell (Elliott Knight) and the folks in charge, Nathan Blythe (Eric Dane, still best known as McSteamy from Grey's Anatomy) and his right-hand man Damon Drew (Jonathan Togo, CSI: Miami). The action is pretty decent and the characters are likeable. Countdown is a highly palatable action series with a broad appeal, easily sitting alongside the likes of Reacher or The Night Agent. After an initial drop of three episodes to get you hooked, the series is releasing episodes weekly. Marvel's TV shows have been very hit and miss thus far - mostly miss, if we're being honest. While the likes of Daredevil, Ms Marvel and Hawkeye were brilliant, we had to endure the lacklustre Secret Invasion, Loki season two and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Ironheart is the latest offering, and it follows Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), a gifted young scientist/inventor who was first introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. After picking up a bunch of knowledge during her time in Wakanda, Riri has gone back to college and found the resources just aren't up to her new standard, and has started completing other students' projects for cash to fund her work. The school, of course, is not on board with this and she is expelled, sent back home to Chicago with what little she could pocket on her way out. Down on her luck and without the funds to truly amaze in her iron suit, she falls in with a less than legal crew who are taking on morally questionable rich folk in the city. They're led by The Hood, played by the talented Anthony Ramos (Hamilton, Into the Heights). Aussie Zoe Terakes is also one of the band of misfits, who each bring their own set of skills to the criminal group. While Riri is working hard on getting her iron suit up to scratch, she accidentally creates a new AI helper (like Jarvis was Iron Man's helper before he became Vision) in the form of her dead best friend. It's a nice touch and one of the better points in the series. She's also formed a friendship with 'Joe McGillicuddy' (Alden Ehrenreich, Solo: A Star Wars Story), who is hiding a familiar identity behind his fake name. Ironheart has its moments, and sometimes hits those Marvel notes of old that we all love, but on the whole it's not one of the more memorable instalments in the Marvel TV hall of fame. The opening couple of episodes might be a little uneven, but the performances and concept in Smoke should be enough to keep you intrigued beyond them. Taron Egerton (Rocketman) plays Dave Gudsen, a former firefighter turned arson investigator with designs on becoming an author. He's got two serial arsonist cases on his desk when detective Michelle Calderon (Jurnee Smollett, The Burial) is reassigned to help him out. She's out of favour in her own department and is determined to score a big win on the arson cases. The show is moody and a little offputting, and even features a song by Radiohead's Thom Yorke in the opening titles. We follow one of the arsonists from the start, played by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, and his performance is highly impressive and sad. There's a reveal at the end of the second episode that's played like it's a big shocker but was fairly obvious to anyone paying attention. Time will tell if the show lives up to the promise of its cast (which also includes Greg Kinnear, Rafe Spall and John Leguizamo) and writer, Dennis Lehane (known for the likes of Gone Baby Gone, Mystic River and Shutter Island). Season four of The Bear is not going to be for everyone. If thus far you've merely put up with the characters' more introspective, slow-moving moments while you waited for the plot to kick in, this season might just lose you. There's very little actual movement in the story. The crazy intensity and chaos of the kitchen that drove seasons one and two has faded away. Now it's all about how these flawed but lovable characters are feeling more than what they're doing. Just about everyone on the show has recognised their own shortcomings and is actively working to remedy them - a remarkable thing to behold. If you've made it this far because you love seeing Carmy, Richie, Syd, Tina and the rest grow and tackle their issues and obstacles, you'll still love The Bear in season four. While there aren't any episodes to rival Fishes or Forks from season two, or even last season's Napkins or Ice Chips, episode seven of this season is beautiful and moving, and filled to the brim with guest stars, including new addition Brie Larson. Other guest stars this season include Rob Reiner and Danielle Deadwyler. The final season of juggernaut Korean series Squid Game, which is really much more of an extension of season two than its own thing, has arrived on Netflix with six brand new episodes. For something less intense, catch Mark Ruffalo and Riverdale's Lili Reinhart in the eight-episode dramedy Hal and Harper on Stan. For some documentary action, catch the film Shark Whisperer on Netflix, Ewan McGregor's latest motorcycle travelogue series The Long Way Home on AppleTV+, and the truly moving and affecting film My Mom Jayne, from Law and Order SVU's Mariska Hargitay, about her famous mother Jayne Mansfield, on Max. Cops and agents from various branches of law enforcement are brought together on a task force in LA to prevent the potential loss of thousands of lives in new action drama Countdown. It looks like bad guys have got their hands on some highly dangerous material that could cause a Chernobyl-level disaster in the City of Angels, so this crew will do whatever it takes to stop that from happening - even if it involves colouring outside the lines and putting their own lives in significant danger. It's a ragtag group centred around LAPD officer Mark Meachum (the always-charming and ever-watchable Jensen Ackles, Supernatural) who has just done a nine-month undercover stint in prison. Then there's Amber Oliveras (Jessica Camacho), who spent significant time undercover with drug cartels, tech whiz Evan Shepherd (Violett Beane, Drop), man mountain Lucas Finau (Aussie Uli Latukefu, The Last Anniversary), third generation FBI agent Keyonte Bell (Elliott Knight) and the folks in charge, Nathan Blythe (Eric Dane, still best known as McSteamy from Grey's Anatomy) and his right-hand man Damon Drew (Jonathan Togo, CSI: Miami). The action is pretty decent and the characters are likeable. Countdown is a highly palatable action series with a broad appeal, easily sitting alongside the likes of Reacher or The Night Agent. After an initial drop of three episodes to get you hooked, the series is releasing episodes weekly. Marvel's TV shows have been very hit and miss thus far - mostly miss, if we're being honest. While the likes of Daredevil, Ms Marvel and Hawkeye were brilliant, we had to endure the lacklustre Secret Invasion, Loki season two and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Ironheart is the latest offering, and it follows Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), a gifted young scientist/inventor who was first introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. After picking up a bunch of knowledge during her time in Wakanda, Riri has gone back to college and found the resources just aren't up to her new standard, and has started completing other students' projects for cash to fund her work. The school, of course, is not on board with this and she is expelled, sent back home to Chicago with what little she could pocket on her way out. Down on her luck and without the funds to truly amaze in her iron suit, she falls in with a less than legal crew who are taking on morally questionable rich folk in the city. They're led by The Hood, played by the talented Anthony Ramos (Hamilton, Into the Heights). Aussie Zoe Terakes is also one of the band of misfits, who each bring their own set of skills to the criminal group. While Riri is working hard on getting her iron suit up to scratch, she accidentally creates a new AI helper (like Jarvis was Iron Man's helper before he became Vision) in the form of her dead best friend. It's a nice touch and one of the better points in the series. She's also formed a friendship with 'Joe McGillicuddy' (Alden Ehrenreich, Solo: A Star Wars Story), who is hiding a familiar identity behind his fake name. Ironheart has its moments, and sometimes hits those Marvel notes of old that we all love, but on the whole it's not one of the more memorable instalments in the Marvel TV hall of fame. The opening couple of episodes might be a little uneven, but the performances and concept in Smoke should be enough to keep you intrigued beyond them. Taron Egerton (Rocketman) plays Dave Gudsen, a former firefighter turned arson investigator with designs on becoming an author. He's got two serial arsonist cases on his desk when detective Michelle Calderon (Jurnee Smollett, The Burial) is reassigned to help him out. She's out of favour in her own department and is determined to score a big win on the arson cases. The show is moody and a little offputting, and even features a song by Radiohead's Thom Yorke in the opening titles. We follow one of the arsonists from the start, played by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, and his performance is highly impressive and sad. There's a reveal at the end of the second episode that's played like it's a big shocker but was fairly obvious to anyone paying attention. Time will tell if the show lives up to the promise of its cast (which also includes Greg Kinnear, Rafe Spall and John Leguizamo) and writer, Dennis Lehane (known for the likes of Gone Baby Gone, Mystic River and Shutter Island). Season four of The Bear is not going to be for everyone. If thus far you've merely put up with the characters' more introspective, slow-moving moments while you waited for the plot to kick in, this season might just lose you. There's very little actual movement in the story. The crazy intensity and chaos of the kitchen that drove seasons one and two has faded away. Now it's all about how these flawed but lovable characters are feeling more than what they're doing. Just about everyone on the show has recognised their own shortcomings and is actively working to remedy them - a remarkable thing to behold. If you've made it this far because you love seeing Carmy, Richie, Syd, Tina and the rest grow and tackle their issues and obstacles, you'll still love The Bear in season four. While there aren't any episodes to rival Fishes or Forks from season two, or even last season's Napkins or Ice Chips, episode seven of this season is beautiful and moving, and filled to the brim with guest stars, including new addition Brie Larson. Other guest stars this season include Rob Reiner and Danielle Deadwyler. The final season of juggernaut Korean series Squid Game, which is really much more of an extension of season two than its own thing, has arrived on Netflix with six brand new episodes. For something less intense, catch Mark Ruffalo and Riverdale's Lili Reinhart in the eight-episode dramedy Hal and Harper on Stan. For some documentary action, catch the film Shark Whisperer on Netflix, Ewan McGregor's latest motorcycle travelogue series The Long Way Home on AppleTV+, and the truly moving and affecting film My Mom Jayne, from Law and Order SVU's Mariska Hargitay, about her famous mother Jayne Mansfield, on Max.
