By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 2 minutes ago

These days, Star Trek is a bona fide pop culture phenomenon. But during the development of The Original Series, there was anxiety that the general public wouldn’t really understand Gene Roddenberry’s mashing up Western tropes with a sci-fi setting. Making matters worse was that the original pilot, “The Cage,” had been rejected by NBC for being too brainy. Fortunately, Roddenberry got a chance to shoot another pilot, one which impressed the network enough to order an entire season worth of episodes.

Several episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series had already been shot when the time came for this new show to make its broadcast premiere. The first episode that the general public saw was “The Man Trap,” which featured a shapeshifting monster that was revealed to be an alien salt vampire. This good-but-not-great episode was an odd choice, and it was one that the cast and crew hated. As it turns out, though, this episode was very carefully selected by executives because it served as an inoffensive, relatively straightforward encapsulation of everything Star Trek had to offer.

It’s A Trap!

Most of the information we have about why “The Man Trap” was selected as Star Trek’s first episode comes from the book Inside Star Trek: The Real Story. Within this impressive reference tome, Robert H. Justman and Herbert F. Solow revealed something surprising: NBC had several other episodes to choose from for the premiere, including “The Corbomite Maneuver,” “Charlie X,” “Mudd’s Women,” “Where No Man Has Gone Before,” and “The Naked Time.” All of them had already been shot and were mostly finished, so it was just a matter of figuring out which episode would serve as the best introduction to Star Trek, a heretofore unknown sci-fi series.

“The Man Trap” won out, mostly because the powers that be worried that other episodes would be off-putting to general audiences in some very specific ways. For example, they worried that audiences would find “Charlie X” a story that was “too gentle” because it focused on an adolescent with special powers. This was probably the right call, in retrospect: when Variety gave a negative review of “The Man Trap” (an episode chosen, in part, because of its relative maturity), they declared that Star Trek: The Original Series was “better suited to the Saturday morning kidvid bloc” (ouch!).

A Monster Hit Of An Episode

“The Corbomite Maneuver” was a great potential choice, but this episode’s impressive special effects were still in post-production, and almost all of its action took place on the ship. “Where No Man Has Gone Before” really outlined the premise of the new show, but it was deemed “expository” for general audiences expecting more action and danger. Justman thought “The Naked Time” was a killer introduction to the crew’s personalities, but the network passed, presumably because of how over-the-top (half-naked, swashbuckling Sulu? Oh, my!) that episode gets. “Mudd’s Women,” meanwhile, was deemed too offensive because the plot involved literally selling women to miners.

Through this process of elimination, executives decided that “The Man Trap” was the best intro to Star Trek. It had cool scenes on both the Enterprise and a distant outpost (a strange new world) and featured a straightforward action plot you didn’t have to be a sci-fi aficionado to understand. Finally, it was all about finding and defeating a creepy monster, which offered thrills to audiences of all ages. The network’s choice paid off, and Star Trek: The Original Series became the most popular sci-fi show in television history, even though the cast (including William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy) thought “The Man Trap” was the worst possible episode they could have chosen.

All of this is a keen reminder of how much thought and work went into putting Star Trek’s best foot forward. It might be a reminder that Paramount’s current upper leadership needs, as Starfleet Academy hit the ground running with the worst episodes of Season 1. The show got better after that, but it didn’t matter because the prospective audience had already been driven away. As it turns out, today’s execs need to learn something that the network execs of the ‘60s had learned very well: series succeed when you give the audience what they want to see and not what you want to show!

Cardi B concluded her “Little Miss Drama Tour” on April 18 with a stop at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. However, before the show, she got into a heated exchange with the venue staff, which almost led her to cancel. Not only was the clash documented on social media, but the rapper also addressed it on stage.

Cardi B Slams State Farm Arena Staff In Heated Exchange

Cardi B went live on Instagram before her show at the State Farm Arena, saying she and her entourage had been disrespected while preparing for the concert. Notably, she can be seen in the footage addressing the staff and saying she would cancel due to their alleged behavior.

She said to the unseen area staff in the clip, “You and your f-cking employees are being disrespectful… I am not gonna perform today. Because you’re being disrespectful.” After that, she demanded of whoever she was addressing, “Go get your boss, as you said.”

Cardi went on, “I’m not performing today. Let me tell you why, because [when] we got in here, your employees are being f-cking rude for no reason. Pointing the fingers for no reason. Touching people for no reason.”

She added, “I did 35 shows, and I never had a problem, and we’ve been kind to everybody. So now I’m leaving.”

The Rapper Addressed The Drama On Stage

Ultimately, Cardi B took to the stage for the crowd of adoring fans despite the dustup with event staff. However, she vulnerably opened up while performing for the sold-out audience, venting her frustrations about what happened backstage.

She said, “I’m pissed off right now. This area been playing a lot of f-cking games with me. This will be the last time I’m ever in this b-tch.” After that, Cardi B joked that she would host her concert in the parking lot rather than perform at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

The mom of four continued, “I’m tired of ya’ll playing with me. This is the f-cking second time.” She then gave a shout-out to the Atlanta Hawks.

Fans Are On Cardi B’s Side

There has been no official confirmation of what transpired backstage at Cardi B’s State Farm Arena show. However, fans are on her side as she clearly felt disrespected by the staff. Notably, many fans think the rapper should opt for stadiums in the future, saying she has the popularity to fill even larger venues.

One person said on X, “Nah, they really must’ve annoyed her. She’s had over 30 shows with no issue.” Cardi has been packing arenas for years and still gets this level of nonsense backstage?”

Someone else wrote, “Cardi, you could sell out the Benz stadium!!! And their concessions are cheaper.” Another person replied, “Yup, stadiums next!:

Lastly, another fan joked, “I’m sure the parking lot will be sold out.”

Cardi B’s ‘Little Miss Drama Tour’ Was A Success

Cardi B kicked off her “Little Miss Drama Tour” on February 11 in Palm Desert, California. This followed the release of her sophomore album, “Am I The Drama?” in September 2025. The tour proved to be a success from the start, with Live Nation confirming on February 20 that Cardi had become the first female rapper to sell out two back-to-back shows at the Kia Forum.

That’s not all. According to Pollstar News, the “Little Miss Drama Tour” grossed a staggering $32 million by the halfway point of its run. This comes from over 200,000 ticket sales from the 17 shows performed as of March 2026.

Regarding attendance up to the midway point, Cardi B’s concerts averaged about 12,330 people. The largest crowd gathered on February 13 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with 13,839 attendees.

Cardi Plans To Release Another Album This Year

There was a seven-year gap between Cardi B’s first two studio albums, with her first, “Invasion of Privacy,” released in 2018. However, following the release of “Am I The Drama,” the rapper assured fans that the wait wouldn’t be nearly as long before their third album.

She said on X spaces in October 2025, “I see you guys asking for a deluxe or asking to do a remix album like Charli X[CX] or something. Unfortunately, I am not doing none of that. However, I want to put out a project another album in less than a year, so I’m really planning on that.”

Cardi B continued, “I want a new era, I kinda know what I want it to look like. It’s gonna be different from ‘Am I the Drama?’”

It’s currently unclear when she will begin work on the album.

A pair of cool-girl denim jeans can be the base for an endless amount of stylish outfits, whether you want to keep things laid-back and casual or get a little dressed up. And if you’re looking for a new pair for spring, you’re in luck – Reese Witherspoon has just helped us discover the most chic loose jeans, and they cost less than $35.

While doing some shopping in SoHo, the actress was photographed wearing a pair of perfectly fitted loose jeans – you know, the kind that have a wide leg but are snug in all the right places. We were able to find a pair that are almost the same, and even though they’re budget-friendly, they definitely look more expensive.

Get the Dokotoo Wide Leg Jeans for $33 (was $55) at Walmart! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change. 

The Dokotoo Wide Leg Jeans offer a similar loose fit with a side seam that makes them look surprisingly flattering. They hug your hips and waist in a good way, showing off your curves without feeling too restrictive. And we love the medium wash they come in as a versatile pick that can be dressed up or down, although they do come in a few other denim shades as well.

Related: Lindsay Lohan’s Relaxed Jeans Feel Cooler (and Comfier) Than Skinnies

Advertisement

At a certain point, skinny jeans just stop being the easiest clothing option. They’re restrictive, hard to style and don’t quite give that effortless look most of Us are going for anymore. A pair of relaxed denim, on the other hand, does all of that without sacrificing comfort — and Lindsay Lohan just proved it. […]

One thing we love about these jeans is that they have a raw hem that gives them a distressed look. It’s not so distressed that they come off as too worn or messy, but it’s just distressed enough to give them that “I’m not trying too hard” vibe. You can pair them with flat sandals or sneakers, but they would also look great with heels.

And we’re not the only ones who are impressed with this pick – they come with tons of happy reviews from shoppers who love the fit and style. “Don’t hesitate to get these,” one shopper titled their review. “I have a very difficult time finding jeans that fit me, so I normally don’t wear jeans,” they continued. “These are soft, fit perfect and are comfortable. I’ve had tons of compliments from people who I didn’t know when I’d wear them.”

Several shoppers have also raved about how comfortable the jeans are. “The fit strikes a perfect balance – snug but not restrictive, giving a modern silhouette without sacrificing comfort,” one reviewer wrote, noting that the fabric feels “impressive.”

Don’t wait on these loose jeans – they’re the perfect wardrobe staple you can wear all year long. And because they have such a classic fit, they’ll never go out of style, so they’re a win all around.

Get the Dokotoo Wide Leg Jeans for $33 (was $55) at Walmart! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change. 

Looking for something else? Explore more jeans here and don’t forget to check out all of Walmart for more great finds!

A new comedy series has been steadily climbing Apple TV’s viewership charts, and has now overtaken the streamer’s hit sci-fi titles Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and For All Mankind. The show premiered with its first three episodes on April 15, and it marks yet another example of its creator’s versatility. It hails from David E. Kelley, who, in the last few years alone, has delivered the addictive thrillers Big Little Lies, Anatomy of a Scandal, and Presumed Innocent, as well as the crime series Love & Death and The Calling. The prolific writer broke out in the 1990s with shows such as Doogie Howser, M.D. and The Practice.

His latest series is headlined by the recent Oscar nominee Elle Fanning, who is joined by Michelle Pfeiffer, Nick Offerman, Nicole Kidman, Greg Kinnear, and Michael Angarano. This marks Kelley’s fourth series with Kidman, after Big Little Lies, The Undoing, and Nine Perfect Strangers. This also happens to be the second show that premiered last week to include a subplot revolving around OnlyFans. The other is HBO’s Euphoria; in its third season, Sydney Sweeney‘s character expresses her interest in becoming an OnlyFans model. Kelley’s series revolves around a young woman, played by Fanning, who becomes pregnant and turns to OnlyFans to support herself.

Your Latest Apple TV Obsession Is Here

We’re talking about Margo’s Got Money Troubles, which premiered to excellent reviews on April 15 and will conclude its eight-episode first season on May 20. It currently holds a “Certified Fresh” 96% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the consensus reads, “Rich in character and dramatic antics, Margo’s Got Money Troubles succeeds because of its attention to emotional detail, authentic performances, and brilliant storytelling.” In her review, Collider’s Taylor Gates praised the show for having “a firm, confident handle on the idea that we are all performing all the time, yet the masks we wear are a reflection of something deep and real.” According to FlixPatrol, Margo’s Got Money Troubles is already one of the most-watched series on Apple TV, behind the second season of Your Friends & Neighbors, starring Jon Hamm. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

Advertisement

Release Date

Advertisement

2026 – 2026-00-00

Network

Apple TV

Advertisement

Directors

Dearbhla Walsh

Advertisement

Writers

Rufi Thorpe

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

I’ve spent years staring at dresses on the rack, loving them on the hanger, then watching my fitting room dreams crumble the second I zip up. If you carry your curves below the waist as I do, you know the frustration of slipping into a cute dress that hugs in all the wrong places. It’s enough to make you swear off dresses entirely.

But here’s the thing: the right cut changes everything. A-lines, wrap silhouettes and strategic ruching can highlight a narrow waist while giving your hips room to breathe. I pulled together 13 dresses that actually flatter pear-shaped bodies, with styles polished enough for a dinner party and relaxed for a Saturday market run. Let’s find your new favorite!

Flattering Dresses for Pear-Shapes on Amazon

1. My Favorite: Shirt dresses can look boxy on pear shapes, but this tie-waist maxi cinches at your natural waist and flows to the floor. The blue and white stripe keeps it crisp and polished. Everyone will think you found it at a Hamptons boutique!

2. Strapless Stunner: I’d throw this strapless maxi on for a farmer’s market morning or a casual brunch without thinking twice. The ruched fabric keeps it interesting, and those pockets actually hold stuff.

3. Wedding-Ready: I’d wear this hunter green mini to a garden wedding with nude heels and feel completely put-together. The lace detail and V-neck are elegant, and the A-line skirt is genuinely forgiving.

4. Casual Sundress: Want to balance wider hips? This square-neck sundress draws attention upward with a structured neckline, while the flowy knit skirt glides right over your lower half.

5. Quite the Charmer: The smocked elastic waist on this tiered midi dress creates definition right where pear shapes want it most. Those flutter sleeves in rust add a playful, feminine touch I love.

Related: 17 New Amazon Pieces That Look Like Free People Bestsellers — From $10

Free People has a hold on Us, and our wallets know it. Those effortlessly cool tunics, romantic blouses and lived-in layers come with price tags that sting, especially when you want more than one piece per season. Good news: these new arrivals from Amazon look like Free People bestsellers, and they cost a fraction of […]

Advertisement

6. Cocktail Attire: If you want to lean into your curves instead of hiding them, this ruched cocktail dress is your move. The bodycon fit cinches everything in, while the ruffle hem gives gorgeous flow.

7. Wallet-Friendly: At just $15, this floral maxi sundress with a milkmaid neckline is a low-risk way to try a bold yellow print. The boho silhouette skims the hips and keeps everything relaxed.

8. Something Blue: The A-line pleated skirt on this sleeveless midi dress flares from the waist, which is exactly what pear shapes need. The sky blue color works for both office days and cocktail hours.

9. Casual-Chic: Pear shapes need structure on top and flow on the bottom, and this knit-top maxi delivers exactly that. The ribbed bodice and loose skirt create a balanced silhouette with zero fuss.

10. Polka Dots, Please: I’d throw on this ruffled polka dot dress for a summer cocktail party with strappy sandals. The black and white print is classic, and the high-low hem shows just enough leg.

11. Easy Wrap Dress: Pear shapes know the struggle of finding a mini that fits the waist without strangling the hips. This tiered wrap dress solves it with a smocked waist and a ruffle hem that flows freely.

12. Under $30: The V-neck and ruffle sleeves on this tiered midi dress pull focus to your face and shoulders. At $27, the flowy tiered skirt skims past hips and thighs without looking cheap.

13. Hourglass Silhouette: Shirt dresses can go frumpy fast, but this button-down mini keeps things sharp with a structured collar and clean lines. The vertical button placket naturally elongates your torso.

Related: These Amazon Spring Pieces Channel Zara‘s Boho-Luxe Vibe, But Start at $5

We get it: You love everything about Zara’s boho-luxe aesthetic, but the price tags make your wallets shudder. Luckily, you don’t need a six-figure shopping budget to get the look. Amazon is quietly stacked with chic spring pieces that capture Zara’s stylish vibe, and our top elevated options will make you do a double take […]

Alfred Hitchcock knew what you feared and how to play with those fears to deliver some of Hollywood’s most iconic films. He even created new fears, like the banality of taking a shower, instantly becoming a horrifying prospect for thousands after Psycho in 1960. But even the “Master of Suspense” had his own fears, some of which he based films around. For example, after his father arranged for a London bobby to lock him in a cell at 11, Hitchcock developed a fear of police officers, driving films like North by Northwest and The 39 Steps, where innocent men are wrongfully accused and chased by authorities.

So it would be safe to assume that we can make an educated guess about the one thing that scared Hitchcock above all others, based on the films he made. Vertigo would suggest that Hitchcock had a paralyzing fear of heights, which he did, but that’s not it. A fear of showers? No, but it sure as all hell made Janet Leigh fear them the rest of her life. And he didn’t have ornithophobia, which presumably would have sparked The Birds, but that’s much closer to the truth. See, the one thing that frightened Hitchcock the most is available at your local grocery store, in a package with eleven others like it: the lowly egg.

Alfred Hitchcock’s Unexpected Phobia: A Deep Fear of Eggs

That’s right, eggs. The man who brought you Rear Window couldn’t walk past the dairy aisle. In 1963, Hitchcock explained his ovophobia to Italian journalist Oriana Fallaci (per The Telegraph). “I’m frightened of eggs. Worse than frightened — they revolt me. That white round thing without any holes, and when you break it, inside there’s that yellow thing, round, without any holes… Brr!” To Hitchcock, an egg was all surface, or all innards. Easily cracked, yet strangely impenetrable. “Have you ever seen anything more revolting than an egg yolk breaking and spilling its yellow liquid?” he asked Fallaci.

Related

10 Essential Alfred Hitchcock Movies, Ranked

These films flaunt the Master of Suspense’s versatility.

Advertisement

Then he adds a little more detail, detail that is pure Hitchcock-ian: “Blood is jolly, red. But egg yolk is yellow, revolting. I’ve never tasted it.” No one in the history of ever has referred to blood as being “jolly,” and fewer still would prefer to see blood instead of an egg yolk. What does that mean for Hitchcock? Using Psycho as an example, Hitchcock would have been fine seeing Norman as Mrs. Bates with blood dripping from his knife, delighted even. But if Norman is making a cake? He’s out of there.

Alfred Hitchcock’s Other Fear Had a Strange Irony

Ironically, despite his fear of eggs, he had no fear of the feathered beasts that came from them. “I can look at a corpse chopped to bits without batting an eyelid, but I can’t bear the sight of a dead bird,” he tells Fallaci, adding, “Too heartrending. I can’t even bear to see them suffer, birds, or get tired.” The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is fine, Dumb and Dumber, not so much. Furthermore, not only did he have the highest consideration for birds, Hitchcock believed that the birds of The Birds were justified, saying, “For hundreds of centuries, birds have been persecuted by men, killed, put in the pot, in the oven, on the spit, used for writing pens, feathers for hats, turned into bloodcurdling stuffed ornaments… Such infamy deserves exemplary punishment.”

But Hitchcock did have another fear that seems almost karmic: his own films. Per The Telegraph, he told Fallaci, “I never go to see them. I don’t know how people can bear to watch my movies.” As he listed his many other terrors, Fallaci retorted, “That’s rather illogical, Mr Hitchcock. Come to that, your movies are illogical, too. From the logical point of view, not one of them can stand inspection.” Having built his career on irrational fear, one can imagine the smirk Hitchcock must have had, as he said, “Agreed, but what is logic? There’s nothing more stupid than logic.” Except maybe fearing an omelet.

Prince Harry has reportedly tried to reconnect with his brother, Prince William, but has been met with silence, as tensions between the two persist.

Royal experts say the future king is “ruthless,” noting that his firm stance reflects lingering mistrust following years of public fallout, including the duke’s memoir, “Spare.”

Despite King Charles III’s reported hopes for reconciliation, insiders suggest the divide has grown wider between Prince Harry and Prince William.

Prince William’s Hard Line Exposed As He Views Brother Prince Harry As ‘Untrustworthy’

Harry has reportedly made attempts to get through to his brother, William, but those efforts have been met with a “wall of silence.”

According to royal commentators, William has adopted a strict, no-nonsense stance, shaped by a sharp memory when it comes to both loyalty and betrayal.

Several experts speaking to Fox News Digital claim that communication between the brothers has effectively broken down, with the divide remaining since the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. The barrier between them, one source suggested, remains firmly in place.

British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard described William as deliberately “ignoring the circus.”

In her view, the future king has chosen to step away from ongoing tensions, using his silence not for avoidance but as a “permanent royal reset.” She characterized the situation as a lasting shift within the royal family dynamic.

Another royal expert, Richard Fitzwilliams, echoed this sentiment, claiming William “regards his brother as totally untrustworthy.”

Reports also suggest that the Prince of Wales has a tougher edge, particularly toward those he feels have opposed him or aligned themselves with Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle.

Prince William Is ‘Fearless And Has A Strong Moral Character’

Roya Nikkhah, royal editor at The Sunday Times, has also noted that William tends to remember where people stand, especially in moments of division. According to her, “If someone picks the other side, he remembers that.”

Observers say this approach reflects William’s focus on duty and the preservation of the monarchy. As Helen Chard put it, “Loyalty cuts both ways, and as they say, ‘Betrayal has a long shelf life.’”

She added that William is often willing to take a harder line, describing his approach as less about ruthlessness and more about accountability.

“He’s fearless and has a strong moral character,” she said, emphasizing that he is shaping his vision for the monarchy’s future.

The Brothers’ Fallout Deepened After Prince Harry’s Exit From Royal Life

The rift between the brothers dates back several years, intensifying after Harry and Meghan stepped away from royal duties in 2020.

They cited relentless media scrutiny and insufficient support from the institution as key reasons for their departure.

After relocating to California, the couple publicly shared their experiences through interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” which included personal revelations about royal life and his relationship with William.

This further created a wider rift between William and Harry, with the future king reportedly now opting to ignore his estranged brother’s calls for reconciliation.

Expert Explains How Kate Middleton Tried To Save Prince William And Prince Harry’s Relationship

Royal editor Russell Myers explained that tensions may have deeper roots, tied to the different roles the brothers were born into.

“There’s the issue of the heir and the spare,” he explained, referring to William’s clear path as future king, compared to Harry’s less defined position, which may have contributed to long-standing friction.

Their relationship reportedly began to cool further during Harry’s early relationship with Meghan. William is said to have advised caution, encouraging his brother to take time before making major commitments.

However, Harry allegedly interpreted this as doubt or disapproval, which added strain to their bond.

Despite efforts by Kate Middleton to mediate and maintain harmony, the situation continued to deteriorate. Following the couple’s widely viewed 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the palace issued its now-famous response, “recollections may vary,” a message insiders say Kate helped shape.

“Catherine did not want the brothers to finish their relationship,” Myers said. “She was always trying to bring them together, always trying to be that mediator for William when they’re very hot, two hotheaded young men, falling out. Catherine was always saying to William and Harry at certain junctures, ‘Think about what you want for the future.’”

While there was reportedly significant sadness within the royal family over Harry and Meghan’s departure, some experts believe reconciliation may still be a distant possibility. Others argue that William’s current stance reflects “strong, admirable leadership” rather than hostility.

Prince William Reportedly Blocks Reunion Plans As King Charles III Pushes To Reunite With Prince Harry And His Children

Tensions may rise again this summer, with reports suggesting William is unwilling to support any plans for Harry and Meghan to spend time in the U.K., potentially leading to a clash at Sandringham.

Meanwhile, King Charles III is said to be eager to repair the fractured relationship and reunite with his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, at the royal estate in Norfolk, whom he has reportedly not seen in years.

Insiders suggest the king is “at the point where he wants to forgive Harry and find a path forward, but William simply won’t hear of it, no matter what his father says.”

Advertisement

According to a report, the Prince of Wales “carries enormous influence behind the scenes. And the truth is, many within the Firm still believe Harry and Meghan are toxic — so Charles doesn’t have much support when it comes to welcoming them back.”

Although Harry and Charles are said to have reestablished communication, the same cannot be said for William. Reports indicate he continues to hold onto past grievances, particularly in response to public interviews, media appearances, and the claims made about him and Kate in Harry’s memoir, “Spare.”