Because I’m so delighted to see that Franklin is back from her leave at long last, I’m awarding immediate Pick of the Isssue to her review this week of the Eddie Izzard show The Riches on FX. When the designer, the illustrator, and I were plotting this site’s redesign, we thought of the Pick of the Issue pig as Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web, just after his buttermilk bath, sweet-smelling, beautified, and ready for the fair. I think every appreciator of criticism that’s as painstakingly crafted and humanistic as it is achingly funny would agree that Franklin’s reviews are terrific and radiant, and I can attest to the humble part. This is really worth celebrating! N.F., welcome back from all your fans, and there are a lot of us.

Speaking of Wilbur, has anyone gotten to the new Charlotte’s Web movie yet? I was wary of the casting, but it’s getting fairly good reviews. I’ll be seeing it.