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September 18 - 24, 2023 Page 3 By Dana Simpson For many of us, when we book a stay in a hotel (particularly a luxury one), comfort ranks above all else. Though the meaning of the word "comfort" varies from one person to the next and could en- compass anything from the thread count of the bedsheets to one's proximity to the bar, "comfort" in the world of John Wick is most closely associated with personal safety. Those familiar with the John Wick franchise will already be aware of The Continental's most important rule: the assassins seek- ing refuge within the hotel shall not conduct any "business" on the grounds. Put simply, no hits will be tolerated on the premises. That said, NBC/Peacock is certainly hoping for a hit of its own (granted, a "hit" of a different kind) when the new miniseries "The Continental: From the World of John Wick" begins streaming Friday, Sept. 22, on Peacock. John Wick (Keanu Reeves, "The Matrix," 1999), the trained assassin who lends his name to the franchise supported by The Continental Hotel, first made audiences fall in love with him in the 2014 film, simply titled "John Wick." Despite his former career as a hitman, Wick exhibits a soft side while taking care of a new beagle puppy in the wake of his wife's death. However, when a group of gangsters breaks into Wick's home and the puppy is targeted, Wick loses all sensitivity and comes out of retirement to avenge his furry friend. And while Wick's situation may change from film to film, one thing that remains a constant throughout the franchise is The Continental; and this is where Pea- cock's newest series comes in. ACROSS 1. Go up against 5. Hosp. procedure 8. part of an archipelago 12. Old sitcom set in Korea 13. Words of understanding 14. procedural starring mark Harmon 15. Words of enlightenment 16. Speed: Abbr. 17. Like space, the final frontier 18. James bond and max- well Smart 21. Former "SNL" star phil 22. Hollywood production 25. Unit of cinnamon 29. Eggs in a biology lab 30. boot part 31. mcCartney of Wings 34. Official substitute 36. One that got away 40. Nickname for 4 Down's setting 45. Adriatic seaport 46. Anthem contraction 47. Church section 49. Jillions 50. ___ bo (exercise system) 51. Scratched (out) 52. Take a load off 53. Golfer Ernie 54. Itch cause DOWN 1. "What Kind of Fool ___?" 2. Freshwater fish 3. Certain plaintiff, at law 4. South Side-set series on Showtime 5. City-to-city helper 6. butler of fiction 7. major world religion 8. be the first one to come up with something 9. Computer picture 10. "Schindler's ___" (Os- car-winning 1993 film) 11. Guesses: Abbr. 19. "The Facts of Life" star Charlotte 20. Roadside sign 22. "boardwalk Empire" and "manchester by the Sea" (2016) star Gretchen 23. prefix with duct 24. Vehicle with sliding doors 26. "How was ___ know?" 27. "Friends" star 28. Little piece of Florida 32. "Three's Company" star Joyce 33. "Just ___ thought!" 34. Chest muscle, for short 35. "All in the Family" and "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013) star Rob 37. 100 smackers 38. Wayne brady-hosted game show "Let's make ___" 39. Funeral fires 40. Skier's transport 41. "Arrested Development" and "Veep" star Tony 42. Greek god of love 43. bangladeshi currency 44. Rocher of cosmetics 48. Old English letter CoverStory The 'Continental' experience: John Wick franchise gets three-night TV stay Solution is on page 2. Mishel Prada in "The Continental: From the World of John Wick"

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