This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit smokeempodcast.substack.com

Succession’s final season debuted, and it’s already giving us memes (all hail The Disgusting Brothers). The tragic arc of Logan (Brian Cox) makes the cruel media mogul a tad sympathetic, while suck-ups like Roman (Kieran Culkin) and Tom (Matthew McFayden) have become the show’s most lovable characters. Is Succession the best show on TV? What else could top it?

Rising star Jonathan Majors, of Creed III, was arrested for domestic abuse, but the woman in question recanted her story. Is this justice, or the power of NDAs? The case will be a Rorschach for the peanut gallery, much like Gwyneth Paltrow’s ski trial. The glamorous star/wellness guru took to court this week, and boy, do folks love to hate her. What did the queen of Goop/jade eggs/bone broth ever do to you?

Movie critic A.O. Scott makes a classy exit from the NYT film desk, prompting a discussion of Hollywood’s decline and how anger was turned into clicks. What is the 1999 film that made Scott (and Sarah) burst into tears? Does — debate alert! — There’s Something About Mary hold up? Plus: Boogie Nights, 70s vs. 90s cinema, movies as sacred texts, Lex Fridman, the allure of fashion, what the hell is an “atelier,” and more importantly: Can it really rain frogs from the sky?

Ed. note: A distracting mechanical rumble happens three times during this pod. Best guess? This is Sarah adjusting her microphone, which she will not do again.

This week only, we’re opening our boudoir to (part of) our copious episode notes, to show non-paying subscribers what they’re missing. Have at it, friends.

Episode Notes:

Correction: Kathleen McCormack Durst (left, below) was a medical student and Robert Durst’s first wife. Susan Berman (right, below) was a journalist and author. The management apologizes for not naming them in the last episode.

* Q: How to make every day better by doing one simple thing?

* A:

“How do I listen to episodes on my podcast app?” (Substack)

It will be #HotChicksColdTakes redux when Liz Wolfe sits in during Sarah’s hiatus

My Favorite Murder. Not to Nancy and Sarah’s taste but extremely popular and one of the highest-earning podcasts …

Pie Talk #7: Shortbread

“Boar on the Floor,” a classic scene of villainy from Succession’s second season:

“On ‘Succession,’ Jeremy Strong Doesn’t Get the Joke,” by Michael Schulman (New Yorker)

“Jonathan Majors Arrested in New York After Domestic Dispute,” by Matt Stevens (New York Times)

“Jonathan Majors’ attorney claims woman recanted assault allegations after arrest,” by Christi Carras (Los Angeles Times)

“Jonathan Majors U.S. Army Commercials Pulled After Actor’s Arrest for Alleged Assault,” by J. Kim Murphy (Variety)

“With Few Able and Fewer Willing, U.S. Military Can’t Find Recruits,” by Dave Phillips (NYT)

“The Agony and the Ecstasy of Depp v. Heard,” by Sarah Hepola (Substack)

“Cowboys' Williams And Irvin Investigated,” by Sam Howe Verhovek (NYT)

“Women Recants Rape Tale” (LAT)

“In Cowboy Case, a Flagrant Foul?” by Howard Kurtz (Washington Post)

“Woman who says Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is her father now accuses him of defamation,” by Don Van Natta Jr. (ESPN)

“Mining a Few Thick Desires …” by Luke Burgis (Anti-Mimetic Substack)

“Gwyneth Paltrow ski crash trial: Paltrow testifies that the accident wasn't her fault” (NBC News)

There’s Something About Mary bears up upon repeat viewing for Nancy. Sarah, not so much. What say you, listeners?

Goop Wellness Jade Egg, $66, “final sale,” in case, you know, you were thinking of returning it …

You could buy a jade egg from Goop OR you could take that same money and buy a year’s worth of bonus episodes, Zoom hangs, premium extras, and belly laughs. Now which of these is better for your health?