Young and the Restless spoilers for next week expose Diane Jenkins (Susan Walters) walking in on Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) being unfaithful to her and also a trap being set for Matt Clark (Roger Howarth). Plus, other big news for next week.

It’s Belynda from Soap Dirt and we’ve got the latest Y&R spoilers for the week of March 16th. So, we are gonna get into the Diane and Jack action, plus Nick Newman (Joshua Morrow) and Adam Newman (Mark Grossman) setting a trap and Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) infuriating Victor Newman (Eric Braeden).

Victor and Nikki Face Off Over Jack’s Kidnapping on Young and the Restless

All right, let’s kick things off with Victor and Nikki facing off. And of course, Victor is being a jerk to his wife. So Nikki was ranting at Victor at the end of this week and saying she may never forgive him for what he has done with Jack. Then Victor snarked at Nikki that her precious Jack is just fine. Victor was telling her that Jack is in good hands.

And Nikki wants to know whose hands that Jack is in. And Nikki tells Victor she won’t let him hurt the people she cares about while he’s trying to get Chancellor or anything else back. Then Victor vows he’ll get everything back and said taking Jack was a small price to pay.

So Nikki demands that Victor tell her where Jack is. And of course he is not going to come clean. Instead Victor says that Jack is right where he wants to be which is a big fat lie naturally. And that left Nikki seething and Victor snarking about Nikki being jealous that Jack is somewhere and he’s not alone.

And Nikki rants about the nerve of Victor and he insists again that Nikki’s jealous. I don’t think she is. Not at all. She’s concerned and she doesn’t trust Victor with Jack’s safety. Rightly so.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Nikki Gives Traci an Update

So, it looks like Nikki is going to get some more info out of Victor next week. And then Nikki makes a beeline, runs over to the Abbott mansion to try and help them. But the thing is, Kyle Abbott (Michael Mealor) and Diane and Billy Abbott (Jason Thompson) aren’t there. They’re doing something else.

But Nikki’s going to run into Traci Abbott (Beth Maitland) and then Nikki’s going to tell her that Victor told her that Jack is on a yacht in the middle of Lake Michigan with some woman. And Traci is shocked and she’s horrified. Nikki of course is too, but neither of them are going to be nearly as horrified as Diane Jenkins is once she sees what Victor has done to her husband.

And I don’t know how this stunt has anything to do actually with getting the businesses back. I think at this point that it is a personal attack on Jack. And in the end, I think it’s going to do nothing but cause chaos in Nikki and Victor’s marriage. But we’ll see.

Billy, Diane and Kyle Find Out Patty Has Jack on Young and the Restless

So, at the end of this week, Billy is with Diane and Kyle at a marina in Genoa City with Diane freaking out and promising violent payback if Jack is hurt. So, Diane blames both Victor and Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford). And then Billy gets some information from the marina manager and it’s not good news.

So, he tells Diane and Kyle that a luxury yacht was rented for two days for two people. And one of them is a gorgeous woman, somebody named, we all know it, Patty Williams (Stacy Haiduk. So, Billy and Kyle are wondering how that’s even possible.

Because the last anybody in Genoa City heard, Patty had been put away for her own safety and the safety of everybody else because she’s not exactly stable. So, Diane now thinks that Patty kidnapped Jack and I’m sure she thinks that Victor is behind it all, but obviously Patty was involved in his taking.

So, it turns out that Kyle doesn’t know about Patty’s past connection to Victor. That was, you know, before his time. And then Billy says that Victor hates Patty while Diane is saying that Victor is doing all this to punish them. And at this point, I tend to agree. So, the three of them are going to go out and they’re going to find that yacht that’s out on Lake Michigan.

Young and the Restless: Jack and Patty Are Drugged on the Yacht

Meanwhile, over on the boat, Patty gave Jack the tour that he wanted. And Patty’s talking about how romantic it is that the stars are in the sky. It’s dark. They’re there all alone. Jack wants his cell phone, but Patty says it’s locked away.

And she’s telling Jack that it’s not healthy how much time people spend on devices.  That’s true, but she’s not exactly—Patty’s not exactly the person to be giving health advice. So, Jack wants to know if Patty’s planning to kill him and he’s trying to bargain with her.

Patty insists he’s perfectly safe and she says she’s actually there to keep him safe. And then Jack is flattering Patty and says she’s even more beautiful than she was. But he really needs to leave. And she tells Jack that all of this is part of her redemption.

Patty Gets Frisky with Jack on Y&R

So, they have a drink, both of them. Then they both start getting really hot and pulling off their clothes. And Patty starts talking about how incredible she feels. And Jack realizes something is off, and he wants to know if Patty drugged him because all of a sudden he’s really attracted to her.

I wonder if she knew the liquor was drugged or if Victor just drugged everything on the boat and didn’t tell her because it’s not like he shares info. And it sounds like Jack and Patty were roofied, you know, given Rohypnol or maybe something like ecstasy because it makes you very sensitive, very frisky.

And then Jack has a moment of clarity and insists he’s married and says that they can’t do this. But Patty says Diane is not there and she’ll never know. So Patty wants another kiss. And then Jack actually starts making out with her and they are all over each other on top of each other pulling off clothes and you know whatever drug they were given is definitely doing its thing.

Diane Walks In on Jack and Patty on Y&R

So, next week is when things get really messy because it looks like all inhibitions are gone and Jack is full-on making out with Patty, climbing on top of her, ready to do the deed. At the same time, the Abbotts catch up to them. They find the yacht on the lake and Diane wastes no time.

As soon as they get onto the yacht, she goes running down the hallway frantically searching for Jack, trying to find out where he is. And it looks like Diane’s going to barge in and catch Jack in bed with Patty getting frisky. We’ll see exactly how frisky.

You know, the soapiest thing would be all the way frisky. But Jack’s clearly drugged. And I’m sure Diane will realize that because he and Patty are both loopy. You know, there’s a chance that Jack is drugged and Patty’s faking it, but I don’t think so. I think they’re both drugged, both thanks to Victor. Hopefully Diane will get Jack tested for drugs, get him cleaned up so they can try and get it out of his system.

What I’m wondering is if Victor knew the Abbotts would make it to the yacht. You know, maybe he’s going to strand all of them, all four of the Abbotts there with Patty to buy him some more time. So, we’ll see if this is a rescue of Jack or an increasingly large kidnapping. I tend to think it’s a rescue.

Young and the Restless Spoilers: Adam and Nick Set a Trap for Matt Clark

Also, we know from this week that Adam dug into his past in Vegas and was looking for Rizza because they found out Matt was dealing drugs and she knows this woman that Adam knew from back in the day. So, next week, Young and the Restless spoilers have Adam telling Nick they’ll get Matt.

And once Adam sets up a meeting, then Nick can have him. He can deal with Matt however he sees fit. We all know how Nick wants to deal with Matt. He wants to kill him. But since Nick is hopped up on drugs, leaving him alone with Matt, I think, is a very bad idea.

Be sure to check our full weekly spoilers video tomorrow for the week of March 16th through the 20th. Our weekly predictions and lots more coming soon.

Elle Fanning revealed she took an unusual step while preparing for her role in “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” exploring OnlyFans to better understand online creator culture.

Speaking at the SXSW Film & TV Festival, the actress explained that researching digital platforms helped her build the character of Margo, a young mother navigating financial struggles.

Elle Fanning also reflected on the project’s strong cast and shared updates about her upcoming Academy Awards nomination for “Sentimental Value.”

Elle Fanning Says She Researched OnlyFans To Understand Her Character In ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’

Fanning took an unconventional step while getting into character for her role in the upcoming series “Margo’s Got Money Troubles.”

While attending the show’s premiere at the SXSW Film & TV Festival on March 12, the 27-year-old actress revealed that she explored OnlyFans as part of her preparation.

Speaking with People Magazine, Fanning explained that understanding online creator culture was important for shaping her character.

She noted that while she’s already familiar with social platforms like Instagram and TikTok, the team behind the show also wanted a closer look at how OnlyFans works. According to Fanning, an account was set up for both the writers’ room and for her personally so she could better understand the platform’s layout and environment.

The series is adapted from the bestselling 2024 novel “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” by Rufi Thorpe. The story centers on Margo, a young woman who drops out of college after becoming a mother and finds herself struggling financially. As she tries to navigate her new reality, she turns to her parents for help.

The Actress Wasn’t The Only One Who Researched The OnlyFans Platform

In the show, Margo’s mother, Shaynne Millet, is played by Michelle Pfeiffer, portraying a former Hooters waitress, while her father, retired wrestler Jinx Millet, is played by Nick Offerman.

The eight-episode drama will stream on Apple TV+and was created by David E. Kelley, Pfeiffer’s husband. The cast also includes Nicole Kidman, along with Marcia Gay Harden, Greg Kinnear, Michael Angarano, Rico Nasty, Thaddea Graham, and Lindsey Normington.

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Showrunner Eva Anderson also addressed the research process during a panel after the premiere. She explained that the writing team spent time studying the platform, but ensured everyone involved was comfortable before doing so.

“We were very responsible, and we just tried to get as much information as we could before we started,” she said.

Elle Fanning Says Filming The Series Was ‘The Most Wonderful Experience’

Fanning previously told Deadline that filming her new series was “the most wonderful experience,” particularly because of the strong ensemble cast.

She described Margo as a hopeful and resilient character who continues pushing forward despite the challenges she faces.

“She’s dealt with these hardships in life, but somehow she always is able to overcome them,” she said of Margo. “And I think she was really inspiring to play because of that and, and the world is just very specific and very fun.”

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She added that the original novel is “so brilliant and heartwarming.”

The Actress Says She’ll Celebrate Her First Oscar Nomination With Her Boyfriend And Mom

Beyond promoting the series, Fanning also shared some personal news while attending SXSW. The actress revealed she plans to celebrate her first Academy Awards nomination for “Sentimental Value” alongside her boyfriend Gus Wenner and her mother.

Calling the celebration “a family affair,” Fanning told USA Today she stopped by Austin ahead of the Oscars ceremony on March 15, where she’s nominated for Best Supporting Actress.

She credited the opportunity in part to director Mike Mills, who previously worked with her on “20th Century Women. According to the actress, Mills recommended her to Joachim Trier for “Sentimental Value,” a connection she believes ultimately led to her role in the film.

During her visit to Austin, Fanning also promoted “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” which she both stars in and executive produces alongside her sister Dakota Fanning.

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Elle Fanning Says She ‘Definitely’ Wants Kids As She Reflects On Family Trauma In ‘Sentimental Value’

Earlier this year, while attending the Los Angeles premiere of “Sentimental Value,” Fanning opened up about her personal hopes for the future. According to People, she shared that starting a family is something she “definitely” sees in her life someday.

The actress also reflected on how working on the Norwegian drama influenced the way she thinks about relationships and family dynamics. The film follows sisters Nora and Agnes as they reconnect with their estranged father, a storyline that explores generational trauma and the complicated bonds within families.

According to Fanning, the themes in the movie resonate with many people because they touch on experiences that feel universal.

She explained that the film “is about this family that is broken and the traumas that are passed down through families that sometimes you don’t realize, but we all have them.” Fanning noted, “There’s a kind of healing power of art. I don’t know if something can be completely healed all the way.”

The actress added that the film doesn’t attempt to neatly resolve every conflict. Instead, the Joachim Trier-directed project focuses on opening the door to understanding and forgiveness, which she believes is what makes the story especially powerful.

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Ed Sheeran is opening up about one of the most frightening moments of his life involving his wife, Cherry Seaborn.

The “Shivers” hitmaker recently revealed that one of the scariest days he has ever faced was learning that Seaborn had been diagnosed with cancer while six months pregnant with their daughter, Jupiter, in 2022.

Sheeran has also hinted that, like many marriages, their relationship has faced its share of challenges. 

Ed Sheeran Shares ‘Worst’ Day With Wife’s ‘Scary’ Health Crisis

In an appearance on the March 10 episode of the “Friends Keep Secrets” podcast with Benny Blanco, the Grammy-winning singer reflected on life’s highs and lows.

When asked about the best day of his life, the Grammy winner immediately replied, “My wedding.” But the worst moment, he revealed, came when Seaborn called with devastating news. “The day Cherry rang me up and said she had cancer,” he recalled.

He added that the frightening call came during an already overwhelming week. Around that same week, Sheeran lost his close friend Jamal Edwards, was fighting a copyright lawsuit over his hit song “Shape of You,” and was mourning the death of cricket legend Shane Warne.

When asked how his wife was currently, the “Perfect” singer went on to reveal she is in a good place. 

“She’s fine, she had the operation,” he said. “She was pregnant at the time. That’s why it was difficult. She had the operation to remove the tumor after the birth of our second child. And thankfully – touch wood — totally fine.”

However, the moment left a lasting impact on him, as he described it as “f—king scary.”

Ed Sheeran Used Songwriting To Cope With Painful Feelings 

This is not the first time Sheeran has shared his wife’s diagnosis. Per PEOPLE Magazine, in the 2023 Disney+ documentary “Ed Sheeran: The Sum of It All,” Seaborn herself spoke candidly about it, sharing how the moment prompted reflections on human mortality. 

Sheeran became emotional while discussing the ordeal, calling it “horrible.” The “Photograph” singer turned to songwriting as a way to cope with the fear and uncertainty surrounding Seaborn’s cancer diagnosis, writing seven songs in four hours. 

The mom of two echoed how her husband uses music to process situations, saying, “When something really intense happens to him, he writes a song.”

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How Ed Sheeran’s Songs Have Pointed Out Marital Crisis 

Sheeran’s tendency to channel personal experiences into music has also sparked speculation about the state of his marriage. In his deluxe edition album “Play,” released about six months ago, some songs hinted at tensions in his union with Seaborn. 

As The Blast reported, the record “Problems” paints a picture of fading love. “Flowers in our garden are dying / When did the water run dry? / Who can tell? / But you want the truth, we’re not fine,” the lyrics read.

Another track, “War Game,” goes even deeper, with Sheeran confessing he wrestled with the idea of leaving and also revealing a bond tested by hardship.

A Similar Marriage-Crisis-Themed Album in 2023

In 2023, The Blast reported that Sheeran’s work “Autumn” pointed at a similar marriage problem with several tracks carrying a message of a strained bond. 

One particular track, “Punchline,” stood out, where Sheeran admitted to destructive emotions and a sense of hopelessness.  

The chorus intensifies the vulnerability, balancing enduring love with the pain of distance, singing, “I can’t help it, but I love you so. I can’t take this letting go.

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Sheeran has been candid about the inspiration behind “Autumn Variations,” explaining that the album was born out of both his own struggles and the experiences of those close to him.

Inside Ed Sheeran And Cherry Seaborn’s Relationship Timeline 

Despite the challenges, Sheeran and Seaborn share a love story that spans decades. Per Brides, the pair first met at age 11, when the singer reportedly had a crush on her while they were still in school. After their graduation, they went their separate ways. 

The pair reconnected in New York City in 2015 when Sheeran was touring the U.S and quickly began dating. In 2017, Sheeran had proposed, and a year later, the couple secretly tied the knot in December 2018. 

They later welcomed daughters Lyra Antarctica in 2020 and Jupiter in 2022. With two girls already, the singer has revealed he wants another.

 In his recent talk on Blanco’s podcast, he shared insights into wanting to expand his family further, but he’s not so hopeful about the addition being a boy. 

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“You know what? I don’t know. I don’t know,” Sheeran said, per PEOPLE Magazine. “I think….. I think maybe I’d want another girl. I think. I don’t know.”

Martin Short is back to work as he continues to navigate life without his late daughter!

The show is back on the road for the comedian and his pal, Steve Martin, as sources close to them confirm that they are very ready to do their scheduled April show in Georgia.

Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine Short, was found dead at her home in Los Angeles due to an alleged suicide.

Martin Short’s Show Is Reportedly Nearly Sold Out

The comedian will reportedly entertain the attendees at his show at the Johnny Mercer Theatre in Savannah, Georgia, alongside his best pal. The show was initially put on hold after Katherine passed away on February 23, with multiple shows slated for March rescheduled for September.

Martin’s show will feature Jeff Babko & The Steep Canyon Rangers, and from reports, all the seats are nearly taken. As for the actor’s other endeavors, such as “Only Murders in the Building,” sources have stated that Katherine’s death will not disrupt production for the new season.

The insider emphasized that if filming were taking place in the United States, the cast and crew would be gathering themselves to start right around this period. For now, TMZ gathered that the season is set to film in London, and things would still be on pause for a couple more months regarding that.

The Comedian Postponed A Show Last September Due To COVID

This is not the first time Martin has moved the date of a show or even outright canceled it. As noted by The Blast, a similar event happened in September 2025 when Martin and Steve had to cancel their scheduled appearance at The Dome in Virginia Beach and Allianz Amphitheater.

According to their statement, the show was postponed because Steve tested positive for COVID, but they promised to return on a later date. The late Katherine is the oldest of Martin’s three children, whom he adopted with his late wife.

She was a social worker in Los Angeles, whose professional life centered around providing service and solace to mental health patients rather than basking in the celebrity lifestyle of his famous father. Katherine earned her undergraduate degree from New York University in 2006 and proceeded to receive her master’s degree from the University of Southern California School of Social Work in 2010.

Martin Short Graced His Daughter’s 40th Birthday Celebration

The comedian was present at Katherine’s birthday bash in October 2023, which also marked the last time she was spotted in public. Katherine was surrounded by her father and his colleagues at the Grandmaster Recorders, a multipurpose venue featuring an Italian-Australian restaurant.

Hollywood legends like Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Bo Welch, Joni Mitchell, and the late Catherine O’Hara all made the list at the exclusive party. The birthday girl was spotted later in the night, stepping outside the establishment and wearing the brightest smile on her face.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was informed about Katherine’s death via a call from a home in Hollywood Hills around 6:41 pm on February 23. However, the caller refused to disclose the victim’s name due to privacy concerns. 

The Actor’s Daughter Dropped The ‘Short’ Last Name In 2012

Katherine’s death dealt another huge blow to the family over a decade after Martin’s wife, Nancy Dolman, lost the battle to ovarian cancer in 2010. The Blast reported that two years after this incident, the late Katherine filed a motion to have her name changed from “Katherine Elizabeth Short” to “Katherine Elizabeth Hartley.”

Describing herself as a psychiatric social worker, Katherine explained in the filing that she changed her name due to concerns about possible harassment from future patients due to her association with her father.

Katherine explained at the time that since Short’s name was gathering momentum as a Hollywood star, she did not want the fame attached to her as well. The late social worker was rarely seen with her father in public for this reason and also due to her mental health struggles behind the scenes.

How Martin Short’s Grief Impacted His Close Circle

The actor’s friends have been a blanket since his crushing loss, from checking on him at home to sharing at his home. However, his rumored girlfriend, Meryl Streep, has been receiving the short end of the stick and finding it hard to offer consolation amid his devastation.

As noted by a source, “Martin is so devastated that he’s pushing everyone away – including Meryl. She’s been checking in and trying to help in any way possible, but Martin clearly wants space to grieve right now.” The source added that hopes remain high that the Hollywood icon will bounce back very soon, so they can spend time together again.

Despite these speculations, Meryl and the actor have kept their lips tight on the true nature of their relationship, which sparked speculations in 2024.

Martin Short and Steve Martin are back on the grind!

Since the release of ‘Euphoria’ season two in 2022, the past four years have been filled with shocking updates. From tragic cast passings to release delays, ‘Euphoria’ fans remain on edge as they wait to see how season three will come together. Labrinth, the composer behind the show’s soundtrack, has stirred reactions again after sharing a new message about the industry.

RELATED: Storm Reid Shares MAJOR Update About Her Role In Season 3 Of ‘Euphoria’ (VIDEO)

Labrinth Takes To His Platform With A Message About The Industry

In 2019, British singer and songwriter Labrinth signed with Columbia Records following the success of his ‘Euphoria’ soundtrack. The project included popular tracks like ‘All For Us’ featuring Zendaya and ‘Forever.’ Throughout the years, the composer has earned major recognition, winning an Emmy and even receiving a Grammy nomination.

In 2025, the HBO series revealed that Labrinth would be returning to compose alongside Hans Zimmer. At the time, the composer shared his excitement, writing, “Another chapter in the Euphoria universe! So great to join Hans, one of my heroes in film score, and bring some new magic to this new season. Love X.”

However, it now seems like things may have changed in 2026. On Thursday, March 12, Labrinth took to Instagram to get a few things off of his chest ahead of the highly anticipated release of ‘Euphoria’ season three. The artist wrote, “IM DONE WITH THIS INDUSTRY. F*** COLUMBIA. DOUBLE F*** EUPHORIA. I’M OUT. THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT X.”

Many supporters and Labrinth’s music peers gathered in his comment section to show support. Singer Ke$ha wrote, “Take care of your peace my love. You are loved and supported.” Singer Skylar Grey also commented, “Please don’t stop making music, the world needs you.”

Social Media Reacts 

Many Euphoria fans gathered under The Shade Room Teens as they tried to understand Labrinth’s latest message. Many expressed support for the artist, saying that while the full situation isn’t clear, if he isn’t being paid properly then he should choose his peace. Others were left shocked and wondering what this could mean for Euphoria, while some felt like it may simply be time for the show to wrap up.

Instagram user @illuvelisa wrote, “Omfg??? He literally made half of the music O for euphoria I wonder wtf euphoria got going on”

Instagram user @kamrynxiris added, “Euphoria not even euphoria without labrinth”

While Instagram user @naomiioliviaax wrote, “Omg euphoria what did y’all dooooo?!!” 

Instagram user @zicothedon_ wrote, “Damn. these are some weird song titles.”

Instagram user @ririmamii added, “This better be a soundtrack teaser.”

While Instagram user @hernameissabrina wrote, “does this mean season 3 still coming out or???

Instagram user @mala.donn added, “Took too damn long to release Euphoria, some of the cast passed away, and it” just won’t be the same. Wrap it up.”

Instagram user @ana.O.O.marie added, “I mean if they ain’t paying him he’s not wrong to take him his craft and his music out of the picture”

While Instagram user @84babyrude added, “im so confused. he genuinely gave euphoria its vibe and aesthetic with his music”

Here’s The Latest Update On ‘Euphoria’ Season 3

Back in January, Deadline revealed an update on ‘Euphoria’ season 3. HBO shared that the third season will return in April 2026. The series, created by Sam Levinson, first premiered in 2019 and quickly became one of HBO’s most talked-about dramas.

Season three began filming February 10, 2025, in Los Angeles and wrapped in November 2025. Cast members including Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, and more are set to reprise their roles. Season three will also include a time jump, moving the characters beyond their high school years.

When discussing why Euphoria may end with season 3, HBO executive Francesca Orsi told Deadline, “We’ve talked about it. I don’t think anything is over until it’s over, but it’s been discussed that this is the end. I think you will be very satisfied with this season and how we bring each character’s narrative to a close.” 

RELATED: Barbie Ferreira Announces Exit From ‘Euphoria’ After Two Seasons

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 17 seconds ago

Starfleet Academy has proven to be the most controversial new Star Trek show, and the fandom is split over why, exactly, that is. Some think the show has veered too far from the franchise’s original roots, resulting in a series that is borderline unrecognizable to fans of shows like Star Trek: The Next Generation. Others claim those people are out of touch and that the franchise has simply evolved into something better reflecting the modern world.

As someone who generally hated the first half of Season 1 and generally liked the second half, I eventually realized that Starfleet Academy has two very different kinds of episodes. The first kind is aimed at younger fans, and it’s filled to the brim with vulgar slang, broad jokes, and physical comedy just begging to be turned into reaction GIFs. The second kind is aimed at everyone else, and it focuses on high drama, deep characterization, and deep callbacks to old lore. While the latter episodes aren’t perfect, they are much more in line with what fans expect from the franchise.

Fortunately, the Season 1 finale (“Rubincon”) was the latter kind of episode, and it satisfyingly concluded the arcs for several characters while more or less giving the show a clean slate for Season 2. If the rest of the series can deliver this kind of quality, it may win back the fans it drove away. But if a post-merger Paramount decides to finally let showrunner and executive producer Alex Kurtzman go, Starfleet Academy may be belatedly remembered as his ultimate failure. 

One Crazy Premise After Another

Whether or not you enjoy the season finale of Starfleet Academy will hinge largely on how much you are able to buy into two very different, equally outlandish premises. The first is that supervillain Nus Braka has stolen Omega-47, a synthetic version of the Omega particle, and used it to create a giant minefield around the entire Federation. If he hits the button, billions (or maybe trillions; the show can’t make up its mind about this) will die, all while making it impossible to warp through or even communicate through huge swathes of subspace.

Nus Braka is mostly presented as a loner pirate, so you have to take it with a few giant grains of salt (or the synthetic variant, Salt-47) that he was able to create and deploy enough mines to threaten the entire Federation like this. Equally crazy is his big plan: after he successfully captures Chancellor Aka and Caleb Mir’s mother, he brings them back in order to put the Federation on trial through a live broadcast. Ms. Mir is going to be the judge, which means things look bleak. Ake imprisoned her and separated her from her son years ago, and she seems quite eager to make her former captor suffer.

The Giamatti Of It All

Does it make sense that a small-time villain could threaten the entirety of the Federation (one of the oldest organizations in the galaxy) after stealing a superweapon from a starbase guarded by only one starship? Nope. After deploying what must be millions of mines in record time, does it make sense that he would stop for a show trial instead of, say, extorting any of the hundreds of planets he could destroy at any time? Also nope.

If you buy into all this wackiness (which, full confession, I did), it’s because of one thing: Paul Giamatti’s weirdly magnetic performance as Nus Braka, whose effectiveness as a villain does nothing to quell his megalomania. The actor is really giving his all here, and he’s been giving Braka a weirdly theatrical flair all season long.

Because of this, I thought it was strangely plausible that he would waste time idiotically putting the Federation on trial. Earlier episodes made it perfectly plausible that this is a guy who wants attention more than anything else, so broadcasting to an entire quadrant tracks with his outsized personality.

As something of a Giamatti fanboy, I’ve been saying this with his every subsequent appearance, but this is definitely the actor’s finest performance as Nus Braka. He’s chewing the scenery in constantly entertaining ways, dropping one-liners, and even exhibiting some crackling chemistry with Holly Hunter. Even if you hate the character and the performance, one thing’s for sure: you’ll never be bored while watching it.

Surviving Graduation

While the older characters on Starfleet Academy reliably do great work, the show has sometimes struggled with how it portrays its younger characters. Fortunately, the cadets shine in the Season 1 finale. Well, some of them do.

The episode focuses primarily on Caleb, giving us two different emotional payoffs: his reunion with his mother and his reconciliation with Tarima.  To pull this off, though, the show sidelines several other characters, including Darem, who mostly gives supportive glances. As for Genesis, she mostly gives serious glances punctuated by a sudden announcement that she needs to pee (no, really).

Even older characters like Vance and Lura Thok are sidelined, but that just paves the way for some emotional payoffs. For example, the Doctor is glitching out after helping the ship fake its destruction, and SAM helps him get sorted. This leads to our first (and seemingly only) real nod to their newly-minted father/daughter relationship, and it was sweet seeing SAM as a daughter worried about her holo-dad’s health.

Plus, this scene helped Kraag discover that the Doctor was trying to communicate something important, even though it seemed initially indecipherable. Sure, it’s no “Darmok,” but the pivot from emotional characterization to communication breakthrough certainly felt like vintage Star Trek. 

It’s good that the cadet stuff is so effective because the Nus Braka show trial does very little to move the plot along. Again, he’s great in this role, and he makes a mighty feast out of his dialogue. Functionally, though, the trial is performative and stale.

From the moment it starts, we know Braka is going to whine about perceived Federation slights and that Chancellor Ake will be rescued. All their characters can do is continue the same old dance from before, and while their chemistry remains excellent, the only really exciting parts of this trial are the brief interactions between Ake and Ms. Mir, which are absolutely crackling with tension.

Fun Visual Flourishes

Before we finish up, I wanted to commend this Starfleet Academy season finale for embracing some particularly fun visual flourishes. The show hasn’t always succeeded with these. For example,  the episode “Series Acclimation Mil” had the titular character scrawling messages onto freezeframed scenes in a method reminiscent of a Disney Channel show aimed at preteens. To this day, that remains the weirdest part of an otherwise serious episode dedicated to Captain Sisko.

“Rubincon” showed much more restraint, and the primary visual flourish was that we occasionally saw Nus Braka’s trial the way others in the quadrant were seeing it: as a CNN-style broadcast. To me, this helped sell the villain’s self-importance. Instead of making his trial look like a terrorist broadcast, he wanted it to look like a legit news transmission, right down to chyrons about other news (like how much people hate Admiral Vance, which gave me an actual chuckle).

Also, after the episode wraps up, we get Starfleet Academy yearbook entries for various characters featuring images of the actors as children. It’s genuinely fun seeing the young photos, and it was especially fun seeing Vance as a much younger man. Additionally, each entry has some fun jokes: for example, Vance wanted his Nova Squadron nickname to be “Hellraiser,” but he instead got the unfortunate nickname “Vancypants.”

To Boldly Go Or Not To Boldly Go

“Rubincon” was ultimately a success. While it sidelined a few characters and one of its plots treaded water, the show was filled with very satisfying moments, including Caleb and Tarima confessing their love in a moment that (and this genuinely shocked me) actually affected the main plot. Ersatz main character Caleb also got to reunite with his mother, and our other characters got to prove their mettle as Starfleet officers while saving the entire Federation. Plus, the episode channeled some classic Star Trek tropes, including a captain holding her own during a crazy trial.

While I never thought I would say this at the beginning of Season 1, I’m now cautiously excited about where Starfleet Academy will go next; Season 2 promises to sport new villains (no more Nus Braka) and new adventures for characters who are more mature than ever before.

However, it seems likely that the show’s earlier ratings struggle may lead to it getting canceled after Season 2. Should that happen, Paramount may go down as a villain even worse than Nus Braka, killing Starfleet Academy without warning, without trial, and without mercy, right when it was getting good.

For fans, though, there’s no need to worry: eventually, Star Trek will boldly go again, and likely in a new direction. It may just take time, which (or so I’m told) folds in on itself. Like an origami chicken!

Starfleet Academy is streaming on Paramount+

The recent success of projects like The Housemaid, People We Meet on Vacation, and Wuthering Heights tells us that the market for book-to-movie adaptations is stronger than ever. Sure, there’s no pleasing everyone, and book purists might be particularly angry that a certain thing got changed to suit a new medium. Still, few projects are currently more surefire bets than a book making its way to the big screen.

What’s best, 2026 will bring more book adaptations to the movie theater, a few of which are already among the most highly anticipated upcoming releases. Whether they’re based on timeless epic poems or on ambitious sci-fi sagas, these book-to-movie adaptations have the potential to dominate the box office and become genuine cultural events. So if you’re looking for your next movie obsession, these adaptations might just be it.

‘Project Hail Mary’ – Release Date: March 20, 2026

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller team up with Ryan Gosling for an adaptation of Andy Weir‘s 2021 novel Project Hail Mary. The film follows astronaut Ryland Grace (Gosling), who awakens in the middle of an interstellar journey with no memory of how he got there. Soon, he deduces he is the lone survivor of a crew sent to the Tau Ceti system on a mission to save the Earth from disaster. Oscar nominee Sandra Hüller also stars.

The book received strong reviews upon its debut in 2021, and the movie is set to match the acclaim, or perhaps even surpass it. Indeed, Project Hail Mary has earned rave reviews from critics, who praised its production values, Lord and Miller’s direction, the screenplay’s humor (courtesy of the reliable Drew Goddard), and the overall scope. This ambitious project has the potential to be a major hit, perhaps the first true blockbuster of 2026, making it a must-watch for anyone who is even remotely interested in science fiction or cinema as a whole.

Image via Netflix

What a career Sally Field has had. The recipient of two Oscars and the star of classics like Steel Magnolias and Mrs. Doubtfire, Field keeps working well into her seventies. This year, she’s back front and center with Remarkably Bright Creatures, an adaptation of the eponymous novel about the unlikely friendship between Marcellus, a giant octopus captive at an aquarium, and Tova, a widow who works as a cleaner at night.

At first glance, this pitch sounds wild; however, there is much more to it than meets the eye. This tale about unlikely connections is moving, funny, insightful, and emotional without being manipulative or cheap. Field excels in these types of stories, bringing a distinct brand of humor and vulnerability to everything, from the quirky romance of Hello, My Name is Doris to the more brash and wacky escapades of 80 for Brady. Accompanied by Lewis Pullman, Field is bound to make the most of Remarkably Bright Creatures, which is set to potentially become a runaway hit when it debuts on Netflix at the start of the summer movie season.

‘The Odyssey’ – Release Date: July 17, 2026

Arguably, the most anticipated movie of the year is Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, an adaptation of the eponymous epic by Homer. The film, led by Matt Damon in his first starring role in a Nolan vehicle, will tell the story of Odysseus’ journey back to Ithaca after the Trojan War. An all-star cast accompanies Damon, including Oscar winners Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron, plus Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Robert Pattinson.

By now, Nolan’s name is synonymous with epic, daring, visually dazzling cinema that expertly balances spectacle with powerful storytelling. Thus, a timeless Greek epic is perfectly suited to his sensibilities. The trailer has revealed a fraction of the movie already, more than enough to see just how grand Nolan’s vision will be. It’ll also be the first time that Nolan toys with fantasy elements, giving The Odyssey a must-watch quality that few will want to miss. Indeed, this film is the kind of movie event capable of uniting everyone in the movie theater. Ask anyone, and they’ll probably agree that The Odyssey is sure to be the film of the summer.

‘Verity’ – Release Date: October 2, 2026

Image via Grand Central Publishing

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Colleen Hoover isn’t exactly highly regarded as a writer, but one can’t argue with the numbers. Her books have sold millions of copies, and the film adaptation of It Ends With Us was a massive commercial success. Even Regretting You was a solid performer, grossing $90 million on a $30 million budget. Thus, there’s reason to believe the upcoming Verity, based on Hoover’s eponymous novel and directed by Michael Showalter, will follow suit.

The film has two major names leading the cast, Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson, plus Josh Hartnett, currently experiencing a career renaissance following the mainstream success of Oppenheimer and the more niche performance of Trap. The plot, about a woman (Johnson) acting as a ghostwriter for successful author Verity Crawford (Hathaway) before discovering dangerous secrets, sounds a tad average, but the book is among Hoover’s best-received efforts. Showalter has also proven himself adept at elevating middling material before, having worked with Hathaway in the safe but forgettable The Idea of You. All in all, Verity has just enough star power to become a runaway hit at the box office.

‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’ – Release Date: November 20, 2026

Image via Lionsgate

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Much like a tribute inside the arena, the Hunger Games franchise is still trying to keep up with the competition and the ever-evolving modern blockbuster landscape. Following the solid performance of 2023’s The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the series is back with another entry, this time focused on Haymitch Abernathy’s backstory. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will chronicle Haymitch’s stint at the 50th Hunger Games, the second Quarter Quell, where each district must send twice the number of tributes to compete.

The best thing that Sunrise on the Reaping has going for it is the insane cast it assembled. Elle Fanning! Glenn Close! Ralph Fiennes! Kieran Culkin! Jesse Plemons! Maya Hawke! This group of actors might be reason enough for most moviegoers to purchase a ticket, and the franchise still has considerable pull among audiences. Moreover, Haymitch is quite the popular character, and there’s a big chance that Woody Harrelson returns for a cameo. Also, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are most likely returning to their most famous roles, making this film November’s hottest ticket.

‘Klara and the Sun’ – Release Date: TBD

Image via Paramount Pictures

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These days, the name Taika Waititi doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. After a meteoric rise to fame, which included directing the blockbuster Thor: Ragnarok and winning an Oscar for the adapted screenplay of Jojo Rabbit, Waititi fell from grace just as fast with the widely loathed Thor: Love and Thunder and the underwhelming Next Goal Wins. This year, the director is back after a much-needed break with Klara and the Sun, an adaptation of the eponymous novel starring Jenna Ortega as a robot who gives comfort to other families.

Joining Ortega is six-time Oscar nominee Amy Adams, giving this project considerable pedigree. If all of that doesn’t convince you, then you must know the novel was written by the iconic Kazuo Ishiguro, the Nobel Prize-winning author behind classics like The Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go. Like many of his previous efforts, Klara and the Sun is contemplative and full of poetic lyricism, with Ishiguro exploring themes of nature, the power of love, and the importance of companionship. It’s a profound work, rich and thought-provoking, and if Waititi aces it, it has the chance to be one of the best and most bittersweet sci-fi efforts in recent memory.

The funeral service has been announced for Georgia high school teacher Jason Hughes, who was killed a week ago during a prom prank gone wrong.

Hughes’ funeral will be held at Family Church at 3590 Thompson Bridge Road in Gainesville, Georgia, on Saturday, March 14, at 11 a.m., according to his obituary.

“Because of Jason’s widespread influence on so many, we anticipate many people will want to attend his memorial service at Family Church. To accommodate everyone, a gathering space will be available on the field at Family Church where the service will be live-streamed,” the obituary stated.

The instructions continued: “We are asking students/community attendees outside of those listed below to park at North Hall High School and North Hall Middle School where shuttling will take attendees to Family Church. Buses will begin loading at 9:30 AM to take attendees to Family Church and last arrival shuttles will stop loading at 10:30 AM. Shuttling will resume to return attendees to North Hall High and Middle School from Family Church at the end of the memorial service.”

Related: Teacher’s Family Wishes to be Given ‘Deference’ in Decision to Charge Teens

After high school teacher Jason Hughes was tragically killed in a prom prank gone wrong, his family is hoping to be “given great deference” in the district attorney’s decision to charge the five teens involved. The Georgia district attorney overseeing the case confirmed that he will be meeting with Hughes’ family to discuss the case. […]

Hughes died at the age of 40 when he was allegedly struck outside of his home by a truck driven by his student Jayden Wallace on March 6. Wallace, 18, was at Hughes’ home with four other students to toilet paper the teacher’s property as part of an annual school prank.

When Hughes ran out of his home, he tripped and fell in front of the vehicle that Wallace was driving. Wallace then ran over Hughes, causing him to suffer serious injuries.

The five teens stopped to help Hughes, though the math teacher ultimately died.

Wallace was charged with first-degree vehicular homicide and reckless driving, while Elijah Owens, Aiden Hucks, Ana Luque and Ariana Cruz were all charged with misdemeanor counts of criminal trespassing and littering.

Following Hughes’ death, his widow, Laura Hughes, said she would like the charges against the students to be dropped.

She told The New York Times that her husband “was excited” for the prank and “was waiting to catch them in the act.”

Laura, who is also a teacher, went on to say that her family “supports getting the charges dropped for all involved.”

“This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students,” she said. “This would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children.”

Related: Wife Wants Criminal Charges Dismissed Over Pranked Teacher’s Death

Hours before several students were arrested in connection to the accidental death of a Georgia high school teacher as part of a prank gone wrong, it was revealed that the school issued a warning ahead of the tragic incident — and now, the late teacher’s family is asking for the charges to be dropped against […]

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Four days after the incident, Wallace and his parents broke their silence about the tragedy in a statement to 11Alive.

“We are a family in deep remorse and grieving over such a tremendous loss in our North Hall community. Jason Hughes meant the world to our son, Jayden,” the family said on Tuesday, March 10. “He took the time to invest in Jay and poured his love into him, making a lasting impact. Along with the rest of our family, Jay expresses his deepest sorrow and sincerest apology to the Hughes family.”

Wallace also said he pledged to “live out the remainder of my life in a manner that honors the memory of Coach Hughes by exemplifying Christ. He will never be forgotten.”

Season 10 of “The Real Housewives of Potomac” concluded in March 2026 with its usual three-part reunion. The cast included Stacey Rusch, Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby, Wendy Osefo, Keiarna Stewart, Tia Glover, and Angel Massie as full-time housewives. Monique Samuels and Jassi Rideaux were included as friends of the show, and original cast member Karen Huger appeared at the reunion.

Now, a new report says almost half the cast is set to depart before filming begins for season 11, following fans’ demands for a major shakeup.

A New Report Says Multiple ‘RHOP’ Cast Members Are Leaving

A popular Instagram account, Mr. Housewives, posted on March 13 to share that they’d received intel about season 11 of “The Real Housewives of Potomac.” The caption of the post read, “Well, here’s a rumor that was sent to me. Apparently, RHOP is going through a huge cast shakeup for Season 11. I received a random DM explaining the alleged casting changes.”

The person behind the account went on to say, “While it’s interesting… I honestly don’t believe it. But you never know.”

From there, the Mr. Housewives account shared that Darby, Stewart, and Massie had been fired from the hit Bravo series. The report also says that Osefo, who is currently embroiled in her insurance fraud case, decided to quit the show.

The Report Also Names Which ‘RHOP’ Stars May Stay Or Return

The rumored casting for “RHOP” season 11 includes Rusch, Bryant, Glover, Samuels, and Rideaux. Additionally, it says that Huger will return after being absent from the show during season 10 due to serving time for her fourth alcohol-related driving offense.

That’s not all; the report then says that former “RHOP” star Robyn Dixon will be returning for season 11. Notably, she was fired from the show before filming season 9 began. After that, it was rumored that she was offered a friend-of-the-show role for season 10 but declined.

‘Potomac’ Fans Are Weighing In On The Season 11 Casting Report

As mentioned, Mr. Real Housewives expressed that he didn’t think the report was true but admitted that anything was possible. Regarding some of his thoughts, he questions Osefo’s alleged quitting: “Why would Wendy quit when we all know Bravo’s check probably helps with those legal fees?”

The account then said, “Honestly, I say bring back the entire Season 10 cast. That group was entertaining and proved something very important: RHOP can survive without Karen Huger.”

Regarding fan reaction, one person said, “We knew Stacey was coming back, and I don’t believe Ashley is fired, but we’ll see!” Someone else said, “Please fire Ashley, and hell no to Robyn.”

Lastly, a different fan wrote, “I wouldn’t have Karen returning, but I agree with the rest so much!!!”

When Will Filming For ‘RHOP’ Season 11 Begin

Bravo has not confirmed the casting or filming schedule for “Real Housewives of Potomac” season 11. However, based on past trends, production should begin either in late March or early April. This is evidenced in part by TV Deets’ March 2025 report that filming for season 10 had been delayed due to Huger’s legal situation, after production was supposed to begin that month.

After that, filming reportedly began in May 2025 ahead of the show’s October premiere. Per PEOPLE, it was then announced in June 2025 that Samuels was set to return as a friend of the show after leaving in 2020 and vowing in various interviews that she wouldn’t.

It’s also worth noting that Bravo didn’t confirm the “RHOP” season 10 cast until August 2025, so it may be some time before fans have the official word.

Why Wendy Osefo May Not Return

According to PEOPLE, Osefo and her husband, Eddie Osefo, were arrested on October 10 on several counts of insurance fraud. The charges stemmed from their reported 2024 home break-in, during which they reported numerous luxury items as stolen, but were later accused of having returned some of those items before filing the report.

Because of this, many “RHOP” fans have wondered if she may decide to temporarily leave the show while dealing with her court case and any ramifications that may follow. Notably, she and her husband will be tried separately, and they have another hearing, a status conference, on May 20.

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 31 seconds ago

When Gol D. Roger was executed, he set off the largest and longest treasure hunt in history. For over a thousand chapters in the manga and a thousand episodes in the anime, Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates have been seeking the legendary One Piece. They’re not alone, with hundreds of pirates also in pursuit, but after all this time, no one knows what the One Piece is.

It’s true, as at no point has any character, organization, or long-lost map revealed the nature of the One Piece. Fans are in the dark alongside the pirates roaming the Grand Line, with no one sure what it is, but everyone has a theory.

The One Piece Is The Treasure Of Gol D. Roger

Pirate King Gol D. Roger, the only pirate to navigate the entire Grand Line, set off the quest for the One Piece at his execution. Facing death, he laughed and announced to the crowd that no one would find his fortune. The series starts a generation later, with the search still going, and all anyone can figure out is that it’s called “One Piece” because the entire treasure is in one piece.

“My treasure? If you want it, you can have it. Seek it out! I left everything in my life at that place.”

Gol D.Roger, launching the treasure hunt in One Piece

Based on the history of Roger, it’s deduced that the treasure can be found within the Grand Line, but that’s all there is as far as clues to its location. At least, for the longest time, that’s all there was until the introduction of the poneglyphs.

Poneglyphs Hold The Secret To Finding The One Piece

Poneglyphs are carved steles that come in three separate types based on the information that they contain: historical (which reveals the hidden history of the world), instructional (explains where to find historical poneglyphs), and road (which together reveal the location of a hidden island in the Grand Line). Nico Robin and Kozuki Sukiyaki are the only two alive who can allegedly translate the poneglyphs.

Considering the poneglyphs are first mentioned during the Arabasta arc, the live-action One Piece will include them during Season 2, and when they do, expect a lot of new fans to have their minds blown by the information.

The historical poneglyphs, which include information about the “Void Century,” a time period that the World Government doesn’t want anyone to research, may have a direct tie to the nature of the One Piece. Crocodile is searching for an ancient weapon, the Pluton, a lost battleship, while fans think it could be the kingdom overthrown by the nations that went on to form the World Government.

Theories About The One Piece

There are plenty of fan theories out there about what the One Piece could be, from the likely to the downright bizarre. One of the more likely thoughts is that the Grand Line and Red Line will be destroyed by One Piece, thus creating a world without borders (“one piece”). The most common, though, is that the ancient weapons, Uranus, Pluton, and Poseidon, are the ultimate treasure, and by using them, the World Government can be overthrown.

A little more esoteric is that the Devil Fruits are tied to the One Piece, with the treasure perhaps being the origin of the fruits themselves. Others believe it’s only the true knowledge of what happened during the Void Century, which will be so devastating to the World Government it will lead to a mass public uprising and, again, the world uniting into “one piece.”

The least likely theories as to the nature of the treasure are that it’s something we’ve already seen, from Luffy’s hat to Zoro’s swords, or that it’s simply a bottle of sake. Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, has debunked the theory that the One Piece treasure is “the friends we made along the way,” which we can all agree would be the least satisfying reveal of all time.

It Might Be Connected To Joy Boy

After years of adventure, Gol D. Roger and his crew discovered a lost island, dubbed Laugh Tale, when they found Joy Boy’s treasure there. This treasure revealed, for the first time, the true history of the Void Century, the ancient weapons, and even what the D. originally stood for, and altogether, it was a “funny story,” according to the King of the Pirates. The road poneglyphs point to Laugh Tale, making it the most likely location for the One Piece… but it’s not.

A legendary figure, Joy Boy features prominently in the history of One Piece as either a savior (if you’re a Fishman) or the worst enemy imaginable (if you’re the World Government). Promising to return in 800 years, it’s widely speculated, by fans and in-universe by different characters, that Luffy is the reincarnation of Joy Boy. His newly awakened Gear 5 form bears a striking resemblance to Joy Boy.

How Joy Boy’s treasure ties into the nature of the One Piece is unknown for now, but it’s one of the best leads yet.

No One Knows What The One Piece Is But Everyone Wants It

Well, except Whitebeard, everyone wants to find the One Piece, and in doing so, the balance of power in the world has been changing and warping around the rise of the Straw Hat Pirates. The Seven Warlords? Disbanded. Wano’s borders? Open to everyone. The World Government? Becoming increasingly desperate to hold onto power.

No matter which theory about the true nature of the treasure turns out to be correct, the world the series is set in has been forever altered by the quest. While fans continue to speculate and scrutinize every piece of information from Big Mom, seemingly stating that at least part of the treasure is in Wano, to the potential hints found in the song “Binks Sake,” the journey has been one of the greatest in anime history, and it won’t be ending anytime soon.