By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 33 seconds ago

While The X-Files is famous for stories about aliens, monsters, and far-reaching government conspiracies, it sometimes focused on more down-to-Earth threats. This includes serial killers like Luther Lee Boggs, Gerry Schnauz, John Lee Roche, and more. Sometimes, the show had it both ways by featuring characters like Eugene Tooms and  Robert Patrick Modell, who used their fantastic powers to take killing people to a whole new level.

Obviously, The X-Files is a show filled with fictional serial killers guaranteed to make your skin crawl. But one forgotten episode from early in the show’s history crafted a fictional story that took great inspiration from one of the most notorious serial killers in American history. That episode is “Aubrey,” which featured some powerful allusions to the Hillside Strangler!

A Cut Above The Other Killers

“Aubrey” is a Season 2 episode where Mulder and Scully investigate the unusual case of a woman who may have genetically inherited violent tendencies from her serial killer grandfather. At first, this manifests as a psychic vision where she is able to inexplicably discover the hidden body of an FBI agent who was murdered in 1942; later, it is revealed that she is killing people in the same way that her grandfather did, including carving words (such as “Sister” or “Brother”) into victims’ chests. Eventually, she is busted for her copycat crimes, and after killing her grandfather (the former serial killer), she is committed to a psychiatric ward.

What does this weird X-Files story have to do with a real-life serial killer? The female character in “Aubrey,” B.J., bears some surface-level similarities to Veronica Compton. If that name doesn’t ring a bell, she is someone who tried to kill a woman in 1979 in a copycat murder intended to prove the innocence of one of America’s most infamous serial killers: the Hillside Strangler!

The Ghost Of Killing Sprees Yet To Come

The original Hillside Strangler (later, his cousin was convicted of the same crimes) was Kenneth Bianchi, a man who tortured his victims before strangling them to death using a ligature. He then dumped the bodies on the wooded hillsides of Los Angeles, creating a grim tableau for the police to find. In 1979, police arrested Bianchi as well as his murderous cousin, Angelo Buono Jr. After the arrest, he began a relationship with Veronica Compton, a woman who ended up testifying for the defense at his trial. Eventually, she tried to strangle another woman to death in an attempt to make the authorities think the Strangler was still at large.

Many X-Files fans have noted that in “Aubrey,” there are several parallels to Compton and the Strangler: for example, there’s a woman committing crimes that copy the M.O. of someone who can’t have committed them (Bianchi was in prison, and B.J.’s real grandfather was extremely elderly). Also, while B.J. wasn’t consciously trying to clear Cokely’s name, her copycat methods brought more attention to his crimes, just as Compton’s copycat attempted murder revived the real killer’s legacy. Finally, both women end up in confinement: B.J. is placed in a psychiatric facility, and Compton was imprisoned for her crimes before being released in 2003.

At the end of the day, “Aubrey” is a pretty forgettable X-Files episode, and the plot’s reliance on inherited memory seems weirder and more gimmicky now than ever before. However, knowing the episode was a fictional homage to the Hillside Strangler and the woman who loved him does make it that much more interesting. Unlike the strangler himself, though, this strange episode never quite manages to take our breath away.

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 17 seconds ago

Netflix’s One Piece live-action series continues to outpace every other adaptation, anime or not, but Season 2 Episode 3, “Whiskey Business,” makes a strong case for the series to be one of the greatest Netflix action series of all time. For the first time this season, fans are able to see Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu) cut loose, and the result is a non-stop swordfight from the first floor of a tavern to its roof. Zoro versus 100 Baroque Works agents may bring to mind Kill Bill’s The Bride against 100 Yakuza, except there’s a catch: One Piece did it first.

1 Vs. 100

The pairing of the serious swordsman Zoro with the Baroque Works agent Mr. 9 (Daniel Lasker) mixes oil and water. Mr. 9’s foppish crown and attempts at being an over-the-top villain make him the opposite of the taciturn Zoro, which is why, when Zoro is finally able to cut loose in his pursuit of the assassin, it’s oh so very satisfying. For the first half of the episode, the Straw Hat Pirates think the town of Whiskey Peak is a pirate-loving sanctuary, until the reveal that it’s a front for Baroque Works.

When Zoro walks into the tavern, he knows that everyone inside is a Baroque Works agent. What Mr. 9 eventually realizes is that Zoro isn’t trapped in the building with them. Baroque Works is trapped inside with Zoro. For 10 minutes, the deadliest swordsman in the East Blue carves through 98 agents, making his way up to Mr. 9, where he finally uses the Three-Sword Style. It’s as satisfying as the moment when John Wick finally made it to the top of the stairs. 

One Piece’s fight choreography is a little different thanks to the Devil Fruit powers. “Whiskey Business” sticks out because Zoro doesn’t have any. He’s the best there is at what he does. The result is a grounded fight, unlike anything seen in the live-action adaptation so far. Mackenyu is up to the task, considering he’s the son of the legendary Sonny Chiabi, who you might know from dozens of martial arts shows and films over six decades, or maybe you only know him as Hanzo Hattori, the swordsmith from Kill Bill. 

Zoro’s Rampage Came Before Kill Bill

It’s hard not to think of the iconic Kill Bill sword fight when watching “Whiskey Business.” Uma Thurman and Quentin Tarantino put together an iconic sword fight with a lone hero against 100 assailants, which had been done before, many times, but few were as stylish. One Piece’s Whiskey Peak arc first aired in 2001, and fans watched Zoro take down Baroque Works in Episode 65, two years before Kill Bill hit theaters. If anything, Tarantino could have been a little influenced by the anime. 

The rest of the episode, which cuts out the anime’s Zoro and Luffy duel, is equally as fantastic. Baroque Works takes center stage as the villains of the season, and the Straw Hat Pirates get a new direction for their journey through the Grand Line. “Whiskey Business” will, as with the anime arc, be remembered more for Zoro getting the spotlight and redefining what fights can look like on a massive streaming budget. 

Fantasy TV is greatly known for thriving on sprawling worlds and long-running sagas, multi-season chaos that offers thrilling character journeys. But sometimes the genre produces rare and fantastic hits that deliver just a single season. That one-season hit often wields an unforgettable story with ambitious themes, striking visual direction, and an emotionally satisfying arc—even when it concludes on a slight cliffhanger.

Masterful series like the layered superhero drama, Watchmen, that produces an alternate version of history, and the cult classic gem, Neverwhere, that explores a hidden magical London, are just two series in the genre that demonstrate just how brilliant a one-season fantasy icon can truly be. Compiled on this list are the TV shows that wield the title of masterpiece, despite their single-season status.

‘Over the Garden Wall’ (2014)

Image via Cartoon Network

Over the Garden Wall is an animated show that may wield a short runtime, but the series’ fairytale-like storytelling and haunting visuals ensured its lasting legacy as a masterful fantasy masterpiece. The Cartoon Network series follows a pair of lost brothers, Wirt (Elijah Wood) and Greg (Collin Dean), who stumble into “the Unknown,” where they meet several unusual characters on their strange journey home.

Over the Garden Wall somehow captures wonder and melancholy together perfectly. It’s an animated series that’s beautifully strange and skillfully atmospheric. Over the Garden Wall is a truly unique ride that presents like a traditional storybook tale, but with an eerie atmosphere, darker tone, and escalating moral stakes. What makes it a masterful one-season watch is that every episode acts like a “chapter” that still advances the character and theme: adolescence vs. childhood, fear vs. hope, and the seduction of giving up when the going gets tough. Over the Garden Wall is definitely a fantastic fantasy great that stands as a tightly crafted masterpiece despite its status as a single-season series.

‘My Lady Jane’ (2024)

Image via Prime Video

This brilliant fantasy series is one of the finest of the genre that has ever been brought to screens, and unfortunately, only has one season to its name. My Lady Jane is an alternate-history fantasy, focusing on the bold and ambitious Lady Jane Grey (Emily Bader), who is forced into marriage and involuntarily thrust into lethal court politics.

My Lady Jane is a reimagining of English history with a playful fantasy twist. The show’s premise is genuinely intriguing as it delivers magical lore and thrilling political drama. My Lady Jane‘s energetic storytelling and clever take on the past make it an extremely entertaining single-season masterpiece. Without withholding its payoff to later seasons, the show commits to a full season-long story arc, including political affairs, romance, and a heady tone. It is truly unfortunate that My Lady Jane never got the chance to expand its story due to its cancellation, but it does make for a great one-season fantasy gem.

‘Watchmen’ (2019)

Image via HBO

Watchmen is an expansion of the iconic comic universe that transports audiences into a daring alternate-history fantasy drama. Set in a world where masked vigilantes are treated as outlaws, the series focuses on detective Angela Abar aka Sister Night (Regina King), as she investigates conspiracies that reawaken old ideological violence.

Watchmen is a quality limited series that honestly outdoes those with a much longer run time. The show’s bold themes, stunning performances, and meticulous writing prove that with just one season, a story of excellent caliber can be brought to audiences. Watchmen stands as a powerful fantasy jewel that easily earned itself a strong reputation as a television masterpiece. While using genre spectacles like superheroes, dystopia, and mystery to do precise thematic work, the show builds on the usual comic-book tropes and turns them into a sharp social commentary. Watchmen is often lauded as one of the best miniseries to be produced by HBO, solidifying it as the perfect one-season epic for this list of masterpieces.

‘WandaVision’ (2021)

Image via Disney+

This Marvel TV series is a skillful blend of classic television nostalgia and epic superhero fantasy. WandaVision initially begins with superheroes, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany), as they live a happy, sitcom-shaped suburban life as a married couple. It isn’t very long before their world begins to fracture, as the two start to notice strange happenings that seem to have a single source—Wanda.

WandaVision is initially an incredibly quirky series that honestly stumps most audiences who are watching it for the first time. But it doesn’t take very long to see why most viewers are quick to praise the iconic series. WandaVision hosts inventive storytelling and fantastic emotional depth that elevate its one-season arc into a fully realized fantasy masterpiece that’s truly able to captivate audiences. Its story may be short, but WandaVision ranks high amongst some of the absolute best in the fantasy genre.

‘Lovecraft Country’ (2020)

Image via HBO

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Lovecraft Country is an intriguingly fearless mesh of horror, fantasy, and historical commentary. Set in 1950s America, the story centers on Atticus Freeman (Jonathan Majors) as he, along with Letitia “Leti” Lewis (Jurnee Smollett) and Hippolyta Freeman (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), travels across the country in search of his missing father, only to encounter not only racist terror, but also supernatural monsters.

Lovecraft Country is a rather bold series with a very entertaining concept; unfortunately, it never made it far, as it was cancelled rather quickly. Despite that, the show is good enough as a one-season gem that delivers an incredible story. With a combination of American history and cosmic horror, Lovecraft Country offers a unique narrative that is significantly memorable despite its status as a single-season series. From production design to music choices, Lovecraft‘s cultural work only makes its story feel all the more historical and mythic, marking it as the perfect addition to this list of masterful one-season watches.

‘The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself’ (2022)

Image via Netflix

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This unfortunately cancelled series came and left in a burst of creativity and thrill. The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself is a book-to-screen coming-of-age adaptation that follows the young Nathan (Jay Lycurgo), who finds himself caught in between warring witch clans as the son of a feared killer.

The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself is extremely addictive, but horrendously underrated. It’s a one-season masterpiece for its intriguing story and fantastic performances. The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself is genuinely entertaining, and its abrupt cancellation definitely disappointed many of its fans. Even with the dark fantasy’s brief run, The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself, with its gripping storytelling, has earned its place among some of fantasy television’s most overlooked masterpieces, making it the ideal pick for this list of peak gems in the vast genre.

‘Neverwhere’ (1996)

Image via BBC

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Neverwhere is based on Neil Gaiman‘s novel of the same name and stands as one of fantasy’s greatest cult favorites. The beloved series centers around Richard Mayhew (Gary Bakewell) as he helps an injured girl named Door (Laura Fraser), only to find himself erased from ordinary London and pulled into the hidden fantasy underworld known as “London Below.”

With an imaginative premise and a thrillingly eerie atmosphere, Neverwhere is a stunning fantasy masterpiece that delivers a mysterious underground realm filled with hidden magic and strange characters. The show’s tightly contained narrative and inventive world never feel like it’s merely a one-season story; instead, Neverwhere offers audiences a fully realized narrative. The 1996 series further showcases its masterpiece status with vivid worldbuilding, clear stakes, and a complete transformation of its protagonist. Neverwhere does wield that BBC flair, but the series is only enhanced by it, giving it a dream-like atmosphere. The series concludes with a resolution that feels like a quality payoff, marking it as a bingeable watch that delivers a complete fantasy masterpiece that’s worth diving into.

‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018)

This iconic horror series may not be in the realm of traditional fantasy, but the supernatural gem is a ghostly fantasy drama that definitely counts as a memorable single-season masterpiece. The Haunting of Hill House follows the fractured Crain family, who are forced to relive the trauma of their haunted childhood home as the story switches between the past and present, showcasing how the family’s adult lives are shaped by what they survived inside “Hill House.”

The Haunting of Hill House wields a chilling blend of supernatural horror and family drama, masterfully delivering a series rife with great scares and surprising amounts of emotional depth. The show is a limited series, so it feels like it’s built perfectly for a single season. Each episode is both a puzzle piece and a character study—a genuine full thesis statement. With fantastic direction and incredible production design, the overall craftsmanship of The Haunting of Hill House only proves that a single season show can still offer audiences quality entertainment.

Married at First Sight stars David and Madison are officially engaged following their public cheating scandal.

“My best friends are engaged and I haven’t stopped crying,” a friend of the couple wrote via Instagram Stories on Saturday, March 14, later reshared on Madison’s own Instagram Stories.

The reality TV star then reshared a series of posts from her nearest and dearest during a St. Patrick’s Day-turned-surprise engagement party in honor of the couple.

“Congrats to two real ones on their engagement,” one friend wrote via their Instagram Stories, also reshared by Madison. “Love you guys.”

“Love at first sight congrats you two,” another wrote.

“Congratulations to one of my fave gals on her engagement to her soulmate!” another posted.

Madison later shared a video of the engagement itself on her Instagram Stories, showing the pair sitting at a table eating dessert while David rolled what at first glance appeared to be an oversized dice.

The reality star then grabbed the dice and got down on one knee, opening the box to reveal an engagement ring. Madison quickly covered her mouth in disbelief as her fiancé asked the big question. After saying yes, the pair kissed and David slid the ring onto her finger.

Of course, fans of the hit dating show Married at First Sight will remember the controversial pair, who found themselves in hot water after they developed a connection despite being married to other people. Experts Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Cal Roberson and Dr. Pia Goff initially paired Madison up with Allen, while David was paired up with Michelle.

At one point, David sent a text message to Madison saying he “wanted to eat her up” while still married to Michelle. David claimed that he was just shooting his shot as a man with “needs” that weren’t being met. The pair ultimately decided to end their respective marriages and pursued each other instead.

“Obviously, I think we would both change everything,” Madison later said, expressing her regret over how the pair handled the situation. “I will never regret following my heart, but I will regret not having the courage and the confidence to say it loudly when I should have.”

Related: ‘Married at First Sight’ Reunion Reveals Where David and Madison Stand

Married at First Sight’s David and Madison continue to surprise viewers with their relationship updates. During the Tuesday, March 11, episode of Lifetime’s reality show, the pair reunited with the cast for the first time in nearly a year. As part of the reunion show, both David, 37, and Madison, 31, confirmed they are still […]

David added, “I should have been stronger. I would like to apologize to you Michelle sincerely. And to you Allen as well. You’re a great man, and I should have manned up.”

During the March 2025 reunion, Madison gave fans an update on her relationship with David.

“We’re very happy,” she told host Kevin Frazier at the time. “He makes me feel like the most special person in the world without even trying. He’s the best.”

Christina Haack is once again stirring conversation about her love life after making a public appearance with a noticeable accessory.

The HGTV star recently stepped out wearing a ring on her wedding finger, raising eyebrows.

The moment comes as Haack continues her relationship with boyfriend, Christopher LaRocca, following several highly publicized marriages.

Christina Haack Turns Heads With Ring At HGTV Event

Haack caught attention during a recent Hollywood event when observers noticed a surprising detail about her jewelry.

According to the Daily Mail, the “Flip or Flop” alum attended HGTV’s first-ever gathering at the iconic Bachelor Mansion in Los Angeles on March 12.

The event celebrated the “Bachelor Mansion Takeover” alongside host Jesse Palmer, the former football player who now leads The Bachelor franchise.

For the occasion, the 42-year-old reality star opted for a sophisticated look, wearing a moss-green gown paired with heels while carrying a white Dior handbag.

However, it was the ring on her wedding finger that quickly sparked speculation.

The sighting raised questions because Haack has not announced an engagement to her current partner, Christopher LaRocca, who also attended the event.

Christina Haack Praises Boyfriend Christopher LaRocca

Haack and LaRocca enjoyed a romantic evening during the event.

Speaking on the red carpet on March 12, the HGTV star opened up about how much she appreciates his presence and support in her life.

“Chris is always very supportive,” Haack, 42, exclusively told Us Weekly at the event. “He’s just a nice, easy man to be around, and I love having him here.”

While Haack appears happy in her relationship, she has also been juggling a packed schedule.

The design expert is currently filming Season 2 of HGTV’s “The Flip Off” alongside Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae El Moussa.

She also recently appeared as a judge on “Bachelor Mansion Takeover,” where former Bachelor franchise favorites returned to the famous mansion to renovate the property while competing for a cash prize.

Christina Haack Reflects On Marriage After Three Divorces

Despite the buzz surrounding the ring, Haack has been candid about where she currently stands on marriage.

The television personality recently opened up about the possibility of tying the knot again while speaking with Us Weekly in January.

“I probably will [get married again] eventually. But, not anytime soon,” she shared.

After experiencing three marriages, Haack explained that she would approach any future wedding much differently.

She said she would need to “be engaged for a minimum of, like, five years” before making such a commitment again.

For now, however, she made it clear that marriage is not a priority.

“Marriage is just not on my radar right now,” she told the outlet.

Haack was previously married to Tarek El Moussa from 2006 to 2016 and later to Ant Anstead from 2018 to 2020.

She also recently finalized her divorce from Joshua Hall, whom she separated from in July 2024 before settling the split in May 2025.

Christina Haack Celebrates Christopher LaRocca With Heartfelt Tribute

Haack has frequently expressed affection for her boyfriend, LaRocca, on social media.

In November 2025, the real estate investor celebrated LaRocca’s 53rd birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post that offered fans a glimpse into their relationship.

The post included a carousel of photos showing the couple spending time together, including one image where they shared a kiss.

In her caption, Haack praised her partner’s character and kindness.

“Happy Birthday to my Scorpio,” she wrote. “To know you is to love you. You help me (and everyone you care about) with zero motives.”

She continued by describing LaRocca as someone who consistently leaves a positive impression on others. Haack called him a “good person” and added that everyone who meets him seems to agree. She also admired his ambition and mindset, noting that he continues striving for growth while remaining deeply connected to their blended family.

The tribute concluded with another message of appreciation.

Haack wrote, “I love that you always hold my hand and guide me through the BS. Everything with you is fun. I’ll be forever grateful for this season of life with you.”

Christina Haack And Christopher LaRocca Share Their Relationship Online

Haack first introduced her romance with LaRocca to fans in early 2025.

The couple went Instagram official in February that year with a playful post showing them traveling together on a private jet while wearing coordinated outfits.

Haack jokingly captioned the post, “Some plane flights must be hard posted.”

Their relationship has included several trips together, including a romantic getaway to Paris, where they were photographed sharing affectionate moments near the Eiffel Tower.

According to a source, travel has become a regular part of their relationship. The pair has reportedly spent time together around Newport and has taken multiple international vacations.