Of all the unstoppable forces in the world of entertainment, Marvel is without a doubt one of the most prolific. Owned by Disney since 2009, when a $4-billion deal took place, Marvel Entertainment churns out a plethora of content each year, ranging from comics and games to movies and TV series.
The newest addition to Marvel’s catalog is “Agatha All Along,” the highly anticipated spinoff of the hugely popular Disney+ series “WandaVision,” which was released in 2021 and follows Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen, “Love & Death”) and Vision (Paul Bettany, “A Knight’s Tale,” 2001), as they discover their perfect sitcom-worthy life may not be as ideal as it seems at first glance.
Now headed down an even darker side to the story, “Agatha All Along” premieres its first two episodes Wednesday, Sept. 18 — just in time for spooky season. Don’t miss all nine episodes of the bewitching series as they air over eight weeks (wrapping Nov. 6) on Disney+.
As indicated by the series’ name, “Agatha All Along” focuses on master manipulator and “coven-less witch” Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn, “Tiny Beautiful Things”). Initially introduced as Wanda and Vision’s nosy neighbor in “WandaVision,” Ag-
atha is now spellbound and hopes to regain her power by way of a goth teenager with curious motives. Collecting a coven of like-minded witches along the way, Agatha and her crew embark down the Witches’ Road, hoping to get their powers back one dark step at a time.
Leading the coven, of course, is Hahn as Agatha, with Broadway star and musician Patti LuPone (“Beau Is Afraid,” 2023) close behind as Lilia Calderu, a 450-year-old Sicilian witch who may already be well known to fans of the Doctor Strange comic books. Lilia is a diviner and strong ally of the surgeon-turned-sorcerer, as well as the trusted keeper of the coveted spell book called the Book of Cagliostro.
While “Agatha” marks LuPone’s debut in the MCU, it is hardly the actress’s first time in witchy entertainment content. “American Horror Story” fans may recognize her as religious neighbor Joan Ramsey in the series’ third season, “AHS: Coven,” while podcast listeners may be more familiar with LuPone’s voice as psychic witch Mia Risal in the 2019 thriller podcast “Passenger List.”
“Agatha All Along” also stars America’s deadpan darling Aubrey Plaza (“The White Lotus”) as Rio Vidal, a warrior and
green witch who is eager to join the pilgrimage down Witches’ Road; Sasheer Zamata (“Home Economics”) as Jennifer Kale, a sorceress and member of the Cult of Zhered-Na; and Ali Ahn (“The Diplomat”) as Alice Wu-Gulliver, the magical daughter of a police detective and August Wu of the Coral Shore, guardian of Hong Kong.
The young goth responsible for the coven, on the other hand, simply goes by the name “Teen,” although speculative Marvel fans have posited that he may be none other than Billy Kaplan, later known in Marvel comics as Wiccan. Regardless of the character’s given name, Teen is played by young Manx actor Joe Locke, who won a Queerty Award for his performance in the Netflix series “Heartstopper” in 2023.
While speaking to Rolling Stone magazine about his role as the mysterious Teen, Locke notes that “Agatha All Along” may not be what most Marvel fans are used to seeing in the MCU.
“It’s a dark comedy about witches,” Locke states. “It’s not what you would usually expect from a Marvel series. ... We gather a coven and a very unlikely group of women and me — which is my life in general — get on the Witches’ Road. Then magic, fun and mystery prevails.”
Horoscopes
The luckiest signs this week:
TAURUS, GEMINI AND CANCER
ARIES
Take the initiative to rebalance your friendships. If you’re surrounded by energy-sucking friends, set boundaries to preserve your vitality and be respected.
TAURUS
If you have young children, it’s essential to be disciplined and set clear rules. Being tactful with people around you can help avoid conflicts and hurt feelings.
GEMINI
You may be drawn to travel opportunities this week. At work, serving people in a language in which you’re not entirely fluent will be a rewarding challenge, both personally and financially.
CANCER
If you’ve been working hard to eat healthy and exercise, you’ll finally start seeing positive results. Perseverance is the key to regaining your well-being and self-confidence.
LEO
A friend will suggest an enriching experience.
Responding to a particular need for adrenalin will provide a refreshing break from your routine and boost your self-esteem.
VIRGO
Expressing your opinions confidently and authoritatively can help you rise through the ranks at work. If you showcase your leadership skills, you may even find yourself in the boss’s chair
LIBRA
You’ll indulge in luxury shopping this week. Renewing your wardrobe may be justified in taking on new responsibilities at work. Treating yourself can be highly gratifying and boost your confidence.
SCORPIO
Take the time to resolve problems at home or with family members. If necessary, consider refreshing your decor to prepare for fall.
SAGITTARIUS
Make sure your car, phone and computer are in good working order. Charge the batteries so your devices remain functional no matter where you are. Preventative measures can go a long way to avoiding potential problems.
CAPRICORN
Set a strict budget to enjoy your hobbies while maintaining financial stability. Sound financial management will help calm your nerves, and financial matters will become very important at work.
AQUARIUS
New and demanding responsibilities may come your way at work and home this week. Patience and perseverance are necessary to overcome fatigue and stress, but the rewards will be worth it.
PISCES
If you’re experiencing restless nights due to racing thoughts, try to find some escape. Consider signing up for a gym membership to help restore balance.
New Streaming Movies & Shows
“A Very Royal Scandal” (Sept. 19)
One night. One hour. One interview that sent shockwaves around the globe. Based on the reallife 2019 interview between Emily Maitlis (Ruth Wilson) and Prince Andrew (Michael Sheen) over the scandalous accusations he faced regarding his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein (John Hopkins). The series follows the actions of Maitlis and Prince Andrew in the lead-up to the interview, the ground-breaking event itself and the many questions left in its wake that would change their lives forever.
Word Search
“The Favourite” (Sept. 15)
In the early 18th century, England is at war with France; nevertheless, duck-racing and pineappleeating are thriving. A frail Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) occupies the throne, with her close friend Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) governing the country in her stead while tending to Anne’s ill health and mercurial temper. When new servant Abigail (Emma Stone) endears herself to the Queen, their burgeoning friendship gives her a chance to fulfill her ambitions and she will not let woman, man, politics, or rabbit stand in her way.
Where all the top choices can be found in one place!
“What’s Next? The Future with Bill Gates” (Sept. 18)
Tech visionary and global health and climate philanthropist Bill Gates invites viewers to join him on a learning journey to explore pressing issues facing our world today. Gates digs deep into the promise and risks of artificial intelligence; the pervasive challenge of misinformation; the scale of the climate crisis and the potential of cutting-edge technologies to solve it; the injustice of income inequality and the opportunities to tackle poverty; and how science and innovation is leading to cures for deadly diseases.
“Dancing With the Stars”Season 33 (Sept. 17) Streaming live on Disney+, Season 33 of this hit competition series makes its debut. Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, the show pairs celebrities with trained ballroom dancers to compete in themed choreographed dance routines that are judged by a panel of renowned ballroom experts, including Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough.
BY JAY BOBBIN
Q: I understand that Dermot Mulroney is joining “Chicago Fire” for its new season. Why have there been so many cast changes on that show lately?
A: That can happen with a series that has run for a long time, and that NBC drama will be entering its 13th season when it resumes new episodes on Sept. 25. Dermot Mulroney will be playing the new chief of Firehouse 51, succeeding Eamonn Walker, who has said that he is open to returning for guest appearances as Wallace Boden. There’s precedent for that, since founding cast member Jesse Spencer has made multiple returns as Matt Casey since leaving as a series regular.
If one looks at the history of “Chicago Fire,” changes in its co-stars are nothing new. Lauren German departed after the first couple of seasons when her paramedic character Leslie Shay died on duty, and Kara Killmer followed as her replacement, Sylvie Brett. Killmer herself left the show last season, and Jocelyn Hudon — a familiar face from Hallmark Channel movies in recent years — i s now succeeding her as Lizzie Novak.
‘Fatal Attraction’ remains a powerful cautionary tale
BY JAY BOBBIN
“Fatal Attraction” is still as effective a warning about extramarital affairs as ever.
The famously disturbing 1987 melodrama about an ill-advised dalliance turns up Sunday, Sept. 15 on MGM+ Drive-In, and Saturday, Sept. 21, on MGM+ Marquee ... and watching it might nip some relationships in the bud. At the time of its initial release, the subject matter landed stars Michael Douglas and Glenn Close on national magazine covers to illustrate detailed discussions of the movie’s theme, which the stars’ pairing continues to represent this many years later.
Director Adrian Lyne’s film casts Douglas as an attorney who meets book editor Close through work circumstances. While his wife (Anne Archer, “Short Cuts,” 1993) and young daughter (Ellen Hamilton Latzen, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” 1989) are away, one thing leads to another, and eventually to a one-night stand that Douglas’ Dan takes much more casually than Close’s Alex does.
As Alex tries to insinuate her way deeper into Dan’s life, he tries to make it clear that she doesn’t have a permanent place there, increasingly angering her. As she starts to lash out in various ways — one of them memorably involving the daughter’s pet rabbit — Dan fears he’s going to have to come clean to his trusting spouse about his infidelity.
The success of “Fatal Attraction” (which Para-
mount+ turned into a one-season series) launched a number of movies for Douglas, also including “Basic Instinct” (1992) and “Disclosure” (1994), about men making the wrong sexual choices. That well could have become his entire screen identity for years, had he not shown his diversity through such other roles as his Oscar-winning turn as ruthless business raider Gordon Gekko in “Wall Street” (1987).
For Close, “Fatal Attraction” was also a breakout project. The filmmakers reportedly didn’t think she could pull off the required sensuality, but a screen test changed their minds quickly, with the result broadening the choices of parts Close would have access to afterward. Her impact here was so powerful, the producers ended up changing the intended ending to let audiences feel more satisfied.
Archer’s work here sometimes goes neglected, but it’s vital that she hits all the right notes at all the right moments, which she does. And in a fine supporting cast that also features Stuart Pankin (“Not Necessarily the News”) and Fred Gwynne (“The Munsters”), Jane Krakowski (“30 Rock”) has a blink-and-you’ll-miss-her part as the daughter’s babysitter.
The approach and effect of “Fatal Attraction” are timeless, as is its built-in warning about straying where one shouldn’t — and as it gets ever closer to its 40th anniversary, its message may well be that much stronger.
Best KATHARINE HEPBURN MOVIES
BY JAY BOBBIN
“Morning Glory” (1933): Katharine Hepburn earned her first of several Oscars as an aspiring actress who attracts three men who could boost her career ... but not necessarily for the right reasons.
“Little Women” (1933): While the Louisa May Alcott story has gotten screen treatment a number of times, this early version with Hepburn has endured for the better part of a century.
“Alice Adams” (1935): Hepburn’s title character is determined to be upwardly mobile in her town’s social scene.
“Bringing Up Baby” (1938): In one of the movies that define “screwball comedy,” Hepburn plays a dotty heiress who makes life complicated — as does her pet leopard, the film’s “Baby” — for a paleontologist (Cary Grant).
“The Philadelphia Story” (1940): Hepburn is terrific as a socialite whose imminent remarriage isn’t favored by her previous husband (Cary Grant) nor a reporter (James Stewart).
“Woman of the Year” (1942): In the first of their legendary pairings, Hepburn and Spencer Tracy play newspaper colleagues whose marriage is threatened by the wife’s seemingly endless ambition.
“Adam’s Rib” (1949): One of the very best of the Hepburn-Tracy teamings features them as lawyers on opposing sides of the same case.
“The African Queen” (1951): Hepburn and Oscar winner Humphrey Bogart make an unlikely but great team as dissimilar people aboard a beaten-up boat that becomes caught up in World War I.
“Pat and Mike” (1952): Hepburn plays a pro golfer who hires a sports promoter (another role for Spencer Tracy) to help keep her mind, and everyone else’s, on her game.
“Summertime” (1955): Director David Lean casts Hepburn as an American secretary vacationing in Venice and hesitating to fall completely for an antiques dealer (Rossano Brazzi).
“The Way We Were’s” Arthur Laurents wrote the screenplay.
“The Rainmaker” (1956): A spinster (Hepburn) is captivated by a con man (Burt Lancaster) in this solid Depression-era drama.
“Desk Set” (1957): Hepburn and Tracy meet then-modern times as their characters’ jobs hinge on an earlyversion computer in this comedy, part of a “Technology in the Movies” lineup that Turner Classic Movies presents Thursday, Sept. 19.
On new territory: Kaitlin Olson has ‘High Potential’ in ABC series
BY JAY BOBBIN
Kaitlin Olson is ready to be sunny, as well as sleuthy, somewhere else.
The longtime co-star of the FXX sitcom “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” has done extra duty before in her own series — Fox’s “The Mick” — and she’s now doing it again. ABC’s seriocomic “High Potential” premieres Tuesday, Sept. 17, casting Olson as crime-scene cleaner Morgan, a single mother who solves cases in her own unconventional manner. To her surprise, police officials believe they can benefit from her skills and partner her with Karadec, a veteran detective played by “Rescue Me” alum Daniel Sunjata. Adapted from the French series “HPI — Haut Potentiel Intellectuel,” the show also features Judy Reyes (“Scrubs”) as the duo’s boss, Selena, and Taran Killam (“Saturday Night Live”) as Morgan’s ex, Ludo.
Also a producer of “High Potential,” the lively and friendly Olson says, “I don’t know that there was much of a process” in her making Morgan a separate character from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s” Dee.
“This woman has some similarities, very flawed, very mouthy … but this woman is very grounded. She is a very loving mother. I’m a very loving
View from the Couch
BY JAY BOBBIN
“THE CROWN: THE COMPLETE FINAL SEASON”
Currently nominated for six Primetime Emmy Awards, the sixth and last round of the widely acclaimed Netflix drama series about the British monarchy deals with the royal family’s more recent history, including the tragic fate of Princess Diana (who is played by Elizabeth Debicki) and its effects on her relatives and the world at large. Later, Queen Elizabeth II (Imelda Staunton) approaches her Golden Jubilee as she reflects on the lives and relationships of her children and grandchildren. Cast members also include Jonathan Pryce as Prince Philip, Dominic West as Prince Charles, Lesley Manville as
Never too late: Joan Vassos makes history as the first ‘Golden Bachelorette’
mother. That wasn’t so hard to jump into. It’s just acting, so it’s different, but it wasn’t challenging. I didn’t need to do any reprogramming.”
Executive producer Drew Goddard, known for shows like “Lost” and “Alias,” developed “High Potential” from its French forerunner, and he maintains that “part of the joy” of the series, “and this is in the French show as well, [is that] you feel the stress of Morgan’s dilemma of, ‘How do I get my kids to school and solve a murder at the same time?’ To me, it’s the soul of the show. I’m not that interested in plot, in a traditional sense. I’m interested in character and soul, so I always start from a place of character.”
Olson maintains that “High Potential’s” Morgan has a logical place in the line of roles she has played. “I love an underdog,” she explains. “I love a character who is so deeply insecure that she acts out. Back when I was in first grade, I was a very insecure kid, and I’ve known from consciousness that I wanted to act. I don’t know why. Then I discovered theater, but I was so shy that I never even attempted it. I didn’t audition for a play at school until high school.
“So there was this inner weird balance between, ‘I know I have this thing that I can do’ and ‘I’m way too shy and insecure to be vulnerable enough to open that up for other people to shoot me down.’ That’s always kind of been in there, so maybe that’s why I’m drawn to characters like this. I just also find a more layered character so much more interesting, with complete opposites smashed into one person. I just like that.”
Fans of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (created by fellow star Rob McElhenney, who is Olson’s husband) can rest assured of Olson’s continuing presence in that show. It films near the “High Potential” set, and she has reserved several days to work exclusively on it when it resumes production for its 17th season. Asked if she’ll ever separate fully from “Sunny,” she leaves no doubt of her feeling: “No, no, no, no, no, I’ll never do that.”
Princess Margaret, Olivia Williams as Camilla Parker Bowles, Ed McVey as Prince William, Luther Ford as Prince Harry and Meg Bellamy as Kate Middleton. A complete-series set is scheduled to be released on Blu-ray in mid-October. DVD extras: three “making-of” documentaries. **** (Not rated: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray)
REACHER: SEASON TWO”
Though Tom Cruise played novelist Lee Child’s troubleshooter character Jack Reacher in two movies, the Prime Video series inspired by the franchise generally has been better received. Alan Ritchson (“Titans”) reprises the part in this sophomore round, which finds Reacher and his former military allies targeted by a killer. He connects with three of them who have survived – so far, anyway – to try to determine who wants to eliminate them and why, while they still have time. Serinda Swan (“Coroner’), Shaun Sipos and Maria Sten play Reacher’s fellow veterans and current sleuthing partners; Ferdinand Kingsley, Domenick Lombardozzi and Robert Patrick also are in the cast. A third season of the show has been ordered. *** (Not rated: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand)
“BEWITCHED: THE COMPLETE SERIES – 60TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION” Elizabeth Montgomery became one of television’s major stars by playing lovable sorceress Samantha Stephens in this Primetime
BY CAROLINE COLLACUTT
Last year, according to ABC, nearly 43 million viewers tuned in across platforms to watch Gerry Turner debut as the first-ever “Golden Bachelor.” Now, it’s time for love — and roses — to bloom again, as “The Golden Bachelorette” makes its debut Wednesday, Sept. 18, on ABC.
Keeping in line with its predecessors, this brand-new series follows one radiant single as she searches for love. The difference, however, is that this bachelorette has found love before, and now, in her golden years, is ready to take her shot once again.
First introduced during Gerry’s season of “The Golden Bachelor,” our inaugural “Golden Bachelorette” is none other than the radiant Joan Vassos, who loves Elton John, cooking, her dog and spending time with family, above all else.
“After her time was cut short on the inaugural season of ‘The Golden Bachelor,’ Joan Vassos, the 61-yearold grandmother and school administrator from Rockland, Maryland, will begin her own journey for new love this fall when she steps into the historic role as the first Golden Bachelorette. The fan favorite will bring her signature grace and charm as she embarks on a search for her next
Emmy-winning sitcom, which had a very healthy run on ABC from 1964 to 1972. Getting its Blu-ray debut to mark the six-decade milestone since its premiere, it also stars Dick York (initially) as Samantha’s very mortal husband Darrin, whio implores his wife to keep her magic under wraps as much as possible. That proves challenging for her, especially when she has to deal with her mercurial mother Endora (Agnes Moorhead) and her lookalike cousin Serena (also portrayed by Montgomery, with plenty of trick photography showing her as both of her characters at once). As the show progressed, York’s health challenges prompted the replacement of him with Dick Sargent as Darrin. Twins Erin and Diane Murphy share the role of young Stephens daughters Tabitha, and the great cast of recurring supporting players includes Paul Lynde, Maurice Evans, Marion Lorne and Alice Ghostley. *** (Not rated: AS)
“THE LONG GOOD FRIDAY”
Bob Hoskins was known in England for his stage and television work when his career got a huge international boost from his ferocious starring performance in this 1980 drama, which becomes one of the newest Criterion Collection titles on both Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD. The actor plays a British gangster targeted by unknown enemies who are eliminating his associates en route to reaching him, but he’s not about to sit around and await his fate. Helen Mirren also is notable as his girlfriend, and director
John Mackenzie’s cast also includes Eddie Constantine, Paul Freeman (“Raiders of the Lost Ark”) and – in his first movie – Pierce Brosnan. The special features include a documentary about the making of the picture and an audio commentary by filmmaker Mackenzie, **** (R: AS, N, P, V)
“FIRST LOVE”
Admittedly light dramatically but still involving, thanks to engaging performances by William Katt (“The Greatest American Hero”) and Susan Dey (“The Partridge Family,”
“L.A. Law”), this 1977 tale makes its Blu-ray debut and casts the two stars as college students who embark on a passionate affair … though she’s also involved with an older, married man (Robert Loggia).
The Katt character seethes under the knowledge that his supposed girlfriend also is seeing someone else, and his earnestness makes him easy prey for the interested partner (a lively Beverly D’Angelo) of his good friend (John Heard). It’s not a coincidence that the picture’s source material is the Harold Brodkey story “Sentimental Education,” since the film’s excellent use of a school atmosphere (Reed College in Portland, Ore.) might make viewers sentimental for their own college days. *** (R: AS, N, P)
“UNIVERSAL CLASSIC
MONSTERS: THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION”
All available in 4K Ultra HD in different groupings previously, the eight titles in this set in that format
person, showcasing that everyone is worthy of more than just a second chance at love,” says ABC.
Vassos tragically lost her husband after 32 years of marriage. Despite her loss, she has remained a devoted mother, grandmother and public servant, embodying strength and grace as she processed her grief. Last year, Vassos opened her heart again by taking part in Gerry’s search for love, but her time on “The Golden Bachelor” was cut short when a medical concern with her daughter arose, and Vassos made the difficult decision to leave the competition.
Now, according to the network, she is ready to step into the spotlight once again. “Vassos envisions a future filled with shared moments by the beach and cherished time with family,” ABC shared in a news release for the upcoming season.
“[She] is a remarkable woman whose life has been defined by her resilience, zest for adventure and strong family values.”
With a rancher, an educator, a fire department chief and a self-proclaimed “girl dad” vying for her heart, Joan Vassos begins her search for love Wednesday, Sept. 18, on ABC.
– appropriately being released several weeks before Halloween –are meant to represent the cream of the crop of monster-based horror movies made by Universal Pictures. It’s given that the collection would include Bela Lugosi as “Dracula” (1931) and Boris Karloff in both “Frankenstein” (1931) and “The Mummy” (1932); also among the offerings are Claude Rains in “The Invisible Man” (1933) and “Phantom of the Opera” (1943), Karloff and Elsa Lanchester in “The Bride of Frankenstein” (1935), Lon Chaney as “The Wolf Man” (1941) and Ricou Browning and Ben Chapman sharing the title role in “Creature From the Black Lagoon” (1954), It probably goes without saying, but if you watch these at night, you might want to leave a light on. **** (Not rated: AS, V)
Coming Home Soon
“BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE” (SEPT. 24)
“FRIENDS: THE COMPLETE SERIES” (4K ULTRA HD) (SEPT. 24)
“MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS” (1974) (4K ULTRA HD) (SEPT. 24)
