Entertainment
HBO’s 10-Part Sci-Fi Proved Post-Apocalyptic TV Could Be More Than Bleak
It’s a common theme in all apocalyptic stories: everything you cherish has been destroyed, and everything that remains is now uglier, harsher, or more vicious. This is one of the major rules established for the genre; you can anticipate it and be prepared.
Viewers may see that Station Eleven doesn’t necessarily deviate from that consistent theme but simply avoids the obvious. The end of civilization occurs with devastating speed and brutality, creating almost no room for the possibility that what occurred has not actually happened. However, the series ultimately focuses on what happens to people following the collapse — after the dust settles, after the sounds stop, and after the need to merely survive isn’t as important or as immediate as something else that is also difficult to articulate.
What ‘Station Eleven’ Is About
The premise, on paper, sounds familiar enough: a devastating flu spreads across the globe, dismantling society in a matter of days as power grids fail, cities empty, and the world, as people knew it, disappears almost overnight. This narrative has a timeline that branches in various directions while still primarily focusing on Kirsten Raymonde (Mackenzie Davis). Her first appearance is as a child actor appearing in a stage performance of King Lear, while also being in the wrong place at the wrong time at the very beginning of the story.
She’s going through those first three terrifying days after the end of the world and has no way to do so without help from Jeevan Chaudhary (Himesh Patel), who happens to be in the audience and helps her out the entire way, even though he wasn’t prepared to deal with the surrounding devastation, anyhow.
Then the series jumps forward 20 years. Kirsten’s an adult now, played with a kind of wary precision by Davis, traveling with a troupe called the Traveling Symphony. They perform Shakespeare for scattered communities across the Midwest — small pockets of life stitched together in the aftermath.
Why It’s Worth Watching Even If You’re Tired of Pandemic Stories
There’s a built-in resistance in a show about a global pandemic, released in the shadow of a real one, which is enough to make people hesitate. But Station Eleven doesn’t dwell where you think it will, as it skips over the how and the why of the issue and goes straight to the aftermath — the emotional residue people carry when everything familiar has been stripped away.
Art becomes the connective tissue, and this is not meant in any fancy or theoretical way; they are extremely practical examples. For instance, graphic novels are exchanged among people, as if they were sacred scriptures; another example is a troupe of actors producing Hamlet for audiences who don’t remember electric light.
There is a persistent idea that survival isn’t good enough, and for once, it feels more than just a catchphrase or something that happens without reason. The show works (very hard) toward this conclusion. Because of this, everything (especially, specifically, in the characters’ way) revolves around their need for stories, songs, and anything else they have that makes life more than mere survival or mere existence.
Though the entire structure is heavy, with each character’s story timeline ending in loss, the creator hasn’t sacrificed a balance of lightheartedness. This happens through precision, which relies on playing to the lighter side of each audience’s experience, using it to create moments of humor, timed differently relative to the overall duration.
The performances help ground all of this. Matilda Lawler’s young Kirsten feels startlingly real, not overly polished, not precocious in that artificial way TV sometimes leans on. Patel plays Jeevan like someone who never quite signed up for any of this but keeps going anyway. And Davis carries the older version of Kirsten with a kind of tension that never fully unwinds — like she’s always half-expecting the world to end again.
How ‘Station Eleven’ Reframes the Apocalypse Genre
Characters in the show cannot escape their pasts; however, they do not live entirely in the past either. There exists a tension: memory can serve as a source of comfort to characters, but also act as a burden. There is no clear resolution to this tension within the show; rather, its persistence is fitting. This sense of confusion may be one reason for the show’s effectiveness; it eliminates the temptation to end on a note where we assume that things cannot be rebuilt and/or that they never will be. Instead, it keeps asking — quietly, persistently — what if something still holds?
All 10 episodes of Station Eleven are available to stream on HBO Max, included with a standard subscription. It’s the kind of show that can be binged, but it might hit harder if you don’t rush it. Some episodes linger, and some need a minute to sink in.
There’s a version of this story that leans fully into despair, that treats the end of the world like a final statement about human nature, but Station Eleven doesn’t go that route. It cautiously suggests that the story may not end there, making it worth watching.
Entertainment
Blake Lively’s Other Battle Revealed In Bombshell Court Docs
Blake Lively is facing intense scrutiny for her haircare line after newly unsealed court documents reportedly revealed a wave of customer complaints tied to the products. The internal documents reportedly became public following Blake Lively’s legal settlement with Justin Baldoni.

According to filings obtained by the Daily Mail, users of Blake Lively’s Blake Brown Beauty line allegedly claimed the products left their hair feeling “dry,” “brittle,” tangled, and in some cases even caused hair loss. Lively launched her beauty brand in August 2024, around the same time her film “It Ends with Us” hit theaters.
Several customer reviews included in the filings described disappointing or alarming experiences after using the products. One woman reportedly claimed she experienced “extreme hair loss” after trying one of the shampoos. Another frustrated customer wrote, “WTF did you put in this?? My hair feels like a god damn NEST, that’s it, never ever getting this product again.”
Other reviews allegedly described hair becoming excessively dry, tangled, greasy, frizzy, or difficult to manage after repeated use. One customer wrote that her “hair broke off and fell out,” while another claimed the shampoo “absolutely wrecked my hair.” Others reportedly complained about itchy scalps, overpowering fragrance, and packaging issues that made the products difficult to use.
Internal Memo Reportedly Acknowledged Negative Feedback About Blake Lively’s Beauty Brand

The backlash allegedly became significant enough that an internal staff memo was sent to Lively and members of her team in September 2024. According to the reported memo, 42% of customer comments regarding the nourishing shampoo referenced “dryness, brittleness, and damage to hair.” The strengthening shampoo reportedly faced similar criticism, with 40% of feedback mentioning dryness, frizz, or hair falling out.
The documents also allegedly stated that more than half of the comments about Lively’s strengthening shampoo described the scent as too strong or unpleasant. Packaging complaints were another recurring issue, with some users reportedly saying the oversized bottles were impractical or difficult to squeeze. The memo also acknowledged concerns over the products’ pricing, with some customers allegedly feeling the formulas “didn’t justify” the cost.
Blake Brown Beauty Team Reportedly Discussed Damage Control Strategy

According to the filings, the memo included a proposed turnaround strategy for handling the growing criticism. A Blake Brown Beauty executive reportedly suggested reminding consumers that the products offered a low “price per use” despite the overall retail cost. The memo also allegedly acknowledged that the packaging style “wouldn’t be for everyone,” while defending Lively’s product scents by noting that many customers still enjoyed them.
Despite the controversy, Blake Brown Beauty products remain available through retailers including Target, with the brand now offering 18 different products and bundles priced upwards of $70. On the company’s website, Lively says, “I spent 7 years creating & personally testing every element of this collection. The concept of Blake Brown is simple: love your hair well & it will love you well.”
Blake Lively’s Legal Battle With Justin Baldoni Recently Came To An End

The resurfaced product complaints became public shortly after Lively and Justin Baldoni officially settled their highly publicized legal war tied to “It Ends with Us.” Lively had previously accused Baldoni of sexual harassment connected to the production of the film, while Baldoni strongly denied the allegations throughout the case.
Although the legal dispute finally came to an end, reports suggest the settlement did not result in a major financial victory for Lively. According to TMZ, the actress reportedly received no payout as part of the agreement despite the lengthy court battle.
Blake Lively’s Legal Team Brought In Heavy Hitters

The outlet also reported that Lively brought in powerhouse litigation firm Susman Godfrey just days before the settlement was finalized. The high-profile firm is known for securing massive courtroom victories, including a reported $425 million verdict against Google. However, despite the firm’s reputation, insiders claimed the only people who truly profited from the months-long legal fight were the attorneys involved.
According to reports, lawyers tied to both sides of the case allegedly walked away with a combined $60 million in earnings as the bitter dispute finally came to a close. Neither Blake Lively nor Justin Baldoni issued a public apology in the joint statement announcing the settlement.
Entertainment
West Wilson Once Wanted ‘Sexual Tension With a Housewife’
West Wilson didn’t rule out the possibility of hooking up with other Bravolebrities one year before his rumored connection with Jennifer Fessler.
“I would, maybe not like tomorrow,” Wilson, 31, said during a May 2025 appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, acknowledging that he was open to meeting reality TV stars at BravoCon the following fall. “If I could [have] sexual tension with a Housewife would be really special to me.”
According to Wilson, he wanted Andy Cohen to be his personal matchmaker.
“[If you] could just send me off, be like, ‘That’s the one,’” Wilson said. “That just feels, like, so opposite from our world. I think that would be so fun. … I hope they’re all fun and cool.”
Wilson further confirmed on WWHL that he’s previously dated older women.
“Well, not like dated. One’s kind of steep,” he coyly added of the age difference. “It was a one-time thing. [She was] not over 60, but like [her age was in the] high 5s. It was weird, but that is what is pleasurable — weird stuff.”
Nearly one year later, Wilson’s ex Ciara Miller claimed that he once hooked up with Fessler, 57, despite her marriage. Both Wilson and Fessler vehemently denied the allegations.
“In all seriousness, and while I can’t help but be a little flattered, it is not nice nor is it OK to post something categorically untrue and defamatory on social media,” Fessler wrote via her Instagram Stories on Saturday, May 9. “Regardless of whatever rumors or apparent ‘evidence’ led you to that conclusion, that is the definition of libel.”
The Real Housewives of New Jersey star added, “If it were true, I would have no recourse. Because it’s a lie, this can get more complicated. Having said that, I hope we can rectify this. It’s enough now.”
Wilson, meanwhile, has a history for dating across the Bravoverse. Aside from his 2023 fling with Miller, 30, he started dating her onetime BFF and costar, Amanda Batula, earlier this year. He also once struck up a flirtation with The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’s Bronwyn Newport.
“Bronwyn from Salt Lake City hit on me at the Super Bowl. She called me,” Wilson alleged on a March episode of WWHL, denying they ever went on a date. “We just talked on the phone for a bit … but it felt a little flirty. Bronwyn’s dope.”
Newport, 40, separated from husband Todd Bradley in December 2025, eventually moving on with new boyfriend Brandon Good.
Entertainment
Britney Spears breaks silence on 'spiritual journey' after rehab and reckless driving plea: 'Blessing in disguise'
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The singer was arrested in March and checked herself into a rehabilitation center in April, later pleading guilty to a DUI charge.
Entertainment
Martin Short opens up about his 'staggering' loss in first interview since daughter's death: 'A nightmare'
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The actor has said goodbye to several loved ones recently, including his daughter, sister-in-law, and his friends Catherine O’Hara, Rob Reiner, and Diane Keaton.
Entertainment
Britney Spears Breaks Silence After DUI Sentencing And Rehab
Britney Spears is opening up for the first time following her recent DUI sentencing and rehab stay, describing the ordeal as a “blessing in disguise” while reflecting on what she called her ongoing “spiritual journey.” The pop icon returned to Instagram on Saturday with a lengthy caption alongside a photo of a yellow-and-white snake after spending nearly three weeks at a luxury rehabilitation facility focused on mental health and substance abuse treatment.

In the post, Spears shared a message about healing, gratitude, and self-growth. “Went to the pet store with my kids and look at what a beautiful baby snake this is…” she wrote.
“Snakes are symbolic of good health, higher consciousness, and pure luck… I’m so damn thankful to my friends and so many new beautiful people I have met through my spiritual journey,” she continued. “All a blessing in disguise…”
The singer also admitted she’s still working on how she treats herself emotionally. “I still need to learn how to be kind to myself and the way I speak to myself…” Spears added. “It’s a never-ending journey, and sometimes I just stop, look up, and say, ‘ Wow, God, I think that was you and smile on!!!!”
Spears Was Absent From Family Graduation Celebration

The singer’s latest social media post also came as members of her family reunited this weekend without her to celebrate niece Maddie Aldridge’s high school graduation.
Family members in attendance reportedly included sister Jamie Lynn Spears, parents Lynne Spears and Jamie Spears, as well as Spears’ son Sean Preston Federline.
Britney Spears Recently Accepted DUI Plea Deal

Spears’ comments also come just days after she pleaded guilty during an arraignment held at Ventura County Superior Court. The singer entered the plea through attorney Michael Goldstein and was sentenced to 12 months of probation along with one day in jail, which she had reportedly already served. She was also ordered to complete a three-month alcohol and drug education program while continuing mental health treatment.
In addition, Spears was fined $721 and ordered to meet with both a psychologist and a psychiatrist on a regular basis. The court also ruled that Spears cannot consume alcohol or illegal drugs aside from prescribed medication, and police may search her vehicle without a warrant if she is pulled over again.
Following the hearing, Goldstein briefly addressed reporters outside the court. “Miss Spears is doing well,” he said. “She came home in anticipation of this hearing.”
Plea Deal Came After Voluntary Rehab Stay

Before the arraignment, Spears had voluntarily checked into the luxury rehab facility Borden Cottage in Maine after being charged with misdemeanor DUI following her March 4 arrest. “Britney has been very open and honest in her AA meetings,” a Daily Mail insider previously claimed. “She has said she loves pouring her heart out as she knows that is the best way to heal and feel better.”
The plea agreement Spears accepted is commonly referred to as a “wet reckless” deal, typically reserved for defendants with no previous DUI history, low blood alcohol levels, and evidence that they are proactively seeking treatment through rehabilitation programs.
Although the treatment center reportedly recommends a minimum 45-day stay costing as much as $140,000, Spears left after less than three weeks.
Britney Spears’ Divorce And Conservatorship Exit Reportedly Took Emotional Toll

Several insiders have also pointed to Sam Asghari and Spears’ highly publicized divorce as a major emotional turning point for the singer in recent years.
According to one source, Spears became increasingly isolated following the split, spending long stretches of time alone at home while struggling emotionally behind the scenes. The insider alleged that the combination of loneliness, newfound independence, and years of pent-up frustration after the end of her conservatorship may have contributed to unhealthy choices and reckless behavior.
Another source claimed Spears felt a sense of freedom after regaining control of her life, explaining that “for a while, she felt like there were no real consequences.”
Still, those close to the singer reportedly remain hopeful that her recent rehab stay, counseling, and ongoing treatment requirements could mark the beginning of a healthier chapter for the pop icon moving forward.
Entertainment
Mindy Kaling Shows Off Dramatic Weight Loss At Gold Gala
Mindy Kaling led the glamorous arrivals at the 2026 Gold Gala over the weekend, drawing attention for her noticeably transformed look. The fifth annual Gold Gala was held in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and honored members of the 2026 Gold100 List. This year’s theme, “A New Gold World,” focused on creating “shared abundance in an era increasingly defined by division.” Several stars were recognized for their cultural impact across entertainment, sports, fashion, and business, including Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Charles Melton, Eileen Gu, Simu Liu, and Jet Li.
The “Office” alum stepped onto the red carpet in a stunning sleeveless gown featuring intricate embroidery, shimmering sequins, and gold detailing in shades of blue and green. Kaling completed the look with an elegant updo, side-swept bangs, and delicate diamond jewelry as she posed for photos at the star-studded event held at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles.
Kaling Previously Opened Up About Weight Loss Journey

Kaling’s red carpet appearance also reignited conversation surrounding her highly discussed health and fitness transformation. The actress has previously addressed public fascination with her body and admitted she understands why people are curious.
“I know people are really interested in my body and the changes in my body, and I think it’s flattering and sometimes it’s just a little much, so I don’t try to tune it in too much,” she previously told PEOPLE.
Kaling has also emphasized that her mindset around fitness has shifted significantly over the years. “I’ve tried really hard to let go of this idea of losing weight for vanity reasons and really trying to think of how I can be healthy,” she explained in a past interview.
According to Kaling, staying active, drinking water, and removing negative associations with exercise have all become priorities for her rather than chasing unrealistic standards.
Mindy Kaling Says Her Kids Changed Her Perspective On Health

The actress has also credited her three children for motivating her to a healthier lifestyle. “I grew up without parents who worked out,” Kaling previously shared. “They were trying to establish themselves in this country, and they did not put a premium on their own health and working out.”
She added that prioritizing wellness now allows her to set a different example for her own kids. “So, I think it’s been great to show my kids that part of my life,” she said.
Kaling also admitted she used to associate exercise with punishment rather than self-care. “When I was younger, I had a very specific idea of how working out needed to be,” she explained. “It was like 45 minutes on the treadmill, seven-minute mile, it needed to be punishing, I needed to hate it.”
Kaling Says Balance Is Her Health Philosophy

Kaling has also shared that her current eating habits are centered around incorporating healthier options without completely depriving herself of foods she enjoys. In a previous interview with Prevention, she explained that she tries to prioritize leafy green vegetables while keeping red meat and dairy consumption more limited.
“For me, at this point in my life, I feel like I know what I’m supposed to be eating,” she said. “You know, more leafy green vegetables and keeping red meat to a minimum, and for me personally, I also try to keep dairy at a minimum.”
Mindy Kaling Says Moderation Changed Her Relationship With Food

Mindy Kaling has also been candid about how her mindset around dieting and nutrition has evolved over the years, telling TODAY.com that she no longer believes in extreme dieting or cutting out entire food groups before major events or appearances. “If there was an awards show or I was shooting something, I used to be the person that was like, ‘I have to stop eating these foods, or six weeks beforehand, I’m only going to juice,’” Kaling explained.
These days, however, the actress said she focuses far more on balance and moderation rather than restriction. “I’m never going be someone who can just have spinach and salmon every day,” she admitted. “I just am really for the first time in my life, trying moderation, and I love it.”
Entertainment
Insider Reveals ‘Awful’ New Development In Keith Urban Divorce
All eyes were on Nicole Kidman and her daughter, Sunday Rose Kidman Urban, at the 2026 Met Gala, where the 17-year-old made her highly anticipated debut alongside her famous mother. But according to new reports, the glamorous red carpet appearance may have carried a much deeper meaning behind the scenes amid Kidman’s ongoing split from Keith Urban.

Sources speaking to the Daily Mail claimed Urban was deeply hurt by the now-viral mother-daughter moment, with one insider alleging the public appearance felt like “a message” about where Sunday Rose’s loyalties currently stand. “They’re icing him out,” a source claimed. “He feels disrespected and cast aside by his own daughters.”
The reported family tension comes after Sunday Rose allegedly unfollowed Urban on Instagram, fueling speculation about a growing divide within the family following Kidman and Urban’s split. According to insiders, the Met Gala appearance only intensified those rumors.
“I know that the Met Gala scene was very hurtful,” one source alleged. “It was a public statement for Sunday. She’s definitely on her mom’s side. This public appearance is 100% a message of who she’s chosen.” Another source claimed Urban was privately dealing with “FOMO” over missing the major milestone moment in his daughter’s life.
Nicole Kidman Reportedly Received Primary Custody Following Split

According to reports, Kidman retained primary custody of the couple’s daughters following the pair’s January divorce settlement. Sources claimed Kidman has the girls for the majority of the year, while Urban reportedly receives alternate weekends and certain holidays.
Insiders alleged Urban initially pushed for more equal parenting time, though the arrangement ultimately reflected Kidman’s desire to keep her daughters especially close following the emotional fallout of her divorce from Tom Cruise decades earlier.
Kidman famously shares adopted children Isabella Cruise and Connor Cruise with Cruise, both of whom remained closely tied to Scientology following the couple’s 2001 split. Reports claim that experience still weighs heavily on the actress today.
Rumors About Urban’s Dating Life Allegedly Created Family Friction

Some insiders also claimed the family tension may have been fueled by rumors linking Urban to younger women following the split. The country singer was previously rumored to be romantically connected to rising country artist Maggie Baugh after the pair toured together last year, though those claims were later denied.
Urban was also linked earlier this year to singer Karley Scott Collins, who opened for him during his 2025 tour. Collins publicly shut down the rumors at the time, calling them “absolutely ridiculous and untrue.” Still, insiders claimed the speculation reportedly upset daughters Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret Kidman Urban. One source alleged the girls are now “completely team Nicole.”
Sunday Rose Previously Praised Nicole Kidman Publicly

The growing speculation surrounding the family dynamic has also spilled into public interviews and social media activity. During an interview with Elle Australia earlier this year, Sunday Rose spoke glowingly about her mother while noticeably not mentioning Urban. “My mom is someone who has always been so creative and my biggest inspiration in life,” she said.
She also described Kidman as “a key part of everything I do.” Meanwhile, fans noticed Urban briefly reappeared on Sunday Rose’s Instagram following list after initially being unfollowed, adding even more speculation about the current state of their relationship. One longtime friend of Urban reportedly described the situation as “awful” for the singer. “He’s a man in a lot of pain,” the source claimed.
Keith Urban Is Reportedly Trying To Avoid More Drama

Despite the rumors and public scrutiny, sources close to Urban insisted the singer is trying to remain calm and focused on maintaining relationships with his daughters moving forward. One insider claimed Urban’s main takeaway from the Met Gala was simply how beautiful Sunday Rose looked during her big night. “Keith saw his daughter in her dress and thought she was absolutely beautiful,” the source said.
The insider added that Urban is attempting not to escalate tensions with Kidman because he understands they will continue sharing important milestones involving their children in the future. “Someday they are going to go through different milestones, weddings, birthdays, and Keith will have to be there with Nicole,” the source explained.
Another insider insisted both Kidman and Urban are trying not to involve their daughters too deeply in the fallout from the separation, despite ongoing speculation surrounding the family dynamic.
Entertainment
Netflix’s ‘90s Alien Action Movie Is Secretly The Most Successful Propaganda Film Of All Time
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

“Propaganda” is one of the dirtiest words in Hollywood. Regardless of how they vote, most prefer their movies to be free of any overt political messaging. After all, we get enough of that from our hellish 24-hour news cycle; why would we want to see it on the big screen?
However, some of the most beloved films of the 20th and 21st centuries have secretly served as propaganda. Top Gun is basically one long advertisement for the Navy, which is presented as our only defense against international attackers. Michael Bay’s first Transformers movie is also propaganda, presenting the Army as our main line of defense against enemies both domestic and very, very foreign.
Interestingly, the most successful propaganda film ever made came out in the ‘90s, and it rallied the country together like never before. I’m talking about Independence Day, the rollicking action adventure that had Will Smith punching an alien (maybe it said something about his wife?) and Jeff Goldblum hacking UFOs. Oh, and it had Bill Pullman rallying the entire world together with a speech that had audiences around the world cheering at the screen. The whole thing is so infectiously cool that it’s easy to overlook the obvious: that, from the ground up, this movie is all about how America deserves to rule the entire world.
America (F*ck Yeah!)

Why is Independence Day propaganda, exactly? The most obvious reason is its focus on military might as the only real solution for driving away alien invaders. This isn’t sci-fi like Star Trek, where everything can be solved with peace and diplomacy. It’s not even like Star Wars, in which a coalition of humans and aliens overthrows a fascist Empire. No, this is about how the only solutions to extraterrestrial invasion come in the form of bullets and missiles. Oh, and technology: amid the high-flying internet explosion of the ‘90s, Independence Day posits that a little vibe coding from a quirked-up, military-aligned scientist can instantly overcome the most advanced civilization humanity has ever encountered.
Given the name of the film, it’s no surprise that Independence Day centers on this military supremacy around America. Not in an exclusionary way, of course: characters don’t badmouth other countries, and the film doesn’t portray other nations in a negative light. Instead, it simply situates the United States as integral to the survival and prosperity of the rest of the world. In this light, directly dunking on other countries is unnecessary because the film makes it clear that when the very survival of humanity is at stake, the world will be saved by American weapons, American technology, and gloriously stubborn American gumption.
The Cold War Gets Hot

It’s easy to forget, but Independence Day came out very soon after the Cold War finally ended. That gives the rah-rah propaganda messaging its own special verve, of course. The United States had just effectively defeated its only real existential threat since the end of World War II. Who else, then, could possibly save all of humanity from the deadliest threat since the Soviet Union? Lest that subtlety be lost on viewers, Independence Day drapes itself in flags and patriotic speeches to drive home America’s nascent noblesse oblige: the obligation to use our position as the only dominant world power for good, not evil.
That leads to the obvious question: Independence Day may be blatant American propaganda, but is that an inherently bad thing? Not really. Sure, such cinematic propaganda always runs the risk of glorifying amoral politicians who destroy countless lives while excusing half a century of questionable American interventions and adventurism. But that’s not really the primary thrust of Independence Day. The film arguably serves as a direct extension of the American dream, glorifying the very best the country has to offer. America does not represent a dangerous and nefarious world police in this film; rather, it represents a country that can’t be tamed and will always rise to the occasion in the face of tyranny.
Welcome To Earth

In retrospect, it’s easy for cynics to chalk this up to the pie-in-the-sky idealism of the ‘90s, and that may very well be true. But these days, the heroes of Independence Day are more aspirational and inspirational than ever before. America is bitterly divided along political lines, with people fighting endless culture wars against their fellow countrymen over the stupidest subjects imaginable. It may be simplistic, but Independence Day is a reminder that when the states are truly united, America is unstoppable. If a little bit of celluloid propaganda can help us make our actual future more like the fictional past, a bit of blockbuster propaganda is a small price to pay.
Do you want to experience just how fun propaganda can be? Stoke your own patriotic fervor, or maybe just watch Will Smith punching someone other than Chris Rock? Good news, space cadets: the dream of the ‘90s is alive, right here in your living room. Independence Day is currently streaming on Netflix, and trust me: it’s just as intoxicatingly fun and deliriously dumb as you remember. It may be the most successful propaganda movie ever made, but it’s also an action-packed, weirdly hilarious thrill ride that will instantly appeal to your inner alien lover. Come for the UFOs and stay for the alien autopsy.
If you want your own anal probe, though, don’t look at me; go ask your partner nicely. Just don’t be surprised if she says “Welcome to Earth” when she does it!
Entertainment
Apple TV’s 8-Part Sci-Fi Thriller Doesn’t Have a Single Bad Episode
Some television shows are entertaining to watch, but still have a few filler episodes thrown in. This can be due to storytelling issues or a desire to make a series last a specific number of episodes. But any weak episodes in the bunch can throw off the whole vibe of a series. Luckily, Apple TV released one science fiction thriller that is eight episodes of pure perfection. Shining Girls premiered on the streamer back in 2022. Created by Silka Luisa, the series was adapted from a 2013 novel of the same name by Lauren Beukes, and with multiple twists and turns, this underrated series deserves some attention after quietly dropping on the streamer four years ago.
What Is ‘Shining Girls’ About?
The limited series follows Kirby Mazrachi (Elisabeth Moss), who works as an archivist at the Chicago Sun-Times. Kirby’s life is stuck in a rut, and she finds herself still living at home with her mother. But the reason she seems so despondent is that several years prior, Kirby was brutally attacked and left for dead. The worst part is that her perpetrator was never found. At first, it seems like Kirby is just affected by the extreme trauma she endured, possibly displaying symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. But it then becomes apparent that the difficulties she’s facing are no simple manifestations of her trauma. The aspects of Kirby’s life seem to change from one day to the next (her cat becomes a dog, she’s married to her co-worker instead of being single, etc.) As we dive deeper into Kirby’s world, we discover that there are multiple realities at play, and Shining Girls becomes a science fiction narrative where you never know what to expect. There is also a mysterious serial killer (Jamie Bell), who just might have something to do with these rips in Kirby’s reality.
‘Shining Girls’ Is a Twisty Thriller With an Impressive Cast
Shining Girls would be a fascinating enough drama if it were merely a mystery about a dangerous man who hunts women. Instead, it becomes a unique, compelling sci-fi story where the real world is not set in stone. We’re never sure whether Kirby should trust her experiences, and that goes for the viewer watching as well. The series begs the question: what would your life feel like if you couldn’t even rely on everyday structures to keep you stable? This type of narrative creates an imbalance that adds to the series’ intensity and off-kilter terror. The tone lends itself perfectly to an ever-changing world inhabited by a treacherous man intent on snuffing out the bright lights that are his victims. Each episode not only contains plenty of intrigue but also captivates because it continuously transitions back and forth between different genres. Whether Shining Girls feels like a dark psychological drama, a mind-bending sci-fi puzzle, or a simple exploration of the generational trauma that stems from violence, the series is completely and utterly bingeable.
‘Shining Girls’ Review: A Slow Burn That Bends Genres and Expectations
Elizabeth Moss and Jamie Bell star in an urban fantasy true-crime series.
A show this inventive would tend to feel like it could go off the rails at any moment. The reason Shining Girls is so effective is its incredible cast. Moss has starred in some pretty impressive roles over the past couple of decades, but this series allows her to show off even more of her range. She perfectly captures Kirby’s out-of-control spiraling, as well as her inner strength, proving that Moss can certainly take on any role she chooses. Kirby’s partner-in-crime is a colleague who helps her unravel her past; played by recent Oscar nominee Wagner Moura, the role is grounded in vulnerability and determination. The cast also consists of fantastic performances by Phillipa Soo, Chris Chalk, and Amy Brenneman, and Moss’ Handmaid’s Tale co-star Madeline Brewer also pops up in a small but powerful role. And of course, no mention of the show would be complete without praising Bell, who is an absolutely terrifying and creepy villain.
Although you’ll want to speed through every episode to find out what will happen on Kirby’s journey, this masterful drama is a series that demands to be savored for its inventive storytelling and its nuanced performances. Plus, because it’s merely eight episodes, it’s a lot easier to binge than some other sci-fi thrillers. By the time you reach the finale, you’ll have to agree that there’s not even one subpar episode in the entire show, proving that Shining Girls is a must-see.
Shining Girls is available to stream on Apple TV in the U.S.
Entertainment
Brook McDaniel Faces Charges After Allegedly Tattooing Infant Son
RELATED: Did It For The Plot?! Kentucky Man Reportedly Releases Raccoon In Packed Bar After Getting Bounced
Kentucky Mom Arrested After Toddler Found With Tattoo
According to Kentucky State Police, Brook McDaniel was arrested on May 4 after troopers responded to a child abuse complaint at a Monticello home near the Tennessee state line. When officers arrived, they located McDaniel and her 22-month-old child, who reportedly had a black dot tattoo on his right forearm with visible redness around the area. McDaniel allegedly told authorities she had been tattooing herself when the child “walked up to her and stuck his arm in the way of her tattoo gun.” However, witnesses gave a very different account of what happened.
“Party Dot” Claim Triggers Police Investigation
Witnesses reportedly told investigators that McDaniel claimed the toddler “wanted the tattoo,” calling it a “party dot.” That detail quickly raised red flags for law enforcement, who also noted concerning conditions inside the home. Troopers later contacted the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services after describing the residence as “deplorable.” And, this further escalated the seriousness of the case.
McDaniel has since been charged with fourth-degree assault (child abuse) and booked into the Adair County Detention Center. She is currently being held on a $5,000 cash bond as the investigation continues. Now, officials are still reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident and the child’s welfare.
Chile…There’s Always Something Going On In Kentucky
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