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Elle
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
The Biggest 'Wednesday' Season Two, Part One Easter Eggs You May Have Missed
If you're the kind of Wednesday super fan who pauses mid-episode to screenshot background details and then disappears down a three-hour Reddit rabbit hole analysing them, then season two of Netflix's gothic phenomenon was made specifically for you. Showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar have transformed the first four episodes of season two (which dropped on Wednesday, August 6) into a masterclass in cultural archaeology, layering references so intricate that even the most devoted fans are still uncovering new details. It's gothic genealogy meets meta-commentary, and frankly, we can't stop mining every frame for hidden meaning. These are the Wednesday season two, part one easter eggs you definitely missed. Let's start with what you probably noticed: Jenna Ortega's Wednesday channels serious Christina Ricci energy throughout these opening episodes, but it's not imitation – it's deliberate homage. The costume department has created looks that feel like natural evolution rather than nostalgic recreation, while Morticia's styling offers subtle nods to Anjelica Huston's iconic 1990s interpretation. Uncle Fester's dialogue deserves particular attention from longtime fans. Listen carefully, and you'll hear echoes of his classic movie one-liners, woven into the script like inside jokes for viewers who've been following this family for decades. The opening six minutes alone contain enough hidden significance to fuel a term's worth of film studies analysis. When Wednesday casts her spell over Goody's book, her necklace turns blood red – a blink-and-you'll-miss-it visual cue that may be fleeting but is crucial to understanding her character's evolving powers. Even more striking are the black tears Wednesday sheds when her abilities start 'glitching.' It's visually arresting and symbolically loaded, suggesting that her supernatural evolution is going to be neither comfortable nor pretty. This season's Nevermore Academy feels like walking through a gothic literature syllabus. Pugsley and Eugene are housed in Caliban Hall, a Shakespeare reference that's both thematically appropriate and slightly tongue-in-cheek. The Da Vinci students crafting a raven-shaped bonfire isn't just atmospheric set dressing, either – it's a love letter to the poet, Edgar Allan Poe, where he is portrayed as a former student of the fictional school. The school's name is even a direct nod to the famous line 'Nevermore' from Poe's poem The Raven. The Poe references didn't stop there. A sword ceiling threatens students in clear homage to The Pit and the Pendulum, while a red-caped figure pursuing Wednesday channels The Mask of the Red Death. Some of the most satisfying easter eggs require serious pop culture knowledge. Thing rolling a clear bowling ball with a rubber duck inside is pure Big Lebowski energy – weird, wonderful, and completely unexpected. Meanwhile, the zombie revived by lightning feels like Tim Burton nodding to his own 2012 film Frankenweenie. Even behind-the-scenes details become easter eggs: co-creator Miles Millar appears as a TSA agent in episode one's airport scene, marking his first on-screen appearance in three decades. It's the kind of insider cameo that rewards the most dedicated fans while adding a playful meta-layer to the viewing experience. Wednesday season two, part one is available to stream now. Part two will be released on Wednesday, September 3. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE. Naomi May is a seasoned culture journalist and editor with over ten years' worth of experience in shaping stories and building digital communities. After graduating with a First Class Honours from City University's prestigious Journalism course, Naomi joined the Evening Standard, where she worked across both the newspaper and website. She is now the Digital Editor at ELLE Magazine and has written features for the likes of The Guardian, Vogue, Vice and Refinery29, among many others. Naomi is also the host of the ELLE Collective book club.


Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Irish Independent
Converted Carlow farmhouse and four self-contained apartments hits the market in popular tourist area
A popular tourist area, this unique property offers prospective buyers the rare opportunity to live in the charming main farmhouse while generating income from the four separate self-contained apartments as holiday rental accommodation, long-term residential lettings, a retreat centre or workshop venue or a work-from-home business with separate client accommodation. Dunphy's Farmhouse is a 'characterful' four-bedroom farmhouse which 'blends traditional charm with modern comforts', according to the property's estate agent. The farmhouse has been 'thoughtfully restored and extended by the current owner to create a spacious, light-filled family home'. Alongside the farmhouse and also located within the private courtyard setting with secure walled perimeter and gated entrance are three stone-built apartments within a converted outbuilding and a studio apartment located next door to the main residence. The four-apartments comprise of two, two-bedroom apartments called The Raven and The Swallow, one, one-bedroom apartment named The Honey Bee and a studio apartment. The three apartments located within a restored outbuilding feature exposed granite stonework throughout, a tribute to the building's previous life as a farm yard outbuilding. Along with the apartments, there are a number of other outbuildings and sheds which can be converted for multiple uses subject to planning permission. The location, St Mullins, is a picturesque village located on the banks of the River Barrow and know for its rich ecclesiastical history. Situated between the Blackstairs Mountains and Brandon Hill in south Co Carlow, the property is located near to a historic heritage site featuring a Norman motte and bailey, scenic riverside walks along the River Barrow, a local café and pub, fishing and boating access, bicycle hire and outdoor sauna, local bus route with connections to public transport, a primary school and buses to nearby secondary schools. Graiguenamanagh in Co Kilkenny, a vibrant town with schools, restaurants, supermarkets and pharmacies, is just 7km away. Meanwhile Kilkenny is a 35 minute drive away, while Waterford is a 40 minute drive and Dublin is one hour and 20 minutes drive away. Dunphy's Farmhouse and apartments in St Mullins, Co Carlow has been placed on the market by Donohoe Town and Country Ltd for €850,000.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rediscovered Christopher Lee Recording 'Elenore' Re-Released to Mark 10th Anniversary of His Passing
PORTLAOISE, Ireland, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- To honour the 10th anniversary of the death of legendary actor and vocalist Sir Christopher Lee, Ireland based composer Damien Cain has re-released a forgotten gem: their 2006 collaboration, 'Elenore'. Originally recorded at the iconic Townhouse Studios in London, 'Elenore' is a philharmonic crossover piece – blending classical orchestration with modern lyrical drama. The work is a powerful musical interpretation of Edgar Allan Poe's haunting poem 'The Raven', brought to life by the unmistakable voice of Christopher Lee and the lush soundscapes of Das Berliner Filmorchester, conducted by Christian Hagitte. "Elenore is not just a song – it's a theatrical experience," says Cain. "Christopher's voice turns Poe's verse into something both intimate and apocalyptic. The fact that this track was nearly lost makes it feel even more urgent to share now." Lee, best known for his towering presence in cinema ('The Lord of the Rings', 'Dracula', 'Star Wars'), also had a surprising musical career – from opera and spoken word to collaborations with symphonic and metal bands. 'Elenore' stands out as one of his most poetic and cinematic recordings. 'Elenore' is now available on all music-download and streaming platforms: Lyric Video available on YouTube: About Sir Christopher Lee Sir Christopher Lee (1922–2015) was one of Britain's most iconic actors, with a career spanning nearly seven decades. Beyond his legendary screen roles, Lee explored music with notable releases in symphonic metal, opera, and classical narration, carving out a unique legacy as both an actor and recording artist. About Damien Cain Damien Cain, a German composer living in Ireland, is producer, and songwriter known for blending classical elements with modern storytelling. His past work spans gothic and rock albums, concept albums, and even musicals. He is currently preparing for the release of a new studio album in autumn 2025. More at Contact:Marc Sieper***@ Photos: Press release distributed by PRLog View original content: SOURCE Audio-To-Go Publishing Ltd. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


Los Angeles Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy serves up laughs, cocktails and chills at Fairhaven cemetery in Santa Ana
A red glow fills the chapel as narrator Patrick O'Sullivan introduces the main attraction: Edgar Allan Poe. 'Over a century and a half since his death in 1849, no one remains as synonymous with mystery and macabre and literature as he — a true master of his words,' O'Sullivan intones. 'EAP, as he's known on the streets, is often attributed with being the first American author to make a living exclusively through writing. So much like writers today, he didn't make any money.' Laughter, cocktails and a whole lot of Poe makes up 90 minutes of the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy. This unique theatrical reading of four of Poe's works pairs up literature with alcoholic beverages designed to match each story. Launched in January 2023, the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy is a national tour that first came to Orange County's Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary in Santa Ana in February 2024. After making a one-day stop at the Huntington Beach Central Library in Huntington Beach on May 24 this year, the speakeasy returns to the cemetery June 5-7 with new stories and fresh cocktails for Chapter Two. 'As a lifelong Poe enthusiast, I've always wanted to create a unique experience that combines libations with literature. These are two of my favorite things. I've felt for a long time that there is a void for an event like this,' said Julia Tirinnanzi, creator of the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy. 'It just seemed like such a natural pairing. It's no secret that Poe loved literature and libations alike. This is why the event really comes to life — as you walk through his life and watch his work being performed, you also sip on his personal favorite drinks and classic beverages of the 1800s.' Last year's Poe story lineup included 'The Tell-Tale Heart,' 'The Raven,' 'The Masque of the Red Death' and 'The Black Cat.' The accompanying cocktails included Pale Blue Eye (a twist on the Tom Collins) with citrus- and blueberry-infused vodka, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and soda water topped with blueberry, and Nevermore with fresh lime juice, peach and orange blossom-infused vodka, simple syrup and dehydrated lime. The Cocktail of Red Death was rosemary-infused watermelon juice, 100-proof vodka, citrus vodka and fresh lime juice. The Cat's Meow — a twist on Poe's favorite, brandy milk punch — included aged bourbon, apple brandy, vanilla milk, sweet cream and maple syrup. 'Each cocktail is served just before each monologue is performed,' Tirinnanzi said. 'As you are sipping on a classic 1800s-style cocktail, you instantly feel transported into the Victorian era. It's a huge part of the experience.' This year's Poe stories are 'The Cask of Amontillado,' 'Annabel Lee,' 'The Pit and the Pendulum' and 'The Fall of the House of Usher.' The cocktails for this year are still under wraps until the event opens. Though this is now the speakeasy's second time at the Santa Ana cemetery, it usually takes place at theaters, museums and even estates that have a Victorian-era vibe. 'A few years back, I attended an event at Hollywood Forever, and the setting of a cemetery was surprisingly so peaceful at night,' Tirinnanzi said. 'Once we started looking for the perfect venue home for the show in OC, Fairhaven fit the bill and we knew it would be a great venue. It's beautiful and chilling at the same time, just like Poe's work.' O'Sullivan said he joined the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy tour in 2024. 'This is the sequel to our first EAP Speakeasy that we brought to Fairhaven last year,' he said. 'It's a selection of four new stories from Poe that weren't in the first tour. So if you came last year, you are in for a different experience but with the same dark, mysterious tone and atmosphere that is a staple of Poe. There will be four new themed drinks, too.' He said he will likely serve as narrator of the show again as well as perform 'The Fall of the House of Usher.' 'A lot of what [Poe] represents, or what the idea of him represents has influenced and continues to influence modern fashion, music, television and more,' O'Sullivan said. 'He's a whole vibe, as they say. Regarding only his work though, it covers so much. There are love stories, tales of those drunk with power and many spirals into madness. His writing explores dark thoughts that are fascinating to many people. There is definitely an angst to it too, which I think keeps Poe influencing younger generations.' The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy is for guests 21 years and up. For more information, including tickets, visit


Metro
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Two new raven chicks arrive at Tower of London 'to keep the kingdom safe'
Two raven chicks have arrived at the Tower of London in accordance with a legend that says the kingdom will fall without the birds. The five-week-olds named Henry and Poe, who are already almost at full size, are getting used to life in their new surroundings. They will spend the next few weeks settling in before they venture out of their enclosure and begin to explore the castle and grounds. Their arrival is symbolic because King Charles II is said to have decreed that if the ravens leave the Tower then the kingdom and the monarch will fall, and six must be present at all times. The new arrivals come after the Metro revealed last year that one of the creatures, named Gripp, met a grisly end when he caught his head in a cage and was killed by his fellow birds. Henry and Poe take the total number of the black feathered residents to eight — considered by the Tower to be a safe number. Ravenmaster Barney Chandler told Metro: 'I am absolutely delighted with how they've settled in. 'They spent their first two weeks at the Tower in my kitchen, and now that they're almost fully fledged I've moved them into the enclosure where they'll get used to the sights and sounds of our visitors and the other ravens before venturing out on their own for the first time. 'It couldn't have gone any better, they're siblings so they're really happy in each other's company – playing together and exploring their new space, oblivious to the visitors looking on.' Henry is named after the historic Henrys who have lived at the Tower and Poe after Edgar Allan Poe, who wrote the famous poem 'The Raven'. They are members of the crow family, intelligent creatures who can mimic sounds, play games and solve problems. At twice daily mealtimes the Tower ravens feed on mice, chicks, rats and assorted raw meats — with a special treat of biscuits soaked in blood. They are looked after by Barney, a former Royal Marine with 24 years' service who joined the Tower as a Yeoman Warder in 2009 before spending 14 years on the raven team. He took the top job last year. Barney has developed a special bond with each of the ravens as he goes about his duties, in which he is supported by four other warders. Describing what it's like looking after the chicks, he said: 'It is an honour, but still quite stressful – the onus is on me to get this right. Legend has it that Charles II insisted that the crown and Tower would fall if the ravens left. His order is said to have contradicted the wishes of his astronomer, John Flamsteed, who complained about the birds getting in the way of his work at the observatory in the White Tower. Blogger David Castleton states the myth of the 'hopping, croaking and mischievous birds' cannot be traced back earlier than 1944 but draws on 'earlier folklore and deeply held archetypes.' Former Ravenmaster Chris Skaife drew a similar conclusion in a first-person account of his work for Metro. He admitted: 'Legend reminds us that if the ravens should ever leave the Tower, it will crumble into dust and the Kingdom will fall. 'I'll tell you a little secret: the truth is that the raven myth probably isn't that old. But we Yeoman Warders at the Tower take good care of the ravens nevertheless, protecting them like they were our own.' Current Ravenmaster Barney Chandler sees the myth as part of the Tower's story. He said: 'I think it's fabulous, the legend is a part of our history, and when visitors come to the Tower they know the story and look forward to meeting the ravens. It's great for the Tower, and such a privilege for the raven team to be a part of that history.' 'I've cared for raven chicks before, but this is my first time taking responsibility for them as the Ravenmaster of the Tower of London, a role I took on in 2024. 'It's a full-time job with regular feedings around the clock while they're very young, and they've been eating me out of house and home – much like teenagers.' The need to keep a healthy complement of birds is important because they have suffered fatal mishaps at times. Three have perished at the tourist attraction over the last three years — including Gripp. Other mishaps involving the ravens include a fox killing two of the creatures before they were put to bed in May 2013. Another, named George, was fired in 1986 after breaking too many television aerials, while Grog was last sighted outside an East End pub in 1981. Muninn took flight to Greenwich before being caught by a member of the public after seven days on the run. Chris Skaife, the Ravenmaster at the time, told the person how to use pieces of chicken, a blanket and gloves to catch the escapee, saying: 'The Tower of London and the monarchy depends on you right now sir.' The resident duly obliged. More Trending Grisly endings aside, the ravens have longer healthier lives on average than those in the wild. The average lifespan of their feral kin is 12 years, while those at the Tower often reach their mid-20s and longer. Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity which runs the Tower, has said: 'The ravens themselves are very well looked after by the Ravenmaster and his team and receive regular veterinary check-ups.' Do you have a story you would like to share? Contact MORE: My odd job: I look after the ravens at the Tower of London so the Kingdom doesn't fall MORE: Security plans at Windsor Castle reveal King's secret staircase to outside world MORE: King's mythical raven suffers grisly death at the Tower of London