Entertainment
Survivor 50 Stars Reveal The Hardcore Ways They Prepared to Return (Excl)
The Survivor 50 cast know a thing or two about what it takes to play the game — so no one was taking their comeback preparations lightly.
Many contestants relied on the usual training methods prior to returning to the show, like going to the gym, practicing their fire-making techniques and time spent swimming in a pool. Others, however, opted for some, shall we say, out-of-the-box techniques. Survivor 46 alum Quintavius “Q” Burdette, for example, exclusively tells Us Weekly that he “stood on nails” to “train” his body “to deal with pain.”
“The pain tolerance version of it, it speaks to your brain so you can teach your brain to deal with pain. Like a bed of nails — you walk across the bed of nails. I just stood on [them for] 26 minutes,” Q explains. “It doesn’t pierce your foot, but it hurts. I mean, it hurts like crap.”
Genevieve Mushaluk, for her part, prepared for her time on Survivor island by eating all her favorite foods, bulking up in the process. The Survivor 47 alum tells Us that her go-to treat was “pierogies.”
Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans premieres with a three-hour episode on Wednesday, February 25, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. The series will then go to its normal 90-minute format beginning March 4.
Keep scrolling to see how the Survivor 50 stars prepared for milestone season:
Rick Devens
Rick Devens exclusively tells Us that he did “lots of swimming training” before traveling to Fiji for season 50. The Edge of Extinction alum adds that making sure his family, which includes wife Becca and their two kids, were “squared away.”
Charlie Davis
Charlie Davis, surprisingly, took the opposite approach for Survivor 50 by preparing “a lot less” compared to season 46.
“I was just out there, and I think with that experience, I learned what was helpful and what wasn’t helpful or just something maybe I don’t need to do again,” the Survivor 46 runner up tells Us. “I think, before 46, I memorized, like, 10 different puzzles and that was useless.”
While Charlie jokes that it would be “hilarious if some of those puzzles” ended up making an appearance on season 50, he wanted to spend his time focusing on the bigger tasks at hand.
“My basics for getting ready for Survivor are: make sure you’re in decent enough shape, make sure you’re comfortable with being uncomfortable and just watch some Survivor seasons,” he says. “Listen to a few podcasts, get yourself in the right headspace, and that’s all you can really do.”
Angelina Keeley
Angelina Keely tells Us that becoming a mother to her two daughters was a “transformative” experience that helped her prepare for Survivor 50.
“I’m more patient, I’m more aware, I’m more just everything. I’m even more confident,” the David Vs. Goliath alum explains. “I just feel like everything in my life right now is aligned.”
Aubry Bracco
Aubry Bracco is no stranger to returning to Survivor, but the multi-time player tells Us she’s been putting in the work since her last appearance on 2019’s the Edge of Extinction.
“I’d say I’ve been preparing since the Edge of Extinction ended. I’ve done a lot of work on myself,” she says. “I’ve had a baby. My perspective on life … I’m a lot more grounded. I’ve done a lot of self reflection.”
On top of the mental preparation, Aubry has also hit the gym and did her research on the competition.
“I’ve been working out, meditating, listening to a hell of a lot of podcasts about all these characters,” she explains. “I’ve been studying. I’ve been [doing] my survivor homework. It took a little break, but I caught up and I’m ready to go.”
Christian Hubicki
Christian Hubicki did a “fair bit” of physical preparation for Survivor 50 in case any grueling tasks from the New Era were thrown his way.
“I did a lot of running. I hate running normally, but I did it for this damn show,” the David Vs. Golliath alum tells Us. “My concern was that they were gonna do some kind of Sweat or Savvy thing they’ve been doing the past few seasons and we have to run around and get endurance.”
The robotics professor jokes that Survivor’s New Era can get “strange” and “very complicated.”
Cirie Fields
While getting ready for Survivor 50, Cirie Fields knew what would be the best use of her time.
“What’s the only thing I could do differently? I really don’t know that it would affect my game as much, or it might make me a little more threatening. Is to be more physically fit, right? I can’t. I’m never going to be an Olympic swimmer. I do know how to make fire better than I ever had before,” she exclusively tells Us. “So outside of that, I don’t really know how to prepare.”
Benjamin ‘Coach’ Wade
After Benjamin “Coach” Wade ended his Survivor retirement to return for season 50, his first move was to watch some of the eshow’s previous seasons. Coach shares that he started with Borneo during the pandemic and after completing Winners at War he “stopped.” Once he got the call for Survivor 50, he started “cramming” the New Era, which kicked off with season 41.
“So I really started cramming, and then I was just overwhelmed. And I was, like, just let me look at the Cliff Notes on these players so I can understand them,” he tells Us. “I did watch season 46 because a friend of mine, Ben Katzman, was on that season. I started watching 48, didn’t watch the home stretch, [I] tried to catch up on the other players. So, yeah, I had to do a little bit of homework.”
Dee Valladares
Dee Valladares’ preparation for Survivor looked a little different compared to her last time around. Instead of studying “the game,” the Survivor 45 winner wanted to prioritize “mentally prepping” and putting on some weight.
“I gained 10 pounds, but because of life, not because of one month [that] I had to prep,” she tells Us, adding that she was also “working out a lot” because she was “about to be in the most uncomfortable position in [her] life.”
Colby Donaldson
Before Colby Donaldson got confirmation he made it on Survivor 50, he knew he “needed to prep” by studying the seasons he “missed.”
“I’m still just as big a fan as I was when I sent in my first [Survivor] application, but there were some years that I missed, and I need to go back and study tape on that,” he tells Us. “But in preparation, if you’re gonna scout a team and prepare yourself for battle, you need to know your opponent, but you also have to go back and watch tape on yourself and look at some of the mistakes you’ve made.”
Colby adds that he knows what went wrong during his last appearance in Heroes Vs. Villains, which aired in 2010. Just like Survivor, Colby is in a new era himself.
“That’s what’s exciting about getting a chance to come back and play again. Not only has the game evolved, but I’ve also evolved,” he explains. “I’m not gonna play the same game that I did the last time.”
Genevieve Mushaluk
One thing that Genevieve Mushaluk focused on before returning to Survivor 50 was “bulk up.”
“I did a lot of eating, all the things I love,” the Survivor 47 alum tells Us, adding that she wasn’t focusing on the vanity elements that she did in her previous season. “The first time I came out, I was so, like, worried about the cellulite on my thighs and my unibrow growing in. And this time, I’m like, ‘What the hell? I’m just here to play and I’ll look how [I look.]’ But you know, a million dollars [is] gonna look great on me, so I’m not gonna worry.”
In addition to eating, Genevieve worked on her puzzle skills.
“One of the challenges, I got zero pieces on a puzzle. It’s like, I think a new record of horrible. So I have practiced puzzle making,” she says. “But I think the real kicker is gonna be, can my brain still work when I’m stressed, over-tired, starving? … And I’ve been working out, obviously, not as much as, like, Joe [Hunter] and Jonathan [Young] have been.”
Jenna Lewis-Dougherty
Jenna Lewis-Dougherty tells Us that she typically stays “in shape” but added more Survivor elements to her workout routine.
“I have some balance beams now built in my backyard,” she says. “I practiced my fire making.”
Joe Hunter
Joe Hunter’s biggest priority for season 50 was working on his “weaknesses.”
“I think a lot of people come into this game focusing on what they can do well and certain strategies. I try to break down my weaknesses, emotionally and mentally,” he tells Us. “Focus on that and don’t hide behind it, but try to improve those weaknesses. So I really just spent a lot of time in my own growth of what I need to improve on as a person.”
Jonathan Young
Jonathan Young tells Us that he didn’t need to do much “physically” to prepare for his return, because he works out “almost every day.” He did, however, study his fellow competitors.
“I’ve studied the players. I know what they’ve done, why they’ve done it, at least as much as I can,” he says, adding that listening to host Jeff Probst’s “On Fire” podcast was part of his study material. “I’ve been listening to ‘On Fire with Jeff Probst’ and three of [the previous cohosts] are here. There’s Rick Devens, Charlie [Davis] and Dee [Valladares,] all three of them are here, and all three of them are big targets.”
Kamilla Karthigesu
Kamilla Karthigesu hasn’t stopped preparing for her comeback since she wrapped season 48.
“I did not stop going to the gym since coming back from 48,” she tells Us. “That was mostly because I found out that I enjoyed lifting things and putting them down.”
Kamilla adds that while she decided to forgo running prior to the show, she used that time to focus on fire making.
“I even made fire [at], like, 11 p.m. the night before I flew out,” she quips.
Mike White
Mike White shares that working on his fitness was his top priority before starting Survivor 50.
“I think I’m in better shape than I was last time. I feel like I had to get in good shape because [Survivor is] just so physically draining,” the White Lotus creator tells Us. “I was like, ‘I gotta figure this out. I gotta prepare like an athlete prepares for an athletic event.”
Ozzy Lusth
While Ozzy Lusth has spent most of the time “opening a restaurant in Mexico,” he knew he needed to cut back on his vices — like “drinking and smoking” — and take his training seriously before his Survivor return.
“Once I heard from Jeff [Probst,] I got back on the program and started running up mountains, doing push ups and mentally preparing for the games ahead,” he tells Us.
Quintavius ‘Q’ Burdette
Quintavius “Q” Burdette took extreme measures to get ready for Survivor 50 after not putting in any preparation prior to his debut on the show.
“The first time I played, I didn’t work out, believe it or not … I didn’t do anything, puzzles, anything Survivor related. I just kind of lived my life until the day we left, and I left, and I came out here and I was in for a treat. So this time around, I started to work out,” he tells Us. “I worked out every day. I ran, I jogged, I [lifted] weights, I did puzzles. I stood on nails.”
Not only did Q stand on nails, he also “sat in 35 degree water for eight minutes every single day” and had daily sauna time.
“It does nothing for the challenge, right? It’s just all the mental — tapping into my mental, knowing when things will start to go away up here,” he explains. “And how do I control that? How do I just sit through it? How do I fight? How long can I go feeling pain? How long before pain stops? Because a lot of folks don’t understand when something hurts, when you’re standing on nails, yeah, eventually it gets to a point where it just doesn’t hurt anymore.”
Rizo ‘Rizgod’ Velovic
Unlike the other competitors, Rizo “Rizgod” Velovic had less than two weeks to get ready for Survivor 50. However, the Survivor 49 alum tells Us that being a “super fan” helped him get in the right mindset.
“I live, breathe Survivor and all that. So when it comes to, like, mentally preparing and emotionally preparing,I’m 100% ready to go,” he said, adding that the physical effects of playing Survivor 49 wouldn’t stop him. “I lost a lot of weight, and I was already a pretty skinny guy, so I didn’t gain my weight back in nine days, but I feel physically fine. I just weigh a lot less than I did when I started 49.”
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The battle for day 1 dominance is officially on!
NBA YoungBoy has made it clear time and time again that he doesn’t play about his wife, Jazlyn Mychelle. The rapper recently returned to the internet with a warning for anyone mentioning her. While he was addressing that, fans on the other side of the net noticed that one of the tattoos on his head appears to have changed.
RELATED: Congrats! NBA YoungBoy & Jazlyn Mychelle Confirm Arrival Of Their Third Child With Sweet Delivery Room Footage (WATCH)
NBA YoungBoy Releases A PSA For Anyone Mentioning His Wife
On the heels of welcoming his 13th child, his third with his wife, NBA YoungBoy returned to the internet with a message. On Monday, the rapper took to Instagram with a warning for the haters while also showing love to his partner. He even shared a little relationship advice, letting the world know how married life has been treating him. He stated, “Stop that b**** a** s***! Stop hating on me. Keep Jazlyn’s name out your mouth.” He went on to say, “Why you think I’m so lit? Why you think I’m so motivated?”
YoungBoy made it clear that it all comes down to the partner you choose, telling people they better choose wisely.
Fans Notice That NBA YoungBoy’s “Jania” Tattoo Now Says “Jazlyn”
While some fans reacted to his message, others tuned in to his latest music video, ‘Another Episode.’ After its release, photos began circulating online, including a zoomed-in image of his face. Many noticed that one of his “Jania” tattoos, referencing his ex and the mother of one of his sons, now appears to say “Jazlyn.”
That left many on X in a frenzy, as some couldn’t believe their eyes. One person tweeted, “YB done replaced Jania’s name on his face, now I gotta really let my ex go. We in this together.” Another wrote, “This can’t be the end of Kentrell n Jania broooo.”
Some fans even referenced his lyric from his 2018 song “Changes,” where he raps, “No, I won’t never take her name off my face,” while reminiscing on the past. Still, others were happy to see him moving on. One user tweeted, “I’m so happy YB finally letting Jania go for 4life!!! Ik Jania happy tooo!! They both happy,” while another added, “Some people just have to get over YB and Jania.”
Jania previously addressed the chatter, urging fans to stop linking them romantically. She clarified that they’ve both moved on and only co-parent their son.
Social Media Reacts
Fans flooded the comments as they caught up on what NBA YoungBoy has been up to under The Shade Room Teens. Many loved his message about Jazlyn and said they’re happy to see him happy. As for the tattoo change, some didn’t know how to feel about it. A few admitted it’s hard to let go of him and Jania, while others said it’s time to move on since he’s married. Still, some fans aren’t ready to let it go just yet.
Instagram user @_queennnn_ wrote, “He defending her in public. I love it!”
Instagram user @igobywest added, “He’s really saying that he has a strong woman behind him and that’s the reason why he’s on top the way that he is and he feels amazing by the way 🔥”
While Instagram user @prettysituation_ wrote, “We really want yaya to understand he’s talkin about her”
Instagram user @noiglexus wrote, “they weird dab 😂 nih is married nb worried about Jania & yb nm ts so overrrr with 😂”
Instagram user @dazannanco_ added, “Welp they both did move on but what a timeeee tho”
While Instagram user @beautynlashed.bychas wrote, “’turning a bihh name into another one’ is sooo funny 😂😂😂
Instagram user @2buckzdgaf wrote, “Please be so fr, he’s not done with her. He just covering it to ‘respect’ his wife”
Instagram user @missingkyra added, “remove the other 4 tattoos so we can know you over her free”
While Instagram user @diana_twin534 wrote, “Say wat yall want, he Love his wife. Behind closed doors we don’t know wat the discussion is bout other Females. This is a message bout having a PARTNER.”
RELATED: The Girlies Are Fighting! Yaya Mayweather & Mellow Rackz Trade SHOTS After NBA YoungBoy’s Wife Shows Off Massive Ring Upgrade
What Do You Think Roomies?
Aaron Carter’s Mom
Claims Pop Star’s Ex Took Money From His Accounts
Melanie Martin Denies Allegation
Published
Aaron Carter’s mom is embroiled in a legal battle with the late pop star’s ex-fiancée, Melanie Martin, over what she claims are “illegal withdrawals” from his accounts … TMZ has learned.
Jane Schneck filed court docs opposing the final accounting for Aaron’s estate. She said she had various issues with the accounting report submitted by the court-appointed estate administrator.
In her filing, Jane said she believed Aaron’s name, image and likeness were worth more than listed. Aaron died on November 5, 2022.
Jane claims in early 2023, Melanie activated a website under her name to sell Aaron Carter-themed merchandise promoted with his name and likeness.
Jane claims that from November 7, 2022 — two days after Aaron’s death — to November 29, 2022, Melanie made “illegal withdrawals” totaling $24,530.57 from the singer’s accounts.
Aaron’s mom said she informed the estate admin about the matter and offered to buy the rights for her late son’s name and likeness for $30,000 … but she says her offer was summarily rejected over the phone by the estate administrator.
Jane claims the administrator is “partial to Melanie.”
Jane does say she believes “[Melanie] is a good mother to” Aaron’s son “and that she takes care of his daily physical and emotional needs.” She also says she “fully accepts her fair share of blame for creating the bad relationship between her and Melanie.” She adds she has not responded to alleged online attacks by Melanie for over a year.
Aaron’s mom said she does not wish any “legal harm” to Melanie and is “willing to believe that [Melanie] truly believed she was entitled to the money she took from the estate.”
Jane said her primary concern is safeguarding the financial future of her grandson, Prince. To ensure that, Jane wants to disqualify Melanie from acting as trustee of Prince’s trust and insists she should not be put in control of Aaron’s name and likeness rights.
Melanie tells TMZ … “Jane is uninformed on Aaron’s financials.” Melanie said Aaron gave her the LOVE business, “which he said on Instagram Live in the past.” She says the couple also had joint accounts.
A clip of Natalie Nunn clocking Claressa Shields‘ boxing moves during her match against Franchón Crews-Dezurn has internet users crackin’ UP.
RELATED: Claressa Shields Explains Heated Weigh-In With Franchón Crews-Dezurn As The Internet Reacts To Papoose Poppin’ Off (VIDEOS)
More On The Clip Of Natalie Nunn Clocking Claressa Shields’ Boxing Moves During Match Against Franchón Crews-Dezurn
On Monday, February 23, a user on X, formerly known as Twitter, took to the platform to share a clip from the stands at Shields’ match against Crews-Dezurn. Furthermore, the clip was captioned, “Natalie Nunn was taking notes at the Claressa shields fight…”
Additionally, it showed Nunn intently watching Shields while recording her jabs against Franchón Crews-Dezurn. The clip ultimately gained 1.7 million views and even caught a reaction from Shields, who appeared amused by Nunn.
Peep the clip and Claressa Shields’ reaction below.
Internet Users Are Crackin’ Up As Natalie Nunn Reacts
Internet users were crackin’ UP in reaction to the clip in TSR’s comment section.
Instagram user @okaynadj wrote, “She’s so unintentionally funny”
While Instagram user @josephhamir added, “THE LITTLE SMIRK YO I’M FRIED 😂 She’s plotting on somebody”
Instagram user @themeganbaca wrote, “😂 Me after saying ‘It ain’t really our business.’”
While Instagram user @__nosila added, “She gon show that to the baddies and tell them to act it out 😂”
Instagram user @bryce.x.o wrote, “Nat be so funny without even trying sometimes 😂😂😂”
While Instagram user @iamshabba_ added, “Not playing no games 🤣 nobody about to come for her at no more reunions 🤏🏾 lol”
Instagram user @thatboyflossy wrote, “She knows how to become a meme without even trying💀💀”
While Instagram user @stephonchristopher added, “Nat was locked tf in she must’ve put a bet in 😂😂”
Instagram user @thereallexi3_ wrote, “😂😂😂😂😂she put money on shields that’s all !!”
While Instagram user @_amberiaaaa added, “who tfuck recorded her 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭”
Instagram user @msvictoriacherie wrote, “That takes 20+ years of training Natalie 😅”
Additionally, even Natalie Nunn stepped in to provide more context:
“😂😂😂😂 🤦🏽♀️ I had money on the fight”
Furthermore, Chrisean Rock even dropped a reaction to the clip:
“😂😂😂😂😂”
More On Claressa Shields’ Boxing Match Against Franchón Crews-Dezurn Match
As The Shade Room previously reported, Claressa Shields and Franchón Crews-Dezurn faced off at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, on Sunday, February 22. Ultimately, Shields defended her heavyweight champion title and won the match at a reported 100-90 score.
Afterwards, Shields continued to make headlines as she and Papoose stepped out to celebrate her big win.
RELATED: Victory Night! Claressa Shields & Papoose Hit The Club After She Defeated Franchón Crews-Dezurn & Retained Heavyweight Title
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
“Wicked” star Kristin Chenoweth stunned by freaky “Wizard of Oz” connection in family tree: 'That's nuts'
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“That makes you believe in fate,” said “Finding Your Roots” host Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Ray J has sparked concern after sharing now-deleted messages about allegedly being targeted, accusing someone of “trying to kill” him.
RELATED: REPORT: Police Called To Ray J’s Los Angeles Home For Domestic Violence Incident Allegedly Involving Female Suspect
Ray J Shares Now-Deleted Messages About Allegedly Being Targeted, Accusing Someone Of “Trying To Kill Him”
On Tuesday, February 24, Ray J took to his Instagram account to share a now-deleted reel with his more than 2.9 million followers. Furthermore, Ray J shared a clip of his face close-up in the camera’s view. Over the clip were various text captions, which read:
“I DONT EVEN TALK ABOUT YOU!! – until you try to illegally bribe and bully me!! — now you trying to kill me! , drugging me and setting up traps!! – I have kids too.!! — SMH — my family from MISSISSIPPI! – YOU CAN NEVER TEAR DOWN THE BLACK CULTURE!! Or me!! Or my mom or my sister or GOD!!! … JAYZ LAWYER CANT HELP YOU H@E… I ready to WALK YOU DOWN H0E… YOUR LAWYER IS SCUM! —HE DON’T KNOW ME BUT I KNOW HE REPRESENTS LYERS AND CON ARTISTS LIKE YOU AND YOUR WHOLE GIG!!!”
Furthermore, the post also featured a message where Ray accused his target of stealing from him and his family.
Peep the concerning post and the caption he included alongside it below.
Ray J’s Messages Sparked Concern
Social media users shared concern for the singer in TSR’s comment section.
Instagram user @twoshotsofadri wrote, “We have a mental health crisis in this country…”
While Instagram user @phenixrisin added, “The sad part is something is really going on and everybody making jokes.”
Instagram user @itskitsovain wrote, “I think we need Cam Newton to decode this.”
While Instagram user @igobyp.harris added, “He done gave me a headache trying to decipher that message”
Instagram user @jazz_didit_ wrote, “Kardashians? 🧐”
While Instagram user @impressive__t added, “He been around Ye or something???”
Instagram user @vvsyoni wrote, “lordt I knew this was about Kim K, even before I saw ‘canye’ 😭”
While Instagram user @body_n_building added, “@herxaurax all I can see is ‘truth can’t be altered. Alex Spel is a p*sy sucker __ is a thief…I got _____… ye won’t even support me … my momma and b got my back tho”
Instagram user @phillysmostwnted wrote, “I believe him !! But yall quick to call ppl crazy”
While Instagram user @greeneyedgyrl added, “Why is he so obsessed with KimK & her family? It’s been OVER 20 years since they dated!!!”
Instagram user @kennethmangalindan wrote, “He speaking hieroglyphics.”
While Instagram user @king.barbero added, “If he’s in trouble, he’s the cause.. I can almost promise you that.. sad.”
Instagram user @pusha.dee wrote, “Crazy because it actually makes sense. It’s a reason he prob wrote it like this….”
To note, about an hour after Ray shared the post, he wrote in his comment section:
“My momma said chill – I ain’t even started yet”
His Now-Deleted Messages About Allegedly Being Targeted & Accusing Someone Of “Trying To Kill Him” Arrived Amid Reports Regarding Kris Jenner
It remains unclear who Ray J’s message was intended for. However, it arrived amid new reports regarding Kris Jenner. As The Shade Room previously reported, in October 2025, Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner hit the singer with a lawsuit. This was for his appearance on TMZ in May of that year, where he said he would believe it if the Kardashians were “being charged for racketeering.”
The following month, Ray J reportedly hit Kim Kardashian and her mother with his own lawsuit, per The Shade Room. He reportedly accused them of violating a previous order forbidding them from speaking about his and Kardashian’s 2003 NSFW tape. Ray reportedly argued that he’s owed $1 million in damages and seemingly wanted to reiterate that the tape was not leaked against Kardashian’s will.
Earlier this week, TMZ reported that Jenner updated her and Kardashian’s defamation suit against Ray with a declaration page accusing Ray of harassment.
“To say that my daughter and I are being pursued for doing something worse than Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, is a horrific lie,” Jenner reportedly wrote in the declaration. “… [o]ver the past two decades, I have had to watch [Ray J] publicly terrorize my daughter by continually talking, and lying, about her in the press to try and keep himself relevant.”
Jenner reportedly argued that Ray’s actions have caused Kardashian emotional distress.
“My family is of the utmost importance to me. It is deeply painful to watch my daughter experience the stress brought upon her by [Ray J], and her feelings of hopelessness and his harassment will never end,” she reportedly added.
As for herself, Jenner reportedly wrote that she is “deeply angered, insulted, and shaken by the accusations,” and fears Ray’s statements will harm her businesses.
“I took this step because I could no longer bear [Ray J’s] campaign of harassment against my daughter and my family or to watch my daughter cry again over the lies he’s painted about us,” she noted.
TMZ reports that earlier this month, Kardashian also filed her own declaration, stating that she fears her dream of becoming a lawyer will be ruined by the singer.
RELATED: Whew, Chile! Ray J Fires Back In New Lawsuit Against Kim Kardashian & Kris Jenner Over NSFW Tape
What Do You Think Roomies?
TMZ locked in this week’s “Cheek of the Week” at first glance — these Paige VanZant hot bum shots will make you dance! Paige busted onto the scene fighting in the UFC over a decade ago … She’s definitely known for her fighting style and…
Entertainment
Jimmy Kimmel slams Donald Trump's 'angry' State of the Union address: 'We have a nut job, wannabe king'
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The comedian compared Trump’s speech to a “Christmas message from the Grinch.”
Mercury In Retrograde
SURVIVAL KIT
Published
TMZ may collect a share of sales or other compensation from links on this page.
Missed flights, mixed signals and mysterious mood swings got you down? You could take responsibility … or you could blame Mercury in retrograde like everybody else.
Instead of spiraling (or making any major life decisions) consider grounding yourself with these astrology-approved essentials.
From a guided astrology workbook to decode your chart all the way to crystals that promise to protect your peace, these picks are here to help you survive the cosmic chaos with your dignity intact.
Sorry I Can’t, Mercury is in Retrograde
If you keep track of planetary cycles like it’s your job or have ever canceled a date because of their astrological sign, then this Sorry I Can’t, Mercury is in Retrograde T-Shirt is for you.
Let your shirt do all the talking when your friends and family try to make plans these next few weeks. After all, it’s really in everyone’s best interest.
Guided Astrology Workbook
Brush up on your astrology knowledge with this Guided Astrology Workbook. This in-depth guide provides you with step-by-step instructions on how to create your own birth chart AKA a snapshot of the positions of the planets at the moment you were born.
It dives into the essential facets of astrology and includes interactive exercises to help you break down the detailed information in your birth chart. Whether you’re an astrology newbie or a pro, this book will help you achieve your highest potential.
If you’re just getting into crystals, this 7 Chakra Healing Crystals Set is the perfect starting point. This curated toolkit for energy alignment includes generously sized raw stones of exceptional quality and vibrant energy that are each chosen to work in harmony.
Amplify your intentions, calm the mind, unlock creativity, and feel grounded, all with one cohesive set. Plus, it comes with a comprehensive guidebook that serves as your roadmap to start your spiritual journey.
Healing Crystal Zodiac Candles
Elevate your spiritual practices with these Healing Crystal Zodiac Candles. Crafted with crystals unique to your star sign, each candle is designed to empower and uplift your strongest qualities.
Perfect for meditation, prayer, energy healing, manifestation, self-care or any other kind of astrology rituals, these candles are perfect for anyone seeking to enhance their spiritual journey or add harmony to their home decor.
Aromatherapy Diffuser & Essential Oils Set
Amid the chaos of Mercury in retrograde, fill your home with healing scents thanks to this Aromatherapy Diffuser & Essential Oils Set.
Craft the ideal atmosphere with any of the included oils, from lavender to lemongrass, or anything from your personal collection to promote grounding, clear communication, and emotional balance.
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Dearest gentle readers, it’s no surprise that in the roughly month-long hiatus between Parts 1 and 2 of Bridgerton Season 4, anticipation has only continued to grow. Netflix’s hit Regency romance series may have said goodbye to a few faces since its initial premiere almost six years ago(!), but as the show’s newly released episodes confirm, even actors who have since gone on to star in increasingly big projects (looking at you, Jonathan Bailey) are still willing to come back right when the show’s titular family is in their greatest hour of need. There’s not much that can be said about Bridgerton Season 4 Part 2 without venturing into serious spoiler territory, but plenty of eagle-eyed fans have already pieced together some clues from the steady trickle of trailers and images released in the gap between episodes. Suffice it to say, Bridgerton‘s return this week brings with it one of the series’ darkest turns yet, but it’s accompanied by the show embracing one of its worst narrative habits — effectively sidelining the main romance in favor of laying the foundation of what’s to come.
What Is ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Part 2 About?
In the aftermath of Benedict Bridgerton’s (Luke Thompson) proposal — to be his mistress, not his wife — Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) finds herself wrestling with what accepting the gentleman’s offer would mean for her future, not just as a maid, but within society at large. Meanwhile, she’s still working for the family under Violet’s (Ruth Gemmill) roof, and the Bridgerton matriarch is starting to pick up on the vibes between her second son and her newest employee. Despite the two doing their best to embrace propriety, they still find themselves hopelessly drawn to each other, stealing forbidden touches behind closed doors. Although Sophie’s potential future as a mistress might be the best she could hope for, given her own station, the possibility of setting society’s tongues wagging isn’t the only thing she might have to worry about; her stepmother, Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung), has gotten word of where she’s been working, and won’t rest until she’s forced Sophie to face the consequences for absconding with those (admittedly paste) shoe clips of hers.
As for the rest of the Bridgerton family, Violet’s liaison with Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis) continues to develop, although she, too, remains torn about whether she’s actually ready to become more than just a mother. With the support of her husband, Colin (Luke Newton), Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) considers whether it might be time for her to move on from writing her Lady Whistledown column for good. Eloise (Claudia Jessie) continues to clash with Hyacinth (Florence Hunt) over her little sister’s obsession with entering society, just as the last character anyone would ever expect steps back onto the scene with a new title and a desire to restore her disgraced reputation among the ton. Francesca (Hannah Dodd) is struggling to properly host the newest guest in her and John’s (Victor Alli) home: his vivacious, outgoing cousin Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza). Oh, and Anthony (Bailey), Viscount Bridgerton, has a lot more on his plate to address than he planned upon his return home — like why his desk is littered with drawings of a mysterious woman in silver, and why Benedict is willing to put the family name at risk by taking a maid as his mistress. And that’s not even getting into the ongoing drama between the Queen (Golda Rosheuvel) and Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) as the two longtime friends are forced to reckon with Agatha’s upcoming leave of absence.
‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Part 2 Deepens the Romance Between Sophie and Benedict
Whenever Bridgerton does deign to check in on Sophie and Benedict’s ongoing romance, the moments viewers are treated to are definitely worthwhile. Their more intimate scenes in the back half of Season 4 simmer with a different kind of tension; ever since their steamy stairwell rendezvous, it’s not a question of if they’ll find the perfect opportunity to sneak off together, but when. The somewhat forbidden nature of their relationship, courtesy of Sophie’s current position in Benedict’s family home, constantly hovers over their interactions, making even the smallest shared glance between Ha and Thompson feel loaded with meaning. On a more intimate level, their love scenes in Part 2 skillfully walk a fine line between unapologetically steamy and deeply romantic. One only wishes there were more of them (but more on that later)!
What proves most compelling about Sophie and Benedict’s narrative in Season 4’s latter four episodes is that their push-and-pull isn’t rooted in whether their love exists — because it’s very clear how deeply these two have come to care about each other, despite Benedict not knowing that Sophie is his Lady in Silver — but rather in what the right decision for their future is. If Sophie agrees to become Benedict’s mistress, is she consigning herself to a future that’s lesser than what she’s truly worth? If Benedict actually makes Sophie his wife, will they be shunned and forced to live outside of society, risking his family’s name and the success of Hyacinth’s upcoming debut in the process?
Of course, any viewer familiar with Julia Quinn‘s An Offer From a Gentleman, the book that Bridgerton Season 4 adapts, already knows that the perfect legal solution will present itself, thereby paving the way for Sophie and Benedict to have their happily ever after. Before that happens, though, it’s lovely to see the Bridgertons defending Sophie against anyone who would threaten her livelihood or her reputation, ultimately serving as the family she never truly had. Along those same lines, the return of characters like Bailey’s Anthony Bridgerton (now sporting some handsomely rakish facial hair) allows for welcome reunion scenes that double as a reminder of the show’s strongest themes — and the fact that this family will always show up to support each other, no matter what.
‘Bridgerton’ Devotes Too Much Time to Setting Up Season 5’s Romance at the Cost of Season 4’s Love Story
While Sophie and Benedict’s romance in the last four episodes of Bridgerton Season 4 earns a handful of swoonworthy moments, it’s not the primary focus, and it points to a larger problem with the show’s overall narrative structure. In my review for Part 1, I mentioned that the show’s ever-expanding ensemble was threatening to push Bridgerton into overstuffed territory, with some characters earning little to no development compared to others, but what remained to be seen was whether the series would repeat Season 2’s biggest misstep — spending so much time establishing future romances that the present season’s love story pulls the short straw.
Unfortunately, Season 4 does fall into the very same trap. To a degree, some of this preparation is necessary, given that one of Bridgerton‘s upcoming romances begins in a very emotionally fraught place, and the show needs to afford that storyline the time and sensitivity it deserves. The issue arises when one episode is almost completely devoted to putting certain characters in place for a fifth season that may not even air for two more years, given Bridgerton‘s current release schedule. Perhaps if Season 4 had premiered in one batch of eight episodes, this choice wouldn’t have felt so flagrant, but combined with Netflix’s recent split-season release strategy, it’s hard not to weigh how much screentime is being subtracted from Sophie and Benedict’s romance. The story itself is handled as gently as one would hope, and it does result in a stunningly brilliant performance from Hannah Dodd, as Francesca is forced to navigate an unimaginable future for herself. Still, even a 10-episode order for Season 4, rather than eight, might have helped Bridgerton strike a balance between sowing enough seeds for future seasons and properly devoting attention to one of its boldest romances in the present.
Every Major ‘Bridgerton’ Couple, Ranked
How does Benophie compare to the other iconic ‘Bridgerton’ pairings?
There’s also a sense that, as much as Bridgerton aims to push new boundaries and redefine what romance can look like within the strict rules of Regency-era society, it still frustratingly insists on maintaining the status quo for certain characters. In Season 4 Part 1, Violet’s arc as a widow and mother rediscovering her sexuality leads to an irresistible love-after-loss romance, but Part 2 results in a disappointing about-face for that storyline, especially when so much time was spent building up to it — and over multiple shows, to boot. The drama between the Queen and Lady Danbury is stretched to the thinnest and most repetitive version of itself right up to the finale, and others like Eloise or, frankly, either of the Mondriches (Martins Imhangbe and Emma Naomi) have very little to do within the overall scope of Season 4, given the show’s already overloaded cast.
There’s no question that the future of Bridgerton is assured; it’s already been confirmed to return for a fifth and sixth season, and any Bridgerton romances beyond that are likely still being plotted out. Season 4 also drops plenty of intriguing breadcrumbs that could breathe new energy into the series’ ongoing drama, including a late-stage twist for Lady Whistledown that has even Penelope reeling in shock and the surprise reemergence of a society pariah that genuinely prompted a gasp from this reviewer. Four seasons in, however, Bridgerton still hasn’t really figured out how to solve its worst habit, which the biggest constraints of streaming television render even more glaring. Sophie and Benedict’s romance is sprinkled with just enough steam and swoon to satisfy, but it should’ve been given ample room to utterly sparkle.
- Release Date
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December 22, 2020
- Network
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Netflix
- Directors
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Tom Verica, Tricia Brock, Alex Pillai, Alrick Riley, Bille Woodruff, Cheryl Dunye, Sheree Folkson, Julie Anne Robinson
- Writers
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Abby McDonald, Sarah L. Thompson, Daniel Robinson, Oliver Goldstick, Leila Cohan-Miccio, Azia Squire, Sarah Dollard, Eli Wilson Pelton, Janet Lin
-
Luke Thompson
Lady Violet Bridgerton
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Ruth Gemmell
Benedict Bridgerton
- Yerin Ha remains an absolute gift to this series as Sophie’s Cinderella story reaches a satisfying ending.
- Familiar faces return, both to add stability and potentially shake up the narrative.
- Hannah Dodd delivers her best performance yet as Francesca navigates an unimaginable tragedy.
- An interesting twist surrounding Lady Whistledown infuses new energy into Penelope’s storyline.
- The last four episodes devote so much time to setting up Season 5’s love story at the cost of Season 4’s romance.
- Violet’s most promising storyline comes to a disappointing conclusion.
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