With its latest entry FALLOUT, the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE franchise has solidified its evolution from the spy thriller Brian De Palma made in 1996 into the setpiece-centric, Tom Cruise-endangering action series we know it as today. In this half of our franchise-spanning conversation, we look at what FALLOUT, helmed by first-time returning director Christopher McQuarrie, brings to the table in terms of stakes-raising action and plot. Then we pull at the many strings connecting the two ends of the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE franchise, most notably its seemingly ageless star, Tom Cruise, as well as its treatment of Ethan Hunt’s associates, both professional and romantic. Plus, Your Next Picture Show, where we share recent filmgoing experiences in hopes of putting something new on your cinematic radar. Please share your comments, thoughts, and questions about MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE, give or take a FALLOUT, by sending an email to comments@nextpictureshow.net, or leaving a short voicemail at (773) 234-9730. Works Cited: • Get Ready for Mission: Impossible—Fallout With This Recap of the Entire Series (From Michelle Monaghan’s Character’s Perspective) by Matthew Dessem (Slate.com) Your Next Picture Show:  • Tasha: Guy Richie’s THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. • Keith: Aaron Horvath and Peter Rida Michail’s TEEN TITANS GO! TO THE MOVIES • Genevieve: Carlos Lopez Estrada’s BLINDSPOTTING • Scott: Bo Burnham’s EIGTH GRADE Outro Music: Lorne Balfe, “Mission: Accomplished” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices