Entertainment
Why Star Trek’s Attempt To Win Over Younger Audiences Is Doomed To Fail
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published
Starfleet Academy is Star Trek’s newest show, and it is aimed squarely at a younger audience than any live-action franchise show before it. Paramount’s goal with this series is quite simple: while appealing to older fans, they are hoping these young characters and their various onscreen antics will reach Generation Z, effectively growing what has become an older and somewhat stagnant fanbase. Unfortunately, these efforts are doomed for a simple reason: the humor in Starfleet Academy is written by Millennials who are patently terrible at writing for a Zoomer audience.
There has been extensive criticism of the language used in Starfleet Academy because these 32nd-century characters talk exactly like 21st-century Zoomers. Cadets constantly refer to each other as “bruh” and “b*tch,” instructors refer to annoying situations as “dumpster fires,” the digital dean talks about cadets getting hangry, and so on. Such dialogue is completely different than in any previous Trek show, and it’s paired with youth-centric plots about getting drunk, hooking up, and pulling pranks on rival students.
The Failed Defense of Starfleet Academy
Whenever anyone criticizes any of this, defenders will usually dust off one of two different arguments. The first (one even Robert Picardo has used) is that, because these characters are so young, we should expect them to speak and act very differently from the trained and seasoned Starfleet officers we have seen onscreen before. The second defense is that we should respect that Paramount is trying to appeal to a new audience, which is important because the primary Star Trek fandom ain’t getting any younger.
Historically, Starfleet Academy critics like myself have focused on the absurdity of the first defense; for example, it’s fine to have younger characters speak more unprofessionally than their older peers, but that doesn’t explain why these 32nd-century characters inexplicably talk like characters from the 21st century. Today’s Zoomers speak very differently from their parents and other older people, but that doesn’t mean they are dusting off slang from 1,100 years ago. However, it’s well past time we dissect the problem with the second defense: namely, that Paramount is doing all of this to create younger Star Trek fans.
Bursting Fanboys’ Bubble
The essential problem with Starfleet Academy’s writers trying to script Zoomer-style dialogue is that a Millennial-led writing staff will never be able to convincingly write like younger people. Pretty much any attempt to do this results in instant cringe. Unfortunately, most of the worst humor in this new Star Trek show comes from older writers trying to create convincing Zoomer dialogue by badly recycling Millennial humor and calling it a day.
For example, one of the clunkier lines from the first episode of Starfleet Academy is Darem’s “I’m Khionian, b*tch.” Ever ask yourself why this really sounds so out of place coming out of this young actor’s mouth? It’s because this kind of dialogue was popularized by Britney Spears (“it’s Britney, b*tch!”) back in 2007, before most Millennials quoting Britney had gotten their first smartphone.
Star Trek Does The Time Warp (Again)
In the most recent episode of Starfleet Academy, the digital dean, voiced by Stephen Colbert, uses the phrase “morning wood” before chuckling in pleasure at his own penis reference. For context, morning wood jokes were at their (ahem) peak in the ‘90s, with Office Space featuring “the Morningwood Condominiums” and Beavis and Butt-Head featuring an episode called “The Mystery of Morning Wood.” Forget appealing to Zoomers, this gag was written by and for the same Millennials that laughed along with Beavis and Butt-Head, which is likely why that same episode has a bizarre punchline featuring a farting fish.
My point is simple: Starfleet Academy has a writer’s room full of Millennials (including Lower Decks legend Tawny Newsome), and they are trying to appeal to younger viewers by including what Millennials liked when they were younger. That’s why bad guys like Nus Braka speak like ‘90s action villains (“Payback’s a b*tch!”) and the good guys are nerds trying to win prank wars with bullies (it’s basically Revenge Of The Nerds in space). This is why Chancellor Ake is hundreds of years old and often acts like a child: she’s an eternal reminder of the Millennial mantra that adulting is hard, guys!
Star Trek’s Comeback Has Already Failed
This is why Starfleet Academy’s attempt to appeal to younger viewers is ultimately doomed to fail. Actual Zoomers will reject all of this Millennial humor in a heartbeat; in fact, it wasn’t that long ago that Zoomers on TikTok were relentlessly mocking Millennial comedy for being so old and out of touch. Meanwhile, older audiences (like the Millennial-hating Boomers who keep Paramount staples like NCIS on the air) will instantly reject youth humor of any stripe, especially when it involves characters vomiting glitter like a background character in an anime (yes, this really happened!).
As for actual Millennials, most of us are still put off by Starfleet Academy’s humor because it feels completely out of place in Star Trek. Literally no fan my age has ever taken a look at the franchise and decided everything would be much better if it were written by people who thought The Office was the funniest thing ever written. Unfortunately, all the writers of this new spinoff can give us is tired vulgarity and try-hard quirks that might have been funny back before the freakin’ housing crisis.
Paramount may still get the last laugh and attract a legion of young viewers, but that’s unlikely: recently, Starfleet Academy quietly slipped out of the Top 10 rankings on Paramount+. As it turns out, writing that pisses off both older and younger viewers is not the recipe for creating a winning new show. I’d love to point this out to the writing staff, but I dare not; after all, who knows what kind of sick, therapy-coded 30 Rock meme they would slap back with in response?
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A majority of the original cast members from Bravo’s “Real Housewives of New York” plan to reunite on a rival network for a new series titled “The Golden Life, except for Bethenny Frankel.
Bethenny Frankel starred in “Real Housewives of New York” seasons 1 through 3 before returning for seasons 7 through 11. Since departing the series, Frankel has been open about her frustration with the show and even got into a public argument with host and Bravo figurehead Andy Cohen.
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Bethenny Frankel Is Not Returning To The ‘RHONY’ Reunion
Bethenny Frankel says she has made a conscious effort to protect her peace, which is why she would not be part of the new The Golden Life series featuring the OG #RHONY women, though she did confirm she was asked.
Jill Zarin then addressed Bethenny’s comments about the show,… pic.twitter.com/74tMdRPxCY
— Bye Wig Hello Drama (@HousewivesHub) February 8, 2026
In a video shared online, Frankel discussed the upcoming spin-off, “Golden Life,” which is set to air on E!. “I’m so happy for the women, and I’m happy for [the network],” she said, calling the move “disruptive” and “business.”
As for her participation in the series, Frankel told her followers to count her out. “So, I have made a conscious effort to protect my peace,” she said. “I’m really happy, I’m really settled.”
The “Bethenny” host said she’s been approached about doing other shows, but she’s declined because she’s not “interested” in taking on work that would “take time away from protecting my peace.”
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Bethenny Frankel Clarifies That She Was Asked To Join The ‘RHONY’ Reboot
According to a previous report from The Blast, Jill Zarin, Kelly Bensimon, Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, and Sonja Morgan will join forces for an epic new series, years after their departure from the “RHONY.”
The new series will be filmed in Florida, and the synopsis teased fun and drama.
“In this new ‘golden’ era of life, the longtime friends are thriving in and around Palm Beach with fabulous second homes and a bustling social scene. With their signature humor and non-stop hijinks, the series will follow the group as they navigate dating, family, and career milestones,” it read before sharing the group would have to face “unresolved drama” from years prior.
In her video, Frankel said she was asked to join the series but declined because the “specific formula” doesn’t work best for her.
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Bethenny Frankel Wants The New ‘RHONY’ Reunion To Succeed
While she remains separate from the project, Frankel conveyed her excitement and hopes for the success of those involved.
Cohen, too, spoke about his excitement for the women, admitting that while they weren’t working with Bravo, he was “so excited for them.”
Elaborating on his radio show, according to The Blast, Cohen said the series would be “great” and that he held no hard feelings against them.
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Frankel Has Previously Slammed The ‘Real Housewives’ Franchise
I think we need more stories about women trashing women…Or….we can publish a book about it? Is that a good idea? #2021 PS. I’ve had my regrettable moments but capitalizing on our weaknesses? That’s “rich”….literally #WomenSupportingWomen lol
— Bethenny Frankel (@Bethenny) October 26, 2021
Since exiting the “Real Housewives” franchise, Frankel has frequently voiced her strong opinions regarding the series. In 2021, she slammed the franchise’s tell-all book, “Not All Diamonds and Rosé,” for “trashing women.”
In a separate interview, Frankel implied that the franchise’s ratings were slipping because of the show’s confrontational nature.
“The ratings overall in television have never been higher and perhaps the ratings on ‘Real Housewives’ aren’t doing well because it’s sort of not maybe the content that is inspiring people to do what they need to do right now,” she said. “Or maybe they want to watch the news or something uplifting or some way to pay it forward.”
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Frankel And Cohen Got Into It Over Previous Comments
In 2022, Frankel debuted her “ReWives” podcast and announced she’d be revisiting prior seasons of “RHONY.”
When Frankel texted Cohen about the series when it launched, the mother of one said Cohen replied, allegedly saying he was “glad to see you embracing the Housewives.”
His comments seemed at odds with what he said about Frankel on an episode of “Watch What Happens Live,” where he noted her history of criticizing the series as “toxic.”
Frankel clapped back at Cohen, saying she’s allowed to have strong feelings about the series and also be thankful for the opportunities it afforded her.
“I’m glad that I’m not there [but] I also do get the right to talk about because I did it for a quarter of my life,” she said.
Entertainment
Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway’s 89% RT True-Crime Thriller Feels Even More Chilling 7 Years Later
Todd Haynes remains an acclaimed figure within the arthouse film community for his powerful romantic and sociological dramedies. Between the intimate romance of his period drama Carol to the scandalous melodrama of his dark comedy May December, Haynes has succeeded in crafting highly personal character studies that feel like slices of life. He’s also set to finally begin work on De Noche, a film that suffered setbacks when Joaquin Phoenix left shortly before filming and has since added Pedro Pascal in his wake. Haynes is inarguably one of the most important filmmakers of his generation, but he’s not necessarily someone who is associated with genre thrillers. However, Haynes showed a completely different side of his storytelling skills with the psychological thriller Dark Waters.
Drawing from a recent real-life event of a public health crisis, Haynes crafted a powerful and timely thriller that speaks to the horrors of corporate greed. The specificity in crafting period pieces that he perfected within his romantic dramas ended up giving him the experience needed to make an eerie parallel to recent events. Dark Waters is a film about a lurking danger that has been covered up by the powers that be. While it is by no means an easy film to watch, Dark Waters is a powerful true crime thriller with excellent performances by Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway.
What Is ‘Dark Waters’ About?
Set in 1998, Dark Waters examines the revelation of the DuPont scandal, which revealed that one of the nation’s most powerful chemical manufacturing corporations was responsible for polluting the environment. Rather than beginning with the crisis’ origins, the film is told from the perspective of the corporate defense lawyer Robert Bilott (Ruffalo), whose expertise is in business malpractice and legal minutiae. While he knows very little about criminal law and would not normally take on a case involving environmental damage, Bilott agrees to look into a series of unexplained animal deaths in Parkersburg, West Virginia, at the behest of farmer Wilbur Tennant (Bill Camp). A series of investigations leads him to discover that the chemicals being dumped in the area are unregulated by the EPA, which would point to a larger conspiracy linked to a corporation capable of covering up its crimes.
While the evidence that Bilott uncovers is horrifying, Haynes treats the dissemination of information like a procedural thriller. It becomes compelling based on how new information changes Bilott’s mind. Initially, he disregards the complaints that the locals have, believing their animosity to be nothing but a half-hearted way of justifying their misfortune. However, the steady revelation of evidence leads Bilott to slowly become more invested in the case. It becomes evident that the generations of pollution committed by DuPont go beyond corporate indifference, as there appears to be a malicious intention behind their targeting of rural communities. Haynes does a great job of showing why the farmers of Parkersburg are particularly vulnerable to these issues. Without a champion like Bilott on their side, the community would not have the resources to raise awareness about what is happening.
‘Dark Waters’ Is an Inventive Psychological Thriller
Much of Dark Waters takes place in boardrooms and corporate offices as Bilott conducts research and analyzes years of testimonies, video evidence, and contracts. While this level of specificity on the legal front could have made for a dull narrative, Haynes incorporates an aspect of psychological dread based on Bilott’s race against time. As he begins to understand that pollution has a devastating impact on the human body, Bilott realizes that the lives of the people he has been representing hang in the balance. This shifts the stakes of the film from economic to personal, with Bilott transforming into a more selfless character based on the years he has spent dedicated to the case. It’s implied that by fighting on their behalf, Bilott has been accepted by the community of Parkersburg.
As inspiring as Bilott’s journey is, Dark Waters is both infuriating and timely in its deconstruction of DuPont’s practices. Haynes brilliantly shows how antiquated legal policies have led DuPont to shift the blame for the pollution to different parties, leading to an endless chase to find the real culprit. Revelations about the extent of the cover-up made by Bilott inspire powerful moments of righteous anger. On a narrative level, this works in making Ruffalo’s excellent performance even more compelling. Additionally, it may inspire viewers to take a deeper look at the real case that the film is based on.
Todd Haynes Made ‘Dark Waters’ At the Right Time
The DuPont scandal underscores broader issues regarding corporate accountability, regulatory oversight, and the prioritization of profit over public health and environmental protection. It’s a cautionary tale that reflects systemic failures and highlights the challenges in addressing environmental injustices, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by pollution. Todd Haynes recognized that the relevance of environmental issues in society fueled the creation of Dark Waters. In an interview with Collider, Haynes opened up about the timeliness of his project:
“Sometimes there’s a sort of a zeitgeist that almost beckons projects to come to the fore at the time they do. There’s something in the air that makes them necessary to happen when they happen. And I do feel like just the environmental issues our country is confronting…and the ways that our regulatory system has so catered to the needs of industry; how much money and big business have dominated our economy. These are all things that make this an incredibly relevant story to tell.”
The success of Dark Waters serves as a compelling testament to Haynes’ timeliness on the project. However, it also underscores the persistent lackluster response from society towards environmental concerns. The film ultimately turns a critical eye on corporate malfeasance, but packages it in the form of a star-studded thriller.
Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway Elevate ‘Dark Waters’
In one of his most underrated performances, Ruffalo combines the professionalism and passion that make Bilott a compelling character. While he does not initially characterize Bilott as haughty or arrogant, he suggests that the character is rather indifferent about the clients he represents, as they really only serve to benefit him economically. However, Ruffalo does a great job of showing how draining the case is for Bilott on a personal level. He’s been taught to be obsessive about discovering evidence, which becomes unhealthy when he applies it to all aspects of his life. The dignity and earnestness that Ruffalo brings to the role is the perfect tribute to a real-life hero.
While it’s not a hugely substantial role, Hathaway gives an impactful performance that transcends the typical “wife” part. Bilott’s wife Sarah is not only critical in reminding the viewer of their humble origins, but essential in caring for him when he puts himself in physical danger. As the case reaches its inflection point, Bilott collapses from overworking himself, forcing Sarah to come to his aid. Hathaway’s heartbroken explanation of her husband’s efforts in a hospital room is among the film’s most heartbreaking moments.
A real story as critical as the DuPont scandal deserves attention, but Dark Waters is more than a standard “issues” movie. It’s a fully fleshed-out psychological thriller that speaks to the horrors of powers being unmonitored. Thanks to the prestigious direction by Haynes and emotionally authentic performances, Dark Waters is a powerful indictment of corruption that highlights a critical ongoing subject.
What Happened to DuPont After the Events of ‘Dark Waters’?
Dark Waters ends with Bilott winning three successive cases against DuPont, leading the manufacturing company to settle an additional 3,500 cases for $671 million. However, DuPont continued to face economic setbacks during the release of Dark Waters. After an all-stock merger with the Dow Chemical Company in 2015, DuPont spun off into its own company in 2015. The company’s stock continued to plummet in the aftermath of Bilott’s revelations about the use of “forever chemicals” and in 2022, the state of California sued the company for its role in manufacturing airborne pollutants after multi-year investigations were conducted.
DuPont executives may have objected to their characterization in Dark Waters, but the real Bilott continues to be at the forefront of environmental activism. In addition to taking part in promotional events for the film alongside Ruffalo, Billott received a degree as an Honorary Doctor of Science from The Ohio State University’s Environmental Science Graduate Program for his continued efforts to raise awareness about corporate pollution.
What Did Todd Haynes Add to ‘Dark Waters’?
Todd Haynes was an interesting choice to direct Dark Waters, as it seems somewhat surprising that the director behind elaborate melodrama like Carol and Velvet Goldmine would be interested in a straightforward biographical drama about a criminal and corporate investigation. Although it easily could have felt like a “hired hand” job in which Haynes was simply hired to work on a studio project that he had little passion for, Dark Waters benefits from the meticulous direction of a filmmaker well-aware of the place and era he is capturing.
One of the most compelling aspects of Haynes’ style is his ability to capture the mood of a certain period. In the same way that he encapsulated the buzzy holiday vibes of Christmas in the 1950s with Carol, Haynes examined the pressing tension of corporate America at the tail end of the 20th century. The attention-to-detail needed to examine the recent past is immense, as many viewers watching the film may have remembered the events as they occurred. Thankfully, Haynes was able to recreate key events in a manner that felt legitimate.
Dark Waters is a very personal story about the interiority of a family, as Bilott’s character is an interesting one. A lesser filmmaker would have painted Bilott as an uncompromising hero with no faults, but Haynes did not go out of his way to lionize him; it is made evident that Bilott is rather indifferent to the situation with DuPont at the beginning of the film, and only gradually becomes more motivated in making a difference once he begins to learn about the devastating environmental impact that the corruption has caused. There is always a risk that a film like Dark Waters could feel more like a work of activism than a legitimate story, but Haynes is able to thread the needle between making the story both entertaining and informative. Even though it does give a tremendous amount of insight on a situation that many viewers may not have been aware of, the film still functions as a tightly paced thriller with a good deal of urgency.
Haynes captures a sense of righteous anger within Dark Waters as he examines the larger scope of the scandal, and why it is still relevant to the events of today. Although the actions that DuPont took to avoid taking responsibility for its role in the crisis are both shocking and despicable, Dark Waters examines that this is a result of the larger culture of indifference within American capitalism. Major corporations don’t treat their employees and clients as human beings, and are even willing to risk human life to make minimal financial gains. The DuPont incident is simply one example of what can go awry when there is no oversight; although it was a case that claimed countless lives and irrevocably damaged the environment, it is sadly not an anomaly as the climate crisis grows more extreme with each passing year. Dark Waters is not a horror film, but that does not mean that it isn’t terrifying.
Dark Waters
- Release Date
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November 22, 2019
- Runtime
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126 minutes
- Writers
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Matthew Michael Carnahan, Mario Correa, Nathaniel Rich
Drake Maye’s wife, Ann Michael Maye, already made her style mark even before the first snap at Super Bowl LX.
The Patriots WAG, 22, shared the details about her gameday look via TikTok on Sunday, February 8, hours before she hit the scene to cheer on her husband, 23, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
“The day is finally here. Happy Super Bowl Sunday. Oh, my God. I’m so excited,” she gushed leading up to the big game in which the Pats are facing off with the Seattle Seahawks.
Ann Michael rocked a white T-Shirt under her custom jacket and dazzled up her ensemble by wearing Alice + Olivia’s $895 “Amazing Embellished Jean” in an off-white color. The pants have a low-rise baggy style with a wide-leg silhouette, featuring shimmering crystals on the front and back that are scattered throughout to “amp things up to rockstar status.”
Ann Michael Maye has been one of the breakout stars of the NFL Playoffs as her husband, quarterback Drake Maye, has guided the New England Patriots back to the Super Bowl. Ann, 22, has been supporting Drake, 23, from the stands and on the field after games, including on Sunday, January 25, after the Patriots […]
“This is Jayda’s Chanel bag,” she shared about her matching tote, seemingly referring to Jayda Hawkins, wife of New Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins.
Ann Michael also donned a one-of-a-kind coat made by Kristin Juszczyk (designer and wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk) in honor of the momentous occasion, featuring the Patriots logo on the right front pocket with MAYE written at the bottom of the left side.
Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots hugs his wife Ann Michael Maye prior to the start of Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
It also has the message “WE ARE ALL PATRIOTS” emblazoned on the front. The navy blue jacket made out of a jersey has a dark chocolate color faux fur collar plus red and white stripes on the arms. Ann Michael styled her hair in a sleek updo, and opted for oval-shaped sunglasses and statement gold earrings.
“Ann Michael Maye for the Super Bowl!! 🏈🏈 I hope you have the best time and soak in every second of it @annmichaelhmaye ❤️,” Kristin, 31, wrote via Instagram while sharing a sketch video showing how she came up with the design.
Kristin’s designs have been a go-to for NFL WAGS. Her work went viral during the 2023-24 season when she launched her Designs By Kristin brand, which has since been rebranded as Off Season. (She even earned a licensing deal with the NFL, allowing her to use team logos on her looks.)
Kristin Juszczyk’s first official NFL collection is here. Kristin, 29, who is married to San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, teased a piece from the drop, which is available via auction as of 12 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 8. Featured in the capsule is a plum-colored puffer vest with contrasting metallic paneling adorned with […]
Kristin notably created custom puffer coats worn by Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes in 2024.
Kyle, 34, proudly plugged his wife’s designs on X at the time. “Rocking the jacket made by Kristin Juszczyk!!” the athlete wrote. In another reply, he proudly echoed, “Made by my wife!!”
“I only just ever wanted to design cool clothes,” Kristin told NBC Sports Bay Area during a recent interview. “And it really all stemmed from a point of going to all of his games and having three shirts in rotation, and not feeling like what I wanted to wear was available for purchase. So, I was like, the only other thing to do is to design it.”
She added, “And now being able to walk into a stadium and seeing people wear Off Season, it’s just the ultimate pinch-me, and that’s all I’ve ever dreamed of, truly.”
Rinna, best known for her villainous role on “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” was one of the Bravo vets to appear on season 4 of the hit Peacock reality series; however, her fate ended in a dramatic way.
Although Lisa Rinna failed to reach the end of the game, the mother of two branded herself the “most iconic” Traitor during her exit—sparking a sharp response from Fields herself.
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Cirie Fields Calls Out ‘Most Iconic’ Traitor Lisa Rinna Following Her Explosive Banishment
While traversing the Grammys red carpet, Fields, who is slated to appear in season 50 of “Survivor,” spoke about the current season of “The Traitors” and wasted no time calling Rinna out.
“Lisa Rinna said she is the most iconic, legendary Traitor of all time,” Fields said, physically clearing her throat. “I don’t know if you can claim that title, and you were just banished, and there are still like what 11 people in the game?”
“I mean, my hat is off to all the Traitors, but legendary, iconic… do I need to say anymore?” Fields quipped.
Rinna saw the clip of Fields joking about her gameplay in season 4 of “The Traitors” and commented on the video, “Oh, the shade from the Mother!!”
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Lisa Rinna Was Banished From ‘The Traitors’ After Getting Set Up By A ‘Love Island’ Star
Rinna’s speech in episode 7 of “The Traitors” came right after the “Days of our Lives” alum was banished at the roundtable and exposed as one of the show’s treacherous killers.
Rinna’s elimination from the game, however, was orchestrated by her fellow Traitor, “Love Island USA” alum Rob Rausch.
Rausch had been floating Rinna’s name around the Scottish castle for two days before her banishment, a move Rinna described as “smart,” according to Peacock TV.
She also praised Raush’s skill in the game, saying his charm and good looks were keeping him in the cast’s good graces.
“Yes, he’s smart also, but his power is this face and his body, and then he puts those d-mn overalls on with no shirt. I was like, ‘Oh well, there’s not much I can do about that.’ It’s hard to beat,” Rinna joked.
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Lisa Rinna Is In ‘The Traitors’ Hot Seat
Elsewhere in her chat with Peacock TV, Rinna hinted at a potential issue with “Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum Porsha Williams at the upcoming “Traitors” reunion.
In the second episode of the series, Rinna cast the final vote to send Williams home—something the peach holder criticized following her exit, according to The Blast.
Rinna, however, doesn’t seem to believe her move was as big a deal as Williams has made it out to be.
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“I was not gonna vote for Porsha. I was gonna probably go with Donna [Kelce], but when I heard what Ron had to say, and we were looking for a Secret Traitor, remember, I went with Porsha,” Rinna said about her vote. “And the truth is, I’m a Traitor. I don’t have an alliance to anyone, and I’m not a Housewife anymore, so I certainly don’t have an alliance to a Housewife, so I was like, ‘What’s the big deal?’”
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Rinna Feuded With Colton Underwood In Scotland
Williams wasn’t the only “Traitors” cast member with whom Rinna had an issue, according to The Blast.
Throughout the episodes, Rinna also clashed with “Bachelor” alum Colton Underwood, who, during their confrontation, implored her to show the cast the “real Lisa Rinna.”
While Rinna didn’t react the way she might’ve on an earlier season of “RHOBH,” she did throw shade at Underwood on Instagram, calling him a “stalker,” seemingly referencing his alleged harassment of his ex-girlfriend Cassie Randolph.
The comment gained traction, and in a video shared online, Rinna retracted her statements and assured the audience that she and Underwood were in a great space.
“Now, as you know, if you ask me to be a Housewife I’ll bring it to you, right? That’s what I was doing, all in the name of the game. But just so you know, I am totally great with Colton. I have been texting with him. We talk. Everything is great,” she said.
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Andy Cohen Is Gearing Up For ‘The Traitors’ Reunion
My team is getting ready for THE TRAITORS REUNION! Send me all of your questions for the cast NOW and let me know where you’re from in the question!
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) February 6, 2026
Rinna is prepared to face some of her biggest critics head-on at the upcoming “Traitors” reunion. In a post shared on X, Andy Cohen asked his followers for questions for the big day, prompting a range of inquiries about the show’s marquee players, from Rinna to her fellow Traitor, “Real Housewives of Potomac” alum Candiace Dillard Bassett.
Bad Bunny
Crushes Super Bowl Halftime
… Featuring Gaga, Ricky Martin, Puerto Rico!!!
Published
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Updated
Bad Bunny just pulled out all the stops for his Super Bowl Halftime Show … using his spotlight to bring Puerto Rico to Levi’s Stadium — with a bunch of surprise appearances in the process!!
Benito shut it all the way down in Santa Clara, CA … giving music fans a breather from the New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks showdown with a hit-packed, nonstop party.
BB ran through his hits … starting it off with “Tití Me Preguntó,” and going on to deliver an eclectic, high-energy set loaded with swagger and slick visuals while rocking an all-white custom fit — nope, not a dress … but we already put those rumors to bed.
Bad Bunny didn’t do it alone, though — Cardi B, Karol G, Pedro Pascal, Alix Earle, Jessica Alba and David Grutman were spotted dancing in the crowd on the field.
Lady Gaga made a surprise return to the Big Game stage with a sala-inspired rendition of “Die With a Smile” … and Ricky Martin sang “Lo Que Le Paso a Hawaii.”
There was also a heartfelt moment where Benito handed a Grammy to a little kid … and the chatter online speculated it was 5-year-old Liam Ramos, who was detained by ICE in Minnesota last month, but our sources say it was not him.
There were plenty of critics opposing the decision to go with a Spanish-speaking artist for halftime … and Turning Point USA even vowed to have their own show, which it went through with at the same time on YouTube with around five million viewers.
As for Bad Bunny? He took all the backlash in stride at the time, joking on “Saturday Night Live” last year that fans had months to learn Spanish.
He only had 13 minutes to work with, but Benito made sure to include as many cultural references as he could with the time … and some might have been missed on first watch. Toward the end, flags from Latin American countries were front and center.
There was even a wedding — with a couple exchanging “I dos” right in the middle of the show … and the report is it was a legit ceremony after the Mr. and Mrs. invited Benito to their wedding, but he had an even better idea.
A nice touch at the end — Bunny held up a football that said “Together We Are America.”
Tom Hardy has built an entire career out of playing absolute weirdos — and doing it better than almost anyone else. But long before Bane growled, Mad Max glared, or Venom started arguing with himself, Hardy delivered one of his most ferocious performances as real-life outlaw Charles Bronson in Bronson. Now, that film is back — and it’s hitting hard. Since landing on HBO Max, Bronson has been steadily climbing the platform’s Top 10 per FlixPatrol, outperforming comfort-watch staples like The Notebook and closing in on prestige favorites like The Shape of Water. Not bad for a 2008 cult movie about a man who treats prison like a long-term hotel stay.
Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, Bronson is a loosely biographical account of Britain’s most notorious prisoner — not the actor, but the man who legally renamed himself after him. The film tracks Bronson from a violence-prone kid to an adult who spends decades bouncing between prisons and psychiatric institutions, often in solitary confinement. Despite his constant brutality, Bronson insists he’s never killed anyone. What he actually wants is fame. Recognition. To be something. And when fists stop scratching that itch, he turns to art — at least for a while.
Is ‘Bronson’ Worth Watching?
Collider’s Steve Weintraub saw the film at Sundance in 2009, and was blown away by the physicality of Hardy’s performance.
“Tom Hardy’s work in BRONSON was the standout performance of the festival. You may know him as Handsome Bob in ROCKNROLLA or as Picard’s Clone in STAR TREK NEMESIS. If you do, you’d also know he’s a scrawny and small guy. He blends into the background of any scene and barely shows up on your radar. Whether or not that effect is intentional is up for debate, but when you walk out of BRONSON only one question will be on your mind:
Where did that come from?! No one thought he had this in him. Well, except for Nicolas Winding Refn, the director of BRONSON and the spectacular PUSHER TRILOGY. It’s not just the change in his physical appearance — he’s a large, bulky, and imposing thug in this film — but his over-the-top and larger-than-life performance. He doesn’t just chew the scenery, he destroys it. He’s a bull in a China shop. The film is a true story following the most violent prisoner in England’s history.”
Watch Bronson on HBO Max in America, and stay tuned to Collider for more streaming updates.
- Release Date
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October 9, 2008
- Runtime
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92 minutes
- Director
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Nicolas Winding Refn
- Writers
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Brock Norman Brock
- Producers
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Allan Niblo, James Richardson, Kate Ogborn, Nick Love, Rupert Preston, Thor Sigurjonsson, Jane Hooks, Rob Morgan, Simon Fawcett, Danny Hansford, Paul Martin, Sean Faughnan, Suzanne Alizart
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Michael Peterson / Charles Bronson
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By Chris Snellgrove
| Updated
Would you believe that arguably the most recognizable figure in the entire Star Wars franchise once ran into Jesus? This was no Jedi, although it’s admittedly fun to imagine what the Son of God might have had to say to someone else who could come back from the dead as a powerful ghost. No, the Star Wars character in question was R2-D2, and he had an accidental meeting with the divine when a remote control malfunction sent him to the set of Franco Zeffirelli’s Jesus of Nazareth tv movie!
A long time ago (1977, to be precise), in a desert far, far away (Tunisia), two very different filmmakers were working on two very different projects. Franco Zeffirelli (best known for his Oscar-nominated Romeo and Juliet) was working on Jesus of Nazareth, which blended the four Gospels of the biblical New Testament into a single TV movie. Meanwhile, fresh off the success of American Graffiti, rebel filmmaker George Lucas was working on Star Wars, a movie that would effectively define his life while reshaping pop culture history as we know it.
Meeting The Maker
Aside from the involvement of James Earl Jones, these projects didn’t have much in common, and Lucas and Zeffirelli generally stayed out of each other’s way despite their sets neighboring one another. That all changed thanks to a scene requiring R2-D2 to be piloted using a remote control. While actor Kenny Baker was often inside the droid for scenes where R2 had to stay relatively still, there were some scenes in which George Lucas simply needed to move the little astromech from Point A to Point B.
In this case, Lucas intended for R2-D2 to exit a scene by rolling out from behind a sand dune. To do this, they intended to use a remote control, but the unit malfunctioned. Therefore, instead of stopping where the filmmakers intended, R2 just kept going until (as if guided by a higher power) he ended up on the set of Zeffirelli’s Jesus of Nazareth.
Fortunately, the runaway astromech didn’t cause any damage to the set of the Jesus TV movie, something that we can only assume would be some kind of sin. These days, the whole incident has become a bit of amusing trivia for Star Wars fans to share among themselves. At the time, though, R2 encountering a savior from heaven was just one more reason that filming this sci-fi blockbuster had become a living hell.
When Droids Move In Mysterious Ways
Reportedly, this is one of many incidents in which the droids weren’t doing exactly what the filmmakers needed them to do. On top of that, the droids were powered by exotic batteries that were hard to replace, and those batteries were soon drained in the hot Tunisian sun. Making matters worse, the truck storing R2-D2 and other droids once caught fire, damaging valuable props and costing George Lucas money he couldn’t really afford to spend.
Fortunately, it all worked out: after all these onset issues, Star Wars became one of the most successful films ever made. There are many reasons for this, including its perfect cast, killer effects, and charming story. However, we can’t discount the possibility that the movie’s success is a product of divine intervention; after all, his excursion to meet Jesus proves R2-D2 is a droid with friends in very high places!
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See all the stars spotted in Levi’s Stadium for the big game.
By Robert Scucci
| Published
With rent prices spiraling out of control, the average person has to figure out how to be thrifty enough to survive in this brutal economy if they want to maintain a comfortable quality of life. Personally, I freelance full time because it allows me to work from home and keep a flexible schedule. That lifestyle choice lets me stay home with my kids, saving a ton of money on child care. I’m also saving hand over fist on car maintenance and fuel costs because I don’t have a commute. In a past life, I remember dropping about 10 grand a year just getting to and from an office setting that made me miserable, so I don’t do that anymore, and my wallet thanks me for it.
Most importantly, I like staying home so I can actually enjoy what my rent pays for. I’ll stand in the vacant corner of the living room that we don’t quite know what to do with yet, simply because we’re paying for every single square inch and might as well use it. When my wife asks what I’m doing, I tell her I’m getting my money’s worth and enjoying my rent. While this behavior sounds a little silly, it’s nothing compared to what’s uncovered in the 2024 documentary, Secret Mall Apartment.
It’s Exactly What It Sounds like
If you’re wondering what Secret Mall Apartment is about, there’s no need to read between the lines. It’s about a collective of Rhode Island-based artists, led by Michael Townsend, who secretly lived inside the Providence Place shopping mall for four years without being discovered. What began as a creative solution to displacement ultimately became a long term, living art installation and a quiet protest against gentrification. Along the way, the documentary also makes a strong case for using art as a way to reclaim your life, which might be exactly the kind of inspiration you’re looking for right now.
It all started in 2003, when Michael Townsend and his friends Colin Bliss, Adrian Valdez Young, Andrew Oesch, Greta Scheing, James Mercer, Emily Ustach, and Jay Zehngebot needed a new base of operations after the dilapidated Eagle Square district, which functioned as a creative hub for local artists, was leveled to make way for the sprawling shopping center. Providence Place mall was never exactly welcomed by longtime residents, largely because it was seen as a development that would drive up costs and push lower income families out of the area.
While reluctantly wandering through the mall to see what all the hype was about, Townsend discovered a chunk of unutilized space where several structures intersected. That discovery sparked the idea to slowly transform it into a hidden apartment. With the help of his friends, they turned the space into a modest but functional living area of roughly 750 square feet. Using a Pentax Optio camera, they documented the entire process, from sneaking furniture into the space to tapping electricity from a nearby store. They even hauled in dozens of cinder blocks to construct their own wall and a locking door, all without drawing attention from security.
Technically Theft And Trespassing, But Also A Living Art Installment
Townsend was eventually discovered, cited for trespassing, and evicted from the secret mall apartment in 2007. Even so, it’s hard not to admire the initiative behind the whole thing. As the documentary makes clear, Townsend is the kind of person who sees art in everything, and transforming the space was simply another creative challenge. While living inside the mall, the group continued to work on ambitious projects under the radar, including contributing to an elaborate 9/11 memorial in New York City and creating large scale tape murals at children’s hospitals, more often than not working tirelessly for free.
Between these demanding projects, the group returned to their secret mall apartment to talk shop, plan their next ideas, and unwind by playing video games, watching TV, and simply having a place to exist without paying rent. The stunt itself is impressive, but it also functioned as a pointed commentary on gentrification. Providence Place was a massive development designed primarily for tourists rather than locals. After the construction of the 1.4 million square foot mall displaced a thriving underground art community, Townsend felt reclaiming 750 unused square feet was a fitting way to push back.
Secret Mall Apartment is a satisfying watch because the apartment represents more than just a clever place to live. It stands for reclaiming autonomy through unconventional means and tells a genuinely inspiring story about eight people who followed a strange idea because it felt like their calling at the time. Every person who lived in the secret mall apartment still works in the arts today. Meanwhile, the mall itself is currently under state receivership, which feels like an ironic footnote in a story about creativity outlasting corporate progress.
If you’re looking for a feel-good documentary that might spark something in your own creative life, or if you’re just looking for some thrifty interior decorating tips, you can stream Secret Mall Apartment on Netflix.
Bad Bunny Halftime
Kid In Show NOT 5-year-old Detained By ICE
… Child Actor
Published
The kid who got a Grammy from Bad Bunny during the Super Bowl Halftime Show was NOT the 5-year-old detained by ICE in Minnesota last month … TMZ Sports has learned.
Bunny’s big set was filled with plenty of cultural references, cameo appearances and dancing … but folks who anticipated Benito to echo his Grammy night with a direct “ICE out” message never got it.
Hold up. Did Bad Bunny just give a Grammy to Liam Ramos???
I thought this moment was so touching and meaningful, but if it’s Liam…that times a million. pic.twitter.com/p7MTwuroGg
— Nadine Babu (@NadineBabu) February 9, 2026
@NadineBabu
One moment — where Benito bends over and hands a trophy to a kid — had a ton of people talking online … as the belief was it was Liam Ramos, who was detained outside his home after walking home from school on Jan. 20.
Our sources tell us … that’s simply not the case, as the kid in question was a child actor Lincoln Fox Ramadan.
There was no political intent behind the gesture — only to serve as an example for kids to dream as big as performing at the Super Bowl, just like Bad Bunny did on Sunday.
Ramos and his father were held on Jan. 20, 2026 in a Minneapolis suburb … and they were to transported to a holding facility in Texas. They were released on Feb. 1 after a judge ordered them to be released.
The detention sparked widespread outrage … and while Benito hasn’t been shy to share his thoughts on ICE in the past, this was not one of those times.
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