Entertainment
More Women Accuse Ex-Congressman Eric Swalwell of Misconduct
More than a dozen women have come forward with misconduct allegations against former California Representative Eric Swalwell following his resignation from Congress.
Numerous women spoke to CNN about alleged interactions — both in-person and via social media — where the married former congressman, 45, made them feel uncomfortable. Some accused Swalwell of exhibiting “Jekyll and Hyde” behavior, where he publicly championed victims of abuse while sometimes acting inappropriately behind the scenes.
These new allegations date back to Swalwell’s college years at Campbell University in North Carolina, where he once published a poem where he bragged, “She chased and I ran/ I chased and she ran / My anxious arm she bit – my scar is beautiful/ While I screamed/ She bent her lips to mine.”
“[Swalwell] categorically denies being crude toward women during his college years nearly three decades ago,” his attorney told CNN. “[The poem] is plainly a teenage metaphor about drinking — not sex.”
Congressman Eric Swalwell’s senior staff have said they are “horrified” by sexual misconduct allegations made against him. “As leaders of teams working for Eric Swalwell, we’re horrified by the recent reporting in the San Francisco Chronicle and by CNN,” a statement signed by staffers for Swalwell’s 14th congressional district and the “Eric Swalwell for Governor […]
Swalwell’s alleged troubling behavior continued into his early political career where he reportedly held congressional meetings at a Hooters restaurant in 2012. (His attorney told CNN that Swalwell’s decision to “occasionally [take] a meeting at a casual chain restaurant” was not newsworthy.)
Multiple women alleged that Swalwell used Snapchat to send them overly flirty messages over the years even though he was married. (Swalwell has been married to his wife, Brittany Watts, since 2016 and they share three children.)
Heather Purcell told the outlet that Swalwell “looked at [her] up and down in a way that made [her] feel uneasy” and touched her shoulder when they met at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Swalwell allegedly gave Purcell his personal phone number once they reconnected months later. (Purcell said that she never called Swalwell and they never interacted again.)
“[I had] a gut feeling that the power dynamic did not feel right to me — that he was just trying to engage in a personal relationship when it should have been professional,” Purcell said.
Swalwell’s lawyer described the politician’s interactions with Purcell as “routine and non-contentious.”
An unnamed woman alleged that Swalwell once took her bag during a private meeting at a bar and walked to an elevator, seemingly to convince her to come to his hotel room. The woman recalled riding with Swalwell to his floor before snatching her bag back.
“I said, ‘How dare you disrespect me like that,’” the woman said. “When the elevator was closing, he stood there with a look of shock on his face. … If it was anyone else, I’d be screaming and calling security. But this is someone I know professionally, and he’s a congressman.”
Swalwell’s lawyer called the allegations “flat out false.”
Eric Swalwell in October 2025. Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for the Songwriters of North America (SONA) Warrior Awards
An unnamed former staffer for another congressional representative told CNN that she had a consensual sexual relationship with Swalwell over the course of several years, where they allegedly met multiple times at hotels for sex. Per the staffer, they exchanged explicit videos and photos throughout their consensual relationship.
“His stories would be his, like, congressional content, but then he would be sending me d*** pics,” she recalled.
Swalwell’s lawyer told the outlet, “There was no supervisory or professional relationship and, accordingly, no power imbalance.”
Washington D.C. real estate agent Sanam Vivansia said she exchanged flirty messages with Swalwell after meeting in 2021 and he later asked her to come back to his hotel room when they later met in person in San Francisco. Vivansia allegedly sent Swalwell a text message complaining that he’d “made [her] feel really uncomfortable,” though he replied that her version of events “is not what happened.” (Swalwell’s attorney denied that the representative acted inappropriately.)
His lawyer also reacted more broadly to accusations that Swalwell had inappropriate interactions with women over the years.
Swalwell’s attorney told CNN, “Swalwell categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him.”
The lawyer described any interactions that Swalwell did have as “routine and professional,” but acknowledged that he “had extramarital contact with women.”
“He’s not denying that,” the attorney said. “But that’s very different than engaging in nonconsensual sexual misconduct.”
Us Weekly has reached out to Swalwell over these allegations.
The husband of one of the women who have accused Rep. Eric Swalwell of sexual assault and harassment has responded to the congressman’s video denying the allegations. “My wife’s name is Ally Sammarco. Obviously you know that, but she’s not named anonymous,” Adam Parkhomenko, a Democratic strategist and former DNC National Field Director, wrote via […]
Multiple women came forward with sexual misconduct allegations against Swalwell in April. A former staffer at his Castro Valley, California, district office told the San Francisco Chronicle that the politician Swalwell once propositioned her for oral sex and later invited her out for a drink, where she later “blacked out” and allegedly woke up naked in Swalwell’s hotel bed, at which time she allegedly felt that he’d initiated vaginal intercourse.
Content creator Ally Sammarco alleged that Swalwell offered to “share her resume” with his contacts before sending her “very inappropriate” Snapchat messages. Other women who made misconduct allegations at the time chose to stay anonymous out of fear of retribution.
Swalwell was a frontrunner in the California gubernatorial race when the scandal broke out. The congressman’s initial reaction to the controversy was to say that “the allegations of sexual assault are flat false” on April 11.
“They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything I have,” Swalwell said in a statement at the time. “They also come on the eve of an election, where I have been the frontrunner candidate for governor of California.”
He went on, “I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I’m a saint — I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past, but those mistakes are between me and my wife. And to her, I apologize deeply for putting her in this position.”
Swalwell eventually suspended his gubernatorial run on April 12 before resigning from Congress amid threats of an expulsion vote in the House of Representatives.
“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff and constituents for mistakes in judgement I’ve made in my past,” Swalwell announced in a statement shared via X on April 13. “I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”
The California representative went on, “I am aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote against me and other members. Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong. But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore I plan to resign my seat in Congress. I will work with my staff in the coming days to ensure that they are able, in my absence, to serve the needs of the good people of the 14th congressional district.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
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The “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star’s family announced his death on March 20.
RELATED: All Eyes! Beyoncé’s Return And The Biggest Met Gala 2026 Moments Of The Night
Proud Dad Jay-Z Watches Blue Ivy Steal Spotlight
In a circulating clip obtained by Entertainment Tonight, Blue Ivy was confidently doing her thing on the red carpet while cameras caught Jay-Z at the bottom of the steps laughing alongside publicist Yvette Noel-Schure, both visibly beaming as all eyes stayed on her. Continuously, Jay looked every bit the proud dad, eventually making his way up the steps to assist her, offering his arm and posing for photos together. At one point, he even flashed a thumbs up to photographers, clearly soaking in the moment as his daughter held her own on one of fashion’s biggest stages.
The Comments Said What They Said
Folks wasted no time running to the Entertainment Tonight Instagram comment section, and let’s just say—everyone had something to say. Some were convinced Blue Ivy Carter is Jay-Z’s twin, while others stood ten toes down, claiming she’s giving nothing but Beyoncé. And of course, plenty of folks were just happy to see her outside, living her best life with parents who clearly don’t play about their baby girl.
One Instagram user, @kimberlyvivecacreations, said, “I love this look on her. She is a whole vibe 🔥❤️”
This Instagram user @beyond_the_ce added, “BLUE BLUEEE AHHHH❤️🙌”
And, Instagram user @anniedadiva_ commented, “Proud dad moment 😂😂🔥🔥🔥”
Meanwhile, Instagram user @sorigaby shared, “Proud papa!!!! That look JZ gave Blue ivy is Beautiful!“
While Instagram user @btention claimed, “She is a mini me of her mom.“
Lastly, Instagram user @thomasbennie72 wrote, “Take your time baby you doing great you got this and you know it“
Beyoncé Gushes Over Blue Ivy’s Red Carpet Moment
And if there was any question about who runs things in the Carter household, Beyoncé made it very clear she doesn’t play when it comes to her baby girl. While speaking with La La Anthony for Vogue at the top of the Met steps, Bey kept the focus right where it belonged—on Blue Ivy Carter. When asked how it felt to be back after a decade, she called the moment “surreal” because her daughter was there, adding that Blue looked “so beautiful” and “incredible,” like a proud mama who already knows what’s up. Beyoncé even shared that she was most excited to experience the night through Blue’s eyes, and both she and La La joked that everyone could probably take a few red carpet notes from the Carter princess—because clearly, Blue isn’t just attending, she’s setting the tone.
Timothée Chalamet raised eyebrows after skipping the Met Gala despite being in New York City while his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, attended the star-studded fashion event.
The actor was reportedly spotted at the New York Knicks’ playoff game against the Philadelphia 76ers instead, fueling chatter that he may have “snubbed” Jenner on one of fashion’s biggest nights. However, his absence has also been linked to an alleged Met Gala “curse,” though neither Chalamet nor Jenner has confirmed that it played any role in his decision.
The couple, who has been dating for more than two years, have become increasingly public with their romance in recent months.
Chalamet and Jenner have made several public appearances together since taking their romance public, but the Met Gala was one high-profile event they reportedly chose not to attend as a pair.
Jenner still made an appearance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, stepping out in a tailored, corseted Schiaparelli look. Chalamet, however, spent the night at Madison Square Garden, where he watched the New York Knicks take on the Philadelphia 76ers in an NBA playoff game.
According to SheKnows, the decision may have been a deliberate attempt to avoid the so-called Met Gala “curse,” a fan-fueled theory that claims couples who attend the fashion event together often split not long afterward.
The theory has been tied to Jenner’s own past, as she previously attended the 2018 Met Gala with Travis Scott before the pair eventually went their separate ways. Although they later reconciled, their relationship ultimately ended for good.
Timothée Chalamet And Kylie Jenner Attended A Broadway Event In New York
Chalamet and Jenner were seen together over the weekend as they stepped out for a Broadway performance of “The Fear of 13,” which was produced by Jenner’s older sister, Kim Kardashian.
In videos making the rounds online, the couple was seen arriving hand in hand at the venue from a black Jeep. Chalamet kept things casual for the outing in a blue windbreaker, gray pants, and white sneakers, while Jenner wore an all-black outfit under a trench coat and completed the look with thong heels.
The pair also appeared eager to keep a low profile. Chalamet wore a dark baseball cap that partially covered his face, while Jenner shielded her eyes with dark sunglasses.
The Couple Also Made An Appearance At A Basketball Game
Days earlier, the couple was also spotted at the New York Knicks’ playoff clash against the Atlanta Hawks, marking another high-profile appearance together in New York City.
At the game, Chalamet and Jenner briefly interacted with fans as they made their way through the arena. The pair also shared a cozy moment during their walk-in, with Jenner wrapping an arm around the actor as they kissed.
Once settled into their courtside seats, the two appeared completely absorbed in the atmosphere of the game. They were seen laughing, talking, and reacting to the action on the court.
In one snapshot, the duo clapped and cheered enthusiastically for the Knicks, with Chalamet at one point rising to his feet and shouting in excitement.
The Love Birds Are Living Together
Chalamet and Jenner have been linked since 2023, but they kept their relationship largely low-key until recently.
Earlier this year, reports claimed that the pair had been living together for more than a year, a development that appeared to signal just how serious their romance had become.
At the time, a source told Page Six that it felt “like they’re basically married already,” adding that they were “obsessed with each other and always together.”
The insider also claimed Chalamet has gradually become more involved in the lives of Jenner’s children, Stormi, 7, and Aire Webster, 3, whom she shares with her ex, Travis Scott.
Timothée Chalamet And Kylie Jenner Might Want Kids Together
Chalamet and Jenner have not publicly confirmed any specific plans to have children together, but both have previously suggested they are open to expanding their families in the future.
In March, Jenner told Vanity Fair that she intends to spend the final years of her 20s focusing on her career and personal life. After that, she said she hopes to have more children, though she did not say whether that would be with Chalamet.
For his part, Chalamet told Vogue in a previous cover story that starting a family “could be on the radar.”
The actor also reflected on a video he had watched in which someone bragged about not having children and having more time to pursue other interests. Chalamet described that mindset as “bleak,” further suggesting that he may be open to fatherhood in the future.
Fans crave excitement and a way to escape from the plain, boring world and everyday life, which is why the fantasy genre is so popular. Whether it be the fantastical creatures, the whimsical world, or the bright and unique festivals, this genre is an escape that is rich with storytelling potential. Anime in particular delivers some standout fantasy series, including Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic and the newly released Witch Hat Atelier.
This diverse genre can be done in thousands of different ways, and anime has achieved many of them, which is why this list will rank the ten greatest fantasy anime of all time. Based on story, animation, creativity, worldbuilding, lore, characters, fan opinion, critical acclaim, overall quality, themes such as good vs evil, the hero’s journey, courage, and aspects including imaginative worlds, systems, and magic, these shows are the perfect escape.
10
‘Konosuba: God’s Blessing on this Wonderful World!’ (2016-present)
The best part about fantasies is that almost any other genre can fit inside of it as well, such as comedy, and Konosuba: God’s Blessing on this Wonderful World proves that. When Kazuma suddenly passes away, he is given a new chance at life in a fantasy world. Given the option to take something with him, he chooses the goddess speaking to him; little does he know that she is useless, making his new start harder than expected.
Konosuba’s story is secondary, but it also offers a fun adventure every now and then, where they travel to new areas and fight a member of the demon king’s army. However, the appeal of this show is its parody-style comedy that satirizes the isekai genre and makes fun of its tropes. Konosuba is a hilarious anime with a cast full of endearing idiots, but that is what makes every episode and adventure special.
9
‘Dorohedoro’ (2020-present)
Fantasy comes in all different types of shapes and sizes, and Dorohedoro is perhaps one of the most unique series out there. The Hole is a decrepit place where sorcerers come to experiment with their magic on the civilians. Caiman is one such product that has the head of an alligator and no memories. By killing and questioning wizards, Caiman hopes to regain his memory and his former appearance.
It may not be the typical fantasy that fans think of, but with magic, sorcery, creatures, and an adventure-focused plot that has the protagonist learning about his past, Dorohedoro is definitely a fantasy. The worldbuilding is absolutely phenomenal, using events, festivals, and celebrations to create a lived-in experience that alters the story. Dorohedoro is chaotically pleasant with quirky characters, gritty action, gory moments, and surreal humor, making it a modern anime masterpiece that more fans need to check out.
8
‘Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation’ (2021-present)
The Isekai genre is a controversial one, but it usually goes hand-in-hand with fantasy; an especially polarizing anime is Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation. After living an unfulfilling life, Rudeus is reborn in a fantasy world where he plans to make the most of his second chance. However, old habits die hard, making his tumultuous journey in this world even more difficult.
Rudeus’ character is a decidedly controversial one, but no matter what they think of him, fans have to admit that the show’s worldbuilding is stellar and the animation is absolutely stunning. Mushoku Tensei is one of the best visual fantasies, creating a charming and authentic experience unlike anything else in the medium. With a winding plot and profound character development, this anime is a definitive fantasy isekai.
7
‘Delicious in Dungeon’ (2024-present)
The modern era has given fans some of the best fantasy series, and one of them is Delicious in Dungeon. After a dragon eats the healer of a party, the group suits up to go back into the dungeon and save her before the dragon digests her. However, with no money, supplies, or food, they decide to make meals out of the monsters they meet, but food might be the last of their worries.
Food is a big part of fantasy, but Delicious in Dungeon takes it to a whole new level by creating a monster biology and creature cookbook that blends seamlessly. The gourmet creations and monster worldbuilding are a fascinating approach that adds so much fun to each episode and enhances the journey. Delicious in Dungeon also excels with its dramatic plot shift midway through, which really kick-started the story.
With guns, semi-modern civilization, and a scientific power system, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood doesn’t feel too much like a fantasy, but it features enough content to be considered one. After brothers Ed and Al lose parts or all of their bodies in a taboo experiment, they set out on an adventure to find the philosopher’s stone. But when they learn of a government conspiracy, they need to stop it or risk losing the entire world.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is considered the best anime of all time, which may make it surprising that it is so low on this list. However, it doesn’t embody the fantasy elements as well as other series, almost serving as a merger between many genres. Still, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood became a sensation because of its engaging plot with fascinating worldbuilding, an intriguing power system, and engaging characters.
5
‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011-2014)
Battle shounen are the most popular type of anime, and many of them are fantasy variants, including Hunter x Hunter, which fans one day hope will actually get an ending. Gon dreams of finding the father who abandoned him; the only thing Gon knows is that his father is a hunter. Now of age, Gon sets out on the same path as his dad, but becoming a hunter will introduce a new set of challenges and trauma.
Hunter x Hunter is a master at subverting expectations, starting with a typical shonen adventure and evolving into a profound and philosophical drama with action, political intrigue, and intense character development. It follows a form of the hero’s journey, and with plenty of adventure, characters, and fantastical events, Hunter x Hunter is a definitive anime series and a distinct fantasy experience.
4
‘Mushi-Shi’ (2005-2014)
Fantasy doesn’t always need to be set in an alternate world; sometimes the greatest adventures take place in one’s own backyard. Mushi-Shi follows Ginko, a researcher investigating the mysterious creatures known as Mushi and the strange phenomena that occur around them. Traveling across the country, Ginko encoutners many spirits and peculiar cases.
Mushi-Shi doesn’t follow a specific grand story; instead, each episode offers a slice of comfort and magic. This whimsical anime is relaxing and soothing, taking fans through atmospheric settings and melancholic stories. Sadly, Mushi-Shi is a rather unknown anime that deserves far more love, especially because of its mystical approach to creatures and the mystery surrounding them.
3
‘One Piece’ (1999-present)
Fantasy isn’t just dragons and magic; sometimes it reveals itself in the shape of pirates exploring the vast ocean and the bizarre islands. One Piece follows Monkey D. Luffy, an ambitious pirate who wants to find the titular treasure. However, to do so, he must build a crew and a name for himself, which he does by sailing the seas and challenging any evil pirates, marines, or government officials.
Anime has a broad definition of fantasy, and this is shown by the fact that One Piece is a fantasy. There may be guns, scientific experiments, and pirate mischief, but its creativity creates a unique world with islands made out of cake and giants roaming a folklore land. One Piece has many great arcs, making up a gargantuan story with some of the best worldbuilding in anime.
2
‘Berserk’ (1997-1998)
Even some of the best manga don’t translate well to anime, and Berserk knows this all too well. However, there is one good adaptation, and it earns its spot on this list. Guts has experienced a living hell since birth, but when he believes things might just be going his way, a brutal betrayal takes everything from him. Now, Guts is on a blood-fueled quest for revenge.
Berserk might be the greatest fantasy story ever told; unfortunately, the anime doesn’t fully do it justice, but that is still enough for it to land at number two on this list. The world blends multiple time periods together to create a vicious yet captivating fantasy world, and its story of revenge and political warfare is yet another landmark that highlights its excellence and domination of the genre. The Berserk manga is continuing, meaning fans can keep enjoying this story in multiple mediums.
1
‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ (2023-present)
Most of these anime needed years to establish themselves as greats, but in only a short amount of time, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has cemented itself as the best fantasy anime ever. Years after defeating the demon king, the heroes’ party slowly died off, except for the titular elf, who regrets not getting to understand them more. Now on a nostalgic journey with their pupils, Frieren plans to see them again in the land of the dead.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End subverted the typical fantasy format by delivering a passionate adventure where the side quests and detours are all the fun. Whether it be a fun little side adventure, a profound life lesson, or a grand battle against some monster, each episode is a fantastical delight. Each new season of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End becomes one of the most anticipated anime shows, and with plenty more in store, fans won’t want this journey to end.
The Met Gala has always been as much about romance as it is about fashion, with celebrity couples often using the iconic steps as their stage. This year, however, the energy shifted.
As cameras flashed and designers were celebrated, a noticeable pattern emerged as many of the biggest stars arrived without their equally famous partners.
From newly engaged pairs skipping their debut to long-time couples breaking tradition, the absence of key partners became one of the most talked-about twists of the night.
The Met Gala red carpet is often a stage for high-profile couples to show off their chemistry, but several A-list stars arrived without their partners this year.
Among the most talked-about absences was Harry Styles, who failed to accompany his fiancée Zoë Kravitz just days after news of their engagement broke.
According to the Daily Mail, fans had expected a major debut, but instead, Kravitz appeared alone, and notably without her diamond ring, sending a subtle but confusing message.
Timothée Chalamet also skipped the event, leaving girlfriend Kylie Jenner to walk solo for the second year in a row.
Rather than attending fashion’s biggest night, the actor chose to watch a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden.
His absence quickly drew criticism, with some labeling him a “bad boyfriend,” especially given Jenner’s visible support for him throughout awards season during his campaign for “Marty Supreme.”
Met Gala Absences Spark Questions And Criticism
Another surprising no-show at the Met Gala was Justin Trudeau, who did not appear alongside Katy Perry.
The former Canadian prime minister, who has recently been seen closely with the pop star during yacht outings and at Coachella, was absent without explanation.
Trudeau’s recent public behavior has already sparked conversation, with critics accusing him of having a “midlife crisis” following his 2023 divorce.
Other stars also found themselves navigating the spotlight alone. Gigi Hadid walked the red carpet solo, although she later reunited with Bradley Cooper inside the event.
Vittoria Ceretti, meanwhile, continued her usual pattern of attending events without Leonardo DiCaprio, who is known for avoiding public appearances and often disguising himself with hats and masks.
Met Gala Night Leaves Kardashian-Jenner Clan Without Their Men
Kylie Jenner wasn’t the only Kardashian-Jenner family member to attend the Met Gala without their partner.
The socialite’s solo appearance was mirrored by her older sister Kim Kardashian, who stunned in a metallic orange bodysuit and leather skirt but arrived without her boyfriend, Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton may have had a valid reason for missing the event, as he had just competed in the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, where he placed sixth.
The timing of the race, which concluded only a day before the Met Gala, likely made it difficult for him to attend.
Hailey Bieber, Jenner’s longtime friend also appeared without her husband Justin Bieber. While his absence sparked discussion, it wasn’t entirely unexpected.
Some fans have suggested in the past that Justin avoids red carpets to ensure Hailey remains the center of attention, while others have criticized his casual style for clashing with her polished looks.
Met Gala Spotlight Falls On Blake Lively Without Ryan Reynolds
Blake Lively’s Met Gala appearance carried a different kind of weight, as it came just hours after she settled her long-running legal battle with Justin Baldoni’s production company.
While the settlement avoided a high-profile trial, the terms were not disclosed. Ryan Reynolds, who had supported her throughout the ordeal, was notably absent from the red carpet.
Despite this, Lively embraced the moment, stepping out in a dramatic gown featuring a sequined halter top and a voluminous multicolored skirt.
Her solo appearance placed full attention on her personal milestone, even without her husband by her side.
Met Gala Still Delivers Romance As Some Couples Show Up Together
Even with many solo arrivals, the Met Gala still delivered a few traditional couple moments.
Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster attended together, holding hands and presenting a coordinated, elegant look.
A$AP Rocky also maintained his steady presence by Rihanna’s side, continuing their pattern of attending events together while raising their three children.
Longtime couples like Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor also made a notable return, while newlyweds Venus Williams and Andrea Preti brought fresh energy to the event.
Other standout pairs included Jon Batiste and Suleika Jaouad, Rebecca Hall and Morgan Spector, and Adrien Brody with Georgina Chapman, all embracing the “Fashion Is Art” theme together.
Leading the night were co-chairs Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Williams, alongside Anna Wintour, ensuring the Met Gala remained a spectacle.
If there’s any genre seemingly predicated on building up to a exciting climax it’s action. They end with epic battles, explosive gunfights, nail-biting chases and the occasional special effects extravanganza. Action is all about tension and release, and there’s no better release than a climax. Forgive the crude metaphor, but its apt and action movies climax like no other genre can. At least the good ones do. Good action movies know when to hold back so that they don’t let their best action sequence occur too early in the runtime, or if they do, they at least know to climax with something smarter or more emotionally satisfying.
Not all of the best action movie climaxes represent the greatest or most memorable moments in their respective movies, but they all end them on a high note. They can wrap things up narratively or just kick some serious ass. Unsurprisingly, the best action climaxes all come from movies that are all basically classics across the board. It’s time to skip the foreplay and, like JD Vance when he sees a leather sectional, go straight to the climax with these ten action movies.
10
‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning’ (2023)
Several of the Mission: Impossible movies have incredible climaxes. Fallout has a heartstopping helicopter chase, Mission: Impossible II has some top tier John Woo ridiculousness, and The Final Reckoning is an all-timer of an aerial stunt show. The best climax of the entire franchise, though, is the extended train sequence from Dead Reckoning. Beginning with Tom Cruise jumping a motorcycle off a cliff, and finishing with a dangling train that bears more than a passing resemblance to a sequence from the video game Uncharted 2, Dead Reckoning showcases all the best elements that the Christopher McQuarrie era of the franchise is known for.
Serving as a convergence for plot threads and characters, the train climax sees characters new and old all vying to take posession of the cruciform key, the film’s MacGuffin that can also put a stop to the evil artificial intelligence known as the Entity. Grace (Hayley Atwell) is in disguise as the White Widow (Vanessa Kirby) making a deal with Kitteridge (Henry Czerny) while the villainous Gabriel (Esai Morales) is busy making bodies and Ethan Hunt (Cruise) parachutes in. It rides a razor’s edge of comprehension and tension, but McQuarrie has an undervalued understanding of action geography that makes the whole sequence work. It ends with literal cliffhanger before leading into a narrative one, and it’s an all around masterclass in action.
9
‘RoboCop’ (1987)
Paul Verhoeven’s hyperviolent satire RoboCop ends as many 80s action movies did. It has lots of blood, bullets and explosions and it takes place in an industrial setting. It also features a melting man who gets hit by a car and turned into a puddle, a villain who gets his jugular opened with a metal spike and Robo walking on water like mechanized Jesus. It’s the perfect summation of a film that fully engages with the excess of its era of action movies but does so with a subversive purpose. Every action fan has every moment of it permanently tattooed on their brain and if they were one of those who saw the movie at too young an age, it might have even been a totemic trauma point.
After having had the full Detroit police force unleashed on him by their corrupt corporate overlords, RoboCop (Peter Weller) takes refuge in the same steel mill where he died as a human. Along with his partner Lewis (Nancy Allen), he faces off against the criminals who once pumped him full of bullets and takes them out one by one in brutally violent, and darkly humorous, fashion. RoboCop is an action masterpiece of bloody brutally that climaxes with its most gruesome kill and its most satisfying villain execution.
8
‘The Matrix’ (1999)
The Matrix redefined the action genre at the end of the 20th century, combining a dozen disparate influences into one cohesive action whole that held heavy influence over the genre for the next decade. The film’s mix of kung-fu, gun-fu and bullet time effects made it stand out at the end of a decade defined by high concept action, and all three are well represented in its subway fight climax. If not the best one-on-one fight in a martial arts movie, it’s certainly one of the most indelible, and it remains just as effective over two decades later.
After having successfully saved Morpheus (Laurence FIshburne) from the clutches of Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving), Neo (Keanu Reeves) has to face off against the formidable Smith one on one. Their climactic fight features fisticuffs and wire work, all choreographed by the legendary Yuen Woo-Ping, who had directed and choreographed a number of high profile martial arts movies which caught the attention of the Wachowskis. More than just the technical proficiency of it, the climax of The Matrix is a pivotal moment in the character development of Neo and his fulfillment of his prophecy. The Matrix was a cultural phenomenon and its climax is the perfect coda to the 90s era of action movies.
7
‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ (1981)
Raiders of the Lost Ark is basically a series of iconic scenes strung together. From the brilliant opening where Indiana Jones runs from boulder booby trap to the indelible final image where the Ark of the Covenant is locked away in a warehouse filled with other hidden artifacts, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas’ action-adventure classic fires on all cylinders. That applies to its climax as well, which manages to be just as thrilling and memorable even when it has its hero tied to a pole. It’s one of the most satisfying and visceral depictions of divine retribution ever put on film.
Bested by the Nazis in the race to take possession of the titular Ark, Jones (Harrison Ford) finds himself tied up alongside love interest Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) as the goose-stepping morons perform a ceremonial opening. Instead of unlimited power inside, they are confronted with vengeful spirits and the power of God, which promptly electrocutes, melts the faces off and blows up the heads of the villains in a spectacular effects display. The face-melting of the evil toady Toht (Ronald Lacey) is so violently gratifying that no villain death in any of the sequels has ever been able to measure up, which is a strong statement considering those villains suffered some memorable fates like death by crocodile, rapidly aging and disintegrating, and having their brain burst into flames from too much knowledge. The Indiana Jones franchise is weirdly yet awesomely violent and Raiders of the Lost Ark‘s is the best proof of that.
6
‘Mad Max 2’ (1981)
The same year that Spielberg release his adventure masterpiece, George Miller unleashed his apocalyptic action classic Mad Max 2 (known as The Road Warrior in the United States). Returning to the world he had created with his original Ozploitation action film, Miller used his bigger budget to expand the scope and scale of it. From a dystopic world on the brink to a full-throttle post-apocalyptic wasteland, Mad Max is bigger and better than its predecessor in every way, including its climax. It’s a white-knuckle car chase through the desert that became so iconic and beloved that Miller would essentially turn the sequence into one long movie for Mad Max: Fury Road.
Some years after seeking his revenge for the death of his wife and son, Max (Mel Gibson) now wanders the wasteland as a leather-clad gunslinger scavenging to survive. He finds a small oil refinery and strikes a deal with its occupants to help transport their oil out and away from a group of violent marauders, which leads to the climactic chase with Max behind the wheel of a tanker truck. The climax is a hair-raising mix of kinetic camerawork, fast-paced editing and insane stunts, one of which sent a stuntman twirling through and earned his a broken leg. Mad Max 2 climaxes with one of the greatest car chases in cinematic history and which only Miller himself has been able to top.
5
‘The Wild Bunch’ (1969)
Sam Peckinpah’s influence on the action genre cannot be overstated. His use of rapid editing, slow motion cinematography and brutal violence echoed through decades of filmmakers, with his influence directly impacting filmmakers like John Woo, Kathryn Bigelow and Michael Mann. His action scenes are some of the best of their respective eras, but none moreso than the climactic gunfight from his magnum opus revisionist Western The Wild Bunch. It’s a ballet of bullets and blood that contributed both to the film’s controversial status upon its initial release and its continued acclaim as an essential Western.
As a group of aging outlaws hang on to their old ways as the Old West disappears around them, they take up a job stealing guns for a ruthless Mexican General. After one of their own is taken captive by the General, the men decide to make one last stand against the corrupt leader and his armed forces. It’s four men against a hundred as bullets rip through bodies in visceral fashion. Peckinpah was insistent on showing the damage a bullet could do, and thus had special squibs made that packed a more bloody punch. He also made sure the sound effects for each gun was specific and distinct. It’s that attention to detail and emphasis on violence that makes the climax of The Wild Bunch still so effective. It’s the birth of the modern action movie shootout.
4
‘Police Story’ (1985)
Jackie Chan’s Police Story begins and ends with its best action scenes. The opening shanty town shootout turned destructive car chase is iconic, and the mall brawl finale is equally so. The entire film represents some of Chan’s finest action choreography and most intense stunt work. Police Story was made after Chan had a disappointing experience filming The Protector, which was a co-production between the United States and Hong Kong and meant to break the martial arts star into the American market. It failed and Chan was frustrated by the production hampering his ability to properly choreograph more complex stunts. That frustration funneled into a passion that is clear in every frame of Police Story all the way through it’s nerve shattering climax.
As the final confrontation between Sergeant Chan (Chan) and the dangerous crime lord he has spent the full runtime of the film trying to stop, the climax leaves no stone unturned, or glass pane unshattered, as the cops and criminals throw hands, feet, arms and legs at each other. It crescendos in a stunt with Chan sliding down several stories on metal pole covered in lights, which ended up giving the star second degree burns on his hand and a dislocated pelvis after landing. Chan repeatedly put his body in peril for the purposes of entertainment, and the climac of Police Story is one of the most viscerally exciting examples of it.
3
‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day is James Cameron’s action masterpiece. It’s setpieces are second to none but what is even more impressive is how fluidly its action escalates and organicalyl flows from one scene to the next. The final act of the film begins with the infiltration of Cyberdyne which becomes a police siege which turns into a chase sequence which leads directly into the action-packed climax. Cameron’s ability to build tension before releasing it in dramatic fashion. Terminator 2′s climax compounds itself with a series of confrontations that peaks with an emotional final moment.
Pursued by the T-1000 (Robert Patrick) into a steel mill, the T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger) uses liquid nitrogen, a bullet and a one liner to shatter the liquid metal menace, who then reforms to continue his attempt to kill John Connor (Edward Furlong). The action continues, using a dynamic mix of visual effects, twin doubles and stunt work to create a seamless sequence that ends with the T-1000 dropped into a vat of molten metal for an iconic villain death. That moment is then quickly followed by the T-800 being lowered himself into the vat, giving the most moving thumbs up in movie history as he melts away. It’s not subtle and maybe too sentimental for some, but it’s the perfect period for a film that wears its emotions on its sleeve, and the action that comes before it is immaculate.
2
‘Hard Boiled’ (1992)
Hard Boiled, John Woo’s Hong Kong swan song to the Heroic Bloodshed genre he helped create, ends with an extended sequence set in a hospital that is a ballistic masterpiece of sustained action. The film itself, a cops and criminals thriller, is itself constructed around its three massive action set pieces. It opens with a stunning teahouse shootout, has an explosive warehouse gunfight halfway through, and then culminates with the hospital that fills every floor with action. Woo’s hyper-stylized action has its origins in the slow-motion sequences of Sam Peckinpah, and its populated with characters influenced by the work of Jean-Pierre Melville. The director synthesized it all into something all his own that in turn influenced a whole new generation of action filmmakers, and Hard Boiled is his action masterwork.
After taking turns trading blows while trying to take down a Triad gang from outside and in, Inspector Tequila (Chow Yun-fat) and undercover cop Alan (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) find themselves trapped in the hospital with an army of Triad members after them, and a hundred innocent civilians in between. Woo is known for his balletic action punctuated by moments of slow motion but of equal note is simply how destructive his action is. There are few action directors who fill the frame with as much debris as Woo does, and its wall to wall in this climax, especially during the iconic three-minute tracking shot of non-stop action. It’s a relentless climax that has never been topped in terms of pure chaos.
1
‘Seven Samurai’ (1954)
Equally as influential on Woo, and just about every other action director, is Akira Kurosawa. The legendary filmmaker’s impact on modern cinema is immeasurable and his contributions to the action genre are just as immense. His masterpiece Seven Samurai may very well be the greatest film ever made, but could also be called the first modern action film. It’s sword fights are still impressive despite the film’s age, and the climactic rain-soaked battle is a technical marvel of choreographed bloodshed. No matter how many technological advancements have come after or how more violent, more large-scale or more explosive action scenes have become, there is no bettering this climax by one of the greatest directors of all time.
Establishing the oft-repeated action movie trope of a team assembled for a mission, the seven titular samurai are hired to defend a village from violent bandits. Battle between the samurai and bandits ensues, and erupts in the film’s final assault that takes place in a torrential downpour. The bandits ride into the village on horseback and the samurai cut them down so the villagers can skewer them one by one. The shot selection and clarity of action is the kind of cinematic perfection that’s taught in every film school. Kurosaw used multiple camera set ups and telephoto lenses to precisely capture the choreographed battle, and it still has a gritty, messy authenticity to it that many lesser filmmakers have been unable to replicate. More than it’s mere minutes of chaos and killing, the climax is an emotional one driven by character, as the previously mocked aspirant samurai Kikuchiyo (Toshiro Mifune) deals the final blow as he succumbs to his own wounds, earning his place among the other warriors in their graves on a hill. It’s everything any action fan could want.
Seven Samurai
- Release Date
-
April 26, 1954
- Runtime
-
207 Minutes
- Director
-
Akira Kurosawa
- Writers
-
Akira Kurosawa
Nick Cannon has landed in hot water after opening up about the different dating rules he has for his first set of twins with Mariah Carey.
The actor and TV host recently revealed that while his son, Moroccan, is allowed to date, his daughter, Monroe, is not. Cannon said the rule comes from a place of protection, claiming he wants to shield his daughter from potentially harmful men.
However, his explanation did not sit well with many online accusing him of applying a double standard and reinforcing a misogynistic approach to parenting.
Cannon has long been known as one of Hollywood’s more unconventional public figures, not just for his work in entertainment, but for his highly publicized personal life.
The actor and TV host is the father of 12 children with six women, with some of his kids born in the same year. However, while Cannon’s own dating history has often made headlines, his approach to parenting his first set of twins with Carey is now drawing criticism.
Speaking on a recent episode of “The TMZ Podcast,” Cannon revealed that he is comfortable with his 15-year-old son, Moroccan, dating, but does not allow his twin sister, Monroe, to do the same.
“There is a difference when parenting a son and then when parenting a daughter. I am more protective of my daughter because there’s things out there that I have to protect my daughter from,” Cannon said.
Cannon Worries About His Daughter Being Abused On A Date
Despite the host calling him out on his double standard, Cannon only doubled down on his stance, but explains that his fear is tied to situations like his daughter suffering violence at the hands of her date.
“My son isn’t calling me that, Dad, she hit me,” the comedian said in a dramatic high voice. “He’s not doing that. But if someone puts their hands on my daughter. I’m going to jail. I’m doing 25 to life if somebody puts their hands on my daughter.”
He went on to say that it is his “worst nightmare” for his daughter to ever be in such a situation, as he isn’t changing his mind on how he would react to her abuser.
Nick Cannon Said His Daughter Can Only Go On Dates With A Chaperone
When asked at what age Monroe would be allowed to date, Cannon appeared hesitant and struggled to give a clear answer before explaining that they had reached an agreement.
According to Cannon, he told his daughter that if she could explain what usually happens on dates, he would consider allowing her to go. Even then, the actor said he would feel more comfortable if her brother accompanied her.
Unsatisfied with his response, the host pressed him further, asking whether 16 would be an appropriate age for Monroe to start dating.
The “American Son” star once again avoided giving a direct answer, but said he is already preparing for that stage and has started talking with her about the possibility of dating when she gets to college.
The Actor Faces Backlash Over Dating Double Standard
Cannon’s comments quickly sparked backlash online, with many accusing him of applying a double standard in the way he is parenting his twins.
One user described his stance as “misogynistic b-llshit,” while another called it a “double standard at its finest.”
Cannon’s highly publicized personal life and history of multiple relationships also became part of the criticism, with some arguing that he was not the best person to be offering parenting advice publicly.
“Nick Cannon is one of the very last people who should be giving parenting advice on a podcast. He has 12 kids with 6 different women. He’s gross,” one user wrote.
Nick Cannon Explained Why He Has So Many Kids
Over the years, Cannon has faced plenty of questions about his growing family, from whether he uses birth control to whether he plans to have more children. He has also dealt with criticism, labeling him a deadbeat father, as well as speculation about whether he would ever consider getting a vasectomy.
Most recently, Cannon addressed the subject in a 2025 cover story with Vulture, where he admitted that having so many children was not exactly planned.
“It was also a little bit of, like, ‘OK, God, how did I have five kids in one year?’” he told the publication, referencing 2022, when he welcomed five children with different women. “Probably careless activity.”
Entertainment
Jamie-Lynn Sigler reveals James Gandolfini was a no-show at her first wedding with ‘no warning’
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Sigler’s memoir “And So It Is…A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope” is available for purchase wherever books are sold.
Most movies aim to entertain, a few strive for something a little deeper, and a handful go for the emotional jugular, trying to shake the viewer to the core. They pull you into worlds defined by grief, moral collapse, existential dread, or quiet, unresolvable pain.
With that in mind, this list looks at the heaviest films of the last four decades. The titles below refuse easy catharsis. They are not the kinds of movies you casually revisit on a Sunday afternoon. But they are the kind that stay with you.
10
‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ (2022)
“I’m scared… I’m so scared.” The most recent adaptation of the classic anti-war novel is the best and a deeply harrowing watch (even if some deviations from the source material perhaps dilute its power). Felix Kammerer plays the young German soldier who enthusiastically enlists in World War I, only to be confronted with the brutal reality of trench warfare. As the war drags on, his idealism is stripped away, replaced by exhaustion and despair.
The tone is grim, and the atmosphere suffocating. In this movie, there are no glorious charges or last-minute victories. All we get is mud, confusion, and sudden, arbitrary death. The violence is clumsy, prolonged, and deeply uncomfortable to watch. The aesthetics reflect this. The colors are cold, muted, almost decaying, and the sound design is oppressive, dominated by a recurring, almost industrial score.
9
‘Se7en’ (1995)
“What’s in the box?” Se7en is a procedural thriller, but also a dark moral study. In it, two detectives (Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman) track a serial killer (Kevin Spacey) who uses the seven deadly sins as the basis for his murders. The more the cops discover, the more personal and complex the case becomes. The film has a pronounced philosophical edge, as the characters are forced to grapple with questions of justice and the nature of evil.
Somerset represents weary realism. He has seen enough to believe the world is fundamentally broken. Mills, less experienced and more impulsive, still believes in good. However, the movie relentlessly drags the young detective toward Somerset’s bleak perspective. This comes through in the cinematography as well. The film’s world is perpetually dark and rain-soaked, a sense of decay looming over everything. All this culminates in that devastating, iconic ending.
8
‘Blonde’ (2022)
“I’m still her… but I don’t know who that is.” While one can debate the artistic merits and historical accuracy of Blonde, there’s no denying its heaviness. The film reimagines the life of Marilyn Monroe (Ana de Armas) through a fragmented, impressionistic lens, focusing on her experiences of exploitation and emotional trauma. It’s a grueling, often frightening character study and snapshot of a predatory industry.
Here, Monroe is no glamorous, untouchable icon. Rather, she’s someone trapped in cycles of abuse and abandonment. Her childhood wounds, especially her fractured relationship with her mother, actively shape every decision she makes. She’s stuck, replaying the same emotional damage in different forms. Scenes of heartbreak and degradation hit us one after another. Unlike more conventional biopics, Blonde doesn’t aim to celebrate or even fully explain its subject. It just immerses you in her suffering.
7
‘Irréversible’ (2002)
“Time destroys everything.” Gaspar Noé is no stranger to provocative filmmaking, yet even by his standards, Irréversible is a difficult project. In the film, a brutal act of violence sets off a chain of events told in reverse chronological order, revealing the consequences before the causes. The narrative moves backward, and a clearer picture of the characters’ lives slowly emerges. This structure isn’t just a gimmick, but a way of reframing the story, making earlier scenes feel increasingly tragic as their context becomes clear.
The movie’s underlying philosophy is fatalistic. This is a world governed by randomness and cruelty, where ordinary lives can be destroyed in an instant by chance encounters. There’s no moral balance, no justice that meaningfully restores what was lost. Once again, the filmmaking itself complements this. The disorienting camerawork, defined by long takes and spinning movements, creates a sense of nausea and panic.
6
‘American History X’ (1998)
“Hate is baggage… life’s too short to be pissed off all the time.” Edward Norton delivers perhaps his strongest performance here as Derek Vinyard, a former neo-Nazi reflecting on his past while trying to prevent his younger brother (Edward Furlong) from following the same path. The film moves between timelines, exploring the roots and consequences of his beliefs. In the process, it forces you to sit inside the mindset it’s trying to dismantle.
Crucially, American History X refuses easy answers. It acknowledges the possibility of change, but also insists that actions have consequences that can’t simply be erased. There’s a sense of tragedy to even the more positive moments, a painful realization that the harm is already set in motion. Finally, there are the bursts of shocking violence, like the infamous curb stomp scene.
5
‘Manchester by the Sea’ (2016)
“I can’t beat it… I can’t beat it.” Manchester by the Sea is an unrelentingly sad movie, but a great one nonetheless. Casey Affleck won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance as Lee Chandler, a withdrawn janitor who returns to his hometown after his brother’s death and is unexpectedly named the guardian of his teenage nephew (Lucas Hedges). He tries to navigate this new responsibility, but past traumas continue to exert a hold on him.
Ultimately, Manchester by the Sea is a modern classic because it doesn’t sugarcoat anything or search for silver linings. It treats grief as something permanent. Lee isn’t on a journey to “get over” what happened; he’s trying, in a limited and fragile way, to keep living with it. There are some things in life, the movie tells us, you simply can’t come back from.
4
‘An Elephant Sitting Still’ (2018)
“Everything is just… meaningless.” In An Elephant Sitting Still, multiple characters in a bleak Chinese city contemplate traveling to see a mythical elephant that simply sits, unmoving, indifferent to the world. Over the course of a single day, their lives intersect in subtle and tragic ways. The narrative is less about plot than about accumulation, small moments of despair building into something overwhelming. The result is a film that confronts existential emptiness head-on.
Interestingly, the issues and traumas here are relatively ordinary, even systemic, as opposed to big and “cinematic”. The characters contend with problems like loneliness, guilt, and purposelessness, which are common in the modern world. Fundamentally, the elephant symbolizes escape, but the film remains agnostic as to whether this hope is real or just another illusion people cling to in order to keep going.
3
‘Requiem for a Dream’ (2000)
“I just want to be on television.” In Darren Aronofsky‘s grim masterpiece, four characters (Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Ellen Burstyn, and Marlon Wayans) chase different forms of success and escape, only to find themselves trapped in cycles of addiction and self-destruction. Their lives spiral out of control, and the consequences become increasingly severe, to the point that they’re almost painful to watch.
In Requiem for a Dream, downfall is inevitable, with each storyline following a similar, gut-wrenching trajectory. The final act is unbearable, with everyone hitting a breaking point. These were challenging roles to play, but the performances are fittingly intense and believable across the board, perfectly capturing the characters’ initial hope and the eventual collapse. On the aesthetic side, the rapid editing and recurring visual motifs create a sense of momentum that mirrors the protagonists’ descent.
2
‘Dancer in the Dark’ (2000)
“I see it all… I see it now.” Dancer in the Dark saw Danish provocateur Lars von Trier teaming up with Icelandic musician Björk. She won the Best Actress Award at Cannes for her turn here as Selma, a Czech immigrant working in a factory, struggling to save money for her son’s (Vladica Kostic) eye operation while slowly losing her own vision. Her situation worsens, and she retreats into elaborate musical fantasies.
The director is famous for audacious, challenging work, and this is him at his most emotionally confrontational. Here, he juxtaposes harsh realism with moments of stylized musical escape, creating a hard-hitting tension. At the eye of the storm, Björk’s performance is remarkably raw and vulnerable, anchoring the film’s more experimental elements. Her character is kind, naive, and fundamentally good, but the world around her is indifferent at best and exploitative at worst.
1
‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (1988)
“Why do fireflies have to die so soon?” Grave of the Fireflies is one of the greatest animated movies of all time, as well as one of the most heartbreaking. It tells the story of two siblings (Tsutomu Tatsumi and Ayano Shiraishi) struggling to survive in Japan during the final months of World War II after losing their home and family. Resources are scarce, and their situation grows increasingly desperate. By contrast, the animation is delicate and precise, capturing both the beauty and the fragility of the characters’ world.
This dichotomy brings home how large-scale conflict translates into small, personal losses. The children are front and center, their bond tender and real, which makes their gradual decline feel all the more devastating. Seita tries to take on the role of protector, while Setsuko embodies innocence and trust. The world around them, however, is indifferent.
Grave of the Fireflies
- Release Date
-
April 16, 1988
- Runtime
-
89 Mins
- Director
-
Isao Takahata
- Writers
-
Akiyuki Nosaka, Isao Takahata
As the current TV season draws to an end in the coming weeks, details about what to expect in season finales are finally trickling in. And for CBS‘ hit firefighter procedural, Fire Country, the season finale is one for the books. The show typically goes all out for the season finale, as a multi-level emergency pushes the firefighters’ physical and emotional limits. Whether it’s a massive landslide or a wildfire, these emergencies amplify the chaos in the characters’ lives.
In the fourth season’s finale, the town deals with a flood. Everything starts in the penultimate episode when a fire causes structural damage to Pineville Dam. Things get progressively worse as its integrity is compromised, and the dam can’t contain the water. “After a catastrophic dam failure unleashes historic floodwaters across Edgewater, Station 42 and Three Rock battle rising waters and dwindling resources,” the logline for Fire Country Season 4, Episode 20, “Try Not to Drown,” reveals. And while previous finales have featured major emergencies, this one is intimidating because it’s unlike anything the station has dealt with before.
Fire Country star Jordan Calloway said in an interview that “the incident is very intense,” and that “it takes a lot of work.” He also revealed that even though the emergency tests everyone, there will be some great moments for the characters that set up the story for Season 5. “What I will say, though, is the ending of it, you can take a deep breath. You can take a breath,” the actor said. Meanwhile, the show brings back Chief Richards to oversee the rescue efforts.
Shawn Hatosy Returns to ‘Fire Country’ in the Season 4 Finale
Following his recurring appearance throughout the season, The Pitt‘s Shawn Hatosy returns for the final two episodes of the season. Chief Richards is always ready to shake things up, so it will be interesting to see what brings him back and how he handles the emergency that starts in Episode 19, “Rain Check for Tomorrow.” Meanwhile, in this week’s episode, Bode (Max Thieriot) once again confronts his actions as a past crime comes to light. The logline for Episode 18, “Best Man,” explains:
“When Bode’s past resurfaces far from Edgewater, a volatile chain of events leads to a perilous off-duty rescue that forces him to confront guilt, accountability and what it truly means to step up when lives – and friendships – are on the line.”
Watch new episodes of Fire Country on Fridays on CBS at 9 pm ET. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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October 7, 2022
- Showrunner
-
Tia Napolitano
- Directors
-
Bill Purple, Dermott Downs, Eagle Egilsson, Gonzalo Amat, Kevin Alejandro, Max Thieriot, Sarah Wayne Callies, Marie Jamora, Kantu Lentz, Antonio Negret, Laura Nisbet Peters, Lisa Demaine, Nicole Rubio, James Strong, Anton Cropper, Erica A. Watson, Joy T. Lane, Jacquie Gould, Chi-Yoon Chung
- Writers
-
Tia Napolitano, David Gould, Natalia Fernandez, Barbara Kaye Friend, Tony Phelan, Joan Rater, Dwain Worrell, Julia Fontana, Sara Casey, Manuel Herrera, Jen Klein, Anupam Nigam, Tonya Kong
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