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HBO’s The Last of Us has been one of the network’s defining dramas of the last several years. The video game adaptation, led by Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian) and Bella Ramsey (Game of Thrones), debuted in 2023 and quickly became both a ratings and awards success for HBO, with its second season dramatically expanding the story beyond Joel and Ellie’s original journey, for better or worse. Well, now we know if HBO actually sees a long-term future in the series.
HBO Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys has now indicated that The Last of Us Season 3 will be the show’s final season, with the new episodes currently expected to arrive sometime in 2027. Speaking to Deadline following this year’s Emmy Awards, Bloys was asked when audiences could expect the third season and confirmed, “It’ll be happening in ’27. I don’t have a date.”
When pressed on whether HBO was finally prepared to confirm Season 3 as the end of the series, Bloys pointed directly to co-creator Craig Mazin (Chernobyl) and his plans for the story: “I think [showrunner] Craig [Mazin] has planned it as the final season.”
Mazin had previously mentioned that he felt the entire story might need four seasons to tell, but those plans now appear to have shifted. The loss of Naughty Dog head Neil Druckmann from the creative side, too, may also have played a part and it might just be that all parties feel it’s best to wrap up now.
It also means that there may need to be a shift in what was expected of the actors. Ramsey had previously indicated she would only have a small role in the third season, but Ellie plays a huge role in the final act of The Last of Us Part II.
Season 2 made one of the biggest changes from the video game by ending before completing the story of The Last of Us Part II. Its finale brought Ellie’s portion of the Seattle storyline to a dramatic stopping point before turning the clock back three days and shifting perspective to Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby.
Ramsey will return as Ellie, while Dever is expected to take on a substantially larger role as Abby. The existing ensemble also includes Isabela Merced (Alien: Romulus) as Dina, Young Mazino (Beef) as Jesse, Gabriel Luna (Terminator: Dark Fate) as Tommy, and Jeffrey Wright (The Batman) as Isaac Dixon.
The Last of Us returns in 2027.
January 15, 2023
HBO
Craig Mazin
Craig Mazin, Peter Hoar, Jeremy Webb, Ali Abbasi, Mark Mylod, Stephen Williams, Jasmila Žbanić, Liza Johnson, Nina Lopez-Corrado
Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin, Halley Wegryn Gross
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been enthralled by the iconic creatures of Universal’s classic monster franchise: Frankenstein’s monster, Count Dracula, the Mummy, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the Invisible Man. These legendary characters, along with their respective actors such as Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr., Claude Rains, and Elsa Lanchester, have all been ingrained in my psyche since childhood. I’ve been dreaming of a place where I could unleash my inner monster, let my freak flag fly, and revel in their ghoulish glory. That place is finally here: Dark Universe, a revolutionary new portal within Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe.
This reimagined universe is not just a nod to the past; it’s a bold evolution of the classic monsters for a modern audience. The masters of theme park magic have taken these beloved characters under their wing, infusing them with a thrilling new sense of excitement, mystery, and wonder. I knew I was home as I watched the introduction to this foreboding realm. The immersive atmosphere is intoxicating, with every detail meticulously crafted to transport visitors into a world of legendary monsters.
Throughout this article, I’ll take you on a journey through the Dark Universe, revealing the monstrous details of mysterious attractions and ghoulish delights that await. From the experiments of Victoria Frankenstein to a twisted landscape where monsters roam, the Dark Universe is a grim world of myth and mystery. Every aspect of this portal is designed to satisfy even the most discerning monster enthusiasts. So, come join me as we delve into the forbidden world of gods and monsters, where the creatures of our wildest nightmares come to life. Let’s raise our stakes and enter… DAS STAKEHAUS!
It’s Alive! It’s Alive!” Next year, Universal – the pioneer of the horror genre will bring its timeless monsters to the present day with the debut of Dark Universe – one of the five immersive worlds featured at the all-new Universal Epic Universe opening in 2025. The most mysterious world of Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, this captivating new land will envelop guests in monstrous adventures across various attractions, shops, restaurants and character meet and greets that will thrill everyone from families to classic Monster fans alike. Created by the award-winning Universal Creative team in partnership with Universal Pictures, Dark Universe blends the iconic stories of unearthly legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein and more with a new generation of monsters and characters, including Dr Victoria Frankenstein – the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein who has continued his misguided experiments. As guests venture through Darkmoor – the ravaged village within Dark Universe –they’ll encounter the characters and subjects of those experiments within a first-of-its-kind theme park environment that offers family-friendly fun while also pushing the boundaries on intensity in a way that only Universal could achieve.
The formidable journey begins the moment guests enter its electrifying portal via Celestial Park. As you step through the foreboding portal, a jolt of electricity crackles through the air, like the spark of life itself. The air is heavy with anticipation as you enter a realm where the veil between the world of the living and the realm of the dead is at its thinnest. The decaying cemetery before you is shrouded in a thick, eerie fog that clings to your skin like a chill. Tombstones lie upended, their inscriptions worn away by time and neglect, while twisted roots writhe like skeletal fingers across the ground. The wind whispers secrets in your ear, and the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end as you realise that nothing stays buried for long in this forsaken place. As you venture deeper, the energy coursing through the portal intensifies, building towards a crescendo that will culminate at the imposing Frankenstein Manor, a monolith of darkness that looms large over the village like a spectre of death itself. Will you dare to enter this haunted realm, where science and darkness collide in a maelstrom of terror and wonder?

Welcome, brave souls, to Darkmoor, a village shrouded in an eternal twilight where the very fabric of reality seems to unravel like a tattered cloak. As you step into the crumbling blackened stone walls of this foreboding town, the air thickens with an unsettling energy, heavy with the scent of decay and desperation. The once-quaint streets now lie in ruin, scarred by the unholy experiments of the notorious Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, whose twisted creations lurk in every shadow. The creaking of old wooden signs and the distant howling of wolves echo through the night as if the very darkness itself is alive and watching. In this forsaken place, where monsters roam free and the villagers cower in fear, you’ll find yourself drawn into a world of unholy terror and wonder. Enter Frankenstein Manor, where the horrors within will chill your very bones. Stumble upon hidden shops and restaurants, where the eerie atmosphere is only matched by the unsettling cuisine. And venture forth into the woods, where you’ll be able to meet these monsters that lurk around every bend. Guests will embark on thrilling adventures where they can get made up to look like their favourite monsters. This is Darkmoor, a village where survival is a constant struggle, and only the bravest (or most foolhardy) will emerge unscathed. So, brave Universal Orlando’s most chilling ride ever, and dare you enter where the boundaries between reality and nightmare blur like a madman’s canvas?”
“We created a village and a world beyond it where not only can these stories come together, but new stories can come in as well,” explains Pete Carsillo, senior creative director for Dark Universe. “Now you’re in the same place where all those stories come together, but it’s the current day.”

Welcome, dear thrill-seekers, to the darkest recesses of the Dark Universe, where the boundaries of sanity are tested and the terror is palpable. Step into the foreboding Frankenstein Manor, where the scent of decay and electricity hangs heavy in the air. This is Universal Orlando’s most terrifying attraction yet, this state-of-the-art dark ride takes guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments. In a vain display of her genius, she invites guests into her laboratory to witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters. But her plans go awry when her attempts to control the most dangerous of monsters, Dracula fails, unleashing a maelstrom of monstrous horrors, and you are about to become their prey. As you venture deeper into the darkness, the shadows seem to writhe and twist around you, like living tendrils of malevolence. The crackle of electricity and the hum of machinery will send shivers down your spine as you navigate the dimly lit corridors, pursued by the likes of Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon. The very air seems to vibrate with malevolent energy as you evade their grasping hands, and monstrous wails echo through the darkness. But wait, what’s this? The Phantom of the Opera’s haunting melody wafts through the shadows, accompanied by 14 individual flames that dance in eerie harmony, casting an otherworldly glow over the macabre scene. And then, the question echoes through your mind: who is the true monster here—the creator or her creations? Will you escape the clutches of these unholy abominations, or will you succumb to their primal fury? Only one thing is certain: in the Dark Universe, terror awaits around every twisted corner…
Speaking about Victoria Frankenstein, Greg Hall, creative director of Dark Universe had to say, “We see a maniacal side of her even though she’s our hero. The monsters are released and it’s up to her, Frankenstein and Ygor to help save the day while we’re stuck in the middle of this chaos” speaking about the attraction experience he also said that “What I want guests to say is, ‘That was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done in my life — and you have to try it. It’s hard to scare people these days. We want to make sure they have fun, and they see something they’ll never forget”.

Step into the shadows of darkness, where the moon casts an eerie glow and the whispers of the forest seem to echo through the trees. The Guild of Mystics beckons you to a colourful encampment shrouded in mystery and foreboding, where the all-knowing seer and leader, Maleva, awaits. She warns you that you bear the mark of the werewolf, a curse that threatens to consume you at any moment. As you board the wagon, the rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs signal your descent into the heart of terror. The air is thick with tension as you hurtle through the dark forest, the sound of gnashing teeth and glowing eyes closing in around you. The wind rushes past your face as you spin and weave through the trees, desperate to escape the snarling pack of werewolves that stalks you. Will you outrun the curse or succumb to its primal fury? For 2 minutes and 37 miles per hour, The family coaster, Curse of the Werewolf will leave you breathless and begging for more. Enter if you dare, but be warned: once you’re bitten by the thrill of this family coaster, there’s no turning back.”
While Maleva does make an appearance in the 1941 film “The Wolf Man,” her Dark Universe version is updated to reflect the fictional culture of the Guild of Mystics, which is rich with beauty, violence and, of course, werewolves.
Speaking about this attraction, Pete Carsillo, senior creative director for Dark Universe had to say.. “It feels really updated, but you could literally trace this Maleva back to another Maleva back to the movie. So now you experience Maleva and her Mystics, but it’s with a lot of richness and a lot of color — stuff you couldn’t get in the old black and white.

Step into the eerie confines of Dr. Pretorius’ notorious laboratory, where the boundaries between human and monster blur. Within these crumbling walls, a team of masterful artisans await to unleash your inner Monster. As you surrender to their skilled hands, they’ll transform your visage into a terrifyingly alluring masterpiece, complete with elaborate face paint and temporary tattoos. Immerse yourself in the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, where the lines between reality and nightmare dissolve. Become one with the darkness as you don the skin of a werewolf, vampire, mummy, or some other fiendishly fantastical creature. The whispers of the dead echo through the lab, as the air thickens with anticipation. Will you dare to unleash your inner monster and join the ranks of the forever damned? Allow the masterful makeup artists to breathe life into your deepest desires, and unleash your inner beast upon the world. Let the transformation begin… if you dare. Some of have waited our whole lives to unleash our inner monsters, so count me in.
“If you want to be a monster, you can actually be made up like a monster,” says Pete. “Or if you want to be a little more meta, you can come in and get your whole family covered up in temporary tattoos. In Dark Universe, you can walk around with [temporary] tattoos on when you’re five!”

Step into the shadows of the Dark Universe, where the boundaries between reality and nightmare blur, and the inhabitants of the village will make your heart skip a beat. As you wander through the twisted streets and crumbling architecture, you’ll encounter the infamous Universal Monsters, their eerie silhouettes lurking in every corner. Say hello to Frankenstein’s Monster, his bride, Dracula, the Invisible Man, and the Wolf Man as they roam free, their eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. But beware, for these are not just mere caricatures – they are the living, breathing embodiment of terror. And then there are the characters created just for this twisted world, like Victoria Frankenstein the eccentric great-great-granddaughter and her monstrous assistants, who will weave a spell of wonder and dread around you. Meet Ygor, the sinister servant with a twisted grin, or the Invisible Man, whose presence is only felt through his unsettling whispers. The air is alive with the scent of decay and death, and the sounds of screams and howls echo through the darkness. Will you dare to take a photo with the Bride of Frankenstein, her porcelain skin glowing in the moonlight? Or will you flee from the grasping hands of The Hounds, monster hunters who patrol the streets in search of their next victim? You’ll even stumble upon a talented musician who will regale you with songs and tales of the classic Universal Monsters stories. Come, join us in Darkmoor Village, where fear is palpable and the unknown lurks around every corner. But be warned: once you enter our domain, there’s no turning back.
“There’s so much for guests to do and see and discover. I really hope that the strokes that we’ve taken here feed the monster kids that are out there — the people who really love the legacy. And I hope that it starts a fire of passion for these characters in new audiences!”-Chris Frisella, executive producer of Dark Universe

As you step into the foreboding realm of Dark Universe, you’ll find yourself entranced by the eerie allure of two restaurants that will transport you to a world of dark fantasy. The choice is yours: indulge in the sinister ambiance of Das Stakehaus, a vampire-run dining hall where the “familiars” of the night serve up a menu of succulent kebabs, burgers, and sandwiches amidst an atmosphere of ancient mystique and foreboding. Or, succumb to the allure of The Burning Blade Tavern, a smoldering windmill-framed tavern where the scent of sizzling meats and periodic flames waft through the air, beckoning you to sink your teeth into a meal that will leave you howling for more.
Darkmoor’s most ominous restaurant. As you dine, be wary of the vampire “familiars” who serve you, their piercing gazes seeming to size you up as potential meal. But fear not, for their sinister intentions are matched only by the tantalizing aromas wafting from the kitchen. Savor each bite, as the shadows cast by the flickering torches dance across the walls, conjuring tales of ancient battles fought and won. And when you’ve finished your meal, browse the shelves for macabre merchandise and apparel that will make you the envy of all who dare to venture into this haunted realm. In Das Stakehaus, the walls are adorned with artwork that reimagines the world through the eyes of the creatures of the night, casting vampires as heroes in their own twisted tales. Will you find yourself entangled in their dark fantasy, or will you emerge unscathed, with only a taste for blood or adventure? The choice is yours, but be warned: once you enter this realm, there’s no turning back…

As you step into the foreboding gates of The Burning Blade Tavern, the air thickens with an otherworldly energy, The windmill’s blazing inferno crackles and spews forth a mesmerizing dance of flames, casting an eerie glow over the rustic, weathered walls. It’s as if the spirits of the past have converged upon this forsaken spot, their whispers weaving a spell of temptation around every succulent bite. And what a feast awaits! Savor the savory aroma of sizzling burgers, the spicy tang of wings, the snap of bratwursts and pretzels, and quench your thirst with a specialty brew that will leave you howling for more. But be warned: the tales that unfold within these hallowed halls are not for the faint of heart. The “Hounds” – Darkmoor’s most feared monster hunters – regale patrons with boasts of their gruesome conquests, while their trophies stare down from the walls like malevolent sentinels. Will you dare to indulge in a meal amidst these hunters, or will you flee into the darkness, forever changed by the secrets whispered within these ancient stones? Many years ago, an angry mob of villagers torched the old mill during the infamous Frankenstein incident back in1931. Now, the mill has become their favorite hangout. The mill that stands atop this restaurant erupts into flames every 20 minutes.

Other fun nods to the Universal Monsters universe will include shops and snack stands, including:
De Lacey’s Cottage – Near Frankenstein Manor sits De Lacey’s Cottage food stand, where the original Frankenstein’s Monster once received sustenance and friendship. Here, guests can find a variety of snacks and cool treats like cinnamon bread, ice cream, twisted taters and more.
Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities – “Guests can take home a piece of the immortal world of Dark Universe with commemorative merchandise and mementos
“And so, dear friends, as the curtains close on our journey through the shadows of Darkmoor that is until 2025, I leave you with a haunting whisper: come, join me in the darkness. Let us venture forth into the heart of this eerie realm of Gods and Monsters, where the boundaries between reality and nightmare blur. The wind whispers secrets of the damned in your ear as we venture into Frankenstein Manor for a thrilling ride on Monsters Unchained , the moon casts an otherworldly glow throughout Curse of the Werewolf , and the scent of decay wafts through the air. Welcome to Dark Universe, where the monsters you thought you knew come to life in a world of unspeakable terror. The rustling of dry leaves signals the approach of Dracula’s minions, while Frankenstein’s monster lumbers forth from the shadows, its eyes aglow with an unholy light. The ghosts of film noir flicker like lanterns in the darkness, guiding you deeper into the abyss. And amidst this macabre landscape, tantalizing aromas waft from the shadows: rich coffee, sweet pastries, and savory meats sizzle on ancient grills. Come, indulge, at Das Stakehaus where mortal flavours meet monstrous delights. Quench your thirst with a glass of ‘Dracula’s crimson concoction that will leave you shivering in delight. And as you dine amidst the darkness. These classic monsters will finally have a home in one unique and incredible immersive world in Dark Universe, the line between reality and horror is but a whisper away. The legacy of the Universal Monsters is hard to overstate, after all the IP is over 100 years old and it’s safe to say the creative team behind this world has taken on this project with great respect and admiration.
“It’s really about the care that has been taken, as we’ve crafted these stories and this land, to really respect the history of these films,” says Chris. “But we’re not being charged with creating a museum. We are being charged with creating a living, breathing world and experience.” Dark Universe is world where all of the classic Universal Monsters stories really happened — and soon, guests will be able to venture into the shadows and experience what that world looks like today.
Until we meet again, may your nightmares be filled with sweet terror…
To prepare for the electrifying chills and thrills that await in Dark Universe, guests can now purchase a variety of new merchandise themed to the new land – including apparel, accessories and more. The collection is available for a limited-time and can be purchased at the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center in Universal CityWalk and on https://shop.universalorlando.com/shop/. Stay tuned – more details about Universal Epic Universe will be revealed in the months ahead. For more information about Universal Epic Universe, visit https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/gb/theme-parks/epic-universe.
By Robert Scucci
| Published

My mileage varies when it comes to the raunchy summer sex comedy that’s geared toward younger adults. Mainly because I’m 38, and I grew up during that sweet spot when films like Road Trip, American Pie, and Van Wilder were dominating the cultural zeitgeist. I still occasionally check them out because I have kids of my own, who will one day start watching movies like this behind my back, and I kind of want to know what’s out there. More importantly, though, secret bangers like 2018’s The Package make their rounds and remind me that the part of my brain that’s still stuck in eighth grade will never grow up.
Sometimes, a solid boner comedy is all you need to get through a rough week, and the reason I checked out 2013’s The To Do List wasn’t necessarily because of its premise, but rather its cast. Aubrey Plaza and Donald Glover share screen time, which I know works because Mystery Team (2009) proved the concept, but there’s also Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, and, yes, even McLovin’ (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) added to the mix to make for the kind of raunchy comedy that screams Superbad, but with a female protagonist, portrayed by Plaza in one of her more unhinged feature-length roles.

The talent alone makes The To Do List worth your time, but in this case, the whole feels like less than the sum of its parts. There were moments when I found myself scream laughing, but they were few and far between. Had I actually caught this movie when it came out, I would have been 25, and by extension, more receptive to the humor being presented here. As I approach middle age, however, I’d only recommend this movie to my peers for some of its isolated moments, and honestly, a YouTube sizzle reel crash course of the best moments is probably all you really need from this movie.

In The To Do List, Aubrey Plaza is Brandy Klark, the valedictorian of her graduating class. The movie is set in 1993, so she idolizes Hillary Clinton and her pantsuits. As you would expect, such a young overachiever isn’t exactly a social butterfly, so she’s pretty much awkward on all fronts. Her older sister, Amber (Rachel Bilson), is more experienced when it comes to courting the opposite sex, but she’s not exactly the kind of person to divulge her trade secrets about her sexual exploits.
The real conflict comes in the form of Rusty Waters (Scott Porter), the badass, guitar-playing dude whose abs glisten in the sun like water reflecting off a pristine, undisturbed body of water, which we only know because he’s shirtless whenever he gets a chance to be. Brandy wants to lose her virginity to Rusty, but the problem is that she literally knows nothing about sex. It doesn’t help that her father, George (Clark Gregg), is a judge and a prude, making him the worst possible person to talk to about these things, even though her mother, Jean (Connie Britton), frequently hints that she was quite wild when she was her daughter’s age.

Brandy gets a job at the local pool where Rusty works under the supervision of Willy McLean (Bill Hader), the manager who seemingly lives in the locker rooms and is known for hazing the newbies. Realizing that Rusty is way out of her league, Brandy, the academic that she is, comes up with the ultimate to do list of sexcapades that she feels she needs to accomplish before approaching Rusty with romantic intent.
She “practices” on her study buddy who’s secretly in love with her, Cameron (Johnny Simmons), as well as her friends, Duffy (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and Derrick (Donald Glover), which culminates in a steamy shower scene involving local rocker Van King (Andy Samberg) as she attempts to get close to Rusty. Meanwhile, Rusty witnesses her increasingly erratic behavior from afar, not knowing what to make of the entire situation. But with each thrust, kiss, slurp, and every other unwholesome activity she has on her to-do list, Brandy keeps her eyes on the prize, absolutely confident that she’s going to finally go all the way with Rusty.

My biggest gripe with The To Do List is that it’s stuffed to the gills with talent. Bill Hader steals every single scene he’s in because he’s trying to be an authority figure but also wants to be popular, making him constantly at odds with himself. Aubrey Plaza and Rachel Bilson nail the sibling dynamic with the same level of efficacy as Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal in Donnie Darko, and their bickering, which almost always feels like an afterthought, is what made me laugh the most.
The sex humor, if I’m being entirely honest, was what I liked least about the movie. It’s not that I’m a prude or easily offended, but more of a “been there, done that” kind of scenario. It’s American Pie with a female lead, 14 years too late. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned about coming-of-age raunchy comedies, it’s that they need to ante up with the times. The Package is a perfect example of how to escalate the genre. Nobody’s trying to get laid for the first time because there’s a bigger problem, namely one of the protagonists accidentally chopping off his wiener while trying to slice through his pee stream with his new switchblade.

That said, if you’re a fan of the talent roster that’s jammed into The To Do List, you’ll have heaps of fun spending time with these characters. If you’re expecting a raunchy summer comedy that pushes the envelope past the point of comfort, you’re not really going to find that here.
As of this writing, you can stream The To Do List for free on Tubi. It’s solid if you don’t watch a ton of these movies and aren’t used to the humor. But if you’ve been around the block with boner comedies of yesteryear, this one’s just more of the same.

A woman is accused of drugging a man she met at an South Florida event venue after taking an Uber ride to his home, where she allegedly stole his gold Rolex.
Lynda Mae Crouse, 32, of Miami, has been linked to additional “bad date” cases involving alleged druggings as part of a scheme to steal victims’ belongings, according to court records viewed by Us.
Crouse was arrested on Friday, September 11, on a charge of second-degree grand theft in connection with the Rolex she allegedly stole from the man she met in April, court records show.
On April 12, Crouse exchanged Instagram accounts with the man after meeting him around midnight at the Carousel Club, a large open-air entertainment space featuring a cocktail lounge in Hallandale Beach, according to a probable cause affidavit.
After they parted ways, an officer wrote in the affidavit that the man ordered an Uber to pick up Crouse, who was driven to his home around 1:40 a.m.
Crouse and the man drank a few alcoholic beverages together, but “not enough” for the man to “‘black out’ or ‘pass out,’” he told investigators. However, he eventually started feeling “funny” and groggy.
He recalled hearing a clapping noise coming from his living room at a certain point, and later came to believe was the sound of his Rolex watch box being shut, according to the affidavit.
After hearing the sound, he told investigators that Crouse said she was going home, the affidavit states.
“The victim was becoming increasingly more tired and confused and fell asleep within minutes of (Crouse) leaving his residence,” the filing continues.
When he awoke hours later, he was still feeling “funny” and suspected he had been drugged, according to investigators. He then allegedly opened his Rolex box and discovered his watch was missing.
He believes Crouse stole the watch, which featured multiple diamonds covering the bezel according to the affidavit, which says the Rolex had been appraised at $98,400.
The man told police that although he didn’t take a drug test, that the “funny” feeling from allegedly being drugged lingered, the affidavit states.
He later identified Crouse from a photo lineup, according to the affidavit.
Crouse is accused of four similar cases in Miami-Dade County, where she allegedly appeared to “intentionally drug her victims with a sedative substance in order to incapacitate them and steal their property,” according to investigators.
“She targets her victims at a bar or night club who are wearing expensive watches,” the officer wrote in the affidavit.
In one case, a toxicology test confirmed a victim had a sleep aid in their system, according to the filing. This victim allegedly experienced similar effects described by the man who met Crouse at the Carousel Club.
Court records didn’t indicate whether Crouse had retained legal counsel or entered a plea.
During a Monday, September 14, probable cause hearing, the court ruled there was enough probable cause to believe Crouse allegedly stole the man’s Rolex.
By Robert Scucci
| Published

One of the best parts about growing up in the 80s and 90s is how localized television was, especially when it comes to news programs. One of the finest examples of how effective this format is for comedy and horror has got to be 2025’s Buffet Infinity, which is 99 straight minutes of local advertisements that eventually culminate in a horrific story about religious cults, a sentient restaurant of unknown origin that spawned from a sinkhole, and how the community subtly reacts to some sort of cosmic horror that’s in their own backyard, but nobody wants to address directly.
WNUF Halloween Special takes a far less absurdist approach than Buffet Infinity in the sense that it plays out like a piece of lost media involving a newscast gone wrong when paranormal interference ruins everybody’s Halloween.

The spirit remains the same, though, as the broadcast is jam-packed with fake commercials of varying audiovisual quality while lulling you into a sense of calm nostalgia as an oppressive amount of VHS hiss dominates the sound design. Given how much questionable, and downright terrible, found footage horror is out there, WNUF Halloween Special is an absolute treat because it’s not a bunch of scared kids in the woods trying to capitalize on the success of The Blair Witch Project.
Since we’re talking about a supposedly real piece of lost media in order to enjoy the show, the camerawork is surprisingly steady because we’re being sold the illusion that this was all documented by a trained camera crew, which makes the movie feel that much more authentic than its contemporaries.

WNUF Halloween Special presents itself as a VHS recording of a local television broadcast that originally aired on Halloween night in 1987. The main event is reporter Frank Stewart (Paul Fahrenkopf) broadcasting live from the infamous Webber House, where Donald Webber murdered his parents 20 years earlier after allegedly receiving instructions from a demonic spirit board.
The house has remained vacant ever since, and stories of paranormal activity have turned it into a local legend. Frank, however, approaches the entire assignment with the dry enthusiasm of a man who seems mildly annoyed that he has to be there at all, cracking jokes with trick-or-treaters and treating the supposedly haunted house like another piece of disposable local-news holiday fluff.

Joining Frank are husband-and-wife paranormal investigators Dr. Louis Berger (Brian St. August) and Claire Berger (Helenmary Ball), a thinly veiled parody of Ed and Lorraine Warren who take the supernatural considerably more seriously than their host, who lowkey thinks they’re full of crap until he has a compelling reason to think otherwise.
Claire quickly becomes convinced that something dangerous is inside the Webber House, while Frank remains skeptical and keeps the broadcast moving whenever the Bergers start getting worked up. Father Joseph Matheson (Robert Long II), a Catholic priest brought along in case an exorcism becomes necessary, isn’t particularly reassuring either, admitting that his experience with exorcism is mostly academic. Producer Veronica Stanze (Nicolette le Faye), meanwhile, remains outside coordinating the broadcast as Frank and his increasingly nervous group venture deeper into the house.

All of this is constantly interrupted by fake commercials, station promos, news segments, and other pieces of gloriously mundane late-’80s local television, sometimes even fast-forwarded by whoever supposedly recorded the tape. The commitment to the bit initially makes the Webber House investigation feel like an elaborate publicity stunt, complete with technical problems, questionable experts, and Frank’s increasingly strained attempts to keep things entertaining.
But when strange occurrences begin piling up, the Bergers become considerably less interested in staying inside, and the interruptions start feeling less like comic relief and more like temporary escapes from whatever is happening between commercial breaks. What begins as WNUF exploiting a local ghost story for Halloween ratings gradually turns into something genuinely unsettling, and Frank’s skepticism becomes harder to maintain once the broadcast starts slipping beyond anybody’s control.

While I cannot praise Paul Fahrenkopf’s portrayal of Frank Stewart enough in WNUF Halloween Special, the film wouldn’t work as well as it does without co-anchors Gavin Gordon (Richard Cutting) and Deborah Merritt (Leanna Chamish), who are respectively dressed as a vampire and a witch back at the station while cracking wise with their spooky banter that they think is pushing the envelope, but remains incredibly PC because they’re broadcasting on live television.
With each cutaway as the story escalates, they transition from jovial and lighthearted to genuinely concerned about their journalists out in the field investigating the Webber House. Since this is show business, though, they keep their composure while everything falls apart behind the scenes.

The commercials, which play exactly how you’d expect from local television of this era, only heighten the ridiculousness of the entire ordeal everybody’s facing because between the horrifying moments that transpire at the Webber House, we get prerecorded political slam pieces, advertisements for dental practices, and the Shining Trapeze Strip Club. What makes the commercials so effective is that several of them were directed by different people, much like real commercials would be. Each advertisement has a distinct voice while similarly boasting the same late-80s local TV aesthetic.
While I’m sure there are plenty of moments where the illusion breaks since this was filmed in 2013, the effort put into making this look like a piece of lost media from 1987 cannot be overstated. This feels like a deep pull from Grandma’s VHS collection, and that’s where most of the charm comes from.

As of this writing, you can stream the WNUF Halloween Special on AMC+. It may still technically be streaming, but this is the closest you can get to VHS without actually hooking up an old VCR.

WNUF HALLOWEEN SPECIAL SCORE
On the same day Chris Brown expressed gratitude for his congressional recognition, the man who signed it issued an apology. Texas State Rep. Venton Jones released a statement following days of fiery backlash over the honor, particularly against Jasmine Crockett. The U.S. rep joined Venton on stage in Arlington, Texas, to present Chris and Usher with the recognition. Tuesday, Breezy thanked Crockett and Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, while Venton Jones apologized to his constituents, including women and survivors of abuse, for any harm the recognition may have caused.
The Texas State Rep. spoke out on social media about his participation in honoring Chris Brown and Usher. On Instagram, it appears Venton shared his written statement nearly 12 hours after Breezy boasted about the recognition on Instagram. The singer showed a close-up of the plaque presented to him by Jasmine Crockett and Jones, which he also signed. “This means so much to me,” Chris Brown said in his caption.
On that Arlington stage, Venton appeared to be all smiles as Jasmine thanked the R&B singers for their contributions to music and culture. But in his statement on Tuesday, Jones appeared to carry a serious tone. He admitted to spending the last few days taking in conversations, concerns and feedback about the recognition for Brown specifically. As we’ve previously reported, the honor sparked a deep divide online, landing Crockett especially in the hot seat over Breezy’s history of violent behavior.
“…I want to acknowledge the women, the Black women, whom my actions have hurt. In moments like these, I think it’s important to be specific and just as loud with an apology as our original actions were. I apologize,” Venton Jones wrote. Adding, “You are the backbone of our community, our families and our democracy. Far too often, we continue to ask that you carry the heaviest burdens, lead our fights and navigate spaces where your safety and your lived realities are sidelined. My decision was another moment that perpetuated this.”
In the continued statement, Venton Jones shared that he’s a survivor of both sexual violence and domestic abuse whose work has centered on women and survivors. He admitted that with his experience, more is required of him.
“My work and experience do not absolve me of accountability; and to be another person who, yet again, asks for your forgiveness is another layer on top,” Jones said.
Additionally, he spoke directly to the constituents of House District 100, whom he represents, and every survivor of domestic and sexual violence. “I extend my sincerest apology for the hurt, frustration and pain my choices caused. Your trust and support are invaluable to me and I never take lightly how my decisions impact you,” Jones said.
In the last two paragraphs of his statement, Venton Jones clarified what his and Jasmine Crockett’s goals were regarding the congressional recognition. He viewed it as giving Usher and Chris Brown acknowledgment for their musical careers. Also, the Texas State Rep saw “the opportunity to reach thousands of everyday people, voters and non-voters, exactly where they are.” Moreover, they saw it as a chance to share the “critical importance of turning out to vote” for the midterm elections in November.
“In that same breath, that message was not communicated to you. Thus, the impact extended beyond its original intent. The work of mobilizing our people for the 2026 Midterm General Election, Tuesday, November 3, continues,” Venton Jones wrote.
Also, he promised to continue carrying out the recent conversations and working tirelessly on his constituents’ behalf. Meanwhile, in his caption, Jones wrote: “I have been listening and reflecting. I see you and hear you. Please accept my remarks in response. I remain transparent and committed to House District 100, the Dallas community, and Texas, and will allow the work of the Office to continue reflecting that. Texans, please remember the last day to register to vote is Monday, October 5th.”
What Do You Think Roomies?
It has been three months since Prime Video canceled the Stargate reboot series, but fans, including many franchise stars, are still actively trying to save it. A dedicated campaign labelled “Save Stargate with Martin Gero!” has been running for months, and the Change.org petition has gathered over 123,000 signatures so far. Additionally, #SaveStargate remains a common presence on social media and even appears in comments on Prime Video posts promoting unrelated movies and shows.
The planned sci-fi series was to be led by franchise veteran Martin Gero, who previously wrote for all three live-action Stargate series. Other key contributors, including Brad Wright, Joseph Mallozzi, Dean Devlin, and Roland Emmerich, also joined as producers and executive producers during development, though few story details were initially disclosed. However, this is about to change as a franchise icon recently revealed surprising news, including story specifics and the show’s cancellation status.
During the Stargate SG-1 reunion panel at Rose City Comic Con, moderated by ScreenRant’s Ash Crossan, Richard Dean Anderson, who played Jack O’Neill in all ten seasons of SG-1, explained that the cancelled Amazon series wasn’t actually a reboot. According to him, SG-1‘s Daniel Jackson, portrayed by Michael Shanks in the military sci-fi series, would serve as a conduit to connect “our show” and universe to the next generation.
“I’ve stayed out of touch with many things in my life, but the politics going on over the reboot, they’re calling it – first of all, it technically didn’t seem like a reboot more than it was using Michael Shanks’ character, Daniel, well again, as the conduit that would take us from our show, from our universe to the next generation of it.”
Since Amazon cancelled the highly anticipated series in June, various reports have emerged exploring potential reasons. Initial reports indicated Amazon executives worried the series might only appeal to the existing fanbase. However, later reports suggested that leadership changes within Amazon played a role. Currently, Anderson offers more insight, suggesting the cancellation stemmed from disagreements over who would have “control” of the show.
“Something has gone awry in the negotiations, or the development, or who’s going to run it, who’s going to control it, etc. etc. There’s so many things that take place behind my scene anyway. I can guess what has been happening, but I think it’s been forestalled because of all of those things I just referenced a second ago.”
As for the possibility of the cancelled Stargate series returning, the SG-1 star is admittedly unsure of its current status and isn’t very optimistic. Also, conversations with Michael Shanks imply that “it’s kind of a dead issue,” but Anderson himself is unsure and prefers to keep his opinions private. Despite this, he acknowledges the ongoing efforts through the “Save Stargate” campaign and remains hopeful the project can be revived.
Stargate SG-1 streams on Prime Video. Stay tuned to Collider for future Stargate updates.
Martin Gero
Martin Gero
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Kate Middleton has carried plenty of enviable handbags over the years, but there’s one classic French tote bag she’s relied on for more than two decades. The simple and polished silhouette has clearly stood the test of time — and now Amazon has a 2026 take on the royal-approved style. Consider our fall bag search officially over!
Middleton was photographed carrying a black Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote back in 2005, pairing it with shorts, a tank and sneakers while riding a bike. More than 20 years later, the understated bag still looks every bit as chic. Now, Amazon has a new take on the French bag style for just $10!
Get the Cluci Crescent Shoulder Bag for $10 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Enter the Cluci Crescent Shoulder Bag, a modern update that captures the same polished, go-with-everything appeal. It trades the classic tote shape for a curved silhouette that feels a little more current, while the black finish keeps things timeless. Camel and cream options offer the same elevated effect in a lighter neutral.
Good looks aren’t the only reason we’re sold. The vegan leather design has a magnetic snap flap and hidden zipper to keep essentials secure, plus multiple interior pockets so you’re not digging around for your keys at the bottom. Two detachable straps also let you carry it three different ways, making it easy to switch from everyday errands to dinner plans.
Shoppers are just as impressed with how luxe it looks. One reviewer said it “feels way more expensive than it is” and “gives off a polished, high-end look without being flashy.” Another buyer said, “it holds way more than you’d expect,” adding that a “wallet, phone, keys and a few extras all fit comfortably.”
Middleton has spent 21 years proving that a simple black bag can outlast just about every passing trend. Amazon’s updated take gives that timeless aesthetic a fresh 2026 spin without losing the versatility that made the look so enduring in the first place. We have a feeling this is one you’ll be reaching for well beyond fall.
Get the Cluci Crescent Shoulder Bag for $10 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more from Cluci here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping
Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Beyond the Gates spoilers for fall include Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) panicking when something goes really badly for his husband. Plus, Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson) is making a big move despite being sabotaged by his psycho ex Leslie Thomas (Trisha Mann-Grant).
Let’s get into what’s ahead. A new situation is going to dredge up the past for Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis). And so he takes charge of an unfortunate situation. I suspect this might be because Bradley “Smitty” Smith (Mike Manning) is accused of being involved in Lia Whitmore‘s (Cecelia Specht) death. And that could dredge up Martin’s messy past with the guy who died. So Smitty is questioned by Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) this week.
And as a sitting congressman up for reelection, Martin’s husband being tied to a possible murder probe cannot be good for votes. Now, Vernon mentioned that it could cost Martin’s reelection, but he thought it was okay. Actually, if Smitty is accused, Martin is going to focus on keeping the family together, and spoilers say he stands by Smitty and that Martin defends his family.
Plus, Smitty’s crisis also rattles Jacob and Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne (Arielle Prepetit) as they are on opposing sides. And as much as Jacob and Naomi try to put work aside when it comes to their personal lives, it doesn’t always work out and it won’t. While things heat up for Smitty, Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) hits a bump with the Articulettes Revival.
After a pep talk from Nicole Dupree Richardson (Daphnee Duplaix) this week, Anita performed a little better, but she still insisted to Vernon and Nicole her voice isn’t where it needs to be. On top of that, Leslie may not be quiet, which she’s supposed to be as part of her silent producer agreement. I fully expect some twist maybe related to Anita’s guilt over Barbara or a technical glitch with the old recordings of Barbara. I’m sure it wasn’t for nothing that Eva Thomas Richardson (Ambyr Michelle) mentioned Barbara’s voice sounds just like Leslie’s voice.
Also, Beyond the Gates Fall spoilers say to watch for Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) and Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman)’s marriage to unravel more. So, we’ve got Dani continuing to dig deeper into Bill Hamilton‘s life with Hayley Lawson (Marquita Goings). This week, after another collapse, Bill confides in Dani that he thinks he’s dying. This may raise suspicions for Dani about Hayley’s involvement or just lack of proper care for her husband. We heard Bill interrogate Hayley about her lies, and she did some fast talking and told Bill more lies.
Even though he pretended things were cool with Hayley, you could see when they hugged this week that neither Bill nor Hayley thinks things are cool. Also this week, Joey Armstrong (Jon Lindstrom) and Mona face some urgent questions, I presume, from Bill. He likely wants confirmation of whether Hayley told the truth about Randy Parker (Maurice P. Kerry) dating Mona. So, Bill may ask Joey about it. He may also ask Mona herself. There is something there, but Randy and Mona aren’t officially dating. Not that we’ve seen. They’re just kind of hanging out.
So, it’ll be interesting to hear what kind of answers Bill gets. Also, Andre is keeping secrets because he knows Heather Armstrong (Ashley Jones) sent that champagne to their room in Korea. On top of that, Dani’s keeping secrets about how close she’s gotten to Bill again, and she is apologizing this week. But the threats to Andre and Dani’s marriage remain.
Other Beyond the Gates spoilers for fall say that Ted and Shanice Johnson (Ernestine Johnson) are able to move past Leslie’s sabotage, the stunt that she pulled, remember, with Shanice’s brother Cedric Johnson (Khiry Walker) and Lamont Johnson (Denzell Dandridge). And this week, Ted reads Leslie for filth in front of her boyfriend Marcel Malone (Darryl W. Handy) and calls her desperate, but it looks like Ted will persist in trying to win over her brothers and he and Shanice take their relationship to the next level.
I suspect Ted is going to ask Shanice to move in with him. Maybe a proposal, but I tend to think it’s cohabitation. After all, Ted’s been in that hotel for a long time. So, he and Shanice may go house hunting. It’d be interesting if Ted bought a mansion in Fairmont Crest for him and Shanice. I think Leslie would lose it because that would put them as one of Nicole’s neighbors and it would be doubly messy because Leslie is still building her house in Fairmont Crest.
Right now, we’ve got Nicole ready for more with Kial Rollins (Greg Vaughan) as fall sets in. We know that Nicole chose Kial but of course, that was after Carlton Fitzgerald (Robert Christopher Riley) bowed out. Even if he hadn’t though, Nicole seemed way more into Kial than Carlton. And Kial has put down roots in the DMV for her. So, we may see Nicole asking Kial to move in with her. And that would be pretty interesting, especially if Ted and Shanice wind up cohabitating in Fairmont Crest as well.
Unlike her sister Dani’s situation, balancing Bill and Andre, Nicole has now whittled her love life down to one guy. We’re also going to see Chelsea Hamilton (RhonniRose Mantilla) and Kat Richardson (Colby Muhammad) unable to escape the sweat shop scandal. According to Beyond the Gates fall spoilers, Madison Montgomery (Kenjah McNeil) steps up for Chelsea and Kat and Chelsea is of course worried about the Chelsea Kat brand circling the drain.


Plus, we’ll see that Deanna McBride (Angela Fairley) still can’t get over her mom Vanessa McBride (Lauren Buglioli) having Joey Armstrong in her bed and in her heart. When Deanna was home for summer and working with Vanessa, Joey had to stop all the money laundering because he doesn’t trust Deanna poking around. And now that Deanna agreed to go back to Banneker University, Joey is looking forward to doing dirty business with Vanessa’s real estate company again.
Joey recently mentioned if Deanna goes back to college, they can resume that part of their business. Vanessa said it was fine to keep going, but Joey refused as long as Deanna was working for her. And of course, she’s going back after that pep talk from Izaiah Hawthorne (David Lami Friebe). So, I do wonder if Deanna might have access to Vanessa’s business records, even if she’s not working in person in the office. Deanna might have remote access and may poke around and find something that doesn’t add up once the money laundering restarts and that could lead back to Joey.
Fall spoilers for Beyond the Gates also say a greater threat looms and it could flip the entire community on its head and the Impaler may be that greater threat. It feels like she is far from done and she told Joey she’s staying in town. Heather just killed Lia and is now plotting to frame Smitty for it, it looks like. Plus, Heather wants to restart her red market ring since she lost the San Francisco operation.
And we know Joey doesn’t want her around. He told Heather point blank to go back to London, but instead she is house hunting in the DMV. So, we may see things implode when it turns into a situation of Joey versus Heather. Because as bad as Joey is, as dangerous as Joey is, his sister Heather is ten times worse. And even worse, she knows Joey’s vulnerability. He only has one, and it is Vanessa, who he loves and would kill to protect.
Season two has been really good, and they’ve been renewed for seasons three and four. Also, Beyond the Gates season three kicks off on December twenty-ninth. That will be two months after we find out how many daytime Emmy awards that Beyond the Gates took home. The Emmy Awards air on October thirtieth and Beyond the Gates landed fifteen nominations for its inaugural season.
That is the highest number of nominations for a brand new soap, although not the most nominations ever. General Hospital holds that record because they got twenty-three nominations back in two thousand twenty. Beyond the Gates was nominated for best daytime drama and Karla Mosley as Dani and Tamara Tunie as Anita got lead actress nominations. Trisha Mann-Grant got nominated as Leslie for supporting actress.
Timon Kyle Durrett as Bill and Mike Manning as Smitty got supporting actor nominations. Also, Ambyr Michelle and Arielle Prepetit were nominated as emerging talent for their roles of Eva Thomas and Naomi. Jasmine Burke was nominated as June for guest performance. Plus, Beyond the Gates scored nominations for writing team, music direction, also technical and lighting, hair and makeup, and also casting.
Brittany Mahomes showed off some receipts after her husband, Patrick Mahomes, and the Kansas City Chiefs dominated the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.
Shortly after the Chiefs defeated the Broncos, 31-10, at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium on Monday, September 14, Brittany, 31, shared a screenshot from the ESPN morning show Get Up, which showed all four panelists — Mike Greenberg, Dominique Foxworth, Tedy Bruschi and Rex Ryan — picking Denver to win the game.
“Oopsies,” Brittany captioned the photo.
The Chiefs’ season-opener marked the triumphant return of Patrick, 30, who played for the first time since tearing his ACL and LCL ligaments in his left knee in December 2025.
Patrick was impressive all evening, finishing 15-for-27 passing for 184 yards, two touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown.
“Going for the end zone, it kind of gave me that confidence that I can go out there and be myself,” Mahomes said of his 15-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter. “I just wanted to play. I had done so much rehab and so much work to put myself in this position. I just wanted to get out there and play. This is what you do it for.”

He added, “That was definitely the moment, physically, to say all this work has paid off. I didn’t feel anything.”
Patrick conceded he “didn’t play my best,” but credited his teammates for stepping up to the plate, especially running back Kenneth “K9” Walker III, who rushed for 173 yards and two touchdowns in his Chiefs debut.

“I told you all, literally, like first press conference. Y’all were asking, ‘What’s the difference with our offense?’ And I said, ‘K9.’ Like, it’s just that simple,” Patrick told reporters after the game. “It’s the way he’s able to run the ball, catch the ball. I threw a little hot to him there on that read that was probably going to be a big play, but it’s just a special ability to run the ball tough between the tackles and then when he does bounce it, he has the speed to go all the way, and so we’ll utilize him.”
The quarterback added, “The offensive line took it as a challenge to go up against this defense and set the tone, and they did that. And so even though the pass game didn’t click the way we wanted it to click, early especially, it set the tone for the entire game of how we were going to move the ball down the field.”
The Chiefs return to action on Sunday, September 20, when they host the Indianapolis Colts.
General Hospital delivers WSB Agent William Baines (Alimi Ballard) making an arrest this week, but it might not be the woman who you think should be in handcuffs soon. We’ll talk about who’s arrested and why.
Alright so, we know from the weekly General Hospital promo that somebody is arrested by Baines this week, and the two most likely options are Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros) or Anna Devane (Finola Hughes). Both their story lines have reached a point where they could be arrested at any moment.
And we know that Agent Baines tells somebody, “You’re under arrest by the end of this week.” So, we’re going to talk about which one of them it might be, why Anna or Nina wind up arrested, what evidence gets there, and most important, the fallout for Anna or Nina after the arrest, and what is next for them.
So, let’s talk about Nina first. Now, we know Drew Cain Quartermaine (Cameron Mathison) is framing Nina for Jack Brennan‘s (Chris McKenna) disappearance, but that frame job is going to turn into a murder frame job once Jack’s body is dug up. But of course, Drew doesn’t have any idea that twist is headed his and Ava Jerome‘s (Maura West) way. Drew thinks their body dump will not be uncovered. And you saw that Drew stole Jack’s wallet specifically so he could plant it in Nina’s car.
Drew stuck it up under the seat because he wants revenge on Nina for trying to drown him in the Quartermaine lake. And Drew is also ticked that Nina helped Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen) keep him locked in, among other things. Plus, it really doesn’t help Nina’s case that she just publicly threatened Jack. And she did it at the Metro Court restaurant where there were a ton of witnesses. And of course, Carly Spencer (Laura Wright) overheard and pointed Agent Baines right in Nina’s direction.
So, we had starting on Friday, picking up on Monday, Baines grilling Nina at the Metro Court and questioning her relationship with Jack. And Nina was honest and said they are romantically involved. She admitted they had a fight and said she’s been trying to call Jack so then make they can make up. All that is true, but then Nina did some unconvincing lying when Baines asked what it was everybody heard her demanding Jack to give her.
A WSB plushie is an idiotic cover story. In the end, Nina is going to be completely blindsided because we know she had absolutely nothing to do with Jack’s disappearance or death. And in fact, Nina said she’s tried to call Jack, but she can’t get through to him. And legitimately, Nina has no idea he’s missing. So Baines told her that Jack’s phone is offline and that nobody can find him. Baines said there’s no trace of Jack at all. And then Nina said she wasn’t going to answer any more questions without her lawyer. And that’s when Baines told Nina not to leave town. That was that, at least for now.
Official General Hospital spoilers have Nina calling a family meeting this week and then she cracks under pressure. I suspect the family meeting is her and Willow, probably Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati), but maybe not Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud), who’s got her own issues to deal with.
So, Nina tells them that Baines questioned her and she may also say nobody’s heard from Jack and Baines treated her like a suspect in Jack’s alleged disappearance. And of course, this will scare Willow because of Drew. And when Nina cracking under pressure, likely has something to do with Baines or because she’s questioned by the PCPD in a more formal capacity and has to bring her lawyer along.
Problem is, Nina can’t tell Baines or the PCPD that Jack abused his position to help Willow and that Nina was demanding he do it again. She has to keep her mouth shut or Willow will be arrested. So, if Baines arrests Nina, I expect Willow may pressure Baines and tell him she’s on the funding committee for the WSB.
I could see Willow doing that. However, if she does, I expect Baines to slam Willow and say, “Never threaten me again or I’ll destroy you.” So, I don’t think Willow is going to be able to use her influence to help Nina get out of this one. But, I will say Baines doesn’t have enough right now to arrest Nina. It’s just Carly and some diners saying Nina and Jack argued. And of course, Nina has a flimsy alibi.
She was working, but all the security cameras at the Metro Court Hotel, including the offices and restaurant, they were all down because of Drew breaking into Jack’s hotel room. So, there’s no footage that would prove Nina was in her office at the time. But all of this may be enough to get a search warrant for her office, her home, and her car. And honestly, the WSB may not even need a warrant. They may have special spy privileges. You know, national security risk and all that.


Plus, we know the wallet is going to be found, and I’m sure that leads to Nina’s arrest by Baines. Doesn’t necessarily mean it’s coming this week. And of course, Nina will deny any involvement with Jack’s disappearance. That’s because she didn’t do it. And Nina may say, “If I was going to do it, why would I keep his wallet?” Right now, thanks to Drew, all signs point to Nina being behind Jack’s disappearance. So, in the end, it could very well be Nina that Baines is slapping the handcuffs on this week.
But on the other hand, we got to consider Anna Devane. She is in a really bad situation and is also on the WSB‘s radar. We just saw Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) talk to Anna who came clean to Josslyn about what she did to Britt. Of course, she already knew. And Anna also told Josslyn to follow WSB protocol and do her duty as an agent. Josslyn didn’t like it, but she did as advised. Went to Baines and said Anna had a mental breakdown.
And now that Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) thoroughly ticked off Britt by siding with Anna, who tried to murder her, I think Britt’s going to push forward and wants charges pressed on Anna officially. That’s because Britt is honestly legit scared that Anna’s going to come try and kill her again. I mean, who wouldn’t think that? So, Britt may bypass the PCPD and go directly to the WSB. So, there’s a chance it’s Anna by Baines’s arrest this week. But I suspect that Anna may end up in Shadybrook instead. She said very clearly she doesn’t want to be in a WSB hospital.
Who can blame her after the WSB tormented and traumatized her under Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes)? But she does need psychiatric help. And we’ll see Anna talk to Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart) this week. And it looks like Anna may confess and ends up telling him the whole story because Anna wants Valentin to understand the gravity of what she’s done. So right now Anna doesn’t want to let herself off the hook and Valentin may have good advice.
Remember he was recently in WSB custody and may tell Anna that’s the last thing that she needs. So Valentin may suggest Anna does something proactive and make her own treatment choice. With Josslyn reporting her to Baines and going after her, Anna’s in a tight spot. But if she checks herself into Shadybrook, that might stop the WSB. Although, it might be better if Anna has her therapist at General Hospital, formally commit Anna. That way, it’s not just a voluntary thing where Anna could leave whatever she feels like. If a doctor commits Anna, then the WSB might have to leave her there since she would be under doctor’s orders.
And honestly, even Britt might agree to Shadybrook as a good compromise as long as Anna is involuntarily committed and can’t just decide, okay, I’m going to walk out the door today because Britt’s main thing is she is really scared and she doesn’t want Anna on the loose out there and possibly planning to kill her again. So, there is a chance that Baines could arrest Anna this week, but in the end, I expect it will be Nina who is in handcuffs instead. But of course, we all know it should really be Drew and Ava who are arrested.
Weekend Open Thread – Corporette.com
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