Captain Kirk and his crew soon discover their advanced technology is due to cultural interference by a Federation scientist called Bayne. Bayne was to be played by the iconic and notorious Milton Berle.

By Saralyn Smith
| Published 22 seconds ago

Norman Spinrad thought the script he wrote in 1967 called “He Walked Among Us” had been lost to time until it showed up with an autograph-seeking fan at a convention.  The fan scanned the faded script and emailed it to Spinrad, who has published it as an e-book.

Captain Kirk Versus Milton Berle

The script had the Enterprise encountering a primitive race called the Jugali, who used technology that should have been well beyond their ability to develop. Captain Kirk and his crew soon discover their advanced technology is due to cultural interference by a Federation scientist called Bayne. Bayne was to be played by the iconic and notorious Milton Berle.

Bayne had good intentions, but as things often do in science fiction, those good intentions result in unintended consequences. Because of his interference, the Jugali begin worshipping Bayne as a god. Captain Kirk’s job is to get him out of there without further damaging the Jugali.

The whole Bayne is a god mess would have ended up being comedic, had the script made it on screen. But that’s not what the script’s writer, Conrad Spinrad intended. So he set out to sabotage his own episode of Star Trek.

How Conrad Spinrad Killed His Own Star Trek Script

By Spinrad’s own account, the screenplay was a victim of a sometimes terrible but integral part of big- and small-screen productions: the rewrite. Roddenberry originally commissioned a dramatic script from Spinrad that would feature Milton Berle (and an “overgrown backlot village set” Roddenberry was apparently fond of). Berle — who was commonly referred to as “Mr. Television” — was arguably the biggest television star in the medium’s history and was mostly known for comedy.

The Star Trek line producer wasn’t aware that Berle could also do drama, though, and rewrote Spinrad’s script into “an unfunny comedy.” Spinrad was so disgusted and ashamed of the rewrite that he campaigned against its production: “This is so lousy, Gene [Roddenberry], that you should kill it!” I told him. “You can’t, you shouldn’t shoot this thing! Read it and weep!”

His pleas paid off, and the script was never filmed, but that also meant he never received any of the residuals that would have gone along with a produced syndicated episode.  Eventually, Spinard made at least a little money off his work by publishing the script for fans to read. 

Search for Nancy Guthrie
Sheriff Says They Have to Believe She’s Alive
… ‘Nothing Else to Go On’

Published
February 4, 2026
9:06 AM PST

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Published
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By Robert Scucci
| Published 1 second ago

Sometimes a thriller is just a little too on the nose, and it loses its ability to generate suspense because you already know all of the beats going into it. 2001’s The Glass House is a masterclass in setting you up for what you already know is going to happen, which is a shame because it’s acted and shot well, but its screenplay never allows the viewer to read between the lines. It’s your classic story about two teenagers getting adopted by their wealthy godparents and given a living situation that seems too good to be true.

As you would expect, everything seems too good to be true because it is. The Glass House makes the fatal mistake of laying all of its cards on the table far too early to allow for a satisfying payoff, and since things escalate quickly, its entire premise gets pushed into absurd territory before you even realize that the antagonists have the last name Glass and live inside of a literal glass house. If you find yourself wondering, “What could possibly go wrong here?” you’ll figure it out quickly.

Those Who Live In Glass Houses … 

Showing its namesake in both a figurative and painfully literal sense, The Glass House wastes no time setting up its conflict. Sixteen-year-old Ruby (Leelee Sobieski) and her 11-year-old brother Rhett Baker are orphaned when their parents, David (Michael O’Keefe) and Grace (Rita Wilson), are tragically killed in a car wreck after celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary. After the funeral, Ruby and Rhett learn that they’re going to live with Terry (Stellan Skarsgard) and Erin (Diane Lane) Glass, an exceedingly wealthy couple who go way back with the Baker family.

Before transitioning to their new living situation, Ruby is informed by her parents’ trust fund lawyer, Alvin Begleiter (Bruce Dern), that she and her brother will never have to worry about money as adults, thanks to their parents’ smart financial decisions before their deaths.

Almost immediately, you can tell something is off. Terry makes sexual passes at Ruby, while Rhett is bought off with the newest video game systems to keep him distracted from the familial and financial malfeasance that’s about to take place. Terry owns a luxury car dealership, and Ruby witnesses him being threatened by loan sharks after he talks about his new “personal piggy bank.” Erin, a prominent physician in the area, is seen on more than one occasion shooting up drugs and blacking out in the living room, which she always explains away as her daily insulin needed to treat her diabetes.

Though the authorities eventually get involved in The Glass House, there’s not much that Alvin can do when Ruby voices her concerns to him. Ruby’s private conversations with Alvin, the social workers, as well as her personal emails, are seemingly reviewed by Terry ahead of time, resulting in him always having the perfect answer when questioned about the family dynamic by a third party. We know the Glass family is up to no good, and we know Ruby and Rhett are in danger, so there isn’t much tension baked into the movie. The setup makes no other outcome possible, which leaves you hoping there’s something you’re missing that could actually generate suspense.

When In Doubt, Listen To The Film Score

The biggest issue I take with The Glass House is its patronizing sound design and film score. The music itself is fine and exactly what you’d expect from a thriller, but it also serves as a blunt cue for every sinister thing happening inside the Glass residence. Ruby snoops around while Terry watches her every move, waiting to confront her, so of course the string section is brooding and plucky, with the occasional dissonant piano notes stabbing through the mix. Every single crescendo exists to tell you that a jump scare or reveal is coming.

Terry and Erin are picture-perfect during the day, but the second the sun sets, they’re arguing behind closed doors, and Terry starts doing his dirty work. Ruby begins the film as a troubled, directionless student going through a rebellious phase, and then she’s suddenly the most perceptive teenager you’ve ever seen, clocking all of Terry’s problematic behavior and skillfully manipulating her way out of a horrifying home life.

The Glass House, which is supposed to function as a thriller, has zero thrills because every trope is used to its fullest, and all of them lead to their most obvious conclusion. If you’ve never seen a thriller, it works as a solid primer for newcomers or younger audiences because it wears all of its conventions on its sleeve, which isn’t inherently a bad thing if you’re just trying to familiarize yourself with the beats before moving on to something more refined. If you’re already deep into the genre, though, this one probably won’t offer much beyond frustration.

As of this writing, The Glass House is streaming on Netflix.

Jordon Hudson appears to have broken her silence after reports emerged that her boyfriend, Bill Belichick, will not be a first-ballot pick for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Hudson, 24, shared a screenshot of an email notifying her of a canceled order from the Pro Football Hall of Fame online store via Instagram on Tuesday, February 3. Hudson appeared to order three iron-on patches featuring the organization’s logo for $9.99 each.

The order “was canceled because of unforeseen circumstances and your payment has not yet been refunded,” the email noted.

The former college cheerleader captioned the post, “Hey @profootballhof, what were the ‘unforeseen circumstances’? 🤣.”

Related: A Timeline of Bill Belichick’s Relationship With 24-Year-Old Jordon Hudson

Bill Belichick‘s relationship with Jordon Hudson has everyone’s attention for their 48-year age gap. The couple sparked romance rumors in 2023 when they were spotted on multiple public outings. Several NFL players subsequently poked fun at his love life. “Belichick’s a smooth operator,” Travis Kelce said on a June 2024 episode of his and Jason […]

ESPN reported on January 26 that Belichick, 73, did not receive enough votes required to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, citing sources close to the process. The Athletic corroborated ESPN’s report on January 27.

The former New England Patriots coach guided the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories out of nine appearances during his tenure from 2000 to 2023. Since 2025, he has been head coach of the University of North Carolina college football team.

A spokesperson for the Hall of Fame previously declined to comment on Belichick’s inclusion in this year’s class.

“The Pro Football Hall of Fame does not comment on the voting of the Selection Committee and awaits the unveiling of the Class of 2026 at NFL Honors on February 5 in San Francisco,” the spokesperson told ESPN.

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Related: Why Friends Say There Are ‘Misconceptions’ About Jordon Hudson

For decades, Bill Belichick was best known as the celebrated NFL coach of the New England Patriots, the team he brought to Super Bowl victory six times during his 24-year tenure. Sports fans respected his gruff, no-nonsense style (some of his most memorable catchphrases include “Do your job” and “No days off”). But in 2024, […]

Many of Belichick’s former colleagues came to his defense after the news broke.

“There had to be some voters that have some ill will against Coach Bill Belichick, for whatever reason,” former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski said on the Thursday, January 29, episode of the Today show. “But that should be, you know, overlooked. It’s all about résumé, and Coach Belichick has the résumé. I mean, eight Super Bowls … this guy has the résumé.”

Gronkowski, 36, continued, “And on top of it, how many lives he has touched and how many opportunities he has given to former players and coaches as well? I mean, Coach Belichick 100 percent deserved to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He’s clearly gonna get into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he was definitely snubbed over the last couple days.”

“I just think that to me, I don’t understand it,” Tom Brady said. “I mean, I was with him every day. If he’s not a first-ballot Hall of Famer, there’s really no coach that should ever be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, which is completely ridiculous because people deserve it. He’s incredible. There’s no coach I’d rather play for. If I’m picking one coach to go out there, to win a Super Bowl, give me one season, I’m taking Bill Belichick.”

Belichick and Hudson, who have a 48-year age gap, made their romance official in October 2024.

After Belichick’s apparent snub, comedian Jimmy Kimmel cracked a joke about the couple’s relationship during his monologue on an episode of his late night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!

“Bill Belichick is a bit of a jerk and a bit of a cheater, but he absolutely should have been voted into the Hall of Fame,” Kimmel quipped last week. “The guy has been winning Super Bowls longer than his girlfriend has been alive.”

Kimmel previously joked about the couple’s age gap in April 2025, telling viewers, “I got to say, I love this relationship. I can’t get enough of those two. It’s like they need a reality show. It’s like The Golden Bachelor meets the regular Bachelorette.”

A24 is continuing to build its horror series catalogue. A new report reveals that the indie studio has officially secured the rights to bring the cinematic world of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre to the small screen courtesy of executive producer, Glen Powell, and helmer, JT Mollner (Strange Darling, The Long Walk). Sadly, if you were expecting the Twisters star to be one of the poor unfortunate souls terrorized by Leather Face, we reported back in October that he won’t be starring, but instead will stick to his behind-the-scenes role.

Powell will be joined as an EP by his fellow Barnstorm collaborator, Dan Cohen, Spooky Pictures’ Roy Lee and Steven Schneider, Image Nation’s Ben Ross, Exurbia Films’ Kim Henkel, and Stuart Manashil, with Exurbia’s Ian Henkel and Pat Cassidy producing. With deep ties to the beloved franchise, the former Henkel was a co-writer of the movie that started it all and has since served as a producer on a handful of the many installments that followed. In addition to the A24 series, the folks at ImageNation are also backing a new Texas Chainsaw Massacre feature, but Mollner has been clear that he won’t be involved with the project in any way.

In a statement paired with the incredibly exciting news, Powell said,

“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is one of my favorite films. It defined a generation of horror films and over half a century after its release, it remains one of the definitive movies of my home state. I’m honored to have Barnstorm help bring in a new chapter for such an iconic title and franchise. With a marquee home in A24 and visionary filmmaker with JT Mollner, alongside our top shelf producing partners, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better team for such a dream property.”

What Other Horror Icons Is A24 Bringing Back?

Over the last several years, A24 has brought audiences several modern horror masterpieces, including Ari Aster’s Hereditary, Danny and Michael Philippou’s Talk to Me, Rose Glass’s Saint Maud, and Jane Schoenbrun’s I Saw the TV Glow. While they continue their cinematic genre takeover, the studio has continued to grow their slate as they reach into the episodic world. In addition to the new Texas Chain Saw Massacre series, they’ve also got their irons in the fire for a Friday the 13th prequel series. Hailing from Brad Caleb Kane, the project, titled Crystal Lake, will focus on the younger years of Jason Voorhees’ (Callum Vinson) life, with Linda Cardellini in the leading role as his over-protective mother, Pamela Voorhees.

Stay tuned to Collider for more updates surrounding Powell and Mollner’s Texas Chain Saw Massacre series.

On 90 Day Fiance, Emma Perry gets what she wants from Ziad Yahyaoui and sizes him up as average in a conversation with producers. Daniel recoils when Lisa takes off her wig. Rick Van Vactor confesses his dalliance in Colombia and devastates Trish. And Jovon Fox and Annalyn Fox make up over a poolside breakfast. Let’s dig in a little deeper in this recap of Season 8, Episode 9 Initial Descent.

90 Day Fiance: Emma Perry Sizes up Ziad

Emma Perry is fed up with Ziad Yahyaoui’s lack of enthusiasm on 90 Day Fiancé. She lays out all his romantic texts online. And wants to know why it all came to a screeching halt. He’s been rude and even says he’s zero percent sure Emma is wife material. She calls him out and Ziad quietly relents. He admits she’s right and steps up his game immediately with a home cooked meal and lots of compliments.

Emma Perry is happy the next morning. Production quizzes her on her mood change. She admits that her and Ziad Yahyaoui took things all the way in the bedroom. In spite of him previously citing religious reasons not to do so. Emma gives him an average rating when it comes to size. She’s pleased with the endowment. But not overly excited either. Citing that he’s at least a handful. Ziad has plans for a getaway for Emma’s birthday. Including a camel ride.

Of course, Emma Perry is hoping for a proposal on her birthday. She questions if her odds of being wife material have risen on 90 Day Fiancé. Ziad puts it around 7 percent. Citing the fact that marriage is a big deal. And the percentages will grow over time. He admits her approval rating for him being in love is a solid 70 percent. So for now it’s a numbers game for these two.

90 Day Fiance: Daniel Can’t Deal with Lisa’s Natural Look

Lisa is in pain on 90 Day Fiancé. Her wig is stuck to her head. And the heat has turned the glue to bubble gum. She pulls the wig off to reveal a scabby, irritated scalp. She washes her hair and feels better. But she had a hard conversation with her daughter. Admitting that Daniel proposed and she said yes. Her daughter reminds her of trust issues with Daniel. Namely that he’s been talking to other women in America.

Lisa gets a text from Daniel summoning her to the hotel lobby. Lisa walks up with no wig and he looks like he’s seen a ghost. He wants to know why she is like that. She explains the wig was melting into her head and causing pain. But Daniel has no empathy. Suggesting she should stay inside unless she’s wearing it. He calls her look embarrassing to producers. Lisa is hurt and he does offer a hug but she can tell he’s pulling back.

Lisa wants to cry. But obliges Daniel by donning the wig to meet his friends at a bar on Before The 90 Days. Daniel is dressed sharp, and his pals credit Lisa for saving him and being an angel. By giving him money to dress nice. Lisa doesn’t like them implying she’s a sugar mama. And grills them about the other woman Daniel was talking to who reached out to Lisa. She wants to know if he’s a scammer. But his bros have his back.

Before The 90 Days: Trish Gutted by Rick’s Confession

Rick Van Vactor pulls out all the stops for Trish. He’s rented a beautiful private villa in Nosy Be for them to enjoy. Trish is amazed on 90 Day Fiancé. The views are breathtaking. Until he amps up the cringe by suggesting they role play in jungle costumes. Trish isn’t into it. Suggesting she’d rather be in the buff then in a ridiculous costume. The next morning the pair express their love to each other but Rick is about to throw a curve ball.

He tells Trish in a teary voice that when she stopped talking to him for those five days he up and booked a trip to Colombia and slept with his ex. He gaslights, trying to blame Trish for the transcontinental indiscretion. It turns out Trish did resume communication. But Rick already had the trip booked so he went anyway. Trish isn’t having any of it and doesn’t accept his apologies or attempts to hug her. So, there’s definitely trouble in paradise.

90 Day Fiance: Annalyn Mocks Jovon

Annalyn and Jovon Fox seem to literally be living their own personal Groundhog Day. In spite of being married for three years, They seem bored. And the relationship hasn’t translated well from long distance to in-person. He says she’s unappreciative and nags too much. She says he’s whiny and holds his financial support over her head. They sulk and give each other the silent treatment. But Jovon asks a big question to break the ice.

He wants to know if she regrets marrying him on 90 Day Fiancé. She hesitates but ultimately says no. She complains that he is no fun and imitates him. He laughs and says she is too hard on him. In the end they agree to have a good time. And promise to stop the annoying behaviors that are driving a wedge between them.

TLC Couple Laura and Birkan Discuss His Debt

Laura Nevenner and Birkan head out for a getaway. After admitting he’s 50 grand in debt, Laura is having some doubts. But she still doesn’t know the cause of the debt. And is beginning to question their future. She also thinks he planned the trip as a distraction. They arrive to their seaside destination and do touristy things. But she still plans to get to the bottom of what Birkan and his friends talked about in the cafe.

Birkan actually starts the conversation on 90 Day Fiancé. Laura inquires about the debt. He says at one tine he owned 3 Shisha bars. But when Covid hit he lost everything. And turned to gambling as a way to make money. Laura is visibly annoyed. He admits he used cash from her as a gift to gamble for his rent. Her wheels are turning and she worries about being financially responsible for him if he comes to the US on a K-1 visa. Till next time!