By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 11 seconds ago

Through nine seasons, two movies, and one deeply unfortunate revival, The X-Files was driven by a deep and sprawling mythology involving UFOs, aliens, and government coverups (oh, and just a weird amount of oil). This mythology tied to Fox Mulder’s desire to prove the existence of extraterrestrial life, and audiences were meant to tune into the show each week to see how his crusade was going. However, audiences soon found something far more interesting to obsess over than Mulder’s kooky quest: monster-of-the-week episodes!

Instead of focusing on deep lore or alien conspiracies, these episodes featured memorable foes (including everything from a stretchy cannibal to a giant flukeworm) who terrorized Mulder and Scully each week. Aside from the fact that these episodes were fun and scary, most fans never bothered to think too hard about why they loved these stories so much. However, in looking back at “The Host,” veteran X-Files producer Frank Spotnitz developed a theory: namely, that these episodes were popular because they focused on things that felt both “scary and real.”

Enter The Flukeman

As reported by X-Files Confidential, Spotnitz himself was fascinated by the Flukeman, who was the memorable monster of the week in the episode, “The Host.” He noted how “there’s something very visceral” about this particular thread, and how “it really captured people’s imaginations, and that was one of the big themes of the show, was finding things that were scary and real.” The Flukeman was memorably able to attack people through toilets, and the producer pointed out that “everyone seemed to be able to imagine … being attacked in a porta-potty, something coming out of your toilet.”

Wrapping up his thoughts, Spotnitz said that the enthusiastic audience reception to “The Host” was because the episode “speaks to deep fears – you know, urban myths people have heard their whole lives about, you know, snakes coming out of toilets or being attacked in vulnerable places, like a bathroom.” In reading what the producer had to say about this iconic episode, I was struck by a simple fact: he just quietly uncovered why X-Files fans love monster of the week episodes. The short answer is that the villains in these episodes typically tap into our more practical fears than things like alien abduction.

So Much Scarier Than Aliens

Aliens may be the primary threat on The X-Files, but when you get right down to it, they represent a pretty abstract threat to audiences. A good chunk of the people watching the show are, like Scully, skeptical about the existence of extraterrestrial life. Furthermore, a big part of the audience who does believe in aliens thinks that they are more likely to be friendly, Star Trek-style friendlies rather than little green men out to probe human butts.

However, monster of the week villains usually have their basis in something more realistic and, therefore, more terrifying. As Spotnitz points out, countless people are terrified of the idea of a snake hiding in their toilet and biting them in the bum. For someone who deeply fears something like that happening, the idea of a human-sized flukeworm who can do the same is downright horrifying.

The Scariest Monsters Look Like Us

Plus, it helps that so many monsters of the week are often human or present themselves as human. You might not be specifically scared of stretchy cannibals like Eugene Tooms, but he represents a more universally primal fear: that someone could be hiding in your home or workplace, and you wouldn’t know until it was too late. The show is also filled with human monsters like John Lee Roche, someone whose child victims reflect our very real fear of predators attacking kids with impunity. Even the inbred hillbillies of “Home” tap into the paranoid fear that your neighbors are not what they seem and that you will never truly be safe in your community.

Long story not very short, X-Files fans are more frightened by monster-of-the-week episodes because the villains in them are a little more (ahem) down to earth than aliens. They tap into urban myths, folk tales, and old-fashioned camp stories to remind us that we are always vulnerable when we least expect it. Let’s be real: what could be scarier than that?

Ryan Lochte is responding to his ex-wife Kayla Rae Reid’s claims that he cheated on her during their marriage.

“I absolutely was not unfaithful to my ex-wife,” Lochte, 41, said in a statement to People on Wednesday, March 4. “And I have no excuse but to continue to say I have grown and learned so much from my past and I am working on myself and my character every single day.”

Lochte also slammed Reid, 34, for claiming he was with now-girlfriend Molly Gillihan during the exes’ union.

“I love Molly and the family we have so much and it breaks my heart to see Molly dragged into this because never, not one time, did Molly and I have any sort of inappropriate relationship while I was with Kayla,” the athlete continued. “I reached out to Molly after I was served divorce papers and living on my own.”

Related: Ryan Lochte Claims Ex Wants ‘Pity,’ Denies Cheating With New Girlfriend

Ryan Lochte is calling out his estranged wife for insinuating that he cheated on her with his new girlfriend. Lochte, 40, went Instagram official with Molly Gillihan over the weekend, one month after Kayla Rae Reid announced she had filed for divorce from Lochte after seven years of marriage.  Reid recently posted an inspirational quote […]

Us Weekly has reached out to Lochte for comment.

Reid made headlines after she referred to Gillihan as Lochte’s “mistress” on the Monday, March 2, episode of her “The Comeback Era” podcast.

“I’m so happy for him. They’ve been happy for a very long time,” Reid claimed. “Very long time. For many years. They go way back.”

Lochte and Reid tied the knot in 2018 after going public with their relationship during the 2016 Summer Olympics. The pair share three children: son Caiden, 8, and daughters Liv, 6, and Georgia, 2.

Last year, Reid filed for divorce from Lochte after seven years of marriage.

“Earlier this year, I made the hard decision to end my marriage after deep prayer and reflection,” Kayla wrote via Instagram in June 2025. “I hold marriage in the highest regard, so this has been one of the most painful, revealing, and challenging seasons of my life. I’ve been hesitant to share until I could do so from a place of healing — not from fresh, open wounds.”

Lochte broke his silence days later.

“Although this decision hasn’t been easy, I believe it’s the right step toward peace and well-being for us both,” he wrote via Instagram. “I remain committed to healing, growth and coparenting with care and respect as we move forward separately. Thank you to our family and friends for your continued support. It truly means a lot as we begin this new chapter.”

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Related: How Ryan Lochte’s Betrayal Led to ‘Trust Issues’ — And Divorce

Kayla Rae Reid had serious concerns about Ryan Lochte prior to divorcing the Olympian, multiple sources exclusively tell Us Weekly. “There were trust issues on Kayla’s end,” one insider shares, with a second source claiming, “Ryan betrayed Kayla’s trust in numerous ways.” Reid, 34, announced on June 4 that she had “made the hard decision” […]

Earlier this year, Lochte moved in with Gillihan seven months after Reid filed for divorce.

“Home Sweet Home 🏠,” Lochte captioned a January Instagram photo of him and Gillihan lying on the floor of their new space. “#moveinday @mollygilli.”

After sharing his latest life update, Lochte opened up about how he was working on becoming the best version of himself for his kids.

“Everything I’ve done over the last 10 months has been about my kids and becoming the best father I can be for them,” he told People later that month. “That meant doing the work — going to rehab, rededicating my life to Christ, going to therapy and making changes that put my children first. Because of that growth, I’m grateful to now have my kids 50 percent of the time.”

Authorities have determined that the two girls whose bodies were found stuffed inside suitcases were related.

An initial DNA analysis by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the girls were half-sisters in life.

According to authorities, they have not been able to identify the two girls from their DNA alone.

The medical examiner’s staff is still attempting to determine the girls’ cause of death as well as the method used to kill them.

The remains of the two young girls were discovered in two suitcases located in an Ohio park late on Monday, March 2.

One of the bags had been left half-buried in a shallow grave, according to the man who accidentally stumbled upon the luggage.

The man, Phillip Donaldson, said he was walking his dog through a Cleveland park when the canine pulled him towards the bag.

He spoke to local news media and explained how he’d lifted the bag out of the loose dirt, unzipped the bag and discovered a head.

Police arrived at the park and conducted a search of the area, subsequently locating the second suitcase containing another body.

Initial reports indicated only one suitcase was found with both bodies,

Investigators believe the girls were between the ages of 8 and 14 when they died — likely from homicidal violence.

Police still do not know how long the girls’ remains have been buried, only that it had been “some time.”

According to Donaldson, the mound of dirt had been visible for at least a week. He recalled his disturbing discovery to local media outlet News 5.

“It was like a pile of dirt, and she stopped to sniff … and she was taking too long,” Donaldson said, referring to his dog. “So, I went back and looked, and it was a suitcase that was half buried and I pulled it up and looked in it, and it was a head. Somebody’s head in it.”

Cleveland Police said that they have received no reports about any missing children who match the girls’ remains.

Police are looking into missing persons reports statewide and in neighboring states for any possible leads.

The girls, police said, are Black and their bodies are said to be intact.

Investigators said they’ve had issues obtaining surveillance footage from cameras in that area, as they do not retain historical data.

There are still no suspects who’ve been identified in the case. Police did a potential person of interest in for questioning, but no charges have been filed against them.

In a statement issued Tuesday, March 3, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb denounced the killings.

“This heinous crime, in which the bodies of two young children were abandoned, is deeply disturbing,” said Bibb. “These were children who had their entire lives ahead of them. Whoever is responsible for depriving them of their futures should be held fully accountable under the law. Our Division of Police is pursuing every lead, carefully reviewing all available evidence, and deploying all necessary resources. They will not stop working until those responsible for this tragic and inhumane act are identified and brought to justice.”

Cleveland Police ask that anyone who has any information that may help them identify the two girls or the person or people responsible for their deaths call them at (216) 25-CRIME or 1-800-225-5324.

You can also file a report online here or contact Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County here.

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‘Traitors’ Winner Rob Rausch
Buys Maura Birkin Bag

Published
March 4, 2026
5:17 PM PST

Bhad Bhabie is facing scrutiny after posting new photos online days after sharing an update about her cancer diagnosis. While many applauded the rapper for continuing to show up confidently, others flooded her post with criticism, leading her to clap back.

Related: Prayers Up! Bhad Bhabie Shares Heartfelt Cancer Update As The TL Gets Emotional

Bhad Bhabie Drops New Photos On The Timeline

On Wednesday, March 4, Bhad Bhabie uploaded fresh photos to her social media accounts, showing off a new look. The rapper posed at a gas station, serving face and body while rocking an all-black workout set. As for her hair, she debuted a short haircut. However, the comment section quickly shifted focus. Some users zeroed in on her appearance, pointing out how different she looked. While others raised concerns, referencing her recent health news.

Bhad Bhabie Addresses Critics Amid Recent Health Update

On February 28, the 22-year-old rapper shared a health update on X, revealing she had received difficult news from her doctor. She wrote, “God has the last say so not my cancer.” The post came a year after Bhad Bhabie previously revealed she had been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer.

Despite the news, she hasn’t stepped away from social media. Instead, she’s continued posting and showing up confidently. After critics questioned why she was posting photos amid her diagnosis, she responded directly on X, writing: “I’m not supposed to feel pretty because of my cancer? Ok smh.”

Social Media Reacts

Social media users were split in The Shade Room Teens comment section. Some said they saw nothing wrong with her popping out serving a look, while others think she needs to slow down and focus on her health.

Instagram user @amouratiaa wrote, “Cancer don’t mean you gotta lay down n feel ugly are y’all ok? 😂😂😂 y’all act like cancer mean lose yourself”

While Instagram user @heregirl3 wrote, “People just don’t like her.. 😂”

Instagram user @bahdlys wrote, “she worried about everything but her cancer 💀💀”

Another Instagram user @pinkbarbie_x3 wrote, “Don’t shoot me but she tea”

While Instagram user @myannaa_w wrote, “Why would you go get that when you got health issues !!!! Seeee she be pissing me off”

Instagram user @_nallahb wrote, “Ian kno you can get all thee surgeries with cancer 😭 omg that is scaryyyy”

Another Instagram user @aamari_iramaa wrote, “Ig she’s supposed to be inna cancer ward showing us her chemo treatments 😩 ?????? Y’all are miserable”

While Instagram user @aziyuss wrote, “The internet is so mean bro 😂 ts is sad”

Related: Bhad Bhabie Shuts Down Pregnancy Question As Fans Hype Her Apparent Weight Gain In New Selfie

By Robert Scucci
| Published 13 seconds ago

As a cardio junkie who eats an embarrassing amount of pizza throughout the week, I try to squeeze in a good workout every single day. During the winter months I hit the treadmill or exercise bike for about an hour. When it gets warmer, I love a good jog for some old fashioned Vitamin D. The difference between my fitness choices and the ones depicted in 2022’s Brightwood is that I can stop whenever I want because I’m not trapped in a time loop with a mysterious hooded figure following me around and trying to kill me.

For good measure, I also try not to get my steps in near creepy lakes with hidden access paths. I like blasting music in my earbuds, and I don’t want to find myself in a remote area, where a menacing voice in the distance is telling me to run away, which I would absolutely not hear.

A Low-Budget High-Stakes Time Loop Thriller

Though its financials are not widely reported, Brightwood was produced for an estimated $14,000, and it shows. Fortunately, its story is so simple and effectively told that it probably could have been shot for even less, though I am no accountant. The film has only two primary characters, Jen (Dana Berger) and Dan (Max Woertendyke), along with a couple of stand-ins who briefly appear when more bodies are needed.

Brightwood follows a married couple whose relationship is clearly strained, with an inciting incident the night before setting everything in motion. Jen is fed up with Dan after he gets drunk at a work party and flirts with his coworkers. She channels her rage into dragging him on a long run while he is violently hungover, not holding back when she tells him how unhappy she is and how they have been together for a “stupid amount of time.”

Dan comes across as the complacent, mildly incompetent husband who has taken his marriage for granted. That was my initial read, at least. But the longer Brightwood sits with them, the murkier it becomes. Jen looks perpetually furious, her scowl capable of freezing you in place. It is hard to tell whether she has always been this way, forcing Dan to retreat into himself and his drinking, or if his emotional laziness slowly turned her into a stone cold scorpion woman. If I had to guess, they are both contributing equally to their shared misery but are too afraid to admit it.

It already seems obvious their nearly decade-long union is on the brink, but then their world tilts sideways when they realize they cannot leave the hiking trail they are running on. The path out disappears, and there is no clear way home. Worse, a mysterious hooded man keeps crossing their path. He never gets too close, but when they hear him in the distance, the only word they can make out is “run.”

Devising A Solid Exit Plan

As time passes in Brightwood, Jen and Dan begin questioning how long they have actually been stuck on the trail. Clues pile up. After Jen drops her earbuds, they begin noticing duplicate pairs, then triplicate pairs, and eventually entire piles of them, suggesting they have been trapped in this loop far longer than they realize.

When they finally catch a glimpse of the hooded man, he bears a striking resemblance to Dan. This doppelganger Dan kills Jen, sending the real Dan sprinting off in terror, only to reconnect with another version of Jen who has no idea what just happened.

Jen’s solo experiences mirror Dan’s. She witnesses Dan being killed multiple times and even kills one of him herself in a fit of rage. When they reunite, there is no clear way to determine which version of each we are watching. There is no visual shorthand to guide you, which means there could be dozens of Jens and Dans wandering the trail, encountering the hooded figure, getting killed, and being dragged off to some undisclosed location.

Next Time, Just Use The Treadmill

Brightwood accomplishes a surprising amount with very limited resources. Its lack of flashy effects or obvious visual cues makes the experience disorienting in the best way. The only consistent sign that something supernatural may be happening is a piercing ringing in their ears that sounds like high frequency feedback or a dog whistle. They just keep running, occasionally spotting their equally confused duplicates doing the same thing on a slightly different timeline.

A lean, tense psychological sci fi thriller, Brightwood belongs in the same conversation as Coherence (2013), Primer (2004), and Empathy, Inc. (2018), all of which prove you do not need a massive budget to create something deeply unnerving. A strong concept, committed performances, and a willingness to let the audience sit in confusion can go a long way.

As of this writing, you can stream Brightwood for free on Tubi.

Bhad Bhabie
Go Ahead and Gas Me Up!!!

Published
March 4, 2026
5:41 PM PST