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Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
How Newport ‘worked its magic' on ‘The Gilded Age' creator Julian Fellowes
'Newport's been the discovery of this job for me,' said Fellowes. 'I think in Newport you get a much clearer sense of who these people thought they were.' Actors Amy Forsyth (as Caroline Astor), left, Ashlie Atkinson (Mamie Fish), and Harry Richardson (Larry Russell) stroll across the lawn of the Ledges in Newport in the HBO drama "The Gilded Age." Allison Cohen Rosa/HBO Advertisement Wealthy American families after the Civil War sought to forge a new identity separate from Europe and its traditions, said Fellowes, who also created 'Downton Abbey.' 'It wasn't enough anymore to go on copying Europe and to be this newer version of Europe,' he said. 'This was a different society. This was made up of newer people or people who had made it simply through their own talent and ability, and they wanted a society that reflected that, that you didn't have to have 15 generations of ancestors who've all been at the court of Maria Theresa.' While 'The Gilded Age' focuses on the clash between the nouveau riche Russells and old-money van Rhijns in New York City, Newport comes into play as the summertime playground where the wealthy 'built their palaces,' making a statement about their status, Fellowes said. Advertisement 'When you go to Rosecliff and you look out at the sea, and that stupendous ballroom behind you, you really think: These people were not apologizing for who they were,' said Fellowes. From left: Morgan Spector, Carrie Coon, and Harry Richardson. Karolina Wojtasik/HBO After introducing the characters in season 1 and diving more deeply into their ambitions in season 2, Fellowes said the upcoming third installment is centered on their 'emotional motives.' 'I wanted to explore who they really were to themselves, when the servants had left and they were looking in the glass in the bathroom,' he said. For the van Rhijns, this season sees a power shift between sisters Ada (Cynthia Nixon) and Agnes (Christine Baranski). At the end of season 2, the family nearly lost its home due to Agnes's son Oscar (Blake Ritson) and his mishandling of their investments. But, all was saved thanks to auntie Ada, who shocked everyone with the reveal that her late husband Luke, a reverend with Boston roots, was secretly rich and left her his wealth. The turnabout, which puts the purse strings under Ada's control, comes as a culture shock to Agnes, the razor-tongued matriarch of the family who's used to getting her way. Fellowes has long been 'interested by strong and ambitious women who had to live in a society that didn't accommodate strong and ambitious women,' he said. Through Ada and Agnes, he looks at how people react to longstanding dynamics changing and situations not going as planned. 'The truth is, we all … have to accept something we did not choose and have to accept the limitations of our ambition,' Fellowes said. 'There is a moment where our ambition exceeds our ability, and we have to take note of that and act accordingly. ' Advertisement From left: Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski. Karolina Wojtasik/HBO Ada, usually not the center of attention, has transformed in unexpected ways entering this season, according to Fellowes. Despite the heartbreak of losing her husband to cancer so soon after their marriage in season 2, she's found a new confidence, Fellowes said. Experiencing a deep romance for the first time helped her feel seen and discover her inner strength. 'This wasn't just some dumb guy who was lonely and finally found someone that was prepared to have supper with him,' said Fellowes. 'We're talking about a man with real choices, with real money. He could have done anything he liked with his life. … And he's chosen Ada.' 'I think that changes Ada's perception of herself, and in the end, it changes everyone's perception of her,' he added. From left: C.J. Wilson, Morgan Spector, and Patrick Page. Karolina Wojtasik/HBO On the Russells' side of things, Bertha (Carrie Coon) is still on a mission to see her family ascend to even higher ranks of society, while George (Morgan Spector) looks to advance his business empire with some questionable railroad activities out West. The era's often nefarious industrialists fascinate Fellowes, who was particularly interested in how these robber barons 'clearly started to worry about how they would be remembered' at the end of their careers, he noted. Those fears, he said, led notable names at the time like Carnegie and Frick to donate money for public works such as libraries and concert halls, 'so that they will be remembered as nice men.' According to Fellowes, it's these types of contributions that, when coupled with their long histories of worker abuse and other unethical practices, make their legacies complicated. Advertisement 'I think they did make a tremendous contribution to public life in America, and also, lest we forget, they built an economy in this new country that was, fairly soon, the greatest economy in the world and gave them an enormous advantage in the coming world wars,' Fellowes said. 'I don't think it's appropriate to simply disparage them as robber barons and forget about it.' 'The Gilded Age' season 3 premieres Sunday on HBO and Max. Matt Juul can be reached at
Courier-Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
TV reviews: week's top picks are The Gilded Age, Stranded On Honeymoon Island and MasterChef
From period dramas and reality TV dating shows to travelogues and Oscar-winning movies, there's something for everyone on TV and streaming this week. Sisters Ada and Agnes (Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski) in season 3 of The Gilded Age. THE GILDED AGE Monday, Paramount+ Fittingly for a period drama set in an era of immense social and economic change, this third season opens with sisters Ada and Agnes (Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski) struggling to accept their new roles in society and in their own home. After years of being her wealthy socialite sister's plus one at events, the recently widowed Ada now finds herself the one with the invitations and the clout. For Agnes – whose sense of self and purpose is tied to her status – being forced down the pecking order is a shock to the system. On the other side of the street, the new moneyed Bertha (Carrie Coon) continues her ambitious ascent with a plot to marry off her daughter to a cash-strapped duke. Unfortunately for Bertha, her daughter has her heart set on marrying for love and not social climbing. Much like Julian Fellowes' other beloved franchise, Downton Abbey, this series is an addictive glimpse at a bygone time that offers bitingly current social commentary. Joanna Lumley in front of the Stone Bridge in Regensburg, Germany, on her trip down the Danube. JOANNA LUMLEY'S DANUBE Thursday, 8pm ABC With a voice as soothing as it is joyful and the inquisitive and courageous spirit of a great explorer, Joanna Lumley takes viewers on yet another globetrotting adventure. This time she's traversing along the Danube. While she may be best known as the beehived, chain-smoking Patsy, the real Lumley is far more down-to-earth than her iconic Absolutely Fabulous alter ego and, at 79 years of age, she remains youthfully eager to learn and take on new experiences. Dressed in sensible trousers and shoes, Lumley tours Germany, sharing historical insights and learning about cuckoo-clock-making with genuine wonder. Just like David Attenborough, Lumley is an inspirational tour guide. Emily Alyn Lind, Esther McGregor, Joseph Zada, Shubham Maheshwari in We Were Liars. WE WERE LIARS Prime Video Just like Revenge, Sirens and the Perfect Couple before it, this thriller unfolds in the summer playground of a wealthy family where, beneath their seemingly glossy lifestyle there is a nasty rot of dysfunction. Here we have the tight-knit foursome of Cadence, Gat, Johnny and Mirren (Emily Alyn Lind, Shubham Maheshwari, Joseph Zada and Esther McGreggor) who have always enjoyed carefree family vacations together at on the family island until one terrible summer when Cadence is found washed up on the beach. With no memory of how she wound up in the ocean, Cadence slowly begins to piece together what happened. Kyle Morrisson and Lennox Monaghan in the SBS drama Moonbird. MOONBIRD Thursday, 8.30PM, NITV & SBS On Demand The untamed beauty of Tassie certainly seems to be taking centre stage in many productions these days. Used as a backdrop for the Netflix mystery The Survivors and the ABC drama Bay of Fires, Tasmania's windswept countryside is also used to stunning effect in this film about an estranged father and son (Kyle Morrisson and Lennox Monaghan) trying to reconnect on a weekend away. Recently sober, the father is eager to bond with his son while doing some traditional mutton-birding on a remote Tasmanian Island. Upon discovering the island's native fauna is all but gone it reopens old wounds and bad habits, derailing plans for an idyllic reunion. Nicolas Cage and Julian McMahon in The Surfer. Picture: David Dare Parker THE SURFER Stan Twenty odd years ago Nicolas Cage arrived in Australia to film one of the first and lesser-known Marvel films, Ghost Rider. Back then the Oscar-winner was still a bankable box office star. When Cage returned to our shores this time to film this psychological thriller, he, much like the man he portrays, isn't quite the guy he used to be. About to get divorced, Cage's character returns to the small town where he grew up looking to reclaim his lost youth (and the family he neglected in order to further his career). Far from it being a happy homecoming, the man goes to war with a group of local yobbos and their creepy leader (Julian McMahon) and slowly begins to unravel. Amy and Mike in Stranded on Honeymoon Island. STRANDED ON HONEYMOON ISLAND Monday, 7.30pm, Channel 7 'Somewhere, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 12 Aussie singles are leaving the toxic world of modern dating behind,' we are told by Jackie O in her opening narration. Instead, professionally-matched participants are marooned (in full wedding finery) with a stranger for 21 days. There are no phones. No luxuries. No support network of family or friends. Only each other … and the cameras. Jackie promises that this new reality show will be an 'experience unlike any other' but essentially it is a strangely compelling mash-up of Married At First Sight and Survivor. Together in the tropics, the pressure of getting to know one another is magnified. And for the bigger personalities of the group – Amy and Mike – that leads to inevitable power struggles. Things get flirty in the reality dating show Open House: The Great Sex Experiment. OPEN HOUSE: THE GREAT SEX EXPERIMENT Streaming Tuesday, 6pm, 7Plus There's a lot more to being polyamorous than throwing your car keys in a bowl for a night of frolicking between the sheets with like-minded folk. At a luxury retreat housing a swag of swinging singles, couples flirting with opening their relationships decide (with some expert advice from clinical psychologist Lori Beth Bisbey as well as poolside cocktails and some saucy party games) whether to invite a third – or even fourth – person into their bed. It's a big decision. And not one that everyone can handle. A cocktail of Love Island and MAFS, this British reality series puts monogamy to the ultimate test and features some larger-than-life personalities. Scott Cam and Jana Pittman host Australia's Most Identical. AUSTRALIA'S MOST IDENTICAL Tuesday, 7.30pm, Channel 9 After Bridgette and Paula Powers, 51, became viral internet sensations for their unintentionally hilarious interview about a Sunshine Coast carjacking, comes this search for Australia's most identical set of twins. You'd think (after seeing Powers sisters speaking in unison and wearing matching garb) that search is already over because the in-synch pair would have this title in the bag. But this series proves that there's a lot of other matching duos who look – and talk – alike. So, what sets one set apart from the rest? Gold Logie winner Scotty Cam and Olympian Jana Pittman (who are each parents of twins themselves) join experts to put 100 pairs of twins through their paces. First up, a game of 'would you rather?' to see how aligned they are in their core values. Mikey Madison picked up the Best Actress Oscar this year for Anora. ANORA Streaming, Binge Even If, like me, you still feel Hollywood OG Demi Moore was robbed of her Oscar by up-and-comer Mikey Madison (which was sort of like life imitating art for The Substance star), this film is worth a look. Madison plays the titular Anora 'Ani' Mikheeva. Ani is a New York stripper who is coerced into a quickie marriage by a wealthy client while on a bender with him in Vegas. Believing the man's feelings for her are sincere and hoping the marriage will provide an exit strategy from the daily bump and grind, she says 'I do'. Far from being her happily ever after, Ani finds herself facing off with her playboy husband's family who are powerful figures in the Russian underworld. Curtis Stone joins the 2025 season of MasterChef Australia. MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA Tuesday, 7.30PM, Channel 10 & 10 Play Hot on the heels of Nornie Bero's visit to the kitchen on Monday (where she shared some of her wisdom about cooking with Indigenous ingredients before setting a Pressure Test drawing on the lessons she imparted), comes Curtis Stone. Now based in the US with his Beverly Hills 90210 wife Lindsay Price, Stone has jetted back to Australia to put the latest batch of contestants through their paces with his signature (easygoing but laser-focused) approach to cooking. The laid-back chef challenges four contestants to recreate his Herb Ricotta Raviolo with Braised Lamb. And yes, it's as tricky as it sounds. The person whose dish looks (and tastes) the least like Stone's original dish will be sent packing. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson in Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT … LOST IN TRANSLATION Now streaming on Tubi In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Scarlett Johansson confessed that making this movie with Bill Murray wasn't easy. 'Everybody was on tenterhooks around him, including our director and the full crew, because he was dealing with his … stuff' the star divulged. Director Sofia Coppola wrote the character of Bob (a movie star having a midlife crisis) specifically for Murray and spent a year lobbying the reclusive Ghostbusters star into doing it. Loosely inspired by Coppola's feelings of displacement while working in Japan in her 20s, the film explores a platonic romance between Bob and a disenchanted student (Johansson) while they are both at loose ends in Tokyo. Despite his negativity on set, Murray was nominated for an Oscar for his performance while Coppola won for her screenplay. Originally published as Best shows to watch: money and marriage in The Gilded Age; sexy reality TV dating double
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The Ada News brings home 19 awards from OPA Convention
The Oklahoma Press Association presented its Better Newspaper Contest Awards during the OPA Annual Convention Saturday at the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort in Shawnee. The Ada News brought home 19 awards, competing in Division 3: multi-day and online-only publications in communities with populations less that 18,000. In awards to publications, The Ada News received first place for Photography and Sports Coverage, and second place in Advertising. In awards to individuals, LeaAnn Wells received first place and second place in Small Ad Space, and a second place in Large Ad Space. Sports Editor Jeff Cali was handed the first place trophy for Sports Story. Photographer/Senior Staff Writer Richard R. Barron totaled 13 awards. Barron swept News Photograph category with first, second and third place awards. Barron also swept the Feature Photograph category and the Photo Essay/Picture Page section, and won two of the three Sports Photograph awards, including first place. Additionally, Barron snagged a third place in Business Story, and a third place in Column Writing. 'As the publisher of The Ada News I am beyond proud of my staff,' Maurisa Nelson said. 'They dedicate so much of their time to our community and truly love what they do and it showed in the awards they brought home Saturday. I know many would agree the names, Richard R. Barron, Jeff Cali, James Brantley and LeaAnn Wells are staples to the Ada Community, without the hard work they push them selves to perfect, there would be no Ada News!'
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Yahoo
Bus driver on drugs is jailed for killing girl, 9
A bus driver who killed a nine-year-old girl riding her bike on the pavement having fallen asleep at the wheel with drugs in his system has been jailed for four years. Ada Bicakci died in hospital in August last year, two days after the collision in Bexleyheath, south-east London, which left her with "catastrophic injuries". Martin Asolo-Ogugua, 23, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, having pleaded guilty in April to causing Ada's death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs. Asolo-Ogugua, of Southwark, south-east London, failed a drug test at the scene, having taken cannabis the night before. CCTV showed Asolo-Ogugua driving the bus with Ada on a footpath before he defendant fell asleep. The bus drifted across the carriageway and into the path of the girl and her family. Ada's father, Bora Bicakci, said his world was "fractured beyond repair". "This tragedy happened on my watch, a father's ultimate failure. My world has been turned upside down, and with it, the foundations of my family have crumbled. "My darling Ada. Our thanks are not enough to show our gratitude for you. We will honour your name with acts of magnitude. You will never be forgotten." Senior Crown Prosecutor Miranda Jollie called Asolo-Ogugua "reckless and utterly selfish". Ada, a Turkish-British national, lived in Bexleyheath with her family and was a keen gymnast and swimmer. She attended a local primary school where she was described as a "popular and happy pupil". Her organs were donated and she went on to help six other people after her death, her family said previously. Asolo-Ogugua was also disqualified from driving for seven years. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Man charged after girl, 9, killed by London bus HM Courts & Tribunals Service
Scottish Sun
09-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Bus driver who killed girl, 9, after smashing into her while high on drugs is jailed as father pays touching tribute
He mounted the opposite pavement as Ada was riding her bike with her family BUS TRAGEDY Bus driver who killed girl, 9, after smashing into her while high on drugs is jailed as father pays touching tribute Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BUS driver who knocked down and killed a nine-year-old girl when he fell asleep after taking drugs has been jailed for four years. Martin Asolo-Agogua, 23, had been up all night at a social event when he struck Ada Bicakci with the double decker in Bexleyheath, South East London. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Nine-year-old Ada Bicakci died on August 5 last year Credit: Metropolitan Police 3 The youngster was hit by a double decker bus in Bexleyheath, South East London Credit: Metropolitan Police 3 Martin Asolo-Agogua, 23, has been jailed for four years Credit: PA Emergency services arrived at the scene on Watling Street at 9.03am on August 3 last year. Despite their best efforts, the youngster tragically couldn't be saved and died two days later. Ada, a Turkish and British national, was a 'keen' gymnast and swimmer, according to tributes. Her five-year-old brother was also taken to hospital following the crash. Officers drug-tested Asolo-Ogugua at the scene, which he failed. The Met Police arrested him on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving and drug-driving. Asolo-Ogugua was today sentenced at Woolwith Crown Court for causing the nine-year-old's death. The court heard he fell asleep at the wheel, after having taken cannabis the night before. He mounted the opposite pavement as Ada was riding her bike with her family. Detectives from the Met's Roads and Transport team later trawled through CCTV evidence that revealed Asolo-Oguguathe first drove the bus out of the depot at around 8.45am. They were able to capture the exact moment he fell asleep, and saw the bus swerve cross the carriageway. Asolo-Oguguathe was charged in February earlier this year with causing death by dangerous driving while under influence of drugs as well as driving while over the drug limit. He admitted both offences at Woolwich Crown Court in April. Asolo-Ogugua, of Banfield Road, Southwark, was today jailed for four years. The 23-year-old has also been disqualified from driving for seven years. 'PILLARS OF STRENGTH' Detective Sergeant Sam Miles, who led the investigation, said: 'Asolo-Ogugua will have to spend the rest of his life regretting the night he chose to stay awake before getting behind the wheel of a bus with cannabis in his system. 'It's a night that has cost him his freedom and snatched away the life of an innocent little girl. 'Ada had her whole life ahead of her. 'She lived in the area and attended a local primary school where she was a popular and happy pupil. 'In a remarkable show of courage and humility, Ada's family chose to take her life forward to help others by donating her organs. 'I can only hope today's sentence brings some closure for Ada's family who have remained a pillar of strength throughout these proceedings.' FAMILY HEARTBREAK Ada's organs were donated and she went on to help six other people following her tragic death, her family said. They also previously shared two pictures of their daughter, including one that shows her having had her hair cut for donation. The nine-year-old was a Turkish-British national that lived in Bexleyheath with her family and attended a local primary school. In a heartwrenching statement shared by the Met Police, Ada's father, Bora, said: "The images of that horrific moment remain seared into my mind. That scene replays endlessly, a constant reminder of the day my world fractured beyond repair. "This tragedy happened on my watch, a father's ultimate failure. My world has been turned upside down, and with it, the foundations of my family have crumbled. "My darling Ada. Our thanks are not enough to show our gratitude for you. We will honour your name with acts of magnitude. You will never be forgotten. "We will make this story one of love and thanks that we owe everybody. Your presence, and passing, will leave a mark in this country and we will fight to make drug driving a part of its history." 'RECKLESS AND UTTERLY SELFISH' Senior Crown Prosecutor, Miranda Jollie, of the Crown Prosecution Service, added: 'Asolo-Ogugua was reckless and utterly selfish to get behind the wheel of a bus after consuming drugs and put many lives at risk that day. 'His actions have robbed a young girl of her entire life. Our thoughts remain with Ada's family and friends as they try to come to terms with their unimaginable loss "I hope his sentence today can help to bring some closure for Ada's family and highlight the devastating consequences of drug driving.'
