Entertainment
10 Forgotten ’80s Movies That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
The ‘80s were a great decade for cinema, and not just a popular one. Although it can sometimes be conflated that it was the decade that brought the end to the “New Hollywood” era because it saw a rise in studios trying to make blockbuster franchises, it’s impressive to see how many legendary directors began their careers over this ten year span.
The ‘80s are seemingly more popular than ever thanks to the wave of nostalgia that has a grasp over all of the media, but not all of the best films of the decade were recognized as such at the time that they were released. In fact, many of these films didn’t get the recognition that they deserved until they became more popular on home media, or in recent years when they became more accessible on different streaming services.
10
‘Bird’ (1988)
Bird was a very different film for Clint Eastwood, who at the time was best known for his work on Westerns, action, and war films. Bird is a musical biopic of the legendary jazz player Charlie Parker, who is played by Forest Whitaker in one of the greatest performances of his career; it’s not a traditional “based on a true story” type of film, as Eastwood opts for a more impressionistic approach that approaches Parker’s career in a creative way, often feeling like a jazz song.
Bird stands out as being a truly original and accessible music biopic, which is notable today because of how cliched the genre has become due to films that seek only to appease existing fans of established artists. Eastwood has made many great films, but Bird should be recognized as one of his most underrated.
9
‘Sea of Love’ (1989)
Sea of Love was a significant film at the time of its release because it marked the major return of Al Pacino, who had essentially taken almost the entire decade off after a few notable bombs. Although Pacino had reached a point in his career where he was beginning to chew the scenery and give more over-the-top performances, Sea of Love was a grounded crime drama that anticipated the wave of serial killer thrillers that would become more prominent within the ‘90s.
Pacino gives one of his better performances in Sea of Love, but the film is actually stolen by Ellen Barkin, who managed to hold her own against an acting legend. When looking back at Sea of Love, it truly feels like “the type of film they don’t make anymore” because this type of grounded crime story would most likely be turned into a television show in 2026.
8
‘Casualties of War’ (1989)
Casualties of War was a very divisive film from Brian De Palma, who tackled the Vietnam War in a way that truly scandalized audiences. Although there had been films like Apocalypse Now and Platoon that reflected the theme of “war is hell,” Casualties of War presented a scenario in which the American soldiers were unambiguously the villains, as they abused their authority to create terror among the civilians who had their country torn apart by conflict.
Casualties of War presented a far grittier role for Michael J. Fox than he had ever had before, and became even more notable because it was released the same year as Back to the Future: Part II. It also featured a truly terrifying performance from Sean Penn, who was already proving himself to be unparalleled in terms of committing to intense roles that required him to get deep into character.
7
‘Talk Radio’ (1988)
Talk Radio is one of the most underrated films by Oliver Stone, and tends to get overlooked in his filmography because it was released in-between Wall Street and Born on the Fourth of July, two massive hits that ended up winning Oscars. Talk Radio starred Eric Bognosian in a true story about a radio host who was known for making transgressive, controversial broadcasts, and was eventually killed in a horrific hate crime.
Talk Radio was ahead of its time in looking at the discourse within the media and how easily it became toxic, as the film holds up even better when considering everything that has occurred within the Internet era. It was also a major role for Bogosian, who adapted his own play as the film’s screenplay, and proved to be a great collaborator to Stone when he was in his best decade.
6
‘Patty Hearst’ (1988)
Patty Hearst is one of the most underrated films written by Paul Schrader, who has never shied away from tackling material that is bound to ruffle some feathers. The film is based on the true story of a wealthy woman who was kidnapped by a radical anti-authoritarian movement and brainwashed into joining their organization. Although the film may have been too disturbing and avant garde to ever become a major critical darling, Natasha Richardson gives an incredible performance in the titular role, and deserved to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Patty Hearst confronts its audience with a bleak story and does not direct the viewer to feel a certain way. Given how modern cinema tends to beg its audience to understand a message without giving them any room to figure it out for themselves, it’s refreshing to see a film that is comfortable in its ambiguity.
5
‘Tin Men’ (1987)
Tin Men was a fairly successful film at the time of its release, but tends to be forgotten today. It was directed by Barry Levinson just a year before he would win the Academy Award for Best Director for Rain Man, and starred Danny DeVito and Richard Dreyfuss as two businessmen who have a dangerous feud after they get into a car crash in which they blame each other.
Tin Men is fairly dark for a mainstream comedy, and is willing to paint both of its leads in a fairly negative light. Younger viewers may not be aware that, long before It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, DeVito was a dynamic leading man who could breathe life into oddball characters. Dreyfuss tends to be a much more divisive actor, but he’s rarely been better cast than he was in Tin Men.
4
‘Salvador’ (1986)
Salvador is another great film from Stone that tends to get overlooked because it was released the same year as Platoon, the masterpiece that won him Best Picture and Best Director. The film is centered around the same period in history and is part of the spiritual “Vietnam trilogy” that Stone made alongside Platoon and Born On the Fourth of July.
Salvador is a great journalism drama that effectively conveys the perspective of a reporter who feels helpless to improve a situation he cares deeply about, despite doing his best to remain objective. Stone rarely fails to get tremendous performances out of his actors, but he made a particularly brilliant choice casting James Woods in Salvador. Woods tends to be a character actor who plays peculiar side characters, so seeing him in a darker lead role earned him a very well-deserved Academy Award nomination.
3
‘Code of Silence’ (1985)
Code of Silence was originally written to be a Dirty Harry sequel, but was repurposed into an original action thriller directed by Andrew Davis, the underrated filmmaker behind The Fugitive and Under Siege. The film stars Chuck Norris in his best performance ever as the one noble cop on a corrupt police force.
Code of Silence is one of the most underrated Chicago-set films, as it uses the city’s locations to create a real sense of time and place. Davis has always had a talent for making high-wire thrillers that deal with more intimate themes, and Code of Silence explores the difference between honor and loyalty in profound ways that were unexpected for what looked like a B-movie. Norris is obviously best known for being a renowned martial artist and action star, but Code of Silence proved that he could give a real, sensitive performance in a legitimate crime film.
2
‘Lost in America’ (1985)
Lost in America is one of the greatest films by Albert Brooks, a legendary writer, director, actor, and comedian who has had a significant influence on many of the funniest people working today. Brooks is great at taking realistic situations and escalating them to the point of excruciating awkwardness, and Lost in America is a hilarious satire of the “American dream” that doubles as a great road trip film.
Lost in America was released at the right time in the midst of the Reagan-era, and stands up well as a satire of class, privilege, and the illusion of autonomy. Brooks is always great at casting himself to be nebbish characters who bite off more than they can chew, and Lost in America was a great example of how he could present himself as being slightly obnoxious, yet still very charming.
1
‘1984’ (1984)
1984 was one of the all-time best years for films, so it shouldn’t be all that surprising that it also saw the debut of an adaptation of the most legendary novel by George Orwell. Although there have been many films that speak to Orwellian themes or acknowledge some of the ideas that were critical to his work, 1984 is one of the rare examples of a straight adaptation of his text.
1984 is just as bleak as the material called for, which may be why it wasn’t necessarily a successful film at the time of its release. While many of the lines from the novel are faithfully executed, the film also works to make the characters more engaging, and includes a stunning performance by John Hurt at his most devastating. It’s very easy to miss the point with Orwell; just look at what happened with Animal Farm.
1984
- Release Date
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March 22, 1985
- Runtime
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113 Minutes
- Director
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Michael Radford
- Writers
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Michael Radford, George Orwell
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Fantasy TV is often dominated by the biggest and flashiest names in the genre. Shows like Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power dominate most of the conversation, and for good reason. However, the catch is that while everyone is busy binge-watching the greats, a bunch of other brilliant fantasy shows get left behind.
Some of these shows premiered before the audiences started appreciating fantasy TV, and some lacked the marketing power of bigger franchises. Despite that, many of these overlooked series delivered the same sense of wonder and imagination that viewers appreciate in the more popular titles. For anyone looking to venture beyond the mainstream, here are the forgotten fantasy shows that are perfect from start to finish.
‘The 10th Kingdom’ (2000)
The 10th Kingdom is a true blue fantasy adventure for the whole family. The miniseries focuses on what happens after the happily ever after, and in doing so, it delivers a clever, funny, and surprisingly ambitious story that feels like a love letter to the genre. The narrative follows young New Yorker Virginia Lewis (Kimberly Williams), whose ordinary life is turned upside down when a magical mirror transports her and her father, Tony Lewis (John Larroquette), into a realm made up of the Nine Kingdoms. There, familiar fairy tales have continued long after their original endings, and descendants of legendary characters now rule kingdoms of their own.
Now, when Snow White’s grandson, Prince Wendell (Daniel Lapaine), is transformed into a dog by the Evil Queen (Dianne Wiest), Virginia finds herself entangled in a quest that could determine the fate of the entire realm. The 10th Kingdom is genuinely one of the most creative fantasy shows of the 2000s. The series constantly finds inventive ways to reinterpret fairy-tale mythology and weaves together characters, locations, and lore from classic stories into a world that feels both familiar and yet completely original. This is what gives The 10th Kingdom a charm that holds up even today. This show is the definition of a forgotten gem that deserves to be rediscovered.
‘Neverwhere’ (1996)
Neverwhere, created by Neil Gaiman, is a six-part BBC miniseries that takes a simple premise and transforms it into one of the most imaginative fantasy worlds ever put on television. The story follows Richard Mayhew (Gary Bakewell), an ordinary London businessman whose life changes forever after he helps an injured young woman named Door (Laura Fraser). That single act of kindness traps Richard in London Below, a hidden realm that exists alongside modern-day London.
As Richard searches for a way home, he joins Door on a dangerous adventure while being pursued by the sinister assassins Mr. Croup (Hywel Bennett) and Mr. Vandemar (Clive Russell). Neverwhere really shines in its worldbuilding because of how the show takes familiar London landmarks and transforms them into fantastical locations. It’s easy to tell that the show was made on a modest budget, but what it lacks in technicality, it more than makes up for with its compelling storytelling.
‘Pushing Daisies’ (2007–2009)
The premise of Pushing Daisies sounds absurd on paper, but the show is whimsical and quirky in all the right ways. The series follows pie-maker Ned (Lee Pace), who has the extraordinary gift of bringing the dead back to life with a single touch. Of course, that ability comes with strict rules, and if Ned touches someone a second time, they die forever. If he leaves a revived person alive for more than a minute, someone else nearby must die in their place. Chaos ensues when the protagonist starts helping private investigator Emerson Cod (Chi McBride) solve a murder and ends up resurrecting his childhood sweetheart, Charlotte “Chuck” Charles (Anna Friel), whom he does not want to lose again.
Aside from this hooking premise, Pushing Daisies feels like a storybook come to life with its colorful, elaborate sets and playful dialogue. Ned and Chuck’s love story is the most heartwarming part of the show. The two are hopelessly in love, yet can never physically touch each other without catastrophic consequences. Most would treat that limitation as a gimmick, but Pushing Daisies turns it into the emotional heart of the series. The fantasy comedy revolves around the idea of death itself, but never feels cynical. Even years after its cancellation, audiences still celebrate it as a one-of-a-kind TV masterpiece that ended way too soon.
‘His Dark Materials’ (2019–2022)
His Dark Materials, based on Philip Pullman‘s acclaimed novels, begins with the story of Lyra Belacqua (Dafne Keen), a seemingly ordinary orphan living at Jordan College in an alternate version of Oxford, where every human soul exists outside the body as an animal companion called a daemon. Things take a turn when Lyra’s best friend mysteriously disappears, and she sets out on a journey to find her. Along the way, she crosses paths with armored polar bears, witches, scholars, angels, and Will Parry (Amir Wilson), a boy from another world whose destiny becomes linked to her own.
His Dark Materials is one of those rare shows that grow with the audience. Season 1 has all the makings of a classic fantasy, but as the story progresses, the show makes way for its more philosophical themes to coexist with its elements of adventure and wonder. The series stays true to Pullman’s immersive world-building and, across three seasons, tells a complete story with a powerful emotional payoff.
‘The Almighty Johnsons’ (2011–2013)
The premise of The Almighty Johnsons could have easily taken a ridiculous turn, but the New Zealand series remains surprisingly grounded till the very end. The show follows Axl Johnson (Emmett Skilton), an ordinary student who discovers he is actually the reincarnation of Odin on his 21st birthday. Not just that, but all his family members are reincarnated Norse gods, whose divine abilities are weakened. It’s up to Axl to find the reincarnation of Frigg (Siobhan Marshall), Odin’s destined wife, to restore his family’s full powers.
The reason why The Almighty Johnsons is so entertaining is that the show runs wild with this setup. It treats mythology less like a spectacle and more like a series of relatable family problems in modern Auckland. This approach gives The Almighty Johnsons a personality that is unlike the standard, flashier fantasy shows. The series builds its fantasy through sharp writing and the idea that ancient gods might be just as confused and emotionally complicated as everyone else.
‘Carnivàle’ (2003–2005)
HBO’s Carnivàle is one of the most underrated fantasy shows of all time. The series is set during the Dust Bowl years of the Great Depression and follows Ben Hawkins (Nick Stahl), a young farm boy with mysterious healing abilities who joins a traveling carnival after his mother dies. As Ben travels across the American Southwest with the carnival’s collection of performers, fortune-tellers, and outcasts, he becomes haunted by strange visions that seem connected to a drifter named Henry Scudder (John Savage). Simultaneously, in California, charismatic preacher Brother Justin Crowe (Clancy Brown) begins discovering supernatural powers of his own, completely unaware that his path and Ben’s are leading toward an inevitable confrontation.
Carnivàle blends intimate character drama with a grand battle between good and evil. The show’s mythology is extremely ambitious. It draws from religion, folklore, tarot symbolism, prophecy, and even American history, but never loses sight of the character arcs that drive the narrative. Carnivàle also remains one of the most visually stunning fantasy shows ever produced, accurately portraying the era in which it is set. However, the show’s greatest strength is how confidently it embraces mystery. It trusts the audience to piece together clues and symbolism, which makes for the kind of active viewing experience that the fantasy genre calls for.
‘The Magicians’ (2015–2020)
The Magicians is a treat for anyone who loves Harry Potter but wants a story that feels more grown-up. The series, based on Lev Grossman‘s novels, begins with Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph), who discovers that magic is real when he is unexpectedly accepted into Brakebills University, a secret institution that trains magicians. Things quickly become far more complicated as Quentin and his fellow students learn that magic is dangerous, unpredictable, and often comes with devastating consequences. The real twist comes when they discover that Fillory, the magical fantasy world from Quentin’s favorite childhood books, isn’t fiction at all.
Not only is it real, but it’s also far more dangerous than anyone imagined. Now, Quentin definitely serves as the entry point to the story, but The Magicians quickly evolves into a true ensemble show. It follows characters including Julia Wicker (Stella Maeve), Eliot Waugh (Hale Appleman), Margo Hanson (Summer Bishil), and more as they grow, fail, lose friendships, and deal with personal struggles along with the magical threats they face. The series isn’t afraid to tackle dark themes like depression and addiction, but even then, it never loses its sense of wonder. Obviously, the cast’s brilliant performances allow such tonal shifts to work without ever feeling disjointed. The Magicians kept reinventing over its five seasons, and is easily one of the distinctive fantasy shows of the last decade.
The Magicians
- Release Date
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2015 – 2020-00-00
- Directors
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Chris Fisher, James L. Conway, Joshua Butler, John Scott, Carol Banker, Scott Smith, Guy Norman Bee, Rebecca Johnson, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Meera Menon, amanda tapping, Bill Eagles, Jan Eliasberg, Kate Woods, Shannon Kohli
-
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Olivia Taylor Dudley
Alice Quinn
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Denim cutoffs will always have a place in our summer wardrobes, but this season, we’re swapping frayed hems for something far more polished: tailored Bermuda shorts. The longer inseam instantly elevates an outfit, giving off that effortless “quiet luxury” energy while still feeling breathable, comfy and easy to style during hot weather.
Whether you’re channeling Hamptons-style sophistication, European vacation vibes or that polished ‘rich mom’ aesthetic flooding TikTok, tailored Bermuda shorts are the chic staple to wear on repeat. We found the best pairs from Amazon, Nordstrom, Gap, Abercrombie, Quince and more, including comfy pull-on styles, designer-looking picks and flattering options that make legs look miles long.
13 Tailored Bermuda Shorts That Scream ‘Rich Mom Summer’
1. Our Favorite: These pleated, tailored Bermuda shorts strike the perfect balance between polished and relaxed, making them look far more expensive than they actually are. The slightly longer inseam creates that coveted rich-mom silhouette while still feeling lightweight enough for scorching summer days.
2. Runner-Up: With a trouser-inspired fit and soft drapey fabric, these effortlessly skim the body without clinging. No one would ever know they’re actually active wear!
3. Editor-Approved: Long tailored shorts have become a celebrity street-style staple lately, and this pair nails the trend perfectly. The clean front tailoring and structured fit instantly elevate basic tanks and tees.
4. Designer-Looking: These chic Bermuda shorts look straight out of a European designer boutique thanks to the comfortable blend of fabrics and polished silhouette. The relaxed tailoring gives them that understated old-money feel we can’t stop wearing.
5. Everyday Essential: If you want a pair you’ll throw on constantly, these comfy pull-on Bermuda shorts are it. The stretchy waistband keeps things easy while the tailored shape still makes outfits feel put together.
It seems like every time we open Instagram, another influencer is telling Us that something we love wearing is suddenly uncool. We’ve decided to stop paying attention, especially when it comes to the debate about Bermuda shorts. Not everyone wants to rock booty-baring options, and after seeing how Selma Blair styled her denim pair, we’re totally sold on […]
6. Hamptons-Style Pick: Crisp white Bermuda shorts practically scream coastal grandmother meets Hamptons chic. Pair them with a striped sweater and leather sandals for an instantly polished summer outfit.
7. Petite-Friendly: Finding Bermuda shorts that don’t overwhelm shorter frames can be tricky, but this pair hits at the perfect leg-lengthening spot. The streamlined fit creates a flattering, elongated look without feeling boxy.
8. Cool-Girl Favorite: These slouchy, tailored shorts give off effortless downtown energy while still looking sophisticated. Styled with an oversized button-down and sleek loafers, they nail the cool-girl aesthetic.
9. Tummy-Control Pick: A mid-rise waistband and structured fabric help smooth everything comfortably without feeling restrictive. The relaxed leg opening also creates a super flattering silhouette for curvier body types.
10. Linen-Lover Essential: Nothing feels more luxurious in the summer heat than breathable linen Bermuda shorts. This tailored pair looks especially chic with matching linen tops and oversized sunglasses.
11. Under-$40 Find: These expensive-looking Bermuda shorts ring in at a surprisingly affordable price point. Reviewers love the polished fit, easy styling potential and comfy feel.
12. Office-to-Brunch Staple: Tailored enough for casual office settings yet relaxed enough for weekend plans, these knee-length shorts can truly do both. The longer length makes them feel sophisticated instead of overly trendy.
13. Rich Mom Energy: Everything about these polished Bermuda shorts feels incredibly elevated, from the clean tailoring to the luxe-looking fabric. Add gold jewelry, a woven tote and oversized sunglasses for the full rich-mom effect.
There’s a certain kind of summer outfit that feels straight out of the Hamptons — iced coffee in hand, beach breeze, not a single thing clinging where it shouldn’t. Loose, flowy pants are the foundation, keeping things easy, polished and somehow always pulled together, even without trying. It’s the kind of look that appears expensive, […]
Entertainment
Madonna's “Confessions II” short film is her boldest (and best) work in years — and all she did was tell the truth
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EW breaks down the celebrity-filled “Confessions II” film and what it means for Madonna’s future as the world’s foremost pop star.
Real Housewives of Miami star Lenny Hochstein is addressing the sexual assault allegations being made against him in a new lawsuit.
“I’ve never drugged or raped anyone in my life.” Hochstein, 59, claimed to Us Weekly on Monday, June 8. “I know who this girl is. She is a girl I met over a year ago and I have a video of her leaving my house the next morning smiling and dancing.”
Hochstein admitted that he and the woman did participate in sexual activity but he vehemently denied that it was rape.
“I absolutely did not drug anyone,” he told Us. “I did not rape anyone and would never do that in my life.”
The Real Housewives of Miami star Lisa Hochstein and ex-husband Lenny Hochstein announced their split in May 2022 — but going public was only the beginning of their messy divorce proceedings. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to […]
Hochstein alleged there are witnesses who can advocate on his behalf. He also questioned the alleged victim for not reaching out to the authorities.
“If you feel like you were raped, why would you not go to the police?” he continued. “No one from the police has reached out to me.”
Earlier on Monday, news broke that a woman anonymously filed a lawsuit in civil court against Hochstein for sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. According to court documents obtained by Us, the woman, who has been referred to as Jane Doe, accused Hochstein of drugging and raping her after she was invited to a party at his house on Star Island in Miami.
She’s asking the court for more than $50,000, including attorneys fees and costs.
Doe claimed that she was visiting Miami from London in May 2025. While out at the Sopra Club, Doe met another man, who she refers to in court docs as a “decoy,” invited her to the Star Island home for an alleged party. She claimed that when she arrived at the property there wasn’t a party.
After meeting Hochstein, Doe accused him of repeatedly hitting on her and she rejected his advances.
He allegedly “offered to give her a tour of the Star Island” home that ended in his bedroom at around 3 a.m. when he allegedly “kissed” her and she “immediately told him that things would not go any further and that she would not be having sex with him.” She allegedly “repeated the refusal multiple times throughout the night.”
She also claimed he gave her a sleeping pill and she took it because he is a doctor. (Hochstein is a well-known plastic surgeon.)
Doe claimed that after she took the pill, he “began making increasingly aggressive and continuous sexual advances.”
She further claimed that he “attempted to remove her underwear with his hand” which she refused, and she allegedly told him that “she would not be having sex with him.”
Doe claimed that she blacked out shortly after taking the pill and woke up the next morning “extremely hazy” when he “attempted to have sex with her.”
At that point, she “realized that her underwear had been removed from her body at some point during her period of unconsciousness,” per the docs.
Doe claimed that he told her that “she should have sex with him because the two of them had already had sex the night before.”
She alleged that she was “incapable of giving and did not give valid consent to any sexual contact.”
UPDATE — 4/15/26, 11:42 a.m. ET: The Real Housewives of Miami star Lisa Hochstein has turned herself in to authorities. Hochstein’s attorney, Jayne Weintraub, confirmed to TMZ on Wednesday, April 15, that the surrender was voluntary and her client “has nothing to hide” as the legal process plays out. Hochstein posed for a mugshot before […]
Doe claimed in a text message exchange between them following the incident, Hochstein told her that he had “given her melatonin.”
However, Doe claimed in the docs that it was Ambien because she remembered what it looked like and researched it online.
TMZ was first to report the news of the lawsuit filing.
Lenny rose to fame for appearing on Real Housewives of Miami alongside ex-wife Lisa Hochstein. Lisa made her debut during season 2 which aired in 2012. She has remained on the cast since. On the Bravo series, Lenny and Lisa endured multiple issues including their fertility struggles and a tumultuous divorce. The exes split in 2022 and finalized their divorce two years later.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
For years, critics of Meghan Markle have pushed the theory that the Duchess of Sussex never intended to fully embrace royal life and instead influenced Prince Harry to step away from the monarchy. But a new royal book is pushing back on that narrative.
In “Divide & Rule,” author Catherine Mayer challenges claims that Meghan entered the Royal Family with a secret agenda, disputing suggestions that she convinced Harry she would settle into royal duties only to later pull him away from his family. Instead, Mayer argues the reality behind Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure was far more complicated.
According to Mayer, one popular theory, promoted by critics including Meghan’s biographer, Tom Bower, and royal photographer, Arthur Edwards, suggests Meghan always intended to separate Harry from royal life.
The narrative alleges Meghan led Harry to believe she would accept the role of a working royal while privately planning a very different future. But Mayer says her own reporting uncovered a different story. “My own research, which has included conversations with deeply informed sources, produced a different picture,” Mayer writes.
Rather than manipulation, Mayer describes “two people, naively optimistic that they could develop their own interpretations of the royal job, thrown off balance as they hit resistance and swiftly developing a siege mentality.”
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Reportedly Wanted To Reimagine Royal Life
According to the book, Harry and Meghan initially had no intention of abandoning royal service altogether. Instead, Mayer suggests the couple hoped to carve out a more modern version of royal work while maintaining their support for Queen Elizabeth II. At one point, the Sussexes reportedly envisioned living abroad while continuing to serve the Crown “still doing work for the Queen, but beyond the reach of the press.”
Mayer also argues that Meghan appeared to thrive in many aspects of royal life despite criticism from palace insiders. “Her in-laws might recoil from her hugs, but strangers on the street leaned into them,” the author writes, suggesting Meghan naturally connected with the public.
Meghan Markle Was Reportedly Viewed As ‘Too Political’
The book also addresses criticism that Meghan was viewed by some within royal circles as overly political. However, a well-informed source cited by Mayer suggested Meghan never viewed herself as rebellious.
Instead, the source claimed Meghan’s public support of the #MeToo movement in 2018 stemmed from the belief that ending sexual harassment was a mainstream goal rather than a political statement. Still, tensions reportedly escalated as Harry and Meghan encountered resistance from palace officials while attempting to shape a new role for themselves inside the institution.
Mayer writes that, unlike couples who balance one another out in moments of conflict, Harry and Meghan often reacted similarly under pressure. “Where some couples moderate each other’s responses, the one more inclined to conciliation, the other to confrontation, Harry and Meghan share similar reflexes,” the author writes.
Why ‘Megxit’ Eventually Became Unavoidable
According to Mayer, palace officials increasingly viewed Harry and Meghan as unpredictable during a pivotal period for the monarchy. With Queen Elizabeth II aging and future transitions to King Charles III and Prince William looming, palace priorities reportedly shifted toward stability. In that environment, Mayer claims that some insiders began to see the Sussexes less as an opportunity for modernization and more as a potential risk.
The book claims concerns grew that Meghan “would not have respected boundaries” and that Harry and Meghan risked becoming “more Andrew-and-Sarah than Anne-and-Timothy.” As tensions mounted, Mayer argues the institution focused less on helping Harry and Meghan expand their role and more on containing them.
For the author, “Megxit” was not the result of a master plan, but the breakdown of a relationship between two people who believed they could reshape royal life and an institution unwilling to bend with them.
Meghan Markle Is Compared To Princess Diana
Elsewhere in “Divide & Rule,” Mayer also draws striking comparisons between Meghan and the late Princess Diana, arguing Prince Harry’s fears about history repeating itself may have shaped many of the couple’s decisions.
According to the author, Harry became increasingly protective of Meghan as media scrutiny intensified, believing his wife faced many of the same pressures his mother endured during her years inside the monarchy.
Mayer writes that Harry sought to protect Meghan “in a way he could not protect his mother,” while also suggesting Meghan’s growing public backlash mirrored the criticism Diana once faced before eventually becoming one of the most beloved figures in royal history.
By Chris Snellgrove
| Updated
The ‘90s were a heady time for movie lovers. We got new sci-fi masterpieces like The Matrix, brilliant genre deconstructions like Pulp Fiction, crowd-pleasing blockbusters like Independence Day, and so much more. But we also got something very unexpected: the renaissance of raunchy films. Movies obsessed with sex and vulgar punchlines were a staple of the ’80s, but they had started to die out by the beginning of the next decade. The late ‘90s brought back the raunchy sex comedy genre with American Pie, kicking off a decade-long revival that finally died out when movie studios got nervous about making R-rated comedies.
Of course, nothing happens in a vacuum. Have you ever wondered why American Pie was such a breakout hit? It’s largely because of another movie that came out just one year earlier: There’s Something About Mary (1998). This is the movie that took dirty sex comedies to the next level with some of the grossest gags ever put on film. Before this, it would have been unthinkable for a mainstream movie to include a joke about a woman accidentally using semen to style her hair. Fortunately, the Farrelly Brothers taught us just how funny sex could be, and you can now stream their raunchy magnum opus on Netflix.
Raunchy And Romantic
The premise of There’s Something About Mary is that a magazine writer (Ben Stiller) is still pining over the high school crush he never got to date. He hires a private investigator (Matt Dillon) to track her down, but the plucky PI ends up falling head over heels for this stunning woman (Cameron Diaz). Soon enough, the writer and the detective are both vying for her affection, which leads to one madcap romantic mishap after another. Arguably, these mishaps are the best part of the movie, allowing the filmmakers to examine modern anxieties about sex and dating through the lens of vulgar, slapstick comedy.
Surprisingly, the movie has a wholesome core and crunchy themes about finding true love. Don’t get me wrong, every scene has at least one raunchy gag that you’d hate to watch with your parents in the room, so this isn’t an overly sentimental story. But it’s also not overly nihilistic, and it presents the main character’s search for love as a Quixotic quest for self-fulfillment. That makes his struggles relatable, and the characters’ romantic struggles are arguably more relatable than ever before. You might not notice, though, because you’re too busy laughing at some of the grossest gags of the entire decade!
The Grossest Gags Of the ‘90s
There’s Something About Mary was clearly inspired by raunchy films from earlier decades, including classics like Animal House and Porky’s. However, those movies were typically content to simply flash some nudity, make a few vulgar quips, and call it a day. By comparison, There’s Something About Mary took gross-out gags to the next level in scene after scene. For example, Ben Stiller’s character misses a date because his balls get caught in a zipper. Other scenes include semantics surrounding self gratification, and the heady combination of foot fungus and Slim Jims (talk about a road snack!).
Of course, it’s impossible to talk about There’s Something About Mary without focusing on its most notorious moment: the infamous “hair gel” scene. Stiller’s character decides to “flog the dolphin” before a date with Diaz’s character in order to take the edge off. Later, she finds some of the mess he made on his ear, which he claims is just hair gel. Taking him at his word, she puts it in her own hair, resulting in a very sticky situation for her lovely lady locks. It’s a jaw-droppingly hilarious gag, one that helped cement (especially if you let it dry!) Cameron Diaz as one of Hollywood’s funniest and sexiest women.
A Star Is Born
There’s Something About Mary isn’t Cameron Diaz’s first film. She actually made her Hollywood debut as the blonde bombshell love interest in The Mask. However, it was this later role that established her as one of Hollywood’s most beloved leading ladies. After all, everyone already knew she could act and that she was absolutely gorgeous. But it was There’s Something About Mary that proved that she was game for the absolute craziest scenes, and she pulled them off with the same poise and grace that made her Hollywood’s favorite girl next door. In a movie filled with acting greats like Ben Stiller and Matt Dillon, she effortlessly gives the best performance.
The success of There’s Something About Mary transformed Cameron Diaz into a bankable movie star. She subsequently headlined major film franchises like Charlie’s Angels and more experimental films like Vanilla Sky, but she never forgot her raunchy comedy roots, which is why she starred in films like The Sweetest Thing and Sex Tape. To this day, Diaz is the best part of almost any project she joins, but she wouldn’t be in nearly so many things without the success of There’s Something About Mary, a film that’s a bit like her character’s “hair gel”: sometimes sweet, often salty.
The Rom-Com, Redefined
Dudes everywhere celebrated when There’s Something About Mary came out. It wasn’t just because there was a new movie with unforgettable gags, a quotable script, and a smokeshow of a lead. No, dudes were celebrating because this film transformed their least-favorite genre: the romantic comedy. Far too many rom-coms are bad at both the “rom” and the “com,” giving us warmed-over relationship platitudes centered around bland, inoffensive jokes. However, There’s Something About Mary blends hilarious jokes with a genuinely sweet (albeit insanely unconventional) love story. It’s a film that men and women alike can enjoy and spend a lifetime quoting at each other.
Do you need a little more raunchy comedy in your life? Maybe you want to gawk at Cameron Diaz in her prime, or just get the most unhinged haircare secrets ever caught on film? Whatever the reason, now is a perfect time to grab a beer and stream There’s Something About Mary on Netflix. It’s a perfectly imperfect, R-rated blockbuster about sex, dating, and love. It also offers some important life lessons to all of the men watching it. For example, after watching what happens to Ben Stiller’s character early in the film, you’ll always, always be careful when zipping up your pants!
By Jonathan Klotz
| Updated
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, which means John Carpenter has been flattered more than most people. The genius behind Assault on Precinct 13, Halloween, The Thing, and Big Trouble in Little China is one of the most imitated directors of all time. One film got a little too close for his tastes though and he took the writer to court, who happened to be another famous director, Luc Besson. Luc Besson’s 2012 film Lockout was derisively described as Escape from New York in space, and Carpenter agreed, taking the Frenchman to court over the movie.
Escape From New York In Space
Escape from New York stars Carpenter’s frequent collaborator Kurt Russell as Snake Plisken, the eye-patch wearing convicted tough guy to take on a mission to save the President from a New York turned into a gigantic prison complex. Lockdown stars Guy Pearce as Marion Snow, a convicted felon sent to a gigantic space prison to save the President’s daughter, Emilie, (Maggie Grace) and clear his name in the process. Don’t worry, it gets worse.
Frank Doubleday’s great performance as the Duke of New York’s second Romero in Escape from New York is replicated in Lockout with Hydel, played by Joe Gilgun, the psychotic second in command who ends up stealing every scene he’s in. There’s also a ticking clock: in Escape from New York, it’s the impending murder of the President and then embedded explosives, while in Lockout, it’s a CIA officer willing to blow up the station to cover his tracks. Copying one or two elements could be overlooked, that’s how we got Torque, but following Carpenter’s suit, a French court ruled in his favor.
Carpenter filed suit in 2015, three years after Lockout bombed in theaters but managed to make some money on home media. The French court ruled in his favor against countryman Luc Besson, who made the choice to appeal. Prior to the appeal, Besson and his production partners were ordered to pay €20,000 to Carpenter, €10,000 to his writing partner Nick Cave, and €50,000 to StudioCanal. After the appeal was struck down, the court increased the total damages to €450,000.
Lockout Is Dumb Fun
Lockout isn’t a bad movie, it’s a perfectly fun dumb action movie. Guy Pearce does a great Kurt Russell impression, and the action set pieces are, again, fun but dumb. Had Luc Besson directed the film with the manic energy he brought to The Fifth Element and Lucy, it would have been far more over the top and memorable instead of the perfect lazy Sunday afternoon streaming movie for fans of the Cleveland Browns.
One particular cringey scene takes place after Marion has saved Emilie, where they have to disguise her. This involves a sudden cut to Guy Pearce with offscreen noises from Maggie Grace as he rubs black oil and cuts her hair, then she stands back up in the next cut with black hair and a short haircut. No one thought Lockout would have one of the most blatant edits in movie history, but here we are.
Audiences largely avoided Lockout which was saved financially by the overseas market. Making $32 million, it didn’t lose money, but a budget of $20 million before marketing costs means the profit was very slim. We were never going to get another Guy Pearce Marion Snow film even before the lawsuit.
The Future Of Escape From New York
Lockout is currently free to stream on Tubi and time has been kind to this film. It’s the type of sci-fi action we need more of, though Alan Ritchson’s War Machine on Netflix has helped fill that gap. It was a one-and-done, but on the other hand, Escape from New York is about to become more relevant.
The good news for fans of Snake is that a sequel is in development. The bad news is that Zach Snyder is writing and directing it. Will it be the Snyder who gave us Army of the Dead and 300? Or the Snyder who wrote Sucker Punch and Rebel Moon?
Do you prefer cozy British whodunits, staple American television with the FBI involved, or a fresh take on the classic literary character, Sherlock Holmes? With these detective shows that will keep you hooked from start to finish, you’ll find all of these and more. You might even discover new shows you haven’t heard of before or be reminded of something you’ve had on your watchlist for a while.
All of these detective shows (and, to be honest, the best detective shows) have one thing in common: the exceptional ability to keep you glued to the screen from beginning to end. With these shows, you’ll notice that not all of them have ended yet, heightening the excitement for new episodes and seasons.
‘Father Brown’ (2013–Present)
Father Brown is now the longest-running daytime drama in BBC history, having aired over one hundred episodes and still going strong, demonstrating its enduring comfort appeal. It’s not gritty or shocking, just endlessly watchable television, the kind that feels like a hot cup of tea (or cocoa if tea isn’t your thing). Mark Williams is excellent as the unassuming detective-priest, and the show’s pacing makes it an ideal palate cleanser between heavier dramas. It’s cozy, but it’s also addictive; each episode is a well-crafted mini-mystery that respects your intelligence while tucking you in for a relaxing night of binge-watching.
In the sleepy Cotswolds village of Kembleford, Father Brown (Williams) rides around on his bicycle, solving murders with a combination of keen insight, empathy, and a surprisingly sharp grasp of criminal psychology. He’s a Catholic priest first, a detective second, and his approach to crime is to understand the sinner rather than simply catch the culprit. Adapted from G.K. Chesterton‘s short stories, the show is packed with period details, witty humor, and deeply satisfying whodunit episodes. With a fantastic recurring cast, Father Brown presents a new case every episode, always with a moral compass pointing towards redemption.
‘White Collar’ (2009–2014)
White Collar was a hit for USA Network, running for six seasons and sparking persistent revival rumors, which culminated in a recently confirmed reboot featuring the majority of the original cast. Matt Bomer‘s charisma is undeniable, and the supporting cast, including the late, great Willie Garson as Neal’s partner-in-crime Mozzie, is universally adored. White Collar works because it never gets too dark or too silly but always gets right to the emotional core: an unlikely friendship between a man who believes in the law and a man who has spent his life breaking it. It’s a show you’ll fire up for the detective/mystery aspect and keep watching for the heart.
White Collar follows the charming and brilliant con artist Neal Caffrey (Bomer), who escapes from a maximum-security federal prison with only months left on his sentence and is quickly caught by the same FBI agent who put him there, Peter Burke (Tim DeKay). But Neal has a proposal: make him a consultant for the FBI’s white-collar crime division, and he’ll use his criminal genius to help catch other, more serious criminals. The chemistry between Bomer’s irresistible criminal and DeKay’s frustrated detective is what drives this glittering, fashionable caper-of-the-week series. Stretched into six seasons, it’s Catch Me If You Can with sleek suits, art forgery, hidden treasures, and the never-ending suspense of a con artist who might be planning his own great escape.
‘Poker Face’ (2023–2025)
Poker Face came with a bang, since Rian Johnson‘s reputation as a detective/mystery creator was still fresh after the Knives Out sequel, Glass Onion. Poker Face‘s first season was a critical success, with praise for its clever reimagining of the mystery-of-the-week formula. Each episode features a parade of fantastic guest stars as killers who vastly underestimate Natasha Lyonne‘s seemingly befuddled Charlie Cale. The show is a sun-drenched, retro-chic journey through America’s strange margins, anchored by Lyonne’s effortlessly cool performance. It’s a rare detective show that makes you feel like you’re simply hanging out with a very perceptive friend who also happens to solve murders.
Poker Face follows Charlie Cale (Lyonne), a woman on the run who possesses a supernatural ability: she can tell when someone is lying, though she’s not sure why. Running from a dangerous casino owner, she moves from one dusty roadside town to the next, working odd jobs in casinos, barbecue joints, and dilapidated motels while stumbling across a murder every week. The show is reminiscent of the great “howcatchem” shows of the 1970s, such as Columbo, in which the crime is revealed right away; the fun is watching Charlie uncover alibis with her great instincts and observation skills.
‘Young Sherlock’ (2026–Present)
Young Sherlock debuted on Prime Video in March 2026 and quickly became a global streaming hit, earning rave reviews and a quick second season renewal. Hero Fiennes Tiffin plays the young Sherlock Holmes with heart and energy, and the show’s gorgeous period production design creates a visual feast. Critics have praised its balance of intellectual deduction and genuine adventure, and Guy Ritchie’s signature style ensures that even the quietest scene hums with tension and a sense of playfulness. The cast is exceptional, with Tiffin’s uncle Joseph Fiennes playing Sherlock’s father, Silas, but the standout is Irish actor Dónal Finn, who portrays James Moriarty in a compelling and utterly captivating performance.
Ritchie’s return to Arthur Conan Doyle‘s world is a high-energy origin story in which Sherlock Holmes is portrayed as a brilliant, reckless nineteen-year-old employee at Oxford University, rather than a student. Young Sherlock finds the future consulting detective dealing with his first major mystery after Princess Shou’an’s (Zine Tseng) scrolls containing priceless scrolls of Sun Tzu‘s The Art of War are stolen. There is no Watson, either; the show delves into Holmes’ origin story with Moriarty, where rifts become more apparent over time, but the chemistry between Tiffin and Finn is so strong that you’ll wish their story could last a little longer. It’s a Sherlock who is still learning how to fight and demonstrates empathy, heart, and affection, drawing a distinction between Benedict Cumberbatch‘s sociopath and Robert Downey Jr.‘s rambling chaos.
‘Bosch’ (2014–2021)
Bosch is a quiet hit that has amassed one of the most devoted fan bases in streaming history, having aired for seven seasons on Amazon Prime Video and spawning a thriving spinoff. Titus Welliver‘s Harry Bosch embodies the hard-boiled detective: terse, principled, and somewhat tragic. The procedural cases are compelling, but the serialized arcs are where the show really shines. It’s the definition of “just one more episode,” and with ten seasons (including Bosch and its sequel, Bosch: Legacy), it’s a lengthy, satisfying binge.
Harry Bosch (Welliver) is an LAPD homicide detective with a haunted past; his mother was murdered, and he spent his childhood in foster care. He is motivated by truth and justice, and he works on cases intuitively, relentlessly, and with determination. The seven-season series, based on Michael Connelly‘s best-selling novels, is a masterclass in slow-burn police work. Later, in the sequel series Bosch: Legacy, Bosch shifts to private investigation, still pursuing justice, except this time operating outside the system. It’s fun and the epitome of a hardworking detective show that delivers on all accounts.
‘Unforgotten’ (2015–Present)
Unforgotten is widely regarded as one of the finest British crime dramas ever made. Nicola Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar have the most natural, unforced chemistry of any detective pairing on television, and their calm, empathetic approach to policing contrasts sharply with the flashier, more violent procedurals. Unlike most short crime series from the UK, Unforgotten has had six seasons so far and has been renewed for a seventh in 2025. It is a show that depicts solving a crime as a long, slow process of bringing justice to those who have been forgotten, rather than the thrill of the chase.
Each season of Unforgotten begins with the discovery of a long-buried corpse, raising the question of who the person was and why they were killed. DCI Cassie Stuart (Walker) and DI Sunny Khan (Bhaskar) lead the investigation, gradually revealing decades of secrets while navigating their own personal struggles. The show is deeply compassionate, treating each victim as a human being whose life was important and each suspect as someone carrying the burden of the past. The show’s title refers to the long-gone victims, portraying them as “unforgotten,” as they are to their families and loved ones. It’s a fantastic work of detective fiction that will keep you hooked.
‘Blue Lights’ (2023–Present)
Blue Lights premiered to rave reviews in 2023, and Seasons 2 and 3 followed, with a fourth on the way. Critics have praised this Northern Irish thriller as one of the best police dramas in years, citing its authenticity, lack of cliché, and deep empathy for both the officers and the communities they serve. The cast, led by Siân Brooke, is consistently excellent, and Game of Thrones fans will recognize Richard Dormer, who played Beric Dondarrion in the epic. Blue Lights is a detective show in the broadest sense; its protagonists solve crimes, but the true mystery is how to be a decent person in a world where decency is alien. It’s gripping, compassionate television that will captivate you from the start.
Blue Lights follows three rookie police officers in modern-day Belfast who discover that the job is less about catching masterminds and more about surviving each shift in a city haunted by the Troubles. Grace (Brooke), Tommy (Nathan Braniff), and Annie (Katherine Devlin) are probationary constables thrust into a world of paramilitary intimidation, community distrust, and a constant sense of danger. The show is a deeply human ensemble drama that follows their steep, often terrifying learning curve as they discover that policing is, at times, just about getting home at the end of the day.
‘Line of Duty’ (2012–Present)
Line of Duty ended in 2021, with its finale attracting over 15 million viewers, breaking records and cementing the show’s legacy as one of the most successful British dramas of all time. The show’s popularity has remained high, and creator Jed Mercurio and stars Vicky McClure, Martin Compston, and Adrian Dunbar have agreed to make another season, set to premiere in 2027. Thanks to Mercurio’s brilliant pacing, each season of Line of Duty is a six-episode sprint with cliffhangers so brutal you’ll go through several episodes in one sitting. If you haven’t yet sweated through an AC-12 interview, clear your schedule. You’re about to.
Line of Duty is a crime thriller that follows AC-12, a unit tasked with investigating corrupt cops. Each season adds a new, complex case to a slowly unfolding conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of law enforcement. The interrogation scenes are long, tense, dialogue-driven standoffs in glass-walled rooms, representing television at its most electrifying. Superintendent Ted Hastings, DI Kate Fleming, and DS Steve Arnott became icons, and Dunbar received a mural dedicated to him and his character in his hometown of Enniskillen, which has a well-known mural walk.
‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)
Mindhunter is one of the best shows of the 21st century, but it’s not a traditional detective show; there are no car chases or last-minute evidence reveals. Instead, it’s a slow, deliberate journey through the psychology of murder. Fans continue to campaign for a third season, but the show remains in indefinite limbo, which somehow makes its 19 episodes feel even more precious; there have been recent discussions of a potential Season 3, but David Fincher, the showrunner, keeps things quite cryptic. Mindhunter is not a quick fix; it requires your full attention, rewards patience, and leaves you feeling unsettled in ways you can’t quite articulate, but you’ll feel hypnotized by its beauty and quality.
Mindhunter is set in the late 1970s and follows FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), as well as psychologist Wendy Carr (Anna Torv), as they pioneer the art of criminal profiling by interviewing incarcerated serial killers. The interviews with real-life monsters like Ed Kemper, Charles Manson, and Son of Sam are unsettling and mesmerizing, shot with Fincher’s signature precision, dark sheen, and attention to period detail. If you want a detective show that delves into the minds of both the hunters and the hunted, this is it.
Mindhunter
- Release Date
-
2017 – 2019
- Network
-
Netflix
- Showrunner
-
Joe Penhall
- Directors
-
David Fincher, Carl Franklin, Andrew Dominik, Andrew Douglas, Asif Kapadia, Tobias Lindholm
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published
Here’s a somewhat embarrassing connection: I’m a big fan of TV Tropes, the website that catalogues all of the different narrative building blocks that go into our favorite shows and movies. One of my favorite tropes is “Harsher In Hindsight,” which is pretty self-explanatory: this refers to media moments that didn’t seem so weird at the time but that are downright uncomfortable to watch now. Pretty much no show is safe from this trope, including Star Trek: The Next Generation. That’s because it has one episode that you pretty much can’t watch without thinking about the 9/11 terrorist attacks!
The episode in question is “The High Ground.” The show’s producers had insisted that TNG needed a little more action and adventure, so the writers busted out the most reliable TV villains of the ‘80s and ‘90s: terrorists! On paper, this episode was meant to be a callback to The Original Series, with a relatively simple framing of heroic good guys stopping sneering bad guys. Unfortunately, prominent plot points like enhanced interrogations, terrorist bombings, and even a hidden image of the Twin Towers all serve to retroactively make fans think of 9/11 and the subsequent War on Terror.
A Second Phaser Blast Has Struck The Bridge
The plot of “The High Ground” begins when the Enterprise delivers medical aid to a war-torn planet. Soon, terrorists set off a bomb, and when Dr. Crusher tries to treat the wounded, she gets abducted. At the terrorist base, Crusher discovers that their secret weapon is a special teleporter that serves as a double-edged sword: it allows them to circumvent shields and force fields, but it also damages their DNA. The terrorist leader unsuccessfully tries to bomb the Enterprise, but he does manage to abduct Captain Picard as a hostage. The crew discovers the terrorist base, and the planetary security chief saves Picard by killing the head terrorist.
Aside from the prominent inclusion of terrorists as villains (this is the one and only Star Trek: The Next Generation episode to do so), why does “The High Ground” remind fans of 9/11? For one thing, the alien planet’s response to a terrorist attack is an uncomfortable preview of America’s own actions during the War on Terror. After the initial bombing, the planet’s security chief orders very harsh interrogations of anyone she thinks is sympathetic to the attackers. This makes the Enterprise crew uncomfortable, and it makes viewers uncomfortable when they compare this to America’s notorious “enhanced interrogation” (read: torture) of terror suspects.
“High Ground” Was An Inside Job
Questioning and potentially harming people for their alleged support of groups the government disapproves of is also an uncomfortable preview of our present world, too. Recent federal legislation like NSPM-7 has ensured that you might be added to domestic terrorism watchlists for engaging in activities or simply making social media posts that are deemed critical of the country or of capitalism. Even if you agree with the security chief’s interrogation of suspected terrorist sympathizers in “The High Ground,” this Star Trek: The Next Generation episode is a reminder that wars on terror never end; rather, the government simply broadens the definition of “terrorist” until nobody is safe.
Of course, the primary reason that “The High Ground” makes us think of 9/11 is because of a surreal cameo by the Twin Towers. When Picard and Riker visit the security chief, there are planetary surveillance monitors in the background that rotate through different images. Rather than create entirely new alien vistas, the producers decided to ever-so-slightly modify images of various Earth cities. Look closely, and you will see buildings that look uncannily like the World Trade Center’s famous Twin Towers. It’s uncomfortable enough to see them in the wake of 9/11; however, seeing them in the one and only terrorist episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation is downright insane!
Aside from its connections to 9/11, “The High Ground” is a weak episode. The producers got their wish: this episode is filled with exciting action. But the story had no cool twist or hidden message, and legendary Star Trek: The Next Generation writer Ronald D. Moore put it best when he said that “We didn’t have anything interesting to say about terrorism except that it’s bad.” Nobody really needed that message when the episode came out in 1990, and they definitely didn’t need it after 2001. As a lackluster episode with uncomfortable 9/11 parallels, “The High Ground” remains one of the weakest stories in what is otherwise the show’s strongest season.
By Robert Scucci
| Updated
One of my biggest gripes about modern film discussion is how older generations always say that the new stuff coming out is never as good as the alleged Golden Age they came up in. One thing I’ve noticed, though, is that the falloff they’re talking about always seems to happen at the exact moment they stop digging deep. What’s even more amusing about this way of thinking is how conveniently everybody forgets that every single generation pumps out equal amounts of cinematic gold and crap, but we’re less inclined to remember lesser films like 1957’s The Unearthly, which you can currently stream for free on Tubi.
Looking back at The Unearthly as a modern viewer, it’s not terrible. At least not as terrible as the complete absence of critical ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, coupled with an abysmal 11 percent Popcornmeter score across more than 250 reviews, would suggest. My statement still stands, though: this movie came out during the Golden Age of cinema and is all but universally considered a total clunker.
Personally, I find The Unearthly’s availability on streaming refreshing. It’s easy to look at the past through rose-colored glasses when we only preserve the bona fide classics. Thanks to the film’s accessibility, we can now explore a completely different flavor of low-budget sci-fi horror B-movies, and for that I’ll always continue to root for Tubi for being brave enough to stream this stuff for all of us to enjoy.
The Unearthly Isn’t Nearly As Terrible As Its Reputation Suggests
At its heart, The Unearthly is a sort of Frankenstein story about a mad scientist named Dr. Charles Conway (John Carradine), who spends all of his time focused on longevity research. With the help of his assistant, Dr. Sharon Gilchrist (Marilyn Bueferd), his dim-witted enforcer, Lobo (Tor Johnson), and his supplier, Dr. Loren Wright (Roy Gordon), Dr. Conway tests his wild theories about gland manipulation on people he believes are transients with no meaningful familial connections. But he’s so blinded by his dedication to unethical science that he’s not particularly good at covering his tracks.
It doesn’t help that Dr. Wright’s approach to abducting humans involves offering treatment for what actually ails them before referring them to Dr. Conway. Grace Thomas (Allison Hayes), for example, is seeking treatment for depression and melancholy, but Dr. Conway couldn’t care less about actually helping his patients. He just wants to play God with their bodies now that he’s made some forward progress with his most recent case, Harry Jedrow (Harry Fleer), who is technically still alive, but hardly what one would consider a conscious human being. To make matters worse, Jedrow’s sister is actively searching for her missing brother.
Of course, for this film to work, we need even more people to disrupt the dynamic, and we’re introduced to Danny Green (Arthur Batanides), who wants treatment for his anger management issues, and Natalie Andries (Sally Todd), who hopes to recover from her most recent nervous breakdown. Joining in on the fun is an escaped convict named Frank Scott (Myron Healey), who, after being properly outed by Conway, can either agree to subject himself to his experiments or turn himself over to the authorities.
With the whole cast of characters primed to discover the truth behind Dr. Conway’s practice, we’re now ready to watch disaster unfold. This involves people suspecting foul play, lots of whispered conversations behind closed doors, active but secret test subjects refusing to stick to the script, botched escape attempts, and plenty of unintended comedy from Lobo lumbering around the place letting everybody know that it’s “Time for go to bed.”
Not High Art, But A Serviceable Relic
If I had to compare The Unearthly to anything modern, I’d say it plays more like a standalone episode of an anthology series than a full feature-length film. Clocking in at just 73 minutes, the movie doesn’t even have enough time to wear out its welcome, but it certainly spends all of that time being as melodramatic as possible. We have a bunch of cocksure gentlemen trying to figure out the depths of Dr. Conway’s insanity, and a bunch of hysterical damsels in distress getting shackled up and experimented on.
The film’s ending also plays out like something you’d see in The Twilight Zone or Black Mirror. The only difference is that the final reveal is supposed to be shocking and horrifying, but it’s delivered so flaccidly that it feels like an afterthought.
At the end of the day, nobody needs to watch The Unearthly because, in the decades before and since, there have been plenty of iterations of this kind of story, all of which vary in quality. It’s not terrible, though, and it’s worth a look if you want to see how low-budget sci-fi horror was made during this alleged Golden Era of cinema.
Or, who knows? The reason I have such an ongoing obsession with straight-to-video sci-fi thrillers from the late 80s and early ’90s is because there are so many hidden gems that never saw the light of day. The same can be said for any decade. While I don’t think I’ll be writing letters home about The Unearthly, it remains a fun blast from the past that doesn’t require much of a commitment to burn through on a rainy day, and it’s enough to keep me digging for some overlooked gold.
As of this writing, The Unearthly is streaming for free on Tubi.
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