Entertainment
Friday the 13th Has a Lot of Final Girls, but Only One Is the Absolute Worst
Slashers are known for having a predictable formula so well known that the Scream franchise has spent three decades mocking them. One of the most used tropes is that of the final girl. She’s often book smart and shy, the type of young woman who notices everything around her while her friends are too busy partying and having sex. Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) in Halloween is the epitome of this. The Friday the 13th series, with 12 movies and counting, has a plethora of final girls too, with none saving the day in multiple movies. Some have been great, like Ginny (Amy Steele) in Friday the 13th Part 2. Others, not so much. The worst, by far, shows up in the movie Jason Voorhees isn’t even part of. Sorry, Pam Roberts (Melanie Kinnaman) from Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, but your final girl character is just awful.
A Copycat Killer Is the Villain of ‘Friday the 13th: A New Beginning’
In 1984’s Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, Jason Voorhees dies. No, really. In the film’s conclusion, young Tommy Jarvis (Corey Feldman) decimates him with a machete, finally ending his reign of terror. Still, the franchise was too profitable to be put to rest, so the next year it returned with Friday the 13th: A New Beginning. Jason might be dead and buried, but a new killer emerges, wearing a familiar hockey mask, to hack up teens around the Pinehurst Halfway House.
This is the home of troubled teens, including a teenage Tommy, now played by John Shepherd, who is so disturbed that we’re led to wonder if he could be the killer. A New Beginning is a flawed sequel and is seen by many as the worst of them all, yet it tries to do something different by examining the trauma of a male survivor after he takes out a mass killer. At the same time, it’s a murder mystery. Could it be Tommy? Is it someone at the halfway house? Or is Jason, somehow, back from the dead?
Pam Roberts Starts Off Being an Interesting Character
Running the home is Dr. Matt Letter (Richard Young) and the woman assisting him, Pam Roberts. She’s another in a long line of pretty young blondes, but Pam is different from the usual slasher fodder. She’s a kind soul who is genuinely interested in people and wants to help those who need it the most. That is shown several times, with Pam consoling a struggling patient or volunteering her time to take another, Reggie (Shavar Ross), to visit his family.
The 10 Most Iconic Horror Movie Characters Everyone Knows (Even Without Watching the Film)
A murderer’s row of murderers.
Pam also takes an interest in helping Tommy, who often sits quietly by himself, only to fly off the handle in a fit of rage in other moments. She feels like she could be the continuation of Ginny from Friday the 13th Part 2, the camp counselor studying to be a child psychologist. Rather than hating Jason, Ginny feels sorry for the boy he used to be. Is Pam who Ginny would aim to be like?
Pam Fails as a Final Girl in the Last Act of ‘Friday the 13th: A New Beginning’
Ginny is regarded by many as the best final girl because of her compassion, combined with her strength. When Jason Voorhees shows up in Friday the 13th Part 2, even though she’s scared, she takes the fight to him. This is where Pam Roberts falters badly. She’s not a coward who flees the scene per se, but she adds so little. Pam will investigate, and she makes it her mission to protect young Reggie, which is of course commendable. Yet scene after scene has Pam on the defense with her screaming, falling in the mud, or having to be saved by Reggie. She’s reactionary when the final girl role requires a forward thinker. It’s quite obvious that the filmmakers didn’t know what to do with her, because the best they could come up with was to put Pam in a thin, tight, white shirt, then turn on the rain sprinklers and send her running (and bouncing) through the third act.
Pam Roberts does get a few moments, like when she grabs a chainsaw and goes after “Jason”, or in the last scene in the barn loft, when she fights back again. After the nightmare ends, we see her in shock at a hospital cradling a sleeping Reggie in her lap. She is by no means a bad person. The fault is that Pam’s inclusion in the film feels like a narrative device. Someone needs to find the victims, so make it Pam. Someone has to run away from the killer, so make it Pam. Someone has to fight him and fail, so make it Pam.
Pam Roberts exists in Friday the 13th: A New Beginning to move the story along, a story that’s not about her. Tommy Jarvis is the final boy. This is his movie. He’ll get the kill and save everyone in the end. Pam is there because the formula requires that a female character must live. With everyone else dead, it had to be her. She makes it to the end by sheer luck of a thin script and nothing else.
Friday the 13th: A New Beginning is available to rent or buy on VOD services.
- Release Date
-
March 22, 1985
- Runtime
-
92 minutes
- Director
-
Danny Steinmann
-
-
John Shepherd
Tommy Jarvis
-
-
Melanie Kinnaman
Pam Roberts
Entertainment
Melissa Gilbert defends Timothy Busfield amid child sex abuse case: 'Our life as we knew it is done'
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Melissa-Gilbert-Timothy-Busfield-040226-031b17b9bb77452f91d4ba9a0a5184ea.jpg)
The “Little House on the Prairie” star said that she and Busfield are “grieving” all of their “plans” and “dreams” in the wake of his January arrest.
Entertainment
Trump Seemingly Tells Erika Kirk What To Do To Druski Over Clip
Roommates, things took an unexpected turn when Donald Trump and Druski ended up in the same conversation alongside Erika Kirk—and let’s just say, it had folks doing a double take. What started as a routine address quickly turned into a moment that has social media buzzing, with many trying to piece together how comedy, politics, and a viral skit all collided.
RELATED: Social Media Asks About Druski’s Family After His Apparent Response To Backlash Over His “Conservative Women” Skit
One Instagram user @dadsdoitoo added, “I guess Central Park boys need to you sue too right? 😂😂”
This Instagram user @sarah_delangel commented, “😂😂😂😂😂 druski didn’t even use her name“
Likewise, Instagram user @bradleyandbritnee shared, “How? He never once said her name 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂”
Meanwhile, Instagram user @danielfunnyashell wrote, “people are starving and dying and he is worried about druski skits????“
Then, Instagram user @real.kaylaab said, “So can the Obamas sue you over the ape video?????????? Bc that was very very DISTURBING“
Lastly, Instagram user @withlove.shally added, “Trump! We should sue you for emotional distress! WTF?!”
Druski Can’t Catch A Break
Trump wasn’t the only politician weighing in on Druski’s viral skit. On Thursday, Ted Cruz took to X with a short, sharp, and scathing reaction, calling the video “beneath contempt.” Social media immediately blew up, with fans debating whether Cruz’s critique was justified—or if he was just giving Druski free publicity, as the skit poking fun at conservative women’s behaviors began racking up even more attention and laughs than before.
Beneath contempt. https://t.co/vwyOs7UYZL
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) March 26, 2026
RELATED: Oh, You Got Jokes? Ted Cruz Claps Back At Druski’s Viral “Conservative Women” Skit
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
Shop 19 Viral Spring 2026 Fashion Essentials From Amazon
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
Refreshing your spring wardrobe doesn’t have to mean buying something super trendy you’ll only wear for one season. Instead, opt for staple pieces you can wear again and again — think classic pieces with a more current twist and elevated feel. Lucky for Us, Amazon is stocked with viral fashion essentials just like these, and they start at only $10.
These shopper-approved picks are a mix of the best that spring fashion has to offer. This includes slim, comfortable sneakers for a sporty-chic look, lightweight pants you can wear in so many ways and romantic tops that seem like they came straight from a boutique. Start adding these to your cart now to upgrade your closet.
19 Viral Spring 2026 Fashion Essentials From Amazon
1. Our Favorite: Stretchy and comfortable with an elastic waist and wide-leg fit, these loose trousers are a staple for any season. The faux zipper and front pleating make them look more put-together, even if they feel like sweatpants. Bonus: they’re available in multiple inseam sizes.
2. Simple and Stylish: This versatile tank dress is the kind of piece you can easily dress up or down. Throw it on with a jean jacket if it’s chilly, or wear it on its own with heeled sandals for a party.
3. Lightweight Layer: Opt for a trendy update on a classic with this cropped trench coat. It still has the same timeless and chic feel, but the shorter length makes it a better fit for warm, sunny days.
4. Go-To Tote: This vegan leather tote will quickly replace your everyday bag. It’s roomy and structured without being too rigid, so it will fit pretty much everything you need. Plus, woven totes are a big trend for spring and one you’ll use long after this season.
5. Dark Denim: You can expect to see a lot of dark wash denim this season, and fortunately, it happens to lend a sleek look to any pair of jeans. These wide-leg jeans are so versatile and have just the right amount of stretch.
6. Soft Florals: This lightweight, blousy button-down is bound to be your new favorite top. Dress it up with trousers or a skirt, or keep it casual with jeans or shorts.
7. Celeb-Approved: These Adidas Sambas have the slim, low-profile fit that’s so popular right now, making them the perfect everyday pair. Bonus: stars like Hilary Duff and Taylor Swift are big fans too.
8. Office Appropriate: Don’t put your sweaters away just yet — this ribbed cardigan is just right for transitional weather. Button it up for a polished look or keep it open as an easy layering piece.
9. Expensive Looking: With a silky look and feel, this satin midi skirt reads as luxe and still comes in at a budget-friendly price point. We love how it looks just as good with sneakers as it does with heels.
10. Easy Breezy: Consider these lightweight, breezy pants a must-have for warmer weather. The cotton-and-linen blend makes them super breathable and airy, but they still look put-together enough for work.
11. Rich Mom Bag: There’s something about this slouchy leopard print bag that makes it look like it belongs in a designer store — and it costs less than $30. It’s a subtle way to play with trendy leopard print, and as a bonus, it comes with a small removable pouch to stay organized.
12. Hollywood Favorite: Stars like Aubrey Plaza, Katie Holmes and Leighton Meester have been spotted in Mary Jane flats just like these. The trend is comfy, practical and sophisticated, so it’s definitely one we can get behind.
13. Bright and Bold: Embrace warmer weather with this bright maxi dress. The colorful striped design is one that you’ll definitely wear through summer, too.
14. So Glam: This silk bandana is an unexpected, stylish pick you can use to upgrade any look. Use it as a hair accessory, loosely knot it around your neck or add it to a handbag strap for a pop of color.
15. Nautical Vibes: These canvas sneakers are a more low-key take on trending boat shoes. They have the same look but are a little more relaxed. Plus, we love how you can slip them on hands-free.
16. Sporty Chic: This cozy fleece jacket is exactly what you should be throwing on when it’s rainy and chilly outside or when you’re headed to the gym. It has a cool sporty vibe and is so comfy.
17. Lovely Lace: With eyelet lace, ruffled sleeves and a pretty floral pattern, this embroidered blouse is our favorite romantic top yet. Opt for simple white or a bright color.
18. Trending Now: Believe it or not, track pants are going to be everywhere this spring. We like this casual pair because it’s easy to throw on with your favorite sneakers and tee when you have errands to run.
19. Western Feel: This denim vest gives off a more elevated Western vibe that is just right for spring. Wear it buttoned up with a maxi skirt or your favorite trousers for a casual and cool look.
Entertainment
Ryan Seacrest split his pants on live TV: 'He liked a tighter fit'
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/ryan-seacrest-1-9ad8f692649d4906a53e8d0826a97ffe.jpg)
The “American Idol” host’s former colleague recounted his numerous “wardrobe malfunctions” on set.
Entertainment
HBO’s Harry Potter Series Officially Debuts Special Episode Next Week
This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
HBO’s new Harry Potter series still hasn’t premiered, but the rollout is already moving fast. Just days after the first teaser arrived, HBO has now announced a full behind-the-scenes special that will give fans an early look at how this new version of Hogwarts is coming together. That alone says a lot about how big a swing this show is for the studio. It also gives audiences a chance to see the craft side of the project before the series itself lands in 2027.
The special is called Finding Harry: The Craft Behind the Magic, and it will debut on Sunday, April 5 at 8:00 p.m. in the UK on HBO Max. In the U.S., it will hit HBO Max at 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT, before also airing on HBO later that evening at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. The synopsis can be found below.
It’s been 25 years since audiences first walked the hallowed halls of Hogwarts. Now, this exclusive special offers an inside look at the epic scale and meticulous care behind HBO’s new Harry Potter series – told through the lens of the artists, craftspeople, and technicians bringing J.K. Rowling’s beloved books to life for a new generation. Featuring interviews with members of the casting, production design, costume design, and creature effects teams, the special chronicles the extensive process behind finding our new Harry, Ron, and Hermione – while celebrating the awe-inspiring commitment to detail and immense talent that has come together to fill out this extraordinary world. With appearances from key cast members including John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, and Paapa Essiedu, and narrated by Nick Frost, FINDING HARRY: THE CRAFT BEHIND THE MAGIC explores the exciting new era of one of the most enduring stories of our time.
This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
Entertainment
“Age of Attraction ”star Pfeifer Hill explains why she skipped reunion: 'Protect your peace'
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/pfeifer-hill-natalie-joy-nick-viall-age-of-attraction-040226-a1c48e71a74a4a02943dfc2d264e6fc5.jpg)
“The Bachelor” franchise star Nick Viall hosted a podcast reunion on his “Viall Files” series.
Entertainment
Did Chicago Med Kill Off Oliver Platt’s Dr. Charles Before Finale?
Chicago Med is causing concern after putting a beloved character’s future at risk — but did they officially get killed off?
During the Wednesday, April 1, episode of the hit NBC series, Dr. Charles (Oliver Platt) has a difficult day when he tries to help someone who calls into the suicide hotline. The man reveals he’s holding a gun before disconnecting. With the case sent over to emergency services, Dr. Charles can’t follow up.
He then has a fight with his daughter, is accused of a patient of letting his emotional issues affect his work, got an official complaint raised again him and considering another job after an argument with Goodwin.
Dr. Charles ultimately has blurry vision and hallucinates his childhood. The final scene shows him on the ground while gasping for while, which left his health scare and future on the show unclear. Fans noted that the trailer for next week’s episode hinted at a stroke but it wasn’t confirmed if Dr. Charles died.
One Chicago fans have gotten used to seeing their favorite characters come and go from Chicago Fire, Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. over the years. After there were some questions about the franchise’s revolving door of cast members, NBC’s president of program planning Jeff Bader explained why he wasn’t concerned.
“Cast comes in, cast goes out,” Bader told TVLine in an interview published in July 2024. “It’s interesting. Because every year there are cast changes, and every year someone asks the same question about what’s going on within the One Chicago universe. But [those shows] just keep going on.”

Bader pointed out that each of the Chicago shows have continued to find success, adding, “We’re thrilled with how the Chicagos do on Wednesday. We have no plans on changing anything on that night.”
Elsewhere in the One Chicago universe, Dermot Mulroney surprised fans by departing Chicago Fire — for now.
A March episode of the hit NBC series showed Pascal having his position revoked after he previously disobeyed a federal agent’s order to stand down while collecting evidence at a house fire. Pascal was arrested, but despite the federal charges against him being dropped, his position was still in jeopardy.
Pascal ultimately confirmed to Firehouse 51 that he was told to vacate the position effective immediately. Amid the big professional change, Pascal considered retiring from firefighting but then shared that a former colleague in Phoenix offered to connect him with a firehouse in Arizona. It remained unclear what choice Pascal would make about his future.
“He’s been on the ropes,” Chicago Fire showrunner Andrea Newman told NBC Insider. “[The arrest] puts him in a situation, it’s kind of a journey for him from the beginning, where he really wasn’t connected to 51 as closely as the chiefs obviously we’ve seen in the past, like Boden.”
Newman continued: “So he makes the ultimate sacrifice for his team, for all the teams really in this episode, and it sends him in a totally different and new direction at the end here. And he’s gonna have to figure out if he’s going to fight and claw to get back to 51, or if he’s now going to be on a new path altogether.”
Chicago Med airs on NBC Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
Entertainment
Test Your Knowledge With the Collider Movie Quiz — April 2, 2026
Sometimes Hollywood knows exactly what old flick needs an update. Sometimes, they get it oh so wrong. Thumbs up or down on these remakes and reboots?
Be sure to sign in and track your day-to-day progress. Don’t forget that you can try today’s TV Quiz if you’re in the mood for another challenge, and you’ll always find all of our current and archived quizzes here.
Tomorrow, we’re going to wrap up the week with the MGM classic, The Wizard of Oz, so be sure to come back for that.
For today’s movie challenge, we’re looking at remakes and reboots. Whether we asked for them or not, these movies put a new spin on an existing story. It’s all about thoroughly monetizing that IP, baby! Scroll down for our feature presentation.
Entertainment
Howie Mandel doubles down on awkward semi-apology after snapping at Mark Consuelos, Kelly Ripa on air
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Live-With-Kelly-and-Mark-032526-2-796a0976997f41f798ceaa7022fe9cfb.jpg)
Mandel said it’s “up to you to discern” whether or not his apology video was genuine, after he snapped at Ripa and Consuelos on “Live With Kelly and Mark.”
Entertainment
Howie Mandel ‘Kinda’ Regrets Apologizing to Kelly Ripa
Howie Mandel has admitted that he has mixed feelings about apologizing to Kelly Ripa after their awkward interview on Live with Kelly and Mark.
“If somebody is offended [or] if somebody feels that I did wrong, then I apologize,” Mandel said on the Tuesday, March 31, episode of the “Hot Mics with Billy Bush” podcast. “I don’t believe in apologizing but, as I said in my post, which I kinda regret making the post, I don’t think you should apologize for a joke.”
The drama started on March 23 while Mandel was being interviewed by Ripa, 55, and her husband, Mark Consuelos, on Live. Ripa pointed out that Mandel recently celebrated his 70th birthday, before joking that his age “doesn’t make any sense.”
When Consuelos interjected that Mandel looked “great,” the comedian shot back, “I [do] look great. That doesn’t mean anything to me.”
The America’s Got Talent judge complained that he doesn’t like people commenting on his age because it always comes as “a caveat.”
“Because you tell someone you’re 70 and they go, ‘You look great,” he added.
Ripa tried to clarify that she wasn’t trying to say Mandel looked “great for 70,” before he interrupted again to declare, “It’s like saying you’re smart for a stupid person. ‘Oh, you look smart! You seem smart!’ I don’t look good.”
Mandel added later in the conversation, “Well, actually, before we go out, there’s, like, a mirror back there. … Honestly, now, I’ll be serious for a minute: I’m gorgeous. I am. I am.”
“You’re a thing of beauty,” Ripa quipped.

Howie Mandel in January 2025. Ethan Miller/Getty Images
The awkward interview clip quickly went viral, leading to Mandel making a public apology for the awkward moment a few days later.
“I have been debating for 48 hours whether I should make this post or not, and I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing,” he said via Instagram on Saturday, March 28. “Philosophically, I don’t believe that somebody who’s a comedian needs to apologize for a joke. It is a joke, it is meant as a joke, and it’s not meant to offend.”
Mandel pointed out, “You can not like it and, in all my years in the business, I haven’t ever publicly apologized for [a joke].”
Longtime Live With Kelly and Mark executive producer Michael Gelman poked fun at the controversy by replying to Mandel’s Instagram post, writing, “During these divided times, one thing we can all agree upon is that you do look great … for your age.”
The comic has made nearly 50 appearances on Live With Kelly and Mark and its previous iterations, dating back to 1995. He often guest hosted Live with Ripa following the departure of her original cohost, the late Regis Philbin, in November 2011. (Michael Strahan and Ryan Seacrest later landed the cohosting job alongside Ripa before Consuelos joined full time in 2023.)
-
Business7 days agoInstagram, YouTube Found Responsible for Teen’s Mental Health Struggle in Historic Ruling
-
NewsBeat6 days agoThe Story hosts event on Durham’s historic registers
-
Tech7 days agoIntercom’s new post-trained Fin Apex 1.0 beats GPT-5.4 and Claude Sonnet 4.6 at customer service resolutions
-
Sports6 days agoSweet Sixteen Game Thread: Tide vs Michigan
-
Entertainment3 days ago
Fans slam 'heartbreaking' Barbie Dream Fest convention debacle with 'cardboard cutout' experience
-
Entertainment5 days agoLana Del Rey Celebrates Her Husband’s 51st Birthday In New Post
-
Crypto World2 days ago
Dems press CFTC, ethics board on prediction-market insider trades
-
Crypto World18 hours agoGold Price Prediction: Worst Month in 17 Years fo Save Haven Rock
-
Tech4 days agoThe Pixel 10a doesn’t have a camera bump, and it’s great
-
Sports2 days agoTallest college basketball player ever, standing at 7-foot-9, entering transfer portal
-
Tech2 days agoEE TV is using AI to help you find something to watch
-
Fashion4 days agoAmazon Sundays: Soft Spring Layers
-
Tech3 days agoApple will hide your email address from apps and websites, but not cops
-
Tech2 days agoFlipsnack and the shift toward motion-first business content with living visuals
-
Tech2 days agoHow to back up your iPhone & iPad to your Mac before something goes wrong
-
Politics3 days agoShould Trump Be Scared Strait?
-
Crypto World3 days agoU.S. rule change may open trillions in 401(k) funds to crypto
-
Fashion7 days agoEn Vogue in Brown Leather and Tailored Neutrals by Atelier Savoir, Styled by J Bolin
-
Fashion7 days agoWhat Are Your Favorite T-Shirts for the Weekend?
-
Business6 days agoChinese universities with military links bought Super Micro servers with restricted AI chips







You must be logged in to post a comment Login