Ari Fletcher and Moneybagg Yo have been unbothered and in love. From luxury car gifts to RIAA plaques, the couple hasn’t missed a moment to celebrate each other loudly and proudly on social media. And while they continue to flex their unbreakable bond, the internet has still found its way into the mix.

RELATED: Hol’ Up! Ari Fletcher Appears To Call Moneybagg Yo Her “Husband” In Romantic Clip From Their Valentine’s Day Dinner (WATCH)

Ari Pens A Sweet Message To Her Mannnnn Moneybagg Yo

On Monday, Feb. 23, Ari took to Instagram with a heartfelt message for her man, Moneybagg Yo. On her Story, she shared a photo of her hand showing off a tattoo of his legal first name, “Demario,” while a massive diamond sparkled on her ring finger.

With ‘My Truth’ by India Arie playing in the background, she wrote, “You show me LOVE, real love. Unconditional forever love. I’ll always follow your lead because you are a true leader and I know greatness comes with wherever you decide to go. I would choose life with you over and over again in any life.”

Moneybagg later reportedly responded via his Instagram Story, writing, “Foreva Us my Zawja 🤞🏾 #TheUnbreakables” 

Social Media Reacts 

Ari’s sweet message to Moneybagg Yo sparked mixed reactions in The Shade Room’s comments. While some fans thought the tattoo and tribute were cute, others brought up past drama in their relationship. Specifically, a few critics mentioned recent rumors linking Ari to Lil Baby, while others suggested the latest gestures were related to her ex, G Herbo, and his engagement to Taina Williams. However, Ari’s supporters quickly defended her, saying they love the bond she shares with Moneybagg and believe the couple is genuinely happy.

Instagram user @straightouttachat wrote, “She love that man down, baby! ❤️❤️”

Instagram user @deestackss added, “The D being a heart is soooo cute”

While Instagram user @pay.r0ll wrote, “I love them but I know somebody bout to have something negative to say about this too”

Instagram user @ell. plaga wrote, “After Jayda exposed her for f**** Baby now she loves him again😂😂😂”

Instagram user @m.armanij added. “Idk sista i love you but since taina got engaged sis you been showing bag off more than usual 👀😭”

While Instagram user @addictedtoleelee wrote, “Peep that big ass ring too thangyaaaa 👏🏾 👏🏾 “

Instagram user @mickipeezie wrote, “Lots of haters in the comments, to be young, rich and in love is 🔥 😍

Instagram user @azraa2.0 wrote. “I can’t wait to be this in love wrote 😍 🔥l

While Instagram user @its.dreanaaa wrote, “but why do we have to put people’s names on our bodies like they own us?? like there are so many other ways to show love”

   Love And Going RIAA Gold

A few months ago, rapper Moneybagg Yo celebrated a major milestone after earning 25 new gold. Reflecting on the achievement, he wrote:

“So All My Support, Die Hards and Certified We Got #25 Mo Trophies In Today. We Like 75 Plaques In! This History Coming From Where I Came From! Now Watch How We Shake Sht Up With This New Work. #ForevaHoldYourPeace Album Soon!”

While the Memphis rapper was in a celebratory mood, Ari made sure to show love and support for her partner. Among the plaques was also the couple’s record, ‘Brain Dead,’ which earned a gold RIAA certification. The 2020 record, featured on ‘Code Red,’ the joint project with Blac Youngsta, captures the emotional ups and downs of a relationship and even includes a voicemail from Ari. Celebrating the plaque, Ari wrote: “Not I got my first plaque @moneybaggyo. I’m so proud of you and all of your success. Not just witnessing it but being apart of it.”

RELATED: Cupid’s Move! Ari Fletcher Flexes Lavish Valentine’s Day Gift From Moneybagg Yo & The TL Is In Their Feelings (PHOTOS)

Hilary Duff gave her fans chills when she debuted her comeback earlier this year. Now, just days into releasing her first album in a decade, the pop star is grieving the loss of a dear person from her childhood. On Monday (Feb. 23), she shared two throwback photos and a caption honoring Robert Carradine. Fans of Disney in the 2000s will remember him as her TV dad on the hit show, ‘Lizzie McGuire.’ Carradine’s family confirmed on Monday that he died at age 71.

RELATED: Go Rae, Go Rae! Fans Sound Off After Video Shows Raven-Symoné Dancing In Tribute To Brandy (WATCH)

What Happened To Robert Carradine? 

In a Tuesday statement, Robert Carradine’s family said he lived with bipolar disorder for two decades. His brother, Keith Carradine, told Deadline that Carradine died by suicide. The actor was the youngest of his prolific Hollywood family. His biggest hit was the 1984 comedy ‘Revenge of the Nerds,’ but many millennials remember him for his role as Lizzie McGuire’s dad on Disney Channel.

“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” Keith Carradine told Deadline. “It is an illness that got the best of him, and I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul. He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day.”

EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.

Known for both his film and television work, Robert Carradine worked steadily in the industry for over 40 years, starting in the ’70s. Despite his work with top-tier directors, he never gained the worldwide recognition of his more famous brothers Keith Carradine and the late David Carradine.

Hilary Duff Shares Touching Message About ‘Lizzie McGuire’ Dad

As mentioned, in the 2000s, Robert Carradine picked up a new generation of fans with the character, Sam McGuire. He played a corny but extremely loving dad to Lizzie, played by Hilary Duff, and a younger son. His character was married to Jo McGuire, played by Hallie Todd. On Monday, Hilary opened about how Robert Carradine and Hallie made her feel protected growing up on set. Her Instagram post included two photos with Robert, a solo shot and another of the McGuire family.

“This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend. There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents. I’ll be forever grateful for that. I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him , his family, and everyone who loved him. 💔”

Robert Carradine’s Real-Life Daughter Shares Memories

Robert’s survivors include his three children, actor Ever Carradine, Marika Reed Carradine and Ian Alexander Carradine. On Monday, Ever confirmed her dad’s death in a lengthy Instagram caption about his love as a single parent. She was born in 1974 to Robert and Susan Synder.

“Whenever anyone asks me how I turned out so normal, I always tell them it’s because of my dad. I knew my dad loved me, I knew it deep in my bones, and I always knew he had my back,” Ever Carradine wrote on Instagram. “I think it’s partly because we basically grew up together. Twenty years age difference really isn’t that much, and while I never ever thought of him as a sibling, I did always think of him as my partner. We were in it together.”

In 1990, Robert Carradine married Edith Mani, whom he had his middle and youngest child with. After more than 25 years of marriage, they divorced following a 2015 car crash in Colorado. In her divorce documents, she claimed he admitted to her and their two kids that he “deliberately drove into the truck” to kill them both, per TMZ. She alleged he had been depressed after his brother, David, died by hanging in 2009. At the time, she had requested possession of his 17 guns out of fear he might hurt himself. They settled and finalized their split in 2018, per The Blast. He reportedly was allowed to keep his gun collection amid other possessions.

RELATED: Oop! Reginae Carter Recalls Losing Disney Opportunity Over Mack Maine’s Lyrics In “Every Girl” (VIDEO)

AP Film Writer Lindsay Bahr contributed to this report via AP Newsroom. 

Lisa Rinna Directly Addresses Rumors About Harry Hamlin

Lisa Rinna Says Reality TV Culture Played A Role

Harry Hamlin’s Career Choice Sparked Early Speculation

Marriage Built On Trust And Longevity

Recent Headlines Surround Lisa Rinna’s Personal Life

Kendall Jenner
Haute & Bothered for Vogue France!!!

Published
February 24, 2026
10:08 AM PST

Karlissa Saffold Harvey weighs in as folks think Blueface shaded Chrisean Rock, while speaking on how he and Nevaeh Akira plan to have a “great, healthy pregnancy.”

RELATED: In Bliss! Nevaeh Akira Shares A Few Messages After She & Blueface Reveal They’re Expecting A Baby

Blueface Speaks On How He & Nevaeh Akira Plan To Have A “Great, Healthy Pregnancy”

On the evening of Monday, February 23, Instagram user @livebitez shared footage from what appears to be a recent livestream of Blueface’s. Furthermore, during the session, Blue explained that he’s “focused on one thing.”

“That’s a great, healthy pregnancy, a great, healthy baby,” he said. “My pregnant baby momma, she will not be in the club. She will not be partying, drinking, or smoking — or doing any of that stuff. For nine months. That’s the main goal.”

To note, Nevaeh Akira appeared to be by his side and in agreement with his sentiments.

Peep the clip below.

Karlissa Saffold Harvey Weighs In As Folks Think He Shaded Chrisean Rock

Social media users reacted to Blueface’s words in @livebitez’s comment section. Some appeared to think he was throwing shade at Chrisean Rock, with whom he shares his third child, Chrisean Jr.

More On Blueface & Nevaeh Akira’s Pregnancy

As The Shade Room previously reported, Blueface and Nevaeh Akira announced their pregnancy during a livestream on Sunday, February 22. Subsequently, that same evening, Karlissa Saffold Harvey reacted by taking to social media to write, “Kids are a blessing if he happy I’m happy [heart hands emoji] congratulations to them both and may God bless the baby.”

On Monday, February 24, Nevaeh Akira took to her social media to express her excitement for her and Blue’s upcoming chapter. As The Shade Room previously reported, Akira wrote about being “overly in love” with Blue and expressed her excitement about her son having a sibling.

In addition to his unborn baby with Akira and son with Chrisean Rock, Blue also shares two children with Jaidyn Alexis. On Monday evening, she broke her silence and addressed how she feels about his new addition.

RELATED: Jaidyn Alexis Breaks Silence & Reacts To Blueface & Nevaeh Akira’s Pregnancy Announcement (WATCH)

Maia Mitchell has already worked with Hannah Dodd so what are the chances she could join her hit Netflix series Bridgerton?

“Oh my God, why not? I’ll ask Hannah. I’ll text her now,” Mitchell exclusively told Us Weekly while promoting season 2 of Hulu’s The Artful Dodger. “I don’t think my contract would allow me to work with Netflix right now on a show but maybe after we get done with The Artful Dodger.”

Mitchell noted that she currently has her “hands full” playing Lady Belle. She didn’t rule it out though considering the amount of seasons still yet to air.

Based on Julia Quinn’s book series, each season of Bridgerton focuses on a different member of the titular family as they attempt to find love in 19th-century London. The Netflix show is expected to have eight seasons based on the eight novels written by Quinn about each Bridgerton sibling.

Related: Which ‘Bridgerton‘ Couples Ended Up Together in the Books?

As soon as Netflix debuted Bridgerton, fans became invested in the stories still yet to be told. Based on Julia Quinn‘s novels of the same name, the series began with the love story of Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page). Season 2 of Bridgerton told the story of Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) […]

Dodd, for her part, plays Francesca and is expected to lead either season 5 or 6. Mitchell, meanwhile, just returned to Hulu after a lengthy hiatus between seasons.

“It was a long painstaking wait to hear [about a season 2], so we are very happy to be back,” Mitchell noted to Us. “In terms of jumping back into character, the break was good. It’s always nerve-wracking going back. But it’s so easy with our sets and in our costumes, you just really do melt right into the world. But the break was good because I would have needed that circuit break to find a different tone in her, to do some different prep. Especially with the dialect coaches, I was vocally dropping her a little lower and there was a slightly different physicality. Hopefully we get a season 3, and hopefully the break isn’t as long.”

Mitchell was thrilled at the chance to film a project in her native Australia.

“At the end of 2021, I had written a list of things I was manifesting. It was a job that was shot in Australia, a period drama and it was a woman who was playing a feminist and claiming her power. That is literally The Artful Dodger for me. So it is a dream job,” she gushed. “And to be able to work at home is fantastic. It’s less of a flight to visit family and our crew is so amazing. I’ve now shot a couple projects in Australia in the last few years, since I’ve moved home — and also overseas — and I can say for sure that it’s the best and most elevated work that I’ve been able to do.”

She concluded: “It’s because of the crew and everyone behind the camera and the cast. We have such immense talent here and I’m so excited that the world is becoming privy to it because we’ve known it. We’ve always made such fantastic shows but they have this Aussie tone with a gritty drama. Now we’re expanding that and we’ve got these massive period dramas with crazy budgets. It’s really fun to be a part of that kind of new moment in Aussie film and TV. So I couldn’t be more stoked and I would just work in Australia with Aussie crew for the rest of my career if I could. It’s the best.”

Looking ahead, Mitchell expressed hope she would get to return to film more.

“There’s a lot [more story] to tell,” Mitchell shared. “It’s such a massive show with so many characters and so many plots happening all at once.”

The actress noted that there is “a lot of opportunity” for “way more character development” in the future, adding, “With Belle and Jack, it is seeing what domestic life could look like. I don’t know how they pull that off. I don’t see them ever being settled but seeing what that looks like and seeing them actualize their relationship.”

Bridgerton returns with the second part of season 4 on Thursday, February 26. The Artful Dodger is currently streaming on Hulu.

Jennifer Garner
Flaunts in Brown Leather!!!

Published
February 24, 2026
9:29 AM PST

Robert Carradine
Actor Was MIA on Current Film, Director Says

Published
February 24, 2026
9:23 AM PST

On 90 Day Fiance, Lisa faces scrutiny from an Igbo king and makes it worse by laughing at the wrong moment. Ziad El Yahyaoui leaves Emma Perry high and dry in the Moroccan desert. Forrest pulls off a romantic yet sweaty proposal but not everyone shares the joy. And Aunt Spring brings the receipts backing Stig Da Artist into a corner. Buckle up and lets take a closer look in this recap of Season 8, Episode 11 Use Caution When Opening Overhead Bins.

90 Day Fiance: Lisa’s Nervous Laugh Ruins a Royal Moment

On 90 Day Fiance, Lisa is prepping her wig for a big day on 90 Day Fiance. She squeals to the cameras that she’s meeting a real life king! And fears she could lose control of her bladder or worse during her royal moment. Daniel dons his long tassel cap to represent his tribe and she tells him he looks like Santa. Daniel helps her tie her hefty bag headdress again and Lisa holds her breath imagining the palace she’s about to visit.

But there is no palace. Just a regular neighborhood with laundry hanging out to dry. Lisa’s visions of sharply dressed palace guards and high tea and crumpets give way to a different type of royal experience. The “king” dons a carnival plush lion around his neck and a faux fur cap decorated with pooka shells. He’s flanked by some people in tribal body paint. It looks like a community theatre production of The Lion King.

Lisa kneels before the king and he shakes a box of small trinkets to channel his ancestors. He wants to know if she will take care of Daniel. Lisa spits out “yes my king” on 90 Day Fiance. But the king calls her out. And she laughs nervously. This doesn’t go over well with the lion king. He scolds her laughter and Daniel must explain her nervousness. King Don Sylvester Nweke (yes that’s his name) softens and accepts Lisa and her wig into the fold. He even encourages her to laugh and dance.

90 Day Fiance: Emma’s Truth Sends Ziad Running

Emma Perry our other wig master of this season of Before The 90 Days, isn’t faring well in the desert. After she got off the camel, things have gone straight downhill. Grumpy that her birthday party didn’t end in a proposal, she decides to make things worse with her confession. Ziad El Yahyaoui, who doesn’t seem to be the least bit interested in Emma seems relieved when she admits she’s been lying about everything.

Ziad tells Emma she’s just not good. For hiding a previous engagement to a different Moroccan man. Emma doesn’t see the big deal. Thinking that her Kardashian inspired looks and sweet talk would overrule any blatant dishonesty. Emma thinks it’s Ziad who has been unfaithful for chatting up girls online. Ziad leaps up, packs his stuff and calls for a car to get him the heck out of there and away from Emma Perry, who sobs chasing after him yelling about how they had sex.

It seems like it’s over for this 90 Day Fiance couple. Of course, Emma is shocked that he would break up with her and leave her in the desert declaring him an a-hole. Ziad is long gone while Emma whines in the desert winds about the unfairness of it all. She doesn’t think she did anything wrong. In all honesty, Ziad probably was tired like the rest of us of hearing the words babe and cute at the end of every sentence.

TLC Couple Forrest and Sheena Get Engaged

Forrest’s mom Molly and stepfather Dev enjoy local fruits haggled from the market by Sheena. It’s a nice morning in the Philippines. And Forrest and Sheena have big plans to hit the Venice mall on 90 Day Fiance. A taste of Italy in the Philippines complete with water ways and gondolas. Molly and Dev wish them well. And the two lovebirds hit the mall excited. First up is a dress up shop. Forrest is proud to dress as her king. And she chooses a princess dress in red.

The pair have some serious talk while in costume. Sheena admits some of her behavior comes from betrayal. Including a cheating ex. Forrest vows to treat her with respect. And proposes after a gondola ride. She says yes and he is overjoyed. However his mom is sarcastic and livid when they share their happy news. She goes off on Sheena for supporting Forrest. And even goes as far to say that Forrest’s life is over.

Before The 90 Days: Stig Blames It All on Super Fans

Auntie Spring sees right through Stig Da Artist on 90 Day Fiance. Of course, it’s not her first Belize rodeo. And she’s got her niece digging up all the dirt on the charming crooner. He can’t lie that it’s clearly him in a photo planting a kiss on a young lady. And there are some texts that suggest he also told this particular girl that he will love her forever. There may have even been heart emojis involved. Stig lies and denies and suggests it was just another encounter with a super fan.

But Spring’s niece claims she’s tight with the girl in question. And that she’s indeed been hooking up with Stig. She cites specific dates she knows he was with her. Ultimately Aunt Spring gives Stig the chance to come clean to Aviva Duhamel or she will. Aviva sulks and has an uneasy feeling. Stig Da Artist tries to worm out of the accusations by using the super fan excuse. And claims the texts aren’t his. However, Aviva isn’t sold and rules out any physical contact for the night.

90 Day Fiance: Laura Nevenner Seeks Comfort from Home

Laura Nevenner is starry eyed after her sea cruise with Birkan. But she’s not completely blind to the many red flags that surfaced. First off the debt. Secondly the gambling problem and lack of a job. She asks Birkan for some alone time to catch up with family and friends back home. Birkan is fine granting her the time and heads out to the shisha cafe. Laura beams while she rings up her bestie and pickle ball partner Michal.

Michal claims he’s only “wellish” in Laura’s absence. Nevertheless, Laura misses Michal too. But when he asks how things are going in Turkey, she admits there’s some concerns. But also paints Birkan out to be thoughtful and sweet. Of course Michal sees through her BS. He tells her she’s “emotionally compromised” if she can forgive the red flags over a boat ride. He wants to come to Turkey and make sure she’s okay. Laura waffles and says she has to clear it with Birkan first.

90 Day Fiance: Elise Makes a Late Season Appearance

Fresh off showing her a*s on 90 Day: Hunt For Love, Elise Benson rolls up on Before The 90 Days. She’s late to the party, this time bragging about her boobs. She wishes she could flash production but fears getting in trouble. We get some back story on Elise. She visits her parents and admits she envies their relationship. Ultimately her last relationship was full on disaster as he stole her identity and took her for a half a mil. And her investment banker dad bailed her out.

Back in Miami she prepares to travel to Australia to meet her new prospect Josh Lawson. Of course, they met online and Elise Benson is smitten. He’s ripped, a single dad and lives with his parents at 39. She lives in a sparkling condo with her gender confused cat Stella. On a night out with friends Elise defends Josh not having his own place or money. She says she can deal with all that as long as he’s nice. Yet teases that he sent an ominous text that has her freaked out on the eve of her trip down under. Till next time!

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 26 seconds ago

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an insanely popular television show for many reasons, including its stellar writing and top-notch performances from some of Hollywood’s best actors. Beyond all this, though, the show is celebrated for being a feminist masterpiece that centers on a powerful young woman fighting against powerful men who try to keep her down. In this way, Buffy succeeds as both an entertaining urban fantasy series and a provocative exploration of sex, power, and gender roles in modern society.

However, many modern critics and fans have been re-evaluating Buffy and have come to a wild conclusion: that this girl-power cornerstone may actually be a shockingly bad portrayal of women. These arguments typically claim that the show is secretly misogynistic despite its surface-level message about fighting the patriarchy. While this has changed how some fans view their favorite show, defenders of Buffy maintain that the more problematic plotlines and portrayals in the series are just a side effect of having flawed and complex characters.

The Fall Of A Feminist Icon

It’s almost impossible to discuss a critical reframing of Buffy the Vampire Slayer without discussing franchise creator Joss Whedon; after this show’s success, he became a major comic book movie director, helming two Avengers movies as well as the lackluster Justice League film. However, his career came to a screeching halt after his ex-wife Kai Cole published a letter alleging that he had cheated on her numerous times, including with unnamed actresses on Buffy. In her brutal missive, she also called Whedon out for the “hypocrisy” of his “preaching feminist ideals” while allegedly lying to his wife for a decade and a half.

Towards the end of that letter, she said that she wants “the people who worship [Whedon] to know he is human, and the organizations giving him awards for his feminist work, to think twice in the future about honoring a man who does not practice what he preaches.” Obviously, Buffy the Vampire Slayer remains Whedon’s greatest work, a work designed to be the greatest feminist show ever made. Now that its creator has seemingly been revealed as a hypocrite (one who also faced allegations of abuse on the set of Justice League), many have been re-evaluating Buffy and how its characters and plotlines may be surprisingly harmful to women.

Critics Claim Buffy Secretly Reinforces A Status Quo

On paper, a big part of Buffy’s charm is that the titular character is a rebel: she is constantly defying Giles, her stodgy watcher, with the same sass that she tosses at various evil demons. Buffy is a troublemaker who clashes with corrupt cops and an evil mayor, and she never really respects authority. This is especially true when she puts the Council of Watchers (basically, her boss’s boss) in their place, reminding them that without the Slayer, their job literally has no meaning.

However, some critics believe that Buffy actually exemplifies a status quo established largely by and for men. After all, as a sexy, thin, heterosexual blonde, the Slayer is an exemplar of what most men consider conventionally attractive. To impressionable young girls watching the show in the ‘90s, Buffy the Vampire Slayer ironically reinforced some of the lopsided beauty standards expected of women, arguably continuing a very problematic tradition perpetuated by the patriarchy this show was designed to skewer.

Does This Show Secretly Hate Powerful Women?

Additionally, beyond her surface-level rebellion, Buffy’s character is presented as the safe and palatable alternative to other women who are presented as dangerously transgressive. For example, Faith is a fellow Slayer who loves sex and partying, and the show inevitably transforms her into a murderous enemy. Willow comes out as both gay and a witch, and when she really delves into her powers, she suddenly becomes a skin-flying Big Bad that can only be talked down from mass murder by a fairly useless man (sorry, Xander fans, you know it to be true). 

What these other cases have in common is simple: women begin by embracing a hidden power that men disapprove of. They then act in selfish ways before they are vilified and then humbled: Faith serves prison time and then comes back to follow Buffy’s orders, whereas Willow rejects dark magic and becomes a loyal little Scoobie again. Each of these women is deliberately contrasted with Buffy, who constantly puts her own needs to the side for the sake of others.

Fans typically view this as a noble attribute, the same one that causes the X-Men to fight for a world that hates and fears them. But Buffy arguably spends most of the TV show named after her as a doormat for the Watchers, a group of men who essentially force her to do what they want until she finally stands up to them. In this sense, the majority of the show presents Buffy as a feminine ideal for being subservient to men and preserving their preferred status quo; Faith and Willow must eventually be fought by Buffy, someone whose line of work conveniently has her keep other women from ever getting too powerful.

Long story short? The claim is that Buffy is a show where rebellious women are tamed: Buffy by the Council, Faith by prison, and Willow by  Xander. Heck, even vengeance demon Anya is tamed by her obsession with a man, ultimately trading all of her considerable mystical abilities for a life of domestic submission.

The Argument Against Buffy’s Men

One of the things Buffy the Vampire Slayer is very good at is creating villains that fans love to hate. These foes were almost always men, which helps reinforce the feminist theme of the show: the fellows would mouth off and insult the female protagonist before she killed them. This is all part of why the show feels so empowering: what woman watching wouldn’t enjoy having the power to fight off the toxic men who are always making her uncomfortable?

The essential problem with Buffy as a character, though, is that she keeps falling in love with the most messed-up men of all. The vampiric Angel is already a redeemed mass murderer when Buffy begins dating him, and she takes him back even after he temporarily loses his soul and tries to destroy the entire world. The same goes for Spike, a notorious serial killer whom she begins secretly shagging; he goes to get his own soul back after intimately assaulting Buffy, and she proceeds to welcome him back just as she did with Angel.

There’s a rather ugly subtext here that Buffy is uncontrollably attracted to notorious murderers just because they are hot, and she takes them back after these characters commit the worst atrocities against her and her friends. Rather than painting our titular protagonist as a hero, Buffy is presented as a doormat who doesn’t hesitate to take her abusers back. This arguably sends the worst possible message to abused women who are watching the show, hoping to gain the strength to escape the people who are hurting them.

Why They’re All Wrong: It’s Complicated

Those are just a few of the reasons why many modern critics are reevaluating Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Heck, we barely touched on Xander, the problematic proto-incel that Joss Whedon wrote to be his class clown self-insert character. However, there is one ironclad defense of the show and its characters that fans continue to embrace: namely, that Buffy is stronger for having flawed and complex characters.

Most of the complex aspects of Buffy herself are arguably part of the character’s evolution. Sure, she falls in love with a couple of hot murderers, but she eventually breaks up with both of them. The Slayer works for a patriarchal group of old farts, but after a few years, she makes it clear that they now have to work for her. Heck, she even bounces back from the worst self-destructive streak in human history to save the entire world from the first evil it had ever known.

If Buffy didn’t start out as such a flawed character, such evolution would have been impossible; plus, it’s worth noting that we shouldn’t hold the Slayer to higher standards than we do popular male characters. Does anyone think Walter White or Don Draper are bad characters because they are selfish and self-destructive? No, we understand that these flaws simply make them human, and that humanity makes the characters all the more compelling.

In this sense, Buffy’s flaws make her show that much more relevant: Buffy the Vampire Slayer may be a silly comedy show from the ‘90s, but it has the epic stakes and realistically damaged characters of modern prestige TV. It’s a wild combo that has helped the Slayer’s show remain a fan-favorite for decades. Now that a Buffy revival is around the corner, we can only hope the new show retains the complex characters and murky morality that made the original series such a groundbreaking pop culture phenomenon.