By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 12 seconds ago

Pop quiz, media nerds: what’s the cheapest kind of television episode to produce? The answer is a bottle episode. These are the ones that use limited sets and characters and are made almost exclusively to save money. Such episodes are very common in Star Trek because they help to free up the budget for more ambitious episodes. That is, when producers save money making an episode on the cheap, they have more funds available for, say, an effects-heavy episode featuring villains like the Borg.

Early on in Star Trek: Voyager, one of the cheapest episodes was “Twisted,” which has something of a notorious reputation. Robert Picardo called it the worst episode of the entire series, and he badmouthed it at a convention so much that fans thought it might never even air. As a bottle episode, it did get one thing mostly right: it was cheaper to produce than many other series. However, in an ironic “twist,” the episode required pioneering some cutting-edge computer effects that ultimately made “Twisted” more expensive than the studio would have liked.

Star Trek: The Next Picasso

“Twisted” is pretty weird, even by Voyager standards. When Voyager passes through a weird energy field, it somehow changes the interior of the ship. Nothing is where it should be anymore, and characters wander the ship trying to find familiar locations. Most of the bridge crew ended up back in the holodeck, where they had been celebrating Kes’s birthday. When all their attempts to fix the problem fail, Tuvok suggests simply doing nothing. Surprisnly enough, his idea works. The ship safely passes through the energy field, which the crew discovers was actually a sentient alien lifeform.

Since “Twisted” was designed as a bottle episode, why did it require major computer effects? It all came down to the producers trying to figure out how to represent the distortion waves of the alien energy field on the inside of Voyager. Basically, both the ship and its interiors needed to be manipulated in three-dimensional models, something that was extremely rare for Star Trek: Voyager. It was also rare for television in general, as most ‘90s TV shows had neither the need nor the budget to pull something like this off. While the work was time-consuming, it paid off, and the cool visual effects are arguably the best things about this entire episode.

First: Do No Arm

One of the neater effects in “Twisted” was handled by Digital Magic, a special effects company created to handle postproduction of Star Trek episodes. The effect in question involved Captain Janeway’s left arm being affected by the alien energy field’s distortion waves. To make the shot work, Digital Magic filmed Kate Mulgrew’s arm against a blue screen. They ultimately ended up creating multiple composite versions of the shot before settling on a final version that provided some cool facial distortion, selling the idea that nobody on the ship was safe from this creepy cosmic phenomenon.

While “Twisted” isn’t the worst bottle episode in Star Trek history (that dubious honor goes to the Next Generation episode “Shades of Gray”), it’s pretty forgettable in almost every respect. It has a fairly nonsensical story, poor pacing, and bad characterization (Neelix’s jealousy is so obnoxious that showrunner Michael Piller made it his mission to save the character!). However, the episode has some of the coolest and most innovative effects in the first few seasons of Voyager, which help carry this stinker of a story across the finish line for anyone with a taste for cool visuals.

A judge has lifted the no contact order against Kendra Duggar and she is now able to reunite with the unnamed victims per their request, Us Weekly can confirm.

According to court documents obtained by Us, Kendra, 27, entered a not guilty plea on Thursday, April 23, in her case against the State of Arkansas. Kendra’s lawyer submitted a motion to dissolve the no contact order against the unnamed victims — which was placed in March — on April 17.

The docs claimed the alleged victims “have expressed a desire to have contact” with her as she “complied” with the order’s terms.

That same day, a judge signed off on the request and dissolved the order.

Related: Can Joseph Duggar Contact His Kids After His Release From Jail?

Joseph Duggar’s release from jail has come with stipulations amid his child molestation case. Duggar, 31, has been ordered to have “no contact with the victim,” who accused him of sexually abusing her when she was 9 years old, according to online records viewed by Us Weekly on Wednesday, April 1. Additionally, he cannot have […]

“It is further ordered that the Arkansas Department of Human Services is authorized to supervise, communicate and facilitate reunification between the Defendant and the individuals previously covered in the no contact order,” read the judge’s ruling.

TMZ was first to report the news.

Us has reached out to Kendra’s lawyer for comment.

Last month, Kendra was arrested days after husband Joseph Duggar was taken into custody on molestation charges. (Joseph was accused of sexual abuse from a teen girl who was 9 years old at the time of the alleged incident. He has since pleaded not guilty and released after posting a $600,000 bond.)

Both Kendra and Joseph were charged with four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor in the second degree and four counts of false imprisonment in the second degree. Kendra was released that same day on a $1,470 bond.

Kendra’s endangerment arrest is not related to Joseph’s case. A spokesperson for the Duggar family told Us in a statement, “[Kendra’s] is a misdemeanor charge totally unrelated to the Florida case.”

A source claimed to Us that “one precipitated the other.”

“After his charge, they automatically do a home study if minors live there. They came to her house,” the insider said at the time. “Apparently, they had two rooms where the lock of the doorknob was on the outside instead of inside. They arrested her and took her kids for that, saying it’s evidence that she wrongly detains her kids.”

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Related: Kendra Duggar’s Terms of Release Revealed After Child Endangerment Arrest

The conditions for Kendra Duggar’s release from jail have been revealed following her recent arrest on child endangerment charges. Us Weekly has obtained Duggar’s conditional release form from the Washington County Detention Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, which was issued on March 20. Kendra was booked on four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor […]

Joseph and Kendra have since been reunited following his release from jail. The couple, who wed in 2017, share four children. Kendra’s family broke their silence on Joseph’s arrest earlier this month.

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“Our family is both troubled and heartbroken over the alleged actions committed by our son-in-law,” the statement read. “We are devastated for the young girl, a child who was courageous in every way to share her truth. We stand by her, both in support and prayer, and forever will. Our love for this child remains at the forefront of our family’s priorities and minds.”

Amid Joseph and Kendra’s legal woes, Kendra’s family have remained by the pair’s side. The family launched a GoFundMe page which was raising funds for “moving expenses [and] housing costs such as rent.”

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.

Sally Field has spent decades choosing roles that dig into something true about human experience. In a rare interview, the actress looked back on one famous part she turned down — Annie Paradis in 1996’s First Wives Club — and explained why another, Mrs. Doubtfire, still resonates with families more than 30 years later.

Field didn’t mince words about her decision to pass on First Wives Club.

“I loved all those actors,” Field told Parade in an interview published April 25. “But I did turn it down.”

Sally Field Says ‘First Wives Club’ Was a Role She Just Couldn’t Do

The reason was philosophical. For Field, the film’s premise didn’t reflect the kinds of stories she believed women deserved.

“I have always had a problem with older women either wanting to get a date or looking to, like, you know, have more sex with their husband,” she said. “I just feel like there’s more for women to say, so that was just never my cup of tea.”

Related: Sally Field Through the Years: Film and TV Roles, Marriages and More

One of the greats! Sally Field has tackled a variety of roles throughout her career, from boy-crazy surfers to educated First Ladies. “She dared this town to typecast her, and then simply broke through every dogmatic barrier to find her own way — not to stardom, which I imagine she’d decry, but to great roles […]

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First Wives Club, based on the 1992 novel, follows three college friends who reunite at the funeral of a fourth friend who died by suicide after being abandoned by her husband for a younger woman. All three discover they share the same experience — each has been divorced by a husband who left for a younger partner. Rather than staying hurt, they form a pact and set out to get even. Their plan isn’t just petty revenge — it’s about exposing their exes’ hypocrisy, reclaiming their self-worth and rediscovering independence. Along the way, they use clever schemes to undermine their exes socially and financially.

As the plot unfolds, the women realize revenge alone isn’t enough. They shift toward empowerment and solidarity, ultimately using their resources to support other women in similar situations. The film mixes humor with a message about aging, sexism, friendship and personal reinvention — and famously ends with a joyful performance of “You Don’t Own Me,” celebrating their renewed confidence.

That musical finale presented its own obstacle for Field.

“I couldn’t have done that role, because I don’t sing and they all do at the end.”

Diane Keaton ultimately landed the role of Annie, with Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Stockard Channing, Dan Hedaya, Victor Garber, Stephen Collins, Sarah Jessica Parker, Elizabeth Berkley and Marcia Gay Harden rounding out the cast. The film scored an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Musical or Comedy Score.

Field held no regrets about the casting.

“I would never have been as good. I mean, it was absolutely right for Keaton — not for me,” Field remarked.

Keaton died on October 11, 2025, at age 79 from primary bacterial pneumonia.

Why ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ Still Hits Home for Fans of Sally Field

Though Field passed on First Wives Club, her résumé
speaks for itself — from early roles in Gidget and The Flying Nun to Norma Rae, Steel Magnolias, Forrest Gump and more, she’s had a lifetime full of big hits. It’s 1993’s Mrs. Doubtfire that Field believes still carries a quietly powerful message.

The family comedy-drama stars the late Robin Williams as Daniel Hillard, a divorced father who can’t stand being separated from his kids. After losing custody, he comes up with a wild plan — disguising himself as an elderly British nanny named Mrs. Doubtfire to get hired in his ex-wife’s home and secretly spend time with his children. As the double life grows more complicated, Daniel struggles to keep his identity hidden while learning hard truths about responsibility, parenting and why his marriage fell apart. Field plays his ex-wife, who grows more independent, adding tension until Daniel can no longer hide who he really is.

Also starring Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, Lisa Jakub, Matthew Lawrence and Mara Wilson, the film has endured as a family favorite. Field isn’t surprised.

“The movie is about something really valid and important,” she told Parade in a story published April 26. “It’s a lot of laughter, but it’s about the difficulties of divorce for children and how ultimately, the mom and the dad can get divorced and the kids will still be OK. Kids need to know this — they need to know that sometimes divorce is the very best thing because sometimes when moms and dads feel they need to stay together for the kids, it’s a bad message.”

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That insight — that a comedy can carry a truth children need to hear — helps explain why the film endures. It isn’t just funny. It names something families live through and tells them the outcome can be OK.

Related: ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

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Help is on the way! Mrs. Doubtfire hit screens in November 1993 and became an instant classic beloved by families everywhere. Based on Anne Fine‘s 1987 novel Alias Madame Doubtfire, the comedy follows voice actor Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams), whose wife, Miranda (Sally Field), files for divorce because she thinks he’s unreliable. In order to […]

What’s Next for Sally Field?

Field’s next project follows her instinct for stories about unexpected connections. In Remarkably Bright Creatures, an adaptation of the novel by Shelby Van Pelt, she plays Tova, a lonely widow working the night shift at an aquarium who forms an unusual bond with a clever octopus named Marcellus. As their connection deepens, the story weaves together Tova’s grief, a young man searching for his past and a mystery that gradually brings their lives together.

The film also stars Meghan Heffern, Lewis Pullman, Colm Meaney, Joan Chen, Kathy Baker, Beth Grant, Sofia Black-D’Elia, Laura Harris and Alfred Molina. It will be released by Netflix on May 8.

After another impressive weekend at the box office, there is no doubt which movie is the one to beat in 2026. Hoping to follow the $1.3 billion blockbuster success of 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the recent sequel, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, has taken another step closer to reaching the billion-dollar threshold. At the box office this past weekend, the sequel soared to even greater heights, earning another $21 million in the U.S. alone, which marked a drop of just 42%, its lowest weekend drop so far.

This impressive fourth weekend has helped take The Super Mario Galaxy Movie to $831 million worldwide, split between a domestic haul of $386 million and a further $445 million from overseas markets. By quite some distance, this is the highest-grossing movie of 2026 so far worldwide, although there are several major releases to come this year likely to prove more financially fruitful. This success is impressive, albeit expected, especially when considering the star-power part of the Mario Galaxy ensemble. Returning for the sequel are Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, and Jack Black, with the franchise welcoming newcomers Glen Powell, Brie Larson, and Donald Glover.

As the video game adaptation sequel keeps climbing the box office ranks, it continues to surpass world-famous projects from some of the biggest cinematic franchises. Thanks to last weekend, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has now out-grossed the final chapter in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King, at the U.S. box office. This follows the Lord of the Rings re-release earlier this year, which itself helped nudge the trilogy past some eye-catching box office milestones.

There’s a New Box Office Champion

Telling the competition to “Beat It” this past weekend was the debut of Michael, Antoine Fuqua’s long-awaited musical biopic about the King of Pop. Overtaking the likes of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and the Ryan Gosling-led sci-fi flick Project Hail Mary, Michael has already made box office history in just a couple of days by scoring the biggest opening ever for a biopic. Already, the movie has surpassed the $215 million mark worldwide and is sure to be one of 2026’s highest-grossing movies.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is available to watch in theaters now. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

April 1, 2026

Runtime

98 Minutes

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Director

Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Pierre Leduc, Fabien Polack

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Writers

Matthew Fogel

Producers

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Chris Meledandri, Shigeru Miyamoto

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Megan Thee Stallion’s breakup with Klay Thompson has taken another dramatic turn, with fresh rumors dragging a WNBA star into the middle of the controversy. 

As speculation spread online, Seattle Storm player Lexie Brown quickly stepped forward to clear her name. 

While the rapper has already spoken out about why she ended things, the situation has only grown messier, with cheating accusations, viral claims, and social media chatter fueling even more attention around the high-profile split.

The fallout from Megan Thee Stallion’s breakup didn’t take long to spiral online, especially after Lexie Brown’s name unexpectedly entered the conversation.

According to Us Weekly, the Seattle Storm guard directly addressed the rumors in a public statement on Instagram Stories, writing, “I’ve seen what’s being said online, and I want to be clear, none of it is true, and I have no involvement in this situation.” 

The 31-year-old also made it clear that she wanted no part in the drama, adding, “This week marks the start of an important and exciting new season for me, and my focus is fully on that.”

Her response came after online chatter suggested she had been involved with the Dallas Mavericks star while he was still with Megan. 

Megan Accuses Thompson Of Cheating

While rumors swirled, Megan Thee Stallion had already made her position clear regarding the breakup.

As The Blast reported, the Grammy winner confirmed she ended the relationship herself, explaining, “I’ve made the decision to end my relationship with Klay.” 

Megan emphasized her values, adding, “Trust, fidelity and respect are non-negotiable for me in a relationship, and when those values are compromised, there’s no real path forward.”

She also shared that she is stepping back to focus on herself, saying, “I’m taking this time to prioritize myself and move ahead with peace and clarity.” 

Before her official statement, she had hinted at deeper issues in a fiery Instagram Stories post.

“Cheating, had me around your whole family playing house… got ‘cold feet’ Holding you down through all your HORRIBLE mood swings and treatment towards me during your basketball season now you don’t know if you can be ‘monogamous’???? b*tch I need a REAL break after this one .. bye yall,” she wrote.

The online frenzy intensified after claims from an X user surfaced suggesting Lexie Brown had shared private messages involving Klay Thompson.

According to the rumors, she was allegedly sharing messages between her and Thompson supposedly claiming the NBA star was dating the rapper “for social media.” 

“Apparently she was posting on her close friends messages between Klay and her and that klay was telling her his and Megan’s relationship is just for social media,” the tweet read.

However, the account that initially pushed the story has since gone private, raising questions about its credibility. 

Further fueling speculation were claims that Brown and Thompson had recently followed each other online. However, as of April 27, that connection did not exist.

Angel Reese Speaks About Megan And Thompson’s Breakup

Brown isn’t the only WNBA star to weigh in on the Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson breakup. 

As The Blast reported, Angel Reese, who is gearing up for her third season, publicly shared her thoughts.

Taking to X, Reese showed support for the rapper with a heartfelt message that quickly went viral. 

In her post, Reese wrote, “It’s the way you show up even while carrying so much—that’s what makes you THAT girl,” 

She added, You always have a little sister riding for you… I love you, sister.” 

Reese’s comments sparked hundreds of reactions from fans, many of whom showed support to Megan for not tolerating disrespect.

Megan Thee Stallion And Klay Thompson’s Romance Once Seemed Strong

The breakup stands in sharp contrast to how public and affectionate their relationship once appeared. 

Megan and Thompson first sparked dating rumors last summer after he appeared in the background of one of her vacation photos. 

Not long after, they confirmed their romance publicly, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about celebrity couples.

Their relationship seemed to progress rapidly. At one point, the “WAP” rapper shared an Instagram post featuring two hands forming a heart while holding keys, with a modern home visible in the background. 

Fans speculated that the couple had taken a major step, possibly moving in together. They also shared playful moments online, including a viral video where Megan encouraged Thompson to try on an outfit before he strutted in it as music played. 

The clip ended with her dancing on him as he smiled, reinforcing the image of a fun and close relationship.

Sometimes it’s more difficult to dress for a casual day than for a fancy occasion. But Jessica Alba just gave us a spring outfit formula that’s more elevated than wearing jeans or leggings. You might not think to wear high-waisted trousers on the weekends, but hear us out: They’re just as comfortable yet more stylish.

Alba’s cool-mom outfit was spotted as she was leaving the Beverly Hills Hotel. Her trousers look just like the Nimin High-Waisted Work Pants on Amazon, which means you can get that effortlessly put-together look, too. The actress and Honest Company founder paired her straight-leg pants with a white tank top, a white, unbuttoned button-up shirt, white sneakers, a brown designer bag and sunglasses.

Get the Nimin High-Waisted Work Pants for $39 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

You might not think of work pants as being the most comfortable bottoms, but you won’t say that after trying this Amazon find. Although they don’t have an elastic waistband, the 8% spandex makes the fabric easy to wear without losing its structure. The pleated pocket area and relaxed straight-leg silhouette are all the makings of a flattering option.

Related: Gisele Bundchen’s Office Trousers Look Is So Chic — And Like Sweats

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If squeezing into dress pants has you dreading it the night before, same. But Gisele Bündchen‘s latest trouser style is honestly a life hack. It makes you look professional while feeling like you’re in loungewear . . . because you basically are. These pants are something between polished slacks and comfy sweats, making them the workwear […]

What we love about the Nimin work pants is that there is a range of sizes, including short, regular and long inseams. The apricot color is a similar spring-ready hue to Alba’s tan pair, but it also comes in a range of other neutrals. No matter what color you choose, these pants can be dressed up for the office or dressed down for hanging out around town.

Amazon shoppers agree that these pants look more expensive than they are and are comfortable for all-day wear (even on an airplane).

“Absolutely love these pants! So comfortable and can dress up for work or down with some sneakers and a jean jacket. They are very stretchy and not cheap material,” one five-star reviewer shared.

“I LOVE these pants and plan to buy in multiple colors. Bought these for a trip to Europe. Wore them on the plane (nine hours), layover tour of Paris and subsequent travel to Spain. They were comfortable and still looked good at the end of it (better than I did!),” a happy shopper wrote.

Elevating your everyday look can be as easy as upgrading just one item in your outfit. Copying Alba’s formula isn’t a bad place to start!

Get the Nimin High-Waisted Work Pants for $39 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more work pants here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Related: Airy Linen Work Pants Will Be Your BFF This Spring and Summer

Your work wardrobe is ever evolving, transitioning with fashion trends, dress codes and seasons alike. And while you probably already have your go-to slacks down pat, you might want to give them a rest for the spring and summer months when temps heat up. Those heavy options just won’t do it, which is why investing […]

Here’s a rundown of Us Weekly‘s top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on April 27, 2026. Here are key takeaways:

• Steven McBee Jr. accuses girlfriend of cheating: The McBee Dynasty star accused girlfriend Allie Eklund of cheating at the Stagecoach Music Festival, saying he woke up to DMs, phone calls and videos of Eklund with another man at an afterparty. McBee, 33, indicated the relationship is over, while Eklund later denied the allegations in a separate social media post.

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• Jason Kelce shows off weight loss: The retired Eagles center displayed a noticeably slimmer figure during a Waffle House stop in Pell City, Alabama, while in town for a surprise pit crew appearance at Talladega Superspeedway. Kelce told Us Weekly in May 2025 he was down to about 270 pounds from his playing weight of 295.

• Heather Locklear and Lorenzo Lamas go public: The pair made their first appearance as a couple at the 2026 Chiller Theatre Expo in New Jersey on April 26, two weeks after Lamas’ rep confirmed to Us Weekly that the two “are seeing each other.”

Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance

Resurfaced magazine clippings of Brooke Shields as a pre-teen are reigniting uncomfortable questions about how she was portrayed at the start of her career.

The unearthed material shows the young star being described in ways many now view as inappropriate, including comments that framed her as having “the face of a gorgeous woman” and the ability to drive men “crazy.” The renewed attention also brings fresh scrutiny to her controversial Calvin Klein campaign, which Shields has since said she didn’t fully understand at the time.

For decades, Shields has been linked to a complicated mix of innocence and provocation, particularly after starring in the 1978 film “Pretty Baby.” In the movie, she played a child living in a 1917 New Orleans brothel, a role that drew intense scrutiny, given she was just 12 years old at the time.

That scrutiny only intensified in the early ’80s, when a 15-year-old Shields fronted a controversial Calvin Klein jeans campaign. The ad featured the now-infamous line, “You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing.” Many interpreted this as a sexual innuendo, suggesting she wasn’t wearing underwear, which sparked widespread backlash.

Resurfaced Magazine Clippings Paint An Even Darker Picture

Resurfaced magazine features are shedding new light on how Shields was portrayed as a child at the height of her early fame.

In a widely shared excerpt of the clippings on Reddit, a writer described being “shocked by the child who drives men crazy,” while also labeling her an “up-and-coming fast sex symbol.” Another headline referred to her as “America’s Newest Sexy Kid Star” while promoting her role in “Pretty Baby.”

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A separate feature went even further, calling Shields the “world’s youngest sex symbol” and remarking that the then-12-year-old had “the body of a child and the face of a gorgeous woman.”

Online Reactions Condemn Brooke Shields Coverage

The resurfaced material has drawn strong reactions online, with many questioning how such coverage was ever approved in the first place.

“The words ‘sexy’ and ‘kid’ should never appear in the same sentence. What the f–k was that?” one Reddit user wrote.

Another commenter argued that those responsible for publishing such headlines should be held accountable, calling the coverage “abhorrent” and suggesting it crossed into exploitation.

A third added, “Goodness, she came out alive and still intact. The poor girl was exploited. Horrible parents/mother.”

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Shields Reflects On Controversial Calvin Klein Ad

In a 2021 interview with Vogue, Shields looked back on her role in the controversial Calvin Klein campaign directed by Richard Avedon, revealing that the brand had initially approached her mother.

“She was like, ‘Do you want to put on these jeans and do this commercial?’” Shields recalled.

At the time, she said she didn’t fully grasp the significance of the brand, but was excited by the opportunity to work with Avedon, whose creative vision appealed to her. She also described the shoot as demanding, requiring numerous takes and precise direction.

“Nobody was allowed on set,” she said. “Because it was Avedon’s first foray into the commercial world, I think he was pretty nervous. Stakes were pretty high, and I think there was a lot of pressure. We did multiple, multiple takes of everything.”

Brooke Shields Admits She Didn’t Anticipate The Backlash

Shields has since admitted she wasn’t prepared for the intense backlash and media scrutiny that followed the campaign, explaining that she never viewed the now-infamous tagline as suggestive at the time.

“I was away when they came out, and then I started hearing that the commercials were being banned,” she recalled. “The paparazzi would scream at me and my mother, ‘How could you!’ It just struck me as so ridiculous.”

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Shields added that she didn’t interpret the ad as sexual, describing herself as “naive” and far less aware than people assumed.

“I didn’t think it was about underwear or sexual in nature,” the actress said. “I think the assumption was that I was much more savvy than I ever really was. I was a virgin, and I was a virgin forever after that.”

Despite the controversy, Shields noted that the campaign ultimately proved successful.

“The controversy backfired. The campaign was extremely successful, and then the underwear overtook the jeans,” she said. “[Calvin Klein] understood how to push the envelope. It set the tone for decades.”

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By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 35 seconds ago

The dense, interconnected world of Stargate supports three series, SG-1, Atlantis, and Universe, with another on the way so that fans can handle a little bit of awkward worldbuilding. For example, let’s say an early Season 1 episode introduces a friendly species capable of turning the tide against the Goa’uld with advanced technology that breaks the dimensional barrier and can even resurrect the dead. Then they do nothing. Ever.

That’s the Nox, a race so frustrating that even the SG-1 team comments on it in-universe. Yes, O’Neill, a lesson was learned: the Nox are useless. 

Hide And Seek Champions Of The Galaxy

“The Nox” is Season 1 Episode 7, notable for being the first appearance of the Nox and the first time Stargate Command stumbles across an advanced civilization that can rival the Goa’uld. The episode begins with the team coming across Apophis (Peter Williams) on the planet Gaia. Both groups are hunting down a strange creature that can turn invisible. In the process, Apophis kills the SG-1 team when, to reach the next plot beat, they forget all of their tactical training.

Like random ninjas in a martial arts movie, the team attacks Apophis one by one, easily overwhelmed after his personal force field deflects bullets. Sure would be convenient if they could all be returned from the dead after the commercial break. 

That’s our introduction to the Nox, an advanced species that can restore life to the dead, turn animals invisible to protect them from predators, and, as we learn at the end, hide a floating city. Their leader, Anteaus (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s Quark, Armin Shimerman), espouses their philosophy of non-intervention and no killing; even if someone is threatening their life, they won’t kill.

A Goa’uld kills Anteaus’ wife, Lya, and the alien’s reaction is, again, to bring her to life. They won’t give the SG-1 team back their weapons to you know, defend the Nox against the Goa’uld, because that would make too much sense. 

Jack O’Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) points out they’re now unarmed, and Apophis is invulnerable, but he has a theory. Working together again, the team, Carter (Amanda Tapping), Jackson (Michael Shanks), and Teal’c (Christopher Judge) take out all of Apophis’ personal guard, setting up O’Neill to take a shot with a bow and arrow, assuming that a slow-moving projectile can penetrate the energy shield that deflects bullets and energy weapons.

We never know if this is correct, as Anteaus intervenes and makes Apophis disappear. Notably, he doesn’t kill him, allowing the villain to return over and over, continuing to kill across the galaxy. Great work from the enlightened alien species. It’s easy to be a pacifist and non-interventionist when you can return the dead to life.

Stargate’s Most Frustrating Alien Species

We learn later that the Nox are one of the Four Great Races, alongside the Ancients, Asgardians, and Furlings. Together, the four would work to maintain peace and order across the galaxy. They failed, spectacularly in the case of the Furlings (whom, notably, we never see leading to one of the great gags in “Wormhole X-Treme”), and even then, the Nox refuse to help clean up the mess that is the Goa’uld. 

You’d think that this would eventually lead to Stargate Command convincing the Nox to join the fight against the System Lords in a thrilling climax that reveals a war-winning weapon, kept invisible until the exact moment it takes the Goa’uld off guard. That never happens.

The Nox make two more appearances during the entire franchise. Turns out the ultra-powerful space Amish, good at only hiding, doesn’t translate to exciting stories. “Nox” is one of the most frustrating episodes of Stargate SG-1’s first season, and upon rewatching it, it only gets more frustrating. 

If multi-season shows are too much of a commitment, miniseries — especially those on Prime Video — are a great alternative. They’re ideal for viewers with limited time or anyone who wants a complete story without keeping up with multiple seasons. With a tight run of three to eight episodes, these series are designed to deliver strong plots within an allotted timeframe.

Contrary to popular belief, that limitation doesn’t weaken the storytelling. If anything, it sharpens the focus, pushing showrunners to make every moment count and avoid filler. What viewers get are stories that are worth watching right from the beginning to the end. With that in mind, here are the Prime Video miniseries that are perfect from start to finish.

‘Dead Ringers’ (2023)

Image via Prime Video

Inspired by David Cronenberg‘s 1988 movie of the same name, Dead Ringers follows twin gynecologists Beverly (Rachel Weisz) and Elliot Mantle (Weisz) in Manhattan, who literally share everything. Driven to open their own experimental birthing center, the two receive the financial backing of billionaire Rebecca Parker (Jennifer Ehle). However, their unethical fertility research goes into frenzy. It doesn’t help that the two sisters are just inches away from tearing each other apart due to the trauma from Beverly’s repeated miscarriages and Elliot’s sociopathic tendencies.

It’s always impressive when the same actress plays twins on screen. The point of Dead Ringers isn’t to determine which twin is “better,” but to explore why they behave the way they do — a nuance Weisz delivers through a detailed character study. It’s one thing to build chemistry with another actor, but it’s an entirely different challenge to do it with yourself. On a broader scale, the miniseries critiques the medical industry’s shortcomings, particularly the questionable ethics surrounding women’s reproductive health and infertility.

‘Swarm’ (2023)

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Stan culture turns sinister in Swarm. Dre (Dominique Fishback) is a young woman who, just like any other person her age, is a huge fan of pop star Ni’Jah (Nirine S. Brown). However, her parasocial love for the Beyoncé-like figure goes sideways when she murders someone for insulting the singer. The series then follows Dre as her obsession literally takes her on a journey: from Ni’Jah’s house in Houston to Ni’Jah’s concert in Atlanta — not without a few devotion killings in between.

It’s one thing to be part of a fandom, but Swarm is more than just a simple story about an overzealous fan. Beneath Dre’s string of bloody murders is someone deeply hurt — someone who never learned a healthy way to cope with trauma. She may be difficult to root for, given her behavior. Swarm shows that sometimes, people are in the fandom not necessarily because of the pop star itself, but because it’s a form of escape.

‘I’m a Virgo’ (2023)

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Coming-of-age becomes larger-than-life in I’m a Virgo. Cootie (Jharrel Jerome) isn’t just like any other 19-year-old. For one, there’s his height, which is a staggering 13 feet tall. Because of his physique, his aunt and uncle keep him hidden in Oakland, fearing that someone would exploit him. Having been sheltered for most of his life, Cootie finally breaks out of his comfort zone, learning to embrace a world that sees him differently.

In a way, I’m a Virgo is a surreal, superhero story. Although Cootie doesn’t fit the conventional hero mold, he embodies the spirit in his own way. Aware of the responsibility that comes with his immense size, he feels compelled to confront the injustices he sees around him. At the same time, his sheltered upbringing shapes him into a gentle giant — both curious about the world’s wonders and easily frightened by its smallest details.

‘The English’ (2022)

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No woman is safe in the wild, wild West. The English follows Lady Cornelia Locke (Emily Blunt), an Englishwoman who arrives in the American West in 1890 seeking revenge on the man she blames for her son’s death. Along the way, she meets Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer), a Pawnee ex-cavalry scout traveling to Nebraska to claim land promised for her military service. As they journey together, they discover a shared past that forces them to confront the brutal realities of the frontier.

The English stays true to Western storytelling by relying on showing rather than telling. It also examines how privilege loses its power in these lands. Money can only guarantee so much, and as a woman in a hypermasculine world, Cornelia’s wealth offers limited protection. At the same time, the series portrays Native characters like Whipp with a grounded, spiritual connection to the land, shaped by deep-rooted grievances over its dispossession.

‘A Very English Scandal’ (2018)

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Based on John Preston‘s book, A Very English Scandal dramatizes the real-life Thorpe affair. At a time when homosexuality was illegal in Britain, Liberal MP Jeremy Thorpe (Hugh Grant) chose to pursue an illicit relationship with stable boy Norman Scott (Ben Whishaw). As Thorpe’s political ambitions grow, he tries to keep Scott under wraps, but secrecy isn’t enough. Scott must be silenced, which leads to a failed murder plot and a 1979 trial for conspiracy.

A Very English Scandal questions who the victim is in situations like this. In a perfect world, the two could have pursued their same-sex relationship openly without repercussions. However, because Thorpe is an upper-class public figure and a target of the ravenous English press, his romance ultimately means little. At the end of the day, the privileged tend to prioritize their image to protect their interests — and no matter how “real” the relationship was, Scott, as a working-class man, matters less to Thorpe.

‘Daisy Jones & The Six’ (2023)

A rock ‘n roll story of the ages, Daisy Jones & The Six is the television parallel of A Star is Born. Set in 1977, the miniseries follows a rock band from the pits of obscurity to the peaks of popularity. Much of their fame comes from the constantly feuding singers, Daisy Jones (Riley Keough) and Billy Dunne (Sam Claflin). The two might fight a lot, but it definitely drives the band’s record sales — that is, until the two call it quits at a sold-out show at Chicago’s Soldier Field. Decades later, the band reunites to recount what went wrong.

Fans of Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham, rejoice. With Fleetwood Mac‘s chemistry serving as the backbone of the original book behind the television miniseries, Daisy Jones & The Six is no less burning with passion (which Nicks herself has acknowledged). There’s a constant push-and-pull that drives the miniseries, made even more complicated as their hearts are tied to their shared artistry. There’s a difference between making music as bandmates and as lovers — and when the two collide, it affects not only those in the relationship but everyone around them as well.

‘The Underground Railroad’ (2021)

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Set in the 1800s, The Underground Railroad follows Cora Randall (Thuso Mbedu), an enslaved woman on a Georgia plantation, who escapes with newcomer Caesar Garner (Aaron Pierre) using a literal underground train hidden beneath the South. With the help of conductors and secret tunnels, they travel through dangerous slave states toward the North and Canada, constantly hunted. Based on the real abolitionist network of safe houses and routes, The Underground Railroad is a historical truth swept in magic realism, bringing out the fragility of their promise of freedom.

Such is the nature of historical dramas, especially those about American slavery — there’s often a tendency to over-sensationalize trauma for shock value. However, The Underground Railroad feels no need to do that. Thanks to its miniseries format, it creates layered stories that touch on the complexity of the era. Even as the main characters are hunted, it never fully turns into a thriller. Much of the priority goes into unpacking their backgrounds, and helping audiences understand the people who lived through this period.

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The Underground Railroad

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Release Date

2021 – 2021-00-00

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Network

Amazon Prime Video

Showrunner

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Barry Jenkins

Directors

Barry Jenkins

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