Entertainment
Criminal Minds Producer Addresses More Exits After Surprise Death
After Criminal Minds kicked off its new season with a surprising loss, showrunner Erica Messer addressed if there would be more onscreen deaths.
During an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Messer weighed in on possible cameos from original Criminal Minds cast members, saying, “I always feel like it’s got to be a big important reason to have those cameos [like a funeral] and right now we don’t have anything that we’re leaning in that direction for this season. No more funerals.”
Messer’s update came after the Thursday, May 28, return of the hit Paramount+ series, showed Luke (Adam Rodriguez) mourning a personal loss while helping the BAU solve a case. It wasn’t until the end of the two-episode premiere that viewers found out his dog, Roxy, had to be put down.
“I don’t think we can ever be prepared anytime anything has ever happened with a beloved character — whether they’re four-legged or not,” Messer explained. “If you don’t have a pet, you certainly know someone who has a pet.”
After 19 seasons, Criminal Minds has found opportunities to kill off beloved characters over the years. Criminal Minds, which premiered in 2005, follows a group of criminal profilers who work for the FBI as members of its Behavioral Analysis Unit. The crime drama explores different fictional cases and shows how behavioral analysis helps the team […]
Messer knew the reveal would hurt for viewers.
“It’s a loss of a family member. And for those who did watch the show in the before times [when it was on CBS], you definitely met Roxy when you first meet Luke early on,” she noted. “It was devastating for all of us to break that story. We all really felt the loss.”
She continued: “I had to warn Adam ahead of time that this is the story where we’re sending your way and it’s going to be really hard. I would say there’s probably not a dry eye when we were doing the read through for it and when we were shooting it and certainly in the screening. Everybody was very moved by that. So I would imagine our audience will feel as moved as the rest of us did.”
Criminal Minds, which premiered in 2005, follows a group of criminal profilers who work for the FBI as members of its Behavioral Analysis Unit. The crime drama explores different fictional cases and shows how behavioral analysis helps the team locate their unknown subjects.
Over the years, the show has faced its fair share of onscreen character deaths. Season 18 shocked viewers when Josh Stewart left after playing the role of Will since 2007.
Looking ahead at the rest of season 19, Messer teased the vision for this season.
“It is this idea of new beginnings. It’s been a year in our story world,” the screenwriter noted to Us. “So there are new challenges that they’re faced with — but there’s also a little bit of hope in that. It has the potential for better things to come.”
New episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution air Thursdays on Paramount+.
Continue Reading
Entertainment
‘Euphoria’ Breakout Anna Van Patten Felt Pressure To Make Kitty’s Dark Story “Hit Hard”
Summary
- In an interview with Collider, Anna Van Patten said playing Kitty helped her feel more comfortable in her body.
- Van Patten felt pressure to do justice to Kitty’s dark, emotional story.
- She credited Sam Levinson with helping shape Kitty through references and collaboration.
Season 3 of Euphoria will be remembered for a few highlight moments. Among them are Cassie’s (Sydney Sweeney) and Nate’s (Jacob Elordi) wedding dance, Nate’s brutal death, and the four-year wait between Season 2 and 3. But it also represents the breakout performance of Anna Van Patten, who plays Kitty, a dancer at the Silver Slipper. Van Patten isn’t a stranger to iconic television shows. Her father, Tim Van Patten, is an actor and director, known for his work on The Sopranos, Sex and the City, Touched by an Angel, and Game of Thrones. Anna grew up on many of those sets, soaking in the environment, gaining knowledge and experiences that would go on to help her succeed as an actress.
Along with her father, Tim, Anna’s uncle Dick Van Patten, and sister Grace Van Patten have also made an impact in the entertainment industry. Dick was an actor and comedian, featured in films and shows like Spaceballs, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and Eight Is Enough. Meanwhile, Grace has starred in the hit shows Nine Perfect Strangers, Tell Me Lies, and The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox.
While Anna is grateful for her family’s entertainment expertise, she is paving her own path and staying authentic to who she is — not trying to fit into the public norm. In this exclusive interview with Collider, Van Patten explains the craft behind Kitty in Euphoria, working with Sam Levinson, and what she learned about herself while embodying a dark and sad character. Anna also dives into her fascination with storytelling, her appetite for learning, and what roles and projects excite her.
Van Patten Felt Pressure To Do Justice to Kitty’s Dark ‘Euphoria’ Story
“I felt a pressure to do a good job.”
COLLIDER: Was there a realization moment for you that you were going to be part of a series in Euphoria that fans worldwide have been waiting four years for?
VAN PATTEN: It has really felt surreal the whole time. I think in order to do my job and to not feel crazy, I didn’t really let it hit me just so I can be as present as I could be. But I remember getting the call that I got the job and then just kind of being silent to be like, “Oh my gosh.” Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen.
Your character, Kitty, is dark, sad, and emotional. Did you do anything specific to help get yourself into such a deep headspace?
VAN PATTEN: I think I just stayed really present with her and kind of played with the scene that we’re dealing with, which it is very dark and it is sad. And just to be as present as I could and really focus on her truth.
What were those conversations like with Sam [Levinson]? How did you two shape Kitty together?
VAN PATTEN: Well, he gave me a lot of references on the first day on set that really helped me kind of expand the vision that I already had for her from when I first auditioned for her. So he was so helpful. We always approached things with her very delicately.
How much freedom did you have to try different things during takes and scenes? Was there enough room to play around and find that right tone?
VAN PATTEN: Yeah, definitely. There was always room to play. And I think when I had a question or if I felt like something, [Sam] and everyone would always listen. And there was a lot of room to collaborate, and it feels like a good place to be when you feel like you can speak on certain things.
Episode four is titled ‘Kitty Loves to Dance’. Did you know at the time of filming that episode that your character was going to have an episode named after her?
VAN PATTEN: I did, I did, and that was really exciting.
Did that sort of put any pressure on you at all, knowing that you were going to be the focal point of this episode?
VAN PATTEN: No, I think I understood that Kitty is important. What she goes through for the bigger story. And I felt a pressure to do a good job so that what’s being said feels authentic and hits hard. So I did feel pressure, but not because the title, the episode, is named after my character, but just because I wanted to really do justice to Kitty.
Did you learn anything about yourself stepping into the shoes of Kitty at all?
VAN PATTEN: I think I learned a lot about myself, and it challenged me. But what appeals to me with certain projects is that I am learning about myself throughout it.
What are some things that you’ve learned internally, let’s say, Kitty, or even throughout your entire career? What have you learned through the roles that you’ve played?
VAN PATTEN: Well, this one is a bit different, but I think I’ve learned to be more comfortable in my body. And I think playing a dancer made me feel okay to take up space. And I started doing pole dancing, and that too changed my relationship with my body, and how, first, others might perceive me, but then, realizing that it’s so much more than that.
Anna Van Patten’s Hands-On Education
“I thought I wanted to just have a more well-rounded view of the art.”
You’ve spent a lot of time growing up on not only TV sets, but also some of the most iconic shows. What did you learn about acting from being able to explore sets at such a young age?
VAN PATTEN: I think because I grew up visiting my dad on those sets, and sometimes the camera wouldn’t be rolling, but we’d just be able to play in a back room or explore, I learned that storytelling has a lot more to do than just with words, and that there’s so much that goes into telling a story and there’s so many people involved, and it is a big puzzle.
You prepared yourself by not just jumping right into acting, but by studying performing arts and film in high school and college. Firstly, why did you want to get more education under your belt? And secondly, what did you learn that you might not have if you had gone a different route?
VAN PATTEN: It has always really interested me. Every actor, every person in film is, I assume, working in film because they love movies. After studying acting in high school, I thought I wanted to just have a more well-rounded view of the art. And I’m really glad that I did do that, because I think it kind of opened my eyes to the bigger picture.
In ‘The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox’, how did you and your sister lean on each other while working on such an intense story?
VAN PATTEN: I leaned on her fully. She’s such a great leader, and it taught me a lot about just being on set. All I had to do was watch her because she’s so amazing. And that would kind of affect me in ways that maybe I wasn’t trying to, but it was so nice just to be with her throughout that whole experience and watch her do her thing that she’s so good at. I felt very proud of her.
What’s Next for Anna Van Patten?
“That’s just kind of how I see life.”
What sort of roles and projects are you attracted to? Are there any specific types that you open your eyes to?
VAN PATTEN: I do think I’ve always been interested in films that kind of explore the gray areas and that open conversation, so I was really excited to work on Euphoria because I think it really opens the doors for bigger conversations.
I know you’ve said you’re deeply connected with storytelling in so many different forms. What is it about telling stories that inspires you most?
VAN PATTEN: I just think that everything has a story. That’s just kind of how I see life, and I can’t really imagine it any other way. It’s how I connect with the world, and how I learn about myself. I think storytelling is just so important.
Looking back at your younger self that just got into acting, is there anything that you would tell that younger self that you’ve learned over the way that would be helpful at that time?
VAN PATTEN: I’d tell myself to lean into the things that make you authentic. My perception and how I see the world is what make me unique. And I think when we’re younger, we maybe try to fit into other boxes to feel like we’re normal. But I just tell myself to just be you and to expand on that and keep learning more about yourself and really focus on what interests you.
What do you like to do, whether it’s in between projects, maybe in between days of production, that you can kind of escape from?
VAN PATTEN: I’m a big believer in walking, so I’ll walk very long and very far away. And that’s kind of my way to ground myself. And then always looking for things that kind of inspire me. So watching a lot of movies, go to museums, and talk to my family. I’m a bit restless, so I always keep on moving, and keep learning, and exploring.
Looking forward, what excites you most about your future?
VAN PATTEN: I guess that there’s always room to grow personally and creatively, and that really excites me. And I hope I’m a part of more projects that allow me to do that.
Euphoria is now available to stream on HBO Max.
- Release Date
-
2019 – 2026-00-00
- Network
-
HBO
- Showrunner
-
Sam Levinson
- Directors
-
Jennifer Morrison, Augustine Frizzell
Entertainment
Robert Redford’s Wild War Movie Is the Thrilling American Action Flick You Need to Watch
Most people scrolling through Robert Redford’s filmography probably pause at Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, nod respectfully at All the President’s Men, maybe throw The Sting on during a lazy Sunday afternoon, then completely glide past The Great Waldo Pepper like it does not exist. Which is understandable, honestly. The title sounds less like an action movie and more like somebody’s uncle who owns a corner store and complains about parking meters. Nothing about it prepares you for Redford dangling thousands of feet in the air inside airplanes that look assembled from spare parts and blind optimism.
The film starts out with a rambling, carefree energy. Redford’s character charms, annoys, lies constantly, and bounces from one half-baked aviation stunt to another. At first, it all plays like a shaggy comedy about a group of aging pilots refusing to grow up. Then the movie gradually reveals something more complicated. These are men who found purpose in World War I, excitement, and camaraderie in the skies years earlier and never really figured out how to replace it afterward. Flying isn’t just a hobby for them…it’s the one place where they still feel like themselves. That is why they keep climbing into airplanes that look one strong gust away from falling apart over a cornfield. After a while, the flying stops feeling adventurous and starts feeling necessary, as if life on the ground never quite gave them what they were looking for.
Robert Redford Turns Barnstorming Into Pure Chaos
Image via Universal Pictures
Redford plays Waldo Pepper, a former pilot making his way through the 1920s one air show at a time. He takes jobs wherever he finds them, spends most of his money almost as quickly as he earns it, and approaches common sense as more of a loose suggestion than a rule. What keeps the character from becoming exhausting is the feeling that Waldo is chasing something larger than attention. The older he gets, the more it seems like he is trying to recapture a version of himself that only ever existed in the cockpit.
The movie follows Waldo as he chases bigger stunts and bigger attention while trying to outrun the quiet reality that the war may have permanently broken something inside him. Once legendary German ace Ernst Kessler (Bo Brundin) enters the story, the tone shifts slightly. Their rivalry never really feels heroic. It feels sad and haunted, like both men miss the war in ways they are deeply uncomfortable admitting out loud.
Director George Roy Hill shoots the flying scenes with alarming confidence. Modern action movies usually cut every three seconds, as if they’re terrified the audience might notice the actors are sitting safely in front of green screens. The Great Waldo Pepper does the opposite by allowing the shot to linger long enough for your stomach to start tightening. These planes creak and wobble, and sometimes they appear as if they are actively debating whether flight is still worth the effort.
One of the later aerial scenes carries a tangible sense of danger that most modern blockbusters cannot match, no matter how much money they throw at visual effects departments. The flying suddenly stops feeling cinematic and starts feeling deeply concerning. Not exciting—dangerous. The kind where your brain starts calculating survival probabilities if things go sideways.
Every Robert Redford Western Movie, Ranked
The #1 movie here might have a title that sounds a bit like “Putsch Placidly and the Folk-Dance Lid.”
The Great Waldo Pepper Feels Weirdly Modern Now
Part of what makes the film work so well by today’s standards is how messy it allows itself to be — Funny one minute, melancholy the next. Then, suddenly, somebody crashes through a wing or barely survives a stunt that should have ended with a funeral. Modern action movies often feel polished, leaving the protagonists within an inch of their lives. Every emotional beat lands exactly where expected. Every character arc arrives gift-wrapped and perfectly timed.
But The Great Waldo Pepper feels loose in a way modern movies usually try to sand down. A little rough around the edges and slightly unpredictable. The tone fits perfectly for a story about people who only seem comfortable when something could go catastrophically wrong. Even the slower scenes feel heavy, as if every actor is shouldering a burden they don’t want to admit exists.
Waldo keeps chasing danger because ordinary life clearly feels too small now. The war gave these men intensity, purpose, adrenaline, and terror all mixed together, and civilian life cannot compete with that. The movie never over explains any of this either. It just lets the emptiness persist between scenes as Waldo keeps throwing himself into the sky, trying not to think too hard.
By the end, the movie stops feeling like an adventure story altogether. It begins to feel like a snapshot of people caught between two versions of America, with one version still romanticizing war heroes while ignoring what came home with them. That is what makes Waldo so interesting. He spends the entire film selling the fantasy of aviation heroism while quietly revealing the cost of living inside that fantasy long after the war and the glory have passed.
- Release Date
-
March 13, 1975
- Runtime
-
108 minutes
- Director
-
George Roy Hill
- Writers
-
William Goldman
Entertainment
“Alaskan Bush People” star Matt Brown found dead at 42, brother Noah helped pull body out of river
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Matt-Brown-052926-2d4870411a664f8d92b886c7674b92f4.jpg)
The reality TV star’s brother Bear recently said Brown struggled with substance use and had become estranged from his family.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/love-island-season-8-053026-cb6f1fcea3374cceb61aaaf8ffbd29ee.jpg)
Vasana Montgomery has been pulled from the cast after videos of her using the racial slur emerged online.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/dua-lipa-callum-turner-elton-john-aids-foundation-academy-awards-viewing-party-west-hollywood-031626-c4d6aecd6c5248b4bf06824f8aeb8e23.jpg)
The singer and actor tied the knot in an intimate ceremony with friends and family in London.
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
If summer style had an official rich mom uniform, it would probably start with a linen dress. The relaxed fabric, easy silhouettes and quietly polished feel somehow make everything look more elevated — even if you’re just throwing it on and doing the bare minimum before heading to brunch, the farmers market or a beachside dinner. That’s the kind of effortless Hamptons energy that fashion people chase every single summer.
This year, the linen dress selection is especially good. Think striped coastal midis, flowy maxis and understated shirt dresses that appear far more expensive than they actually are. Whether you lean classic, nautical or quiet luxury-inspired, these 13 linen dresses capture that expensive-looking Hamptons rich mom vibe perfectly — and some start at just $10.
13 Expensive-Looking Linen Dresses For Hamptons Rich Mom Style
1. Our Favorite: Spaghetti straps and a contrast trim give this linen maxi dress a tailored look without the stiffness. The flowy cut skims instead of clings, making it ideal for humid summer days.
2. Coastal Classic: Soft ruffle sleeves, classic stripes and actual pockets put this striped linen midi a notch above the usual coastal dress. The midi length hits right above the ankle for most, ensuring it’s timeless and flattering.
3. Throw-On-and-Go: A round neck, loose drape and hidden pockets make this cotton linen maxi the dress you grab when you can’t think. The sleeveless cut keeps it cool through August.
4. Coastal Cool: Sun-faded straw bag, a stack of bracelets and this square-neck midi is the no-effort look for an oceanfront lunch. The linen fabric does the heavy lifting — without the heavy weight.
5. Halter Hero: Halter necklines often gap or pull at the neck, but the adjustable tie back on this halter maxi dress solves that. That means you can dial in support without a bra fight.
Some dresses just hang there, and other flowy options completely transform your shape. Wrap dresses fall into the second category, thanks to their waist-defining ties, flattering V-necks and draped silhouettes that naturally create an hourglass look without feeling restrictive. They’re basically the ultimate summer confidence boost when you want to feel comfortable but still look […]
6. Figure-Flattering: The tie waist on this V-neck linen dress cinches exactly where you want it, and the 100% linen construction means it gets softer with every wash.
7. Deal Alert: Toss this $10 linen maxi in the beach bag without worrying about sunscreen stains. At this price, it’s the dress you actually wear rather than save.
8. Quiet Luxury: The collar, button front and belt on this linen shirt dress give it the structured, understated look that quiet luxury labels charge four figures for.
9. Timelessly Polished: A 100% linen V-neck tank cut makes this sleeveless mini the kind of dress you’ll reach for every July for the next decade.
10. Effortlessly Elegant: Long sleeves and a notch neck make this linen shirt dress the rare maxi you can wear into a cool restaurant without freezing in the AC.
11. Seaside Stripes: Blue and white stripes, short sleeves and a cinched waist give this striped maxi dress a nautical look that’s perfect for beach days and vacations.
12. Brunch Ready: Block heels, small earrings and this midi shirt dress is the perfect uniform for Sunday brunch that turns into a 3 p.m. wine pour. The linen fabric handles long sits with ease.
13. Madewell Must-Have: The faded blue wash on this Madewell shirtdress makes it look like a vintage piece you’d find at a Sag Harbor boutique. With 100% linen and a relaxed cut, it’s a great option for everyday.
You know that feeling when you’re flipping through photos from a trip to Paris (or just scrolling through them on Instagram) and every woman seems to be wearing a dress that looks effortless, romantic and somehow expensive? It’s enough to give Us some serious fashion envy. However, pulling that look off back home doesn’t require […]
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
Some dresses instantly radiate “quiet luxury,” and Gillian Anderson just gave Us a masterclass in the aesthetic at the Cannes Film Festival. While at the iconic Hotel Martinez, Anderson wore a loose white dress with a contrasting black trim — and the entire look screamed effortless elegance. It was polished without feeling stuffy, relaxed without looking sloppy and somehow managed to channel peak “Hamptons rich mom on vacation” energy all at once.
Naturally, we immediately went searching for a way to recreate the vibe without the inevitable designer price tag. Enter this under-$30 Amazon find, which captures that same refined, coastal-inspired feel with its easy silhouette and chic contrast detailing.
Get the Saodimallsu Square-Neck Contrast Midi Dress for $30 (originally $33) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
While the Saodimallsu Square-Neck Contrast Midi Dress isn’t an exact replica of Anderson’s Cannes look, it delivers the same elevated effect. It’s the kind of dress you can throw on with oversized sunglasses and simple sandals and suddenly look like you’re summering somewhere with a yacht club nearby. And at just $30, it’s the sort of affordable wardrobe win that’s too good to gatekeep.
Jennifer Aniston has always been the blueprint for effortless off-duty style, but lately, one surprisingly simple piece keeps showing up in her rotation: easy flip-flops. Not chunky designer sandals. Not sky-high heels. Just sleek, minimal rubber flip-flops that somehow make everything she wears look cooler. And we’re calling it now — they’re about to be […]
The sleek square neckline and contrasting trim instantly give the dress that refined, old-money-inspired aesthetic, while the soft knit fabric keeps it wearable for real life. Unlike overly stiff cocktail dresses that feel restrictive after an hour, this one is designed to comfortably skim the body in a flattering way without feeling too tight or fussy. It looks intentionally styled even when you’ve only spent five minutes getting ready.
Shoppers are especially impressed with how flattering and expensive-looking the dress feels in person. “It hangs nicely, skimming over some parts I want skimmed over,” one reviewer wrote, adding that the knit fabric feels “heavier than I expected, yet not too heavy for summer.” Another shopper shared that the dress “far exceeded my expectations,” calling the fit “very flattering” because it “flatters your shape while not accentuating any imperfections.”
The quality also seems to surprise people in the best way possible — especially for an Amazon find. Reviewers say the knit fabric feels soft and smooth, the contrast detailing doesn’t look cheap and the length hits at an elegant, wearable spot below the knee.
It’s polished enough for dinners, parties and vacation nights out, but still relaxed enough to wear to brunch or daytime events with simple sandals and oversized sunglasses. This dress delivers that “wealthy woman summering on the coast” energy without trying too hard — get it today!
Get the Saodimallsu Square-Neck Contrast Midi Dress for $30 (originally $33) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more from Saodimallsu here and more must-have dresses here! Don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
You know that annoying summer struggle: you want a little arm coverage, but anything with sleeves instantly feels too hot. Tight fabrics cling, heavier styles trap heat and suddenly your “cute outfit” turns into a regret the second you step outside. That’s exactly why puff-sleeve dresses have become such a go-to. Instead of sticking to […]
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Eddie-Murphy-Mel-Brooks-052926-e36d98a96333432ebef69d8eeac9e022.jpg)
From one comedy legend to another: “Tonight we honor a man full of greater surprises.”
Netflix is bringing back some old favorites this summer, and we doubt that the streamer will field many complaints about that.
There are a handful of new shows premiering in June as well, but it’s usually the established programs that keep people coming back to Netflix.
Now, the Watch With Us team is sharing its roundup of the three new Netflix shows to watch in June 2026 and the reasons why you should watch them.
Our picks include a murder mystery, an acclaimed dramedy and one of TV’s longest-running shows.
Netflix has quite a rich lineup of new and returning shows to enjoy this month, but only a few are likely to break into the streamer’s top 10 chart. That’s the problem with embracing quantity over quality. Sometimes, even the good shows will simply be overshadowed by the bigger hits. That’s why Watch With Us […]
3. ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ Season 2
After breaking out on Wednesday, Emma Myers got her own Netflix original series, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. In season 1, Myers made her debut as Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi, a teenager who took it upon herself to solve the disappearance of another girl, Andie Bell (India Lillie Davies), five years earlier. Because Andie’s boyfriend, Sal Singh (Rahul Pattni), was widely believed to have killed her, his younger brother, Ravi (Zain Iqbal), had good reasons to help Pip determine if Sal was guilty or innocent.
While that storyline was largely concluded in season 1, the upcoming second season will explore some of the fallout from Pip’s investigation. Someone close to Pip has also gone missing, which means that she’ll soon be wrapped up in yet another mystery that she needs to solve.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.
2. ‘The Four Seasons’ Season 2
The Four Seasons had one of Netflix’s most impressive lineups of cast members to date. The show revolves around three couples: Kate (Tina Fey) and Jack (Will Forte), Nick (Steve Carell) and Annie (Kerri Kenney-Silver), and Danny (Colman Domingo) and Claude (Marco Calvani). These six people have been friends for a long time and they vacation together four times a year. However, Nick upset the group’s dynamic by setting his divorce to Annie in motion and by dating a younger woman, Ginny (Erika Henningsen), whom he brought into their circle of friends.
Touching grass is great, but there are plenty of reasons to stay inside even when the weather improves. The TV lineup for this spring is quite stacked, so there will be more than enough entertainment options to tickle your fancy. The Testaments, the highly-anticipated sequel to Margaret Atwood‘s novel-turned-tv-adaption The Handmaid’s Tale, will be gracing […]
After a tragedy near the end of the first season, at least one of the main cast members won’t be around for season 2. As with the first season, there will be eight episodes in season 2 that chronicle another year of vacations among the group.
The Four Seasons season 2 will stream on Netflix on May 28.
1. ‘Law and Order’ (1990 – 2010, 2022 – Present)
Everything old is new again — especially if your show is part of the Law & Order franchise, which never seems to die. Do you ever wonder if NBC executives regretted canceling the OG Law & Order in 2010? Even after an 11-year hiatus, the flagship series is still one of the longest-running shows on TV. Netflix already has seasons 21 and 22, but seasons 23 and 24 just dropped in late May as a double bill for fans of the show.
Law & Order was innovative in the ’90s for the way the first half of the episode dealt with the police attempting to break the case, before turning the story over to the prosecutors who had to earn their convictions in court. Sam Waterston was there for most of the show’s run as District Attorney Jack McCoy. However, season 23 marked Waterston’s final appearance as McCoy, as well as the introduction of his replacement, District Attorney Nicholas Baxter (Tony Goldwyn). The cast lineup always goes through some changes, but the ripped-from-the-headlines stories never seem to run out of material on this show.
Law and Order seasons 23 and 24 are now streaming on Netflix.
There are very few moments in Star Wars that genuinely feel horrifying. The franchise has always balanced war, tragedy, and darkness against pulpy adventure, but even its most devastating scenes usually carry a sense of mythic spectacle. Deaths happen constantly across the galaxy far, far away, yet very few linger in the same deeply uncomfortable way as one specific moment from Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace. Oddly enough, it happens during the podrace, which is still one of the best Star Wars sequences.
More specifically, it happens when Ratts Tyerell dies screaming in a fiery crash during the Boonta Eve Classic, a moment that has recently gone viral again online after fans revisited just how shockingly brutal the sequence actually is. A post from X user @NudeGunray called it “the most horrifying scene in Star Wars,” while another viral post from creator Jacob Andrews (@jtimsuggs) pointed out that deleted scenes from The Phantom Menace make the entire thing significantly worse.
Ratts Tyerell’s Death Feels Weirdly Real for Star Wars
The death itself happens quickly, but that almost makes it more disturbing. During the race, Ratts loses control of his podracer after a collission. His engines violently spin out, slam into the canyon wall, and explode while he lets out one of the most panicked screams anywhere in the franchise. What makes the moment stand out is how little fantasy softening there is around it. George Lucas does not frame the crash like a heroic sacrifice or dramatic wartime casualty: Ratts dies terrified, and the practical effects make the crash feel especially harsh.
Throughout the sequence, the podracers look unstable and dangerous, constantly rattling apart as they rocket through narrow canyon walls at absurd speeds. Ratts’ crash reminds viewers that these machines are essentially death traps. What makes the scene even sadder is that Ratts was a respected podracer who faced an accelerator malfunction, leaving him with little chance of avoiding the crash. Even stranger is how quickly the movie moves on afterward, because there’s hardly any reaction or acknowledgment that someone just died horribly. The Phantom Menace quietly establishes that podracing is an incredibly lethal spectator sport where racers can explode to death in front of thousands of cheering fans and everyone simply accepts it as part of the event.
27 Years Later, The Worst Star Wars Prequel Gave Us a Quote That Still Lives Rent-Free in Our Heads
The prequels might have divisive dialogue, but this quote still gives us chills.
George Lucas Accidentally Created A Real Racing Tragedy
The reason the scene has resurfaced recently is because of the deleted scene involving Ratts Tyerell’s family. One deleted scene from The Phantom Menace shows Ratts’ wife and children attending the podrace to support him. According to the dialogue referenced online, someone even mentions that his wife had just gotten out of the hospital with their new child. Then Ratts dies, and practically in front of them. That additional context transforms the sequence into one of the bleakest moments anywhere in Star Wars. Suddenly, the terrified alien screaming before impact is not just a random background racer created to raise the stakes. He is a husband and father who dies during a sporting event while his family watches from the stands.
What makes the moment especially unsettling is how closely it mirrors real-world racing tragedies. Lucas famously drew inspiration from Formula 1 and other motorsports while developing the Boonta Eve Classic, incorporating recordings of F1 cars alongside other racing vehicles into the sound design for Anakin Skywalker’s podracer. The goal was to make podracing feel fast, dangerous, and authentic. Viewed through that lens, Ratts’ death takes on an entirely different weight, because the scene suddenly feels uncomfortably close to the kinds of accidents that have haunted real racing events throughout history. The deleted scene only reinforces that feeling by reminding viewers that Ratts had a family waiting for him to come home.
‘The Phantom Menace’ Barely Acknowledges What Happened
Ratts’ death is the moment that fully sells the danger of the Boonta Eve Classic. From that point forward, every turn carries real tension because viewers have already watched one racer die horribly. The scene becomes even stranger because of what happens next. The Phantom Menace immediately pivots back into adventure mode, with the crowd moving on, the race continuing (there’s no safety podracer here to help keep things safe), and the movie barely acknowledges what happened. That emotional coldness is a big part of why Ratts Tyerell’s death still feels so disturbing more than two decades later. Plenty of characters die throughout Star Wars, but very few deaths combine genuine terror, horrific implications, and complete indifference from everyone around them. It is one of the rare moments where the galaxy far, far away feels uncomfortably close to the real world.
- Release Date
-
May 19, 1999
- Runtime
-
136 minutes
- Director
-
George Lucas
- Writers
-
George Lucas
- Producers
-
Rick McCallum
Entertainment23 seconds ago
‘Euphoria’ Breakout Anna Van Patten Felt Pressure To Make Kitty’s Dark Story “Hit Hard”
NewsBeat3 minutes ago
Missing Highland teenager thought to have travelled 50 miles from home
Crypto World5 minutes ago
Saylor’s Latest BTC Chart Revives Strategy Bitcoin Buy Speculation Wave
NewsBeat2 months ago
Steven Gerrard disagrees with Gary Neville over ‘shock’ Chelsea and Arsenal claim | Football
Politics2 months ago
US brings back mandatory military draft registration
Tech1 month ago
Register Renaming | Hackaday
News Videos9 minutes ago
Something Is Fundamentally Broken – Workers Reporting CONSTANT FINANCIAL STRESS
![DTCC CEO Drops a BOMBSHELL! They’re Planning XRPL/XRP Integration... THIS IS CRAZY! [HARDCORE POOF]](https://wordupnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1780248492_maxresdefault-80x80.jpg)
News Videos22 minutes ago
DTCC CEO Drops a BOMBSHELL! They’re Planning XRPL/XRP Integration… THIS IS CRAZY! [HARDCORE POOF]
News Videos47 minutes ago
Stock Market Will RISE in June 2026 | Vedic Financial Astrology Prediction
-
Business7 days agoNYT Strands Answers May 24 2026 Revealed for Puzzle No. 812 Theme Summer Essentials
-
NewsBeat4 days agoIsrael says it has killed new Hamas military leader in Gaza City airstrikes
-
Tech4 days agoNASA taps Blue Origin to deliver lunar rovers for Moon Base initiative
-
Politics6 days agoBridgerton Season 5: Cast, Release Date And Everything We Know So Far
-
News Videos5 days agoXRP *JUST* SUCCEEDED!!!! CLARITY ACT EXPOSED!!! (SHE EXPOSED IT)
-
Sports6 days ago2026 NBA Finals schedule, odds: Knicks await Thunder or Spurs after winning East
-
Crypto World7 days ago
Brian Armstrong Outlines Crypto Vision for the Future Financial System
-
Crypto World5 days ago
Micron Crosses $1 Trillion Market Cap as AI Demand Reshapes Memory Sector
-
Business5 days agoSelena Gomez Reportedly Upset Over Benny Blanco’s Comments on Her ‘Terrible’ Diet
-
News Videos2 days agoThis is BROKEN! INSANE 5x MONEY CAR WASH WEEK! The NEW GTA Online UPDATE Today! (GTA5 New Update)
-
Business6 days agoBTS Sells Out Four Las Vegas Shows at Allegiant Stadium for ARIRANG World Tour
-
Tech6 days agoChina assigns ID codes to 28,000+ humanoid robots
-
NewsBeat6 days agoHottest May day ever as London hits 34.8C in 2C leap from previous records
-
Tech6 days agoMicrosoft’s quiet Claude Code retreat and the real cost of enterprise AI
-
Tech3 days agoWaymo dominates autonomous vehicle registrations as Tesla trails behind
-
Business6 days agoNikkei 225 Surges Past 65,000 for First Time as Iran Peace Hopes Fuel Record Rally
-
Tech4 days ago
The Samsung pay deal is the moment Korean unions changed register
-
NewsBeat6 days agoCrowds find riverside shade in York as temperatures soar
-
Tech6 days agoWestone Audio and Etymotic Acquired by Fidelity Collective in Major IEM Market Move
-
Entertainment6 days ago‘Breaking Bad’ Star’s Easy-to-Binge 6-Part Crime Series Spin-Off Is Finally Heading to Free Streaming
You must be logged in to post a comment Login