 waiting, Avengers: Endgame finally hit theaters this past weekend. The 22nd Marvel blockbuster has been breaking records left and right at the box office, and packed more surprises and plot twists than the rabid fandom could have anticipated. Tons of narrative threads were wrapped up, and the OG members of The Avengers were given special care for some of their final outings in the MCU.
Avengers: Endgame's time heist is massive and extremely ambitious, as the Avengers revisit some of the MCU's most iconic moments. The biggest part of that mission is in the Battle of New York, as three of the Infinity Stones were in the city during that first epic battle. It's hard to imagine the heist going off without visiting New York, although Stephen McFeely revealed they were originally were going to leave The Avengers out of the travel itinerary. Luckily, the duo of writers ultimately changed their mind.
The Avengers has a very important role in the story in the heist, and features a ton of surprising cameos. In addition to being the place where the surviving heroes could accrue a variety of Infinity Stones, the flashback to New York featured appearances by Crossbones, and fellow Captain America: Winter Soldier characters Alexander Pierce and Agent Jasper Sitwell. None of this would have been possible if Endgame's writers decided to avoid The Battle of New York.
Heimdall related FOMO aside, it sounds like Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely made the right call regarding how the journey through time would function in the story. This isn't exclusive to the Battle of New York, as moments in the Thor and Guardian of the Galaxy franchises also became more important. Of course, there are many Idris Elba fans out there who would have loved to see Heimdall briefly return to the world of the living in Endgame.
Avengers: Endgame's time heist was not only tricky for the surviving heroes, but also for the writers who had to plan out the easter egg-filled act of the film. Figuring out just how the Avengers would travel back and acquire the Infinity Stones was a major task for Marcus and McFeely. While some of the teams had long sequences like the Battle of New York, Nebula and War Machine's acquisition of the Power Stone was hilariously easy. At least, until Thanos showed up and made a mess of things.
While the original version of Endgame featured a longer scene with Natalie Portman's Jane, it was ultimately Thor's mother Frigga who had the biggest impact during the Thor: The Dark World revisit. Instead, Jane was brought back through old footage of Portman, as the Oscar winning actress has left her Marvel role behind.
McFEELY: Just saying it out loud, it’s like, what are we doing?
MARKUS: It was when we were trying to avoid going to Avengers because it seemed pander-y.
If you thought that Avengers: Endgame was dizzying in theaters, imagine what it was like to create the complicated story. The writing process ultimately worked out quite well for Markus and McFeely, as their work is being universally celebrated by both critics and moviegoers alike. They somehow pulled off the impossible with Infinity War and Endgame, crating a pair of blockbusters that balanced action with character-driven plot.
Avengers: Endgame managed to largely keep its secrets, and Christopher Marcus and Stephen McFeely packed in endless surprises and long awaited payoffs throughout the Russo Brothers' massive final movie. It was the true finale of the Infinity Saga, and there's no telling what's coming next for the MCU.
[LN] a bit worried about season 2

It's probably pretty obvious, but a lot of season 1's popularity was because of the excellent characters, with Rem being the most popular one. Since most people have no idea what happens to her at the end of act 3, it makes me a little worried that there might be a decline in popularity (that could possibly affect new seasons being released and lead to some serious lynching). Anyone else feel the same way or am I just overthinking?A Fife MP has branded a project to dismantle decaying nuclear submarines a “taxpayers’ nightmare” as the Government admitted the faltering programme has been hit by further delays. Douglas Chapman said that news would be of “grave concern” to his Rosyth constituents, whose community is currently home to seven decommissioned military subs.
Crusaders outclass Waratahs 34-7
By Darren WaltonMarch 21, 2008
The NSW Waratahs will return home to Sydney empty-handed after squandering a second-half lead and falling 34-7 to the Crusaders in Friday night's Super 14 match in Christchurch.
The Crusaders showed their class to pile on four unanswered tries in the final 27 minutes to preserve their undefeated record this campaign with a sixth successive victory.
The Waratahs - with three wins, two losses and a bye - remain precariously placed in sixth position entering a vital stretch of four home games in the next five weeks.
"There's still plenty of football to go in this season, so we just need to go back to Sydney and hopefully improve on that effort," NSW skipper Phil Waugh said.
NSW briefly hit the front when barnstorming No.8 Wycliff Palu capitalised on a great bust and offload from halfback Brett Sheehan to cross for the Waratahs' only try in the 50th minute.
Five-eighth Kurtley Beale's successful conversion gave the Waratahs a 7-6 lead, but it was one-way traffic after centre Casey Laulala celebrated his 100th game for the Crusaders with a five-pointer to restore his team's lead just three minutes later.
Laulala out-leapt Sheehan to reel in a Tim Bateman midfield bomb, then palmed off Waratahs fullback Lachie Turner and raced 35 metres to score in the corner.
Flyhalf Dan Carter nailed the sideline conversion to put the home side up 13-7.
It was 20-7 nine minutes later when No.8 Mose Tuiali'i drove his way over next to the posts after 17 phases of pressure from the Crusaders.
Replacement forward Wyatt Crockett put the issue beyond doubt with the Crusaders' third try in the 75th minute before fullback Scott Hamilton secured the bonus point with his team's fourth try in the final minute.
Carter finished the match with a personal tally of 14 points, kicking four conversions and two penalties without a miss.
Waugh couldn't fathom how the Waratahs had nothing to show for keeping the Crusaders - the most potent attacking team in the competition - tryless for almost an hour.
"We tried our hearts out," Waugh said.
"It's hard to explain how a match can be so even but then one team can score four tries to one.
"We couldn't consolidate as we needed to after we got that try after halftime. We couldn't get any field position and that hurt us in the end.
"They hung in there and grinded it out."
Handling errors let both sides down in a dour first half that ended with the home side leading 6-0 and Crusaders coach Robbie Deans used the interval to call for more patience from his charges.
The tactic paid dividends as the Crusaders eventually broke down the Waratahs' resilient defence.
"We knew if we could hold onto the ball the opportunities would come," said Crusaders captain Richie McCaw.
"That's the way it goes with tough games of rugby. They can be very close for a long time then open up in the last five or 10 minutes."
The Waratahs host the Cheetahs in Sydney next week, while the Crusaders travel to Wellington to tackle the Hurricanes.
© 2009
AAP
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For a special occasion, anniversary or simply to treat the one you love, visit one of the most romantic restaurants in London from our guide below.
Whether it’s the intimate booths, the ‘Press for Champagne’ button, the gorgeous design or the food, a dinner at Bob Bob Ricard will set the mood perfectly with a loved one.
Often described as an oasis in the heart of Covent Garden, thought by many to be the most romantic restaurant in London, and revered for its acclaimed wine list, Clos Maggiore, with its muted lighting and open log fire, epitomises the ethos of a romantic restaurant.
Whether it’s the 18th century townhouse setting, the cosy (if somewhat cramped!) table arrangements, the white tablecloths or the candlelight setting, there’s something captivating about Andrew Edmunds.
The relaxed setting, reasonable prices and old Soho charm all help to create a romantic setting. For further inspiration, read our guide to the best restaurants in Soho.
Monochrome photos of stars of stage and screen line wood panelled walls, creating a stylish, intimate atmosphere. Get up close and personal with your date at this classic London restaurant that just oozes charm.
Discreet and refined, Gauthier Soho is perfect for intimate dinners. The atmosphere is hushed and genteel thanks to the attentive and gracious service and the sumptuous Georgian surroundings.
The menu – both a la carte and tasting menu – offers cutting-edge French dishes. The Chefs’ Room is the smallest and most private dining room at Gauthier Soho and is also one of the restaurant’s wine