Kathy Griffin is opening up about a recent health scare after revealing she unexpectedly spent the night in the hospital following complications from a routine medical procedure. The comedian shared the update directly with fans on social media, posting a hospital snap while assuring followers she’s now back home recovering. Kathy Griffin, who has been candid for years about her numerous health battles, used her humor to address the ordeal, while also reminding fans just how unpredictable even routine procedures can be.

Griffin took to Instagram to reveal that she had suffered complications following a colonoscopy procedure. Alongside a photo from her hospital stay, the comedian shared a candid update with followers about the frightening experience. “I spent the night in the hospital because I had complications from my colonoscopy,” she said. “I know, I know, very s-xy, but I am home now with the doggies where I belong.”

Despite the scary ordeal, Griffin appeared to keep her sense of humor intact, joking about the situation while reassuring fans she was safely back home. She also shared that she initially hoped to explain the situation in a more detailed video, but ran into technical difficulties.

Griffin Wanted To Share A ‘TMI’ Update

While Griffin didn’t go into specifics about the complications she experienced, she hinted that fans almost got an even more detailed explanation.

According to the comedian, she had planned to post what she called a “TMI” video to explain everything, but was unable to because of sound issues.

The update quickly sparked concern among fans, many of whom flooded her comments with well wishes as she continues recovering at home with her dogs.

Kathy Griffin Has Been Open About Her Health Struggles

The health scare marks the latest challenge in Griffin’s long history of medical issues she has openly discussed throughout her career. Over the years, the comedian has spoken candidly about everything from a binge eating disorder during her teenage years to multiple cosmetic procedures.

Griffin has previously revealed she underwent a breast augmentation, nose job, lip tattoo, and a botched LASIK surgery in 2003 that partially blinded one of her eyes. She also nearly died following complications from liposuction in 1999.

Griffin Previously Opened Up About PTSD And Anxiety

Griffin has also spoken openly about her mental health struggles in recent years. In 2023, she revealed on social media that her cancer battle and years of backlash stemming from the controversial 2017 image depicting what appeared to be Donald Trump’s severed head contributed to severe PTSD and debilitating anxiety attacks.

At the time, Griffin shared that the emotional toll occasionally left her unable to function for hours. She explained in a TikTok video that anxiety sometimes had her writhing in bed for up to eight hours and said she managed symptoms by pushing herself to complete simple daily tasks, including feeding her dog and taking walks.

Kathy Griffin Previously Battled Lung Cancer

The comedian’s latest health scare also comes after a serious cancer diagnosis several years ago. In 2021, Griffin revealed she had been diagnosed with stage one lung cancer despite never smoking cigarettes.

At the time, she announced she would undergo surgery to remove part of her left lung. Since then, Griffin has continued sharing health updates with fans while remaining transparent about the physical and emotional challenges she has faced behind the scenes.

More recently, Griffin opened up about just how much she has endured over the last few years during an appearance on “The View” in April. During the Friday, April 24, broadcast, cohost Joy Behar pointed out that the comedian had overcome an incredible number of obstacles in recent months. “Yeah, I have half a lung on one side,” Griffin said. “I had lung cancer even though I didn’t smoke.”

The comedian also reflected on the aftermath of her health struggles, including complications involving her voice. “Then my vocal cord was injured, so I had to get a vocal cord implant, which I call my b–b job in my throat, which is kind of erotic if you think about it,” she continued.

Despite the setbacks, Griffin has continued using humor to navigate even her toughest health battles.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 1 minute ago

When I entered the theater to watch The Mandalorian and Grogu, I kept thinking about Luke Skywalker going into that Dark Side cave on Dagobah. Yoda warned him that he would only find in there what he brought with him; Luke went in expecting a fight, causing his dreamlike battle with Darth Vader.

Unlike young Skywalker, I put down my “weapons” (namely, my cynicism about the franchise), clearing my mind as I took my seat. Star Wars was back on the big screen for the first time since 2019, and I was determined to give the film a fair shot. What could possibly go wrong?

To my surprise, the movie was both better and worse than I imagined. It delivers some truly stellar visuals, ranging from breathtaking CGI to world-class miniature work. The film is also filled with very solid action, offering fans almost every type of battle they could want.

But for better or for worse, The Mandalorian and Grogu abandons any pretense of being a traditional movie with an overarching narrative. Instead, this is basically a video game playthrough where we watch the title characters bounce from one quest to another, causing mayhem wherever they go. Is it fun to watch? Absolutely. Unfortunately, this movie is pure fan service, and its lack of any real substance signifies Star Wars’ final transformation into a mindless action franchise.

What What (With The Hutts)

The premise of The Mandalorian and Grogu is that our titular duo is doing dirty work for the New Republic, hunting various Imperial warlords down throughout the galaxy. They get a new mission: to go rescue Jabba the Hutt’s son, Rotta, from a criminal syndicate.

The Mandalorian isn’t exactly happy about the mission, but he’s happy with the payment that he receives upfront: a shiny new Razorcrest. After a not-so-meet-cute, Mando and Rotta the Hutt must reluctantly team up against a galaxy trying to hunt them both down. By the time it’s all over, the Mandalorian will have to choose whether to do right by the employer using him as a weapon or the bounty that keeps trying to get him killed.

The Mandalorian and Grogu is remarkably accessible to general audiences. You don’t have to be up to date on The Mandalorian in order to follow the plot.

However, that proves to be something of a double-edged sword (or double-sided lightsaber). Making the film so accessible (right down to giving Pedro Pascal’s Mando a replica of his iconic ship from Season 1) is a great way to get mainstream butts in the theater seats, and the movie does an excellent job of making Star Wars seem like a fun action romp. But if you are a superfan of The Mandalorian, you’ll be disappointed that this movie feels like a completely disconnected side story.  

Lights, Camera, And Nothing But Action

How much you enjoy The Mandalorian & Grogu will depend almost entirely on what you are expecting from this franchise. If you mostly want action and adventure from Star Wars, this movie delivers in spades with some of the coolest battle scenes we’ve ever seen in a galaxy far, far away.

There’s a fun mix of special effects and practical effects, including a stop-motion battle from Mad God director Phil Tippett that I was thinking about long after the credits rolled. There’s also some killer space battle stuff, and for many nerds, the sight of Sigourney Weaver piloting an X-Wing is, by itself, worth the price of admission.

Aside from its beautiful visuals and engrossing action, The Mandalorian & Grogu has some other major strengths. It felt like stunt casting from the beginning, and the sight of a Hutt speaking English is undeniably weird, but Jeremy Allen White does a terrific job voicing Rotta. His easy rapport with Din Djarin is one of the best parts of the film, giving us a few human moments (so to speak) so we can catch our breath between action scenes.

Plus, the music from composer Ludwig Göransson is wonderful, mixing operatic sci-fi with a few buzzy, lo-fi beats that had me bouncing in my seat. Throw in plenty of cute Grogu moments, and you have a real crowd-pleaser of a film.

Star Wars Is Now A Mindless Action Franchise

Beyond these strengths, though, the primary issue with The Mandalorian & Grogu is that there’s no there there. Beyond Rotta, nobody really gets any kind of characterization. The story itself has no greater connection to the Star Wars universe beyond a few character cameos (always fun seeing Zeb from Rebels), and there’s nothing here that really builds on the plot of The Mandalorian.

Now, that might be a good thing if you hate how that show eventually descended into weird Mando melodrama. But this is a movie based on a TV show that has almost nothing to do with the TV show and settles for being a very expensive set of jangling keys.  

To get a better idea of both the strengths and weaknesses of The Mandalorian & Grogu, imagine introducing a friend to the original Star Wars trilogy by just fast-forwarding from one action scene to the next. Chances are, your friend will be absolutely thrilled by these cool characters and unforgettable battles. But he won’t really know who these characters are or understand the greater story that connects these films.

As you’ve probably gathered, this is The Mandalorian & Grogu in a nutshell: it’s almost all action and no story. That makes it simultaneously one of the most thrilling movies in the franchise and, arguably, the laziest Star Wars movie ever made.

To be clear, The Mandalorian & Grogu isn’t a bad Star Wars movie: frankly, I’d happily watch this again over The Rise of Skywalker, and it’s better than much of the Prequel Trilogy. But when the sequels and prequels stumbled, it was usually because they were taking big, creative swings that didn’t always connect.

By comparison, The Mandalorian & Grogu plays it safe, sidestepping story problems by having almost no story at all. It’s not just Star Wars porn; it’s a compilation of franchise money shots. The result is a film not unlike your favorite X-rated videos: a very shameful, undeniably guilty pleasure that you’ll return to whenever you get bored enough.

Fans have been eyeing Ari Fletcher heavy, accusing her of going MIA and then popping back out with a mysterious glow. Folks online immediately started speculating that she’s pregnant, while others still had their doubts. Now, Ari has entered the chat and clearing the air on whether she’s gearing up to welcome a new mini-me.

RELATED: Minor Setback! Ari Fletcher Shares Update On “Remedy” Cosmetics Line Amid Feud With Her Former Manage (VIDEO) 

Glow Up Or Baby On The Way? Ari Fletcher Addresses Pregnancy Rumors

Recently, Ari Fletcher hopped on her Instagram Story to set the record straight after fans started speculating that she’s expecting a baby. The rumors popped off on Instagram after one user commented under her photo, writing, “That glo, are you pregnant ARIANA?” Then another user ran with the narrative, adding, Why Ari look pregnant?” As the messages kept rolling in, Ari replied letting folks know she gained a little weight but she’s back looking snatched. From there, she went on to promote her appearance in Houston. “I HAD GAINED WEIGHT BUT IM BACK NOW. PREGNANT WHERE BOO? COME SEE ME IN HOUSTON TOMORROW,” Ari wrote.

The TL Weighs In After Clears Up Pregnancy Speculation

Folks quickly shared their thoughts on Ari’s response over in The Shade Room’s comment section. Some Roommates think she’s not telling the truth, while others believe there’s no way she’s carrying a child when she constantly goes super hard in the gym.

Instagram user @s3kbabyy_ wrote, “Last person who y’all said was pregnant and said they “WASN’T pregnant “ was pregnant 🤣 so I believe it 🤷‍♀️” 

Instagram user @iamcalisodope wrote, “y’all accuse her every year 😂😂😂give it up until she tell y’all.” 

While Instagram user @holly_mingkai wrote, “She can still be pregnant just down playing it until she’s at the stage to let us know.” 

Then Instagram user @_dabosslady1_ wrote, “When did she ever look pregnant?!” 

Another Instagram user @_mc.lovinnnn___ wrote, “If she’s pregnant are yall going to take care of the baby?” 

Instagram user @foreveramber_82 wrote, “God forbid a woman be to bloated 😩😩” 

Then another Instagram user @straightouttachat wrote, “She been grinding too hard on that gym to be pregnant 😂😂😂” 

While another Instagram user @adrianaforbes_ wrote, “Dang people cant gain weight without yall thinking they pregnant 😒” 

Lastly, Instagram user @teyanaamya wrote, “Every time they do this , they be pregnant fr.” 

The Internet Is Rooting For Ari & Moneybagg To Start A Family

Fans have been manifesting a baby for Ari Fletcher and Moneybag Yo for a minute now. Plenty of folks are hoping that they would start their own family soon, even though Ari shares a son Yosohn with G Herbo and Bagg reportedly has right children, but even with a blended family they are ready to see them with a mini-me because they of how they show love for each other.

In February, they gave a glimpse of their Valentine’s Day festivities. Hearts filled the room, the romantic vibes were on a 1000, and Ari made sure she looked like a whole meal in a stunning dress. Fans even gave Bagg props for going all out for her and giving her full-fledged Queen treatment on Love Day. On top of that, they clocked Ari for referring to him as her “husband” as she joked that he was failing miserably at getting her best angle in photos.

RELATED: Ari Fletcher Shows Off Massive New Ring & Some Internet Users Can’t Stop Mentioning G Herbo & Taina Williams (VIDEOS) 

On the high of his success with Sinners, Ryan Coogler‘s The X-Files reboot continues full-steam ahead a decade after Chris Carter revived the original Fox series. However you feel about Coogler taking the property over, it’s yet another reminder that Hollywood always seems to learn the wrong lessons about recycling re-existing IP, especially since David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are no longer involved. Frankly, rather than another round at the FBI’s spookiest basement-born unit, there’s one Carter-created Fox drama that really does deserve new life. After all these years, fans still want more Millennium.

We’re Long Overdue for a ‘Millennium’ Revival

Those already intimately familiar with Millennium will be overjoyed to see the short-lived, three-season thriller highlighted again here, while X-Philes may recall a certain X-Files episode of the same name. Whichever camp you fall into, Millennium is one of those shows that, once you get hooked, you’ll wish it went on for several more years. The Fox series followed Lance Henriksen as former FBI profiler Frank Black, who moves to Seattle with his wife, Catherine (Megan Gallagher), and their daughter Jordan (Brittany Tiplady). Hoping to start a new life away from the horrors he saw at the Bureau, Frank has retired from law enforcement to become a criminal consultant with a band of former federal agents and investigative personnel called the “Millennium Group.” But after tracking down several serial killers and investigating strange cases involving apocalyptic literature and language, Frank discovers that there are members of the Group who wish to usher in the biblical “End of Days” at the turn of the century. Hence, the name.

Now, 30 years later — and after much fan clamor through books like Back to Frank Black, podcasts such as The Time Is Now, and the After the Millennium (previously Millennium After the Millennium) documentary — there’s no better time to revisit this series with a limited event run. The show’s dark, thematic tone pairs well with many of the twisted thrillers and elevated horror flicks released over the years. (Longlegs, for instance, could easily have been a Millennium episode.) Even if some parts of the ’90s drama are a bit dated now, Millennium holds up quite well, and it’s certainly a show that could find an audience in the modern day. The fact that IDW published a five-issue continuation that tied directly to their X-Files comic series a decade ago proves that there’s some sort of contemporary interest, right?

Unlike The X-Files (which effectively wrapped up its plot back in its ninth season), Millennium never got a proper ending. Last we saw Frank Black and his daughter Jordan, he had foiled the Group’s latest plans for world domination (as seen in The X-Files crossover episode “Millennium”), only to walk into the new millennium with his daughter. But considering all the loose threads that Millennium Season 3 never had the chance to tie up — the true fate of Peter Watts (Terry O’Quinn), Emma Hollis’ (Klea Scott) decision to join the Group, and the relationship between the physical threats presented by the Group and the demonic forces Frank is privy to — time is running out before Henriksen won’t be able to do it.

The Time Is Now For ‘Millennium’s Return — Or It May Never Happen

With Lance Henriksen pushing 90, it’s becoming less and less likely that any network or streamer will be interested in revisiting such a cult series. The fact that Millennium is still not available on Blu-ray, nor in any digital format, is another indicator of Fox’s lack of interest. Indeed, it’s a travesty that ought to be rectified. Millennium may be lesser-known, but that doesn’t mean that it’s of any lesser quality than The X-Files — in fact, some might argue that it’s even better. At least some episodes, like the Halloween-themed “The Curse of Frank Black,” truly outshine many television productions today, and Henriksen himself more than delivered the TV performance of a lifetime. Across 67 episodes of television, the best episodes of Millennium remind us that there is still so much more to explore through Frank’s weary eyes.

So, how could Millennium return? There are plenty of ways you could bring back Frank and his supporting cast. For one thing, the apparent defeat of the Millennium Group does not mean that they’ve simply vanished into thin air. They may even still have plans for Peter Watts after his “murder.” Likewise, the show has hinted on several occasions (and confirmed through the 2015 comic book, whose canonicity is admittedly debatable) that Jordan has inherited her father’s psychic ability to see into the hearts of criminals — and possibly into the unseen spiritual realm as well. This could tie back to recurring antagonist Lucy Butler (Sarah-Jane Redmond), a demon who haunted Frank throughout all three seasons and has also set eyes on his daughter.

Perhaps a revival could primarily follow Jordan as she deals with the fallout of the original series, with Frank helping her to hone her abilities to keep her from going insane. Even if Millennium were to be revived in a small capacity, it’s clear that there is still plenty of narrative potential. Here’s hoping we can get a six-episode event run in the near future. Although at this point, I’d settle for a made-for-streaming movie.

Miley Cyrus had plenty to celebrate during her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, but one unexpected moment quickly stole attention away from the star itself.

As family members gathered around the singer for photos, a comment from her mother, Tish Cyrus, suddenly led to speculation, with many now wondering if Miley quietly married fiancé Maxx Morando without telling the public.

Miley Cyrus officially received the 2,845th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Recording Category during an emotional ceremony attended by friends, family, and celebrity supporters.

The “Flowers” singer posed proudly beside her new star outside the famous Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel while fans crowded nearby to celebrate the milestone moment. Special guests, including Anya Taylor-Joy and Donatella Versace, were also present for the occasion.

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However, the biggest surprise came during a family photo session involving Miley, her mother Tish Cyrus, and sister Brandi Cyrus.

According to the Daily Mail, as photographers prepared for more pictures, Tish suddenly called out, “We’re gonna bring the husband.”

Both Tish and Miley then motioned for Maxx Morando to join them. The musician stepped beside his fiancée for several affectionate photos, including one moment where he leaned over and kissed her on the cheek.

The comment immediately sparked speculation because Miley and Morando have never publicly confirmed they secretly tied the knot. While their engagement became public late last year, neither has referred to the other as husband or wife before.

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Miley Cyrus Gets Emotional During Major Career Milestone

Beyond the marriage rumors, the ceremony itself marked one of the most important moments of Miley Cyrus’ career.

During her speech, the singer reflected on what the honor truly meant to her after years in the entertainment industry.

“What’s so special to me about this star is that it’s an accumulation of devotion,” Miley told attendees.

She also made it clear that she does not view the honor as something superficial or temporary.

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“The star isn’t something you win like a seasonal game, it’s not something that you can chase or collect, it’s not something you make the next record for and then tote it around like a trophy,” Miley continued.

She later explained that her passion for creativity still motivates her more than awards or recognition.

The “Wrecking Ball” singer said, “And after today, I commit to continuing the cycle of creation because that is what I truly live for. And it’s getting really good.”

As the crowd listened closely, she became even more reflective about the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

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She noted, “My hope is what I leave behind continues to affect the hearts of generations to come. Ones that I won’t be here to experience.”

Miley added, “I hope that it awakens something raw and imperfect and sexy and glamorous and joyful in times that need it.”

The emotional speech drew loud applause from fans gathered around the ceremony.

Miley Thanks Fans And Future Family

#MileyCyrus thanks her fans during an emotional speech at her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony:

“My dad used to say that a skyscrapper starts with a jackhammer. So does a star on the Walk of Fame, by the way!” pic.twitter.com/c8l2wyfy2J

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— Variety (@Variety) May 22, 2026

Near the end of the event, Miley Cyrus shifted her attention toward the people who have supported her throughout her career and personal life.

Looking toward the audience, the singer thanked her loyal fan base directly.

She said, “To my fans, you are the stars that make my dream a reality everyday. Through your love and your support. And I thank you.”

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Miley then became emotional while acknowledging her loved ones, including a subtle mention that further fueled marriage rumors online.

“To my family, my future family, my parents, my mom, my siblings, my friends, my collaborators. Thank you for loving and supporting not only the choices that I make, but my fears and then facing them with me,” she said.

The phrase “future family” quickly caught attention following Tish Cyrus’s earlier “husband” comment.

The singer later said she would “never forget” the special occasion before greeting fans and posing for additional photos after the ceremony wrapped.

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Maxx Morando And Miley Cyrus Keep Romance Private

Miley and Morando have remained one of Hollywood’s more private celebrity couples despite increasing public interest in their relationship.

The pair reportedly began dating in 2021 after meeting through a blind date. Since then, they have mostly avoided placing their romance front and center, making only occasional public appearances together.

Miley was previously married to Liam Hemsworth, with their highly publicized relationship remaining one of the biggest celebrity stories of the late 2010s.

In December last year, fans first began strongly suspecting Miley and Morando were engaged after she appeared wearing a large diamond ring at the premiere of Avatar: Fire And Ash.

Their engagement was later confirmed, with reports estimating the eye-catching ring could be worth around $150,000.

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Miley And Morando Continue Fueling Speculation

Miley Cyrus with fiancé Maxx Morando sharing an intimate moment after Cyrus received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. pic.twitter.com/onEre1kbBz

— Miley Base (@MileyBasee) May 22, 2026

Friday’s ceremony only intensified curiosity surrounding the couple’s relationship status.

Maxx Morando appeared comfortable standing beside Miley Cyrus throughout the event, smiling during photos and staying close to her family members during the celebration.

Miley also wore her engagement ring prominently during the ceremony while dressed in a black cutout Versace gown paired with minimal jewelry and soft glam makeup.

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Meanwhile, Tish Cyrus attended alongside husband Dominic Purcell and appeared visibly emotional while celebrating her daughter’s accomplishment.

Whether Tish simply misspoke or accidentally revealed a secret wedding remains unclear. But after one unexpected comment at a major Hollywood event, Miley Cyrus fans could now be more convinced than ever that wedding bells may have already rung behind closed doors.

Fans who have never watched “The Mandalorian” but are intrigued by the adorable little Baby Yoda are the target audience for “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” Dedicated “Star Wars” fans who watched all seasons of “The Clone Wars,” “Rebels,” and all three seasons of “The Mandalorian” are no doubt going to find themselves disappointed. This is a popcorn movie in its rawest form. There’s only surface-level character growth, no lore, and lots of action scenes that don’t actually move the story of Din Djarin and Grogu forward in any appreciable way.

As “Rogue One” proved, the characters don’t need to have extensive lightsaber battles or use the Force in order to make a good “Star Wars” movie. The franchise, when it first began almost fifty years ago, explored deeper themes, like finding the balance between good and evil in the galaxy and in ourselves. “The Mandalorian and Grogu” doesn’t have any deeper themes, but it does have a lot of action and a few adorable critters – Anzellans – who are sure to make great action figures. They’re not as cuddly as the Ewoks, but they’re better than the Porgs, so take that as you will.

The movie begins without an opening crawl and dives right into the action. This is a kid’s movie through and through, and the movie keeps things going at a pretty brisk pace. It almost suffers from the same issues as “The Rise of Skywalker” in terms of pacing: we need to get to here to get this, and then now that we have this, we need to go there. It feels more like crossing off a checklist of events instead of an organic narrative.

The Good: Grogu Is Still Cute

There are a few things I enjoyed about this movie. For one, if this had been a straight-to-streaming movie, I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more. If they presented it as a special episode of “The Mandalorian” or even a limited three-episode special, I would have sat back on my couch with my popcorn and enjoyed it.

The score isn’t John Williams, but Ludwig Göransson’s soundtrack is a highlight of the film. It sounds like a “Star Wars” movie, and for all intents and purposes, it does look like a “Star Wars” movie. From the dogfights to the creature features, it does read exactly like a galaxy far, far away would.

And, of course, Grogu spends a great deal of time being adorable and trying to steal snacks. He does have a standout moment that I won’t spoil here, but all in all, I would have liked to see a bit more from the little green guy. I mean, he’s over fifty years old and still won’t speak a single word? Come on, now.

The Bad: It Does Very Little For ‘Star Wars’ Going Forward

All in all, the movie is a fun little side quest for these two heroes, but it has no bearing on the story as a whole. Where will their adventure go from here? I have no idea, and honestly, at this point, I don’t think Lucasfilm does either. This movie is so low stakes, I’m pretty sure that they could continue with a fourth season of “The Mandalorian,” and fans who haven’t watched the movie could pick up right where they left off.

Considering this has been heavily marketed as a standalone movie, I wasn’t expecting much, but this would have been the prime time to have Grogu say his first word. Okay, maybe Din Djarin is a little hard to pronounce, but we needed something to help move their story along and show some real growth. If anything, Din Djarin removed his helmet again, and atoning for that was basically the whole plot of the show’s third season. Are we going to have to take another trip back to Mandalore in season 4?

Where Is The Future Of ‘Star Wars’ Going?

Many critics have questioned the film’s raison d’être, especially since “Starfighter,” starring Ryan Gosling, Mia Goth, Matt Smith, and a whole lot of other A-listers, is coming out next May. “Star Wars” fans have already had to wait seven years for a new movie. Why not wait eight? That movie, directed by Shawn Levy, has already promised a lot more action and heart – and, yes, the iconic lightsaber duels – along with a father/son/found family type story that “The Mandalorian” is trying so hard to achieve.

Personally, I think this all ties into rumors that Dave Filoni is working on his Mandoverse, which will tie in the stories of The Mandalorian, Grogu, Boba Fett, and Ahsoka. It might even be part of the reason that “Ahsoka” season 2 was pushed back to early 2027. Seeing all those fan-favorite characters come together on screen in an Avengers-style mash-up only works if audiences are familiar with them.

Right now, “Ahsoka” is best known from the animated projects and the first season of a live-action show that aired over three years ago. General audiences are probably not as familiar with “Ahsoka” as they are with Grogu, just due to basic merchandising. Setting up “The Mandalorian and Grogu” as a film may help introduce them into the consciousness of the general public, so if and when they do release a mash-up of heroes to fight Grand Admiral Thrawn (I just know someone is reading this, going, ‘Who?!’), audiences are more aware of the general characters, and it gives them some reason to go.  

In Closing…

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” may not be the blockbuster hit that Lucasfilm wanted it to be, but right now, we don’t even know why they made this movie to begin with. Is it a long-game set-up for a bigger franchise movie? Were there concerns that season 4 of “The Mandalorian” would kill all goodwill towards the character completely? Is Lucasfilm just trying to get “Star Wars” back in people’s minds before they drop “Starfighter” next year?

All in all, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” is a decent streaming movie for the general public who just want to eat popcorn and bond with their kids over a simple action-adventure film. For the diehard “Star Wars” fans, though, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” is likely to leave them saltier than the surface of Crait.

HBO’s Band of Brothers remains one of television’s most powerful war dramas, but one episode has only become harder to watch with time. Coming off Saving Private Ryan, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg reunited for a deeper, more intentional look at the men who fought across the Western Front during World War II. But out of all 10 episodes, the toughest to stomach isn’t an hour built around high-stakes battle sequences or personal turmoil. It’s the penultimate chapter, “Why We Fight,” a harrowing episode that confronts the ugliness of war, the horrors of the Holocaust, and the danger of looking away.

‘Band of Brothers’ “Why We Fight” Confronts a Horrible Truth

While every episode of Band of Brothers has its tough moments, the ninth episode arguably takes the cake as the most sobering chapter in the entire drama. Much of the episode follows the burnt-out Captain Lewis Nixon (Ron Livingston) as he wanders around occupied Nazi Germany looking for his favorite whiskey and reeling from the news that his wife is divorcing him. As the men struggle with the silence, they force themselves to keep up morale with a powerful rendition of “Blood on the Risers,” but that all changes when “Why We Fight” takes a dark turn over halfway through as the Allied soldiers discover the darkest truth of the war. When an Easy Company patrol stumbles upon the Kaufering concentration camp, the response is a melancholy mixture of shock, anger, and a brokenheartedness that had been building up since many of these men watched their buddies die in battle. It’s a brutal, senseless, and historically accurate display that reveals the true nature of the Nazis’ attempts to rule the world, showcasing the unspeakable horrors of the Holocaust.

Watching Easy Company tackle the war machine that was the Third Reich in the eight episodes leading up to this offered a bloody, violent, and seemingly senseless picture of 20th-century warfare that is quite difficult to watch on its own. And throughout the ninth chapter, many of the men have grown disillusioned with the war itself, with those who had been on the Western Front for years silencing the younger newcomers who are itching to see some action. In many respects, men like Nixon are wondering what this was all for, and we see this clearly when Private David Webster (Eion Bailey) yells at the surrendered (yet still proud) German forces as they march on by. “Dragging our asses halfway around the world, interrupting our lives. For what?!” he laments. The men of Easy Company are given more downtime to think than they had been offered throughout the entire war, and the weight of what they’ve done, what they’ve seen, begins to crush them in the process. But before they can fully despair, Webster’s question of why they had to fight is answered — and no one would be the same.

Upon arriving at the Kaufering concentration camp, Easy Company is met by walking human shells. Men who have been beaten, abused, tortured, and starved and are in dire need of medical attention have been left behind the locked gates of Kaufering IV, one of the many camps in the larger complex. Writer John Orloff and director David Frankel did their homework here, having reportedly recreated the vile conditions of the camp through historical photos and personal testimony of the men who liberated Nazi Germany in the first place. It’s in the last 20 minutes of the episode that Band of Brothers reminds the audience why everything Easy Company and the Allies did had to take place, shedding a powerful light on not just the actions of the Nazis themselves, but on the German people who deliberately chose to ignore what was going on just outside their own town. The citizens, who continually profess not to be Nazis, are forced to aid in the cleaning up of the camp, burying the bodies of the men they pretended didn’t exist. The episode ends with a title card that notes that, between 1942 and 1945, the Nazis killed over 6 million Jews and 5 million ethnic minorities — and that’s not including those put in the camps because they dissented by aiding those in dire need.

‘Band of Brothers’ Episode 9 Is Difficult To Get Through

Image via HBO

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With an incredible eye for detail and historical accuracy that only adds to the disturbing nature of Easy Company’s discovery, “Why We Fight” is an aptly titled hour that speaks to the very soul of the viewer. It’s certainly an episode that’s difficult to forget and even harder to make it through once the patrol makes it to the Kaufering camp. Later, Major Dick Winters (Damian Lewis) reveals that other Allied forces discovered other camps throughout Nazi Germany, many of which were far worse than what Easy Company (and the audience) experience here, complete with execution chambers and ovens meant to burn the bodies. “You’ve never seen anything like this, it’s complete shock that just stumps every feeling of emotion that you have,” the real-life Winters once explained in an interview decades later. “The horror of it, you could never imagine something like this before.”

But it’s not just the visuals of “Why We Fight” that make it such a profound and pivotal chapter in not just Band of Brothers, but the war as a whole. It’s the way that the men respond to what they’ve encountered that truly breaks our hearts. Private Roy Cobb (Craig Heaney) is abruptly embraced by an elderly prisoner who just weeps in the soldier’s arms, and Winters is clearly at a loss for words the moment he walks in. But it’s Private Joseph Liebgott (Ross McCall) who is especially of note here, as he is called in to translate the moment Easy Company breaks into the death camp. McCall proves himself an expert at his craft here, forcing Liebgott to bury his own feelings about what he is hearing from the survivors in order to relay the truth to his superiors. As he does so, we can feel the aching in his voice as he stumbles through the explanation, hardly able to come to terms with what he’s seeing, let alone hearing.

In an interview with HBO Max’s official Band of Brothers podcast, McCall reveals that there was actually more footage cut out of the final episode. “In fact, there was a longer cut of this episode with about five more minutes in it, and it was all concentration camp stuff where they saw even more horrible things,” the actor recalled. “This was one of the very few times when [HBO] said, ‘You know, we love this episode, but it’s just one step too heavy.’”

The HBO Miniseries ‘Band of Brothers’ Remains at the Top of World War II Storytelling

There are few television productions that are as masterful as Band of Brothers. Although “Why We Fight” meditates on the very worst of humanity in the Nazi war machine and the German people who refused to stand against it, the miniseries also offers a challenging (if not at times conflicted) picture of the very best. “The Greatest Generation” overcame some of the most egregious horrors of their day, in all of modern history, and fought back against the forces that would have enslaved the whole world. Mixing in actual interviews with the very Easy Company men who served during World War II with dramatic interpretations of their exploits across war-torn Europe, Band of Brothers is a triumph of filmmaking that goes the extra mile far beyond what Saving Private Ryan could ever do — and that’s even including the D-Day sequence. It’s no wonder that Spielberg and Hanks were not finished with this period in not just American, but world history.

Armed with a powerful cast that shines masterfully in each episode, Band of Brothers is the war drama to end all war dramas. It’s a historical epic worth regularly revisiting so that we are reminded of what these brave men fought and died for. “Why We Fight” is a harrowing reminder that pure evil does exist in our world, and that standing against it may cost us everything. But it is far more honorable (and right) than standing idly by, remaining purposefully ignorant of the truth. It’s been two decades since Band of Brothers — still one of the greatest miniseries ever made — hit HBO viewers like a truck on the front lines of battle, and it still leaves a powerful dent.

Band of Brothers is available for streaming on HBO Max.

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Release Date

2001 – 2001

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Network

HBO

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Directors

David Frankel, David Nutter, Mikael Salomon, Phil Alden Robinson, Richard Loncraine, Tom Hanks

Writers

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Bruce C. McKenna, Graham Yost, John Orloff

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  Donnie Wahlberg

  C. Carwood Lipton

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