A well-known reality TV couple is speaking out after a frightening road rage encounter in Los Angeles that they say left them shaken and fearing for their lives. Celebrity designer Pol’ Atteu and his husband Patrik Simpson say they were targeted during a violent confrontation while driving through West Hollywood, sparking renewed concerns about safety and crime in the area. The incident, which unfolded in broad daylight, has since prompted the reality TV stars to call for stronger action against rising crime.

Road Rage Incident Turns Violent In West Hollywood

According to Atteu and Simpson, the ordeal began at the intersection of Melrose Avenue and Vine Street when a man driving a Toyota 4Runner allegedly cut off their Mercedes. What followed quickly escalated into a terrifying encounter, with the man reportedly attacking their vehicle.

The couple says they locked themselves inside as the suspect punched the driver’s side window and kicked the door. “I thought he was gonna kill us. I thought I was going to die,” Atteu told Daily Mail.

Simpson echoed the fear of the moment, adding, “We were literally like trapped rats. And then he came running towards the car, and I saw my life flash before my eyes. I think if he had broken that window, then we would not be here today.”

911 Call Leaves Couple Frustrated

After the suspect fled the scene, the couple attempted to follow from a distance while calling 911 in hopes of identifying the driver. However, they say the response they received from the dispatcher left them stunned.

Instead of assistance, they were reportedly told to stop pursuing the suspect or risk being held liable. “It was like they were trying to turn it around and say that we were in the wrong for following the guy,” Simpson said. “All we were trying to do was to get the license plate, because if I did not have the license plate number, we would not be able to do anything, and we want to catch this man and prosecute him.”

Police Response Raises Questions

Once officers eventually arrived, the couple claims they were instructed to file a report online rather than receive immediate assistance at the scene. “You’d think they would want to take my name down, my information down, like different things that have to do with us so that they can find a way to get back to us,” Atteu said.

Simpson added, “The fact is, if I’m being accosted or whatever this is that happened, whatever the right legal term is, the police weren’t offering us any help.”

The couple ultimately filed a vandalism report and has since shared video of the incident with their social media followers, where they boast a sizable audience. “I think in this day and age you have to be your own champion,” Simpson said. “I’m not saying that you take justice into your own hands, but you have to seek accountability.”

Past Attack Adds To Ongoing Safety Concerns

For Atteu and Simpson, this isn’t the first time they say they’ve been impacted by violent crime in California. In 2019, Atteu was hospitalized after being attacked during a charity fashion show at St. John’s Cathedral in downtown Los Angeles.

The suspect in that case, identified as Jesus Rodolfo Zepeda, was reportedly upset that his daughter had not been selected to participate in the event. Although he was initially arrested, he was later released due to COVID-related jail constraints.

Years later, in 2024, he was convicted of assault and received a suspended five-year prison sentence, serving only a brief period in custody.

Couple Calls For Action Amid Growing Crime Concerns

Following the latest incident, Atteu and Simpson are using their platform to speak out and call attention to what they describe as a growing safety issue.

Known for their high-profile clientele, including Carrie Underwood, Hillary Clinton, and the late Anna Nicole Smith, the couple has long been part of Hollywood’s social scene. Now, they’re hoping their experience sparks a larger conversation about public safety and accountability.

As they continue to process the frightening ordeal, the couple believes more needs to be done to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for The Rookie Season 8, Episode 13.The LAPD’s Mid-Wilshire Division is currently facing a crisis in The Rookie Season 8, and it might open a pathway for a former rookie to make his return. Seth Ridley (Patrick Keleher), the failed former rookie of Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil) and John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), from Season 7, came back this week in the latest episode, “The Thinker,” seeking reinstatement in the LAPD’s field training officer program. Although he did not achieve that goal in “The Thinker,” Seth has genuinely proven he wants to make a fresh start, and his actions in this episode prove that he has earned a redemptive arc in The Rookie.

LAPD’s Recruiting Crisis Opens a Path for Seth Ridley’s Return

Sgt. Tim Bradford (Eric Winter) reveals in “The Thinker” that the LAPD is facing an employment crisis, with rising retirements and declining recruits. Also, a bunch of other Mid-Wilshire officers literally win the lottery, signaling their collective resignation and sparking a big recruitment drive. Enter Seth Ridley, who made his presence known at the function and wishes to be reinstated into the LAPD. Despite Seth getting his lower leg amputated due to a shotgun wound in the Season 7 episode, “The Return,” John did encourage him to continue in law enforcement, provided that he is totally honest from that point forward.

Obviously, Lucy and Tim were not happy about this development with Seth, but Officer Miles Penn (Deric Augustine) was more than willing to endorse giving Seth a second chance. The LAPD needs officers on the streets, meaning that Seth presents a strong case for getting his job back. As John pointed out in “The Return,” Seth’s saving John’s life earned him a lot of goodwill in the department. Seth also saved Mile’s life and aided in the arrest of a dangerous fugitive earlier in Season 8 in “Baja.” All those factors should be taken into account for Seth’s potential return to the LAPD.

Seth Has Earned His Redemption Arc in ‘The Rookie’

Seth did commit some grievous acts as a rookie in Mid-Wilshire. However, he took John’s words to heart, and his personal and professional lives suffered massively as a result. Case in point, Seth hit rock bottom when the character initially returned in “The Red Place.” However, hitting rock bottom and Miles’ pep talk in that episode clearly affected Seth, as he finally took steps to stop feeling sorry for himself and own up to his mistakes. Although Miles is biased, he fully vouches for Seth and believes he deserves a second chance, which counts for a lot.

Later in the episode, Tim and Lucy request that Seth take a polygraph test as a condition for considering the former rookie’s reinstatement. Seth did take the polygraph test, with many harsh truths coming to light, including the incident in the Season 7 episode, “Wildfire,” where Seth failed to inform Tim and Lucy that they were entering a dangerous zone during a wildfire evacuation, endangering their lives. Seth also admits to fabricating his cancer diagnosis. Seth passes his polygraph, but Tim explains that Seth’s admissions regarding the wildfire incident are problematic, as they would have to be reported to Internal Affairs, hurting his chances of reinstatement into the FTO program.

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Although Lucy and Tim laid out why Tim’s actions of saving John’s life do not make up for his past mistakes, the revelation came off like a punch in the gut. Seth was completely honest and owned up to his past errors. Instead, Lucy and Tim basically utilized the session as entrapment against Seth to block him from ever returning to the force, despite Lucy and Tim both recognizing Seth’s sincere efforts and showing genuine respect for Seth’s honesty. Their actions in this episode came off more like payback against Seth, rather than a justified punishment. Although Tim is in charge of the recruitment drive, he and Lucy shouldn’t have been allowed to oversee the polygraph test, as they are biased parties.

Seth Ridley’s Exit Felt Less Than Final

Image via Disney/Mike Taing

Despite Lucy and Tim’s ruling, something tells us that we have not seen the last of Seth Ridley. His appearance in “The Thinker” came off as less than final, suggesting the issue of his potential return to the FTO program could still be revisited in the near future. The LAPD is still suffering from a lack of recruits, so Seth could easily slide back into the FTO program with any number of explanations, despite his past mistakes.

Seth’s run in The Rookie proved compelling as a flawed character and pathological individual. However, now that Seth has seen the result of his actions, it would be even more fascinating if he received the opportunity to turn his life around. Miles and John already forgave Seth and believe him worthy of a second chance, and his actions in “The Thinker” prove he’s worked on fixing lying to protect himself. Seth’s run on the show will always feel incomplete if he never gets the opportunity to fulfill his redemption arc. Hopefully, Seth will get that opportunity later as The Rookie Season 8 continues on ABC.

The Love on the Spectrum cast went through a lot of changes throughout season 4, from engagements to breakups.

During the Netflix show’s new season, which premiered on Wednesday, April 1, viewers checked in on the cast as they offered glimpses into their personal lives. Madison Marilla documented her move to be closer to Tyler White, which came shortly before they got engaged.

“We have not even started [wedding planning] yet. We want to wait until the time is right,” Madison exclusively told Us Weekly about enjoying life as a newly engaged couple. “I know we’re going to do a very big wedding. We will have all our family and friends and cast mates there.”

Madison teased plans to wear “a big ball gown with lots of bling and lots of tulle,” while Tyler promised to be sporting his signature cowboy hat.

“With the logistics of TV, we’ve had to keep the engagement a secret, which made it hard to plan,” he told Us, noting that the “entire” Love on the Spectrum family will be invited to celebrate their big day.

Despite getting engaged, there are some milestones they are saving for after their wedding. The pair revealed to Us they are still living “down the road” from each other.

“We’re saving moving in together until we’re married,” Tyler noted, to which Madison replied, “We’re saving all that until marriage.”

While Madison and Taylor prepare to tie the knot, Connor Tomlinson made a different decision about his future when he chose to end his romance with Georgie Harris.

“It was my decision to end things. Georgie and I … this season was the longest time we spent with each other,” he told Us. “The more we did, the more we came to realize we’re just two different people. Good people, yes, but not each other’s people.”

He continued: “What she wanted, I couldn’t give her. What I wanted, she couldn’t give me. We both decided it was for the best.”

The exes have remained in touch, with Georgie reaching out for Connor’s birthday. Looking ahead, Connor is excited to meet his person, who he described as “understanding, kind, smart, sophisticated, talented and pretty.”

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Connor isn’t the only single star on the show — Logan Pereira is still looking for love after briefly finding a connection during season 4.

“I have been thinking about dating after that date,” Logan shared with Us. “I’m looking for somebody that has the same interest as me. Maybe somebody that likes model trains and somebody with really nice hair — even if it’s not curvy or straight. Also somebody that has the same connection with me and likes cheesecake and red velvet cake.”

Love on the Spectrum is currently streaming on Netflix.

Over the course of the 21st century, filmmakers around the world have been treating audiences to some of the greatest, most creative, and most original science fiction movies that the Seventh Art has ever seen. From time travel comedies to dramatic thrillers to massive superhero blockbusters, the 21st century’s greatest sci-fi films are about as close as cinema can possibly come to true perfection.

These films—some of them already considered classics, others guaranteed to achieve that status not too far into the future—display why science fiction has remained one of cinema’s most popular genres since the very beginning of the 20th century, even before cinema was considered an art form or even a storytelling medium. They’re exceptional masterpieces, proof that this is a genre that will never get old.

10

‘Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie’ (2025)

Image via NEON

Canadia’s national filmography is filled to the brim with excellent, often awfully underappreciated masterpieces. One of the country’s most recent international sensations is the brilliant Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, a legacy sequel of the web series Nirvana the Band the Show and the mockumentary sitcom Nirvanna the Band the Show.

Armed with only an RV, a bottle of Orbitz, and a flawless understanding of fair use laws, Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol created a love letter to Toronto and late-2000s pop culture, a genius parody of Back to the Future, and one of the best sci-fi masterpieces of the last 15 years. Full of man-on-the-street-type moments bound to make anyone and everyone go “how the hell did they pull that off?”, Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie has already joined the ranks of the greatest Canadian films ever made.

9

‘The Prestige’ (2006)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

No list of the best sci-fi anything of the 21st century could possibly be complete without at least mentioning Christopher Nolan, a man who has re-defined the genre and constantly set a new standard for all Hollywood blockbusters. Between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, he made The Prestige, a sci-fi thriller that’s always been hugely acclaimed yet still somehow underrated.

It’s the perfect film for people who love thrillers packed with plot twists. A rousing tale of rivalry and revenge fueled by strong yet subtle steampunk elements, it’s undoubtedly one of Nolan’s greatest works. Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman‘s fantastic performances are the perfect foundation for this character-driven story, made all the more fascinating by one of the strongest endings in its director’s filmography.

8

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

After Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse took the world by storm in 2018, expectations for its sequel rose sky-high. Somehow, Across the Spider-Verse managed to surpass those expectations and then some. It’s downright one of the most perfect movies of the last 5 years, simultaneously a love letter to the Spidey mythos and a nuanced study of the superhero genre as a whole.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the movie has the most impressive and jaw-dropping visuals of any animated film ever made. The excellent sound design and Daniel Pemberton‘s score definitely don’t hurt, either. In fact, almost everything about Across the Spider-Verse is pretty much perfect, making it a must-see for Marvel fans, Spidey fans, and virtually anyone who enjoys a well-made sci-fi film.

7

‘Interstellar’ (2014)

Image via Paramount Pictures

As if he still had anything to prove in regards to being one of the leading voices of Hollywood sci-fi going into 2014, Christopher Nolan decided to further enshrine himself in that title by making Interstellar. It’s one of the most perfectly-directed sci-fi epics ever made, but the main reason why it works as well as it does is that it is, first and foremost, a character-driven story about a girl and her father.

But though Interstellar is certainly most interested in its characters’ internal conflicts, it’s also a technically impressive epic that leaves nothing much to be desired. The visual effects, the performances, the sound design, the delectably long runtime, the best score of Hans Zimmer‘s career… What more could a diehard fan of sci-fi cinema possibly want from a movie?

6

‘Arrival’ (2016)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Denis Villeneuve was already a well-established filmmaker going into 2016, but the movie that established him as one of the most exciting voices in Hollywood sci-fi was Arrival. This is an alien invasion flick unlike any other, dealing with themes of language, communication, and memory with a deeply emotional story. By the time Arrival cuts to the credits, there won’t be a dry eye in the house.

Villeneuve’s direction is pretty much flawless, which makes it unsurprising that Arrival earned him his first Oscar nomination. It’s also one of the most perfectly-written sci-fi movies ever, with some enthralling character writing and a plot that keeps growing increasingly mind-bending as it goes on. It doesn’t feel like any other alien invasion film in history, and that uniqueness is enough to make it obligatory viewing for fans of the genre.

5

‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ (2022)

Image via A24

There are Oscar winners that feel like frontrunners in the awards race since months before they even come out; but then, there are others which feel like they come out of the blue and end up sweeping. There’s no contemporary example more perfect than Everything Everywhere All At Once, a quirky and ambitious indie sci-fi action dramedy that ended up winning a whopping seven Academy Awards.

On paper, Everything Everywhere seems like it shouldn’t work. Its thematic breadth is enormous, its sense of humor is undeniably offbeat, and its elements of campy silliness are potent and abundant. But what soon proved to be one of the most chaotic movies of all time also proved to be one of the greatest sci-fi epics of the 21st century, a thrilling and beautifully touching tale about parenthood, love, aging, and everything bagels.

4

‘Children of Men’ (2006)

Image via Universal Pictures

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Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón is no stranger to genre cinema, but his strongest genre work happens to be in science fiction. Children of Men is a masterpiece, a dystopian action thriller that unfortunately underperformed at the box office, but has since become a cult classic so huge that it’s arguably more mainstream that it is cult by this point.

It’s one of the most thrilling movie masterpieces of all time, full of impressively shot sequences and permeated by a nail-biting atmosphere of suspense. Bleak though its tone may be, it’s also beautifully hopeful, celebrating faith and humanity’s resilience in the face of a crisis. Excellently performed and strikingly shot by frequent Cuarón collaborator Emmanuel Lubezki, it’s dystopian science fiction at its ver best.

3

‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

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After three decades away from the action genre and from the Mad Max franchise that he revolutionized low-budget Australian cinema with, George Miller made his triumphant return with Mad Max: Fury Road. This wasn’t just a return to form for the filmmaker, nor was it just the best installment in the franchise thus far: We’re talking about one of the most perfect sci-fi action movies of the 21st century.

The over-the-top world-building is a delight, the non-stop adrenaline shots that are all the action sequences (which comprise the vast majority of the film’s relentless runtime) are a blast, and the visuals prove that the sky’s the limit when Miller is given a proper budget. Exciting, emotionally compelling, and packed with some of the most memorable action scenes of the century, Fury Road is one for the cinematic history books.

2

‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

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For the longest time, it seemed that it was simply impossible to turn Frank Herbert‘s world of Dune into a film franchise that lived up to the source material’s legacy. Along came Denis Villeneuve and proved that belief embarrassingly wrong. But while the Canadian director’s first Dune is already amazing enough, it’s Dune: Part Two that smashed every expectation any fan might have had going in.

It’s this generation’s The Empire Strikes Back, a stunning sci-fi franchise epic that expands the scope of its world tremendously and has the guts to conclude with an ending that’s nothing if not dark-toned. Just two years after its release, it can already be considered one of the best sci-fi movies of all time, one with virtually no flaws to talk about. Greig Fraser‘s stunning cinematography, Hans Zimmer’s haunting score, all the amazing performances, the flawless way in which Villeneuve and co-writer Jon Spaihts understand the essence of Herbert’s work, and—of course—Villeneuve’s hugely imaginative direction. There’s basically nothing not to love about this masterpiece.

1

‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ (2004)

Image via Focus Features

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By the time 2004 rolled in, Charlie Kaufman had already established himself as the greatest, most intelligent, and most talented screenwriter working in Hollywood. But as if any more proof were needed, he wrote what some may call the single greatest sci-fi screenplay ever written, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, directed by Michel Gondry. The result? The most perfect science fiction movie of the 21st century thus far.

Rather than focusing on its sci-fi elements, Eternal Sunshine leverages them as tools to elevate its story about a crumbling relationship and the power of memories. It’s a raw, emotionally powerful, thematically hard-hitting exploration of the very concept of romantic love, concluding with one of the best endings of any sci-fi film from the 2000s. Many great sci-fi movies have been released since, but none quite as exceptional as this 21st-century masterpiece.

When XO, Kitty first released, fans were excited to watch one of the most bubbly and chaotic characters from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before set off on her own romantic journey halfway across the world. But the spin-off was plagued with issues and disappointment, dulling the charm of Kitty Song Covey (Anna Cathcart), to no fault of Cathcart herself. Season 2, however, subtly branched away from contrived storylines and romantic tropes, fleshing out its characters and tone so much that it seemed to finally be paving its own identity. Season 3, however, has fallen right back into all the show’s old traps.

Kitty is embarking on her final adventure at KISS: senior year. She’s dealt with the heartache of losing her first love (over miscommunication, no less), navigated the nuances of her sexuality, fallen for the cold, rich, secretly-sweet boy, and has reconnected with her heritage in the most heartwarming ways. In Season 3, the show’s focus shifts to the future, where Kitty is adamant about savoring senior year but is forced to think about college plans or whether she and Min-ho (Sang Heon Lee) could become a real couple. But with Kitty, nothing is straightforward.

‘XO, Kitty’ Season 3’s Central Romance Hits the Same Old Roadblocks

Gone are the days of love triangles (for Kitty, at least), as this season’s central romance is between her and Min-ho, giving the show plenty of space and potential to do something exciting, sweet, or complex with the arc. However, XO, Kitty can’t seem to let go of the poorly-used miscommunication trope, where any of the pair’s problems could be cleared up with a single conversation, one that is constantly delayed by phone calls or interruptions. It makes the first half of the season drag along at a dull pace, and the finale feels far less satisfying than it could’ve been. There are a couple of episodes in the middle of the season that capture interest, but that’s because they focus less on the problems between Kitty and Min-ho, and more on their individual insecurities.

Apart from the fact that XO, Kitty is supposed to be a romance show, the real crime in failing the central couple is how Min-ho is written. The show gives him the same treatment as Dae (Choi Min-yeong) in Season 1, where, in shaping the perfect love interest, any character flaws that made Min-ho interesting and beloved are smoothed out into a blank slate. Where Dae was passive, Min-ho is now a mannequin. This is no slight to Lee’s performance, who does what he can under the constraints of the newly bland character, but Min-ho goes from a scene-stealer in Season 1 to a mere accessory in Season 3.

‘XO, Kitty’ Season 3 Is Strongest as a Coming-of-Age Tale

Where XO, Kitty Season 3 finds its wins are on the sidelines, among the supporting cast who tend to have storylines that outshine the central character. In particular, Yuri (Gia Kim) is navigating the fallout from the lawsuit against her family, and Kim portrays the complexity of finding one’s new identity without the crutch of wealth in a wonderfully compelling way. Meanwhile, Q (Anthony Keyvan) is wrapped up in his own messy situation that becomes the beacon in the first half of the season, the reason we stick with the show until the more well-rounded episodes come along. This season also introduces us to Gigi (Christine Heesun Hwang), a character who adds some much-needed spark to the show.

Although the chemistry between Kitty and Min-ho is diminished this season, by the halfway mark, their individual stories actually garner some interest. One thing we can applaud XO, Kitty for is how Cathcart represents turning points in Kitty’s character development. There are scenes after Episode 4 that quickly elicit sympathy thanks to Cathcart’s performance, as Kitty is always ready to admit mistakes on her part and welcomes growth. On the other hand, Min-ho has a handful of scenes of interest when he is worried about his relationship with his father. Hints of his former self emerge here, but in a more vulnerable form that rounds off his personal character arc.

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As a coming-of-age tale between friends, XO, Kitty is a feel-good show, even if the romance is contrived, and the storylines are repetitive and nonsensical at times. Teenagers are supposed to be messy, dramatic, and have room to grow, which is where the show succeeds — there just needs to be an internal logic to the chaos. It’s also a pity that Season 3 didn’t involve more of the adults who delivered some of the stronger storylines in Season 2. There was only one of substance this season that involved Kitty’s cousin Jiwon (Hojo Shin), which develops into something beautifully moving in the later episodes.

‘XO, Kitty’ Season 3 Once Again Relies Heavily on ‘To All the Boys’ Nostalgia

Image via Netflix

Like always, XO, Kitty never quite lets go of its roots to To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and heavily relies on nostalgia at times. Last season, Peter (Noah Centineo) made a special appearance, and this time, Lara Jean (Lana Condor) returns to the story. On the surface, inviting Condor to the show seems like an easy way to play on fans’ nostalgia, but it arguably works better this season than it did before. Family and sisterhood have always been an endearing undercurrent in the franchise, and XO, Kitty Season 3 is no exception. That being said, these scenes make it a tad more glaring that the aspects of the show without nostalgia are losing the identity it managed to form in Season 2.

It’s a shame that XO, Kitty didn’t manage to maintain the momentum created in Season 2, and instead returns to the formulaic, forced nature of Season 1. The comparatively strongest parts of the show are rarely the romances or the chemistry, and instead live between the friendships and the personal growth of the supporting cast. As Kitty finishes off her senior year at KISS, it’s a bittersweet moment that leaves us longing for a more memorable final year in Seoul.

XO, Kitty Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix.

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Release Date

May 18, 2023

Network

Netflix

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Showrunner

Jenny Han

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Directors

Jennifer Arnold, Katina Medina Mora, Anna Mastro, Jeff Chan, Steven K. Tsuchida, Pamela Romanowsky, Sherwin Shilati

Writers

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Jessica O’Toole, Sarah Choi, Alanna Bennett, Hanna Stanbridge, Chris Martin, Emily Kim, Siobhan Vivian

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• 
• 

  Anna Cathcart

  Katherine ‘Kitty’ Song Covey

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Pros & Cons

• The supporting cast have storylines to fuel interest throughout Season 3.

• The central romance loses its charm along with Min-ho’s vitality.
• Season 3 doesn’t pick up until the second half, then loses momentum at the end.
• The storylines remain nonsensical and are difficult to invest in.

“Summer House” fans are going to bat for Ciara Miller after learning her friend, Amanda Batula, recently began dating her ex-boyfriend, West Wilson. On social media, users are sharing their strong reactions to the controversial announcement, with one even calling the situation “anti-Black.”

West Wilson, Amanda Batula Confirm They’re Dating Following Speculation

For those who may be unfamiliar with what’s occurred in the Bravoverse over the last 24 hours, “Summer House” co-stars Wilson and Batula recently confirmed their relationship following weeks of speculation, according to The Blast.

“We’ve seen the growing online speculation, so while this is still very new, we wanted to provide some clarity,” their combined post read, according to The Blast. “It was never our intention to purposely hide anything. Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we need a little space to process things privately before speaking on it.”

Continuing, Batula and Wilson said, “We’ve shown up for each other as friends over the years, through all the highs and lows, and what’s developed recently was the last thing either of us expected. Our connection grew out of a genuine, long-standing friendship, which made it especially important for us to approach this with care.”

Ciara Miller Dated West Wilson, Opened Up About Interracial Dating On The Show

Wilson and Batula’s sudden relationship took many Bravo viewers by surprise, given that Wilson had previously dated Batula’s best friend, Miller, during season 8 of the show.

Their relationship hit a bit of turbulence, however, when Miller revealed during the reunion that Wilson couldn’t commit to her.

The news of their recent relationship also comes at an unfortunate time, as Miller previously opened up to her castmates about the struggles of interracial dating in March 2026.

“I don’t think you guys also realize the interracial aspect that exists and all the s— that goes on,” Miller said. “I get a lot of blowback that’s very racial, obviously, being in this position. I was the first Black person in this house, and then dating publicly, dating white guys publicly, is a whole contraption that I don’t think you guys can understand or can even empathize with.”

One User Comes To Miller’s Defense, Creates Post Calling Out Batula And Wilson’s Relationship

Some assumed that Miller’s candid explanation about her experience as a “Summer House” cast member would be enough to steer Wilson and Batula away from one another.

Seeing that it did the opposite, however, has riled up some viewers, specifically @ItsRealityWithAli on Instagram.

In her video, she called the situation between Wilson and Batula “anti-Black.”

“Anti-blackness is not the same as calling someone racist or saying that they hate Black people,” the creator said. “Anti-blackness is often not intentional; it’s not always conscious. Oftentimes, it shows up in who gets chosen, or who’s deemed long-term material.”

The creator went on to say that anti-Blackness shows up in interracial dating for some people, as they’re often desired and relied upon, but never chosen when it’s time to actually settle down.

“But then somehow, he’s ready when the right white woman comes along,” the creator finished.

Fans Rally Behind Miller

The response to Wilson and Batula’s relationship was much of the same on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Regardless, Ciara shared how the relationship deeply and negatively impacted her and how having it play out publicly affected her as a Black woman,” one user said. “The length of time they were together is a moot point. It’s fine for you to be dismissive and ignorant. I’m choosing the hill that acknowledges this. You do you.”

“I also thought this was terrible timing for all this to come out right after that conversation aired and West and Amanda acting so understanding and supportive while Ciara explained the hate she gets for allowing West to treat her so badly,” someone else wrote.

Ciara Miller Knew A Statement Was Coming From Wilson And Batula

While Batula and Wilson’s relationship might’ve taken the Bravoverse by surprise, a source told TMZ that Miller was given a heads-up about their new relationship.

As speculation about them intensified, Batula and Wilson allegedly told Miller a day or two earlier that there would be a joint statement.

Miller has not yet broken her silence on the matter; however, she’s sure to mention it all during the upcoming “Summer House” reunion, which is scheduled to film in the coming weeks.

Some of the best television shows of all time revolve around spies and their complex relationships with those around them while balancing the emotional toll and excitement of covert operations. While shows like The Americans and Slow Horses are based on fictional characters, the gripping MGM+ miniseries A Spy Among Friends feels just as thrilling as any scripted show but is based on an incredible true story that’s practically made for TV. Based on British author Ben Macintyre‘s non-fiction book of the same name, A Spy Among Friends centers on Kim Philby, one of the most notorious spies in British history.

What Is ‘A Spy Among Friends’ About?

Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, A Spy Among Friends explores the close friendship between MI6 agents Kim Philby (Guy Pearce) and Nicholas Elliott (Damian Lewis), who worked together for years. However, after 30 years of friendship, Elliot is devastated to learn that Philby is a secret Soviet double agent. The story picks up after Philby’s betrayal is revealed, with Elliott being sent to Beirut to get a confession from his friend. After 34 hours of taped conversations in 4 days, Philby defects to the USSR, and Elliott is later interrogated by MI5 agent Lily Thomas (Anna Maxwell Martin), a rare fictional character in the show who plays a crucial role.

Interwoven with the present-day fallout from Philby’s deception are flashbacks that give deeper context to their long friendship. Lewis and Pearce bring depth and intensity to their roles, perfectly capturing the subtle dynamics of their characters’ relationship as it shifts from camaraderie to suspicion, and ultimately to heartbreaking disappointment. The scene in Beirut, where the men spent hours together, is also interwoven throughout the series, with recordings of their conversations replayed for Elliott during his conversations with Lily.

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Dive into the dangerous world of espionage.

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There are many great moments in the scene, but when Elliot says, “The irony is, even though you’ve managed to hide your real self for all these years, I know you all the better for it now” and describes Philby as a “man on the brink,” it perfectly encapsulates the heart of the show.

‘A Spy Among Friends’ Is a Compelling and Gripping Spy Drama

What sets A Spy Among Friends apart from other espionage thrillers is that it focuses much more on the emotional and psychological aspects of espionage rather than the more action-packed covert operations. The true story is so wild and gripping that it pulls viewers in, not needing to rely on the more exciting covert scenes that would be typical in other spy shows. Instead, the focus is on the internal emotional battles and how these two wonderful actors bring that story to life. The show hinges on their relationship, with Elliott and Philby’s evolving bond at the heart of the story, and Pearce and Lewis play off each other masterfully.

Their scenes together are completely captivating, whether it’s their moments of camaraderie, like laughing over dirty limericks, or their intense scenes of interrogation and betrayal. The various timelines provide much more context for why Philby’s betrayal had such a profound impact on Elliott, and are laid out to really show the audience the depth of their friendship. One powerful moment comes during a conversation between Elliott and MI5 agent Lily, where she bluntly asks him when he’s going to accept that his best friend had used him for years. That raw realization really lands a punch and, as an audience member, it’s hard not to sympathize with Elliott in that moment.

A Spy Among Friends is the perfect combination of a slow-burning spy thriller and a period drama with a cinematic depiction of gloomy 1960s London that really sets the tone. The deep character study is what truly makes the series so compelling, using real characters and historical events to bring nuance to such a well-known and infamous figure as Kim Philby. While history buffs will appreciate this show, you don’t need to know the real story to feel the emotional weight, thanks to great performances, smart writing, and stunning set pieces, making A Spy Among Friends a must-watch.

All episodes of A Spy Among Friends are available to stream on MGM+.

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Release Date

2022 – 2022-00-00

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  Anna Maxwell Martin

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  Lily Thomas

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  Stephen Kunken

  James Jesus Angelton

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WATCH ON MGM+