Sabotage, blackmail, extortion, it’s all another day at the office for the political representatives onboard Babylon 5. The intergalactic space station is supposed to be a neutral zone for trade, commerce, politics, negotiations, and all manner of diplomatic activity, but early on during Babylon 5’s run, viewers learned how dirty politics can get in the 23rd century.
“Born to the Purple,” the third episode of Season 1, is the first of many episodes to focus on the Centaurian Ambassador, Londo Mollari (Peter Jurasik), this time, he’s fallen for the classic spy move: the honeypot.
Women Were Always Londo’s Greatest Weakness
Adira And Londo In “Born To The Purple”
It’s a classic move in real-world espionage that exploits sexual relationships for the purposes of blackmail and information gathering. In “Born to the Purple” Londo finds himself smitten by a gorgeous Centauri dancer, Adira Tyree (Fabiana Uderno), to the point that he’s abandoned diplomatic duties, including the crafting of a peace treaty with the Narn and his future best friend forever, G’Kar (Andreas Katsulas).
That’s an unintended side effect of her attention. The plan hatched by Adira’s owner Trakis (Clive Revill, the original voice of Star Wars Emperor Palpatine) is to steal the Purple Files and blackmail the Centauri into doing everything he wants.
The Purple Files contain information on the highest ranks of the Centauri government, including secrets that very powerful, very important individuals don’t want to be made public. Londo is, allegedly, an important Centauran, and also an easy mark.
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Adira manages to scan his brain while he’s sleeping off the drugs she slipped him, gets the information, and then has a change of heart and betrays Trakis. Trakis responds by convincing Londo she’s really a Narn agent and uses the lovestruck fool to help track down where she’s hiding.
G’Kar, Tarkis, And Talia Winters In “Born To The Purple”
While Londo and Sinclair infiltrate the Dark Star club, G’Kar and Talia Winters (Andrea Thompson) meet with Tarkis to verify that he has the Purple Files. Talia uses the old psi-corp trick of saying, “don’t think of what I’m about to tell you,” and gets the location of where he kept Adria. The ability to read minds feels like a cheat code in a world of political espionage.
Adira is eventually recovered, and her ownership papers are taken from Trakis, allowing her to stay, as a free woman, with Londo onboard Babylon 5. She breaks his heart when she decides to go to a Centauri planet instead. One day, she’ll return for Londo.
The Honeypot Has Been Used Throughout History
“Born to the Purple” is the first hint at the incredible chemistry between Londo and G’Kar when they give the exact same advice to their subordinates at the negotiating table: “Don’t give away the home world.”
It’s a glimpse into the depths that hide beneath Londo’s foppish appearance and his unique view on the world of love. As a standalone episode, there’s not a lot connecting it to the rest of Babylon 5 outside of the fantastic character moments that would eventually define the series. Not every episode has to push the mythology arc forward, something that creator J. Michael Straczynski was well aware of, and the episode’s writer, Larry Ditillio, helped lay the foundation for the revelations of later seasons.
Honeypots like Adria were used in actual, real-world espionage and popularized by Russia during the Cold War. Watch The Americans, and you’ll quickly realize most of their spy work involved pretending to be in relationships with the target.
An argument could be made that poor Anne Boleyn from The Tudors is an early historical example. If anyone on board Babylon 5 would fall head over heels for the honeypot, it would be Londo, and if anyone could eventually convince a honeypot to come back to him, it’s also Londo.
It’s been quite a chaotic time for fans of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” lately and it doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon. And since the hit Hulu reality show has ceased filming for the time being, fans are getting their fill of the drama via social media, and let’s just say there’s no lack of insanity happening.
Jessi Draper‘s recent actions have fans either rooting for her or scratching their heads, but regardless of what side they are taking, everyone is here for it. After an emotional affair with “Vanderpump Villa” star Marciano Brunette when the two shows collided for a crossover episode, a new dramatic storyline was born. Fans may have thought it was dead and buried, even after the announcement came that Jessi and her husband Jordan were getting a divorce, but they couldn’t be more wrong. A series of Instagram Stories and TikTok video shared in the past few days prove that something is going on – but is it just rage bait to keep the fans intrigued while filming has stopped, or is there something more serious brewing with the two of them out of the spotlight?
Jessi And Marciano Have Fans Talking Online
To catch anyone up to speed who may have missed the past few days online, Marciano teased a visit to Utah in his Instagram Stories on Friday. But the teasing was soon proved to be what everyone was thinking – he was visiting Jessi. Internet detectives starting sharing theories and even receipts that the two were in fact hanging out.
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It didn’t take too long before Jessi posted a video to help that speculation along. And then a video by Marciano soon followed. And now that fans see that Jessi and Marciano are spending time together in Utah, they aren’t holding back what they are thinking in the comment sections of TikTok videos and Instagram posts.
Media personality Harry Jowsey wasted no time jumping into the comment section to say, “What is happening.” He actually also shared some interesting news on his own Instagram page, but we’ll get to that later.
“Who needs a Hulu subscription when season 5 is airing free on TikTok,” one person wrote. Another asked, “Is it illegal in Utah to be single?” One other viewer said, “Jessi calling up Marciano the second she handed those divorce papers over.”
Marciano Also Shared A Video That Has Fans Talking
Instagram Story | Marciano Brunette
Not long after sharing his Instagram Stories – one of the airport, another of a margarita with a mystery woman in the background (who we now know is Jessi) and one of a Swig cup – he shared a video on Instagram that shows him and Jessi walking hand-in-hand captioned, “Messi.” (Looks like they have a cute name for themselves as a couple already.)
Fans probably tripped getting into the comment section to say what’s on their minds.
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“Don’t hurt her,” Jowsey said. He seems quite invested in the drama, and fans are loving that. Reality star Stassi Schroeder wrote, “WHAT IS HAPPENING,” and fellow reality star Katie Maloney wrote, “I’m here for this.”
“Begging someone from Hulu to grab a camera, like, yesterday,” another viewer wrote. One other added, “I like the couple name,” and another said, “You’ve got our attention.”
It appears that some are just here for the drama, others are invested in them actually being a couple, and then the rest are hoping this is just rage baiting at its finest.
Back To Harry Jowsey And What He Shared About Jessi And Marciano
For fans of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” who watched season 4, Harry Jowsey’s entanglement into the drama makes sense. For those who haven’t watched season 4 yet, he makes an appearance on the show and it’s quite memorable.
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He jumped into the ongoing drama with Jessi and Marciano to give a more “on the ground journalism” approach and viewers are loving this POV. He shared a screenshot of a text between him, Jessi, and Marciano in a TikTok video and in his Instagram Story.
“Fire Hulu and hire Harry atp,” one viewer wrote in the comments of the TikTok video. “Man is working over time to give us the tea,” another shared. Another fan pointed out what many are thinking, “Production stopped at the WORST time ever.” One other said, “Harry just know you are doing the lord’s work right now.”
‘I Vote Harry For Executive Producer At This Point’
Viral TikToker @stephwithdadeets also shared Harry’s text chain reveal and more information in her video captioned, “ATP we’re gonna need Harry to just become a producer and pick up his own and head to Utah.”
The comment section lit up with praise for Harry. One fan wrote, “Harry is the man we all want and need right now. Bless that man with all good things,” and another said, “I vote Harry for executive producer at this point.” One other fan joked, “I’m convinced Harry is already filming season 5.”
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While ‘Mormon Wives’ Filming Is On Hiatus, Stay Up-To-Date On Social Media
LISA OConnor/AFF-USA.com / MEGA
While it might be discouraging that season 5 isn’t currently filming due to Taylor Frankie Paul’s ongoing alleged domestic violence drama, it seems that fans can get their fill of Utah excitement on TikTok and Instagram.
Most of the cast have been sharing their lives on social media despite not currently filming, so if you are missing the show and already binged seasons 1 through 4 multiple times, TikTok just might give you the fix you need.
What are your thoughts on Jessi and Marciano – is it just rage bait or interesting PR angling, or is there actually something going on with the two of them?
Y’all… it looks like some family tension might be brewing behind the scenes involving Tee Grizzley and his mom. What seemed like a regular social media post quickly turned into something deeper. And now, folks are side-eyeing the situation and wondering what’s really going on.
Tee Grizzley’s Mom Calls Him Out Online Over Alleged Family Snubs
The rapper’s mom took to Instagram on Sunday, reposting a video of him living it up in Monaco. However, the message she added has definitely raised eyebrows. Over the clip, she wrote, “While I’m done here carless smh!” along with a sad emoji, before adding, “Tee you terrible!” But she didn’t stop there—she later shared a screen recording of the post to her feed with a lengthy caption, calling him out for what she described as being overlooked. She claimed she’s been in her situation for years without support, saying she hasn’t even seen his home, wasn’t invited to his wedding, and questioned why others allegedly received cars while she’s been “walking.” She also mentioned recently getting out of jail and made it clear she wants a face-to-face conversation, writing that she has “something to say” when she sees him.
Tee Steps In With Words Amid Claims From His Mother
It didn’t take long for Tee Grizzley to catch wind of his mom’s posts. He jumped straight into TSR’s comment section and made it clear he wasn’t having it. He clapped back with, “Mf really ain’t gettin ntn na,” showing he was fully aware and unbothered. Tee added, “I said yes to everything but I said no to the car cause I don’t want you to hurt [yourself] or nobody else and now I’m on the shaderoom. I would tell my side but somebody gotta keep family business off the internet,” making it clear some things are meant to stay private.
Fans Weigh In On Tee Grizzley’s Family Tea
Fans immediately stormed TSR’s Instagram comment section, having a field day with Tee Grizzley’s family tea. Some users weighed in philosophically, saying there’s always a reason why people drift from their parents. Others were curious to hear Tee Grizzley’s side of the story. Meanwhile, plenty called out the timing, saying bringing this kind of tea online on Easter is wild.
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One Instagram user @mknzserenity said, “Do parents ever take accountability .. like ever 😭”
This Instagram user @jawn_solo_ commented, “There’s definitely more to this ….“
While, Instagram user @ima_slay4u added, “‘I just got out of jail’ told me everything i need to know about her as a mother“
Then Instagram user @justjasminenoelle claimed, “Adult children are not responsible for their parents“
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And, Instagram user @director.saddiq wrote, “We don’t know his side so let’s wait for more details 😂”
Finally, Instagram user @_salina_x3 shared, “Lord it’s Easter….“
Celebs’ Families Have Been Clapping Back Everywhere
Celeb family members have been coming out lately clapping back at our faves. And, Tee Grizzley’s situation is the latest in a string of eyebrow-raising moments. Y’all might remember a few months ago when GloRilla’s sister Victoria went off on her, calling out family dynamics and money disputes. She wrote, “I’ll really go live and expose y’all favorite rapper… same mom, same dad, 10 siblings… y’all think she this upright a** person when she really not… I’m constantly getting acknowledgment for being her sister and she ain’t fwu at all,” before going on to detail issues with their parents and financial struggles.
2025 was a great year for sci-fi fans. The weird and wonderful mind of Yorgos Lanthimos returned with his latest Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons-led project, Bugonia; Bong Joon Ho’s follow-up to Parasite served biting political satire in space in Mickey 17; Guillermo del Toro finally adapted Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in grand, gothic fashion; and debut director Drew Goddard made an impressive splash with Companion. However, it was the return of a beloved sci-fi action franchise that deserves perhaps the most praise.
Almost forty years after filmmaker Joel McTiernan delivered the Arnold Schwarzenegger-led Predator, director Dan Trachtenberg returned with the seventh film in the franchise: Predator: Badlands. Aimed at encouraging a younger audience to sample the greatness of this beloved series, this PG-13 sci-fi hit earned rave reviews upon arrival, especially for Elle Fanning’s mesmeric performance as she added to her Academy Award-nominated turn in the Joachim Trier-helmed Norwegian drama Sentimental Value in a memorable year. The movie also starred Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi and was written by Patrick Aison from a story crafted by Aison and Trachtenberg.
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On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes,Predator: Badlands impressed with a strong 86% score from critics, and an even better 95% score from audiences. The consensus on the site reads, “Director Dan Trachtenberg continues to take the Predator franchise in exciting new directions with Badlands, a rollicking adventure that transforms one of cinema’s most iconic brutes into a hero worth rooting for.” Continuing its great success on the streaming charts, the film has earned a place back in the global Disney+ top ten, at the time of writing.
These television artists were posthumously recognized for their work, and the awards they received were testaments to their lasting legacies.
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‘Predator: Badlands’ Struggled at the Box Office
Elle Fanning, cut up and worried, sits in a spacecraft in Predator: BadlandsImage via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Although critics and audiences alike raved about the film upon release, it wasn’t enough for Predator: Badlands to secure a successful theatrical run at a time when most were struggling at the box office. Against a reported budget of $105 million, the film could only return $184 million worldwide, split between a domestic haul of $91 million and a further $93 million from overseas markets. After premiering at #1 in the domestic ranks, Badlands quickly slipped to second on weekend two and was out of the top ten entirely by weekend six.
Predator: Badlands is available to stream now. Stay tuned to Collider for more streaming stories.
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Release Date
November 7, 2025
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Runtime
107 minutes
Director
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Dan Trachtenberg
Writers
Dan Trachtenberg, Patrick Aison, John Thomas, Jim Thomas
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Producers
Brent O’Connor, John Davis, Marc Toberoff, Dan Trachtenberg, Ben Rosenblatt
“TheReal Housewives of Salt Lake City” alum Jen Shah is breaking her silence about her reported crimes in her first interview since her release from prison in 2026. During the interview, the outspoken reality star opened up about where she stands with her castmates and the network’s figurehead, Andy Cohen, who had previously implied he wanted nothing to do with her.
What Jen Shah Had To Say About Andy Cohen’s Earlier Comments About Never Wanting To See Her Again
Cohen answered a fan question years ago about the possibility of seeing Shah return to “RHOSLC” after she finished her prison sentence, saying he “never” wanted to see her again, according to The Blast.
Shah, however, doesn’t seem too bothered by his comment. While speaking with PEOPLE, the mother of two said Cohen was allowed to feel however he wanted about her.
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“Andy has a right to his opinion,” she said. “And without me being able to talk to him or without me being able to even speak at the time at all, people rightly so made their own judgments and had their own comments.”
Shah explained that after she changed her plea to guilty in 2022, her legal team instructed her not to speak with the media. “That was hard because I wanted to talk and address the false narratives that were taking on a life of their own,” she said. “But I was being advised it wasn’t the right time.”
Jen Shah Said She’s Not Taking Cohen’s Comments About Her Future On ‘RHOSLC’ Personally
Cohen maintained his position about Shah’s future on the show during a “Radio Andy” episode.
“She’s not coming back to The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” he said. “I wish her all the best in her next life. I would assume that she’ll wind up on a reality show, but it won’t be anything that I’m working on. I don’t know that I can see Bravo working with her again. There you go. Can we put a period at the end of that sentence?”
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While likely disappointing to her, Shah said that she’s not taking the father of two’s comments personally.
“I don’t really take a lot of it to heart,” she said. “Andy has been very professional to me and to my team — I know my team has spoken to him while I’ve been gone. So I just base my opinions on what my own interaction has been with him.”
Where Does Jen Shah Stand With Her Former Castmates Today?
Shah was sentenced to nearly seven years in prison in 2023 after pleading guilty to being one of the leaders of a nationwide telemarketing scheme that took thousands from vulnerable and elderly victims, leaving them with nothing.
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While in prison, Shah said that she didn’t watch “RHOSLC,” but that her fellow inmates kept her updated on what was happening. “I got the live recap from everybody,” she said. “It was on every TV. I’d be at work or at the library and people would run over because they had seen it, so I was getting the summary.”
Regarding her relationships with her former co-stars, Whitney Rose, Heather Gay, and Angie Katsanevas, Shah said she hopes to pick up where they left off if given the chance.
As for Meredith Marks, Shah praised her for being one of her most “consistent” friends. “While I was gone, she and Seth would reach out to Coach and just check in and send their love. So yeah, we’ve talked. I called her while I was gone and I spoke with her when I got home,” Shah shared.
How Did Shah’s Sons Make Her Cry While She Was In Prison?
According to a previous report by The Blast, Shah said she did a lot of personal work while in prison. One of the ways she attempted to make sense of how her reported crimes affected those close to her was to hear it directly from them.
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So, Shah said she asked her sons, Sharieff Jr. and Omar, to write impact letters for her to read aloud during a session.
“I needed to know how I hurt them,” Shah said. “I needed them to be honest with me and tell me everything. I needed to hear that raw feedback, because that’s the only way you grow and heal. You can’t get better if you don’t know what you did.”
Shah Acknowledges Her Wrongs
Shah also took responsibility for her role in the whole ordeal.
“I made wrong decisions. I should have done things differently. I should have been more diligent. And I’m deeply remorseful and sorry for my actions and for my part. I take full responsibility,” she said.
There are quite a few fantasy shows that may not have dominated the headlines as some were able to, but over the years since airing, they have found a lasting appreciation among dedicated viewers who praise them for their storytelling and charm. From heartfelt character arcs and epic world-building to rather bold creative risks, these subtle gems are proof that, even if forgotten by most, such great fantasies don’t always fade away — sometimes, they age like fine wine.
Forgotten fantasy jewels like the one-season banger The Nine Lives of Chloe King, whose potential was abruptly cut short, and the fantastically captivating The Magicians are perfect examples of shows that may not be very well known or well remembered, but have still aged quite well. Compiled on this list are eight forgotten, but compellingly brilliant, fantasy series that have only gotten more enjoyable as the years have gone by.
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1
‘Pushing Daisies’ (2007–2009)
Chuck Charles kissing Ned the piemaker through plastic wrap in Pushing daisies Season 1.Image via ABC
There will never be a time when Pushing Daisies doesn’t stand among some of the best fantasy series out there. The whimsical show follows pie maker Ned (Lee Pace), a man who can restore life to the dead with a simple touch and, with another, return them to their graves. After learning of his childhood sweetheart’s demise, Ned resurrects her, which then ensues the greatest quirky, tragic, and adorable relationship ever brought to screens.
Pushing Daisies is the true definition of fairy-tale charm, as it delivers a compellingly unique concept. The underappreciated series seamlessly blends sweet romance, case-by-case mysteries, and vibrant fantasy allure, crafting a story that improves with time. It’s a one-of-a-kind series that, sadly, audiences just don’t talk about much, despite its ageless beauty. Thankfully, the series, even with its short run, garnered devoted fans, who often praise it for its vibrant wonder and whimsy. Pushing Daisies may be a forgotten fantasy series, but it definitely stands as one with inventive storytelling and a heartfelt tone that warrants a place in everyone’s hearts, no matter what the era.
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2
‘Atlantis’ (2013–2015)
Ariadne (Aiysha Hart), Hercules (Mark Addy), Jason (Jack Donnelly), and Pythagoras (Robert Emms) in AtlantisImage via BBC
This forgotten fantasy gem from the BBC offers fans an extremely adventurous and fresh take on Greek mythology.Atlantis centers on Jason (Jack Donnelly), a man who somehow survives a shipwreck only to end up in the mythical city of legend, Atlantis. Jason quickly realizes that there is more to his destiny as he discovers his role in a prophecy to save it.
Atlantis offers a strong blend of myth and action — an intoxicating mixture for any fantasy enthusiast. The series reimagines legendary tales through a modern lens, gifting viewers a genuinely entertaining fantasy show that still holds up pretty well. Fans often praise Atlantis for its earnest tone and great chemistry between its leads. Even with many critics finding the series fantastically charming, reviews remain pretty uneven, while the show has gone, unfortunately, unremembered. Atlantis may not be as gritty as most modern fantasies are, but its sincerity, mythos, and overall lighthearted tone mark it as an enchanting hidden gem for fantasy fans.
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3
‘The Magicians’ (2015–2020)
Eliot (Hale Appleman) and Margo (Summer Bishil) leading the forces of Fillory into battle in one of ‘The Magicians’ first musical numbers.Image via SYFY
The Magicians is an epic Syfy TV show that presents a mature and enticingly dark take on magic and wonder. Based on Lev Grossman’s novels, the series focuses on grad student Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph) as he discovers magic is real and that he is able to wield it at a secret university of magic known as Brakebills.
The Magicians is one of the most underrated fantasy series of all time. Its layered storytelling, which mixes real-world struggles with magic, makes it a uniquely entertaining watch. The Magicians may not have garnered much mainstream attention during its time on air, and even less now, but it remains one of the best in the vast landscape of fantasy and has honestly only gotten better with time. Its emotional depth and complexity aged fantastically well. Though The Magicians is terribly underappreciated and stands mostly unremembered, it is a cult sensation that has matured rather beautifully with a great number of hardcore devoted fans.
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Collider Exclusive · Middle-earth Quiz Which Lord of the Rings Character Are You? One Quiz · Ten Questions · Your Fate Revealed
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The road goes ever on. From the green hills of the Shire to the fires of Mount Doom, every soul in Middle-earth carries a destiny. Ten questions stand between you and the truth of who you are. Answer honestly — the One Ring has a way of revealing what we most want to hide.
💍Frodo
🌿Samwise
👑Aragorn
🔥Gandalf
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🏹Legolas
⚒️Gimli
👁️Sauron
🪨Gollum
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01
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You are handed a responsibility that could destroy you. What do you do? The weight of the world falls on unlikely shoulders.
02
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Your closest companion is heading into terrible danger. You: True loyalty is revealed not in comfort, but in crisis.
03
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Enormous power is within your reach. Your instinct is: Power corrupts — but only those who reach for it.
04
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What does “home” mean to you? Where we long to return reveals who we truly are.
05
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When a battle is upon you, your approach is: War reveals what we are made of — whether we like it or not.
06
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Someone comes to you for advice in their darkest hour. You: Wisdom is not knowing all the answers — it’s knowing which questions to ask.
07
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How do you see yourself, honestly? Self-knowledge is the most dangerous kind.
08
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Which of these best describes your relationship with the natural world? Middle-earth speaks to those who know how to listen.
09
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You encounter a wretched, pitiable creature who has done terrible things. You: How we treat the fallen reveals the height of our character.
10
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When the quest is over and the songs are sung, what do you hope they say about you? In the end, we are all just stories.
The Fellowship Has Spoken Your Place in Middle-earth
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The scores below reveal your true character. Your highest number is your match. Even a tie tells a story — the Fellowship was never made of simple people.
💍 Frodo
🌿 Samwise
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👑 Aragorn
🔥 Gandalf
🏹 Legolas
⚒️ Gimli
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👁️ Sauron
🪨 Gollum
You carry something heavy — and you carry it alone, even when you don’t have to. You were not born for greatness, and that is precisely why greatness chose you. Your courage is not the roaring, sword-swinging kind; it is quiet, stubborn, and terrifying in its refusal to quit. The Ring weighs on you more than anyone can see, and still you walk toward the fire. That is not weakness. That is the rarest kind of strength there is.
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You are, without question, the best of them. Not the most powerful, not the most celebrated — but the most essential. Your loyalty is not a trait; it is a force of nature. You would carry the person you love up the slopes of Mount Doom if it came to that, and we both know you’d do it without being asked. The world needs more people like you, and the world is lucky it has even one.
You were born to lead, and you have spent years running from it. The crown is yours by right, but you know better than anyone that right means nothing without the will and the worthiness to back it up. You are tempered by loss, shaped by long roads, and defined by a code of honour you hold to even when no one is watching. When you finally step forward, the world shifts. Because it was always waiting for you.
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You have seen more than you let on, and you say less than you know — which is exactly as it should be. You are a catalyst: you do not fight the battles yourself, you ignite the people who can. Your wisdom comes not from books but from an age of watching what happens when it is ignored. You arrive precisely when you mean to, and your presence alone changes what is possible. A wizard is never late.
Graceful, perceptive, and almost preternaturally calm under pressure — you see things others miss and act before others react. You do not need to make a scene to be remarkable; your presence speaks for itself. You are loyal to those you choose to stand beside, and that choice is not made lightly. You have lived long enough to know that the most beautiful things in this world are also the most fragile, and that is why you fight to protect them.
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You are loud, proud, and absolutely formidable — and beneath all of that is one of the most fiercely loyal hearts in Middle-earth. You don’t do anything by half measures. Your friendships are forged like iron, your grudges run as deep as mines, and your courage in battle is the kind that makes legends. You came into this fellowship suspicious of everyone and ended it willing to die for an elf. That is not a small thing. That is everything.
You think in centuries and act in absolutes. Order, dominion, control — not because you are cruel by nature, but because you have decided that the world left to itself always falls apart, and you are the only one with the vision and the will to hold it together. You were not always this. Something was lost, or taken, or betrayed, and the version of you that stands now is the answer to that wound. The tragedy is that you’re not entirely wrong — just entirely too far gone to course-correct.
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You are a study in contradiction — pitiable and dangerous, cunning and broken, capable of both cruelty and something that once resembled love. You are defined by loss: of innocence, of self, of the one thing that gave your existence meaning. Two voices war inside you constantly, and the tragedy is that the better one sometimes wins, just not often enough, and never at the right moment. You are a warning, yes — but also a mirror. We are all a little Gollum, given the right ring and enough time.
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4
‘Lost Girl’ (2010–2015)
Dyson (Kris Holden-Ried), Bo (Anna Silk), and Lauren (Zoie Palmer) standing next to each other in Lost GirlImage via SyFy
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This underrated Canadian supernatural drama is lowkey fantasy gold. Lost Girl follows the succubus Bo (Anna Silk), who joins a shapeshifter named Dyson (Kris Holden-Ried) and a human doctor named Lauren (Zoie Palmer) to solve mysteries while navigating Fae politics and attempting to discover her origins.
Lost Girl may not be the best-written fantasy series ever created, but it stands as one of the greatest guilty pleasures to exist, and over time, it has only grown even more so. The series, with its supernatural edge and spicy drama, explores a hidden world of fae and supernatural beings. Even decades later, Lost Girl’s world-building and characters remain pretty engaging. The series attracted quite a fandom, who may all see the show’s flaws but find it extremely worth it as they take to rewatching the intoxicatingly addictive show over and over again. Lost Girl remains an overlooked fantasy great that has continued to age beautifully.
5
‘Samurai Jack’ (2001–2017)
Aku from Samurai Jack smirking with a flaming backgroundImage via Cartoon Network
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Samurai Jack is a sci-fi/fantasy blend that delivers not only visually striking animation but also a truly stylistic fantasy journey. The Cartoon Network animated series focuses on the samurai dubbed Jack (Phil LaMarr) as he travels through time to defeat the evil shape-shifting demon Aku (Mako Iwamatsu), who is reigning over the world in the distant future.
Samurai Jack is peak fantasy television, and although it stands now as a mostly forgotten cartoon, dedicated fans continue to praise its timeless feel and artistry. Even after all these years, the series has grown into a true cult classic that has only become all the more impressive with time. Samurai Jack’s blend of sci-fi time travel and fantasy wonder made it a unique standout during the early 2000s, but even now, the series’ artistic brilliance and minimalistic storytelling feel just as — and often even more — impressive, cementing its place on this list of fantasy shows that have aged like fine wine.
6
‘Merlin’ (2008–2012)
Colin Morgan as Merlin, sticking his hand out to cast magic in Merlin.Image via BBC
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This reimagining of a legendary tale takes a more youthful approach to an ancient story. Merlin centers around the young wizard Merlin (Colin Morgan), who arrives in Camelot, where magic is outlawed, and somehow finds himself becoming the servant of Prince Arthur (Bradley James).
With forbidden magic, drama, and adventure, Merlin is an all-around fantasy standout. The series is quite old, but it honestly still feels ageless. From characters to relationships, much of Merlin still resonates beautifully with fans. It’s a beloved gem that doesn’t get much shine these days, but remains a truly timeless take on the Arthurian legend, marking it as a well-aged fantasy that explores the origins of one of the most iconic stories ever made. Merlin may be forgotten by almost everyone other than its diehard fans, but the show stands as a perfect treat for those in need of hopeful storytelling and legendary mythos.
7
‘The Nine Lives of Chloe King’ (2011)
Skyler Samuels as Chloe wearing a purple sweater and crouching on top of a car in ‘The Nine Lives of Chloe King.’Image via Alloy Entertainment
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The Nine Lives of Chloe King may have only lasted a single season, but its impact — however small — is lasting. The creative fantasy series based on the novels by Liz Braswell focuses on San Francisco teen Chloe King (Skyler Samuels), who, on her sixteenth birthday, experiences multiple transformations that prove that she is a part of an ancient cat-like race called the Mai.
The fantasy drama came to screens in a burst of teenage angst, fantastical lore, and epic love triangle antics, then left quite abruptly. It wasn’t long before viewers forgot the show even existed, even as its heartfelt drama and fantastically unique premise have stood the test of time. Fans who remember The Nine Lives of Chloe King continue to praise it for its enduring appeal, dubbing the fantasy series a binge-worthy mix of supernatural elements and high school coming-of-age fun.
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‘Legend of the Seeker’ (2008–2010)
Bridget Regan and Tabrett Bethell look ahead with others behind them in Legend of the Seeker Season 2.Image via ABC Studios
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This 2008 fantasy adventure brilliantly immerses its viewers in a sword-and-sorcery world. Based on Terry Goodkind’s novels, Legend of the Seeker follows the humble woods guide, Richard Cypher (Craig Horner), who discovers he is actually the Seeker, a person destined to fight dark magic.
Most have forgotten about the epic fantasy Legend of the Seeker, but its small fanbase has ensured that the series continues to be appreciated for its subtle brilliance that added much to fantasy television during its time on air. The series’ memorable characters, classic high-fantasy appeal, and adventurous storytelling are often praised by fans, and despite its camp, most of the show’s aspects, like special effects and sword fights, still hold up pretty well. Standing strong as a venerable cult classic, Legend of the Seeker is a fantasy epic that has definitely stood the test of time.
Aww, Roomies! Mariah Carey just popped out with a family moment that has folks doing a double take—and it’s not hard to see why. The singer shared a glimpse into her holiday vibes, and let’s just say time is really flying.
Mariah Carey Shares Sweet Easter Pic As Kids Steal Spotlight
On Sunday, April 5, Mariah Carey took to Instagram to post a sweet Easter photo with her twins, Moroccan and Monroe, captioning it, “Happy Easter!” In the photo, the trio posed in front of an Easter Bunny, with both kids holding plush bunnies as they stood beside their iconic mom. Monroe was giving full personality—throwing up a peace sign with her tongue out, while Moroccan kept it cool, looking just like his dad Nick Cannon. Mariah stunned in a pink dress paired with a sparkly sweater, but it was Moroccan who really had folks laughing in the comments, writing, “Yall I AM tall, I had to do the splits to take this photo.”
Fans Are Living For The Pic, But Clocking That Bunny
Fans ran straight to TSR’s Instagram comment section and were celebrating right along with them. Some pointed out that Monroe is basically Mariah when she first hit the music scene, while others were just spreading love and wishing the family a happy Easter. And of course, a few couldn’t help but ask the real question—who’s actually inside that bunny suit?
One Instagram user @chesteralbuero commented, “cuties 😍🐣”
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This Instagram user @kevinlanesmusic shared, “Happy Easter Queen! ILY! 🙏🏾😘”
And, Instagram user @ohhjocelyn added, “Lmao mother I know you forced them to take this pic and they had no choice 😂😂😍😍”
While Instagram user @kbyrd2 shared, “Roe roe giving debut-Riah“
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Finally, Instagram user @jacksongzmjb.thecollector joked, “Who is the mysterious rabbit? 🤣🤣🤣🤣”
Celebs Tap In With Easter Messages & Moments
The Easter love wasn’t just limited to Mariah and her family—countless celebritiess who celebrate the holiday also showed up on social media with heartfelt messages. Kamala Harris shared photos alongside her husband, plus a sweet snap hugging two younger girls who appeared to be family, while Quavo gave global vibes, posting up in Brazil in front of the massive Christ the Redeemer statue with his arms wide open.
Dawn Staley kept it simple but powerful on X with “HE IS RISEN!”, and Chloe Bailey blessed her followers with a video of herself singing a gospel song along with a “Happy Easter” message. The Obamas also joined in, sharing a throwback church photo with a message to their supporters, while Mýa posted a clip of herself in the studio recording a gospel track—and Angel Reese echoed the sentiment on X with her own “HE IS RISEN.”
While audiences may easily recognize her from these high-profile titles, she delivered one of her strongest performances in a lesser-known gem that hit theaters just two years ago. Daddio sees Johnson take on a far more intimate and restrained role, carrying much of the film’s emotional weight through a quiet, dialogue-driven story. The drama film is a perfect alternative for fans of Before Sunrise, the first installment in the Before trilogy, and the 1995 romantic drama starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy.
Released in theaters on June 28, 2024, Daddio has found a new streaming home not long after Netflix restricted access for some users. Starting April 26, 2026, the compelling drama will be available to watch on Hulu, offering an unfiltered look at the slow unraveling of two strangers’ lives over the course of a single night. Also starring Sean Penn, the Oscar-winning actor was initially suggested by Johnson, who personally sent him the script before filming began, and as expected, he delivered a standout performance. Daddio boasts a Certified Fresh 75% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive 89% audience score.
Can you answer these movie questions, wherein each correct response begins with a successive letter of the word “Collider”?
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What’s Next for Dakota Johnson?
Following the success of Materialists, Johnson will next be seen in Verity, a Colleen Hoover adaptation directed by Michael Showalter and written by Nick Antosca. The psychological thriller is set for release by Amazon MGM on October 2, 2026, over a year after production wrapped in April 2025. Johnson stars as Lowen Ashleigh, a writer contacted by Jeremy Crawford to complete his wife’s (bestselling author Verity Crawford) book series, as she is unable to finish it following a mysterious accident. Anne Hathaway and JoshHartnett also star.
Daddio streams on Hulu this month. Stay tuned to Collider for more news.
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Release Date
June 27, 2024
Runtime
100 minutes
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Director
Christy Hall
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Writers
Christy Hall
Producers
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Christy Hall, Dakota Johnson, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis, Terry Dougas, Ro Donnelly
Gabrielle Union is mourning the loss of her father, Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr., who has died at the age of 81 following a battle with dementia. The 53-year-old actress announced the devastating news in an emotional social media tribute, remembering her dad as a “perfectly imperfect man and father” who brought joy to everyone around him.
Gabrielle Union Shares Heartbreaking Final Days Of Her Father
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“Yesterday morning, my Dad, Sylvester ‘Cully’ Union Jr., passed away,” she wrote. “No matter how much you think you know about dementia, nothing prepares you for the painfully slow disappearing of your loved one.”
In her post, Union offered a raw look at how the disease gradually took hold, describing the heartbreaking progression she witnessed. “First it’s repeating words or forgetting little things here or there, then BOOM, he can’t swallow or walk,” she shared. “The them that you know gets smaller and smaller.”
She went on to describe holding onto hope for even the smallest signs of recognition. “You hold out hope for sustained eye contact or a smile; even a hand squeeze can make you feel like they could come back to you ‘normal’ at any second,” she added. “It’s brutal… but it wasn’t who he was.”
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Union Honors Dad As ‘Life Of Every Party’
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Despite his battle, Union made it clear that her father’s legacy is defined by love, connection, and unforgettable energy. “He never met a stranger, just friends he hadn’t met yet,” she wrote, describing him as someone who made it his mission to care for others.
A lifelong Nebraska fan, he instilled in her values of teamwork, hard work, and compassion, always reminding her to look out for others first. Union also reflected on his vibrant personality, calling him “ALWAYS the life of EVERY party,” and noting his love for music, travel, and spending time with family and friends.
Gabrielle Union Calls Sisters ‘Heroes’ In Emotional Tribute
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The actress expressed deep gratitude to those who cared for her father in his final years, including medical staff and family members. “My sisters who stepped up are heroes,” she wrote. “I love you both beyond words.”
Union also acknowledged the complex emotions that come with loss after prolonged illness. “It’s bewildering to feel relief that the pain has ended, but profound heartbreak at the finality of his time,” she shared.
Dwyane Wade Honors Union’s Dad In Tribute
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As she reflected on her father’s passing, Union also reached out to others going through similar grief. “I know I’m not the first or last Daddy’s girl to go through this,” she wrote. “I’m sending love and healing to anyone suffering the loss of a parent.”
She ended her tribute with a heartfelt message, inviting those who knew her father to share their memories. La La Anthony wrote, “I’m so sorry Gab. Sending u all the love and prayers. Thinking of u. Love you so much,” while Viola Davis shared a deeply personal message, adding, “I can honestly say that I know the road… It challenges and cements everything you know about love… A beautiful tribute to an obviously great man.”
Others reflected on the impact Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr. had on their lives. Larry Sims commented, “Dad’s warm smile & gentle soul will forever stay with me,” while Jason Bolden recalled personal memories, highlighting the lasting impression he left behind.
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Even brands and close friends joined in, with Essence sharing heartfelt memories and inside jokes, writing, “Joy in abundance. We love you Pops. Sending heartfelt hugs and condolences to the entire family.”
Union’s husband, Dwyane Wade, also honored her father by sharing the tribute video on his own social media. “Thank you for all the memories pops [red heart emoji] you,” he wrote, echoing the family’s grief and appreciation for the life Sylvester lived.
Gabrielle Union Previously Opened Up About Father’s Dementia Journey
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Gabrielle Union had been candid for years about her father’s battle with dementia, often sharing emotional updates as his condition progressed.
In 2023, she revealed that Sylvester “Cully” Union Jr. had been placed in memory care, describing the transition as incredibly difficult for their family. “This process has been extremely hard on our family, with a few really painful chapters,” she wrote in a birthday tribute that November.
Still, there were moments of light amid the hardship. Union recalled a particularly emotional celebration in which her father seemed to briefly return to himself. “Watching my party-loving, Crown-drinking, smart-a-s Dad return in full form for a few hours… it was the best gift we could’ve all received,” she shared.
“Two babies on my lap 🐣,” Wright, 35, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, April 5, sharing a new photo of Elio, 2, resting his head on her bare belly to announce her pregnancy. “Our second little earthling [is] joining us this autumn!!”
Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the OG Harry Potter films, received a flurry of supportive messages from her former costars.
“Ahhh congratulations Bonnie!!! 🥰💞,” Evanna Lynch wrote via Instagram comment.
Rupert Grint and more Harry Potter stars are all grown up with kids of their own. News broke in April 2020 that Grint and his partner, Georgia Groome, were expecting their first baby. Us Weekly confirmed one month later that Groome gave birth. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email […]
“Say hello to Elio Ocean Wright Lococo, [he was] born at home on Tuesday 19th September,” Wright wrote via Instagram at the time, announcing her son’s birth. “We’re all healthy and happy. Andrew and I are so in love with our sun! So grateful for our birth team that have held our hands throughout and made the journey so joyous and expanding.”
She added, “Birth is the wildest experience! … During these healing postpartum days we’ve been visited by some angels thank you @meaghan_snider_ @motherbees and @themilkywaymamas 🕊️ and thank you @ccmeyer for your incredibly informative course I took in the early weeks of pregnancy. Birth workers are amazing!”
Wright further thanked Lococo, whom she married in 2022, for his unwavering support, calling him her “rock throughout birth.”
“I squeezed onto you so tight and you never wavered,” she concluded. “Elio has the most tender loving papa.”
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Bonnie Wright and her son, Elio.Courtesy of Bonnie Wright/ Instagram
As Elio has grown up, Wright has enjoyed teaching him about her and Lococo’s passions.
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“These days have been spent getting closer to the land, watching Elio and Andrew sift compost and play in the garden,” Wright gushed via Instagram in January. “Getting lost in books at the library, working on new Hello Earthling projects, building trains and puzzles with Elio [and] watching him grow into this determined, chatty, funny and busy little boy who always has time to stop for a kiss and a cuddle.”
While Elio has found a knack for the outdoors, Wright also hopes that her son will eventually explore the Harry Potter wizarding world.
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“I mean, I can’t force it on him, but I’m definitely gonna positively encourage reading it,” the actress exclusively told Us Weeklyin September 2024. “I hope to read it to him … but I definitely will make sure we read the books before we watch the movies. Could be like reading a book, [then] watching a movie. But I’m definitely gonna make sure we go through the books. I also remember growing up with the audiobooks, so maybe the audiobooks would be nice.”
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