Entertainment
FBI Debunks New Evidence in Nancy Guthrie Case
UPDATE 4/21/26 at 4:38 p.m. ET —
Ben Williamson, assistant director for public affairs at the FBI, has responded to ABC News’ report that potentially critical DNA has been recovered at Nancy Guthrie’s home.
“Still receiving inquiries on this: this is not new evidence or information,” he wrote via X on Monday, April 20, while reposting the outlet’s report. “FBI asked to test this DNA 2 months ago with the same technology we’ve always had – when the local Sheriff instead sent it to a private lab. Any further developments we will share as soon as appropriate.”
Original story:
The FBI is reportedly reviewing potentially critical DNA recovered from the home of Savannah Guthrie’s mom, Nancy Guthrie, amid her ongoing disappearance.
Sources familiar with the investigation told ABC News on Thursday, April 16, that a private Florida lab that works with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department recently sent the sample to the FBI.
The FBI is reportedly utilizing new technology to conduct advanced analysis on the DNA sample to see if it can point to Nancy’s abductor.
Us Weekly reached out to the FBI for comment.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, meanwhile, said in a statement that they have worked with the FBI “since the beginning” of the investigation and “this is not new information.”
“As previously stated by the Sheriff, the private laboratory we utilize in Florida continues to share information with the FBI laboratory and other partner labs across the country,” the statement to Us read on Thursday. “DNA analysis remains ongoing, and this investigation is active.”
Nancy, 84, was reported missing in February by a family member who called 911. The FBI then released black-and-white images from Nancy’s doorbell security camera of a man in a ski mask on her porch the morning of her disappearance. Authorities have yet to name a suspect in her case.
Days later, news broke of a search warrant out for a man identified as Luke Daley. He was then detained for hours and released without being charged. His mother was also detained by law enforcement while their home was searched for a possible connection to Nancy’s abduction.
Amid the ongoing search, Savannah, 54, confirmed that her family’s reward for Nancy’s recovery had been increased to $1 million. (Nancy shared daughters Annie and Savannah and son Camron with late husband Charles Guthrie, who died in 1988 after a heart attack.)
Savannah, for her part, said in her first interview since Nancy’s disappearance that she still has “hope” for resolution in the case. While the family is unsure of what a motive might be in abducting Nancy, Savannah became emotional while wondering if the kidnapping was due to her fame. (Savannah returned to the Today show earlier this month.)
“Honestly, we don’t know anything. We don’t know anything. So, I don’t know that it’s because she’s my mom and somebody thought, ‘Oh, that lady has money, we can make a quick buck,’” she told Hoda Kotb in an interview that aired in March on Today. “That would make sense, but we don’t know. … It’s just too much to bear to think that I brought this to her bedside. That it’s because of me. I have to say, I’m so sorry, Mommy.”
NewsNation senior national correspondent Brian Entin, who has been covering this story from the beginning, exclusively told Us Weekly earlier this month that he doesn’t believe the case is going cold.
“If I felt like it was going cold, I would tell you. I just don’t,” he told Us. “We have the picture of the suspect. Something is going to break. And I know for us, it feels like forever. It’s now been more than two months. But when I talk to these detectives, they break cases five, 10 years later. I don’t think it’s going to be that long in this case, but I do think for sure there’s going to be a break.”
Entertainment
FBI’s Zeeko Zaki Will Be Absent Ahead of Season 8 Finale
FBI is about to lose a main cast member — temporarily — ahead of the highly anticipated season 8 finale.
CBS released a synopsis for the Monday, May 11, episode of the show, which read, “Following the assassination of a major corporate executive, the team races to find leaders of a dormant terrorist organization that has reemerged.” The sneak peek went on to tease how Zeeko Zaki’s fan-favorite character, OA, is “temporarily reassigned after refusing to follow orders but is paired up with a familiar face.”
Based on the first look images, Agent Zara Ushruf (Pardis Saremi) is the familiar face. The duo originally met in episode 17 while on a case before they went out to dinner. OA was then noticeably absent from the Monday, April 20, episode of FBI and is expected to go missing again in the penultimate episode.
It is still unclear how long OA could be separate from the FBI. This comes after the procedural faced another surprise shakeup when a March episode of the hit show had Maggie’s (Missy Peregrym) first arrest — serial slasher Ray DiStefano (Matthew Rauch) — kidnap her sister, Erin (Adrienne Rose Bengtsson). Maggie spent the episode trying to save her sibling, only to find her dead in the back of DiStefano’s truck.
While Peregrym, 43, was missing from one episode, she has denied plans to leave the show entirely.
“I’ll be honest. I’m on a procedural show, and I wonder what impact this is possibly making? And sometimes I get freaked out because I think we’re just highlighting some of the horrors of humanity every week,” Peregrym told Deadline. “And what is this? What are we doing this for? What am I investing a lot of my life in to do this for?”
The actress expressed gratitude for the show’s decision to address such a topic, adding, “I think it’s really important what we’re doing, because we’re highlighting how to move forward.”
“Everybody experiences loss. Everybody goes through the depths of emotions in life,” she continued. “You have an opportunity to show connection, relationship, intimacy and growth. And this is exactly why I do what I do. I hope this makes people feel seen and that they want to keep going after such a horrific experience, and that they don’t give up.”
At the time, Peregrym remained hopeful about the plans for the show.
“To go so far. I was like, ‘What are we doing after this?’ You know, I’ve been playing the same character for eight years, and we’re going so far,” she noted. “What’s the plan? How are we going to move through the next steps of getting back on your feet and being able to be in the world again? We’re not a drama where we sit around in our underwear and chat on the couch. We’ve got to get back to work.”
She concluded, “So at what point are we going to address the reality of this scenario, and we are, we are doing it in the best way that we can with our show, like the way we do it on a procedural. But you know, as much as it scared me, I was terrified to go into that space at the end. I’m finding it really interesting to play my character now and finding these beats of when I can insert this stuff and when to work. And it’s just a challenge. It just feels like we’re doing a new show again. Do you know what I mean? And maybe that’s a gift.”
FBI airs on CBS Mondays at 9 p.m. ET.
Entertainment
Kendall Jenner Secret Romance With Jacob Elordi Revealed
Kendall Jenner’s love life is once again making headlines, but this time, the story may have been unfolding quietly for longer than anyone realized.
What first appeared to be a spontaneous Coachella moment with Jacob Elordi is now being revealed as something much deeper, with insiders claiming their romance had been building behind the scenes for months before going public.
Kendall Jenner And Jacob Elordi Romance Was Already Underway

When Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi were spotted sharing a kiss at a Coachella after-party hosted by Justin Bieber, many assumed it marked the beginning of a new relationship. However, new details suggest otherwise.
According to a source who spoke to the Daily Mail, “They have been together for a couple of months already, and it’s going well.”
The insider added further context, explaining, “They were an item as far back as early February, so it’s been a while. It helps that they have both been in Los Angeles a lot for the past couple of months, it has really given them time to bond.”
These revelations paint a picture of a relationship that developed gradually, away from the spotlight, before finally surfacing in a very public way.
Kendall Jenner’s Inner Circle Played A Key Role

Behind the scenes, the romance may not have happened without a little nudge from someone close to Kendall Jenner.
Her younger sister, Kylie Jenner, is said to have been instrumental in bringing the pair together.
“Kylie was around Jacob a lot during Timothee [Chalamet’s] award season marathon because Jacob was nominated for Frankenstein and Timothee was nominated for Marty Supreme,” the source explained.
The insider continued, revealing just how direct Kylie was in encouraging the match: “Kylie liked him and thought he would be good for Kenny so she was like, girl, get on it, date this guy already.”
While Kendall Jenner and Elordi had been friends for years, the shift toward romance did not come immediately.
The source noted that she “was not sure if she wanted to keep him in the friend zone or not,” suggesting there was hesitation before things evolved.
Kendall Jenner Moves From Friendship To Something More

Despite initial uncertainty, the relationship eventually took a more serious turn, thanks in part to Kylie’s continued encouragement.
According to the insider, “Kylie is the alpha sister and pushed Kenny to start a romance with Jacob because she wanted to set up double dates with Timothee.”
The motivation behind the matchmaking effort was also revealed. The insider shared, “She thought it would be fun if she and Timothee and Kenny and Jacob all hung out together.”
The dynamic between the sisters also appears to have influenced the situation.
“Though Kylie is younger, she is really the leader between those two, she has dominant Leo energy for sure, while her sister is more casual,” the source added.
What began as a long-standing friendship between Kendall Jenner and Elordi gradually transformed into something more, with the support and persistence of those closest to her.
Private Moments And Early Dates Behind Closed Doors
While the public only recently caught on to the relationship, much of it appears to have unfolded in private settings.
Early dates reportedly took place at Kendall Jenner’s Beverly Hills home, providing a comfortable and low-key environment for the pair to connect.
“Kenny’s house is where all the parties happen, a lot of action there, so the four of them got close there,” the source revealed.
It was during these gatherings that things seemingly clicked between them.
The insider described the turning point simply: “And Kenny found out she just clicked with Jacob… there was chemistry.”
These quieter moments allowed their connection to grow naturally, away from the intense scrutiny that often surrounds high-profile relationships.
Public Sightings Fuel Growing Buzz Around Relationship
Although their romance was kept under wraps for some time, recent appearances have made it harder to ignore.
At Coachella, multiple sources reported seeing the pair together in a more intimate setting.
According to Deuxmoi insiders, they were “enjoying each other’s company at the Justin Bieber after party, making out and all over each other,” signaling a level of comfort that suggested their relationship was already established.
Their history, however, stretches back even further. Kendall Jenner and Jacob Elordi were first seen in the same circles years ago, including a 2022 outing in Paris alongside Dominic Fike and Luka Sabbat.
They also attended the same Bottega Veneta show in 2024, though they kept their distance at the time.
More recently, the two were spotted at the Vanity Fair Oscar party in March, where they were photographed in what appeared to be a close, one-on-one conversation.
As their relationship continues to unfold publicly, past connections and recent sightings are now being reexamined through a new lens.
Elordi’s previous relationships, including his long-running on-and-off romance with Olivia Jade, and Kendall Jenner’s history with high-profile figures like Bad Bunny, Devin Booker, and Ben Simmons, only add further intrigue to their new dynamic.
With their romance now reportedly out in the open, what was once a quiet connection is set to quickly become one of the most talked-about relationships in Hollywood.
Entertainment
Taylor Swift Fans Blast Influencer Over Wild Pregnancy Claim
Taylor Swift‘s recent appearances and outings have led to speculations that she’s pregnant ahead of her wedding to Travis Kelce.
The baby buzz intensified after a popular influencer shared an old video of the singer, claiming her “rapid weight gain” was proof of the pregnancy and a “rush” to get married.
However, fans of Taylor Swift have been quick to shut down the wild rumors, with many noting that none of the supposed signs in the video mean she is expecting a baby.
Viral Social Media Post Reignites Taylor Swift Pregnancy Rumors Ahead Of Wedding

The internet was sent into a frenzy this week as rumors suggesting Taylor Swift is pregnant and hiding her baby bump went viral online.
The “Blank Space” singer has reportedly been busy perfecting her summer wedding plans to NFL star Travis Kelce, but has rarely made any public sightings in recent times without some form of cover-up or baggy wears.
Back in February, she shared a behind-the-scenes video of the making of her song “Opalite” to celebrate it reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. One clip sees a barefaced Swift recording the vocals of the song while in another, she’s seen listening to the track with producer Shellback.
The clip recently resurfaced on X, as influencer Matt Wallace shared it to his 2.3 million followers, while claiming that Swift is heavy and expecting.
“Taylor Swift is 100% pregnant! She experienced a rapid weight gain, then seemed to disappear off the map. That is also why they are rushing the wedding for June 13th,” Wallace boldly wrote alongside the clip.
Fans Slam The Influencer’s Claim About The Pop Star

Reaction to the claim seemed mostly negative, with some speculating there may be truth to what the influencer said, while others criticized him for commenting on Swift’s body.
“I’m getting pregnancy vibes also. Don’t have proof. Just vibes. I hope it turns out to be true!!!” an X user commented. “But the wedding rush could also be because her future husband is playing NFL again. Preseason is months.”
Someone else wrote, “Nah, she’s not pregnant. She just looks like every woman I’ve ever known that got bangs.”
One angry critic stated, “Stupid men always have something to say about a woman’s body. F-ck you.”
Another noted, “Why are y’all so freaking weird? It’s literally none of our business. The obsession over the life of someone you’ll never know personally is gross.”
“The math ain’t mathing, if the album came out in October last year, this would have been recorded months prior, a baby should’ve popped out by now if that was the case,” one more person added.
Taylor Swift Has Reportedly Sent Out Wedding Invitations With Strict NDAs

Plans are in full gear for the “Anti Hero” singer’s special day, with reports suggesting many celebs have already gotten save-the-dates invites.
However, specific details about the nuptials remain unclear as Swift has not only kept her cards very close to her chest, but reportedly made guests sign off on a Non-Disclosure Agreement to prevent them from speaking about it.
The “Bad Blood” singer has been actively involved in the plans, although she’s also using an event planner.
Some of the guests that have been invited to the high-profile nuptials include her fellow stars Selena Gomez and Sabrina Carpenter, model Gigi Hadid, and actress Emma Stone.
The Singer Has Been Left ‘On Edge’ By Wedding Leaks

Meanwhile, reports suggest the “Karma” singer is struggling with wedding nerves ahead of the July 3rd date, as alleged details of her plan continue to make their way to the public.
According to OK! Magazine, this has sparked fears that the long-awaited event could spiral into a public spectacle.
A source close to the couple expressed Swift’s excitement about getting married to the love of her life, but said planning such a massive event, especially when she’s under scrutiny, has left her “feeling increasingly on edge.”
“She is known for being incredibly detail-oriented and fiercely protective of her private life, so seeing carefully laid plans and personal decisions exposed before she is ready has been deeply unsettling for her,” the insider said.
“It has knocked her confidence in how everything is unfolding and prompted serious conversations about whether she should rethink the entire setup, change key elements, or even pivot to a completely different approach in order to regain control and prevent the day from becoming the kind of media frenzy she has always tried to avoid,” they added.
Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce’s Wedding Gift Request Has Guests Talking

Ahead of their nuptials, Swift and Kelce’s alleged wedding gift request has sparked buzz and is said to have left guests stunned.
A source shared that the couple’s friends and family were told not to get them gifts for their big day, as they have more than enough already.
“They don’t need anything,” the source told journalist Rob Shuter for his Substack. “Between them, they have more than enough. So they decided — why not use this moment to help others?”
According to the insider, Swift and Kelce have directed their guests to instead donate to charities for their wedding.
“They’ve chosen causes that truly matter to them,” the source said. “Guests are being asked to donate instead of buying gifts.”
Entertainment
FBI says DNA evidence recovered from Nancy Guthrie's home is 'not new'
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The investigation into the missing 84-year-old is ongoing following her disappearance on Feb. 1.
Entertainment
“Call of Duty” co-creator Vince Zampella dies in car crash at 56
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The L.A. County medical examiner’s office said the video game developer died from thermal injuries and smoke inhalation.
Entertainment
90 Day Fiance: Lisa Dumps Daniel after Secret Wife Revealed – Before The 90 Days Recap [S08E19]
On 90 Day Fiance, Lisa finds a suspicious contact in Daniel Tito Herrera‘s emails thanks to some detective work by her daughter Faith. Josh Lawson blows his chance with Elise Benson after spending her last night down under partying with friends. Birkan proposes to Laura Nevenner as she prepares to head home. Rick Van Vactor gets a surprise at the airport. And Annalyn Fox shares exciting news with Jovon Fox. Let’s take a look at who’s crying and who’s lying in this recap of Season 8, Episode 19 Now Departing.
90 Day Fiance: Lisa Questions Daniel’s Behavior
On 90 Day Fiance, Lisa is back home in Pennsylvania working 3 jobs and sporting a fresh blonde wig. But her relationship with Daniel Tito Herrera has deteriorated. For the past few months Daniel has been distant. And Lisa’s daughter Faith does some snooping of his texts and emails. What she finds is definitely concerning. While Daniel has Lisa’s number in his contacts as Lis B, there’s another contact that just says “wife”. And the number isn’t Lisa’s.
When pressed, the wife contact says so what. And requests not to be contacted. Lisa isn’t having it. And confronts Daniel Tito Herrera when he calls her. Lisa wants to know what’s changed. And he says he was traveling and returned to some debts. Lisa reiterates that she’s working 3 jobs to pay her debts. But still makes time for him. Next she brings up the “wife” contact. Daniel plays dumb and gaslights, leading her to end the relationship and hang up heading into next week’s Tell All.


Elise Benson Walks Away from Josh Lawson
After some rocky times down under, 90 Day Fiance couple Elise Benson and Josh Lawson head to the rental for her last night. But what happens next is definitely a he said /she said mess. While Elise plans for a night alone with Josh, he’s got other plans. He invites friends over for some partying. And according to Elise disrespects her in front of them. While Josh and friends (including two women) rage all night, Elise weeps alone in the bedroom.
Roommate Chris backs up that he heard Elise Benson crying. Meanwhile, Elise is still weeping. Since it’s an hour till she has to leave for the airport. And Josh has dipped again. And turned off his location sharing. A disheveled Elise rocks back and forth. Josh returns and begs for forgiveness. But when it’s time for her to get on the plane, she breaks it off completely. Citing his inability to fight for her or show up for her. So Josh returns to his old life and says maybe in another lifetime they would work.
90 Day Fiance: Birkan Isn’t Stringing Laura Along
As with the other 90 Day Fiance couples, Laura Nevenner and Birkan’s time together is running out. For her final day in Turkey, Birkan wants to do something near and dear to him. Play soccer. He shows off his ball skills and Laura admits she’s impressed. So much so it’s “panty dropping” hot. Birkan encourages her to kick some balls. She’s not very good at first. But eventually lands a goal in the net. Birkan uses some soccer analogies to segue into a marriage proposal.
He speaks of patience, distance and believing until you score a goal. He ties a red string around Laura’s ring finger. While explaining that it’s called the ring finger because it’s the only finger with a vein that leads to the heart. Laura is smitten and says yes. The next morning its time for her to fly home with her BFF Michal. She shares the news with Michal while Birkan loads luggage into a cab. And Laura knows once she gets home boundaries need to be established with her and Michal’s friendship.
Rick Van Vactor Gets a Chance to Say Goodbye
Before the 90 Days couple Rick Van Vactor and Trish have called it quits. Rick mopes and cries as he prepares to go back home. He blames his ex for contacting him. And it led to a series of events that ultimately made Trish end it all. Because not only did he respond back, but he also admits he still has feelings and won’t block her. Trish understandably doesn’t want to be a second choice and is tired of his wishy washy ways.
Rick walks through the airport feeling sorry for himself. When lo and behold he sees Trish walking towards him holding a gift bag. He sobs and runs to her and she gives him a hug. He wants to know why she’s there. And she opens the bag to reveal an outfit. She had bought matching outfits for them and forgot to give it to him. He wants to know if they can still make it work. Trish agrees to stay in contact. But doesn’t promise reconciliation. And she’s got a big surprise according to the Tell All trailer.
Jovon Fox and Annalyn Fox Expecting
While Jovon Fox stayed a little longer to travel with wife Annalyn Fox, his time too is coming to an end. But Annalyn feels a little nauseous and decides to take a pregnancy test. And it’s positive. And Annalyn is overjoyed to let Jovon know he’s going to be a dad. Jovon is encouraged by the big news. But also upset that he’s got to leave for the U.S. right after finding out. He packs and they both discuss their concerns.
Annalyn’s mom is thrilled with the news on 90 Day Fiance. But also wary of the long distance and history on both sides of a broken family. She is sad to see her son-in-law go. But sends him off with some home cooked chicken adobo. Jovon admits he’s concerned to leave Annalyn behind. Admitting it’s like leaving a part of himself behind. Especially with her being pregnant. But he promises to return sooner than later.
90 Day Fiance Couples Struggle as Season Wraps
It’s time for Forrest and family to head home. And Sheena struggles to say goodbye. Forrest will miss her teeth grinding. And she will miss his flatulence. Mom Molly sticks to her guns that forcing Forrest to leave with them is the right decision. Nevertheless Sheena sobs and hugs Molly when it’s time to say goodbye. Forrest gifts Sheena his cowboy hat bedazzled with a gold chain as collateral that he will return for her. And Sheena sobs as he disappears through airport security.
Aviva Duhamel makes a tearful appearance on 90 Day Fiance. It seems the engagement to Stig Da Artist is off. And Aviva chokes back tears while she explains what happened. Stig visited her in the United States. But after he returned to Belize she saw a different side to him. And suspected he was talking to other women. After ghosting her he broke up with her via text. Although the accusations fly both ways at next week’s Tell-All. Till next time!
Entertainment
10 Greatest Movie Climaxes of All Time, Ranked
Starting with a definition is never particularly fun, but it’s necessary here, before properly talking about the greatest climaxes in cinema history. A climax is not the same thing as an ending, being defined as: “the most important or exciting point in a story or situation, especially when this happens near the end.” So, emphasis on that part about “near the end.”
A climax will sometimes play out across multiple scenes, especially if it’s some kind of massive battle, or if the story is epic enough that action is taking place across different areas. Sometimes, the climax is the penultimate scene, and then you’ll have a denouement, which can be a little like an epilogue, or some kind of quieter scene that actually concludes things. Some climaxes happen at the very end, though, especially if the storyteller/filmmaker wants to leave you hanging, to some extent. So, with the following examples, some take place at the very end, while others are the most exhilarating parts of their stories and take place close to the end.
10
‘Goodfellas’ (1990)
Goodfellas is a good example to demonstrate how a climax can function without itself being the very end of the story. Goodfellas wraps up with Henry Hill in witness protection, and maybe the ending also includes the courtroom scene where he rats on his surviving associates, but the climax of Goodfellas details the lead-up to his arrest over one very hectic day in 1980.
Singling out one sequence in Goodfellas as the best is difficult, when the movie as a whole is so immaculate, but the paranoia-heavy sequence where things fall apart for Hill is maybe as good as it gets (which, again, is saying a lot). It’s like a perfect short film housed inside a perfect gangster movie, and it’s an essential climax in the sense that it leads to – and sets up – the also-perfect (proper) ending of Goodfellas.
9
‘Hard Boiled’ (1992)
If you watch a John Woo movie, you can be fairly confident you’re going to get some incredible action. With his very best films, you happen to get a ton of incredible action, and Hard Boiled might be the clearest example of that. It’s probably the most John Woo of all the John Woo movies, telling a typically heightened and bombastic story about a pair of good guys with guns who shoot the hell out of a whole bunch of bad guys with guns.
That might not sound like the most complex story out there, and it’s not. Hard Boiled does what it needs to, premise-wise, to showcase a ton of amazing action, and really, it’s the final act that makes Hard Boiled a classic. It’s a remarkably long climax of sorts, but can sort of be counted as one whole “sequence” because all the action takes place in and around a hospital, and it’s all glorious.
8
‘The Last of the Mohicans’ (1992)
While The Last of the Mohicans is not a perfect movie, it does have a perfect final act, climax included. It takes place in the mid-18th century, during the French and Indian War, with its plot involving a trio of trappers agreeing to protect and escort a pair of daughters through dangerous/war-torn territory, and then there’s a good deal of romance and some melodrama wrapped up in all of it.
But it’s the good kind of melodrama, and you get a lot of it throughout the final stretch of The Last of the Mohicans. It’s like one set piece after another, all moving at a mean pace, and it’s also where the movie really pops even more than before on a visual and musical front. If there had just been more time spent on the lead-up to the climax, The Last of the Mohicans could well have been perfect (it’s a two-hour movie that really needed to be three hours), but at least it ends as strongly as it does.
7
‘Se7en’ (1995)
A big reason why Se7en is considered such a classic is the way it wraps up, but it’s been more than 30 years since it came out, and it’s well-known for such a dark film, so it doesn’t feel like too much of a crime to allude toward that. It’s nowhere near as bad a crime as the spree the killer orchestrates throughout this film, basing a series of murders on the seven deadly sins, and doing so unnervingly well.
If you’ve seen how Se7en wraps up, then you know all that already. Basically, everything that happens regarding the final two “victims” of the whole ordeal makes up the climax of Se7en, and it elevates what was already a great/grim/gritty crime/thriller movie into genuine all-timer status.
6
‘The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers’ (2002)
While The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King has the better ending (it kind of has to, what with it wrapping up a trilogy’s worth of movies and all), The Two Towers arguably has the better climax. The Return of the King peaks spectacle-wise around its mid-point, and then it’s the epilogue (a series of scenes) that resonates the most emotionally, while The Two Towers does build throughout to its most impressive sequence.
That is, of course, the whole Battle of Helm’s Deep, or the Battle of the Hornburg; whatever you want to call it. It’s the point at which the whole trilogy gets truly epic, and the climax of The Two Towers also has a great deal going on at other locations, like the parts in the city of Osgiliath and the Ents storming Isengard, all cut together very well editing-wise to make for a final act that’s rather superb.
5
‘Kill Bill: Vol. 1’ (2003)
Another movie split into parts, and it came out around the same time as The Lord of the Rings, Kill Bill was initially two volumes, one released in 2003 and the other in 2004, but nowadays, it’s easier to watch them as The Whole Bloody Affair. Still, Kill Bill: Vol. 1 remains watchable as its own movie, and it does very much have a climax in the classic sense, with a huge fight sequence that takes place right near the end.
Or if you count the showdown with O-Ren Ishii as the climax, rather than the Bride battling O’Ren’s Crazy 88, then that’s also a pretty great climactic scene. Hell, throw in the big fight and then the smaller/more intimate fight as the one big climax. It’s an incredible set piece, to put it mildly (though the quieter showdown at the end of Kill Bill: Vol. 2, when the Bride confronts the titular character, is also fantastic).
4
‘The Godfather’ (1972)
If you look at The Godfather as a duology (or, perhaps begrudgingly, as a trilogy), then the overall narrative is one of Michael Corleone sinking morally, and taking down many family members and associates with him. He takes over control of the Corleone crime family, proving to be more ruthless – and quicker to make enemies – than his father was, and the climax of The Godfather really makes that clear.
Not that he’d been a saint before, but he orchestrates a series of murders right near the end of The Godfather, and they’re all shown occurring in rather brutal fashion while Michael himself is at his nephew’s baptism. So he becomes a godfather at the same time he becomes “the godfather.” It’s not subtle, but it doesn’t have to be when it’s so effective and memorable a sequence (and honorable mention to the final scene/denouement, with Michael’s wife, Kay, realizing just who her husband’s become).
3
‘Whiplash’ (2014)
Damien Chazelle has made bigger films since 2014, but nothing he’s done has ever felt quite as exciting and relentless as Whiplash. It’s a movie about jazz and drumming, which might not sound particularly intense, but Whiplash is one of the most intense films in recent memory, and it’s one of many instances of the execution being everything. That it has such a great ending to build toward doesn’t hurt, either.
Basically, Whiplash has a dangerously driven student and a full-on dangerous instructor battling each other psychologically (and even a little physically), and that conflict comes to a head in a way that really does have to be seen to be believed. It’s an incredibly suspenseful film up until that point, and then the climax is, on one hand, cathartic, but then, on the other hand, perhaps more unsettling than anything else in the film up until that point, and the whole thing leaves you both thinking and feeling things long after it’s all over.
2
‘Seven Samurai’ (1954)
Seven Samurai is one of those movies that pretty much defined a genre, or a kind of film, all the while remaining, decades later, perhaps the peak of that overall genre. It’s definable as an early action movie, and it’s also an epic, unfolding across a runtime of about 3.5 hours and telling the story of a town that employs seven warriors as a way to defend against an imminent bandit raid/attack.
It’s structurally untouchable, as you get introduced to everyone in the first act, the plan’s set in the second act, and then the third act is mostly centered around the inevitable battle. It’s hard to define the battle as one scene, since it takes place over an extended period of time, and the fighting is very stop-and-start in nature, but all the action there does feel like it takes place within a stretch of the movie definable as its climax. So, it’s the whole final act of Seven Samurai that goes here, which might sound like cheating, but it’s a long movie and, appropriately, much of it’s spent on setup, so an above-average amount of payoff (so to speak) makes sense.
1
‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ (1966)
The climax of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is pretty much everything that happens in the graveyard right near the end, though the Civil War battle sequence that takes place right before is also remarkable. But it’s from “The Ecstasy of Gold” to the end of the three-way showdown that’s truly climactic, and the overall best part of what would have to be one of the best Westerns ever made.
Wait, scratch that. It’s as good as movies get, really. Westerns, epics, whatever sort of film, this climax has pretty much never been topped. Maybe this will be the climax of cinema as a whole, and everything that happened post-The Good, the Bad and the Ugly will be seen, in time, as just a denouement. Well, probably not. Hopefully not. For now, though, it’s as good as it gets, but without Jack Nicholson.
Entertainment
Beyond the Gates Spoilers Apr 20-24: Stabbing Shock, Anita Stunned & Joey’s Temptation
Beyond the Gates spoilers for April 20-24, 2026 expect Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) being stunned, Joey Armstrong (Jon Lindstrom) plotting, and a stabbing.
I know we’re a day behind on these, so I’m going to give you real quick a fast recap of Monday’s episode, April 20th, in case you haven’t seen it. Then we’ll get into what’s coming the rest of this week.
Beyond the Gates Spoilers Monday, April 20th Recap
So, season 2, episode 74 of BTG. We had Grayson Perez (Jordie Vilasuso) asking Ashley Morgan (Jen Jacob) for Derek Baldwin’ (Ben Gavin) number, Ashley stunned. Grayson wants to volunteer at the clinic because he’s so busy, but Derek rejects Grayson, hangs up on him. Ashley stunned. Grayson tells her Derek’s jealous. Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne (Arielle Prepetit) shows up and tells Ashley that Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) was beaten undercover.
Derek thanks Eva Thomas Richardson (Ambyr Michelle) for keeping Dana ‘Leslie’ Thomas (Trisha Mann-Grant) away from the clinic and Derek is stunned to hear Leslie is dating Marcel Malone (Darryl W. Handy). Eva asked Derek not to call her mom a criminal and to be thankful Marcel’s keeping her busy. Eva also lectures Derek about not turning away a volunteer even if he dislikes Grayson.
BTG Spoilers: Ashley Blasts Derek
Ashley confronts Derek for rejecting Grayson and Derek calls her boyfriend sketchy. She reminds Derek he faked paralysis and he says Grayson was casing the clinic when he gave him a tour. Ashley calls that a lie, but Naomi says, “No, Derek mentioned it at the time.” Ashley says Grayson said that Derek’s jealous and he says, “Look, I don’t trust the guy.” Takes off.
Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) tells Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman) Bill Hamilton‘s (Timon Kyle Durrett) theory is that Andre started Babygate because he’s insecure about their marriage. He scoffs. Martin reassures him. Chelsea Hamilton (RhonniRose Mantilla) declines Martin’s pitch about a collab and that leaves Martin pouting.
Beyond the Gates Spoilers: Jacob Worried about Smitty
Jacob wants Smitty to drop the story because Jacob is worried Smitty is going to get hurt. So, Jacob goes and picks up a drop from Grayson, demands to know why he’s ignoring his calls. Jacob tells him he got beat up and asks him about the woman from the lab that Smitty mentioned.
Marcel takes Leslie to the casino high rollers table and Vanessa McBride (Lauren Buglioli) tells Joey, “Find out what’s going on.” Leslie crows to Vanessa that Marcel got a divorce for her but lost big money getting rid of the wife. Vanessa thinks Marcel and Leslie seem like a good match and Vanessa and Leslie do a little awkward girl talk.
Joey reports back that Marcel is doing well at the tables and Leslie goes to see her man as Joey warns Vanessa don’t try to set us up as couple friends with Leslie and Marcel. Good thing that Nicole Dupree Richardson (Daphnee Duplaix) decided to soften up on her being with Joey because, by the way, Jon Lindstrom has now been promoted to contract.
BTG Tuesday, April 21st: Tomas Gets New Info
Tuesday, April 21st is season 2, episode 75 of Beyond the Gates, and we have Tomas Navarro (Alex Alegria) getting some new info about Lynette Wise (Dominique Madison), does Tomas figure out that Lynette went missing, or does he get a lead on her many fake names and her past con jobs on wealthy men?
Nicole goes looking for Joey and they have a very tense and intense conversation. I’m guessing Nicole tells Joey she doesn’t like or respect him, but she’s going to play nice for her bestie Vanessa’s sake. They can probably agree to disagree.
Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings) tries to cover up her conwoman track. So, I wonder if what Tomas found links Hayley to Lynette from somewhere back in the day. And did Randy Parker (Maurice P. Kerry) really kill Lynette or did he just stash her somewhere?
Martin confesses to his granddad, Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis), that he worries his past could ruin his future. They had Joey clean up the mess from before, but skeletons have a way of falling back out of the closet. And the higher Martin climbs up the political ladder in DC, the more scrutiny he and his background are going to face.
Beyond the Gates Spoilers Wednesday, April 22nd: Grayson Stabbed
On Wednesday, April 22nd episode of Beyond the Gates, it’s season 2, episode 76, and we got somebody stabbed. It is Grayson for sure in the stairwell at the hospital with a knife. You know, if we’re playing Clue, and you had that in your clue box. Shanice Johnson (Ernestine Johnson) and Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson) have another talk about their relationship slash situationship.
He told Andre that he’s worried he’s not in a place to offer Shanice what she wants and needs, which is something serious, not just a rebound, maybe a husband and kids, stuff like that. And when Ted said to her, “One of the things I love about you,” you know, Shanice misread that to him saying, “I love you,” and that got awkward.
BTG Spoilers: Martin Turns to Nicole
Tomas and Katherine ‘Kat’ Richardson (Colby Muhammad) spent some time romancing on Wednesday and Martin talks to his mom, Nicole, who is skeptical. So, Martin is asking Nicole for advice. Says after the campaign, should he ease up or take on something bigger?
And Nicole kind of freaks out and says this could blow up Martin’s life and asks, “What are you doing?” So Bill finds out something sketchy. And as a result, Hayley faces scrutiny.
This week, Hayley says to Bill after being married for over a year, you know, she’s shocked. He called Martin baby. Hayley’s ranting and storming out of the office. And this might be her trying to gaslight Bill and distract him from what he found out.

Beyond the Gates Spoilers Thursday, April 23rd: Vanessa Surprises Anita
Thursday, April 23rd is season 2, episode 77 of Beyond the Gates. And we’ve got Vanessa surprising Anita because she stops by to see her. So, I wonder if Vanessa might ask Anita some advice on pushing people back, pushing against public opinion because she wants to be with Joey, the man she loves. Now, Anita knows that Joey is a shark and exactly how bad he is. So, we’ll see how she advises Nicole’s best friend.
Joey sees two people bickering and then makes Martin an offer to consider. He already owes Joey an undefined favor for cleaning up the latest mess for him. So, that’s something that Joey’s sitting on that he can still call in on Martin. So, hopefully he won’t get in deeper with Joey.
The plasma dealer guy has an update that has Jacob freaking out. Then he’s going to tell Smitty who’s going to freak out. So the plasma guy is telling Jacob, “I told you there was a price for your mess. I just didn’t tell you who had to pay.” Obviously Grayson has paid.
Beyond the Gates Spoilers: Grayson Terrified
Plus Ashley is in a tough position. So, we’ll see if, you know, Dr. Lia Whitmore (Cecilia Specht) stitches up Grayson and tells him to hide his injury or else, you know, Ashley may help Grayson, but he makes her promise not to let anybody know she stitched him up.
So, obviously at this point, Grayson is stabbed, terrified, probably desperate, and obviously Ashley would help him. Madison Montgomery (Kenjah McNeil) has a critical update for Vernon.
So, I wonder if Madison did some testing. I’m also worried about us going straight from an Anita cancer crisis right into some sort of early onset something crisis for Vernon.
Friday, April 24th: Jan Lurking Around on Beyond the Gates
Friday, April 24th on Beyond the Gates is season 2, episode 78. We’ve got Ashley’s mom, Jan Morgan (Jerri Tubbs), lurking around. She’s back on the scene and she is stressing out Ashley. So, I wonder if this is something to do with the attack on Grayson or this could be back to Derek. So, Jan may side with Derek in thinking that Grayson is dodgy. Jan’s, you know, been on the fence.
And we know that she is a big fan of Derek’s. And if you remember, Jan was actually meeting Derek on the sly after they broke up, but before Ashley got in deeper with Grayson like she is now. So I could see Jan telling Ashley, “Don’t pressure Derek about Grayson. Back off.” I think he’s sketchy, too. We’ll see.
Chelsea has some questions for her dad, Bill, about his little bride, Hayley. Vanessa makes herself comfortable at Joey’s condo. Nicole and Carlton smooth things over, but Kyle stops by and things get really awkward when he interrupts.
Naomi and Martin are there to comfort each other. And by the way, we’re going to see Ashley Jones, who plays Bridget Forrester on Bold and the Beautiful, making her debut on Beyond the Gates in the next few weeks in an as yet to be named role.
Entertainment
Bethenny Frankel’s Bombshell Bikini Look Is on Amazon for $41
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I take everything Bethenny Frankel says and does as the Bible. The mogul is truly #LifeGoals! In an effort to emulate her effortless confidence, I’m shamelessly copying her style — starting with this electric teal bikini.
One thing that Frankel does impeccably is embrace the beauty of color, which she showcased in a recent Instagram outfit dump. I couldn’t help but notice her joy-inducing teal bikini, and I made it my mission to find a similar style on Amazon. I completely struck gold with this high-waisted bikini set that’s a complete steal at $41.
Get the Shuangyu High Waisted Bikini Set for $41 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
When it comes to swimsuits, I often opt for black ones since the hue is inherently slimming. That said, simply wearing a color, like teal, can make people feel happier. When you’re happy, you feel more confident. Plus, it also helps that this suit offers more coverage than your average bikini and is designed with subtle details to flatter your figure.
First off, it feels like a rarity to find a full-coverage bottom. If you’d prefer not to have your bum on full display, this design keeps things covered, and the side hip ruching also offers a subtle minimizing effect. As for the top, the underwire bra style, which includes adjustable straps, keeps bigger busts secure and provides extra lift. No need to worry about wardrobe malfunctions when you’re enjoying yourself in the water.
Amazon shoppers who were looking for a sexy yet decently-covered bikini feel like they’ve found a top choice with this design. “I was honestly surprised by how much I love this bikini,” one reviewer writes. “The fit is very flattering, especially the high-waisted bottoms—they smooth everything out and sit comfortably without digging in.”
“The top provides great support thanks to the underwire and push-up design,” the same shopper continues. I felt secure wearing it, even moving around, and the adjustable straps made it easy to get the perfect fit. This swimsuit looks stylish, very supportive, and offers great coverage while still being cute.”
Stylish? Check. Supportive? Check. We’re sure that the Shuangyu High Waisted Bikini Set would pass Frankel’s vibe check. And seriously, go for the teal colorway and see how you glow!
Get the Shuangyu High Waisted Bikini Set for $41 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more from Shuangyu here and more high-waisted bikini sets here! Don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
Entertainment
How Motherhood Helped Lauren Alaina Heal After Dad’s Death
Country music singer Lauren Alaina is grateful to God and her daughter for helping her move forward after a devastating death in the family.
“The last couple of years of my life have been very life-changing, not just because I became a mother. I also lost my father, which I’ve talked a lot about,” Alaina, 31, shared on the Wednesday, April 15, episode of iHeartRadio’s “If You Can Hear Me” podcast. “A lot of my prayers are praying for healing from that and also still trying to be healed enough to be a good mom and to be there for her and to do the right things.”
In July 2024, Alaina announced the death of her father, J.J. Suddeth. Five months later, the singer revealed she was expecting a baby girl with husband Cam Arnold.
“My dad died and I found out I was pregnant two months later, and she was a big surprise,” Alaina told podcast host Ben Higgins. “So my biggest prayer right now is just to heal from that and to be present with her and to be a good wife and a good mom and a good businesswoman.”
The “Ladies in the ‘90s” singer continued,” “Honestly, my career is the thing I probably pray for the least right now. It’s really my heart and my healing and being a mom that is most important to me right now.”
In the last year, Alaina has navigated the difficult balance of following her dreams while being a loving and devoted mother.

Lauren Alaina and Cam Arnold Courtesy of Lauren Alaina/Instagram
As she traveled the country as part of Rascal Flatts’ latest tour, the American Idol alum realized what’s most important to her.
“I spend a lot of time praying about it, trying to figure out what to do and what not to do, and when is it worth it, and when is it not worth it?” she said about her music opportunities. “Because I’m not going to miss everything. I’m not gonna be gone all the time. I’m just not going to do that anymore. But I am lucky.”
In addition to a supportive family, Alaina has been able to travel with her mom, who helps out when things get extra busy.
No matter how packed her schedule gets, Alaina always takes time to focus on the blessings in her family.
“We’re so bonded together,” she said when describing her daughter. “It’s crazy, the connection between a baby and a mother.”
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