Netflix’s Dept. Q Finale: A Smile Worth Noting

Warning: contains finale spoilers for Dept. Q. Did you see it? Blink, and you might have missed it, but there it was for a fleeting moment: a smile on the face of DCI Carl Morck. In a Netflix crime drama where smiles are as rare as hen’s teeth, this was indeed a moment to remember. As Matthew Goode’s irascible detective finally shows a glimmer of happiness, viewers are left wondering if a new era is dawning for the series.

The Hunger Games: New Beginnings with ‘Sunrise on the Reaping’

Last year, fans of The Hunger Games were treated to a pleasant surprise — or should I say, a bread crumb trail of excitement. Hunger Games social media accounts dropped a bombshell when they announced a new book and movie in the series. Shortly after, Suzanne Collins released Sunrise on the Reaping on March 18, 2025. The novel flew off the shelves faster than you can say “may the odds be ever in your favor,” selling 1.2 million copies in its first week in the U.S. — three times more than Mockingjay, which concluded Collins’ original trilogy.

Sunrise on the Reaping follows Peeta and Katniss’ mentor, Haymitch Abernathy, when he is chosen to compete in the 50th Hunger Games. Due to the anniversary, this arena battle will feature double the usual amount of tributes. The novel dives into Haymitch’s life in District 12 and his defiance against the Capitol, revealing the backstory of the grumpy mentor fans have grown to love.

From Page to Screen: Anticipation for the Next Big Hit

This is the second prequel Collins has released after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, which chronicled the rise of a young Coriolanus Snow into the cold-hearted president we love to hate. The film adaptation of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes grossed $349 million worldwide, and it seems Collins and Lionsgate are eager to replicate that success with Sunrise on the Reaping.

The franchise’s crown jewel remains The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, which ignited the box office with a whopping $845 million worldwide gross. While the series hasn’t yet rekindled that level of success, the upcoming movie has the advantage of featuring a beloved character, Haymitch, which could entice more casual fans to join the rebellion at the theaters.

The announcement of Sunrise on the Reaping brought fresh excitement to the Hunger Games community, sparking speculation about casting and production choices for the confirmed movie adaptation, set to release in November 2026. With filming starting in July and a budget reportedly over $150 million, according to Deadline, this could be the largest-budget Hunger Games movie to date. Fans are eagerly awaiting more details, and they won’t have to wait long. Here’s hoping the odds are in our favor for an epic cinematic experience!