By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 18 seconds ago

Ronald D. Moore’s Battlestar Galactica reboot is one of the most grim and gritty sci-fi shows ever created. Every bulkhead is absolutely brimming with drama, including simmering tensions between the civilian fleet and the soldiers protecting them. There’s also plenty of erotic tension, like the kind fueling every single interaction between Starbuck and Apollo. Making everything that much worse is the general premise of the show: that most of humanity has been wiped out by evil robots, and everyone who is left must constantly run, fight, and run some more to keep the genocidal clankers hoping to finish the job. 

Long story short, the series is very dramatic, and it’s filled with one weird bummer of a moment after another. However, these are counterbalanced by moments of triumph and joy made all the sweeter by our characters’ constant struggles. A great example of this is “The Hand of God,” a Season 1 episode where the Battlestar Galactica crew finally took the fight to the Cylons and won a hard-fought victory. Understandably, it was an episode that made the fans quite happy. However, what most fans don’t know is that this episode had a nickname inspired by the pioneers of the Happy Meal: McDonald’s!

Big Mac, Big Bang

The premise of “The Hand of God” is that the Battlestar Galactica crew discovers an asteroid filled with tylium, which is necessary for faster-than-light travel. There’s just one problem: it’s being guarded by the Cylons, who are busy mining it for their own needs. Sick of running and hungry for the opportunity, Commander Adama orders the asteroid to be taken by force. This is a dangerous proposition, as the ship has only narrowly escaped earlier encounters with the Cylons. But thanks to a crazy plan from Starbuck and some hotshot flying from Apollo, the Galactica crew is able to score their first real victory against the toasters, boosting morale throughout the fleet.

Incidentally, the plot of this episode was written to boost morale among the viewers as well. As written in Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion, “The Hand of God” started when co-showrunner David Eick was taking inventory of the kinds of episodes they had already made. “I had done an interior courtroom drama, we had done an inside-Baltar’s-head episode, we had done a torture room episode and a somewhat absurd episode, and I thought we needed to remind viewers why the show’s called Battlestar Galactica, he said. “So I asked David [Weddle] and Bradley [Thompson] to give us a ‘Big Mac’—a big combat show.”

Smoke’em If You Got’em

What made “The Hand of God” a “big combat show,” exactly? Basically, Battlestar Galactica didn’t have enough of a budget to show extravagant space fights in every episode. Frankly, that’s one of the reasons so much time is spent on Caprica and aboard the Galactica. Nonetheless, Eick and the other producers knew how much fans loved the show’s killer space battles. “Big Mac” was a fitting nickname, then, as it referred to giving viewers much more of the action (i.e., the meat) than they normally got.

In this case, David Eick’s instincts were perfectly correct: “The Hand of God” ended up being a crowd-pleasing fan-favorite, largely because of the ambitious outer space battles. After watching our heroes get their butts kicked for so much of Season 1, this victory over the dastardly Cylons felt downright cathartic. This was an episode that set the bar for such scenes quite high; fortunately, the Battlestar Galactica writers and producers rose to the challenge, and the action on this show only gets better over time. If you’re as religious as Six, you might say this was because the series’ success was guided by the titular hand of god. 

Or, quite possibly, the white-gloved hand of a darker, much more Eldritch figure: Ronald McDonald!

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 53 seconds ago

Part of why James Gunn’s Superman was such a good movie is that it was a relatively self-contained adventure that still planted interesting seeds for future projects. One of those seeds was the surprise appearance of a party-loving Supergirl, which set her up for her own solo spinoff film. Lex Luthor’s arrest, meanwhile, set up his fun cameo in Peacemaker and his future appearance in Superman: The Man of Tomorrow. We also saw Superman’s evil clone disappear into a black hole, which some fans saw as the end of his story. However, many others are convinced that this is setting him up to be the Big Bad of a future DCU film. 

For example, it’s possible that the clone ended up in a different universe. That universe may be the DCU’s version of Earth 2, a world ruled by an evil Justice League. If so, the clone may reappear as Ultraman, who is the leader of that evil league in the comics. However, there is a different theory: based on his outfit in Superman, the clone may eventually resurface as Doomsday, the villain capable of outright killing Superman. It’s a cool theory, but if James Gunn chooses to go this route, audiences will be unimpressed. Why is that? Simple: this exact plot already appeared in the TV show Superman & Lois!

Attack Of The Clone

Early on in Superman, we discover that our titular hero has, shockingly, gotten his butt kicked by a guy named the “Hammer of Boravia.” Who could actually go toe to toe with the Man of Steel? Eventually, we learn the surprising truth: the Hammer of Boravia is actually Lex Luthor’s pet clone of Superman, one who can be given remote commands during battle. It looks like the clone might actually beat Superman near the end, but he gets tossed into a black hole. But fans have long suspected he might have ended up somewhere in the multiverse, especially after Peacemaker confirmed the existence of other realities.

One theory is that he ended up on Earth 2, from which he will eventually lead an evil Justice League. However, other fans have theorized that he could come back as Doomsday. While the clone doesn’t have Doomsday’s rocky face, he did wear a suit and mask very similar to what Doomsday wore in the comics, right down to the goggles. While this would be cool onscreen, it would also be more than a bit derivative. In Superman & Lois, Bizarro was an evil Superman clone that Lex Luthor transformed into Doomsday. Should this happen in the DCU, it may cause some fans to worry that James Gunn is officially out of ideas.

A Classic Comic Villain Returns

Obviously, all new comic book media borrows from what came before, so the DCU was always destined to have some similarities to previous DC media. Nonetheless, a major part of this cinematic universe’s success has been surprising us with beloved characters who are very different from previous onscreen appearances. Superman & Lois was a great show, one that all DC fans owe it to themselves to watch. But if Gunn ends up stealing the show’s idea of turning an evil Superman clone into Doomsday, future DCU movies may bomb like Supergirl did. After all, why head to the theater for a “new” story when you can just watch the reruns they stole from?

Obviously, we don’t know what the future holds (if anything) for the evil Superman clone. Should he return as Doomsday, Ultraman, or even just as himself, it won’t be until the third Superman film at the absolute earliest. Of course, we’ll be lucky to have a DCU by then; with Supergirl being a critical and commercial flop, Warner Bros. may completely reevaluate its approach to future superhero movies. That may mean getting a new leader to bring this cinematic universe to life. Who will it be? One thing’s for sure: it’s not going to be a clone (evil or otherwise) of James Gunn!  

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are donating $26 million to various charities ahead of their rumored New York City wedding at Madison Square Garden. Among the organizations to receive a portion of the millions was Dolly Parton‘s Imagination Library. Now, the 80-year-old has sent them a sweet message as thanks for the gesture.

Parton took to her official social media channels on July 3 to thank Swift and Kelce. She did so by posting a video of herself in which the iconic singer is seen wearing a white outfit complete with red jewelry. Parton also wore red and blue makeup to celebrate the Fourth of July.

She began, “Taylor and Travis, it’s Dolly, and I was just told that you two are making a donation of $2 million to my Imagination Library.” After that, the “Jolene” singer thanked the soon-to-be-married couple profusely, saying, “Thank you, thank you, thank you. I’m blown away and overjoyed with that gratitude.”

From there, she mentioned Swift and Kelce’s giving nature, joking, “It’s evident that you two have made giving back a key part of your lives, so, hey, when you have your firstborn, can I have it?” Parton went on to say that the couple’s future child will be “one special baby.”

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Parton Stated The Mission Of Her Library

The beloved songstress continued her dedication to Swift and Kelce by sharing her foundation’s mission, which includes the library. According to her, “You know, the mission of the Dollywood Foundation is to dream more, care more, learn more, and be more.”

Parton continued, “And thank you again for your very generous gift, and we’ll continue that mission even in bigger ways now with your money.” She added, partly singing her iconic song, “So, thank you and know that I will always love you.”

Fans Are Reacting To Dolly’s Kind Words

Following Parton’s heartfelt thanks to Swift and Kelce, fans of the legend are weighing in. For the most part, many are taking her comments as another example of her being a true class act. Additionally, some social media users recall having access to Parton’s Imagination Library and how it positively impacted them.

One person said on X, “We love you, Dolly!! For always supporting and showing love unselfishly. You are a true saint on this earth!! Respect for you in every way!! Love… just love.” Another social media user wrote, “It was always a pleasure to read your Imagination Library books to HeadStart students in SE Georgia.”

Someone else said, “If Dolly likes you, then you’re on the side of good. Nice to see people share their good fortune.” A different fan stated, “Dolly is a National treasure. Thanks to Taylor & Kelce for supporting her cause for We, the People.”

Another person highlighted the legacy of Parton’s library, saying, “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has quietly changed literacy rates for kids who’d otherwise never own a book. $2M from Taylor and Travis actually does something real; this isn’t just a headline donation.”

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Lastly, someone else said, “You’re a class action, Dolly. A real human being who never forgot her roots. One who has sympathy & empathy for humanity. One who has taken their massive success to help those in need. God bless you, Ma’am. May you receive all the blessings you give to others.”

The Music Legend Founded The Library In The 90s

Per the official Imagination Library website, Parton launched the venture in 1995. Initially, the books were sent to children in Sevier County, Tennessee, where the singer grew up. The program quickly gained popularity, and by 2003, it had distributed more than one million books.

Since its creation, Imagination Library has gone global, including countries like Canada beginning in 2006, the United Kingdom the following year, Australia in 2013, and the Republic of Ireland in 2019.

Imagination Library Has Faced Budget Cuts

Nowadays, kids in several states around the United States have access to Parton’s Imagination Library. However, according to News Nation, the program has faced budget cuts in several states. This includes Missouri, where its budget is being decreased from $6 million to $2 million for the 2027 fiscal year.

Other states experiencing cuts to the Imagination Library are Indiana, Washington, and Kentucky.

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Following one of the strongest debut seasons in Marvel Animation history, X-Men ’97 faced enormous expectations entering Season 2. Fortunately, the first three episodes prove the series hasn’t lost any momentum, delivering another thrilling blend of superhero action, emotional storytelling, and deep comic book lore.

Rather than easing viewers back into the world of the X-Men, Season 2 immediately picks up after the explosive finale of Season 1. With the team scattered across three different time periods, the opening episodes follow multiple storylines simultaneously while laying the groundwork for Apocalypse‘s rise.

It’s an ambitious approach, but one that largely succeeds.

Episode 1 centers on Cyclops, Jean Grey, and the future timeline, adapting elements from The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix. Their reunion with Nathan, better known as Cable, provides some of the strongest emotional moments of the season so far. The episode reminds viewers that beneath all of the time travel and mutant battles, X-Men ’97 continues to thrive because of its characters.

X-Men 97′ Season 2 [credit: Marvel Animation]

Episode 2 shifts gears with a fun, action-packed adventure featuring Cable, Jubilee, Sunspot, and the formation of a new X-Force. While the episode embraces the over-the-top style of the classic ’90s comics, it also explores the moral differences between Cable’s hardened worldview and Jubilee’s optimism. Their dynamic creates one of the season’s most entertaining character pairings.

The third episode may be the strongest of the bunch, taking audiences thousands of years into the past as Magnetoencounters a young En Sabah Nur, the mutant destined to become Apocalypse. Rather than presenting the iconic villain as a one-dimensional conqueror, the episode explores his origins in a surprisingly thoughtful way. The conversations between Magneto and En Sabah Nur are among the most compelling scenes in the series, adding emotional complexity to a character fans thought they already knew.

Visually, X-Men ’97 remains one of Marvel’s most impressive productions. The animation captures the spirit of the original 1990s series while elevating every action sequence with fluid movement, vibrant colors, and cinematic direction. Whether it’s mutant powers colliding on the battlefield or quieter emotional moments between teammates, every frame feels carefully crafted.

The voice cast also continues to shine, bringing authenticity and heart to these beloved characters. Even with multiple storylines unfolding simultaneously, each episode finds time for meaningful character moments that remind viewers why the X-Men have endured for generations.

The biggest criticism of these opening episodes is pacing. Episode 1 in particular moves through a significant amount of story in a short amount of time, and several of the timelines could have benefited from an extra episode to further develop their characters and emotional beats. It’s less a flaw in storytelling than a reminder that there’s simply so much happening at once.

X-Men 97′ Season 2 [credit: Marvel Animation]

Even so, those concerns do little to diminish what has been an outstanding start to Season 2. Marvel Animation has once again found the perfect balance between nostalgia and fresh storytelling, honoring classic comic arcs while keeping longtime fans guessing about what’s coming next.

Three episodes in, X-Men ’97 is already shaping up to be one of the year’s best animated series. If the remaining episodes maintain this level of quality, Season 2 has every chance of surpassing its already exceptional predecessor.

Verdict

X-Men ’97 wastes no time reminding fans why it became one of Marvel’s biggest success stories. While the opening episodes occasionally move too quickly through their ambitious storylines, the outstanding animation, emotional character work, and faithful adaptation of beloved comic arcs make for an exceptional return. After three episodes, Season 2 is firing on all cylinders.

Whew, Roommates! Chris Brown and Usher’s ‘R&B’ tour recently kicked off, but things are heating up QUICK! Breezy dropped a video showing a SPICY moment with a fan at one of their recent tour stops, and now folks online are asking what ticket did the lucky lady purchase to get her special one-on-one treatment with him.

RELATED: Issa Zaddy! Chris Brown Has Fans Going WILD After Flexing His Post-Workout Body In Steamy Shirtless Flick (PHOTO) 

Chris Brown Turns Up The Heat With SPICY Onstage Moment At The ‘R&B’ Tour

Recently, Breezy dropped a lil’ preview on his Instagram Story showing how he’s coming for the ‘R&B’ tour, and he’s making it clear that he’s trying to give fans exactly what they want. The footage shows him giving a fan some VIP treatment while he performs ‘Take You Down.’ The woman in the clip clearly came ready for the quality time with Breezy, with the video showing her fully locked in on the moment while he goes to work. Chris Brown even took his shirt off to show off his six-pack he’s putting in work for. Chris captioned the spicy moment, “This what yall wanted?” making sure he checks in with fans to see if he’s understanding the assignment.

Social Media Pops OFF With Reactions To Breezy’s Tour Preview

Once TSR dropped the video of Breezy with a fan, the comment section was flooded with reactions. Plenty of fans joked that they want the same ticket the fan got. Meanwhile, other fans said they’re about to start practicing just in case Chris picks them to come on stage.

Instagram user @uadorelai wrote, “what ticket did she buy?! because I WANT THAT ONE TOO! @chrisbrownofficial.” 

Instagram user @trendy_chef wrote, “A lot of women losing their relationships for this moment 😂 make it worth it ladies 😂😂😂” 

While Instagram user @troyse_official wrote, “I’m not getting married until this 🥷🏿 is done touring 😂” 

Then Instagram user @ari3xo wrote, “I see why each child got a mother 😍😍” 

Another Instagram user @mystachris wrote, ‘At this point, I need proof Usher was even on stage, because all I’m seeing is Chris Brown. 😂😭” 

Instagram user @gueits wrote, “Its the heels in the air for me 😭” 

Then another Instagram user @lovecorkscrew wrote, “Closing my married eyes 👀” 

While another Instagram user @khadi.cutie wrote, “Yes. Now let me start practicing what ima do if I get up on that stage 😂” 

Finally, Instagram user @marla_vuitton wrote, “I just want my man to know in advance… I’m goN 😩🫣😬🤣🤣🤣🤷🏽‍♀️” 

Chris Already Said He Wasn’t Playing ANY Games On This Tour

Weeks before the ‘R&B’ tour kicked off, Chris teased his energy and said he was trying to get “as sexy as possible” for his and Usher’s upcoming shows. In a video he shared on social media, he also warned fans that shirts would come off and there wouldn’t be any dad bod energy. He said when he starts doing his big one on stage, he wants to hear the ladies’ screams get a little louder. “No dad bod situations going on. No honeybuns! So, hell yeah […] when I do my 1,2 go on and scream a little louder.” 

RELATED: Caught Up? Fans Are Popping OFF With Reactions To Chris Brown & Usher’s Opening Tour Night (VIDEOS) 

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are finally married! The two exchanged their vows at Madison Square Garden in New York City on July 3. While there were many questions about who would officiate the wedding and who would be the maid of honor, fans finally have the answers!

The wedding was officiated by a close friend of the couple, Adam Sandler. In October 2023, he attended the premiere of Swift’s Eras Tour film in Los Angeles with his two daughters. A few months later, he admitted that he gets “jumpy” around Swift because of what she means to his children.

“You know what, Taylor Swift, because what she means to my kids, I get a little jumpy. Just ’cause I don’t wanna blow it for my kids,” he said on an episode of SiriusXM’sConan O’Brien Needs a Friend in February 2024. “So I’m a little like, ‘Taylor, Taylor,’ like I talk a little too loud or something. I don’t stay as cool as I can.”

“There’s not a word my kids don’t know. I know them too, by the way. But they know them inside and out,” he added. In addition to Swift, Sandler is a close friend of Kelce, who appeared in Sandler’s hit sequel “Happy Gilmore 2.”

Who Was The Best Man and the Maid of Honor?

Many fans expected that Travis’ brother, Jason Kelce, would be the best man, and they were right! However, instead of a maid of honor, Swift chose a man of honor: her brother, Austin Swift.

Swift also chose not to have bridesmaids or groomsmen at the ceremony. In a statement, her rep said: “Taylor & Travis did not have bridesmaids or groomsmen. Instead, her brother Austin Swift served as Taylor’s Man of Honor andJason Kelce was Travis’ Best Man. The ceremony joined both families together and was officiated by friend Adam Sandler.”

What Did Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Wear To The Wedding

In a brief statement, her rep said, “The bride and groom’s wedding ceremony looks have been created by Christian Dior Haute Couture. They are designed by Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of Dior Women’s, Men’s and Haute Couture Collections, in close collaboration with the Bride and Groom. This is the designer’s first couture wedding dress for a world-renowned celebrity. Their shoes were custom-made by Christian Louboutin, and the bride wore Cartier jewelry.”

Pictures of the dress have not yet been released at the time of this writing. However, a rep for the fashion house confirmed the news to PEOPLE magazine in a brief statement.

“Christian Dior Haute Couture is delighted to confirm it has created the wedding looks for the marriage of Taylor and Travis. They have been created in Dior’s ateliers at 30 Avenue Montaigne, Paris, and designed by Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of Dior Women’s, Men’s and Haute Couture Collections, in close collaboration with the couple,” the statement read. “Jonathan Anderson and the house of Dior extend their congratulations to the Bride and Groom.”

Who Were Some Of The Star Studded Guests?

Many of Swift’s close friends attended the ceremony. Some of these included Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran and his wife Cherry Seaborn, Benson Boone, the Haim sisters, Ellie Goulding, Zoë Kravitz, Jason Sudeikis, Ethan Hawke, Jimmy Fallon, Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper, Dakota Johnson, and Mariska Hargitay. Model Karlie Kloss and her husband Joshua Kushner were also at the star-studded ceremony, although they reportedly had a falling out in the years prior to the ceremony.

Swift’s close childhood friend Abigail was also seen at the ceremony. “Girls” showrunner Lena Dunham and Swift’s close collaborator Jack Antonoff, who previously dated for several years, were also at the ceremony, although it remains to be seen if they will run into each other, given that there are over 1,000 guests in attendance.

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Who Did Not Attend The Ceremony?

There were quite a few famous faces who either were not invited to the event or chose not to attend. Although Zoë Kravitz was in attendance, Harry Styles – Swift’s former flame – was not in attendance, as he was performing in London.

Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, were also reportedly not in attendance at the event. There has been speculation that the two had a falling out over Lively’s “It Ends With Us” lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, in which Swift’s name was mentioned several times.

Out of all the fantasy series out there, Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time is a game-changer, bringing Robert Jordan‘s epic novels to life. The saga takes the audience on an unbelievable journey to a world where magic and destiny collide, providing an immersive and unforgettable time on-screen. At the beginning of this epic tale, we meet Moiraine Damodred (Rosamund Pike), a strong and powerful Aes Sedai who sets out on a dangerous adventure to discover the Dragon Reborn, a person who is believed to have the power to either save or bring doom upon humanity. What makes The Wheel of Time stand out most above other fantasy series on Prime Video are also the aspects that make it a true masterpiece of the genre.

‘The Wheel of Time’ Unravels the Threads of Gender

The biggest thing that sets The Wheel of Time apart from other fantasy series is how it approaches gender, exploring the dynamics within its established world. From the first scene, we learn that only women are able to channel the One Power, meaning that they are the only ones who can use magic. In a world where magic is predominantly wielded by women, The Wheel of Time challenges traditional gender roles and explores the multifaceted nature of power and influence.

This divide exists because, long ago, the Dark One poisoned the half of the One Power that men use. This corruption ended up causing all men who use the One Power to lose a part of their sanity each time they use it. As the many men who could use the One Power at the time of the corruption went mad, they destroyed almost everything in their path. As a reaction to this destruction, the female Aes Sedai cut off their access to the One Power. This process is referred to as gentling — and when the last man was finally gentled, almost every civilization, with almost all its knowledge, was lost.

Despite these powers, gender-based violence continues to exist. In this world where women are often marginalized and their power is feared or misunderstood, the Aes Sedai stand as a beacon of female empowerment. These highly trained women wield the One Power, the source of all magic, and hold positions of authority and influence. Yet, even within their ranks, they face challenges and prejudices, highlighting the nuanced dynamics of gender in a society that is still patriarchal. The Wheel of Time doesn’t just touch on gender issues for relevancy’s sake; they’re actually a big part of the story, shaping the characters’ journeys and determining the fate of the world. As a result, it encourages viewers to ponder their own thoughts on gender and consider the intricacies of humanity in a world where magic and destiny are intertwined.

‘The Wheel of Time’ Has a Fresh Perspective on the Chosen One Trope

Image via Prime Video

In the realm of fantasy fiction, the trope of the “Chosen One” is a familiar and often overused narrative device. The idea of an individual destined for greatness, possessing extraordinary powers, and tasked with saving the world, has been explored countless times. However, The Wheel of Time offers a refreshing and nuanced take on this trope. While the series follows the traditional arc of a Chosen One’s journey, it deviates from the conventional portrayal of an all-powerful and infallible protagonist.

Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski), the Dragon Reborn, is not an infallible hero immune to flaws and struggles. Instead, Rand is a complex but relatable character who’s constantly struggling with the heavy burden of his destiny and the constant threat of going insane. The series skillfully delves into the psychological toll of being the Dragon Reborn, showing us the intense inner conflict and doubt that Rand deals with. Rand is definitely not some passive boy just going with the flow of fate; he fights to remain in control of his own destiny, making some tough decisions and having to deal with the fallout afterward. His journey is not one of unbridled power and unwavering certainty.

Rand is constantly burdened by the knowledge that he could potentially destroy the world if he loses control of his abilities. His constant fear of insanity hangs over him, making him seem more complex and vulnerable. The Wheel of Time also fights against the idea that only the Chosen One can save humanity. While Rand’s role is undeniably significant, the fate of the world rests not solely on his shoulders but on the collective actions of those around him. The Aes Sedai, the friends he picks up on his journey, the friends he grew up with in the Two Rivers, and the different groups fighting for power all have important parts in shaping the future.

‘The Wheel of Time’ Explores Many Different Cultures

From a worldbuilding perspective, The Wheel of Time delves into the complexities of societal norms, power structures, and the ways in which different cultures approach similar situations, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences. One striking example of this cultural exploration is the contrasting treatment of female magic wielders in two distinct societies: the Aes Sedai and the Seanchan. The Aes Sedai, highly trained women who wield the One Power, are revered and respected in their society. They hold powerful positions and often have a major impact on politics and society. In contrast, the damane, also female magic wielders, are enslaved and treated as property in the Seanchan Empire. Their power is considered to be a threat; therefore, they must be controlled and are most often used as weapons of war.

The Wheel of Time also considers how different cultures view prophecy and the concept of fate. In the Two Rivers, where the story begins, the people there are skeptical of prophecies. They distrust everyone who claims to know the future because they worry about being manipulated or taken advantage of. On the other hand, the Aes Sedai place more trust in prophecies, with many dedicated to studying them, and believe they are crucial for guiding their actions and shaping events.

‘The Wheel of Time’ Develops Complex Villains

Image via Prime Video

In the world of fantasy fiction, villains are often portrayed as straightforward bad guys who are only after power or destruction — but The Wheel of Time breaks that mold by creating villains who are complex and fascinating, with motivations that make them relatable and even sympathetic. Their evil deeds aren’t just because they’re inherently wicked, but are instead linked to personal trauma, misguided ideas, or a yearning for redemption.

For Ishamael (Fares Fares), a powerful sorcerer who feels an intense sense of emptiness and wants to end the world’s suffering, his motivations come from having seen the endless cycles of creation and destruction. While he presents a major threat to the heroes of the world, he has become disillusioned with the constant struggle and believes oblivion is the only way to escape pain. Similarly, Lanfear (Natasha O’Keeffe) is consumed by jealousy, anger, and a longing for the love she’s lost. Lanfear’s journey to the dark side is a sad story, with betrayal, abandonment, and the downsides of ambition.

These Forsaken all have their own reasons for their allegiance to the Dark One; some just want revenge, others have a twisted sense of justice, and still others are all about getting back their old glory. In The Wheel of Time, the villains become more than just obstacles for the heroes to beat. They’re not just flat-out clichés; they remind us that darkness can be found in anyone, and even the most misguided individuals might have a chance at redemption hidden beneath layers of pain and disappointment.

This series breathes new life into familiar fantasy themes and even introduces entirely fresh ideas. Even after its sudden cancellation, The Wheel of Time is still one of the best high fantasy series out there and the best on Prime Video by far. With three seasons to enjoy, the acclaimed fantasy series is still worth your time.

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The Wheel of Time

Release Date

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2021 – 2025-00-00

Network

Prime Video

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Showrunner

Rafe Judkins

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Directors

Sanaa Hamri, Ciaran Donnelly, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Thomas Napper, Maja Vrvilo, Wayne Che Yip

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Star Trek has a long history of iconic captains, from William Shatner’s James T. Kirk to Kate Mulgrew’s Kathryn Janeway to Scott Bakula’s Jonathan Archer and everyone in between. Every Captain brings something new and interesting to the table — different styles of leadership, different hobbies, and different approaches to problem-solving. You’d be hard-pressed to argue that any of them are outright bad (with a few notable exceptions — looking at you, Lorca), and by the same token you’d probably find it difficult to argue that any one of them was unilaterally better than any of the others. However, there is one Star Trek Captain who rises above his peers to represent the best of Starfleet and humanity.

Anson Mount’s Captain Pike Is a Revelation

Since his introduction in the second season of Star Trek: Discovery, Anson Mount’s Captain Christopher Pike has embodied everything Star Trek stands for. Mount isn’t the first actor to have portrayed Pike — he’s following in the footsteps of Jeffery Hunter (in the unaired Star Trek: The Original Series pilot) and Bruce Greenwood (in 2009’s Star Trek and its sequel Into Darkness) — but he’s quickly become the definitive take on the character, blending Hunter’s version’s capable leadership with Greenwood’s version’s wisdom and warmth. His take on the character in Discovery’s second season was so well received that Paramount+ released a spin-off show centered on his time commanding the Enterprise.

What made Mount’s take on the character so appealing? Part of it was the way Pike was the antithesis of Discovery’s previous captain, the scheming Gabriel Lorca (Jason Isaacs). Lorca was manipulative, focused on his mission to a fault, and ultimately directly antagonistic to his crew once they stopped being useful to him. By contrast, Pike’s leadership style was focused entirely on the crew. He understood that it wouldn’t be easy for the crew of Discovery to accept him after Lorca damaged their trust in authority, so he made every effort to put them at ease.

He immediately made it clear that he valued the crew of the Discovery individually, calling them by name rather than rank and deferring to them when their experience gave them an insight into a situation that he didn’t have. And the entire time, he carried himself with the class and self-confidence of all the great Captains that had come before him (from our point of view, at least, since he predates all but Archer in canon).

Pike Is Everything You Could Want from a Starfleet Captain

Image via Paramount+

In all of Pike’s appearances throughout Discovery and its spin-off Strange New Worlds, he approaches every challenge with this same mix of empathy, emotional intelligence, and his crew-focused leadership style. As Captain of the Enterprise, he hosts regular meals with not just his command staff but also regular members of the crew so he can get to know them personally. In Strange New Worlds’ “Children of the Comet,” he invites Cadet Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) to dinner with his senior officers and asks her about her past and plans for the future. This created an opportunity for Uhura to feel more comfortable with the senior officers, helping her to feel confident enough around them to save the day on the titular comet later that episode.

This isn’t a one-off event either, as we see him throwing a party to celebrate Uhura and several other regular crew members later that season in “All Those Who Wander.” Pike takes a similar approach to dealing with those outside of his crew. In “Spock Amok,” he convinces the R’ongovians to join the Federation by recognizing their diplomatic strategy (which he describes as “radical empathy”) and implementing it in his approach to the negotiations. In “The Serene Squall,” he offers to make a meal for the pirate crew that took him hostage and uses that opportunity to gain insight into the pirates’ dynamic that he uses to trigger a mutiny so he can escape.

But it’s not just his ability to connect to others that makes him a good Captain. He’s also capable of keeping a cool head in seemingly impossible situations. In Discovery’s “Through the Valley of Shadows,” he’s forced to choose between saving the galaxy from the imminent threat of Control or saving himself from a serious accident he saw in a vision of his future (an accident that was first referenced in the Original Series two-parter, “The Menagerie”). Despite the steep personal cost, Pike chooses to accept his future to save the galaxy, without hesitation. Less personally, the Strange New Worlds premiere forces Pike to decide between holding fast to the rules of Starfleet or acting in the best interests of the planet Kiley 279.

The people of Kiley 279 had developed weaponized Warp technology due to Starfleet’s actions in Discovery’s Season 2 finale. Pike beamed back down to the planet and tried to convince the people of Kiley 279 to not use the weapon and pursue peace, using Earth’s violent history as an example of where they would be headed if they did not change course. While technically this violated General Order One (later known as the Prime Directive), Pike decided it was better to try and right the wrong that had already been done rather than let the people of Kiley 279 slaughter each other. Pike always chooses to prioritize life and connection, no matter the cost.

Image via Paramount+

The above descriptions might make Pike seem like an impossibly heroic and unrelatable figure, but Mount’s performance is compelling and human. Neither Discovery nor Strange New Worlds shy away from showing the toll his job takes on him. The accident he saw in his future in “Through the Valley of Shadows” hangs over him for all of Strange New Worlds’ first season as he grapples with his mortality. During his time on Discovery, he struggles with his guilt over the fact that the Enterprise was kept away from the fighting during the Klingon War.

These struggles, as well as more one-off conflicts in episodes like Strange New Worlds’ “Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach,” highlight how human he is despite his strengths. And it’s all elevated by Mount’s performance, which simultaneously presents Pike as a paragon of Starfleet’s ideals and immensely approachable, the sort of boss you’d love to have.

What’s most compelling about Mount’s take on Pike is that his true strength lies in his moral character. He is kind and understanding, even with those who have given him little reason to be. He doesn’t just stand up for what he believes in; he consistently acts to change the world for the better. He’s slow to violence, quick to diplomacy, and even quicker to help someone in need. Starfleet could not ask for a better Captain. And if all that wasn’t enough, he’s a great cook and has fabulous hair. What’s not to love?

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is available to stream on Paramount+.

UPDATE 7/3/2026 at 3:43 p.m. ET — Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has joined a chorus of charities and celebrities thanking Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce for making $26 million in charitable donations across the country.

On Friday, July 3, the politician, 75, shared a tweet where the Rhode Island Food Bank personally thanked the couple for their financial support.

“In honor of their wedding, @taylorswift13 & @tkelce donated an extraordinary $1M to Rhode Island Community Food Bank,” the organization tweeted. “We’re overjoyed, as need in RI is at an all-time high. Funds will help stock food for our 137 member agencies. 🫶#TaylorSwift #Swiftie.”

Governor McKee added, “Rhode Island is officially in our gratitude era. 🫶 A BIG Ocean State thank you to @taylorswift13 and @tkelce for their $1M donation to @RIFoodBank. This support will make a real difference for Rhode Islanders across our state.”

Swift purchased a waterfront mansion, known as “Holiday House,” in the Watch Hill neighborhood of Westerly, Rhode Island, in 2013.

Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley previously showed their appreciation for Swift and Kelce for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce after the soon-to-be wed couple donated $26 million to charities across the United States, including the country stars’ non-profit organizations.

“We’re truly inspired by Taylor and Travis’s generosity to so many wonderful organizations, and extremely grateful that The Store is included among them,” Brad, 53, and wife Kimberly, 54, told People in a statement on Thursday, July 2, after Swift and Kelce, both 36, donated funds to the Paisleys’ Nashville-based, free grocery nonprofit The Store.

The couple continued, “This gift will go a long way toward helping our neighbors facing food insecurity in Nashville. What a beautiful way to celebrate the beginning of a marriage!”

Meanwhile, Parton, 80, took to Instagram to thank Swift and Kelce for donating $2 million to her Imagination Library, a program that sends free books to young children.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you. I’m blown away and overjoyed with that gratitude,” the “Jolene” singer said in the Friday, July 3, video. “The mission of the Dollywood Foundation is to dream more, care more, learn more and be more. And thank you again for your very generous gift. And we’ll continue that mission even in bigger ways now with your money. So, thank you and know that I will always love you.”

Original story below:

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are giving back ahead of their rumored nuptials.

The couple have donated $26 million to charities across the United States this week. The New York organizations include: City Harvest, Food Bank For NYC, New York Cares, Education Through Music, Answer The Call, Musical Mentors, After-School All- Stars, MSK Kids (the pediatric cancer program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) and Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone.

“We are incredibly grateful for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s generous $1 million donation to City Harvest,” the organization’s CEO, Jilly Stephens, said in a statement. “This donation is a love letter to New York, and a bold commitment to our efforts to ensure that no New Yorker goes hungry. Their support comes at a critical time, with visits to New York City soup kitchens and food pantries near record highs and expected to increase further in response to federal funding cuts.”

Answer The Call also shared their appreciation for the donation, writing via Instagram, “We are deeply grateful to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce for their generous gift, helping us to provide lifelong support to more than 500 families of fallen NYC first responders. ❤️.”

Related: Taylor Swift Gives $250k Gift To Kansas City Charity

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Taylor Swift is all about giving this holiday season! The “Midnights” singer recently donated $250,000 to Operation Breakthrough, a Kansas City-based organization that helps families in need. While Swift, 35, didn’t publicly speak about the donation, the organization which received her generous gift posted about it on social media. “Thank you, @taylorswift13, for making our […]

Swift and Kelce, both 36, also donated to other organizations including Feeding America, ASPCA, Dolly Parton”s Imagination Library, Grammy In The Schools and Children & Teen and Adolescents & Young Adult (AYA) Programs.

Rounding out the list, the couple gave back to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Kansas City’s Harvesters – The Community Food Network and Children’s Mercy Hospital, Nashville’s The Store, Reading’s Helping Harvest, Rhode Island Community Food Bank and Cleveland’s After-School All-Stars.

The pop star and Kansas City Chiefs tight end’s altruism comes days before they are rumored to be tying the knot in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. In June, Us Weekly reported that invitees were told to be in the Big Apple on July 2 and 3.

“Taylor and Travis told guests to be in NYC. No other location was provided,” a source exclusively told Us at the time, sharing that the couple is “putting their guests on hold” for a couple of days. “They are spending a lot of money — in the millions.”

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Related: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift Earn Good Karma With Charity Donation

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Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are earning some good karma with their latest charity donation. The twosome signed a Kansas City Chiefs jersey featuring Kelce’s number, 87, for Guelph Wish Fund for Children’s upcoming charity auction, Us Weekly can confirm. The nonprofit organization, which is based in Ontario, Canada, provides “wishes” and support to children […]

While the couple have not publicly disclosed any information about their nuptials, several of their famous pals (Ed Sheeran, Sabrina Carpenter and more) have been spotted in the city and surrounding area.

During a recent episode of his and brother Jason Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast, Travis gushed that 4th of July celebrations can produce “great memories.”

“4th of July weekend is right around the corner,” Travis said during an Expedia ad break. “We all have that one 4th of July trip we still talk about. … The one that turned a long weekend into a core memory.”

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 16 seconds ago

Last year’s Superman was a monster hit that proved the DCU was ready and able to compete with Marvel. That movie was directed by James Gunn, the man who brought us amazing superhero cinema like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad. The fact that he’s running the DCU instilled confidence in fans all around the world. That’s why the failure of Supergirl took audiences by surprise. It was the spinoff of last summer’s biggest movie, written and directed by a team hand-chosen by Gunn, so it seemed destined to be another superpowered hit. Instead, the movie was an instant critical and commercial flop, one likely to lose the studio $125 million. 

As it turns out, that was a shock to everyone except for the studio. The Hollywood Reporter has exclusively revealed that Supergirl had a troubled production for many months, one that involved creative clashes between Gunn and director Craig Gillespie. Warner Bros. apparently had very little faith in Gillespie, whose movie consistently received middling scores from test audiences. Eventually, the studio created its own cut of the movie, which is actually the version that hit theaters!

A Tale Of Two Cuts

Buckle up, buckaroos: we finally have some answers to why Supergirl bombed, and this is one wild ride. The first sign that the movie was in trouble was when Warner Bros. ordered four different sets of test screenings. Such screenings are often an indicator that the studio isn’t confident in the film they have made. Apparently, they had reason to be worried: one insider told The Hollywood Reporter that the highest the movie ever scored on the initial screenings was a 70. The rest of the insiders insisted that Supergirl’s score never escaped the 60s.

The studio continued to tweak the movie, and in some low screenings, it received scores in the very low 70s. However, Warner Bros. was still nervous, and they took drastic action by creating their own cut of the movie (something that had previously happened with the original Suicide Squad movie). The studio then tested their cut of the film against Craig Gillespie’s. The results were mixed: the new scores were now lower across the board. However, the Warner Bros. cut of Supergirl scored a whopping two points higher. The studio cut of the film is the one that fans ultimately saw in theaters.

Faith No More

This was, of course, the clearest sign that Warner Bros. had lost faith in Gillespie. After they finished testing (where Supergirl received similar scores to Batgirl, a movie the studio ultimately shelved), a source told The Hollywood Reporter that he had to strongly and personally advocate for any changes he wanted to make to the film. Those changes would have been made during the movie’s extensive post-production process. During that time, frequent James Gunn collaborator Jeremy Slater was brought in to write additional scenes, all of which were shot during nine days of additional photography.

How were the two cuts different? Craig Gillespie’s cut was 11 minutes longer and fleshed out the Big Bad, Krem, who is underdeveloped in the final cut.  Gillespie and Gunn also had different opinions on how to use music in the film. The studio cut has a cover of Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle” (made famous by Malcolm in the Middle) during its climactic fight scene, which may have been Gillespie’s idea. However, an earlier cut used a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” which was reportedly Gunn’s idea. Aside from added length and possibly different music, however, it sounds like the two Supergirl cuts were largely similar.

So, the moral of this storyisn’t that there’s a killer, Snyder Cut-like version out there that is dramatically different. No, the moral is that Supergirl was a hot mess from the very beginning, with James Gunn and Craig Gillespie butting heads over major creative decisions. The result was the worst of both worlds, a Gunn-style film but without the charm or the same biting humor. Warner Bros. knew for many months how bad this film was scoring with test audiences, and they ended up overriding Gillespie and forcing their own cut down our throats. Now, they have a box office bomb whose slow death may just take the entire DCU with it.