By Zack Zagranis
| Published 16 seconds ago

Paranoia Agent is the best anime you’ve never seen. The twisted, psychological thriller was originally deemed too intense for both Japanese and American broadcast standards and was eventually aired in both markets in a heavily edited format. Luckily, the entire uncut series is available to stream on anime streaming service Crunchyroll.

Paranoia Agent is the brainchild of creator Satoshi Kon. Kon was initially a feature film director responsible for such anime classics as Perfect Blue and Tokyo Godfathers. During the production of his films, however, Kon found himself with an excess of story ideas and themes that didn’t fit with any of his projects but intrigued him nonetheless. As a result, the director decided to take these discarded concepts and weave them into a television series.

Prior to the creation of Paranoia Agent, the creator had spoken at length about the filmmaking process and its rigidity, how he would work for two years on the same project, being in “the same mood” and using the same method over and over again.

The flexibility of television enticed Kon because he wanted the freedom to explore a variety of themes and topics rather than be confined to a single concept throughout a feature film. Kon was also drawn to the speed at which television animation is produced vs. movie animation because it allowed him to “Realize instantly what flashes across my mind.”

The result was 2004’s Paranoia Agent—a frightening mix of anxiety-inducing thrills and dark themes that made viewers question the sanity of the characters on screen as well as their own. Paranoia Agent revolves around a mysterious assailant known only as “Lil’ Slugger” who skates around on rollerblades attacking seemingly random victims with a dented golden baseball bat. Each episode focuses on a different victim and the detectives working to catch Lil’ Slugger.

Paranoia Agent Censored

The series features the usual adult anime tropes, plenty of nudity and profanity, but it’s Paranoia Agent‘s dark, taboo themes that got it temporarily banned in certain countries. Scenes like the one in episode 8, where a character commits suicide, caused the anime to be partially banned in Japan after being deemed “too harsh” by the Japanese government. This partial ban meant the anime had to air on Wowwow, a Japanese satellite station, rather than on the country’s regular broadcast channels.

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Meanwhile, in North America, the series was initially banned from airing on TV and was only available on DVD in late 2004. The following year, a censored version of Paranoia Agent began airing on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim late-night programming block.

Along with being scrubbed of any references to suicide, this watered-down version of the series also took great pains to remove any nudity and swearing that might offend sensitive US audiences. The suicide scene was also removed before the series aired in the UK.

Paranoia Agent has been compared to the works of David Lynch for its, at times, dreamlike, surreal quality, as well as Kon’s other psychological thrillers Paprika and Perfect Blue.

In 2020, Adult Swim again aired Paranoia Agent, this time in a form closer to its original vision. This new edit included the blurring of certain body parts during nude scenes instead of cutting the scenes out completely, and an intact suicide episode, albeit with ads for suicide prevention airing before and after.

Satoshi Kon’s dementedly brilliant debut anime was unanimously praised by critics and audiences alike, despite most of those audiences being unable to experience the series as intended.

Paranoia Agent‘s Rotten Tomatoes score is as high as it can be, at an impressive 100% critic approval rating. The site’s consensus praises “Anime auteur Satoshi Kon” for bringing his “feverish vision” to television and delivering a “disturbing meditation on individual and societal anxiety.”

Paranoia Agent has been compared to the works of David Lynch for its, at times, dreamlike, surreal quality, as well as Kon’s other psychological thrillers, Paprika and Perfect Blue. The feeling among many fans is that Paranoia Agent isn’t something you turn on to zone out to, but rather a deep experience that will stick with you for a long time, whether you want it to or not.

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You can check out Paranoia Agent right now courtesy of Crunchyroll , where the anime is streaming in its original format.

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Did Meghan Markle stir up a bit of trouble with the monarchy? According to royal experts, Markle, wife to Prince Harry, may have offended members of the Royal Family after allegedly endorsing a series of Instagram posts some have taken as passive-aggressive digs at the famous family. The reports come hours after an insider claimed Markle and Prince Harry were at a stalemate over how to handle their son, Prince Archie, and his upcoming seventh birthday.

Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield appeared on TalkTV, according to Geo News, and during the conversation, drew attention to Markle’s alleged social media behavior.

TalkTV host Kevin O’Sullivan added his two cents during the conversation, saying Markle recently returned to social media and allegedly shared a zodiac-inspired post about seven years of hardship ending for Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius signs.

O’Sullivan said he found the reported posts concerning, noting that the Duchess of Sussex married into the Royal Family exactly seven years ago.

“Meghan has been liking these astrology [posts] being put out. She indicated that she is emerging from the hardest seven years of her life. Isn’t that the period of her marriage to Harry?” he said.

Schofield jumped in and said the people of the UK would likely find the posts offensive, considering the fact that she was thrust even further into the public eye following their marriage.

“She got to be the TV lifestyle host she always dreamt of. She released a book. She got a reality TV show and a Netflix deal. She had multiple magazine covers,” Schofield said.

How Could Meghan Markle’s Reported Post Impact Prince Harry’s Comeback Into The Royal Family?

Markle’s alleged social media activity comes at an unfortunate time, as Prince Harry is said to be working to mend his strained relationships with members of the Royal Family, including his brother and father.

According to The Blast, an insider said that Prince Harry is already worried about his children “losing their titles” after the Duchess launched $64 candles inspired by Archie and Lilibet.

Another source previously shared that Prince Harry’s journey back into the royal fold may be more challenging than it appears, revealing that the “Spare” author would have to ditch the life he’s built for himself in exchange for the traditional royal way.

The insider went on to say that Prince Harry would need to retract certain claims about the Royal Family to gain trust, and also noted that separating from Markle would be the “traditional Windsor error-correction route.”

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Left The Royal Way Behind In 2020

Things have been a bit rocky between Prince Harry, Markle, and the rest of the monarchy over the last several years.

For those who may be unfamiliar, the married couple announced their plans to step down from their official royal duties in 2020.

In their statement, they said that as part of their plan, they would be working to become “financially independent” while offering occasional support to the family.

Queen Elizabeth broke her silence on the matter days later, thanking Prince Harry and Markle for their work before mentioning that the pair would have a one-year transition period out of their royal roles.

“Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family,” the statement read.

Markle Said She Was ‘Silenced’ During A Bombshell Interview With Oprah

A year later, Markle and Prince Harry sat down with Oprah for an extensive interview about their time as an official couple in the Royal Family.

Markle told the former talk show host that she was “silenced” by the monarchy while she was working next to her husband, and even claimed that the institution lied about her to protect other members of the family.

“They weren’t willing to tell the truth to protect me and my husband,” she said, according to PEOPLE.

Markle Said The Monarchy Had Concerns About Her Son’s Skin Color

During another portion of the interview, Markle alleged that the monarchy had disturbing conversations with her and Prince Harry about “how dark [my son’s] skin might be when he’s born.”

Continuing, Markle alleged that the institution didn’t want Archie to receive an official title or security, which was standard for the family.

The weight of being part of such a high-profile family weighed on Markle, who told Oprah that she had thoughts about self-harm.

“I was ashamed to say it at the time and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry. But I knew that if I didn’t say it — then I would do it,” she said. “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore.”

A newly unveiled collection of photographs, taken just days before Marilyn Monroe’s death in August 1962, captures the screen legend in a way the public rarely saw. Shot by acclaimed photographer Allan Grant, the images show Monroe in a softer, more introspective light, far from the polished glamour that defined her public persona. In several shots, she appears relaxed yet pensive, her expression shifting between quiet reflection and fleeting warmth. Others capture her in more candid moments, with natural lighting and minimal styling, emphasizing a raw, almost vulnerable presence.

While Monroe is often remembered for her bombshell image, films like “Some Like It Hot” and “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” cemented her as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars of the 1950s and early ’60s. But behind the fame was a far more complex figure.

Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, Monroe rose from a difficult childhood marked by instability and foster care to become a global icon. Her charisma and screen presence made her unforgettable, but it also came with intense scrutiny, typecasting, and pressure from the industry.

Final Photos Take On Haunting Meaning After Monroe’s Death Days Later

The newly surfaced photos, obtained by the Daily Mail, were taken during what would become Monroe’s final interview, a moment now seen as both historic and deeply poignant. At the time, Monroe was navigating professional challenges, including her controversial exit from the film “Something’s Got to Give,” as well as ongoing personal struggles.

Just days after the interview was published, Monroe was found dead at her Los Angeles home on August 5, 1962. She was 36 years old. Her death was officially ruled a probable suicide due to a barbiturate overdose, though it has remained the subject of speculation and conspiracy theories for decades.

Marilyn Monroe Appears Bare And Unfiltered In Rare Behind-The-Scenes Shot

One of the photos shows Monroe draped in a loose piece of fabric, casually wrapped around her body, giving the shot a behind-the-scenes vibe. She’s slightly slouched, with her hand resting near her face, making it feel like the camera caught her in between takes rather than during a posed glam shot.

Her makeup is noticeably toned down, letting her natural features shine through, while her iconic blonde hair looks softer and less styled than fans are used to seeing. But what really stands out? Her expression. There’s no big Hollywood smile here. Instead, she looks quiet, a little distant, almost like she’s deep in thought.

Close-Up Photo Of Monroe Shows Emotional Moment, Appears On Verge Of Tears

Another shot from the collection captures Marilyn Monroe in a slightly different light, one that feels a bit more emotional. The framing pulls all attention to her expression, and it’s hard to ignore what looks like moisture in her eyes, giving the impression she may have been on the verge of tears.

The release of these deeply personal images comes as a separate, and increasingly heated, dispute tied to Marilyn Monroe continues to unfold in Los Angeles. The Brentwood home where Monroe lived and died in 1962 has been at the center of a legal fight since 2023, with the current owners pushing to demolish the property while the city seeks to preserve it for its historical significance. What started as a local preservation issue has now escalated into a full-blown federal case.

Legal Battle Over Marilyn Monroe’s Former Home Intensifies

In January, the homeowners filed a lawsuit, arguing that the city’s efforts to landmark the property have unfairly restricted their rights. The Pacific Legal Foundation later joined the case in April, representing the couple pro bono and taking a firm stance against the city’s actions.

According to the filing, the owners claim they’ve been hit with mounting costs tied to the dispute, including property taxes, permits, legal fees, and even increased security measures. They allege the home’s high-profile status has drawn unwanted attention, leading to more trespassers and even burglary concerns.

The legal argument centers on the Fifth Amendment, with the foundation asserting that the government cannot effectively “take” private property for public use without proper compensation. The City of Los Angeles has since fired back, filing a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, the latest development in what’s shaping up to be a prolonged and contentious battle.

Reality TV drama is once again swirling around “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Taylor Frankie Paul, and this time, it involves both her love life and her past controversies. As many know, Paul’s season of “The Bachelorette” was abruptly scrapped in mid-March after a resurfaced 2023 video showed a violent altercation involving her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, with her young daughter present. Even as the fallout from her past continues to make headlines, Taylor Frankie Paul appears to be turning the page and possibly giving love another shot.

Taylor Frankie Paul hasn’t given up on love, even as controversy continues to follow her. The 31-year-old is reportedly “seeing” Doug Mason, who was rumored to be the winner of her now-canceled season of “The Bachelorette.”

According to a source, the pair are “trying to make it work” during what’s been a turbulent time for Paul. “They were hanging out recently,” the insider claimed. “And want to see if they can get back together and be a couple.”

But as she explores a possible new chapter with Mason, the controversy that continues to follow her still looms large.

Past Arrest, Guilty Plea, And Doug Mason’s Support Amid Fallout

The controversy traces back to Paul’s February 2023 arrest, with body camera footage later showing a heated argument between her and Mortensen. In the video, Mortensen is seen speaking with officers and detailing alleged incidents, at one point saying, “I can’t even tell you the stuff that’s happened to me,” while showing injuries he claimed were caused by Paul.

Following the incident, Paul pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in August 2023. Several other charges were dropped as part of a deal, and she is currently serving probation, which is expected to conclude in August 2026.

Despite the legal fallout and ongoing scrutiny, Mason still chose to stand by Paul publicly in the aftermath. He shared a message on social media saying he was ‘sending prayers to Taylor because that was her moment and her moment was blocked. “All we can do right now is just be hopeful, and I am headed off to run to watch the sunrise,” he wrote.

Paul later responded to the gesture, writing, “Aw my heart goes out to him. So sweet,” signaling appreciation for his support during a difficult time.

Taylor Frankie Paul Claims Dakota Mortensen Tried To ‘Sabotage’ Her

As the drama continues to unfold, Paul has also made serious claims against Mortensen in a witness statement, accusing him of “trying to sabotage” her. As The Blast previously reported, documents from the Draper County Police Department, obtained by Us Weekly, show that Paul alleged Mortensen has a pattern of disruptive behavior.

“Dakota has a history of creating these situations, and there is a pattern of him trying to sabotage anything big or exciting happening with my life,” she said in her March 4 witness statement. She also claimed that significant career milestones, including the release of a new season of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and trailers for “The Bachelorette,” appeared to trigger conflict.

Shortly after the allegations surfaced, Taylor Frankie Paul took to Instagram with a deeply personal update, before ultimately stepping back from social media altogether. In a candid post, she revealed ongoing mental health struggles, writing, “I was diagnosed with PTSD about two years ago, which I assume is now [Complex post-traumatic stress disorder].”

She continued, “Here come the ugly parts of what healing actually looks like,” she wrote. “If you know me you know I’ll admit my parts, flaws, and faults. I’m well aware thats apart of it. We’ll get there.”

Taylor Frankie Paul Finds Strength In Faith Amid Ongoing Struggles

Amid the challenges surrounding her personal life, Taylor Frankie Paul shared that she’s been finding strength through her faith and the support around her. Reflecting on the emotional weight she’s been carrying, Paul described moments of breaking down while still trying to hold onto gratitude.

“I cried on my knees in pain while also saying THANK YOU,” she shared. “We have a road ahead but regardless I’m forever freed from a certain living hell I couldn’t find my way out of.”

The world watched in awe as Prince William and Princess Kate wed at Westminster Abbey in London on April 29, 2011, and years later, commoners still stand impressed with the couple. Though they didn’t tie the knot until 2011, Kate and William first met 10 years prior while studying history at Scotland’s University of St Andrews. The two would go on to keep quiet about their romance as they completed their education, but later had a high-profile split in 2007.

“At the time I wasn’t very happy about it, but it actually made me a stronger person,” Kate shared during a joint interview with William in November 2010. “You find out things about yourself that maybe you hadn’t realized. I think you can get quite consumed by a relationship when you are younger, and I really valued that time for me as well although I didn’t think it at the time.”

The pair reconciled the following year, and announced their engagement in November 2010. They are now proud parents of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Scroll down to take a look back at William and Kate’s royal romance:

September 2001

The two began dating after meeting at the University of St Andrews. Years later, William admitted during an interview with BBC’s Tom Bradby that he attempted to impress his then-girlfriend by making “amazing fancy dinners.”

October 2010

Shortly after news of their engagement broke, William and Kate did their first-ever joint video interview. “It was about three weeks ago on holiday in Kenya. We had a little private time away together with some friends and I just decided that it was the right time really,” William revealed of how he popped the question. “We had been talking about marriage for a while so it wasn’t a massively big surprise.”

Related: Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Sweetest Moments With Their Kids

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Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton are the proud parents of three children and have shared many sweet moments with the little ones over the years. The couple wed in April 2011 at Westminster Abbey in London, five months after their engagement. William and Kate went on to welcome three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte […]

April 2011

Just married! Kate stunned in a long-sleeve, Alexander McQueen wedding gown for the nuptials, while William wore a red Irish Guards Mounted Officer’s uniform.

July 2013

It’s a boy! The duo welcomed their first child, Prince George, on July 22. “Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby,” Kensington Palace said in a statement at the time.

May 2015

Princess Charlotte makes her debut! Kate gave birth to the couple’s daughter on May 2, and the proud parents showed off their baby girl outside of the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, with William in a blue sweater and the doting mom in a white and yellow Jenny Packham dress.

July 2017

William and Kate displayed a rare moment of PDA at the Wimbledon championship when the duchess wiped a speck from her husband’s cheek.

April 2018

Baby makes five! Kate and William welcomed their second son, Prince Louis, on April 23.

“We’re very happy. We’re delighted. Thank you,” the prince told the press as he, Kate and the newborn left the hospital hours later. “You’ll find out soon enough,” William teased of the name at the time. “We didn’t keep you waiting too long.”

December 2019

Kate went viral when she pulled away from the prince when he attempted to place his hand on her shoulder during their appearance on the A Very Berry Christmas Special.

March 2020

William and Kate marked their first official visit to Ireland with a three-day trip in Dublin, County Meath, County Kildare and Galway.

April 2020

The royal couple advocated for the Every Mind Matters mental health campaign to highlight the importance of maintaining mental health amid the coronavirus quarantine.

December 2020

The family of five shared a sweet Christmas card in December 2020. A source told Us at the time that George, Charlotte and Louis couldn’t “wait for Christmas” because it is their “favorite time of year.”

April 2021

William and Kate celebrated a decade of marriage with two picture-perfect portraits and a family video on April 29, 2021.

“Thank you to everyone for the kind messages on our wedding anniversary. We are enormously grateful for the 10 years of support we have received in our lives as a family. W&C,” their official Instagram read alongside the video, which included the parents running around with their kids and roasting smores.

Related: Look Back at Kate Middleton’s Transformation on Her 44th Birthday

Princess Kate made her way through the ranks of the royal family, quickly transforming from a commoner into the future queen consort of England. The Princess of Wales met her future husband, Prince William, in college, and the couple tied the knot in 2011 after nearly a decade together. They went on to welcome son […]

May 2021

William and Kate returned to the University of St Andrews during their royal tour of Scotland in May 2021.

“It was here in Scotland — 20 years ago this year — that I first met Catherine,” he gushed during an appearance at The Church of Scotland. “Needless to say, the town where you meet your future wife holds a very special place in your heart.” The couple stopped by some of their old haunts, which she called a “trip down memory lane.”

December 2021

The royal couple attended the “Together At Christmas” community carol service at London’s Westminster Abbey. Kate wore a red dress and coat, holding hands with her husband as they entered the chapel. Later that month they shared a New Year’s Eve message.

“Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!” the pair wrote via Instagram alongside a photo of them all dressed up and smiling as they waved goodbye to 2021.

March 2022

“[Kate] has the coldest hands ever,” the Duke of Cambridge told Welsh residents during a joint St. David’s Day outing with Kate on March 1. “They say, ‘Cold hands, warm heart.’”

April 2022

Will and Kate brought their eldest children, George and Charlotte, to the royal family’s annual Easter service at St George’s Chapel for the first time.

May 2022

The duke and duchess stepped out at the London premiere of Top Gun: Maverick, where they met the entire cast — including star Tom Cruise.

June 2022

Us confirmed that the pair are planning to relocate from their longtime Kensington Palace residence.

“Kate and William are moving to Windsor to be closer to [Queen Elizabeth II] and Carole [Middleton], who is always on hand to look after the kids when the Cambridges need to travel back and forth from London,” a source noted at the time. “They’re starting over there, and George, Charlotte and Louis are really excited about going to a new school and being in the countryside in the fresh air where there’s lots of space for them to play freely.”

Later that month, the pair unveiled their first joint portrait on June 23 at the University of Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum. The Cambridgeshire Royal Portrait Fund commissioned the art piece, which was painted by Jamie Coreth, in 2021.

September 2022

The royals viewed floral tributes to the late queen outside Sandringham Estate. They later stood beside their two eldest children, George and Charlotte, during the queen’s state funeral.

The couple returned to work with a visit to Wales following Queen Elizabeth II’s death and funeral celebration earlier in the month. The trip marked the first time that the duo appeared in the country as the newly dubbed Prince and Princess of Wales.

The twosome kicked off the week on September 27 in Anglesey, which is where William and Kate lived as newlyweds in 2010 and as new parents after the birth of Prince George in 2013. The royals were all smiles as they toured the RNLI Holyhead Lifeboat Station before jetting off to Swansea to meet with food bank workers and children from the area.

April 2023

During a joint outing in England, William responded to an onlooker who said his wife looked “beautiful” in a dark maroon dress. “Oh she always looks stunning!” he replied in footage uploaded to Twitter.

When the couple celebrated 12 years of marriage later that month, a source exclusively told Us they marked the occasion with heartfelt gifts. William gave his wife “a stunning diamond ring” that once belonged to his late mother, along with “a replica of the bouquet of flowers” Kate held on their wedding day. From his wife, he received “a framed sketch of the two of them from an old photograph” taken in college.

Related: Looking Back on Prince William’s Proposal to Kate Middleton 15 Years Later

For a couple whose relationship had been so very public, Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton were able to keep their October 20, 2010, engagement private — for nearly a month. It helped that it happened on another continent. While holidaying with friends for a few weeks at Kenya’s Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, he took his […]

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May 2023

William and Kate attended Charles’ coronation at Westminster Abbey, where they followed the king and queen’s procession into the chapel. The duke and duchess were joined by all three of their children.

October 2023

They may be royalty, but the Prince and Princess of Wales face issues in their relationship just like the rest of the world. “Kate and William have been having ups and downs in their marriage like everyone else,” a source exclusively told Us. “But they’re focused on their royal duties and doing that as a unit.”

March 2024

After questions rose regarding Kate’s well-being, she and William were spotted out and about at the Windsor Farm Shop on March 18. Days later, Kate announced that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy after she was diagnosed with a cancer, making it clear that William was by her side.

“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too, as is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you,” she said in the March 22 announcement video. “It means so much to us both. We hope that you’ll understand that as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment.”

April 2024

William and Kate celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary by releasing a never-before-seen portrait from their big day.

September 2024

Kate highlighted her husband’s support as she announced that she completed chemotherapy treatment.

“This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted,” she said in a statement. “Of simply loving and being loved.”

January 2025

William honored Kate in a social media caption when celebrating her 43rd birthday.

“To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable,” he wrote alongside a new photo of the Princess of Wales. “George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W.”

September 2025

The couple dressed up for the state dinner to welcome President Donald Trump to the U.K. for his second visit.

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October 2025

William and Kate traveled to Ireland’s Long Meadow Farm where they had a laugh while peeling apples and making the farm’s famous potato apple bread.

April 2026

The couple celebrated their milestone 15th wedding anniversary with a new family photo, including their three kids and the family’s dog.

“Celebrating 15 years of marriage,” the social media caption read.