Entertainment
How Star Trek’s Strongest Female Character Ruined Dr. Crusher
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

Arguably, the strongest female character in Star Trek: The Next Generation was Dr. Beverly Crusher. Not only was she the Chief Medical Officer, but she had the same rank as Commander Riker, the Enterprise’s swaggering first officer. Given the character’s rank, it would have been perfectly plausible for her to hop in the captain’s chair and take command on a relatively regular basis. However, Dr. Crusher actor Gates McFadden recently revealed why this didn’t happen: Star Trek’s producers kept her out of the captain’s chair to make the arrival of Voyager’s Captain Janeway feel more special.
This information comes to us courtesy of Fan Expo Portland, where McFadden got very candid about her time on Star Trek: The Next Generation. She explained that the producers “knew they were going to have a female captain fairly early on.” Finishing her thoughts, she noted that “while I was put sometimes in the captain’s chair, since I had the same rank as [Will Riker], they were careful about how much they wanted to do that, because they were saving that for when Voyager happened.”
The Doctor Is In (The Chair)

The most notable example of Dr. Crusher being put in command happened during the two-part episode, “Descent.” To help search for Commander Data, Picard inexplicably sends himself, his bridge crew, and half the ship to canvas an unknown alien planet, leaving Dr. Crusher in command of the Enterprise. Her command skills are really put to the test, though, when she has to figure out how to defeat a new type of Borg vessel, which (not unlike the old vessels) is more powerful than her ship in every way.
Using a combination of scientific know-how and more than a little plot armor, Dr. Crusher takes the Enterprise into the planet’s sun. After that, she uses the ship’s phasers to trigger a solar eruption that completely destroys the Borg vessel. After seeing the good doctor kicking butt and taking names in the captain’s chair, it’s understandable that fans wanted to see more of Crusher in command.
No Future In Command

According to Gates McFadden, this didn’t happen very much because producers were busy developing Voyager. The timing of that show’s development generally matches McFadden’s account; Dr. Crusher led the Enterprise to victory over the Borg at the beginning of The Next Generation’s seventh season, which is exactly when the powers that be began working on Voyager. Because the producers knew the spinoff would have a female captain, they wanted to make Captain Janeway’s appearance special, effectively downplaying Dr. Crusher’s capabilities at commanding a starship.
Why was it so important for Voyager to have a female captain, though? While Deep Space Nine had proven to be a very successful TNG spinoff, Paramount wanted to create yet another Star Trek television show. Deciding that the new show would take place on a starship (hey, you can only do the space station gimmick once!), the producers faced a unique problem: how to make a new Star Trek show with this familiar setting that didn’t just feel like a lazy copy of The Next Generation.
Star Trek Leans In (At Dr. Crusher’s Expense)

Part of what would ultimately make Voyager unique was its setting: namely, in the largely uncharted Delta Quadrant that the Borg call home. The crew would also be a mixture of Starfleet and Maquis personnel, which would provide (on paper, anyway) the potential for more character conflict than we ever saw on The Next Generation. Mostly, though, what set Voyager apart was that it was led by a female captain, a first for a franchise whose first show infamously claimed that women couldn’t become Starfleet officers.
Sadly, the production of Voyager kept Dr. Crusher sidelined from possible command duties. This is doubly painful because her character was often written very poorly, and she went from drunkenly throwing herself at Picard in Season 1 to boning down with a ghost in Season 7. She was also written out of Season 2 altogether by Maurice Hurley, the worst showrunner The Next Generation ever had.
Gates McFadden ultimately got the last laugh, though: Picard brought her character back for its third and final season, and both Dr. Crusher and her son became pivotal parts of the entire plot. This was arguably an even beefier revival of her vintage character than Kate Mulgrew got by voicing Captain Janeway in Prodigy. Furthermore, Picard even made Crusher an admiral and the new Head of Starfleet Medical, finally giving the dancing doctor her due after more than 35 years of writers holding her back!
Entertainment
Noah Kahan Is Giving Fans the Chance to Attend a Listening Party (and Win Prizes), Thanks to Mastercard
Music lovers, rejoice! Noah Kahan teamed up with Mastercard to debut his official music video for his latest single, “The Great Divide,” during a 2026 GRAMMY Awards commercial break in Los Angeles, California, on Feb. 1.
Not only did fans get a look at the emotional music video ahead of his forthcoming album, dropping Friday, April 24, but now they’re getting the chance to experience the music live – both through Mastercard Priceless Experiences with Kahan and on The Great Divide Tour kicking off Thursday, June 11.
To celebrate, Mastercard launched a sweepstakes, encouraging eligible cardholders to find as many Easter Eggs as possible in the music video for a chance to attend an intimate album listening party with Kahan in Nashville, Tennessee, or a Priceless Experience to his summer tour inspired by The Mastercard Collection, a global suite of elevated dining, entertainment, and travel benefits. Be sure to check out priceless.com/noahkahansweeps today for more – the sweepstakes ends Feb. 11.
“’The Great Divide’ has taken on a life of its own because of the fans,” he said in a press release.
“This partnership with Mastercard felt like a natural way to honor that connection and turn it into something we can experience together. From the video to the moments we’re creating, it’s all about celebrating the community that’s been there from the start,” the songwriter added.
And Kahan is just as excited about what’s ahead.
On the GRAMMYs red carpet, the hitmaker told ET’s Kevin Frazier, “It’s gonna bring a lot of really, really cool opportunities to fans to get closer to the music process.”
This includes hearing more about what inspired the heartfelt track.
“The song is about two people who are friends, but there’s a lot of distance between them. … I’m really happy to see people connecting with it and finding their own people in their lives that they wish they could reach out to as well,” he told ET.
“I’ve worked really hard to make this music as emotional as possible and have as much representation of where I am in my life and I hope they feel that too, he continued.
And even if you don’t snag one of the sweepstakes prizes, you can still join the fun. Mastercard is giving World Elite and World Legend Mastercard (TM) cardholders special access through The Mastercard Collection to Preferred and VIP tickets for Kahan’s summer tour beginning Feb. 12.
For official rules and to enter the sweepstakes, ending on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, visit priceless.com/noahkahansweeps. No purchase is necessary to participate. Open to Mastercard cardholders prior to 2/2/26 who are permanent legal residents of 50 US/DC & legal age of majority.
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Entertainment
FBI Arrests L.A. Man Who Allegedly Sent Nancy Guthrie Family Bitcoin Texts
Nancy Guthrie Abduction
Feds Arrest Man Who Allegedly Texted Family About Bitcoin
Published
Finally, an arrest in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping, but it’s not one of her captors … it’s a guy the feds claim sent text messages to Nancy’s family asking them about bitcoin … and the FBI says they don’t believe the guy has any connection to the ransom note.
According to new legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the feds say a Los Angeles man named Derrick Callella texted Nancy’s daughter Annie and her son-in-law Tommaso Cioni, “Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction.”
FOX 10 Phoenix
The FBI says the texts were sent Wednesday, shortly after ‘TODAY’ anchor Savannah Guthrie uploaded a video of her siblings making a plea to Nancy’s captors. In the video, Savannah mentioned the ransom note, begged for proof of life and said they were ready to talk.
TMZ was sent a ransom note on Tuesday that demanded millions of dollars in bitcoin in exchange for Nancy’s safe return and set two deadlines … we forwarded the note to law enforcement and now the FBI is divulging certain details from the note.
TMZ.com
To be clear … in the criminal complaint against Callella, the FBI says the text messages he allegedly sent Nancy’s family have NOT been linked to the ransom demand.
The feds say Callella used a virtual phone number to send the text messages … the FBI says the number he used was registered to an email account using his first and last name, and records indicated the virtual phone number was accessed from an IP address associated with his California residence.
Instagram / @savannahguthrie
Callella, according to the FBI, admitted to sending the two text messages and told investigators he pulled family information from a cyber website and had been following the Guthrie kidnapping in the media.
The feds say Callella told them he sent the texts to see if the family would respond … and the FBI says data shows that he also called a Guthrie family member 3 minutes after sending the texts and that the call lasted 9 seconds.
Callella is charged with two federal crimes … one count of intent to transmit a demand for ransom and one count of making a phone call without disclosing identity to abuse, threaten or harass any specific person.
Entertainment
What is “Iron Lung”? How a YouTuber self-financed the surprise horror hit (and what critics are saying)
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Mark Fischbach leaned on his devoted fanbase to get his feature directorial debut on 2,500 screens.
Entertainment
Milli Vanilli’s Fab Morvan Says Grammy Nomination Reattached His Angel Wings
Milli Vanilli’s Fab Morvan
I Don’t Care About Awards … But
Grammy Nom Is Lit!!!
Published
TMZ.com
Fab Morvan, of Milli Vanilli fame, says he spent years being scapegoated by the music industry … but his new Grammy nomination may have given his career new life in America.
We caught up with Fab in L.A. nearly 36 years after the 1990 lip-syncing scandal, which led to the Recording Academy revoking Milli Vanilli’s Best New Artist prize. But on Sunday, Fab made his triumphant return to the award show as a nominee!
He told us, “My wings were clipped. I guess they reattached this weekend. The best is yet to come.”
While Fab assured us he doesn’t care about awards, he was still mighty proud to show off the bronze Tiffany & Co. medallion he was given after being nominated for narrating his memoir, “You Know It’s True: The Real Story of Milli Vanilli.”
Fab told us, “He’s official, y’all!” referring to himself in third person. And he’s not just official … he’s working!
The French-born singer told us he’s been touring Europe for the past 3 decades but now he’s signed with an agency in the U.S., and they have big plans.
“We’re about to do many shows,” he promised. “I think the next one’s in Irvine with Vanilla Ice, Salt-N-Peppa, Tone Loc, Young MC, and so on.”
Congrats, Fab! Welcome back!
Entertainment
Victoria Woods Continues Goin’ OFF After Spicy Reposts
Roomies, Victoria Woods is not letting up and has continued goin’ OFF after her sister GloRilla dropped a few spicy reposts in response to Victoria claiming that she neglects their family.
RELATED: Family Feud Or Facts? GloRilla Slammed By Sister For Allegedly Neglecting Mom And Siblings (VIDEO)
GloRilla Dropped A Few Spicy Reposts In Response To Her Sister
After Victoria Woods doubled down on her claims about her sister, Glo appeared to be in a lighthearted mood and began sharing reports via her Facebook page “Gloria Woods.” Furthermore, she initially reported a photo of herself smiling at a red carpet appearance. Additionally, the caption read, “If I send u dis, jus kno I can’t help u “
Afterward, Glo reposted an apparent photo of her sister, which had the caption, “If I send you this just know I’m finna beg”
Then, Glo shared a post, writing, “Indeed.com.”
Afterward, Glo reposted apparent text messages with her cousin alongside a post of the family member sharing how the rapper has always been there for her.
Then, Glo ended the night by updating her profile photo to an apparent AI photo of her sister in a Fedex uniform.
Victoria Woods Is Still Poppin’ OFF Online
Victoria Woods caught her sister’s repost and profile picture update and clapped back with, “Our momma work at fedex h*e not me.”
Afterward, Victoria continued going off on her sister, writing, “And another thing B***H while you trying to get my page took GLORIA.” Then she followed up with another post, writing, “And I’m done with this s**t keep making her feel like shes right ion gaf about what nobody has too say..we all struggle in that house so for you to make it out and forget about us is diabolical“
Since then, Victoria has been posting screenshots of her Cash App and sending thank yous to those who have been sending her money.
More On Victoria Woods Accusing GloRilla Of Neglecting Their Family
As The Shade Room previously reported, earlier this week, Victoria took to Facebook, writing, “I’ll Really Go Live And Expose Yall Favorite Rapper Same Mom, Same Dad, 10 Siblings Yall Think she this upright ass person when she really not ain’t fwu since she got on and I’m constantly getting acknowledgment for being her sister and she ain’t fwu at all Gloria Woods call my bluff it’s been 4years why the media haven’t seen your siblings? And don’t say cause you protecting us cause we still in Memphis it’s cause you talk about our struggles and you don’t fw na let’s clock it.”
Subsequently, Victoria added, “And our parents are not straight!! Our dad just borrowed 100$ from our mom yall think yall know shit but don’t !! I had to give my mom 1800$ on a 2400$ rent cause Yall favorite rapper blocked her !! Im tired of being quiet”
Afterward, Glo appeared to clap back at her sister’s claims by sharing apparent texts from her mom thanking her for her support.
In response, Victoria appeared to call cap on the texts.
Furthermore, Victoria went live and even called out Yo Gotti, too.
RELATED: That’s How You Feel? GloRilla Claps Back At Family Neglect Claims As Her Sister Victoria Woods Doubles Down (WATCH)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
Brooklyn Beckham Allegedly Covers Tattoos Honoring Parents
According to reports, Brooklyn has allegedly removed the tattoos he had dedicated to his parents, as the family feud, which began last month with Brooklyn’s bombshell allegations, continues.
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Brooklyn Beckham Allegedly Removes Tattoos In Honor Of His Parents

Things in the ongoing Beckham family drama have taken another turn, and this time it’s Brooklyn sending a message to his parents without saying a word. Per Us Weekly, the oldest child of David and Victoria has allegedly removed the tattoos he got dedicated to them.
In recent images of Brooklyn out with wife Nicola Peltz, the anchor tattoo on Brooklyn’s right arm which featured “DAD” in the middle, appears to have now been covered up with three nondescript symbols.
The tattoo also has the words “Love You Bust,” underneath the anchor and is still present. According to the outlet, “Bust” is a loving nod to Brooklyn and David’s past relationship, as they referred to each other as “Buster,” a name which is tattooed on David’s neck.
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However, David isn’t the only one who had his tribute tattoo removed. Brooklyn also allegedly covered up the “Mama’s Boy” tattoo on his chest in honor of Victoria.
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Reconciliation For The Beckham Family Remains Elusive

In the bombshell posts he made last month calling out his family, Brooklyn ended his message by making it abundantly clear that he has no current interest in repairing his fractured relationship with his family.
“I have been silent for years and have made every attempt to keep these matters private,” Brooklyn wrote in multiple messages posted to his Instagram Stories.
“Unfortunately, my parents and their team have continued to go to the press, leaving me with no choice but to speak for myself and tell the truth about only some of the lies that have been printed,” he continued.
Brooklyn made his stance clear with his family moving forward. “I do not want to reconcile with my family. I’m not being controlled, I’m standing up for myself for the first time in my life.”
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He also hurled accusations that his mom Victoria “hijacked” the first dance at his wedding by dancing “inappropriately” and making him feel “uncomfortable” and “humiliated.”
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Cruz Beckham Continues To Support His Parents Despite Brooklyn’s Estrangement

Cruz, along with his siblings Romeo and Harper Beckham, has shown a strong sense of support for his superstar parents.
Accompanying the family as they shut down Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week late last month, where Victoria was honored, Cruz has also supported her through music.
On Thursday, February 5, Cruz posted a video on Instagram, playing the guitar, as Victoria and the Spice Girls (minus Mel B) sat around and sang a stripped-down version of their 1998 hit, “Viva Forever.”
“I think I found my openers… you think they have potential? Something exciting coming later today 😉 keep an eye out and get involved,” Cruz wrote in the video’s caption.
Known to always support his mother’s status as a pop music icon, Cruz got a “Posh” tattoo in her honor back in 2023.
Brooklyn Reportedly Does Not Regret Taking His Family Feud Public

Per PEOPLE, an inside source told the outlet that despite the backlash from his allegations, Brooklyn “has no regrets about speaking out publicly against his parents.”
The source also shared that Brooklyn believes he was in the right to speak out against his parents and feels “at peace” for airing out their tense relationship publicly.
In addition to alleging that Victoria “hijacked” the first dance at his wedding by dancing “inappropriately” and making him feel “uncomfortable” and “humiliated,” Brooklyn further accused his parents of years of behind-the-scenes sabotage regarding his marriage and using the media to paint a negative picture of the couple, who were married in 2022.
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Reports Of Tension Within The Family Allegedly Started Before Brooklyn’s Wedding

“My mum cancelled making Nicola’s dress in the eleventh hour despite how excited she was to wear her design, forcing her to urgently find a new dress,” Brooklyn wrote.
However, a resurfaced 2022 Vogue interview with Nicola and her stylist contradicted Brooklyn’s claims.
It was revealed in the interview that Nicola had a custom Valentino Haute Couture wedding gown ready for her to walk down the aisle that took a year to create.
Nicola’s stylist also shared with the outlet the details of the extensive design process, such as selecting sketches and fabrics for “the ultimate couture experience.”
Entertainment
Unhinged, Raunchy 80s Comedy Is A Cult Classic From Legendary Directors
By Robert Scucci
| Published

After The Evil Dead’s commercial success, Sam Raimi was eager to work on another project with Bruce Campbell, with help from the Coen brothers, in the form of 1985’s Crimewave. While this sounds like the best movie you’ve probably never heard of, it’s best to approach this one with guarded enthusiasm because what sounds awesome on paper doesn’t quite work on screen as intended. It’s not that the script isn’t funny, or that the setpieces aren’t ambitious, but rather that Raimi wasn’t allowed to edit the film due to studio interference. The end result is a movie that feels disjointed and incomplete despite the talent involved.
Had Raimi and the Coen brothers conceptualized the film later in their careers, when they had more clout and creative leverage, Crimewave could have been a masterpiece of subversive comedy. All the elements that draw you to it are present, but everything feels cobbled together and without a clear sense of direction. At the end of the day, that’s pretty much what you should expect when getting into a dark, neo-noir crime comedy inspired by Hitchcock, filtered through B-movie production values that lean fully into slapstick humor, as if you were watching a Laurel and Hardy bit stretched to feature length.

Still, if you’re a fan of the filmmakers, it’s a fascinating creative misstep to witness. If nothing else, it lets you check off one of their more obscure titles, a movie that never really had a chance to thrive upon release, but is now adored as the cult classic it was always destined to be.
A Glorious Mess Of Intent Vs Execution
Crimewave tells its primary story in flashbacks, leading up to the execution of Victor Ajax (Reed Birney), who finds himself strapped into an electric chair as midnight approaches. You’re also treated to a smash cut of a group of nuns crammed into a sedan, barreling toward the prison for reasons that won’t be explained until much later. Victor insists that he’s innocent, and hopes he can convince the executioner to spare him by recounting what really happened before he was apprehended and incarcerated.

Victor’s flashbacks tell the story behind the murders he’s been accused of committing, but given how convoluted everything becomes, it’s no wonder he’s minutes away from getting zapped out of his mortal coil. According to Victor, he worked as a technician for Ernest Trend (Edward R. Pressman), the co-owner of Trend-Odegard Security. While installing security cameras in his boss’s apartment building, Victor is sent off to track down his dream girl, Nancy (Sheree J. Wilson), who just so happens to live in the same building. What Victor doesn’t realize is that this errand is a deliberate distraction, as he’s supposed to be heading back to the shop across the street, completely unaware of what Mr. Trend already knows.
Mr. Trend has just learned that his business partner, Mr. Odegard, is trying to sell the company out from under him. In response, he hires exterminators Faron (Paul L. Smith) and Arthur (Brion James) to kill Odegard at the shop. Meanwhile, Victor attempts to charm Nancy, who is openly disinterested in him, but infatuated with Renaldo The Heel (Bruce Campbell), a sleazy rival who plans on buying the company from Odegard. Through this love triangle, the machinations of Mr. Trend, and the exterminators’ willingness to wipe out anyone in their path to make sure the sale doesn’t go through, Victor finds himself in the middle of a murder spree that becomes increasingly slapstick in execution, but incriminating all the same.

As bedlam unfolds according to Victor’s recounting of events, we gradually piece together what really happened that night. Whether or not he’s telling the truth, however, is left for the judge and executioner to decide as the clock ticks closer to midnight.
Could Have Been Brilliant, But We Got This Instead
The most disappointing aspect of Crimewave is that it contains all the raw elements you’d expect from a Sam Raimi film written by the Coen brothers. Bruce Campbell is reliably Bruce Campbell, and the slapstick is pushed so far into absurdity that it feels like an early preview of what the Coens would later refine in films like Raising Arizona and O Brother, Where Art Thou? Unfortunately, Raimi simply didn’t have the authority he needed to fully realize the project on his own terms, and the resulting studio interference hurt Crimewave far more than it helped.

While Crimewave remains a fun watch thanks to its cast, oddball story beats, and occasionally elaborate setpieces, its individual parts never quite line up to form a satisfying whole. The silver lining is that its failure directly inspired Raimi to double down on Evil Dead II after recovering from this production. In that sense, Crimewave became a necessary stepping stone that pushed the franchise we know and love into bolder, more unrestrained territory.

Had Crimewave been conceived in the 90s, 2000s, or later, the final product would likely have been far more cohesive. By that point, Raimi and the Coen brothers would have had enough creative control to fully embrace the absurdity baked into the screenplay. Even so, it’s still a Sam Raimi film written by the Coen brothers, which means you can expect a healthy dose of offbeat, dark humor that reflects the sensibilities they’ve consistently delivered throughout their careers. It just happens, in this case, to miss the mark more often than it hits, making for a messy but undeniably interesting watch.

As of this writing, Crimewave is streaming for free on Tubi.
Entertainment
Quentin Jiles Names Politicians He Thinks Would Lose on ‘The Traitors’
Political Analyst Quentin Jiles
These Politicians Would Be Banished on ‘The Traitors’ ASAP!!!
Published
TMZ.com
Political commentator Quentin Jiles was a runner-up on “The Traitors” 3 years ago, so he knows what it takes to survive the roundtable … and he told us the politicians he thinks would be immediately banished.
Watch the video … Quentin stopped by “TMZ Live” to dish on who in D.C. gives off so much overtly traitorous energy, the other Faithfuls would banish them whether they were Traitors or not.
Quentin gave us 2 very notable names … and one them, Quentin joked, catches a flight out of his state “every time the wind blows,” which would be an immediate red flag to the rest of the contestants.
According to Quentin, a critical skill for doing well on “The Traitors” is gaining your castmates’ trust … which is an ability that Quentin says is extremely lacking with these 2 Washington power players.
But there was one person in particular — a Supreme Court Justice — whom Quentin thinks is just duplicitous enough to win the whole thing!
Entertainment
Starfleet Academy Stole Avery Brooks’s Voice For Their Show, He Did Not Participate At All
By Joshua Tyler
| Published

Star Trek’s Starfleet Academy dropped an episode centered entirely around the commander of Deep Space Nine, Captain Benjamin Sisko. It’s titled “Series Acclimation Mil” and the plot involves Cirroc Lofton returning as Jake, in hologram form, and it ends with a voiceover that sounds like a cameo from Sisko himself, Avery Brooks. It’s not. It’s a lie.
Avery Brooks did not participate in this episode of Starfleet Academy and has, in fact, retired from acting in general and Star Trek specifically. He has no intention of returning, let alone for a show like this.
The voice you heard at the end of Starfleet Academy was Avery Brooks’s voice, but it wasn’t something he recorded for the series. Instead, the show’s producers stole Avery’s voice off a spoken word album he once did, and they’re now passing it off as the return of the Sisko.

Here’s what Avery Brooks said in the stolen dialogue: “Divine laws are simpler than human ones, which is why it takes a lifetime to be able to understand them. Only love can understand them. Only love can interpret these words as they were meant to be interpreted.”
If you watched the episode, you probably thought that dialogue sounded weird, out of place, and didn’t obviously fit exactly what was going on in the show. Now you know why. It wasn’t meant for the show.
Avery Brooks Was A Not Part Of This And Likely Did Not Speak With Producers At All

The show’s producers are trying to make it seem like the theft of Avery’s voice was done with his blessing, but that doesn’t seem to be strictly true. Alex Kurtzman claims, “I had a very beautiful interaction with Avery.” Who knows what that means? It could have been an email or a call from his lawyer.
The rest of what the Starfleet Academy team is telling the media suggests that Cirroc Lofton spoke with Brooks about it for them. Lofton and Brooks have maintained a close relationship over the years since the end of DS9, with Brooks becoming something of a surrogate father to Lofton.

Other than whatever private discussions Cirroc may have had with him, Avery Brooks had nothing to do with Starfleet Academy. Writer Tawny Newsome says Brooks was “aware of the project.” Being “aware” the show exists is the full extent of Brooks’s involvement, according to the show’s creative team.
Aside from stealing Avery Brooks’s voice to capitalize on his legacy, most of the episode was terrible and involved an annoying girl reducing his role as the Emissary to some sort of superhero trope that would spawn a legion of Emissaries, or something equally ridiculous. It was dumb and childish, but didn’t trample on the excellence of Deep Space Nine, which is a win.
Cirroc Lofton Is Still Excellent As Jake Sisko

If there’s a positive in the episode, it’s Cirroc Lofton, who was dignified and insightful. I have a hard time believing all of his dialogue was written by the Starfleet Academy crew; much of it sounded very different from the usual dreck they spew, and I found myself wondering if he’d come up with some of it himself.
We learn that Jake Sisko never published the novel he was writing. The reason given is some strange justification about how not publishing it made him feel close to his father. That’s a shame, since there’s nothing Ben Sisko would have liked more than to see Jake publish his book.

However, Lofton delivers the best performance we’ve seen from anyone on Starfleet Academy so far while focusing his discussion of Benjamin Sisko on Sisko’s role as a great father. That was always a key to the character, and one of the most beautiful and unique things about Deep Space Nine.
Cirroc Lofton proved he’s grown into the kind of man that both Ben Sisko and Avery Brooks would be proud of. Unfortunately, the episode itself ruined it by robbing Avery Brooks of his voice and using it to trick viewers into putting up with their streaming service.
Entertainment
Bethenny Frankel Shares New Thoughts on a ‘Housewives’ Return
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Why Bethenny Frankel Is Swearing Off ‘Housewives’

Frankel took to her TikTok account on February 5 to share how she feels about reality TV, specifically “Housewives.” She began, “Am I going back to Housewives? So, I have made a conscious effort to protect my peace. I’m really happy. I’m really settled. I am significantly more successful than when I created Skinny Girl because I’ve chosen to do things the way I want to do them.”
From there, she spoke about the “freedom” she’s created and her love for working with various brands and doing philanthropy. Regarding doing a show like “Housewives,” she said, “I have been asked. Just so you know, and I don’t know that that particular formula is the best for me spiritually, physically, emotionally, I’ve done it, and no one’s ever been more successful as a result of it.”
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In the end, she said, “Don’t worry. I’ve got a couple of tricks up my sleeve.”
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The Skinny Girl Founder Is Happy For Her Former Costars

Frankel also discussed “The Golden Life” during her TikTok update. The former “RHONY” star said, “I’m so happy for the women, and I’m happy for E!. I think it’s disruptive. I think it’s interesting. I think it’s business. I think it’s so many things.” Regarding her calling the show disruptive, it’s worth noting that E! is no longer under the same NBCUniversal umbrella as Bravo, meaning it has no contractual ties to “The Real Housewives of New York City.”
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Frankel echoed similar sentiments recently when she reacted to the initial reports about the upcoming E! series. She said on TikTok, “What do I think about the Housewives going to E! in a new reboot, OG style? I’m glad you asked. I think it’s fantastic. E! came in, savage, baracoota style and said, ‘These [ladies] aren’t expired, so you know what, let’s put ’em back on the shelf.”
She continued, “And Ramona is going to come out of hibernation like a bear. Ready to eat something. Jill, the machinations, she’s been turning the wheels, making this happen. Jill had something to do with this ending up in the end zone.”
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Fans Think The TV Personality Should Return
Many “Real Housewives of New York City” fans have reacted to Frankel’s comments about returning to the show or being on the new one. Many believe she should film with her former costars, and some would even like to see her return to Bravo. One person said, “PLEASEEE, we need to see you humble Kelly again.”
Someone else replied, “Honestly, just do it. We only have one lifetime; they’d pay you a bag, and you will never have this chance with that same group of women again.” Another person said, “It won’t be the same without you and Dorinda.” A different fan wrote, “I didn’t hear a no.”
A different “RHONY” fan stated, “Please, please go back. We need you to deal with Kelly. Let her know she’s down there and you’re up here! Finally, someone else had a suggestion. They said, “Girl, I get it frankly. But you COULD host the reunion!!!! Andy would absolutely die.
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The New Show Will Be Filmed Soon
Page Six first reported in January 2026 that Sonja Morgan, Jill Zarin, Kelly Bensimon, de Lesseps, and Singer had signed a deal for a new show on E! The report also stated that the ladies and the network hoped to have the new series on the air by the end of 2026.
Several days later, on February 3, E! finally confirmed that the rumors were true. Per the show’s synopsis, “Bound by decades of shared history, fallouts and friendship, this fan-favorite group of New Yorkers are starting fresh together in the Sunshine State.”
It continued, “In this new ‘golden’ era of life, the longtime friends are thriving in and around Palm Beach with fabulous second homes and a bustling social scene. With their signature humor and non-stop hijinks, the series will follow the group as they navigate dating, family, and career milestones.”
Reports say the ladies will begin filming the show in the spring.
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The ‘RHONY’ Alum Has A New Business Venture

Frankel may not be returning to “Housewives” anytime soon, but she is advancing her career in other ways, including with a new dating app, The Core. She spoke to The Hollywood Reporter in January 2026 about the new platform, which recently hosted its first event in Miami.
Regarding how her private dating platform is different, she said, “It’s mostly men on dating apps. [The Core] has mostly women, which is why all the good men are coming. We have more amazing, high-quality women than men, so the cream-of-the-crop men follow. Every woman in the room was high quality — not trying to get your money or ask what your net worth is, whether you rent or what car you drive. It wasn’t like that at all.”
Platform memberships start at $7,500.
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