It’s often hard for television to get the romance genre quite right. Most series tend to be cheesy and predictable, which can sometimes make them feel unrealistic. However, when a romance depicts love in all its messy glory, it becomes so much more watchable. One romantic drama limited series, which aired six years ago, is actually a gorgeous representation of love and the heartaches that go along with it.

What Is ‘Normal People’ About?

Normal People first premiered on Hulu back in April 2020, while the world was in the thick of a pandemic, so it’s possible you missed checking it out. If that’s the case, the 12-episode drama makes for a perfect binge-watch. Adapted from the 2018 Sally Rooney novel of the same name, Normal People follows the complicated relationship between Marianne Sheridan (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal). The two first meet in high school in County Sligo, Ireland, but they couldn’t be more different.

Marianne comes from a wealthy family, yet totally lacks love and support. She’s a complete outcast and seems too shy to connect with anyone. Connell was raised by his single mother, Lorraine (Sarah Greene), and is basically the king of the school. He’s a fantastic student and athlete, and contrasts sharply with Marianne’s isolated world. The two cross paths while Lorraine is working as the Sheridan family’s cleaner, but what unfolds is a twisty, pain-fueled relationship. Throughout the series, Marianne and Connell come together and drift apart as they experience mental health struggles and a world that seems destined to keep them apart.

‘Normal People’s Incredible Cast Makes It a Must-Watch Romantic Drama

Normal People becomes a must-watch show because of the many elements that set it apart from other romantic dramas. The setting in Ireland (and Sweden later on) provides the series with a unique backdrop that instantly makes the storytelling feel far from commonplace. As Marianne and Connell’s relationship progresses, there is a quiet intensity and intimacy that permeates each scene. Whether they’re sharing affection, getting into screaming fights, or going their separate ways, Normal People effectively illustrates all the heartache that comes with young love. The series also highlights class struggles and mental health stigma, while always portraying how hard it can be to be human. With a thread of violence and heartbreak, Normal People isn’t always a breeze to watch, but it never fails to take your breath away with its brutal honesty.

It’s easy to see how Normal People could have fallen apart in the hands of less talented leads. The material is complex and intense, but Edgar-Jones and Mescal only elevate it with their performances. Edgar-Jones has starred in several projects, including Under the Banner of Heaven, Where the Crawdads Sing, and Twisters, but in Normal People, her true breakout role, she brings a broken vulnerability to Marianne that feels painful and real. Mescal has since been nominated for an Oscar for his role in 2022’s Aftersun and stole the spotlight in last year’s Hamnet, but Normal People still remains one of the best showcases for his immense talent. Unsurprisingly, he was nominated for an Emmy for his work in Normal People, and his crackling chemistry with Edgar-Jones is undeniable. Greene, who is also one of the best parts of Apple TV’s Bad Sisters, effectively portrays a mother fighting to raise her child with a conscience, and her performance helps give the series even more gravitas.

Normal People earned a total of four Emmy nominations for its narrative that emphasizes the desperation, longing, and frustration of love. With an impressive 91% Rotten Tomatoes rating, this romance is heart-wrenching but completely compelling from start to finish. Add the series to your must-watch list, but be prepared to shed some tears for these complex yet beautiful characters.

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Normal People

Release Date

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2020 – 2019

Network

BBC

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Showrunner

Alice Birch

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The long-running case against Lindsay Clancy has reached another uncertain point after jurors were unable to agree on a verdict. After weeks of testimony and seven days of deliberations, the jury told the court Friday that it could not reach a unanimous decision, prompting the judge to declare a mistrial.

RELATED: Lindsay Clancy Jury To Return For Sixth Day Of Deliberations In Case Of Mom Who Killed Her 3 Kids (UPDATE)

Jury Deadlock Leads To Mistrial After Defense Appeal Is Denied

The jury sent Judge William Sullivan a note saying, “It is with a heavy heart to report that we haven’t come to a decision and are unable to do so.” After jurors reported for a third time that they could not reach a unanimous verdict on whether Clancy was criminally responsible for the deaths of her three children, her defense team filed an emergency appeal seeking to delay the mistrial. The request for an emergency stay was denied, clearing the way for Sullivan to formally declare a mistrial Friday.

The mistrial leaves the charges unresolved, and prosecutors have not yet decided whether to retry the case. They could pursue a new trial, dismiss the charges or negotiate a plea agreement with Clancy’s attorneys. Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz said there would be no immediate decision. “This was and has always been about getting justice for those three little babies,” he said.

Defense Challenges Juror Over Reasonable Doubt

The defense had asked the judge to poll jurors about whether they had reached agreement on any charges or lesser-included offenses. Attorney Kevin Reddington also accused one juror of disregarding the reasonable-doubt standard and asked that the juror be removed. Sullivan declined. Before the mistrial was declared, the judge questioned jurors privately and reminded them that proof beyond a reasonable doubt does not mean proof beyond all possible doubt. He later thanked the panel for the weeks of work it had put into the case.

What To Know About The Charges Against Clancy

Clancy, 36, is charged in the 2023 deaths of her children, Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months. She has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, with her defense arguing that she was experiencing postpartum psychosis and was not criminally responsible for her actions. Prosecutors have argued that she understood what she was doing. Clancy does not dispute that she strangled her children with exercise bands before attempting suicide by jumping from a second-story window. Moreover, the attempt left her paralyzed and using a wheelchair. Prosecutors have also argued that she deliberately sent her husband on errands before the killings. The mistrial means the central question of her criminal responsibility remains unanswered.

RELATED: Massachusetts Mother Posted About Postpartum Depression Before Reportedly Killing Her Kids

Quiet luxury may have dominated fashion conversations for the past few years, but a new aesthetic is taking over, and it has a lot more personality. Dubbed ‘rich divorcée’ style, the trend blends timeless tailoring with glamorous accessories, silky fabrics and confidence-first dressing that looks effortlessly expensive.

The beauty of the trend is that it’s less about designer labels and more about choosing elevated basics that feel polished and powerful. Luckily, Amazon is filled with luxe-looking staples that channel the aesthetic without the luxury price tag. From fluid blouses and wide-leg trousers to sculptural gold jewelry and sophisticated accessories, these 13 finds make it easy to embrace the look.

13 Amazon Pieces That Nail the ‘Rich Divorcée’ Aesthetic

1. Our Favorite: A silky button-front blouse instantly makes every outfit look more polished, and this one delivers that expensive-looking finish without the splurge. Pair it with wide-leg trousers during the day or dark denim and heels for dinner.

2. Runner-Up: These flowy palazzo pants strike the perfect balance between relaxed and refined. The high-rise silhouette and sweeping legs create the illusion of longer legs while serving effortless ‘summering on the Amalfi Coast’ energy.

3. Celeb-Approved: Chunky layered gold necklaces are practically synonymous with this trend. This waterproof set instantly elevates a simple white tee, button-down or slip dress with minimal effort.

4. Designer-Looking: A structured faux-leather top-handle handbag gives every outfit a polished finish. Clean lines and rich neutral shades make it look far more expensive than its price tag.

5. Everyday Essential: Oversized square sunglasses add an air of mystery and sophistication. They’re the quickest way to make jeans and a white shirt feel celebrity-worthy.

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6. Best Blazer: A relaxed linen-blend blazer instantly sharpens tanks, dresses and matching sets. Toss it over your shoulders for an effortlessly chic finishing touch.

7. Best White Shirt: An oversized cotton button-down is the ultimate wardrobe multitasker. Wear it tucked into trousers, open over a swimsuit or knotted with linen shorts.

8. Best Shoes: Sleek pointed-toe loafers offer timeless polish without sacrificing comfort. They transition seamlessly from the office to weekend brunch.

9. Best Belt: A leather-look belt with a bold gold buckle instantly defines the waist and makes simple dresses and trousers feel more intentional.

10. Best Dress: A sleeveless knit midi dress creates an elegant, streamlined silhouette that’s equal parts comfortable and sophisticated. Add gold jewelry and kitten heels to complete the look.

11. Best Scarf: A satin square scarf is one of the easiest ways to embrace the aesthetic. Tie it around your neck, your ponytail or the handle of your handbag for an instantly elevated outfit.

12. Best Flats: Pointed-toe ballet flats bring together comfort and quiet sophistication. They look just as chic with tailored trousers as they do with a slip skirt or jeans.

13. Best Statement Earrings: Chunky gold dome earrings are the finishing touch every ‘rich divorcée’ outfit needs. They add just enough drama to make even the simplest outfit feel fashion-editor-approved.

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An Alabama deputy charged with human trafficking, rape and other offenses is accused of threatening his then-girlfriend and blackmailing her into sexual servitude.

Robert Lisle, 47, a Jefferson County deputy, was arrested in Blount County on Monday, August 31, records show. He is also charged with unlawful imprisonment and domestic violence/harassment.

He was released from custody the morning of Friday, September 4, according to jail records.

Lisle allegedly threatened to call immigration authorities on his girlfriend and used “blackmail to extort the victim into fulfilling sexual fantasies” in July and August, per charging documents obtained by AL.com.

Related: Police Chief Arrested For Assaulting Woman Over Cheating Allegations

An Alabama police chief was arrested in Tennessee after police said he beat and strangled a woman he was dating during an argument over “alleged cheating,” Us Weekly has learned. Stephen Malone, 32, the chief of the Collinsville Police Department in Alabama, had been visiting the woman at her Nashville home when the assault unfolded […]

According to a criminal complaint, Lisle raped the woman on July 15 and also confined her to a bathroom on August 14, when he had her delete videos that were on her phone, the news outlet reported. He is also accused of physically assaulting the woman on August 14.

The complaint accuses Lisle of grabbing the woman’s ponytail and her throat while trying to gain access to her phone, WBMA reported. Additionally, he allegedly shoved her and hit her despite her having undergone recent surgery.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has placed Lisle on leave while the agency conducts an administrative investigation, Chief Deputy Henry Irby III confirmed to the TV station.

The Blount County District Attorney’s Office on Thursday, September 3, had requested for Lisle to be held without bond, WIAT reported. Prosecutors said the victim feared she’d be retaliated against for alerting law enforcement to what she allegedly endured.

Lisle’s defense attorney David Luker said “I think it is a very serious [allegation] and there are two sides,” per the TV station.

At a hearing on September 3, Lisle’s bond had been set at $80,600, the TV station reported.

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“You’ve got a really good judge that’s handling this case and you’ve got good prosecutors,” Luker said, according to WIAT. “And we’re all trying to do our job the best for our clients. Prosecutors representing [the] state of Alabama and me representing Mr. Lisle, so it’s one of those cases where it’s just going to take a little time for it all to filter out.”

Ahead of Lisle’s arrest, he sought a protection order against the woman, who he described as his ex, and accused her of mental instability, according to records viewed by AL.com.

Lisle and the woman must stay 1,000 feet apart from each other as part of a restraining order issued by a judge, per AL.com.

The judge in Lindsay Clancy’s controversial triple murder trial shocked court observers by officially declaring a mistrial after more than five days and 30 hours of jury deliberations.

Judge William Sullivan was informed by a 12-person jury that it was deadlocked on Friday, September 4, after one lone juror remained in disagreement with the remaining 11. The mom faced three first-degree murder charges — among other charges — related to the 2023 deaths of Clancy’s three children — Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months.

Clancy has admitted to strangling her three children to death before jumping out a second-story window in an alleged suicide attempt. Her defense team argues she should not be held criminally liable for the deaths because she was suffering from postpartum psychosis before and during the killings.

Prosecutors insist that despite her documented mental health struggles that she was aware of her actions — and able to differentiate right from wrong — when she killed her three children.

Public intrigue over the case reached a fever pitch when Judge Sullivan allowed Clancy’s defense team one hour to petition for an appeal from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court on Friday. After the high court declined to order an emergency stay, Judge Sullivan formally declared a mistrial before formally dismissing the jury.

The mistrial ruling raises questions over whether Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz will attempt to retry the case. Lawyers on both sides are due back in court on Tuesday, September 29, to consider next steps.

Keep scrolling for more information on whether double jeopardy applies in this case and what may come next in the courtroom.

What Is Double Jeopardy?

The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution deals, in part, with how criminal trials are — and are not — allowed to be conducted. The amendment lays out “double jeopardy” as a procedural defense to prevent a person from being tried twice for the same crime, provided they are either acquitted or convicted in a court of law.

A relevant clause in the Fifth Amendment reads, “No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.”

What Is a Mistrial?

A mistrial occurs when a verdict in a criminal trial cannot be reached or the trial itself cannot be completed, per the American Bar Association. Possible causes for mistrials include the death of a juror or attorney, a prejudicial error that impacts a jury’s ability to judge a defendant fairly or juror misconduct.

One other common circumstance for a mistrial in criminal court occurs when a jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict.

In Clancy’s case, jurors deliberated for more than 30 hours before informing Judge William Sullivan that they were deadlocked 11-1 on the three counts of first-degree murder. (Clancy’s defense attorney, Kevin Reddington, asked Judge Sullivan for a chance to poll the jury on whether they’d reached consensus on any of the lesser charges. His request was denied.)

Judge Sullivan allowed the defense one hour to petition for an emergency appeal from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court before formally declaring a mistrial on Friday when the high court declined to intervene.

Can Double Jeopardy Be Used in Lindsay Clancy’s Case?

Since no verdict was reached in the Clancy trial, double jeopardy restrictions do not apply — meaning Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz is legally allowed to retry the case.

What Happens Next in Lindsay Clancy’s Case?

Once a mistrial was declared, District Attorney Cruz wasted no time in addressing his option to retry Clancy while speaking to the media outside the Plymouth Superior Court.

“I do know that one of the questions that’s out there right now [is] regarding retrials,” he told reporters on Friday. “I will let you know that there will be no decision today. I am going to be meeting with my team and will address that [option] further at the appropriate time and in the context of an official court proceeding.”

Defense lawyer Reddington previously expressed his concern that his client would not be able to endure a retrial. However, he assured the media following Friday’s hearing that Clancy will “be ready” if prosecutors proceed with a retrial.

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“Judge Sullivan is indicating that we are looking at sometime in the fall,” Reddington clarified.

Judge Sullivan has scheduled a court hearing on Tuesday, September 29, to address next steps in the case.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

When you’re between errands and soccer pick-ups, the last thing you want is an oversized handbag to lug around. Thankfully, Cameron Diaz found an equally stylish and functional alternative, and her exact belt bag is on Amazon!

Diaz stepped out for a casual walk with friend Zoe Saldaña, rocking an outfit that is absolute perfection for busy moms. She elevated a plain white tee and black pants with a sun hat, a sweater tossed over her shoulders and an easy Bogg Belt Bag, a chic yet practical accessory.

Get the Bogg Belt Bag and Crossbody for $50 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

This Bogg Belt Bag sits right where it needs to, handles your essentials and gives your outfit a Diaz-like, off-duty twist. It’s the perfect final touch to any on-the-go look, adding that little something extra in the way a nice watch or gold hoops does.

On the functionality front, this classy little bag doubles as a crossbody, so you can wear it around your waist or sling it over your shoulder. If you’ve been through the school drop-off-to-coffee-run shuffle, you know what a difference versatility makes.

Better yet, this pick is water-resistant, comes in four colors and holds more than it looks like it should.

One shopper wrote, “I’m able to carry all of my essentials and still have room to put my iPhone 14 inside of this bag. The mesh pockets inside are a big plus to help keep it organized.”

To top it off, this celeb-approved belt bag is built to last. As another reviewer put it, “Color matches perfectly, and it has stood up to the beating it has received from my children. I would buy it again.”

Diaz makes rich mom style look effortless, and with this bag, it is. Pretty and practical, it may replace your bulky tote for good.

Get the Bogg Belt Bag and Crossbody for $50 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

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

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Fall Sale —>

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